The Contract
Chapter 30
"Now this defensive spell wasn't taught until I was in my second year at Hogwarts, and I now believe it's a forth year spell," Corvus explained, they were in the classroom, a room that Corvus had converted for his son's education back in the day. It would be used once again as a classroom for Harry, and had everything a tutor could possibly need. "That may have changed since Rabastan was in school however, but it is a very handy spell to have in your arsenal, especially if you're being hounded say by other students or you feel endangered." Harry was sitting listening intently to everything he was saying, eager to learn which Corvus liked very much.
Harry no longer made faces at learning more about what Dumbledore did and how far the school had declined over the years. He was disheartened by it all, and hoped with the inspectors doing inspections that things might change, that Dumbledore might be forced to make those changes by the board of Governors. He had been informed by Corvus – as he was often informed – that inspectors would be inspecting the school and they'd likely hear back in a week or two regarding their findings.
"The stunning spell is also known as a stunner or Stupefying charm, and it renders the victim unconscious and can also halt moving objects." Corvus told him, "Now it can be an extremely dangerous spell especially if you hit a fellow wizard or witch, with multiple stunning spells, if say five people blasted out stunning spells with great power it will most likely kill it's victim. The human body would cave at the feel of it, their heart would give up."
"I don't really want to know how you know that do I?" Harry asked, despite his words, his lips were twitching at the side, nothing Corvus could say to him would ever make him leave. He didn't care what Corvus did, just as long as he didn't get caught, he wouldn't give up this little – admittedly odd – family he had now for anything.
"No, not yet," Corvus conceded, eyes twinkling despite his blank face, his own lips twitching when he noticed the youngsters own amusement. "Now, the incantation for the spell is Stupefy, which is pronounced 'STEW-puh-fye'," Corvus added, drawing the words out so that Harry heard it properly, it was the most important part of learning, knowing how they were pronounced. He'd waited until an hour after Harry had taken his afternoon potions, so that he was neither groggy or in pain, so that nothing might go wrong.
Harry nodded, Defence with Quirrell had been excruciatingly painful, not just because of the headaches but because of his constant stuttering. They'd hardly done any spell work, most of it had been written or reading, he wondered how different he would be when he returned next year. Not that he had needed help, he had done his own work, and of course, Corvus had helped before he even stepped foot in Hogwarts.
"Okay, now let's see you demonstrate on the imitation," the 'Imitation' happened to be a statue, a dummy, a mock wizard, that absorbed your spells, and could tell you just how well your spell would have affected the target. They would not stop learning this particular spell until he had it perfected, it was an extremely handy spell, as he'd informed Harry, to have in your arsenal. There hadn't been anything like that available when he or his sons had been going through tutoring, and it was quite an accomplishment, expensive too.
Corvus was watching Harry work, when a bell-like sound rang around the manor, "Excuse me, Harry, I'm afraid I must answer that, it's the emergency Floo network that was set up for the Ministry." In case of an emergency, such as for a wizengamot meeting where they didn't have the time for letters to be sent out in a hurry.
Harry watched him go perturbed, he turned back and tried to focus, but he just couldn't. So, in the end he padded out of the room, and made his way to Corvus' office, it was closed, however, so he didn't open it. Instead he elected to remain outside and wait for Corvus to emerge to find out what had happened.
He almost jumped out of his skin, when Corvus came out barely a minute later, "Is everything okay?" worry putting stress lines on his young face.
"The boys are fine," Corvus was quick to reassure Harry when he realized perhaps why he was in such a state, "An emergency Wizengamot session is being called immediately. I must leave, I apologise for cancelling out session so soon."
"It's okay," Harry said, relaxing now that he knew nothing was wrong. "I'll just read my book,"
"Good, I'll return as soon as I am able," Corvus reassured Harry, summoning his cloak and putting it on, he'd need nothing else for a session within the Ministry of Magic.
"Try not to have too much fun," Harry teased him before padding away, clearly heading for the sitting room where his books still lay strewn around from his earlier reading.
Corvus chuckled, shaking his head in amusement before he hastily made his way from the manor, he did not wish to be tardy and be the last person there. He was deeply curious to know what had occurred that an emergency meeting had been called, it wasn't done all that often in reality.
He was in the Ministry within ten minutes, the oddest thing was the fact the meeting was being held in meeting room one. Normally for wizengamot meetings they used one of the unused courtrooms. The meeting rooms didn't have seats and it required actually being set up to accommodate everyone. Which just took more time, and since it was an emergency session, well, they liked to have things done as swiftly as possible.
