Chapter 28
Radicals and Dissenters
"Who is that talking? He sounds furious."
"I think it's Dad's boss. Cornelius Fudge. The Minister of Magic! What's he doing here?"
"SHHHH! Shut up you daft fools," Fred whispered to Ron and Ginny. "They'll hear us." George was stationed just ahead of him in the dark secret passage way. He was peering through a small gap in the tapestry blocking the passage entrance, looking out into the third floor corridor behind. Raised voices were coming from down the hall.
"I MEAN IT, DUMBLEDORE! THIS IS UNACCEPTIBLE! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW THE EVENTS OF THIS NIGHT COULD HAVE DESTROYED MY CAREER? THE BOY COULD HAVE DIED!"
"He could have," a voice Hermione recognised as Professor McGonagall's agreed dryly. "Fortunately for your career, however, he did not. And thanks to Severus here, he is safe in the Hospital Wing where he can rest and recover. Now perhaps we can move this conversation elsewhere to allow him to do so." Her voice carried her usual no-nonsense and stern attitude. It would seem there were a group of adults congregated outside the Hospital Wing doors, but Hermione couldn't tell how many.
"They're talking about Harry," Hermione mouthed more than whispered. The others nodded. He was in the Hospital Wing, then. Was that good? How badly was he hurt?
"I'm not contesting that, and Professor Snape will be rewarded, I am sure. But see here, Dumbledore! You were left responsible for him and twice now you have left him in the care of that werewolf and twice he has been nearly killed by it! I want him gone, Dumbledore! Sacked! If the parents knew their children's lives were in danger by one of the teachers at this school…"
"Werewolf?" Neville breathed. "What are they talking about?"
Hermione put her hand over her mouth. Oh, God… Professor Lupin? How could I have forgotten? Is it the full moon? Harry? He couldn't have bitten Harry, could he? Is that why Harry is in the Hospital Wing?
The voices were moving in their direction down the adjacent corridor, along with the sounds of several pairs of accompanying footsteps.
"As we have discussed, Cornelius, the appointment or dismissal of the staff at Hogwarts is not of your concern. What is of your concern, is why we have a man in custody that was believed dead and another in custody who already served over a decade in Azkaban for allegedly murdering the first."
The six teenagers huddled in the hidden passageway exchanged looks, but none dared speak. The footsteps were nearly at a level with the tapestry hiding them from view. Hermione thought she was not the only one holding her breath as they passed by.
"I… That's not… You're changing the subject, Dumbledore!"
"To one I think far more pressing at this exact moment," replied Dumbledore calmly. "I trust you have brought your Aurors here with the intention of conducting a thorough investigation into the matter."
"Don't tell me how to do my job, Dumbledore…"
Their voices trailed off down the hall until they could no longer be made out.
The four Weasleys, Neville and Hermione all stared at each other in silence for a moment.
"What the bloody hell happened last night," George finally broke the quiet.
"Didn't you hear Dumbledore?" said Ginny. "It's true. Harry was right. Black was falsely accused and Pettigrew is alive." They all stared at each other in shock again.
"But what was all that about a werewolf?" Ron asked. Hermione chewed on her lip.
"Do you think Harry's really hurt?" asked Neville.
"We have to see him," was Hermione's only answer.
"Well," said Fred.
"What are we waiting for," said George.
"The coast is clear," said Fred, poking his head out from behind the tapestry.
The six of them tiptoed down the hall to the Hospital Wing doors just down the way. They pushed a door open silently and slipped inside.
Pre-dawn grey light was filtering through the sheer muslin curtains. A lamp was burning next to one of the beds—it seemed to be the only occupied bed in the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey's door was cracked open and through it, they could hear rustling and another light shown.
They were going to get caught. But Hermione was beyond caring. She had already lost fifty house points this night. Perhaps it was the sleep deprivation, but somehow it didn't seem so bad now. Might as well risk more, if it meant assuring herself that Harry was alright. She marched forward toward the occupied bed and the others followed.
The figure on the bed was lying motionless, but as they approached he groaned and stirred. "Harry?" Hermione asked softly. She leaned over him, and the others crowded around too.
"Huh…? 'Ermione? Where…? What…?"
"What in Merlin's name are you lot doing here?" The voice behind them was more exasperated than angry. They all turned to see Madam Pomfrey. She looked almost as exhausted as Hermione felt. "You all should be in bed."
"Please, Madam Pomfrey." It was Ginny who spoke up, surprising them all. "We've been so worried all night. We had to know if he was alright."
