Chapter 37
A Discussion With Dumbledore, Part 1
Warning: Minor Character Bashing: Albus Dumbledore
Friday, August 29th, 1994 – 8:45 AM
15 minutes after she arrived at the Ministry of Magic, Lily Potter made her way into the entrance room of the DMLE. Amelia's secretary, Samantha, smiled when she saw her.
"Good morning, Lady Potter," she said, "Amelia, her husband and yours are inside her office. I do believe they are expecting you."
Samantha walked over to the door to Amelia's office, and waited until Lily reached her. Then she opened the door and led Lily inside. Amelia was seated in her chair, while Sirius was seated next to her. James was sitting on the other side of the desk, as was a young black-haired teenager.
"Come on in, Lily," Amelia said, smiling, "Thank you, Samantha. We're also waiting on Ludo Bagman. Please let me know when he arrives. We'll likely head to Hogwarts as soon as he is here."
Samantha bowed, then left the office. Amelia conjured a chair to the left of James. Lily walked over to the chair and sat down.
"Lily, this is my niece, Isadora Black," Sirius said, motioning to the black-haired teen, "But I think you know her as Dora Tonks."
Lily grinned at Dora. "So this is your undercover role. Very pretty."
"Thank you, Lily," Dora said.
"We were just discussing Dora's part in the meeting today," Amelia said, "She is going to do her best to make Albus believe she is Isadora Black, Sirius' niece, until we reveal our security plan to him. He might know who Isadora really is before we reveal her real identity, he may not. But her performance in his office will be her way to convince him that she can accomplish her undercover role."
"We also figured we would discuss the Triwizard Tournament and security plans with Albus first," James said, "Then when that part of the discussion is finished, we'll dismiss Ludo and discuss other topics, such as my meeting with the Free Use Committee, Harry's part in the Free Use Experience, and Albus' role in it as well. Then we'll see where the conversation goes from there."
"Do you want me to be a part of that?" Dora asked. "I could leave when Mr. Bagman does."
"You can be a part of it," Amelia said. "After all, you may have things to add in about the Free Use Experience and Harry's part in it."
Dora nodded. Lily then voiced something she had been thinking of on her way up.
"I think Albus is going to want to be there when we talk to Severus, James," Lily said.
"We figured that out ourselves," James said. "Amelia and Sirius want to be part of the discussion too, to talk about Severus' behavior toward Eli and Susan. Dora can be a part of it, as well, to see if she can convince Severus she is Isadora Black."
"So I imagine Albus might invite Severus to his office while we're there," Lily said.
"Unless he's already there when we arrive," Sirius said, snorting. "Especially if Albus realizes we're in the castle before we arrive at his office. After all, we will be taking the carriages to the castle."
"Yes, the portraits and suits of armor being his 'security system'," Amelia said, rolling her eyes. "We need to be careful what we discuss before we get to his office. Especially once we're inside the office."
"We'll have to warn Ludo of that too," James said.
"Good idea," Amelia said.
At that moment, the office door opened again, and Samantha appeared.
"Ludo Bagman is here," she said.
"Thank you, Samantha," Amelia said; she looked around at her guests. "Everyone ready to go?"
Everyone agreed and stood up. They made their way out of the office and found Ludo Bagman waiting near Samantha's desk. He was carrying a black suitcase.
"Hello, everyone!" Bagman said, cheerfully, then he took on a nervous expression. "Are you really sure we should be doing this? Albus Dumbledore isn't going to be happy with us. Maybe... maybe I should go alone."
"He'll step all over you, Mr. Bagman," James said, "Just like he did every other time. Lord Davis' luncheon will be all for naught. We don't want to offend Lord Davis by making his luncheon so meaningless, do we?"
Bagman sighed and shook his head.
"Mr. Bagman, we are prepared for whatever he throws at us," Amelia said, "Now, we need to be going. We have an Apparation-Safe Room here in the DMLE. We can take Apparate to just outside the Hogwarts Gates."
It was agreed mutually, and everyone followed Amelia down a corridor toward a room. The room was simply an empty room with runic circles on the floor. The runic-circles allowed for Apparation out of the Ministry, usually for emergency situations. Lily stepped into one of the circles with James and took his hand. James counted down from five to one, and they Apparated out of the Ministry.