Once he entered courtroom one, he begun to realize why they were holding it in the meeting room opposed to the courtroom. This meeting hadn't been called by chief warlock, no, it had been called by the Board of Governors, who were quite simply frothing at the mouth along the table at the front of the room, chairs were strewn around for everyone to sit, but it was clear it had been hastily – perhaps angrily – done since they were in no way done perfectly. Lucius as angry as he was, his eyes were gleaming in feral satisfaction that he was clearly having trouble hiding. Arching a brow, Corvus seated himself in the front, perplexed and curious about what was going on. None of this showed of course, he knew better than to show emotion to the masses.
Loud banging drew everyone's attention to the front along with silence descending.
"Not everyone is here," Chief Warlock Tiberius Ogden pointed out, glancing around, only half of the wizengamot was here.
"We were only able to contact slightly more than just half, and half is all we need," came the low, yet steady voice of Lady Kataya Donovan, wife of the formidable Lord Donovan and mother to young Antony Donovan and the elected leader of the Board of Governors. Which meant if the votes were tied for whatever reason, she had the last say on which way it tided. It also made her the spokesperson for the group, a title she took on with relish. She was also the only witch on the board, the other twelve were all wizards. Her flaming red hair and pale young complexion and beauty set her apart from the rest of the wizengamot and board – which mostly made up of older wizards and witches – it was hardly any surprise Lord Donovan was so smug about his wife, and his son was set to be a beautiful young man when he grew too. Also, from what he'd heard through the grapevine, was also a bearer, which meant he could have either male or female betrothed. Which gave him a greater chance of having a suitable betrothed from the UK and not having to go abroad to have a suitable match made.
"What exactly is going on?" the cankerous Elphias Doge asked, giving them the side eye, annoyance clearly displayed, but he had been like that with everyone ever since Dumbledore's fine. It was rather childish and immature, and quite frankly it entertained everyone. Especially since he really should be the most mature, now that he was the oldest on the wizengamot, Dumbledore and Doge were more or less the same age, Doge's birthday just happened to be before Dumbledore's before Dumbledore got the boot.
"As I am sure some of you are aware, a surprise inspection was to be done upon Hogwarts," her voice was still low, but amplified so that the many wizards and witches could hear her. "That surprise inspection was begun today, they were barely at Hogwarts for more than an hour or so before alarming results had them returning to my office. I in turn immediately requested this meeting."
Corvus sat up straighter, alarming? Arching a brow, wondering what on earth was going on and what they could have possibly found so soon. It was obviously unfinished, they couldn't have spoken to and inspected the school in that short a time. A glance at Dan left Corvus perplexed, now he was always rather grumpy looking, but right now…he was exuding fury in the likes he'd never seen the wizard do before.
"What alarming results? Hogwarts is fine," Doge huffed, staring at them in annoyance, Dumbledore would never let harm come to any student.
"Let's hear them first, shall we?" Dowager Longbottom declared, curt and demanding as always, getting exasperated by Doge's petulance, it wasn't just annoying but very, very vexing. Unsurprisingly, there was a general murmur of agreement with her words, this was an emergency session, not a time for petty squabbling.
"I'd like to introduce you to Auror Daniel 'Dan' Strauss, one of the schools inspectors, the other two, Mavis and Michael McMahon," Lady Donovan did the introductions. "Daniel is going to give you the specifics of what he's found." She informed them, lips pursed a little, clearly shaken by what had been revealed but was trying valiantly to remain stoic in the face.
Dan hated his full name being used, but he understood it had to be used in official setting, so he endured it. Moving from where he had situated himself in the corner, watching the proceedings, he stalked towards the middle of the room. "Hogwarts has to be closed down." was the first thing out of his mouth, deliberately riling them up for his own amusement.
Which of course, predictably, raised an outcry of objection from nearly every single person in the room. All of them had relatives in the school, sons, daughters, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews the list was quite frankly endless. A lot of the wizengamot were Lord's of their estates, which made them responsible for their relatives education. Tutors were expensive, they didn't want to have to hunt them down and get them to teach their relatives again, not when Hogwarts was freely available.
"Silence!" Corvus rose as he shouted out the word curtly, "I think we should hear what Auror Dan has to say first before we decry the decision, don't you? Unless, you wish to hold yourself responsible if something happens that we could have prevented?" giving them all a glowering judgemental look.
Unsurprisingly, everyone quietened at both Corvus' voice and the words he was saying.