There was a moment's pause in which they all looked up at Madam Pomfrey dolefully. After a moment, she sighed and her shoulders lost their rigidity. She looked over them toward the bed. Harry was struggling to sit up.
"I see you're awake," Madam Pomfrey said.
"How did I get here," Harry ground out as he shifted his weight to lean weakly against the headboard.
"Professor Snape found you on the grounds and brought you back up," said Madam Pomfrey matter-of-factly.
"How bad is he hurt," Hermione interjected, her head turning back and forth from Madam Pomfrey to Harry. "Professor Lupin… you weren't bitten were you?"
Madam Pomfrey regarded her shrewdly in response, not speaking.
"I'm fine, Hermione. I'm not hurt."
At Harry's reply, Madam Pomfrey humphed. She bustled around the crowd of people to a bedside table and Hermione realised she was carrying an enormous block of chocolate.
"Dementors?" Hermione gasped. The other's looked back and forth between Madam Pomfrey and Harry and Hermione, clearly trying and failing to keep up. Madam Pomfrey began breaking off small chunks of chocolate with a small chisel. "Is he alright?" she asked when neither Madam Pomfrey nor Harry rushed to substantiate this.
"He should be fine," replied Madam Pomfrey, "with rest," she added pointedly. "Eat this, Mr. Potter," she said, handing Harry a sizeable piece of chocolate. "It will make you feel better."
He took the chocolate dubiously, but did not take a bite. "Sirius," he said. "Where is Sirius Black?"
"Never you worry about that," replied Madam Pomfrey. "Just eat your chocolate."
Harry glared back at her, stubbornly not touching the chocolate. Hermione and the others looked back and forth between them as though watching a tennis match.
Madam Pomfrey sighed. "He is unharmed for the most part; in much the same state as you," she replied. "I examined him for injury myself. He had some deep puncture wounds and scratches, but I applied a poultice and bandaged them—they should heal fast enough. They have him in custody in the North Tower until this mess can be sorted out. Him and Peter Pettigrew."
"They have to know," said Harry. "They have to know that Sirius is innocent!"
"Potter, listen," Madam Pomfrey interrupted. "Pettigrew's appearance has raised a great many questions. The Headmaster is insisting on a formal investigation into Black's past and present allegations in light of this. I have no doubt they will want to question you regarding the happenings of last night. But for now, you need to rest and regain your strength. Professor Dumbledore is refusing to let the Dementors near him before due process is served; no verdict will be rendered in haste this time. Now eat your chocolate."
Harry leaned back and at last took a grudging bite of the chocolate. Hermione saw him raise his eyebrows in surprise, and he eyed the chocolate curiously.
Then Madam Pomfrey turned to the rest of them. "Now listen, you six. It is four thirty in the morning. You know you're not supposed to be here." She stared them down one at a time sternly. "That being said," she continued and her tone turned gentler, "it's been a stressful night for all of us. And I imagine Mr. Potter could use the company of his friends. But I want it quiet in here, and I want him resting. Is that understood?" They all nodded. "Alright then." She shoved another piece of chocolate at Harry, then picked up the remainder of the block and marched back to her office.
There was silence for a moment after she left. They were all standing around Harry's bed—Hermione and Neville closest and the four Weasleys behind them. Hermione and Neville looked at each other, then at Harry, who looked back at them uncertainly. No one seemed sure what to say or how to begin.
Abruptly there was a loud screeching sound behind them, and Hermione jumped and spun around to look. Fred and George had dragged the next bed over closer to Harry's until it sat at an untidy angle to the other bed. There was a squeaking of springs as they flopped down on the mattress, lying crosswise on the spare bed.
"So, are we going to hear a story, or what?" George asked. He was lying on his stomach, his chin propped on his fists, looking expectantly at Harry.
Fred reached over from his spot where he lounged by the headboard and picked at a few of the shavings of chocolate that had been left behind on the end table; he popped one in his mouth. "We're a little short on snacks… Seems an essential part of a good story."
There was silence a moment. Then Harry laughed. Then they all were laughing.
Neville seated himself at the foot of Harry's bed. Ginny perched, drawing her knees to her chest, next to George on the bed he and Fred had dragged over. Ron went and brought two of the straight backed wooden chairs around for himself and Hermione. He turned his own chair backwards and sat straddling it with his chin resting on the back. With the seven of them arranged in a rough circle, all looking at him expectantly, Harry began to tell of the events of the night.