A few moments later, they appeared just outside of the Hogwarts front gates. To their deep surprise, Rubeus Hagrid was waiting at the gate, with a Thestral-drawn carriage. Something was very off. Did Albus know they were there already? If so, how?
Ludo Bagman appeared a few feet away from Lily and James. Dora soon followed, and she stumbled and fell. James walked over to her and helped her up. Amelia and Sirius appeared next.
Bagman walked up to the gate and waved to Hagrid. "Ludo Bagman, and guests, here to see Albus Dumbledore."
"Yes, Headmaster Dumbledore is expectin' ya," Hagrid said, cheerfully, "Let me get these gates open fer ya."
"Mr. Bagman," Amelia said, "Explain yourself. Why is Albus expecting us?"
"He is not expecting you, Director Black, he is expecting me!" Bagman said, "I wrote him a letter yesterday and told him I planned on meeting him sometime between nine and ten-o-clock. I told him nothing about my guests. All I told him is I wanted to talk to him about new developments for the Tournament."
"Mr. Bagman, this was supposed to be a surprise meeting," Amelia said. "He wasn't supposed to be able to prepare for the meeting! Is this why you didn't want us coming with you?"
Bagman simply waved her off. Amelia growled and looked ready to hex the buffoon, when the gates opened. Hagrid motioned them in, and the six guests walked over to the carriage and made their way inside it. Lily sat between Dora and James on one side. Sirius sat in between Amelia and Bagman on the other. Soon, Hagrid commanded the Thestrals, and the carriage started its journey to the castle.
"Is there anything else you need to tell us, Mr. Bagman?" Amelia said, "Any more surprises?"
"No, I do not believe so," Bagman said.
"Have you met with Barnabus Cuffe, Mr. Bagman?" James asked, "I told him you would meet him this week."
"I plan on meeting with him this afternoon once I leave here, Lord Potter," Bagman said, "I wanted to make sure Albus was caught up with the new arrangements before I met with Mr. Cuffe."
"You were waiting to make sure Albus approved of everything," Sirius said.
"Yes," Bagman said, sighing, "Look, I keep telling you. He isn't going to be happy with us making all these changes. He won't be thrilled Lord Davis didn't invite him to the meeting on Monday at the Campgrounds. Where is Lord Davis anyway?"
"He couldn't make it," James said. "And we already told you. We'll take care of everything. You let us handle the meeting, Mr. Bagman. You're just here as one of the voices of the Tournament, in case Albus needs additional assurance that everything we're telling him is confirmed. Just agree with everything we have to say about the Tournament and security, and you'll do just fine."
Bagman cleared his throat. "I... think I can do that."
"Now, Mr. Bagman," Sirius said, "I am sure you've heard the rumors of the security system Albus has inside the castle? The portraits, ghosts and suits of armor?"
"I... I've heard rumors," Bagman said. "I thought they were just silly conspiracies."
"Yes, well, they're not," Sirius said. "Now, Albus does not know why we are here. You will not mention to anyone that we're here to speak to Albus about the Triwizard Tournament, only that you are. As far as anyone will know, until we reach the office, we are here to speak to Albus about the Free Use Experience, and to introduce my niece, Isadora, as a new student of Hogwarts."
Bagman frowned as he looked at Dora. "She doesn't look like a first year."
"I'm going to be a fourth year," Dora said, "I am a transfer student. I was home-schooled for the last three years."
"Oh, I see!" Bagman said, "Well, you've decided to come at the right time! The Triwizard Tournament will be amazing!"
"Do you understand my instructions, Mr. Bagman?" Sirius asked, "You do not tell anyone about us being here about the Tournament until we're discussing it with Albus. And we will handle the conversation. He won't be able to walk all over us."
"Yes, yes, I understand," Bagman said, sighing. "You know, I do take offense to that last part!"