"I summarize you'd like to hear what I have to say now?" Dan drawled, purple eyes flashing eerily at them, his eyes meeting every single pair he could. Purple eyes were prevalent in the Strauss family, there hadn't been one without purple eyes as far back as anyone could remember. Just like Black's were prominently grey, and Weasley's were for their red hair and Malfoy's for their platinum blonde. There were always tell-tale signs of which family one belonged to, which of course, made it embarrassing when a 'bastard' child was found, or worse the child of a squib comes to magical school with clear signs.
"What is wrong at Hogwarts?" Corvus asked Dan, as he seated himself, everyone suddenly gave Dan their undivided attention, and he didn't seem all that disconcerted.
"We hadn't even been there two hours before we found fifteen different problems, none more important than the fact the wards protecting the school are…in extremely bad shape." Dan explained coolly.
"What do you mean by bad shape?" came the voice of at least five different individuals all with various depth of worry in their voices. Quiet murmuring rose with his words as the wizengamot spoke quietly with those next to them, stress and worry prevalent in the room.
"They're close to utter collapse, and when they do…well, let's just say they could affect every single child within Hogwarts…shatter their cores leaving them squibs…those already gone through their majority would survive but very, very weakened." Dan explained, unsurprised by the utter outcry those words caused. The sheer panic and fear that drove through the room, was immense. The massive amount of wards that would collapse…the sheer scope couldn't be comprehended by the general population, not even the wizengamot.
"How on earth could the wards do such a thing?" protested Doge, who had zero understanding on warding's, he took only the basic classes required.
Everyone else was deadly silent, the words reverberating around their minds leaving them reeling for now.
"The collapse and disrepair as well as the removal of some of the most important wards have left them in a mess," Dan explained coolly, deciding against getting technical since they'd probably not understand half of what he said. "When and if they fail, it will cause catastrophic failure, a backlash against anything and everything including magical cores. The stress would more than likely kill those who have known and connected with their magic since infancy." Muggle-borns would have a chance to survive having never connected to their core before their eleventh birthday when they got their wands.
"That's impossible! It would take decades for the wards to deteriorate into that condition!"
"We have signed paperwork every year assuring us that the wards were in top shape!"
The outcry continued until at last Dan spoke again. They had evidence that the wards were being updated every year, he had to be exaggerating surely?
"Well, all I can tell you is that the wards have not been sustained or strengthened in over a decade maybe longer I'd need time to investigate fully, they've been systematically weakened over time." Dan stated seriously, "You're all fools if you don't see to it that Hogwarts is closed immediately and the children sent home while we have this 'oversight' corrected and thoroughly investigated."
Silence reigned, nobody there wanted to even suggest taking that chance, no way. Not when a wards master was telling them what was happening.
"But I must warn you…" Dan informed them seriously, enjoying this more than he should giving the situation. "They've already hit critical phrase,"
"Why are they not already out?" came the outraged voices.
"The school needs cleared immediately!"
"We should not waste time talking,"
"They are merely the board of governors, they do need your permission to immediately close the school pending an official investigation," Dan said bluntly, speaking to them as if they were toddlers or really dim-witted idiots. They were older than him, and should be well aware of the laws and regulations of their society. The board had the ability to get rid of the headmaster, suspend any teacher and investigate the school but they had no right to close the school down without due cause. The due cause had to be approved by at least half the wizengamot in order for it to go through.
"What else was found?" Corvus asked, Lucius who was also a member of the Wizengamot, but was sitting with the other Governor's lips twitched when the question was asked, nodding his approval.
"According to Poppy Pomfrey, the Medi-witch Albus Dumbledore took down the wards on the medical cabinet, which as you know, would allow anyone to get into the medical files belonging to the students just this past year." Mavis stood, taking over, allowing Dan to approach the water jug and take a drink. "Then there is the fact that Dumbledore forced her to keep a student whom had been seriously and grievously injured in her care instead of transferring her to St. Mungo's. It happened months ago and I do not believe her parents are aware of what happened, a Troll got into the school that resulted in Miss. Hermione Granger being put into a coma while she recovered. She's yet to emerge from this coma." Talking quickly, because they were right, they needed to get the children to safety immediately.
"Not to forget that there is some sort of traps laid within Hogwarts, my sister and I spent forty-five minutes getting past them. There is also the fact that there is a Cerberus confined within the school." Michael explained, "If a student had tried that…it may well have killed them, from a Cerberus, a large devil's snare to a fire ring with vials filled with poison, all of which we've brought with us as evidence."
"Bear in mind, this is just the tip of the iceberg," Michael informed them, absolutely refusing to let this be swept under the rug, the students were in immense danger. "I have cousins at Hogwarts and I will be pulling them out regardless of the outcome of today's decision and informing the newspaper if no action is taken." He warned them, he would not allow them to cover this up.
