A.N./Disclaimer: Most of the characters and the original plot belong to J.K. Rowling. I do not own them. Neither am I profiting from this nor do I plan to commercialize it. I am writing for fun.
A.N.: Thank you for all the follows, favorites and reviews.
Chapter 14
Harry and Hermione were seated beside the Great Lake. Harry was quietly staring at nothingness whereas Hermione was reading a book that she had found interesting in the library of the Tower. After minutes of silence, Hermione finally closed her book and said, "Harry, what is it? You're being awfully quiet."
Harry looked at Hermione and saw nothing but concern in her chocolate brown eyes. He had seen that look many times before. After the troll incident, after the detention in the Forbidden Forest, before Harry had to go and face Quirrell-Riddle alone, after Harry's bones had been vanished, during the whole Heir of Slytherin fiasco and during the revelations after the Time Chamber. Hermione was the first person who had seen him as a normal wizard who somehow ended up in the middle of something beyond his own control and had done her best to help him survive. He couldn't think of anyone else who had been as constantly supportive as Hermione. Sure, there were adults who were helping him now but even when everything was wrong, Hermione had stayed with him. Sometimes he did wonder what his life would have been like had he not met one Hermione Granger. Truth to be told, he had been a bit scared that he might lose her friendship when she came to know about Harry's importance to the magical world beyond his status as the Boy-Who-Lived; however, he was now laughing at his own foolishness. Hermione had seen him as just Harry even when everyone else had been treating him like a bloody celebrity. Why would that change just because of him discovering the importance of his family lines?
He suddenly realized that Hermione had asked him a question and he had been staring at her without a reply. He shook himself out of his meander and replied, "Er… It's just that I have been thinking."
"About?", asked Hermione.
Harry sighed and replied, "Quite a lot of things actually. Mostly because of what my parents and grandparents said. Dumbledore fooled quite a lot of people, didn't he? … I mean, I know I shouldn't be blaming Dumbledore for everything but you and I both have an idea the kind of things he has done. And that is excluding what Snape and he might have planned. … T-To make matters worse, most of the wizarding public believes that Dumbledore can do no wrong."
Harry paused and stared into distance. He continued, "You saw what my grandpa said. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to hold three positions of power when all he wanted to do was nurture young minds?"
He looked at Hermione and continued, "You know my interaction with my parents and grandparents wasn't limited to the memory I showed everyone. W-We… We had a lengthy conversation after it. I was still not convinced that we needed to take an aggressive stance against the Death Eaters and Dumbledore. Then they told me about the war. Do you know my dad had killed a few Death Eaters who had attacked my mum? And my mum said that had dad not killed those I wouldn't be here, and our family magics would have died.
"My parents had joined Dumbledore's Order, but they did not believe in Dumbledore's preaching of stunning the Death Eaters. Apparently, Dumbledore had had an argument with my parents when my mum had used a Peverell spell to psychologically torture a Death Eater to an extent that he had ended up killing a bunch of other Death Eaters before taking himself out. My grandparents too have killed many a bad wizards and witches.
"When I looked horror struck, they said that magic is grey. They said that should we not kill the ones that repeatedly use Mother Magic's blessings for ill purposes, how can we be proud of her blessings to our family? They also said that when these people do not mind using the darkest of spells on innocents, why should we restrict to simple stunners? Are we so set in the ways of 'Light' that we can let Mother Magic be sullied by these goons? How many more lives should be lost before someone takes an action against them?"
Harry paused and looked away again. He asked, "Did you know many wizards and witches of the Order who followed Dumbledore's preaching lost their lives in battles to the revived Death Eaters whom they had stunned?"
Hermione shook her head, but Harry wasn't looking at her. He sighed, turned towards her and continued, "If you look at the Potter and the Peverell lines alone, you will see that my ancestors have taken countless lives but not one of them has been for personal gain. Of course, there have been countless blood feuds, but that was because someone from our family had been killed first. It is my duty as the sole surviving descendant of these lines that I need to avenge the deaths of the previous Lord and Lady, my parents."
Harry paused to gather his thoughts. Hermione was now clutching Harry's hand and squeezing it gently every time Harry shuddered while talking. Harry continued, "I am scared what I might find in Snape's mind. I am scared that I might not be able to control my anger and kill Snape and Dumbledore. I am scared that I might mess up all our careful planning. If he indeed was behind my parents' murders, I don't think I can hold back. Nor do I think my magic will."
Hermione, who was now rubbing Harry's arm with her other hand, said, "I believe in you, Harry. I know it is going to be difficult should it be true, but I know you will do what is right. Yes, Dumbledore will deserve a harsh punishment if it is true, but we need him around. If Riddle fears him, we need him around for the sake of everyone else's protection. He won't be of any use to us in prison. Once we deal with Riddle, he will be punished. He won't be able to worm his way out of it."
Harry nodded and said, "I hope you are right, Hermione."
Hermione squeezed Harry's hand and said, "I know I am. When have I ever been wrong?"
Harry replied with mirth in his tone, "Oh, that day when we were practicing with a boggart. You were wrong when you thought I did not need you anymore."
Hermione blushed and swatted Harry's arm. "Prat!" They broke into fits of laughter.
The next day as Snape dismissed the potions class, Hermione and Neville wished Harry a good luck and left the class with the other students. Snape was busy filing away the essays that the students had just turned in when he heard the door close. He looked up to see his least favorite student standing in the class. "Potter, might I ask why you decided to grace my classroom", sneered Snape and paused. "After the class hours."
Harry gave a fake smile and retorted, "Oh, nothing really. Just thought I would hang out with my most favorite professor in the whole world, sir."
Snape was dumbstruck. He wasn't expecting this from Harry. He wanted to use Legilimency on him but then remembered Harry's threat after the opening feast. Harry continued in the same tone, "How can you not be my most favorite professor? You always look for reasons to assign detentions to me and take points from me. Someone who has no idea about your absolute hatred for my father will probably think that you are obsessed with me and love spending time with me. If that wasn't enough, you are unable to keep your abnormally long nose out of my mind. Didn't take you to be a caring person, Snivellus."
Harry paused for a second. He narrowed his eyes and continued, "Do you know that I hate your existence? It reminds me that Dumbledore went out of his way to protect you but did not give a damn about my father, Sirius Black. If only there was a way for me to find out why Dumbledore values you so much!"
Harry then paused for a dramatic effect and noticed the look of absolute terror and anger on Snape's face. He continued, "Oh, that's it. I know how to do it. Just the other day, I was told about a certain life debt you owe to my father. I guess I could just call it and you will have to spit everything out." Harry saw that Snape's face had been drained of anger and blood. He was white with fear.