"Oh?" Lily asked. "So we're not meeting with Albus because you and your Department allowed him to run roughshod over the Tournament decisions, endangering the Champions, spectators and those who would be hostages? Not to mention the laws he would be breaking? I'm not so involved in the law as my husband, and Sirius and Amelia are, but I believe you and your Department would also be in collusion if the hostages and spectators were harmed, not to mention the fact you would be kidnapping the hostages!"
Bagman sputtered and frowned. He went silent and stared out the window. James, who had been holding Lily's hand, squeezed it as a silent motion of approval. Lily merely smiled.
Lily then recalled something special she had placed in her purse, just in case.
"Mr. Bagman?" Lily asked; Ludo huffed and looked back at her; "I apologize for my rant. I am curious. Are you skilled at Occlumency?"
"Er... no, unfortunately not," Bagman said, "Why do you ask?"
"Albus Dumbledore is a Legilimens, did you know?" Lily asked.
Bagman's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No... but it would explain some things. He seemed to always be one step ahead of us in the meetings. Always knew what we were planning on discussing."
"And shot down a lot of the ideas as soon as you brought them up," James said, "Those he disapproved of. He was prepared for it."
"I have an invention I would like to lend to you for this meeting," Lily said; she dug into her purse and took out a necklace. "This is an Occlumency pendant. It will protect you from all but the most serious and powerful of verbal Legilimency attacks, and divert them to the magic of the pendant. You may wear it until you're finished meeting with Albus."
"Oh, well... thank you, Lady Potter!" Bagman said, as he took the offered necklace, and placed it around his neck. "That is... most generous of you."
"This is for our benefit as much as it is for yours, Mr. Bagman," Lily said, "We're all protected already."
Bagman nodded and tucked the pendant under his shirt. James squeezed Lily's hand in approval again, and the other three smiled, obviously impressed she had thought of that. Lily merely smiled in return.
A few minutes later, the carriage stopped. James stepped out, and took offered Lily his hand. She smiled and took it, and he helped her out of the carriage. The other four occupants soon followed.
"Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall will be meeting with you inside," Hagrid said, "ter escort you ter Headmaster Dumbledore's office."
"Thank you, Hagrid," Amelia said.
Hagrid smiled and turned to attend to the pair of Thestrals. Meanwhile, Lily, hand-in-hand with James followed Amelia, Susan, Dora and Ludo up the steps. Sirius pushed open the entrance doors, and the six of them made their way into the Entrance Hall. Minerva McGonagall was, indeed, waiting for them when they arrived. However, she looked quite surprised to see that Bagman was not alone.
"Albus did not make me aware that you were bringing guests with you, Mr. Bagman," Minerva said.
"They – er – aren't with me," Bagman said, chortling. "We sort of met at the Hogwarts Gate by coincidence! They're apparently here for different reasons."
"But we're all here to meet with Albus," Amelia said. "I don't think he'd mind seeing all of us at once."
"I see," Minerva said, "Follow me, then."
Friday, August 29th, 1994 – 9:15 AM
Albus Dumbledore was currently seated in his comfortable leather chair, and humming to himself as he thought about the meeting he was scheduled to have soon. Ludo Bagman had written to him yesterday and informed him he would be arriving at Hogwarts to talk to him about the Triwizard Tournament. Albus thought it was a rather rude letter. Bagman had not asked to meet with him. He merely informed him that he would be there.
He wondered what the man could possibly want, and why he wanted to meet him here at Hogwarts. Albus usually went to the Ministry when he met with the man and his Department about the Triwizard Tournament. He hoped there weren't any complications. After all, Albus had dedicated the past several weeks to the Tournament, and manipulating the meetings into something he thought would be excellent entertainment. Every decision that had been made had met his approval. When things were discussed that he disapproved of, he made sure everyone knew that he disapproved of them, and those things would not be implemented or discussed any further.
"Albus," one of the portraits said, suddenly, "The Portraits have reported that Minerva is escorting Ludo Bagman to your office. And they are not alone."
"Oh?" Albus asked. "Who is with them, Dexter?"
Bagman must have invited other members of his Department along. Maybe even Bartemius Crouch.
"James and Lily Potter, Sirius and Amelia Black," the portrait of Dexter Fortescue said, "And a young teen girl that none of the portraits seem to recognize."