"Indeed," Lucius smoothly interjected, "My wife is already at Hogwarts and taking my son out of school." He would not risk Draco for anything, not even to prove a point, it was preposterous if they did nothing.
"I suggest we put it to a vote, all those in favour of the school being closed until a full inspection takes place?" Lord Tiberius Ogden questioned, the chief warlock waiting, mentally calculating the number of people raising their hands unquestionably. It wasn't a long thought process, as each and every single one of them rose their hand very fast, not having to think for a second.
Even Doge rose his hand, to the surprise of everyone, there was no word of defence falling from the old man's lips to defend his good friend.
"We must get them out of the castle immediately, should they be brought here until their parents or guardians pick them up?" came the suggestion before the vote was official.
Ogden didn't take offence, it was something they had to discuss, and it was something they needed to be hasty with.
"Half of them have relatives that work in the Ministry anyway, but we have to explain things to the Muggle-born students parents and advise them." came an anxious voice. There was financial implications to all of this, and most muggle-borns wouldn't know where to start looking for tutors, they would end up quite behind.
"Then it's decided, they will be brought to the Ministry of Magic until their parents or guardians pick them up," declared Ogden declared. "I'll complete the paperwork immediately, Auror Strauss you'll oversee the entire investigation and McMahon's you'll oversee the arrangement of the students being brought to the Ministry immediately with the full approval of the wizengamot behind you. You will have a dozen Aurors accompany you, drop my name to get them cooperating."
"Yes, Sir," Dan stated clearly, giving a nod of understanding at his new orders. This was not just a board of governor investigation now, it was going to be an official Auror investigation into the running of the school, laws had been broken. He was slightly surprised that they wanted him, he wasn't the senior Auror but he believed the senior Auror was a friend of Dumbledore's.
"Understood, Chief warlock," came Michael and Mavis' voice after Dan's agreeing to their new orders.
"Now if you'll excuse me," Ogden said, standing and straightening up, now he had the tedious rights to having to speak and deal with Cornelius Fudge. The only real downside to his job that he had thus far was just that. Cornelius Fudge was an idiot, and he still had no idea how the fool became the Minister to begin with. "I have work to do." Regardless of what Fudge wanted…it would be happening, to smooth things along he needed witnesses in the meeting with the Minister…Bones might be his best bet. The only person Fudge had really listened to was Dumbledore…and Lucius.
"Lucius?" Ogden called, he'd never really gotten on with the wizard, but he didn't dislike him per se, making his way to the front of the room and approaching the table in time to hear Lucius' reply.
"Yes?" Lucius asked smoothly, none of his flaring annoyance at being called so informally in an official meeting capacity showed.
"Cornelius listens to you, I am hoping…you'll take pity and help ease the way?" Ogden not trying to win favours but telling the truth as he sees it, he wasn't one for the political games, and he thought perhaps that's why he'd been chosen as Chief Warlock.
Surprise flickered over Lucius' features, momentarily, before it was hidden behind his inscrutable masks. "Of course," his son was probably already back in the manor safe and sound, he had no further worries on his mind. Except trying to ensure that Minerva McGonagall did not become Headmistress in the event that they succeeded in having Dumbledore removed entirely as Headmaster. He couldn't deny that he knew how to deal with people like Fudge. They were easily manipulated and controlled, and he knew exactly what to say.
Standing, they both departed, leaving the others to either leave or discuss what had just occurred.
Cornelius Fudge sauntered into his office, having just enjoyed a lovely brunch at the Emerald Pegasus restaurant, not only was it the most expensive restaurant, but it housed delicious food and was damn near impossible to get a reservation for. Plus, the clientele was always the right sort of people.
"What's on the agenda this afternoon?" Fudge asked his undersecretary as he placed his bowler hat on his desk, eyeing the paperwork with an air of annoyance. He could swear it had doubled in the time he took an hour and a half lunch, it was ridiculous, unfortunately, he couldn't delegate that paperwork to anyone else, he had to do it himself. The downside to working as the Minister of magic, so many people wanted things from him.
"You have a meeting all afternoon, the first one in five minutes with…" Umbridge's sickly sweet and syrupy voice was interrupted by abrupt knocking at the door. She puffed up in indignation when the door opened without either of them giving the visitor permission to enter the room. Cornelius was the Minister of Magic! How dare they show such disrespect, clearing her throat, "This is the Minister's office how dare you be so rude and…" before she could continue however, Fudge spoke.