Snape, in a hurried attempt to shut Harry up, reached for his wand. As soon as he had grasped his wand, he heard the boy scream, "Expelliarmus!" He was immediately disarmed and watched the wand fly towards the boy. He then heard Potter, "Accio Snape's wands and portkeys." He felt his second wand and four portkeys being summoned by the boy.
Harry knew that generally, a portkey shouldn't be a worry for him as it was impossible for someone to portkey in and out of Hogwarts without the help of the sitting Headmaster or an heir. However, in Snape's case, he was quite sure that Dumbledore would have created portkeys for Snape. Harry caught the objects flying towards him and stashed them away. Aiming his familiar wand at Snape, Harry cast a body bind on him and tied him to a chair. Snape was too shocked to recover and strengthen his mental shields when Harry aimed his wand at him and cast "Legilimens". Harry was inside Snape's head. He had started to look through Snape's memories when he felt Snape try to force him out, so Harry increased his power. He filtered through his memories and found the ones he was looking for.
He saw Snape overhearing the prophecy before being thrown out of the bar. He then saw Snape reciting the prophecy to Voldemort before begging Dumbledore for help when he realized that Voldemort was going after the Potters. He wanted Dumbledore to hide Lily because of his love for her. He had even begged Riddle to let Lily live. He saw Snape's childhood memories and how Snape had been a great friend to his mother before losing it by calling her the m-word. He then saw Snape's farce of a trial and the deal between Dumbledore and him. Snape was supposed to be a spy for Order in return for Dumbledore's help. Surely, Dumbledore then should have known that Peter was a Death Eater? After a bit more snooping, Harry had seen enough to come to a conclusion that Snape had indeed played a part in his dad's death.
Harry's demeanor changed instantly. He aimed his wand to the ceiling and spat, "I, Harry James Potter, Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Peverell, and Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, hereby call forth the life debt owed by Severus Tobias Snape to Late James Charlus Potter, former Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Peverell, and Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. If Severus Tobias Snape has played any part in the death of James Charlus Potter, and thus, endangering the ancient lines of Potter, Peverell, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, I ask of Mother Magic to punish Severus Tobias Snape with the following. Severus Tobias Snape can never speak a word about this meeting with anyone through speech or in writing, nor provide a memory, or any other means possible. Within a period of two weeks, Severus Tobias Snape will provide me with separate written testimonies regarding his part in the death of my parents, what sort of arrangement he has with one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, why Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore saved him from going to Azkaban, and the crimes that he has committed after he became the potions master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He will also provide me with the memories of each of them. After completing them, he will hand over all the written testimonies and the memories and surrender himself to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the crimes he has committed after he became the potions master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. All the while he must relive his worst memories. Should he fail to do so, I ask that he be stripped of Mother Magic's blessing and life for playing a part in the death of the very person who he owed a life debt to. I also demand that he cannot harm himself nor get himself harmed by anybody before completing my conditions. Nor can he harm anyone from this moment onwards in word or deed. May Mother Magic judge my words and validate my claim. So I say, so mote it be."
Snape's eyes were wide with horror as Harry's words settled in his head. They both glowed with magic as the claim settled. He had not been left an out from this. He looked at Harry with fear. The boy's eyes were glowing with magic, and one could see a layer of magic that had formed around him.
"You bastard, my parents are dead because of you", snarled Harry. He was so angry that he lost control of his magic and it would have sent ripples through Hogwarts had Lady Hogwarts did not form a barrier around her Lord to prevent him from destroying the castle. Harry took a couple of deep breaths and aimed the wand at Snape again. He incanted, "animarum cruciatibus ad noctis". He holstered his wand and said, "My family magics will calm down for a while. They have been very aggressive around you, Snivellus. I wish I could say that you don't see my mother in afterlife, but I'd be lying, and I don't want to. I sincerely hope you do see her. She will hex you and your bits to next life, and probably set you on fire. You are an absolute piece of scum. Thought you would prevail no matter which side won, didn't you?"
Harry continued in a mocking tone after a brief pause, "Tch, tch. Look around, nobody's here to save you from your destiny. Funny thing magic is, isn't it? Too bad you won't be able to tell anyone about this meeting. I will be waiting for the testimonies, Sevvie." He morphed himself to look like Lily when he said Sevvie and watched Snape's shattered that Harry tossed Snape's wands and portkeys towards him and walked away.
Few hours later, Dumbledore found Snape, still body bound and tied to the chair. He immediately released him and asked, "Severus, my boy, may I ask what happened to you?"
Snape wanted to and tried to tell Dumbledore, but words wouldn't come out. He then recalled the life debt sentence. He tried to bring the memory to the front with intention to share but failed. Resigning to his fate, Snape simply replied, "I am not quite sure, Albus. I think I might have been pranked by someone, might have been that Potter brat."
Dumbledore replied to his pet Death Eater in a calm voice, "Now, now, Severus. You can't blame the boy for everything. I know you hated his father, and he reminds you of him, but the boy is necessary for our plans. I plead you to not create any issues, especially with the looming threat of sack over your head."
Snape's face was expressionless. He just nodded as he knew there was nothing more to be gained out of it.
That evening Harry showed his friends the memories that he had seen in Snape's mind. He also sent a copy of the memories to Lily's Keep for the adults there to watch. Everyone had similar reaction to Harry's. Well, at least Snape wouldn't be around for too long.
November 28, 1993
The Tower of Gryffindor Chamber
10:15 A.M.
The group gathered in the library that weekend to discuss the meeting with the Queen. Ted handed a letter to Harry and said, "This is Her Majesty's response to you. It sort of outlines what was discussed in our meeting with her."
Harry opened the letter and read:
Her Majesty Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace
Dear Lord Potter,
I had an interesting conversation with your Solicitor on Retainer, Mr. Edward Tonks, your father, Lord Sirius Orion Black, and Lady Dowager Augusta Longbottom. After having been informed of the relevant incidents, I can see why you are worried.
The High Council has always offered its counsel in handling the events in Magical Britain. That being said, given the complicated nature of the case, I have decided to suggest a change in Britain's representative to the International Confederation of Wizards. Lady Regent Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, will replace the current representative, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. I am told that as Mr. Dumbledore will no longer be representing Britain in the ICW, he will not be able to continue as the Supreme Mugwump. This should help in the fulfillment of my suggestion to the ICW. I have asked them to handle the prisoners' situation as they see fit, including execution; however, they are requested to contact Madam Bones alone regarding the matter. She is my chosen representative to the ICW, and should that not happen, I will dissolve the entire Magical Britain's government and rule it through Lords and Ladies appointed by me. As the ruling monarch of the United Kingdom, I hold the power to do so. I hope this resolves your issue.
