As the the door shut behind them, McGonagall stood there for a few moments before saying to herself, "Albus be damned" She then turned strode over quickly to her Floo chimney, grabbed a pinch of Floo powder, stated clearly, "the burrow", and she threw the powder with force. The green flames roared into life, and she stuck her head into them.
At the Burrow, Mrs. Weasley was adding water to the pot to enjoy herself some mid morning tea. The events of a couple nights prior were still fresh on her mind when she started with a jump. Green flames sprung to life in her Floo chimney, and she hurried over to see who it might be. Her heart sunk when she saw the head of Professor McGonagall in the flames.
"Professor McGonagall? Mrs. Weasley asked worriedly, "Is some-"
"Everything is fine, Molly" McGonagall interrupted "Well. Everything is fine with your family, but I would like to discuss someone who is close to your family."
"What on earth is wrong with Harry?", asked Molly, just as concerned
"He's fine", McGonagall assured her, "I'll explain everything, when I get over there".
"Well please, come on through", Molly responded genuinely
McGonagall nodded, pulled er head out of the flames, and in a few short moments, she appeared in the Burrow's kitchen. Molly had busied herself with summoning another mug, and she poured herself and McGonagall a cup.
"Tea?", Molly asked politely
"I'd love some", McGonagall replied with a genuine smile.
McGonagall then took her seat at the kitchen table, took off her glasses, and put her hand to her head. Mrs. Weasley came over with the mugs and placed on in front of McGonagall. "What's the matter Minerva?" Molly asked concernedly
Minerva pulled her cup closer to her and drew a deep breath, "It's Harry"
"What's wrong with Harry?" Asked Molly
"He's fine but", McGonagall started, pondering where to begin with the disturbing revelation of Harry's living arrangements. She took a couple more steadying breaths before telling her everything that Harry had just told her concerning his relatives. "I'm just disgusted" she finished with.
Mrs. Weasley's face went from wide eyed to nearing tears to livid. She could not believe what she was being told. Like Minerva, her heart broke for harry as well.
"I take it that Dumbledore doesn't know that you are here?" Molly asked
Minerva couldn't help but to show how upset she was at Albus Dumbledore, "No. He doesn't, and I intend to keep it that way", she answered pointedly.
Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but to smile, but how on earth Minerva was planing on keeping THIS a secret was beyond her.
"What do you suppose we do Minerva?" Asked Molly curiously
Minerva took another sip of her tea and drew a deep breath. She forced the possibility of Harry & Ginny's bond to the innermost part of her mind, not wanting to risk her chances of getting this done for Harry's sake. It's not even confirmed that they have bonded yet, so that would just cause unnecessary confusion and waste what little time. Admittedly, it would be unfair to blindside them with that information after the fact, but the Weasley's were very understanding; and it's not like they'd just throw away the opportunity to help Harry.
"Would you and Arthur like to become Harry's legal guardians?", Minerva asked slowly
Mrs. Weasley beamed at her, "Arthur and I would love to" she began excitedly "It will probably be a bit difficult but"
Minerva jumped in, "I intend to help you and Arthur financially with Harry. I am on my own and have a decent salary that will be able to cover. I, too, will obtaining legal guardianship over Harry. That way Albus knows who he's dealing with".
Mrs. Weasley thought for a moment. It pained her a little to know the financial struggle that their family faced, but whatever sacrifices that they needed to make would be done for Harry's sake. She took a sip of tea and smiled, "Well, when shall we make it happen?"
Minerva smiled back at her, "I was hoping today"
Molly nearly choked on her tea, but Minerva chuckled and continued firmly, "If we hurry, we can have it done before lunch. That will give us enough time before the 'Oh so brilliant one' can force his hand."
Molly couldn't believe what she was hearing. Minerva was forming a coup of sorts to undermine Dumbledore's power and influence over Harry and his living situation. It seemed a bit reckless to tell you the truth, but if it meant saving Harry from that bastardly muggle relatives of his, then it was worth it. Molly scrunched up her face into pure determination and met the gaze of the older witch in front of her, and simply said, "Let's do it".
The two women shot up from their chairs, and with a flourish of her wand, Molly made the dishes disappear fly over and into the sink. She then followed Minerva to the floo. "You grab Arthur and I'll go to Amelia" Minerva explained while grabbing a pinch of floo powder, "Ministry of Magic" and with a swoosh, they were gone.
Mr. Weasley sat as his desk in awe of a muggle contraption that he had confiscated that had been bewitched to stick to the hand of the muggle who tried using it. It had all sort of buttons on it with the words 'universal remote' painted on. He marveled at how many buttons it had, giving the muggle full control over the telly machine. He was so caught up with it that he didn't notice his wife enter his office until she was in his face.
He started with a jump "Sweet Merlin Molly!"
"I don't have time to explain Arthur" Molly stated without preamble "I'll explain everything later. Follow me"
He knew nothing was wrong because she was beaming, but there was something about that mischievous grin on her face that was odd. Before he had time to say a word though, she had already bolted out of his office. Leaving him with nothing other to do but follow.
Over in the Magical Law Enforcement office, Amelia Bones was enjoying her tea while reading the outline of a case when she heard her secretary in a brisk discussion with a familiar voice.
"You can't just barge into to her office!" Her secretary stated incredulously
"It is a very urgent matter" explained Minerva firmly
"Professor McGonagall?" Asked Amelia Bones from her office doorway
"Good Morning Amelia" Minerva greeted the Head of the MLE with a nod.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Asked Amelia curiously
McGonagall shot a glance over her shoulder for any eavesdroppers, then met the gaze of Bones' secretary before turning back to Madam Bones, "I'd wish to discuss that in private" stated Minerva, "Don't worry, it doesn't concern Susan".