Minerva McGonagall sighed in irritation at Fudge's never-ending ranting. She pulled her dressing gown a little more snugly about herself. Albus was not budging regarding the sacking of Remus Lupin. She supposed it was all a moot point, of course, and she suspected Dumbledore knew it. If she knew Remus at all, she was quite sure he would not be wanting to remain in employment at Hogwarts after his secret was out in any case. But Albus was holding fast to the defence of his employee and to his assertion that it was not Fudge's call. Such a fight Albus was willing to put in for something he must know was pointless… Minerva almost wondered if he was just toying with the Minister.
But it was not just Remus's employment that was up for debate. The other question was that of the guardianship of Harry Potter. And this could be a much more serious matter. Fudge had already managed to file a formal vote of no confidence in Albus's ability to be the boy's custodian. And this could be dangerous.
"I want him with the Ministry, Dumbledore," Fudge was saying. "I intend to see him well looked after and out from under your reckless care. He's never to be anywhere near that werewolf ever again."
"Don't you think that Harry deserves some say in this matter, Cornelius," replied Albus. He did seem tired. Minerva doubted anyone who knew him less than she would notice, but the night was wearing on him. "He's old enough to make his own decisions." A few of the portraits on the walls of the Headmaster's Office nodded in agreement.
"No!" shot back Fudge. "I don't think so. I'm done giving that boy any say in anything. He is an orphan with no kin suitable to be his guardian. As such, he is a ward of the court and that leaves the Ministry in loco parentis. I have the legal right to make his decisions for him, Dumbledore. I will know what is best for him."
Minerva exchanged a worried look with Pomona and Filius. Even Severus half turned away from his contemplation of the sunrise out the window. This was very frightening. Fudge would have the power to use Potter to bolster his career. He would not act in the boy's interest but in his own. And Potter… he had been through so much already.
"But Minister, consider," Pomona Sprout interjected in her sweet way. "Harry has been through so many changes and relocations already. And he has settled in so well here. If he were allowed to stay the summer at Hogwarts, he could focus on his studies and continue to work to catch up to his classmates. To this point, he's only been studying the core subjects and hasn't been able to start on any elective classes. If we expect him to pass his OWLs next year, he could really use the extra time and tutelage. If it is a matter of a formal guardian being needed, I would be very happy to offer my services—"
"Absolutely not!" Fudge interjected again. "I'm sick and tired of him under the influence of Hogwarts and everyone in it. You all sway his loyalties away from where they should be. Away from the Ministry. I will find a suitable foster family for him among my Ministry members; somewhere he can get a less biased view—"
"Less biased!" Minerva couldn't help but fume. "You would aim to brainwash him to your cause; to use him as a political tool to boost your waning popularity." She cut off when she saw the warning glance from Albus. This was not the way to deal with the likes of Fudge and she knew it, but the anger had burst from her before she had had a chance to consider. Several of the Ministry members behind Fudge shifted nervously. Minerva found her gaze meeting that of Kingsley Shacklebolt and she knew he too was silently telling her to back down.
Fudge looked apoplectic. He stared Minerva down with a pulse beating in his temple and his face turning purple. Minerva kept her back straight and her chin high. "I want Potter out of here, Dumbledore," he said in a dangerously quiet voice, his eyes still on Minerva. "Today. I have half a mind to have him home-schooled. Or maybe sent to study at Ilvermorny. He will never set foot in this castle again while you continue to staff radicals and dissenters."
"I have a solution that I think you will find quite agreeable, Minister," came a curt voice from the door to the office. Everyone turned. "Good very early morning, everybody. I hope you don't mind I invited myself to the party." A broad, square-jawed witch with short-cropped grey hair stood at the doorway. Minerva recognised her as Amelia Bones. She had never known her well—she had been a couple years behind her in school, a fifth year prefect the year Minerva had been Head Girl, if memory served. Minerva had heard that Bones had gone on to do great work in the Ministry, as had most of her family. And behind Bones, on the landing of the spiral staircase…was that Arthur Weasley of all unlikely people?
"Amelia! What are you doing here?" Fudge looked at least distracted. Minerva tried not to show her relief that his focus was no longer on her. 'Radicals and dissenters?' Really? It was as though he were accusing her of treason.
"I received reports that my Aurors had been called to Hogwarts in the wee hours of the morning. And my own niece, a student here, wrote to me to express concerns for her friend, Harry Potter. And she suggested that Sirius Black was here and that doubts had been raised about his guilt. As Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, it seemed to me that at least part of this matter should fall under my jurisdiction.