Albus stared at the portrait in disbelief. What were the Potters and Blacks doing here?
"Are they here with Mr. Bagman?" Albus asked.
"Apparently not," Dexter said. "Apparently it is a coincidence. But they seem to wish to meet you at the same time. They have been rather quiet about why they are meeting with you."
"Thank you, Dexter," Albus said.
He relaxed in his chair and tapped his chin in thought. He wondered if James and Lily were here to talk to Severus. Were they actually going to ask him permission to speak to the Potions Master? Perhaps not. Perhaps they were here to discuss their son's involvement in the Free Use Experience. He had recently sent Mr. Potter a letter informing him of the Committee's new sub-law involving Metamorphmagi – specifically of the male-oriented variety, like Mr. Potter was. Perhaps they were to talk to him about that. And what about Sirius and Amelia Black? Maybe they were here because of this mysterious teen girl who the portraits didn't recognize.
He would let them all in at the same time, figure out what they wanted, and then meet with them separately. Yes, that seemed like a good idea.
"Looks like it will be a busy morning," Albus said.
He popped a lemon drop in his mouth, and waited for his new guests to arrive.
Friday, August 29th, 1994 – 9:30 AM
"Ogden's Old," Minerva McGonagall stated, as they reached the gargoyle, which was guarding the Headmaster's Office.
James barely stopped himself from snorting, when he heard the password. His good buddy, Sirius, seemed to be doing the same thing. Albus' passwords were usually sweets and candy. Alcohol was a new one.
Perhaps we should be worried we're about to be meeting with an alcoholic old man? James mused, as he watched the gargoyle step to the side, revealing the twisting staircase beyond.
James waited as Minerva led the others up the staircase, then followed Lily behind as he was last. When they stepped into the office, James noted Albus Dumbledore sitting at his desk, and looking around at the new arrivals with a smile on his lips, and a twinkle in his eyes. James winked an eye, secretly activating the Aura Reading ability on his glasses. He looked around the room, checking for any possible signs of somebody under an Invisibility Cloak, Disillusionment Charms or other types of magic. He found no sign of anyone. Albus was alone, aside from the many portraits of former Hogwarts Headmasters and Headmistresses.
"Welcome everyone!" Albus said, "I was not expecting to see so many people this morning. Thank you, Minerva. You are excused."
Minerva bowed lightly, turned and left the office.
"Due to the letter I received," Albus said, "I know why Mr. Bagman is here. But I am curious as to why the rest of you are here, Lord and Lady Potter, Lord and Lady Black, and – forgive me, miss, I do not think he have met before."
James raised an eyebrow. Apparently Albus did not immediately know who Dora was.
"This is Isadora Black, Albus," Sirius said, "She is my niece, my late brother's daughter. I've only recently learned of her existence. She wishes to be a Hogwarts student. She'll be a fourth year."
"I see," Albus said, "Lord and Lady Potter? May I ask what your business is here?"
"We wish to speak to you about, among other things, our son's involvement in the Free Use Experience," James said, "And the Committee's new sub-law which you informed my son of."
"We're also here to join Mr. Bagman in discussing the Triwizard Tournament with you," Amelia said.
Albus' eyes widened. James held back a laugh. Success! The old man had not been ready for that revelation!
Albus cleared his throat. "I see. Forgive me, but, aside from Mr. Bagman, none of you are involved in the planning for the Tournament."
"Our involvement in the planning is a... recent development, you could say," Amelia said, "Isn't that right, Mr. Bagman?"
"Indeed it is, Director Black," Bagman said, "I would not even be here if you had not invited me."
Albus' mouth opened and closed like a fish as he muttered something under his breath. Then he cleared his throat.
"Well, I suppose I am interested to hear what you have to say about the Tournament," Albus said, "Please be seated."
He waved his wand and conjured six chairs on the nearest side of the desk. James, of course, recognized the wand as the Elder Wand. He knew exactly what it was. Ever since the man had attempted to borrow his Invisibility Cloak while he and his family had been in the Godric's Hollow Cottage, James had made it one of his missions to figure out why the man was interested in his Cloak. It didn't take long for him to realize the man was interested in the Deathly Hallows. But he was keeping this knowledge from Dumbledore for now.
