[a/n0]Noting the death of Helen McCrory who brought Draco's mother to life.

[a/n]From FrostyWolf Susan contacts her aunt about the corridor full of things that could kill them in her first year and there's a mass arrest of the Hogwarts faculty after they find the Cerberus.

Harry Does Different CCCLXXXI

Meddlesome Hufflepuff

"Hey Hermione, about last night I - - -" the Gryffindor trio were walking into Potions.

The bushy-haired girl rolled her eyes and threw up her hands "Harry! I didn't want to talk about it last night and I DO NOT want to discuss it now! Professor Snape will be here any second. And I see Ronald's partner just entered. So button it!"

"Right fine." Both boys muttered.

Of course, that closed the matter for Ron. But all through the largely automatic process of brewing, most of Harry's mind was on the occurrence of the night before. And the more he thought about it, the less he thought such a thing should be kept secret. Perhaps if some of the right people knew, word could spread. He contemplated Ron's partner, quiet, about as shy as he himself; but popular. As they left class, he groused at Ron "Well that's another 43 points from Gryffindor."

"Fred and George would be proud, but Percy will be pissed." The redhead boy nodded.

The bushy-haired girl rolled her eyes "You're lucky Professor Snape is out of range, or you'd have detention too."

"I've heard worse, growing up among Aurors, but I concede your point Hermione." Said the redhead girl "Just make sure professors don't hear."

The boys looked between the girls and grinned. For Harry, it was enough "Susan, if I tell you something, can you tell other people without telling them WHERE you learned it?"

"Err…Harry" Ron cautioned "We were out after curfew."

This only made him nod at the Hufflepuff "But she doesn't know that. Or, at least she didn't until you told her. Anyway, Susan, remember first night? Third floor? Grewsome death?"

"Ahh yeah" was the less than eager answer.

He went on "What if I were to tell you it's large, white, barks and has three heads?"

"Cerberus!" Susan was barely able to keep her voice down "The Headmaster let a monster in school?" she looked at the trio in annoyance "Oh come on! Ron you're as much a Pureblood as me! More in fact. Hermione you been through Hogwarts a History at least twice. And you, well, you're The-Boy-Who-Lived. Anyway, castle wards make it impossible for something like that to be here without at least the Headmaster's knowledge. At the very least, he knows."

Hermione's initial reaction was automatic "Susan, Professor Dumbledore know be- -" but she stopped herself "What are you suggesting?"

"I'm not suggesting anything." The Hufflepuff countered "We are in danger and it sounds like our Headmaster is the cause."

The Gryffindors all looked concerned, but the female one gave voice to hers "You cannot go spreading speculation."

"Careful with the four syllable words. They aren't Ron's specialty." Susan teased then got serious "It's true. Anyway, Auntie told me some old stories from way back. Unsolved crimes, mysterious disappearances, strange occurrences. Well I'd say a three-headed dog fills the bill. She'll get to the bottom of it."

Hermione looked skeptical "What could she possibly do? Professor McGonagall told us my parents barely had a say."

"That's where Draco and his kind have too much power." She sighed "Pureblood families are not subject to that. And, my Auntie is more than just another parent, she's Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

Ron gave an unsurprised nod, while Harry was as ignorant as Hermione, if not moreso. She gave the Hufflepuff a cross look "That's not very fair. But I guess if anyone has authority beyond a headmaster, it would be Law Enforcement."

"I'll have an owl out before curfew." Susan promised.

Before she could turn away Harry offered "I'll go with you to the owlery. Hedwig doesn't get much use."

Abcij

"Hedwig!" Harry called out as soon as the pair entered. The owlery was a barn-like building. High ceiling, big open windows. Perches and nests everywhere. From a distance came a squawk. The snowy swooped down and landed on her wizard's shoulder. She nipped at his ear then shot a look at the other human. Harry stroked her breast with a finger then introduced "This is Susan. I know you haven't had much to do. Sorry. Would you deliver a letter for her?"

At last! A mission! All Hedwig's instincts hummed. But the owl gave a suspicious look to the redhead human, then back to hers.

"I'd be grateful, Hedwig. And actually, it will help Harry too. Please." Said Susan as she brought up a finger and gently brushed a white wing. When the owl nodded and extended a leg, she tied an envelope, instructing "This goes to Amelia Bones

Abcij

"Good morning Amelia." Dumbledore greeted the visitors with outward calmness "What brings you and your …my goodness! A full platoon! Hogwarts does not typically play host to so many former students at once. Come in, sit down and join us for Saturday breakfast."