I thank you for bringing this to my knowledge.
Her Majesty,
Elizabeth.
Harry put down the letter and said, "That seems like a good start."
Sirius nodded and said, "It is. Her Majesty was really happy that you decided to approach her for help instead of taking a more violent route despite having all the reasons to do so. She reminisced Charlus' and my grandfather's viciously political acumen. We did tell her that it was inspired by Charlus' ways, and we just wanted to be as legal as possible."
Hermione said, "Well, at least we don't have to kill anyone illegally." She paused for a bit and sheepishly admitted, "I was a bit mad that Harry had decided to call the life debt on Snape but after seeing the things that he had done, I think he should have been dealt with sooner."
"Think nothing of it, Hermione", said Harry. "Honestly speaking, I might have enough financial and political pull to bring Britain to her knees and do whatever I want, but I don't want to. I want to do it the right way. Had Snape not done what he did, I wouldn't have called the life debt. I think the same goes for the Death Eaters currently in Azkaban. They are already convicted, and we just pointed out a major flaw in housing them and left the ICW to deal with them. Does that mean they will be executed? Probably. Do we want their execution? Yes, because they are as bad as Snape, or worse. Does that mean we will hand over the 'Imperiused' Death Eaters who walk free to the ICW? No. We know they might have been lying but whatever sort of trial they had stood, they had been declared innocent. But that doesn't mean that we won't take the advantage of the pureblood laws to hurt them. We will do everything to hurt them as long as it is within the laws."
Hermione looked puzzled. Harry, smiling wide, turned to Sirius and said, "Dadfoot, my beloved godfather, care to explain our dear Hermione how the Malfoy patriarch made the gold that he spreads around?"
Sirius had an expression similar to Harry's. He said, "Well, Lucy received a lot of gold when he married Narcissa as per the marriage contract. The Malfoys were rich but not as rich as they are today. Around half of their fortune comes from the House of Black due to Narcissa's marriage to Lucy. I am pretty sure Lucius hasn't fulfilled all the contractual terms and might have broken a few. Should that happen, I, Lord Black, can annul the marriage and recall all the Black gold that he had received. It hurts their pockets and is still legal.
"I have started to go through the marriage contracts belonging to Bella and Cissa. Now, Bella's contract doesn't hold any financial value anymore as the Lestrange vault was forfeited to Harry and Gringotts; however, I can recall any family magic that runs through her husband. I will then cast Bella out of the family. Can't have Black family magic be used for harming others. Cissa's marriage on the other hand is a bit of a conundrum. I will have to meet with her to take care of it. Gold will obviously be recovered, and the Black magic from Lucy will be recalled too. Whether I cast Cissa out or not depends on her allegiance. If she allies herself with her husband and the bastard Riddle, she will lose her claim to the family magic too, else I will let her be."
Hermione narrowed her eyes at Sirius and asked, "Why were you waiting for so long?"
"Because the goblins were auditing the Black and Malfoy vaults", replied Sirius. "Besides, going after them as soon as I was released would have been predictable. Every time they think they don't have anything to worry about, I will deal a blow to them. I want them to be wary of every move they make. I want them to be afraid of what might happen next. That gives a psychological edge to us."
Hermione nodded in understanding. Neville asked, "Is that also one of the reasons why we are toying around with Dumbledore?"
Sirius admitted, "It is, partly. We can't let him know the extent up to which we know about everything. Partially it is also because Dumbledore is seen as a messiah. It would be too difficult to put him away in the prison. Besides, like we discussed, if having him around means Riddle won't attack the school, then so be it. We need to protect the students at all costs."
The kids agreed to the reasoning. Susan added, "Well, if the old fool is going to be around, we should definitely prank him. With Snape now leaving, we need to make someone butt of our jokes. And you know he deserves it." Everyone sniggered at the heiress' statement.
"Too bad we can't prank both", pouted Luna.
November 30, 1993
Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
11:15 A.M.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Order of Merlin, First Class, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot of Magical Britain, the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Grand Sorcerer, sat in his office. He had a book open in front of him, but he wasn't reading. He seemed deep in thought. Since the last week, his dear friend Snape had been behaving quite oddly. He was barely seen outside his dungeon apart from the mealtimes. And whenever he was seen, he looked sleep deprived and worse for wear. He had tried to question him over and over again, but Snape wouldn't say a thing. He was very concerned about him. He wanted to help him but since he did not know whatever it is that bothered his most trusted lieutenant, he was left helpless. If only Dumbledore knew that he was about to lose one of his positions of power within the next couple of minutes, he would have been doing things to undo the removal, Snape be damned.
He saw an owl enter his office and land on his table. He had seen the owl before when he was sent letters from the ICW. The owl was indigenous to Switzerland. He removed the letter from the owl's leg with a look of surprise on his face and the bird took off. As he began reading the letter, Dumbledore's face formed an expression of confusion.
Dear Mr. A.P.W. , Order of Merlin, First Class,
This is to inform you that you have been removed from the office of Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards as you're no longer the representative from the British Ministry of Magic.
We thank you for your services and wish you best for your future endeavors.
Signed,
The Panel of Warlocks,
The International Confederation of Wizards.
Dumbledore read the note twice over to make head and tail of it. He couldn't understand what was going on. Surely, this was a mistake? How could have he been replaced as the representative of the British Ministry and not be informed about it? He started recalling the Wizengamot sessions to see if he had missed anything. There had been no discussion. Had the foolish minister finally figured out that he could appoint or replace the representative without the Wizengamot's approval? If so, this was bad. Dumbledore shuddered imagining what the Malfoy git would do if Cornelius had appointed him, or worse, the pink toad woman.
He had just left his chair and approached the fireplace to floo to the ministry to speak with the fool of a minister when he received a letter from the said idiot. He retrieved the letter and began reading it. As he read the letter, his face changed colors many a times. It first turned red with anger then to purple with pure, unadulterated rage, and then to white of fear and shock.
Dear Albus,
I just received three letters: one each from the ICW, the muggle Prime Minister and Her Majesty. Her Majesty has decided to change the British representative to the ICW. Taking the recent events into account, she felt it wouldn't do Britain any good to let you hold three full-time positions. She wants Amelia Bones to represent Britain in the ICW. It will also help her in building up a good network to catch Peter Pettigrew. I was advised in a not-so-subtle way that any defiance will result in a dissolution of the Ministry. While I might have liked some say in the choice of the representative, I am no fool to go against Her Majesty's wish and command.