"Enough," Cornelius ordered, noticing who was at the door whereas Umbridge couldn't see them yet, from where she stood. "Lucius, Tiberius how can I help you gentlemen?"
Umbridge stiffened, annoyance thrumming through her, she was only defending him, as she should. Yet she was being the one reprimanded for their disrespect? Well, of course, it wasn't as if he could call them out on it, they were much too powerful and had politics to back them up. He had to be kind to them regardless of his true feelings.
"We need to talk, Cornelius, it's important," Lucius said smoothly, speaking before Tiberius could, giving the Minister a look that was correctly interpreted.
"Cancel my next meeting and leave us," Cornelius ordered of his undersecretary, dismissing her without another word.
"But it's with…" Umbridge put up a token of protest, he'd been trying to set up a meeting for weeks and now he was just going to cancel it?
"Set another appointment for another time, now go," Cornelius stated firmly, giving her look, one he had to do so frequently, due to her constant micromanaging and trying to tell him how to do his job. She thought she was being subtle, but she most definitely wasn't.
"Yes, Sir," Umbridge murmured, shuffling from the room, cheeks bright red, already plotting out reasons for interrupting the meeting, she wanted to know what it was all about. She'd never seen a two like Lucius and Tiberius coming into the Minister's office together before. They were both Wizengamot members…perhaps it was something even more important than she thought. If she'd be able to get away with it, she'd give Cornelius a 'gift' that would allow her to hear everything going on inside. Unfortunately, regular sweeps were mandatory in the Ministry of magic especially the Minister's office. She'd be caught and arrested, she was too smart for that. The urge to keep the door open a tad was strong, but before she could decide whether or not to, the door closed with a definitive click.
Scowling at the door she flounced off dramatically, but her stature make it look nothing short of petulance. A toddler having a temper-tantrum.
"Sit, please," Cornelius said, being overly polite, much to Tiberius' private consternation, he was never treated quite so politely, then again when he met with the Minister he was usually quite frazzled. "Now how can I help you?"
"This is merely a courtesy call…" Tiberius begun, only to have Lucius clear his throat, shaking his head subtly. Heavy handedness on Cornelius Fudge did not work out well, no wonder Tiberius never got anywhere with the Minister. You had to lead the wizard where you wanted, make it seem like his idea or to advise him.
"An emergency wizengamot meeting was just held," Lucius said taking over, "We were unable to reach you unfortunately, to inform you of what was happening. Understandable really, I'm sure your schedule doesn't allow for much leeway,"
Tiberius wanted to snort as he listened, but he refrained.
"A lot of hazardous information came to us during the school inspection, one that required they return here immediately for aid." Lucius continued, "Everything you'll need to be brought up to date is here," Lucius informed the wizard, handing over the paperwork to Cornelius to read for himself.
You could see when he read certain bits of the information, the privacy ward being taken down, indignation, Granger, almost spluttering in anger and then came the wards…which caused whatever healthy happy flush he'd had after a successful brunch drain from the wizard completely. Leaving him pale and shaken, green in the gills and barely able to breathe.
"Rufus and the other students will be brought directly to the Ministry, Cornelius," Lucius said, "They'll see you taking this very seriously, as they should, it will help them see you taking pro-active action. All the pureblood's will understand and I'm sure you can spare clerks to inform the Muggle-born's parents what's happening and what their options are. Yes, the Hogwarts coffers will be depleted a little but we will recover from this and without the life of any child being endangered." It made him gag having to use the term 'Muggle-born' but polite society wouldn't allow him to use the term Mudblood unfortunately.
Tiberius startled, he'd forgotten that Cornelius' nephew attended Hogwarts, a Hufflepuff if he recalled, and intelligent. He watched and listened to the way Lucius twisted everything and Cornelius puffed up, nodding, agreeing with everything Lucius was saying. He was almost impressed with it really. Other than the fact he would get credit for having the children from Hogwarts brought here, but credit didn't matter right now and it wasn't his anyway.
"We've already sent Aurors to Hogwarts, the Ministry will be filled with students in the next twenty to thirty minutes," Tiberius explained, "Do you have any suggestions on where they may be situated for the time being until their parents can come for them?" following Lucius' lead. "The meeting rooms are empty, and we could put tables and chairs in, one already has chairs inside. I'm sure lunch has already been made by the House-elves we could have it brought here?" giving the appearance of a question followed by a subtle suggestion like Lucius had done before.