Madam Bones was not here to socialize. She walked right up to the Head table while ordering "Sections one and three to the third floor. Class XXXXX protocols in effect. Two, here with me."

The orders were repeated by subordinates and most of the armed and armored witches and wizards left. The remainder had their wands out and took up positions to support the boss. Several at the big double doors, more along each wall behind the shocked students, and two right behind her.

"And what, Amelia, is the point of this …strike force… in my school." The Headmaster spoke with cold authority. The teachers were silenced just by the fact of wands pointed at them.

Not, for the moment, even acknowledging her niece Madam Bones queried "Your school? Have you a deed? How else should a Cerberus be handled?"

"Fluffy! NO!" yelled the bearded groundskeeper, and he surged out of his seat. Assorted nearby drinks were toppled and a couple plates spilled onto the floor.

Before a single meal stained the floor one of the Director's guards acted to neutralize the potential threat. Her wand flashed and "Petrificus Totalis!"

"Nymphadora that was uncalled for." Dumbledore chided her "Were you still in school I would deduct points from Hufflepuff."

She only raised an eyebrow at the sudden flash of near ultraviolet in her subordinate's hair. She turned her attention back to the professors. A wand on her neck made her voice heard throughout the Great Hall "All of you are relieved of duty pending my investigation into what, if any, each of your involvement is in this matter."

"Amelia, you must understand I cannot allow that. While it is a weekend, all of us have a great deal of educational work to do." The Headmaster declared, his tone was grandfatherly, but brooked no disobedience "Not to add your concerns, but what of due process? Who accuses us? And of what? And exactly how would order be maintained? Who would teach?"

Turning, it was the first time she allowed herself to see her niece "I received an owl from Susan, something about horrible death, I believe. After the Cerberus is dealt with, you are all to be questioned for suspicion of Child Endangerment. 442 counts to be exact. That's just a start." She turned to the student body "I will leave sufficient Aurors to staff the school for the short term. They should not have any trouble. My hope is that most of your professors will return with little disruption." Then eyed the more reluctant looking of the staff "Be cooperative and you may retain your wands, and dignity."

"I think everybody should remain here while I speak with Cornelius." Dumbledore stood and spoke with grave authority. He wasn't …quite… making a threat.

Madam Bones wasn't one to be intimidated. Her stance shifted subtly and the wands of her detachment came out. "Headmaster, at the moment I have sixteen Aurors with me. When the primary task is complete, that number will more than triple. I do not imagine the Minister will have a problem speaking with you …but, not here. Now, kindly join your professors. I will be along after a brief visit with my niece."

"My father would oppose Professor Snape being investigated." Declared a certain blond Slytherin. "Is he aware of this action?"

She looked over, visibly unimpressed "Magical Law Enforcement, young man, is not required to notify the public of an investigation. Appropriate reports will be made at appropriate times and, as you just heard me tell Professor Dumbledore, teachers will resume their tasks when and if I determine they may do so…..Ah Susan."

"Auntie, did you know that is Draco Malfoy." The Hufflepuff girl offered an on-duty embrace and pointed out the vital tidbit.

Three Gryffindors were whispering together, only two were willing to approach the formidable witch. While the girl was intensely curious it was the boy who managed to ask the question "Err …ma'am… did this have anything to do with- - -"

"Mmmm …Hermione Granger, Harry Potter… and red hair not quite mine, Arthur's Ronald …I believe." She was aware the students might want to keep the matter quiet, but had her own views "Were I on staff I would have a quandry. You were instrumental in uncovering a very dangerous situation, certainly worthy of a major point award. BUT you three were both out of bounds and in violation of curfew."

Harry looked at his friends, exchanged uneasy nods then replied "They didn't want to go out, ma'am. It was really my idea."

"As I said, school discipline is not one of my job functions." Madam Bones' words were stern, even if there was an amused note in her voice "Good to see the old hall again. Quite a bit like I remember your father, Harry."

Curiosity overwhelmed the boy's discomfort "You knew my parents? My Aunt never had nice things to say about them."

"Oh, that's too bad." She answered, considering the implications while not revealing her thoughts "I might have a tall tale or two to share. Feel free to drop me a note from time to time. Lovely owl. Susan …I will be in touch… watch out for these three." With that she departed.

The four youngsters were left looking at each other, and at the empty Head Table.