"Black is in custody, I understand from your groundskeeper who I met on the way up. Along with Peter Pettigrew?" Madam Bones continued. "Could it be true that the wrong man was imprisoned all those years?"
"That hasn't yet been established," snapped Fudge. "And rumours already flying… What a PR disaster," he muttered under his breath.
"While I'm sure the Minister agrees that you are most welcome, and we will appreciate your help in the investigation into what happened with Sirius Black," Albus contributed, "You said you had a solution regarding the custodianship of Harry Potter?" How did he always sound so calm, damn it? Bones was a Ministry member. What good was going to come of any solution she brought that would make the Minister happy? And yet there Albus stood with that damned twinkle in his eye.
"Ah yes. Minister, I believe you know Arthur Weasley, the Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office?" Minerva noticed a slight inflection has she stressed the word 'head'. "Arthur has been an exemplary employee of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement these eighteen years. He is also, it so happens, father to four children who have become friends of Harry Potter."
"Minister. Headmaster," Arthur Weasley stepped forward nodding to each in turn. "It would be an honour to offer the protection of my house to young Harry. Molly—my wife—and I, we would think of him as one of our own. He would be with his friends. And Molly has a great deal of experience in home-schooling; she trained all seven of our children before they came to Hogwarts. We would be able to help tutor him to get him ready for his OWLs," he added to Pomona. "We can offer him a safe and loving home. If Harry will have us, of course."
"One of Arthur's grown-up children also works for the Ministry I believe," Madam Bones added. "Young Percy Weasley has just started this last year with the Department of International Magical Cooperation, has he not, Arthur? Quite the up-and-comer." Gotta hand it to her, Minerva begrudgingly thought. Amelia Bones knows how to play the game.
Everyone glanced to Fudge to see how this would be received. "Oh, very well. I'll have the Office of Child Affairs look into the possibility and start drafting the paperwork."
"Wonderful," said Madam Bones. "In the meantime, of course, young Harry should stay here and finish his end-of-term exams. He can take the Hogwarts Express into London with the Weasley children at the end of term."
Madam Bones barrelled on before Fudge could argue with this. "Now. Let's move on to Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew, shall we? Someone please, fill me in. What, for the love of Merlin, happened there?"
But again, the conversation was interrupted. Remus Lupin burst through the door at this exact moment, pushing past Arthur Weasley as though barely seeing him or any of them. He was wearing just a pair of very ragged and too-tight trousers and some equally battered trainers. His chest was bare and Minerva took note of several wounds to his belly and shoulder that looked as though he had been mauled by some kind of animal. He looked around the room wildly until his eyes fell on Albus.
"Harry," he gasped out, clutching a stitch in his side. "Where is Harry."
"Calm down, Remus," said Dumbledore soothingly. "He's resting. But he's fine."
Remus's eyes were wide and wild. "I can't remember… I don't know what I… Headmaster, I… I tasted blood. I think I bit… someone…"
Dumbledore came around his desk and laid a hand on Remus's shoulder. He looked deep in Remus's eyes. "He has no wounds." Remus visibly sagged in relief. "He did, however, run afoul with some Dementors." Remus tensed again. "Don't worry," Dumbledore hastened to add. "Madam Pomfrey assures me he will be perfectly fine."
"No thanks to you," Fudge interjected. "You could have killed him. Why in Merlin's name Dumbledore hired you in the first place, is beyond me. But he swore that nothing like this would happen. And yet here you are after a whole night of running loose. In a school of all places—"
"As we have discussed, Cornelius," Dumbledore interrupted. "Appointment's at Hogwarts are not for you to—"
"He's right." It was Remus's turn to interrupt. "You should never have hired me. I'm a danger to everyone. I should go."
There was silence around the room for a moment. Albus looked horribly sad. But not surprised. Remus continued, "I am so grateful to you, Headmaster," he said, looking to Albus. "You gave me a job when no one else would have. You put your trust in me. But it seems your trust has been misplaced. You will have my letter of resignation on your desk by the end of the day."
With that, he turned and made his way to the door. He moved slowly, feeling his way as though walking through a fog.
"Remus," Dumbledore called after him. "Severus, here, saw Harry single-handedly cast a patronus that drove away over a hundred Dementors. You should be very proud of how much he has learned from you."