James sat in between Lily and Ludo Bagman, while Sirius sat in between Amelia and Dora.
"I suppose we should begin with telling you why we are involved with the Triwizard Tournament," Amelia said.
"I would be delighted to hear that explanation, Director Black," Albus said.
"On Monday, while we were at the Quidditch World Cup Campgrounds," Amelia said, "Lord Derrick Davis invited our families to a luncheon he was hosting. He had also invited Mr. Bagman and a few important members of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Lord Davis' intention for the luncheon was to discuss the Triwizard Tournament."
Albus raised his eyebrows. "I did not receive an invitation for this luncheon. Given that I am deeply involved in the Tournament's planning, I would have expected an invitation."
"Perhaps Lord Davis knew you wouldn't be in attendance at the campgrounds," James said, then grinned, "Yes, perhaps it was exactly for that reason. After all, I believe – and I am paraphrasing what he said here – he wanted to discuss the Tournament without your – ahem – interference."
Albus stared at James. "What do you mean by interference, Lord Potter? I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, the host school of the Tournament. My involvement in the Tournament planning is a crucial piece."
"Yes, and you seem to have made sure your involvement was the most crucial piece of the planning," Amelia said. "As we understand it, you seem to have a history, during the planning, of disapproving of any idea the Tournament Committee made that wasn't your idea to begin with. Do you deny this?"
"I listened to all ideas presented to me," Albus said, "And, of course, I gave many of my own."
"How many of the Committee's ideas were voted upon as official that you didn't personally approve of to begin with?" Amelia asked. "After all, you are but one man, are you not. The Committee had a majority vote, did it not?"
Ludo Bagman cleared his throat. "Actually it was decided all votes had to be unanimous to for the decisions to be approved of."
The other five guests in Albus' office looked at Ludo in disbelief. Albus was staring at Ludo, with a frown on his lips.
"Oh, really?" James asked, "And whose decision was it that there had to be a unanimous vote and not a majority? Was it yours Albus?"
"The Tournament is an important event, Lord Potter," Albus said, "I was simply making sure all decisions that were made official would be agreed by everyone, so that there wouldn't be any doubts everything we implemented. If one of the Committee members didn't like an idea, then obviously that idea wasn't infallible."
"Or perhaps," James countered, "You were making sure nothing became official unless you personally approved of it?"
"That is quite an accusation, Lord Potter," Albus said.
"And yet we have plenty of proof," Amelia said. "For starters, Albus. How about we discuss your plans for security detail here at Hogwarts for the Tournament? When were you planning on meeting with Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour and I about the security detail? I spoke to Rufus, and we haven't received any letters about it."
Albus cleared his throat. "It was decided that security would be my job, Director Black. My staff would cover the security."
"That just is something that isn't going to happen, Albus," Amelia said.
Albus sighed. "Director Black –"
"You aren't about to deny DMLE involvement in the security planning, are you, Albus?" Amelia asked. "Do I need to remind you of what happened during the Chamber of Secrets fiasco? Of what we discussed the day after Halloween in '92?"
"I do not believe there is any reason for DMLE involvement, Director Black," Albus said.
"Why ever not?" Sirius asked. "Oh. I see. You don't want us to be here when you deliberately break the law during the Tournament, isn't that correct?"
"Pardon me, Lord Black?" Albus asked. "I don't understand what you mean by that?"
"The Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament," Sirius said.
James smirked when he noticed the immediate frown and wide eyes which had appeared on Albus' face.
"The Champions would be required to swim in a very cold lake in late February," Sirius said, "to the home of the Merpeople and retrieve a human hostage. The human hostage would have no idea they were taken hostage until they were rescued by the Champion. The clue in the golden eggs the Champion would have would deliberately tell them nothing about the hostages they would have to rescue."
"I beg your pardon," Albus said, "I believe we decided that the clue would state -"
''We've taken something that you'll sorely miss'," James recited. "Something you'll miss. Not someone. It was my son that pointed that out."