Lucius glanced at Tiberius giving him an approving look, now that was the way to deal with Fudge, trying to inform him what's what never worked. Cornelius Fudge felt very entitled as the Minister for magic, and that made him entirely too obstinate and too big for his britches. Fortunately, not too stupid or intelligent, and knew where to hedge his bets.
"Yes, yes, that's perfect," Cornelius nodded his approval, sweating buckets at this unforeseen complication, it did not sit well with him at all, but he could do nothing. Fortunately, for once he was entirely blameless, "I must inform the reporters before they spin this in an entirely bleak light." His mind trying to come up with a scenario that didn't make it sound as dire as it actually was.
"I'm sure you'll think of something…now what do you suggest we do about Dumbledore?" Lucius asked, "After all, if word gets to the general public that we are letting the one that lied to us for years go free…" he purposely trailed off letting the statement hang in the air.
Fudge gulped before inhaling sharply, looking like a rabbit stuck in the red light of a stunner.
"Well…" Fudge begun, hesitantly.
Twenty-five minutes later everything was signed and approved, meetings moved and other things seen to.
"Excuse me gentlemen," Cornelius said, his fingers twisting around his bowler hat, he was holding a press conference in the atrium to inform the press. Best to get it dealt with quickly, like ripping a band aid off. He was in no way looking forward to it, but with Tiberius and Lucius' aid he felt a little more prepared for any questions he might be asked regarding this…unfortunate business. His delicious meal was rolling around in his stomach unpleasantly now, which was just such a waste.
"I best get these to Dan," Tiberius said, plucking the box from the table, they were cuffs that prevented anyone from skipping town and keeping an eye on them, what magic they used and their location. It would allow them to keep a very close eye on Dumbledore while they dealt with the investigation, they couldn't have him arrested and imprisoned without actual evidence after all. Much to Lucius' dismay, but he had approved the use of those cuffs.
"And I best get home and answer my wife's questions, I am afraid I asked her to pick up Draco without explaining why," Lucius replied, and despite what people probably thought, he loved his wife very much. It might not have originally been a love match, but they'd made it work, the desire to be happy had enabled that. Now, though, if they went back, they would change nothing, at least he wouldn't and he'd like to think Narcissa wouldn't. He was grateful to be avoiding this headache that was about to occur. Unless, of course, the Wizengamot was called together again, but that was very unlikely until they had a court date set for Dumbledore. Which would be the only trial he was interested in, wizengamot members weren't obligated to attend every single trial, and most were overseen by the council of magic, since most were…well minor crimes.
With that the three men exited the Minister's office, Cornelius and Lucius headed off towards the Atrium, one to endure a press conference and one to Floo home to his wife. Tiberius headed to find Dan, using a locating charm to held aid him in his bid to find the Auror. He was thankfully, within the Ministry, and Tiberius made haste before he disappeared again.
The reporters that had been rounded up for this conversation were all highly strung, all eager to see what the 'big scoop' could possibly be that the Minister of Magic himself was heading up a press conference. The moment he stepped out into the Atrium all of them begun taking pictures, blinding the atrium in white light.
"Minister what's happening!?"
"What's going on?"
"Why have we been called here?!"
Cornelius ignored all the call outs, giving his goodbye's to Lucius, who with grace, headed towards the fireplaces and Floo'ed out. He felt rather envious, and almost wished he could do the same thing. Unfortunately, he did have to have this come out in the right way, he did not want them finding out and writing it their own way. A sonorous charm had his voice amplified, as he stepped onto the podium that had been placed there for him. impeccably dressed, he stared out at the sea of faces. "Thank you all for coming, your questions will all be answered momentarily."
That settled them down, for the moment, the atrium was surrounded by Aurors, to ensure that they behaved. Any misbehaviour they'd find themselves in the cell for the night. Most knew better, but there were some that just continued to push and push. As always, nobody seemed to pay any particular attention to anything that flew such as a beetle that most definitely shouldn't be in the Ministry of magic.
"I am sorry to report that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has temporarily closed…" Cornelius paused, as they begun asking questions again, it irritated him something awful. If they just stopped and listened they'd have all the answers they needed.
"Has something happened to Headmaster Dumbledore?"
"Has Dumbledore done something else?"
Normally they would never conceive of accusing Dumbledore, but as of late with the negative press and the knowledge of what he'd been up to, well, let's just say Dumbledore's reputation was on shaky ground. The press would go after even him, if it would earn them a good scoop, but there hadn't really been one…until lately.
"Is it true that Dumbledore is responsible for Harry Potter not attending Hogwarts anymore?"