Remus paused at the door and looked back at Albus. It was just for a fraction of a second… But Minerva thought she could see in that exact moment his heart breaking with all the thoughts of what might have been. Remus turned to go, but before he could, he was nearly bowled over by Hagrid as he thundered up the spiral stairs.
"Headmaster!" he gasped out.
"For Merlin's sake, Dumbledore!" Fudge cried out. "Does everyone know the password to your office? Can we not have even a moment of privacy?"
"Beggin' yer pardon, sirs. Minister. But it's Peter Pettigrew. He's gone! He's escaped!"
The whole room's attention was turned toward him in shock. Minerva saw the stance of the two Aurors behind Fudge shift and step forward.
"How is this possible?" snapped Fudge. "He was unconscious and unarmed. He was locked in an empty room in the North Tower, forty metres up. My Aurors checked the room themselves and assured me it was secure. Dawlish was stationed by their doors to watch them until after our meeting. How could he possibly escape?"
"Black woke up, he looked 'orrible. Pettigrew was still unconscious. I went ter go get them chocolate from Madam Pomfrey, and when I came back, Pettigrew was gone. No trace of 'im. And the door was still locked and e'erything. Dawlish swears he didn't leave by the door."
"He transformed," came a hollow voice. "You'll not find him."
Everyone's eyes turned to Remus who was slumped by the door. "Peter was an unregistered animagus. He could turn into a rat. He could be anywhere by now. I only just discovered this night that he was still alive. Right before I transformed."
Fudge swore, and loudly. "This whole thing is a nightmare. I have to go do some damage control. The Daily Prophet will be having a field day when this gets out. Shacklebolt, Tonks. Do what you can to find the rat. And find out what the hell he knows." Fudge pointed to Remus who gave no argument. "Get statements from anybody who knows anything about what the hell happened last night. Black, Potter, Snape. Everybody. I will expect a full report by noon."
With that, he pulled out a small pouch of floo powder from his pocket and tossed it irritably into the fire. And in a whirl of green flame, he was blessedly gone.
A weighty silence hung in the air after he left. Minerva realised she was not the only one glaring after Fudge. If an outsider had walked in at that moment, they would have thought they were all contemplating destruction of the fireplace. After a minute, they all looked around, exchanging looks. All except Remus who still stood dejectedly by the door looking at his own hands, his escape thwarted.
"Tonks, why don't you head up to North Tower and help Dawlish," Kingsley broke the silence. "Give him the information that we're looking for a rat. I'll join you there shortly.
"Remu—Professor Lupin. I know it has been a long night, and I am sure you are exhausted. But if I could have just a few moments of your time…"
Remus looked up at him as though just torn from a thought—a very painful thought. "Of course. I understand." His voice was little more than a whisper.
"The castle will be stirring soon," Albus said to Minerva and the other Heads of Houses. "I'm sure you are all eager to freshen up and prepare for the day." Pomona adjusted her nightcap self-consciously. "Madam Bones. Your timing is quite impeccable. Thank you for your assistance. Arthur. If your offer is indeed in earnest, perhaps I can escort you to the Hospital Wing to introduce you to your would-be charge. I expect young Harry should be awake by now and eager for some answers."
And with that, the collection of witches and wizards began to disperse. Minerva watched them go solemnly before following suit. Fudge's words still hung in the air around her. He will never set foot in this castle again while you continue to staff radicals and dissenters. If he tried to stand in the way of Harry Potter's education… Tried to use him for political gain... If he hurt one hair on that boy's head… Cornelius Fudge would find out how much dissent the staff of Hogwarts really could generate.
If Cornelius Fudge declared war, Hogwarts would answer it.
The sun was shining in earnest through the Hospital windows by the time they made their way back. Dumbledore held the door open for Arthur then turned toward Harry's bed. He was not particularly surprised to find that the Hospital was occupied by more than just one black-haired bespectacled boy. Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and all four of the Weasley children were all crowded around Harry's bed. They had not yet noticed the two men enter and the seven teenagers were whispering and tittering together. Dumbledore smiled fondly at them. Pomona was right; Harry really had settled in remarkably well here. He prayed it would last.
Fred noticed them first. "Dad!" he cried. The others all jumped and spun around.
"You're here!"
"Dad!"
"You got our owl, then!"
All four of the Weasleys rushed over, Neville and Hermione hovering behind uncertainly. Ginny threw her arms around her father's waist in a hug, and Arthur kissed the top of her head. He reached out and cupped Ron's cheek affectionately over her shoulder and then smiled fondly at Fred and George. "Kids! What are you all doing here? It's scarcely half past five. What would your mother say? You should still be in bed."