"Your son was there at the luncheon?" Albus asked, raising his eyebrows.
"I did say we invited our families, Albus," Amelia said. "By that, I meant that our children were in attendance. Don't try to change the subject. The hostages would have no warning, and neither would the champions. And I believe I know the reason why. You didn't want the Champions or the hostages informing their parents about it. You didn't want DMLE involvement, because you knew you would be committing kidnapping! You specifically wanted the Champions' dates from the Yule Ball to be the hostages. Students! Maybe not even people the Champion would sorely miss. After all, the Champions may simply be desperate to have a date and just pick somebody! If the Second Task happened like you planned, I would be arresting you, Albus, for kidnapping and endangering students."
"The hostages and Champions would be perfectly alright, Director Black," Albus said, "We would take all the necessary precautions."
"We've already taken all the necessary precautions, Albus," Amelia said. "None of the previously planned Tasks are happening. None of them!"
"I beg your pardon!" Albus said, "Do you know how long it took for us to create those Tasks? Any further delay and the Tournament will not begin on schedule!"
"Do you know how long it will take for us to spoil the Tasks for everyone?" James asked. "Between our three Houses, we own forty-five percent of the Daily Prophet. All we have to do is march down to the Daily Prophet Headquarters and inform them about the three tasks. Dragons. Lake, and Maze. The Champions would all know. Everyone would know."
"So much for 'courage and bravery in the face of the unknown'," Lily said. "Right, Albus?"
"You have no right to do this!" Albus said. "Not legally! You could ruin the Tournament!"
"Actually, we do have a right," James said, "Simply because we already have a reason to believe the Tournament is at risk."
"And what are those reasons, may I ask?" Albus asked.
"I'm sure you've heard all about Bertha Jorkins' disappearance?" James asked. "I am the lead investigator of that case."
"Yes, I've heard," Albus said.
"She was Mr. Bagman's personal secretary," James said. "You probably met her. She was there for every meeting of the Tournament Committee before her disappearance. She had insight into the planned Tasks. Mr. Bagman, I believe you said she knew more information about the Tournament then you did."
"Yes, that is very true," Bagman said. "She kept all the personal records and notes of it."
"Albus, we have reason to believe Bertha Jorkins was kidnapped by Dark wizards," James said. "The same Dark Wizard who cast the Dark Mark during the Riots on Tuesday morning. Do you realize how that information Miss Jorkins had could be used in the hands of Dark Wizards? They could run roughshod over this tournament! Interfering however they wish!"
Albus frowned. "I see. Yes, that is very unfortunate."
"So now you understand why the three original tasks have to be changed," Amelia said, "Why I am placing security detail here at Hogwarts?"
"It will be difficult to work around," Albus said, sighing. "After all, we only have until the day of the First Task at the end of November. That is when your security detail will arrive, I assume?"
"Oh, no, you misunderstood me," Amelia said. "They'll be here this Sunday."
Albus' eyes widened. "But you said they'll be here for the Tournament!"
"They are," Amelia said, "We have reason to believe some of the students here may interfere in the Tournament. Many of our suspects are the children of known Death Eaters after all. The security will be here on Sunday, and remain here until the end of June."
"I want to know everything about the security detail, Director Black," Albus said.
"I can't give you everything, Albus," Amelia said, "Surely you understand DMLE confidentiality."
"They will be here in my castle, Director Black!" Albus said, "It is my right, as Headmaster, to know this information! Otherwise, I will forbid them from entering the Grounds of Hogwarts, for reasons owing to the security of my students."
"Where was this security when Quirinus Quirrel tried to take the Philosopher's Stone?" Lily asked, "Where was the security when my children went after him to rescue the stone? Where was the security when Ginny Weasley brought in a cursed Diary? When Argus Filch's cat was Petrified, and there was blood used to write a warning on a wall?"
Albus' face went more red and purple with every question Lily had.
"No answer?" Amelia asked. "Now do you see why I'm placing security detail here? Sirius and James will be in charge of the security."
"I am afraid I cannot allow that," Albus said.
"Why?" Sirius asked. "Because Severus Snape hates us, and anything he doesn't like, you won't allow?"