As such, if you receive a letter from the ICW stating a change in the representatives, it is because Her Majesty sent the notice directly to the ICW instead of alerting me first. When I was notified about it this morning by the muggle Prime Minister, I was told that Her Majesty has the power to change representatives at her wish should she deem it necessary. I know you might not like it, but I cannot, in good faith, go against Her Majesty's command.
Regards,
Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Order of Merlin, First Class.
Minister of Magic, Britain
Dumbledore slammed the letter on his desk. He knew that the Queen had the authority to change the Minister of Magic, or any other sitting dignitaries should she deem it necessary. He did not think the Queen would exercise this power of hers to replace him as the British representative to the ICW. This was why he had taken up the other posts and not Minister of Magic. The Minister had to communicate with the muggle Prime Minister every now and then, thus putting his office in the firing line of the monarch. This was a huge setback. He had used his influence in the Ministry and the ICW to keep things going according to his plan.
But ever since Sirius' trial, so many of his plans had been derailed. He had first lost the guardianship of his weapon, the Potter brat. Instead of being miserable and shy, the boy was happy, confident and too powerful for Dumbledore to act as his savior. Instead, he had lost the coveted Elder Wand to the boy who now hated him. Somehow, the wand had shown him deeds and now the boy had blackmailed him about Gellert. The brat had then threatened him with removal from his post should he not take care of bullying in the house of Ravenclaw. Oh, and how could he forget about the boy's absolute bashing of his redhead spy!
However, that wasn't the only thing he had lost since that trial. His access to the massive Potter fortune was also gone. He was in no need of gold as he had enough of it, but if he was to continue his lavish lifestyle and keep on paying the Weasleys, he would need gold for the Order when Riddle returns, which he knew was bound to happen soon. He did not want to pay for it from his own vault. He had also lost access to the Gryffindor pensieve. It had no special features. It was the fact that it was the first one to be made that made it special. He had also lost his influence on the Board of Governors. What good was it being the headmaster if the Board wouldn't let him get away with anything!
And then there was the dungbomb that had dropped today. The Queen had somehow taken an interest into the matters of Magical Britain and decided to replace him as the British representative to the ICW. How was he to explain Her Majesty that he shouldn't be replaced for the Greater Good? At least, he still held the office of Chief Warlock. He decided that he would have to be extra careful else he would be ousted from that post as well.
Little did he know that irrespective of how careful he was, the post wouldn't be his come January. As he began to think of how he could get his post back, every thought about Severus Snape was promptly forgotten. Dumbledore cared about himself and himself alone. The rest of the world be damned. They were nothing but pieces on a chessboard, his puppets if you will.
Or at least, that is what the great Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore wanted. Too bad for him that not everyone was as malleable as he would like them to be.
December 3, 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
12:30 P.M.
Snape saw the young Potter enter the hall and sit with his friends. The soon-to-be-former potions master left his seat and made his way towards the group. He came to a halt and said, "Mr. Potter, may I have a word?"
Harry turned towards him and narrowed his eyes. He nodded and replied, "Sure, professor."
"In private", replied Snape curtly. Harry nodded and followed Snape out of the Great Hall. Snape led Harry into an unused classroom and locked the door. He removed a small wooden box from his cloak and handed it to Harry.
Harry opened the box and examined the contents and shut the box. He simply glared at Snape who just left the classroom without a word. Harry retrieved the written testimony that detailed his crimes after becoming the potions master and made a copy of it which he sent to Amelia. Harry returned to his friends and told them that Snape had handed Harry the testimonies, and that he had sent one to Amelia that would be published in the newspapers the next morning.
The next morning as the students were having breakfast, a large number of owls entered the Great Hall carrying newspapers. As the students received their papers and unfolded it, there was a loud cheer from three of four house tables. Only the Slytherins weren't cheering. Dumbledore saw this and opened his paper. The headline on the front page caught him out of nowhere.
PARDONED DEATH EATER SEVERUS SNAPE SURRENDERS HIMSELF,
COMMITTED COUNTLESS CRIMES SINCE HIS PARDON
In a shocking turn of events, current Hogwarts potions master and pardoned Death Eater, Severus Snape, surrendered himself to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement yesterday afternoon. This reporter is led to believe that Snape has surrendered himself for the crimes committed after he had taken up professorship at Hogwarts.
When this reporter asked Madam Amelia Bones for a comment yesterday after the surrender, the Head of DMLE said, "Mr. Snape walked in with a written testimony about the crimes he had committed since his pardon. The heinous nature of his crimes appalls me. He has admitted to using Legilimency on countless minors at Hogwarts, including heirs and heiresses to some of the sacred houses. He also admitted that he had been gradually decreasing the number of healers and aurors by preventing many students from getting the required grades in potions. The fact that he had used Legilimency on many minors without express consent of their guardians is enough to put him in Azkaban for life. Upon interrogation, Mr. Snape pleaded guilty to each of them and has refused to stand trial. He was checked by healers from St. Mungo's to see if he had been potioned or charmed. The results were negative, meaning Mr. Snape had surrendered and pleaded guilty out of his own volition. He will be sent to Azkaban right away."
This reporter's sources say that after Lord Black had taken up his and his son, Heir Potter's seats on the Hogwarts Board of Governors, Mr. Snape had been put on probation due to the large number of complaints against him. When this reporter approached the Board for a word, Madam Augusta Longbottom, the chairperson said, "Had we known about this, we would have sacked him and handed him over to the DMLE right away. Rest assured, the Board will not let anything similar happen again. We have already begun looking for a new potions professor. In the meanwhile, we ask all the students and their families to remain calm and inform us if they feel any other professor might be doing something illegal. We will thoroughly investigate it. For us, it has always been students first."
This reporter as well as the readers would like to know how did Dumbledore not know of this. And if he did, why did he not do anything? This reporter would like to remind the readers that Snape had been pardoned on Dumbledore's request stating that he was a great potions master, and that Magical Britain would benefit from his brewing skills. This reporter fails to see any benefit that might have come from such an arrangement.
Dumbledore rolled up the paper and started to leave. As he was descending the staff table, he heard someone from Ravenclaw exclaim, "They've printed Snape's testimony in Mind the Twinkle. It is unbelievable!" Dumbledore came to a quick halt and climbed up again. He reached his chair and asked Minerva if he could borrow her copy of Mind the Twinkle. The cat-witch curtly nodded and handed him her copy. He opened it and began to read:
DEATH EATER SEVERUS SNAPE SURRENDERS HIMSELF
Pardoned Death Eater Severus Snape surrendered himself yesterday for the countless crimes he had committed as the Hogwarts potions master. This reporter is shocked that someone who said that he regretted his ways could be capable of doing the things he has done ever since.