"All I can tell you, due to the fact it's an ongoing case for the Auror department, is that the wards have reached a critical stage and it's dangerous." Cornelius explained, puffing up "All the students have been moved here at my behest until their parents can be found, Dumbledore and McGonagall have been detained due to the fact they were hindering the process of closing the school. That is all thank you very much." With that he stepped off the podium, ignoring the shouting of questions yet again.
"Will Harry Potter ever return to Hogwarts?"
"When will Hogwarts be open again?"
"How did the wards get into such a bad state?"
"How did this information come to light?"
"Auror Strauss! Auror Strauss! Just a moment please!" Chief Warlock Ogden called out as he finally gained speed to catch the wizard, twice he'd missed him, but never for long, due to the fact he was actually using a Portkey to get the students from Hogwarts – the front gates he assumed – to the Ministry then just Apparating back to do the process all over again. They didn't have an item – or anyone powerful enough to put the spell on anything – big enough to allow hundreds of students to take a portkey at once.
"Go on, head in, take a seat, lunch will be ready soon," the Auror encouraged the students to get inside, there were a lot of worried faces amongst them, many with younger siblings attached to them even more scared. "There's nothing to be scared of, your parents or guardians will be coming to get you and if they can't we will take you home." He reassured them, he might give the appearance of being heartless, but he wasn't, not when it came to kids.
"Yes, Sir," they said, some of them didn't even know what he was despite his bright red Auror robes, and admittedly it hadn't been discussed.
"Have you dealt with Dumbledore yet?" Tiberius asked, panting outrageously, he had been running himself ragged for the past hour trying to get everything done and find Strauss. When Strauss disappeared from the Ministry he'd nipped to his office to get a few things done, before heading out after him again, continuously missing him. Wondering whether Dumbledore was still at Hogwarts or if he'd been brought here already.
"Two Aurors are holding both McGonagall and Dumbledore at Hogwarts, Sir," Dan explained, his face smoothly transitioning to softer for the kids to a stony mask he used while working. "They were…rather problematic when they found out Hogwarts was to be closed. Thankfully the rest of the faculty pitched in, and aided us in getting the students out and ensuring that all of them were accounted for."
"Of course they were," Tiberius sighed, shaking his head, sometimes he didn't understand people. "Did they know about the dangers?" he didn't really want the answer to that, either way it wasn't a good thing, ignoring Aurors orders, if they saw their Headmaster doing it…they would do it in future and cause a whole new set of problems.
Dan nodded grimly, "Excuse me," he was going to be at this for an hour or two without stopping to talk every time he came and went. Thankfully most of the students actually listened to them, and didn't put up a token of protest except to enquire about a sibling, especially if they'd gone by already but most younger siblings and immediately gone to find their sister or brothers. Or their parents, but after receiving an answer they were rather well behaved. It wasn't as awful as he'd assumed it was going to be. Oddly enough, there had been one student who complained about not getting lunch, a red headed boy.
"And the Granger girl?" Tiberius asked, getting in one last question.
"She was moved first, they've taken her to St. Mungo's as far as I am aware her parents are being notified now," and wasn't that going to be a surprise and a half? He wouldn't blame them if they actually sued the school for their negligence. With that, Dan didn't wait around, he Apparated away, ready to get the next group of students waiting at the school gates.
The only problem was now they were overcome by reporters, trying to find out more information, talking to the students and teachers, trying to push their way in.
By three PM the school was cleared out completely, the only things remaining in the school were the ghosts and unbeknown to everyone – except for dumbledore of course – a basilisk underneath the school. The spells they put around the school to detect if anyone tripped them, the only spell they dared to put anywhere near the crumbling ruins of the wards that protects the castle.
Corvus had returned home just after Harry had done his exercises and had fallen asleep on the sofa while reading in Corvus' office. The office was normally out of bounds, but if Harry couldn't find a book to read, he often headed in there. No doubt he'd been curious about what was going on enough to remain close by so he could get that information quickly. Corvus hadn't woken him up, merely set the bookmark in the book and set it aside. Putting the covers over him, he got cold so easily, and left him to rest while he had a coffee and joined the Dark Lord in the library and informed him of everything that was going on.
Unfortunately, Lucius' decision to come visit heralded an early awakening from his nap than usual. The dinging had woken Harry, who was quite a light sleeper, it just so happened, Corvus was also quiet.
"I apologise, Mr. Potter," Lucius said, staring at the boy slightly surprised to see him sleeping. "I did not mean to disturb your rest."
"It's fine, Lord Malfoy," Harry said shaking his head, stifling a yawn as he got into full gear.