"We had to find out what was going on," said Ginny, breaking the hug and backing away a step so she could look up at him properly. And then all six teenagers were crowded around Dumbledore and Arthur looking between the two men expectantly. And the questions started to flow.
"What's happening?"
"Is Professor Lupin alright?"
"What's going to happen to Sirius Black?"
"Is Pettigrew going to get the Kiss?"
"I am sure we will find answers to all of your questions," Dumbledore interrupted the cacophony. "But for right now, Arthur and I really do need to have a private word with our young Mr Potter. Breakfast starts at six. Why don't you lot head down to the Great Hall now. You can get first pick—you know how fast the black pudding always goes. When you're all done, you can bring a plate up to Harry. After all, if left up to Madam Pomphrey, he'll end up with just a boring bowl of porridge without even any brown sugar or treacle or anything tasty on top. You can bring up a plate before you head off to your classes."
No one objected, though clearly they wanted to. They shuffled off toward the Hospital Wing doors with murmured See you, Harrys and We'll be back soons.
"We'll be sure to get you some black pudding, Harry," George called from the door.
"That is if Ron doesn't eat all of it first," said Ginny.
Then sounds of them bickering down the hall faded and left the Hospital Wing in a loud silence.
Finally, Dumbledore turned to look to Harry. He was sitting up in the bed, his knees tucked to his chest. And he was staring at Dumbledore. Harry didn't say a word, just looked at him. Dumbledore walked over and seated himself on one of the chairs by the bed. Arthur hung back, giving them a few moments of privacy before they spoke of the matter at hand.
"Hello, Harry. How are you feeling?"
Harry did not respond to the question. Instead he just asked, "Is he okay?" His voice was little more than a whisper. Dumbledore did not need to ask who he meant.
"Physically, he will be fine. A few scratches and bruises. His body will mend fast enough. Emotionally… that healing may take longer."
Harry's face was blank. He licked his lips, breathing deep breaths. He was silent for another moment. Then, abruptly as though a dam had broken, the words spilled out. "Please don't sack him. It was my fault. He wouldn't have been out there except that he was trying to protect me. It's all my fault. I'm the one who—"
"Harry," Dumbledore hushed the flow of self-admonishments. "Believe me when I say, I had no intention to fire Remus. Much to the displeasure of the Minister."
"'Had'?" repeated Harry, picking up on the past-tense of the word.
"Remus has resigned from his posting, Harry," Dumbledore said gently. "He no longer wishes to act in the roll of Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher at Hogwarts."
Silence again. Harry's mouth opened and closed repeatedly. "But… It's not… He can't just…" He swallowed, then sat in silence again. Dumbledore let the silence stretch as the boy collected his thoughts.
Harry glanced toward the window through which bright sunshine was shining. "Why hasn't he come?" Harry whispered. His voice was so low, Dumbledore wasn't sure it was directed at him or if Harry was speaking to himself.
"Give him time, Harry. Shame is a funny emotion. Mankind has a terribly silly habit of doing just what is worse for us and for those we have wronged when confronted with shame." Harry looked at him uncomprehendingly. "I'm sure he will come and say goodbye before he leaves the castle, Harry."
"Goodbye?" Harry mouthed the word to himself. Then after a moment, "I won't be spending the summer holidays in Sussex, will I?"
"I'm afraid not, Harry. The Minister has been quite adamant about that. And I am afraid the Minister has insisted that you cannot stay here, despite the fact that several of your teachers entreated him to let you remain under the guardianship of the staff. I'm afraid I do not have the power or influence to challenge Cornelius's ruling on this."
"But then…where would he have me go? Not back to the Dursleys…" There was a hint of panic in the boy's eyes now.
"No," said Dumbledore soothingly. "No, I promise you; that will never happen. They have shown themselves to be quite unfit."
"But… I don't have any other family or…"
"Harry, I'd like to introduce you to Arthur Weasley." Dumbledore turned, gesturing to the man who had been waiting patiently a few paces away.
Arthur came forward, a kindly and sympathetic smile on his face. "Hello, Harry," he reached out his hand to shake Harry's with both of his own. Dumbledore noted the gentle squeeze of reassurance he gave. He might just do alright, he thought approvingly. Pity Harry will never give him the chance. "It's so nice to finally meet you. All Easter holiday, you were all the kids could talk about."