Madam Bones, the Head of DMLE said, "Mr. Snape walked in with a written testimony about the crimes he had committed since his pardon. The heinous nature of his crimes appalls me. He has admitted to using Legilimency on countless minors at Hogwarts, including heirs and heiresses to some of the sacred houses. He also admitted that he had been gradually decreasing the number of healers and aurors by preventing many students from getting the required grades in potions. The fact that he had used Legilimency on many minors without express consent of their guardians is enough to put him in Azkaban for life. Upon interrogation, Mr. Snape pleaded guilty to each of them and has refused to stand trial. He was checked by healers from St. Mungo's to see if he had been potioned or charmed. The results were negative, meaning Mr. Snape had surrendered and pleaded guilty out of his own volition. He will be sent to Azkaban right away."
Madam Augusta Longbottom, the chairperson of Hogwarts Board of Governors said, "Had we known about this, we would have sacked him and handed him over to the DMLE right away. Rest assured, the Board will not let anything similar happen again. We have already begun looking for a new potions professor. In the meanwhile, we ask all the students and their families to remain calm and inform us if they feel any other professor might be doing something illegal. We will thoroughly investigate it. For us, it has always been students first."
With the help of some sources that cannot be revealed, this reporter could get their hands on the contents of the written testimony. The following is the written testimony that Snape had provided the DMLE with:
I, Severus Tobias Snape, of sound soul, body and mind, testify to have committed the following crimes after taking up professorship at Hogwarts:
I have been gradually reducing the number of healers and aurors from houses other than Slytherin by intentionally reducing their grades in potions. I wanted to help my master's aim of having a ministry run by purebloods only.
I have performed Legilimency on countless minors without their or their guardian's permission. The minors include scions of Houses Weasley, McKinnon, McCallus, Lavenbrand, Ogden, McLaggen, Davis, Abbott, Edgecombe, Dearborn, Fawley, Greengrass, Macmillan, Potter, Longbottom, Lovegood, Dagworth-Granger and Bones among others.
I have ridiculed and bullied students of other houses in my detentions.
I have planted ideas in the brains of students using Legilimency that has resulted in some deciding to change their career paths.
I plead guilty to everything stated above.
This reporter is appalled by the extent of Snape's crimes. This is the same Snape who had pleaded the wizengamot that he had regretted his ways and Chief Warlock Dumbledore had argued in favor of him citing his brewing prowess. This reporter believes that Magical Britain had only suffered due to his appointment. This reporter would like to know if Dumbledore knew about this, and if he did, why did he not sentence Snape for the Death Eater that he is.
The readers can read more about Snape's trial all those years ago on page 3.
Dumbledore put down the paper and hurried out of the Great Hall. As soon as he was out of the hall, he apparated to the ministry. He wanted to know what had affected his dear spy so much that he had decided to surrender himself and pleaded guilty to what was certainly a set of heinous crimes, which Dumbledore already knew. Reaching the ministry, he found it empty except a few janitors and clerks who were probably just looking after the janitors' work. He then used the floo system in the public atrium to floo to the minister's residence.
After arriving at the minister's residence, he waited for a few minutes before Cornelius met with him. After their initial greetings, Cornelius asked, "Did you know about it, Albus?" Albus was just staring at the minister agape. Cornelius continued, "When Amelia brought it to my attention last afternoon, I couldn't believe that he could have done it. That's why we got healers from St. Mungo's to check him for any nefarious magic but found nothing wrong with him. The man has literally been fooling everyone."
Albus replied, "Can I have a word with him, Cornelius? I just want to make sure that he is alright. He didn't seem fine for the last couple of weeks. I know he has been checked by the healers, but it won't hurt to double check, would it?"
Cornelius seemed to think for a while. Dumbledore had arranged for his pardon before. If he pulls off something like that again, the wizarding public will probably call for my head along with his. And Amelia's political pull had just shot up a few notches ever since Lord Black's trial. I think I will let Amelia deal with this fool. If something was indeed wrong with Snape, Amelia will face the brunt of it. And if Dumbledore can pull off a pardon again, I can always blame Amelia and Dumbledore. It is a win-win for me. He formulated a reply, "I am sorry, but I can't authorize that. As Snape had surrendered to the DMLE and pleaded guilty to the charges without wanting to stand a trial, Amelia was right in imprisoning him. I don't want to be seen stepping over her authority because if you are wrong, I will face quite a lot of political backlashes. You can request Amelia to see if she will allow you to do so but I won't be playing any part in the conversation. Good day." The minister turned and left Albus in the entry hall.
Dumbledore, realizing the futility of staying at the minister's residence, decided to floo to the Bones Manor. No sooner had he stepped out of the floo than he was met with a house-elf who told, "Lady Regent Bones is away at the moment, and will not be available before Monday. If you have a message, you can leave it with me. Mistress will get back to you once she is back."
Dumbledore seemed dejected at the elf's message and asked, "Do you have any idea where she might be? Could you possibly tell me where I can find her?"
"No", came a one-word reply.
Dumbledore was taken aback by the elf's blunt reply. "Er..excuse me? Um, you don't know, or you won't tell?"
The elf replied, "Oh, I know where she is, but I won't tell you."
"Why?", asked Dumbledore getting annoyed. He was not used to being told no but that's what he was being told quite often recently. Can this idiot of an elf not understand how important it is for the Greater Good?
"For the last time, wizard, Lady Regent Bones is away at the moment, and will not be available before Monday. If you have a message, you can leave it with me. Mistress will get back to you once she is back", replied the elf. "Now if you don't have a message, be gone or I will remove you by force."
Dumbledore, who was very annoyed, was staring at the elf with a disappointed look. After a few seconds of silence, he felt the distinct feeling of being apparated by an elf. One second, he was in the entry hall of Bones Manor and the next he was in the middle of the Forbidden Forest. He called for Fawkes, but the phoenix did not make an appearance. He tried to apparate into his office, but he couldn't. Bugger, I had set up anti-apparition wards right before disapparating from Hogwarts. Dejected, he made the long walk back to his office. This week hadn't been going too well for him. He felt that life was unfair to him, especially at his old age.
December 7, 1993
Ministry of Magic, Britain
10:25 P.M.
Madam Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement led a group of wizards and witches towards the minister's office. These wizards and witches were wearing greyish-blue robes and carried themselves with elegance and respect. Their faces had a stony expression. Without waiting for the secretary's response, Amelia entered the minister's office with the group. Amelia saw that there were two unwanted guests in the office, the pink bitch and the blond ponce. The pink bitch being the idiot as usual, screeched, "Amelia, what is the meaning of this? Can't you see the minister is busy attending to important matters?" Amelia stared at the woman. The Malfoy patriarch was sneering from his seat.