"Lucius, good to see you, the Dark Lord is in the library, I'll have something brought there for us to eat," Corvus explained, as he entered his office to find Harry already awake. "Are you staying for dinner?" not that the House-elves would need to make more, there was always plenty of food to go around. That they didn't eat the House-elves did, they never went hungry.
"This is Draco's first day back, Narcissa is going overboard," Lucius said dryly, "So I'm afraid my presence is demanded."
Harry stifled a grin, he knew Draco hated his mothers smothering, he felt it was embarrassing and over the top. Then he realized what Lucius had said, "Is Draco okay?" sitting up straighter, worry shinning in his green eyes, he might not have spent a whole lot of time with his friends but he did care.
Lucius arched a brow and glanced at Corvus, wondering why the wizard hadn't informed him, wondering if he had intended it to remain a secret. "Draco is very well, you have my word." Lucius told the young boy, heartened by the sight of the worry, he truly cared about his son and if anyone genuinely cared about Draco…well, he would make an exception for them. Not that it was hard to do, the boy's lineage definitely was fabulous despite the fact he had a Mudblood mother.
"Oh, good," Harry said, relieved, he knew Draco's father wouldn't lie to hm if he was sick. The men he surrounded himself with, did not seem to believe in lying, except skirting around the truth to get what they want in like say the Ministry. "Wait, you're back! What was the emergency?" he perked up looking curious.
Corvus glanced at Harry in amusement, "Why not join us in the library? Would you like something to drink?" it wasn't quite time for his next dose of potions yet, not for another hour.
"Orange juice please," Harry said, standing up, folding the cover and placing it on the arm of the sofa.
By the time they made it to the library – which wasn't all that far to be fair – an orange juice and a plate of food and coffee had been set on the table for Harry and Lucius.
Lucius however, paused at the doorway, unsure of how to act in the presence of Harry Potter.
"Come sit, Lucius," Voldemort told him, a deeply amused look on his face. honestly, it was almost as if Lucius had no idea that Harry knew he was Lord Voldemort. Which wasn't the case at all, even the boy showed more courage in the face of him, as he padded into the room and took a seat next to him, drinking from his goblet with delight.
Lucius did as instructed, as Corvus quietly begun to inform Harry what had gone down hours prior. As the Heir of the Potter-Black Estate he would become Lord and take his seats at the Wizengamot. As he hadn't allowed anyone to take over his seats in abstention, he wasn't legally supposed to know what was happening, but nobody there actually cared one wit about the law.
"I do not think Dumbledore will recover from this," Lucius explained afterwards, half his coffee drunk, "I do not believe he will retain his headmastership, nor will Minerva become Headmistress due to her actions this afternoon." Smug satisfaction coated the wizard. "As heirs of the Hogwarts founders, you actually have a greater say in who becomes the Headmaster than the board of governors, you could even elect yourself, My Lord." He had gone and read through the rules and regulations after having his little epiphany, thankfully the Board of Governors section wasn't as long and arduous as the wizengamot section.
Harry couldn't help but chortle, successfully stopping his orange juice from snorting out of his nose, now that would be rude. "Can you imagine Dumbledore's reaction?" his mind envisioning his being told who the new Headmaster of Hogwarts was.
Corvus and Voldemort snorted, it was true enough.
"Plus, if he told anyone who you were it would be put down to sheer jealously that you became Headmaster, nobody would listen to him." Harry said, still tickled pink over the image of Dumbledore's reaction.
"It would also give the dark section a greater feeling of safety that they don't have right now," Lucius admitted, "I'd certainly prefer you over anyone the governors actually decided upon." He admitted, they were looked down upon because of who their parents were, and the stance they had taken during the war to try and correct the imbalance of their world.
Harry nodded solemnly, agreeing completely, as dangerous as Voldemort was to others…he wasn't to him. He'd be able to attend Hogwarts for the next six years without fearing for his life when it came to Dumbledore and his plans. The thought of not being bombarded for the next six years was a good one.
If only.
So will Voldemort take over as Headmaster of Hogwarts as the Founders Heir? Will Harry give over control of his seats and make it 'further' proof that there was no way it was Voldemort, not with Harry Potter their boy who lived liking him? Or will we see Filius Flitwick taking over as Headmaster? someone that isn't on either side and quite perfect for the part. What will happen to Minerva and Dumbledore? will they be arrested and let out on bail? Will anyone be willing to help Dumbledore after all is said and done? R&R please
Oh, and a side note...as to why Fawkes hasn't helped Dumbledore...he's approaching burning day which makes him unable to cry and or flame anyone away :)