Dumbledore helped himself to a small shaving of chocolate off the bedside table as Arthur and Harry talked. He let Arthur relay the plan and merely observed their interactions. Arthur was kindly and gentle. He really could be good for Harry.
"Of course, this is all up to you, Harry. I have no desire to force you to come live with us if you don't want to. But I know Molly and Ron and Ginny and the twins would be thrilled. And we have one more son living at home—Percy. He just graduated from Hogwarts last year. I'm sure he'll be glad to meet you too."
"It's a very generous offer," said Harry non-committedly.
Dumbledore sensed a "but" coming, and hastened to intercede it. "You don't have to make up your mind right this second, Harry. You have had a challenging night. We can give you time to think it all over."
"And what happens if I say 'no'?"
"Then, I imagine, Cornelius will find someone else to volunteer." Dumbledore saw as Harry recognised it for what it was—a choice that wasn't a choice. Dumbledore hated to put him in this position. "The Weasleys are good people, Harry. They want only to give you a loving home. And then when the holidays are over, we will find a way to ensure that you can return here and resume your studies. It is your choice. But I must admit concern that Cornelius's next choice of guardian will not be to such good taste… " Harry stared at him, his jawline hard.
Dumbledore stood and Arthur followed suit. "We should let you rest. Think it over, Harry. You need make no decisions today."
They moved to the door, but Dumbledore paused when Harry called after him. "How long do I have to decide?"
Dumbledore looked back considering him. "Final exams start on Monday. Then the end of term is on Friday. It will take some time to draft up the paperwork and go through due-process with the Office of Child Affairs. You can take few days. I am not sure that I can guarantee you more than that. I'm sorry, Harry. It is out of my control."
Harry was still sitting on the bed, his arms hugging his knees to his chest. He nodded once, then rested his cheekbone on top of his knees, his face turned away from them.
He had just pulled open the door when Harry called after them again. "Mr. Weasley!" The two men paused and looked back. "Thank you." Arthur nodded to him sadly, and then moved on, leaving a miserable and confused boy behind them.
Remus was only half aware of what his hands were doing as they methodically packed one item at a time. The knock on the office door took a moment to register in his brain. He looked up and saw Dumbledore letting himself in.
"Headmaster," he greeted dully. He felt numb and he could bring no emotion to his face or voice.
"Hello, Remus. Packing already?"
"I see no reason to prolong my leaving. I should be gone by tomorrow morning."
Dumbledore nodded and closed the door behind himself. He watched Remus working in silence for a few moments.
"What will you do now?"
Remus wrapped a vase from the mantel in newspaper and placed it in his trunk before responding. "I don't know. Go back to Sussex. Look for work. It matters little." Dumbledore nodded sympathetically.
"Amelia Bones informs me that the Wizengamot will be holding an emergency session this afternoon to discuss the case of Sirius Black. Peter Pettigrew is still unaccounted for, but luckily enough people saw him to raise questions as to Sirius's guilt. Madam Bones expects him to be released with a full pardon. And likely considerable remunerations for so long imprisoned unjustly."
Remus just nodded. Sirius had been his friend. It felt like a lifetime ago, but he had been a good friend once. Remus should care about this news. But as he searched his feelings, he felt nothing. Only numbness.
"Still. Whatever compensation they offer him, I imagine it will never be enough to erase the hurt he has suffered. It will be a long struggle for him to find his way back into society. Thirteen years in Azkaban is not so easily forgotten."
Remus completed packing the possessions on the mantel and moved to the desk. He had no response for this.
Dumbledore casually picked up a book from the bookshelf and examined its title. "I went to see Harry in the Hospital Wing before breakfast." Remus's systematic hands faltered in their work. After just a second, he swallowed the lump in his throat and his hands resumed. "He's unhurt," Dumbledore supplied to the question Remus refused to ask. "Madam Pomfrey was keeping him for a few hours for observation and rest, but I imagine he'll be discharged this afternoon." Remus nodded but did not look up from his work.
"He asked why you had not been in to see him."
The question hung in the air. Remus would have given anything in his power to simply wave it away. But it hung there over him, crushing him until he could support the weight no longer. Remus sunk into his desk chair and buried his face in his hands. He dug his fingers into his hair, pressing his palms to his eyes until he saw stars.
"Were you even planning on saying goodbye?" Dumbledore's voice was not accusatory. Merely asking a question of academic curiosity.
Remus took deep steadying breaths.