Amelia, giving a sickly-sweet smile, replied, "Dolores dear, what I do see is that the minister is having a friendly discussion. Mr. Malfoy here doesn't hold any position in the ministry, meaning the meeting here is of personal matters. If, however, the minister and you were discussing anything regarding the ministry with a non-ministry personnel, I, as the Head of DMLE, have the right to open an investigation into the minister and your person. Should you be found guilty of divulging into confidential ministry business, you will be thrown into Azkaban on charges including conspiracy against the Ministry of Magic."
Amelia paused for a second and continued, "I need to discuss something with the minister. Something that cannot wait and lies beyond your clearance level, and certainly beyond Mr. Malfoy's. Now, why don't you take Mr. Malfoy here and exit the office before I make you do so."
"Amelia dear,", replied Umbridge with a fake smile, "I am sure the minister would want me in the office. After all, I am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. Besides, if you know it, I am sure it is something I can be told too."
Amelia smirked, "First of all, I am the Head of DMLE, and I outrank you in the Ministry. Secondly, as I said, it lies beyond your clearance level. And if the minister wishes to share with you without the express permission of the parties involved, he will be suspended for putting the security of Magical Britain in jeopardy. Now, stop wasting our time and leave. You too, Mr. Malfoy."
Malfoy, being smart and remembering the showdown a few weeks ago in Hogwarts, decided to leave. After all, Cornelius could be easily bribed to inform him of everything. Why put himself in the firing line of an angry Bones.
The same couldn't be said of the pink woman. The toadface was about to retort when Cornelius decided to save his pet. "Madam Umbridge, please leave. I am sure Madam Bones meant no disrespect to you. She is just following procedure. Now, we can't have a ministry personnel not follow the procedure, can we?"
"But Cornelius – "
Cornelius cut her off, "Not a word more, Dolores. I said leave." He gave her a glare that said Leave, please. We will discuss this later. The witch huffed and left the office.
As soon as they had left, the doors to the office opened again and in walked Moody and Tonks. They started to put up privacy charms. Cornelius asked, "What is going on, Amelia? Why are two of your aurors here?"
"Patience, minister", snapped Amelia. After the charms had been put up, Amelia said, "These witches and wizards dressed in greyish-blue robes are from the ICW. The ICW had held an emergency session last weekend to discuss a certain situation in Magical Britain."
"Why wasn't I involved?", asked the minister.
"Because", said a wizard from the ICW, "you are not the representative from Britain but Madam Bones is. Secondly, Madam Bones as the Head of DMLE was more suited to the nature of discussion."
"Er..", mumbled the minister, "may I know who are you? I was quite recently told that I must introduce myself and my official capacity to prevent any cries of partiality and corruption. I am Cornelius Fudge, the British Minister of Magic."
"That is fair", replied the wizard. "I am Tonio Baumgartner, the Austrian representative to the ICW and the current Supreme Mugwump. Now onto more important matters, we are here for the eleven Death Eaters, including Snape, currently in Azkaban."
"Pardon?", asked a puzzled Fudge.
"A Death Eater escaped from Azkaban for recently, did he not?", asked Tonio. Cornelius just nodded his head. "Have you caught him yet?" The minister shook his head. Tonio continued, "Now, did you know that the very dementors that guard your prison had aligned themselves with the Dark Lord You-Know-Who in the war?"
The minister shook his head again. He wasn't liking this conversation. All he wanted was apple pie and milk but here he was being asked questions that he usually had his friend Lucius Malfoy or pet toad handle. This was looking like a long and unpleasant meeting. Why couldn't Amelia and the ICW just say it in front of his friends!
Tonio continued, "Given this information, Her Majesty has asked the ICW to take the prisoners and hand out punishments as we see fit. The ICW has decided that it does not want to waste people's gold in housing these vermin. Instead, we will execute them. Madam Bones here, as the British representative, will make sure that we execute them and report it to Her Majesty. This is just a courtesy meeting to inform you."
Cornelius thought about it and accepted the decision. He could get some good press out of it, especially if he could be seen doing something to ensure that a repetition of the Pettigrew incident doesn't happen. Moreover, anything that ended this conversation without too much input from him was welcome. He replied, "Very well, I agree with this. I will arrange for a press conference."
"Just make sure that you don't say anything to anyone before the execution has been carried out, minister", warned Tonio. "That includes the two people who were here before. Should any of the Death Eaters escape execution, you will be our prime suspect and tried in the ICW court."
Amelia added, "I am taking Alastor and Auror Tonks with me. Shack will be guarding your office to ensure that your interaction with everyone is limited till the execution."
Cornelius faltered, "I-I w-will never do that, Supreme Mugwump Baumgartner. I will just prepare my statement in my office."
The group then left the minister in his office to carry on doing what he thought was important: a good press conference to look like the good guy.
A few hours later the group of witches and wizards from the ICW arrived at Azkaban with Madam Amelia Bones, Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody and Auror Nymphadora 'Just call me Tonks' Tonks. Madam Bones instructed the warden and the remaining human guards of Azkaban to lead them to the eleven Death Eaters housed in Azkaban. The group from ICW divided into eleven pairs. Each pair consisted of one executioner and one warlock from the panel. After the pairs were formed, each pair was assigned a prisoner. Four hit-wizards from ICW were standing with Amelia, Moody, Tonks and Baumgartner at one end to see that the execution was carried out without any issues.
The pairs took their positions in front of the prisoners' cells. Baumgartner cast a sonorous and said, "Respected Panel of Warlocks, it pains me to say this, but we are here today on the seventh of December 1993 at 1:45 P.M. to witness and carry out the sentence of death to the convicted miscreants against Mother Magic, as per the judgement carried out by the warlocks of International Confederation of Wizards. These prisoners have misused and abused Mother Magic's blessings to achieve things that go against the very fabric of our dear Mother. May Mother Magic be their final judge in the magical realm and may their soul rest in peace."
Baumgartner paused for a bit as the executioners aimed the wands at the prisoners in the cell. The prisoners were screaming or laughing. Baumgartner then said, "Silence the prisoners." The silencing charms were then cast. "Prisoners, you will now be executed as per the judgement passed by the ICW for your crimes against Mother Magic. All I ask of you and hope is that you regret your way of life for Mother Magic's punishment is harsher than the ones we hand out here in the living realm. The executioners will now free you of your burden." As one, the executioners fired their spells at the prisoners. Within a second it was all over. The prisoners were no more. Baumgartner added, "May their soul rest in peace." After a pause for a minute of silence for the souls of the executed, the guards opened the cell for the hit-wizards to see if any of them were still alive.