Albus narrowed his eyes. "Can you promise you will not harass Severus, Lord Black?"
Sirius shrugged. "I suppose we'll see how it goes. We can discuss it with him today. Amelia, James, Lily and myself will be meeting with him when we're finished here."
"I must ask to be present during that meeting," Albus said, "For the protection of one of my staff members."
"As you wish," Amelia said.
Sirius looked as if he wanted to disagree with his wife, but wisely decided not to voice that.
"How about we continue with the Tournament discussion?" Amelia suggested. "Mr. Bagman, I believe you brought copies of the suggested Tasks?"
Bagman nodded. He picked up his suitcase and opened it up. Then he rummaged through it and picked up some parchment, then passed various copies of the parchment around to everyone. James found that it was the list of suggested Tasks. Albus looked at his and his eyebrows raised.
"I do not understand," Albus said, "These Tasks seem too complicated for one Champion. Relay races? And why are there so many?"
"There are so many Task suggestions," Amelia said, "So that we have available Tasks if there is evidence of leaks concerning the future tasks. Wouldn't want a Dark Wizard getting information about a Task, would we? They could do some serious harm. If we have any evidence one of the tasks would be leaked, we can change it to another one of these. There are a dozen here."
"Yes, in fact," Sirius said. "To prevent leaks, the First Task should be decided upon after the Champions are chosen. Then the Second Task should be decided upon after the First Task is finished. And finally, the Third Task after the Second is over."
"An excellent idea," Amelia agreed with her husband. "None of the Tasks should be difficult to set up with so little time."
"As for the complication," James said, "That is easy. There won't be just one Champion. We decided that each chosen Champion gets to choose two partners. They have a week after the Choosing Ceremony to pick their partners. The Tasks will be done in groups of three."
"The Tournament has never had groups as Champions," Albus said.
"Exactly!" Bagman exclaimed, grinning, "This is a great change! Something that will make everyone interested! History-changing!"
"Yes, and why should we imitate past Tournaments?" Lily asked. "After all, people died in these tournaments! We're trying to prevent that!"
"Well, I suppose those are excellent points," Albus said. "And I can see a reason for so many choices in Tasks. And Lord Black's suggestion of deciding from the list only at a specific date. We will have to discuss this with the Tournament Committee."
"I wouldn't suggest that, Albus," James said. "After all, there could be a leak still inside the Tournament Committee. The Committee should believe the original Tasks are still going on until it is time to decide upon the new First Task."
"Lord Potter, forgive me, but you sound as paranoid as my good friend, Alastor Moody," Albus said, his eyes twinkling.
"Better to be safe than sorry," James said. "The less people who know, the better list of suspects we have if the information is leaked."
"I agree with Lord Potter, Albus," Bagman said, "For the safety of the Champions and the spectators, we need to keep some new details from the Committee for now. My Department knows we are changing the Tasks, but they don't know the specific Tasks we'll use, because neither do we. It is safe enough."
He sighed and removed a pocket-watch from his robes and opened it up. "Can we hurry along this meeting? I would like to meet with Mr. Cuffe before noon. I have to discuss his part in the Tournament."
"And what would that include?" Albus asked.
"Oh, right, we have not mentioned that," James said. "Due to Rita's wrongdoings surrounding the Riots, she no longer has the exclusive for the Triwizard Tournament. Barnabus Cuffe will be the Daily Prophet representative."
"I see," Albus said, frowning. "Shame. I was looking forward to seeing how crazy Miss Skeeter could go with her articles about the Tournament. Her articles are very entertaining."
"You mean insulting," Sirius snorted. "Did you not read her article this morning about how she accused the DMLE and Aurors of not reacting to the riots quick enough."
"I am sure she was just encouraging you and your fellows to do better," Albus said, smiling. "We should all strive to do better. After all, thirty-plus people did die and over a hundred were injured at the Riots. Can you blame her for accusing the Aurors and DMLE of such?"
"My own children said we did very well responding to the Riots, Albus," James said. "As you were there for their witness testimonies, I am sure you can trust them to know what they were talking about."