"How can I face him?" Remus finally whispered into the silence. "How can I stand in front of him now after I… after I came so close to…"
"He has suffered a great deal of loss in his short life, Harry has." Again Dumbledore's tone was matter-of-fact. It was as though he were simply making light conversation. "In light of everything he has been through, he is amazingly forgiving. And his strength… his willingness to fight for what he knows is right… He truly is a remarkable child."
He was amazing. Remus had long since known it. But Remus did not deserve the forgiveness of which Dumbledore spoke. Not after what he had done. Remus could not ask it of him. "Harry is not my responsibility anymore. He will do better without me."
Silence hung in the room for a moment. Then Dumbledore continued. "Arthur Weasley has offered to take him in for the school holidays."
Remus's head jerked up and he looked to Dumbledore in shock. "But… I thought… Surely, he could stay here where…"
"I'm afraid my guardianship over young Harry has been revoked. The Minister is insisting that Harry be fostered by a Ministry member."
Remus stared at him in horror. His mouth opened and closed like a fish. Oh, Merlin. What had he done? He had done so much more damage than he could have possibly imagined last night.
"We were fortunate Arthur stepped forward so quickly," Dumbledore said gently. "The Weasleys are good people, Remus. They will act in Harry's best interest, I am sure of it. Harry will do alright."
"Can you not fight this?" Remus exclaimed, filled with dread. He didn't give a damn how good of people the Weasleys may be. Harry couldn't just be shipped off somewhere new in a house full of people on the whim of a madman, even if said madman was the Minister of Magic.
"I cannot, I'm afraid. Cornelius is right. Legally, Harry is a ward of the Ministry, and as such Cornelius has power of attorney. If I fight him on this, Cornelius will only respond by finding a more disagreeable arrangement. He has already threatened to prevent Harry from coming back to Hogwarts next term. At least with Arthur as his guardian, Arthur can insist that Harry be allowed to attend school with his other children. Ultimately, it is Harry's choice to go with him or not, but I'm afraid he has few other good options."
"I… Albus… I don't think… Harry will never..." Remus trailed off. How could he make him see that this would never work? That Harry would be suffocated.
"He is stronger than you give him credit for, Remus." Dumbledore's voice was very gentle. "His resilience is astounding. We have to trust that he will make the right choice."
Remus merely stared at him in misery.
"But, as you say, Harry is not your responsibility anymore," said Dumbledore casually. Remus felt his gut lurch as though Dumbledore had just hit him with a Reductor Curse. He chocked down the disagreement he wanted to voice.
Before Remus could gather any thought to respond to the absurdity of it all, Dumbledore had moved the conversation on.
"Sirius Black is upstairs getting cleaned up for his trial. I have offered that he can stay the night here afterwards, assuming all goes as planned with his acquittal. Then he will have to find somewhere to move on to."
Remus's head was spinning. Why, in Merlin's name, was Dumbledore bringing this up now? There was a ringing in his ears and he could scarcely listen to a word Dumbledore was saying.
"I thought you might consider having him come stay with you for a time."
"What?" Remus stared at him dumbly, distracted from his torment momentarily.
"Reassimilating the wayward seems to be something of a speciality for you." Remus's mouth was hanging open as he stared at Dumbledore. Dumbledore had the audacity to smile at him like he was a precocious child. After having failed so spectacularly at caring for Harry, was Dumbledore really suggesting that he take on the same roll for a mad ex-convict?
"It could be a mutually beneficial arrangement for the pair of you," Dumbledore was saying. "Sirius will need help readjusting to life and finding his mind again after so long in Azkaban. And you will have something to keep you busy and keep yourself from worrying about Harry so much. And I suspect the compensation the Ministry will be providing to Sirius for false imprisonment will be more than enough to support you both while you are getting back on your feet."
Remus spluttered. He could not deny that much of what Dumbledore said made sense. But other parts… It was preposterous. What Remus really wanted was to go home to Sussex and wallow in his misery in solitude. Which, of course, was exactly what Dumbledore was telling him not to do.
Remus trusted this man. Usually if Dumbledore suggested something, there was a deeper goal at play. The whims of Dumbledore carried more weight that the calculated planning of many another. But could he really… Could he bear to…
"Just a thought," finished Dumbledore nonchalantly, ignoring Remus's chokes of disagreement. "Anyway. I shall leave you to your packing. Do be sure to come and say goodbye before you leave, won't you? And to Sirius? He'll be staying the night in the guest apartment in North Tower."
And with that, Dumbledore was gone and Remus sat at his desk with his head spinning.