After the check, Baumgartner continued, "The executioners may now snap the wands used for the execution and place at the feet of the executed as a sign of solace." The executioners did so after which Baumgartner added, "The ICW would like to apologize to the executioners for asking them to take the lives of beings blessed by Mother Magic, guilty or not." The executioners all gave a half bow. Tonio said, "That concludes the execution of the prisoners. The bodies may now be cremated or passed through a Veil of Death to prevent creation of Inferi." The guards collected the bodies and prepared for cremation. The group then left Azkaban except for Moody and Tonks, who had stayed back to ensure the cremation of the bodies.
The next day as the students were halfway into eating their breakfast, a flurry of post owls entered the Great Hall. Almost all of them were carrying newspapers. Harry and his friends knew what was going on, but of course, they had to feign their surprises. Opening the Daily Prophet, they read:
THE ICW STEPS IN TO HELP BRITAIN, EXECUTES THE ELEVEN IMPRISONED DEATH EATERS
Following the change of Supreme Mugwump in ICW last week after Britain had changed her representative to the ICW, the Panel of Warlocks at the ICW voted in favor of execution of the eleven imprisoned Death Eaters in Azkaban. These Death Eaters include former potions master Severus Snape, Bellatrix, Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange and Augustus Rookwood among others. The execution was carried out yesterday by a group of warlocks and executioners who were present in Britain.
Cornelius Fudge, the British Minister of Magic had this to say, "As much as it pains me to see the execution of pureblood magical beings, I must agree that this was the right thing to do. If any of them were able to escape Azkaban, we would have a bigger mess to deal with. As the Minister of Magic, the safety and security of the citizens is my priority, and I will stop at nothing to ensure their safety, as my actions suggest. I would like to express gratitude to Supreme Mugwump Baumgartner and the ICW on behalf of entire Magical Britain."
This reporter was able to get a comment from the Supreme Mugwump Tonio Baumgartner. "It is always painful to see the loss of life; however, the prisoners had to be executed for their crimes against Mother Magic. They used her blessings to maim, murder and rape countless lives, both magical and mundane. As such, the ICW cannot, in good conscience, use the public's gold to house the prisoners. Besides, Azkaban is guarded by dementors. The very creatures that took your dark lord's side in the war. We did not want another fugitive situation like Pettigrew. This will save wasting of resources and probably save a few lives."
This reporter for one believes that the execution of the Death Eaters, pureblood or not, is a welcome news to the wizarding public. We can sleep in peace with the belief that the ministry is looking out for us.
Read about the International Confederation of Wizards on pages 3-4
Read about the executed Death Eaters on pages 5-8
Hermione whispered, "Fudge is unbelievable. He actually said it pained him because they were purebloods. That git."
Harry rubbed her back and whispered back, "Well, if it's any consolation, Mind the Twinkle would have blasted him for his comment."
As if on cue, Neville said out loud for everyone around him to hear, "Mind the Twinkle called out on Fudge for his remark, and even said that Fudge had no hand in the execution."
It was as if a switch was flicked and everyone turned to the other paper, which was quickly becoming a major news outlet for printing the unfiltered truth.
IMPRISONED DEATH EATERS EXECUTED BY THE ICW,
FUDGE PUTS HIS FOOT IN THE MOUTH
The new Supreme Mugwump, Tonio Mugwump, along with a group of warlocks and executioners delivered the death sentence to the eleven imprisoned Death Eaters in Azkaban yesterday. These Death Eaters include former potions master Severus Snape, Bellatrix, Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange and Augustus Rookwood among others.
The British Minister of Magic had called for a press conference in which he said, "As much as it pains me to see the execution of pureblood magical beings, I must agree that this was the right thing to do. If any of them were able to escape Azkaban, we would have a bigger mess to deal with. As the Minister of Magic, the safety and security of the citizens is my priority, and I will stop at nothing to ensure their safety, as my actions suggest. I would like to express gratitude to Supreme Mugwump Baumgartner and the ICW on behalf of entire Magical Britain."
The Supreme Mugwump, Tonio Baumgartner was also present at the presser. He added, "It is always painful to see the loss of life; however, the prisoners had to be executed for their crimes against Mother Magic. They used her blessings to maim, murder and rape countless lives, both magical and mundane. As such, the ICW cannot, in good conscience, use the public's gold to house the prisoners. Besides, Azkaban is guarded by dementors. The very creatures that took your dark lord's side in the war. We did not want another fugitive situation like Pettigrew. This will save wasting of resources and probably save a few lives."
According to this reporter's secret sources, the execution was carried out at the request of Her Majesty. To validate the information, this reporter had approached a spokesperson of the mundane government. They said, "Her Majesty was quite concerned with the escape of Mr. Pettigrew from what she used to believe was the most gruesome prison. She knows that the prison is guarded by the creatures called dementors that had sided with the leader of the terrorist group in the war. Nobody knows how Mr. Pettigrew escaped; however, it also raises a question about the loyalty of these creatures when it comes to holding these terrorists in the prison. In order to avoid any more escapes, Her Majesty had requested the ICW to deal with the prisoners as they see fit."
My sources also informed me that the recent change in the British representative to the ICW was also due to Her Majesty's command. This was confirmed by the same spokesperson who said that Her Majesty believed in Madam Bones' virtues and sense of righteousness. Furthermore, with the entire Pettigrew debacle, she felt Dumbledore must be relieved of one of his posts to look after the safety of the students in Hogwarts.
As Her Majesty is the reigning monarch of the sovereign, Minister Fudge's stance on these matters does not have any effect on the ICW's decision. This reporter is disgusted that the minister felt remorse just because some of them were purebloods and had tried to take credit for something he did not have a hand in. Should Britain be actually headed by such a Minister of Magic? The reporter would like the readers to think it over.
Read more about the ICW on pages 3-4
Read more about the laws on execution and past executions by the ICW on pages 5-8
Read more about the executed Death Eaters on pages 9-10
"Safe to say", said Wood from few spaces down the table, "that at least one of the papers is not afraid of printing the truth. We need a transparent government and if the Daily Prophet continues to print half-truths, it will only help Mind the Twinkle more."
Another Gryffindor who was seated beside Wood added, "I agree. They are doing a fine job of helping us, the public, to know the truth that the ministry might try and cover up."
Harry and his friends felt proud of their establishment. Of course, it had been the main reason behind the paper. Even though between Harry and Sirius, they owned the Daily Prophet, they couldn't let the reporters there face any backlash and death threats. Mind the Twinkle, on the other hand, had their office in the mundane world and their post was regulated by Gringotts. It would be quite difficult for the pureblood bigots to look for and locate the office.