Albus sighed. "Yes, of course. My apologies. Let us continue discussing the Tournament so Mr. Bagman can continue his busy day."
"The next item up for discussion is the Yule Ball," Bagman said. "We've decided that any guest who wants to go to the Yule Ball and go home for Christmas can do so."
"The Security detail will be on hand to help with those students who are coming here from their homes that evening," Amelia said. "We can give Portkeys to all students who wish to go home for Christmas, and take part in the Yule Ball. The Portkeys will be set to a specific time and place in at the Hogsmeade station. Different parts around the station so nobody will land on each other."
"Hmm, I had not considered that idea," Albus said. "It would solve the problem of students wishing to celebrate the holidays with their families. I suppose I can agree on that."
"It was already decided with or without your approval, Albus," Amelia said.
James smirked when Albus frowned. The man obviously did not like having final say in decisions.
"Next," he said, "My son, Harry, had a suggestion. He would like Quidditch to remain scheduled this year."
"Ah, I am afraid that cannot happen," Albus said, "It would be too complicating to have Quidditch and the Tournament?"
"Why?" James asked. "The Tasks are on specific dates far apart from each other. There is plenty of time for Quidditch matches!"
"Albus, young Harry reminded me that without Quidditch here at Hogwarts," Bagman said, "The student players hoping to get onto Quidditch teams would find it difficult. Scouts are here for every Quidditch match, are they not? To scout for future players from the students who are playing? Are you going to take away that opportunity from the Seventh year Quidditch players?"
Albus sighed. "I suppose I see your point. Very well. We will try to manage Quidditch around the tournament."
"Excellent!" Bagman said, "I might even find time to be a guest commentator for the matches. That should make them much better. The Commentator from the Quidditch World Cup as part of the Hogwarts Quidditch matches. Yes, that should be brilliant!"
"I am sure the students would very much like that, Ludo," Albus said.
"Yes," Bagman agreed. "Alright then. Let's discuss what we should speak to the Tournament Committee about, then I believe I am finished here. We will not be telling anyone about the new decisions for the Tasks. Not until we're meeting again to decide what the first task will specifically be. Director Black, do you wish to inform the Committee about your security details?"
"I don't think the details are any of their business," Amelia said. "The only thing they need to know is there will be many Aurors on duty for every Task. At least twice the number of Aurors who will be here year round."
"Of course," Bagman said.
For the next few minutes, they discussed what exactly to tell the Tournament Committee. Bagman, as he had not invited his secretary with him, wrote down notes of what was decided.
"I am sure you will be busy with the new school term, Albus," Bagman said, when the discussion was finished, "So I will take charge of speaking to the Committee about everything, if you don't mind."
"Ah, perhaps I can find it in my schedule to be part of that meeting," Albus said, his eyes twinkling.
"Yes, well, we'll see," Bagman said, "I'll keep in touch with you about everything. And with that, I do need to be going. Thank you for meeting with me, Albus."
"Good day, Ludo," Albus said.
Bagman bowed and packed up his briefcase, stood, then hurried toward the office door.
"Mr. Bagman," Lily said, "I believe I gave you something I said you could borrow."
Ludo blushed and turned back to Lily. He took off the Occlumency Pendant. Lily waved her wand and summoned it to her.
"So sorry, my dear Lady," Bagman said, "I had forgotten. Thank you for allowing me to use it."
He said farewell, then turned and left the office. James noticed Albus frowning as he looked at the Pendant. He knew Albus must have known what it did. He thought Albus would comment about it, but he said nothing as Lily returned the Pendant to her purse. The six remaining occupants of the office looked around at each other in silence for a moment.
"Alright then," Amelia said, "What shall we discuss next then, Albus?"
Cliffhanger! I was always going to end it after the discussion about the Tournament was over.
I very much hope you liked this chapter. I realize I didn't have them ranting about the other tasks aside from the Second Task. But I just couldn't figure out where to include it. The discussion was going in one specific direction.
Next Chapter: More discussion with Dumbledore. More on the security details. Albus discovers who Isadora Black really is, and her part in the security. Discussion about the Free Use Committee and Harry and Albus' part in it. And other discussion.