December 21, 1993
Wizengamot chamber, Ministry of Magic, Britain
2:30 P.M.
Harry and his friends were seated in the respective heir/heiress seats in the Wizengamot chamber for the session. Hogwarts term had ended two days ago, and they had returned to Lily's Keep for their Christmas break. They had been gathered at the Wizengamot chamber today for the dismissal of Dumbledore from the post of Chief Warlock.
Dumbledore entered the chamber and took his designated seat of Chief Warlock. He looked around and saw quite a lot of heir and heiress seats were filled, as was usually the case in the Winter Solstice sessions. The Winter Solstice sessions had been traditionally used to declare forming and breaking up of alliances. The heirs and heiresses were always curious to find out who would they be required to be friends with and how the alliances functioned. It was also during the Winter Solstice session that most of the heads were installed in their family seats. Another intriguing fact about the Winter Session was that for the past four centuries the Chief Warlocks had always been chosen or appointed in the Winter Solstice session. Albus was sure that he wouldn't be replaced anytime soon. He hadn't heard anything from his network of spies in the ministry.
After the doors had been closed, he said, "Good afternoon to the esteemed members of the Wizengamot. We are gathered in these hallowed halls of our land for the Winter Solstice session of the Wizengamot, which is also the last session of this assembly for the year. As is tradition of the Winter Solstice session, we shall begin with the installation of new lords and ladies."
There were three lords and two ladies who had to take up their seats. After the installation, Dumbledore continued, "Now onto the next piece of business. The alliances. I now open the floor to the honorable lords and ladies."
Sirius rose from his seat and said, "Permission to be recognized, Chief Warlock."
Dumbledore replied, "Permission granted, Lord Black. This body recognizes Lord Black, and the floor is now his."
Sirius replied, "Thank you. I, Lord Sirius Orion Black, the Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, do hereby declare the formal alliance between the House of Black and the Houses of the Potter-Longbottom-Bones alliance."
Dumbledore knew this was coming. He wasn't even surprised by the formal declaration. He replied, "Lord Black, as you are the regent for the de facto leader, this body requests the leader, Heir Harry James Potter to accept the alliance."
Harry rose from his seat and said, "Thank you, Chief Warlock. I, Harry James Potter, Heir to and Lord Apparent of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Peverell, and Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, accept the formal alliance between the House of Black and the Houses of the Potter-Longbottom-Bones alliance."
"Very well", said Dumbledore. "Next."
Amelia rose from her seat and asked the permission to be recognized. Dumbledore knew this was coming as well. Of course, the brat's supposed best friend was going to align her houses with his. After being granted permission, Amelia said, "I, Lady Regent Amelia Bones, regent of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Bones, Ancient and Most Noble House of Dagworth-Granger and the Most Noble House of Draven, do hereby wish to declare a formal alliance between the Houses of Dagworth-Granger, Draven, and the Houses of the Potter-Longbottom-Bones alliance, as directed by my charge, Heiress Hermione Jean Granger of Houses Dagworth-Granger and Draven."
Sirius rose from his seat and said, "I, Lord Sirius Orion Black, regent of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Peverell, and Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, accept the formal alliance between the Houses of Dagworth-Granger, Draven, and the Houses of the Potter-Longbottom-Bones alliance."
"Very well", said Dumbledore. "Next."
Harry raised his hand and said, "Permission to be recognized, Chief Warlock."
Dumbledore stared at the young boy with surprise. He replied, "Permission granted, Heir Potter. This body recognizes Heir Potter, and the floor is now his."
Harry rose from his seat and said, "Thank you. I, Harry James Potter, Heir to and Lord Apparent of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Peverell, and Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, and the de facto leader of the Potter-Longbottom-Bones alliance, do hereby declare a change in name of the alliance from hereon. The alliance will now be called the Paragon Alliance." There was a round of applause among the alliance members.
Dumbledore breathed out a sigh of relief and replied, "Very well, the change in the name of the alliance is thus noted." There were a few more alliance declarations, mostly breaking up of them between the Malfoy faction and the houses of the executed Death Eaters. Dumbledore then asked, "Is there anything else this body wishes to address before adjourning for the year?"
Amelia Bones raised her hand and was granted the permission to speak. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement requests the dismissal of Albus Percival Wulfric Brain Dumbledore from his post of Chief Warlock. The DMLE has opened an investigation into Mr. Dumbledore for sealing the Potter Will, obstructing justice by withholding information in the case of Lord Sirius Orion Black and kidnapping of a minor due to illegally placing Heir Harry James Potter with his mundane relatives. As the investigation will take quite a while to uncover all the facts since October 31, 1981, the DMLE requests Mr. Dumbledore's dismissal as per the laws of the Wizengamot."
The hall broke into a pandemonium. Nobody except some of the alliance members had known of this. None of the DMLE members except Madam Bones' chosen few knew of it either. Fudge certainly did not know. The Malfoy faction certainly did not expect it but welcomed it with open arms.
Dumbledore stared at the witch in horror. How did he not know of anything? He was sure he had a couple of spies in the DMLE. Had he missed any correspondence? Or had his spies been found out? No, that couldn't be it. The spies would have told him. The only other conclusions were that Amelia was doing it alone or it was a move from the Paragon Alliance for the mistakes against their leader.
The Deputy Chief Witch, Madam Marchbanks marched onto the floor and said, "Please cast your votes for the motion of dismissal." After the votes were tallied, she said, "With the four-fifths majority voting for Mr. Dumbledore's dismissal, he is hereby removed from the office of Chief Warlock." Albus looked resigned as he rose from his seat and walked towards his house seat.
Augusta Longbottom rose from her seat and said, "I nominate Madam Marchbanks to the post of Chief Witch."
Sirius added, "I second."
As there were no other nominations, the matter was quickly put to vote and Madam Marchbanks was voted in as the Chief Witch. She took her seat and called for the nominations for the Deputy Chief Warlock/Witch. There were three nominations: Lord Cyrus Greengrass, Lucius Malfoy and Amos Diggory. Cyrus Greengrass won by a huge margin and was declared the new Deputy Chief Warlock. With nothing more to discuss, the session was adjourned.
The members of the extended family who were attending the session left with wide smiles on their faces. The session had been successful. They had set out to achieve the removal of Dumbledore which was easily achieved; however, installation of one of their alliance members as the Deputy Chief Warlock was a very welcome news. The Christmas vacation was going to be fun, especially after the article they knew would be printed in the paper the next day to burst the myth that Dumbledore could do no wrong.
Harry thought to himself, Life is indeed going well.