Amelia surveyed Minerva for a moment, relieved that it didn't concern her niece, but confused by the sudden appearance, as well as the secrecy. After not being able to find anything precarious about the stoic witch, Amelia gestured for her to come into her office. Minerva shot a look at Madam Bone's secretary as she made her way past and into Bones' office. Amelia sat down at her chair, and once Minerva entered and closed the door, she put up extra sound wards on the door to ensure maximum privacy. She then leaned forward in her chair and prompted Minerva to begin.
"Okay Minerva", Amelia started, "What brings you hear this morning?"
"I wish to obtain legal guardianship over Harry James Potter", Minerva stated resolutely
Amelia's eyes widened slightly, "I thought Albus-", Amelia questioned in her bemusement
"Albus doesn't have Harry's best interest in mind", Minerva firmly yet evenly interrupted
Amelia sat back in her chair, completely caught off guard by Minerva's wishes and reasoning. Minerva noticed the witches confusion, so she made to explain.
"Albus has set powerful and seemingly impenetrable wards around Harry's residence. Harry is theoretically the most heavily protected person in the world, but" Minerva stated her conjunction emphatically, "Harry's relatives are not fit to take care of him, nor are they the least bit willing".
Amelia couldn't help but show her appreciation and admiration for Minerva McGonagall. She clearly had Harry's best interest in mind, and Amelia was her best chance at getting this done quickly and quietly. But is she really trying to do this under Dumbledore's nose?
"I take it that Albus doesn't know you're here?", Amelia questioned conversationally
Minerva nodded, "And I intend to keep it that way".
Amelia nodded back, "When would you like this done?"
"Today", Minerva replied simply
Amelia stifled a surprised chuckle and shot Minerva a questioning look.
Minerva let a small smile crease her lips, "I was hoping we could get this done by lunch. Arthur and Molly Weasley have also agreed to become his legal guardians".
Amelia bore a look that said, "impressive" before actually saying, "Well, let's get going, shall we?" Amelia then started clearing her desk of files and other paperwork, then summoned some legal documents from her filing cabinets.
"One other thing before we go" Minerva inserted
Amelia stopped and looked at Minerva expectantly, "What might that be?"
Minerva took a deep breath, "You wouldn't happen to be aware of the Bonded by Fate book, would you?"
Amelia opened and closed her mouth a few times, completely gobsmacked by Minerva's question. "Yes", she was finally able to respond, at a lost for what else to say.
"I know that that question came as a bit of a shock", admitted Minerva, "But I have reason to suspect that one has formed".
"You don't mean", Amelia breathed in admonishment, alluding to the subject of the previous topic.
"That's exactly what I mean", Minerva replied softly, hoping her firmness and stoic manner would help Amelia remain calm. It appeared to be working.
"Do Arthur and Molly know?" Amelia asked quietly
"Not until I can confirm" replied Minerva evenly
"Well", Amelia began, "It's located down in the Department of Mysteries. Although it has been centuries since one has occurred, if they have bonded, then their names will have appeared there."
Minerva studied Amelia for a moment, "Will you?" She asked hopefully
"I'll have to get back with you on that" Amelia stated, "But it won't be more than 2 days before I have your answer."
Minerva released a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, "Thank you Amelia" Minerva said appreciatively with a nod.
The two witches sat in silence for a few moments contemplating the depth of the situation, then with a flick of her wand, Amelia took off the wards and said, "Let's get going, shall we?"
They then set off at a brisk pace towards the golden bars of the lifts, and took it down to the atrium. With nearly perfect timing, Minerva, Amelia, Arthur, and Molly all got off at the atrium level from separate lifts.
Arthur was taken aback by seeing both Professor McGonagall and Madam Bones together, especially when the two witches exchanged knowing smiles and greetings with Molly. Once again, Arthur tried desperately to figure out what was going on, but found himself having to trot to keep up with the three witches. They exited the Ministry and into the streets, where they huddled together, and with a turn, disappeared.
The four of them appeared in a park inside of a muggle neighborhood. Amelia turned to each of them and transfigured their robes into muggle business attire, then briefly started towards a set of muggle homes. Before he knew, they were standing in front of a house that looked identical to the others, but this one had a gold number 4 above the door. They all approached and knocked lightly on the door.
After the second series of knocks, a tall and rather horse face looking woman answered the door. Her face was stiffened with the most amount of loathsome he had ever seen.
"May I help you?" The woman asked while sticking her nose up into the air pompously
Amelia Bones smiled and showed her badge, "Mrs. Dursley, Amelia Bones Magical Law Enforcement." Amelia greeted, then stowed her badge and continued, "Do you mind if we come in to discuss your nephew?"
"Is he in trouble?" Mrs. Dursley asked scornfully
Amelia reinforced her smile bitterly, "No. We're here to relieve you of his guardianship."
Arthur didn't miss that. Now he knew what was going on. His wife and Minerva are trying to take over guardianship of Harry. He couldn't help but smile at the fact, but then he thought, what about Dumbledore? But before he could voice his concern, Mrs. Dursley stepped aside and prompted them to enter.
"Straight through that door", Petunia directed them towards the door leading into the kitchen, "Take a seat at the kitchen table". There was no mistaking the nervous excitement that laced her words.
It was remarkable how clean these muggles were, Arthur thought to himself. He nearly bumped into his wife when he noticed that they had stopped. Minerva was holding up the line. She appeared to have been glaring at a side door under the stairs. Arthur thought it rather strange, but then they continued making their way into the kitchen, where they took their seats at the kitchen table. Amelia placed her suitcase on the table, and with a flick of her wand, it opened and out flew three official documents.
"This document acknowledges your surrendering of rights to guardianship over Harry James Potter", Amelia slid the first document over. "This document acknowledges who you will be surrendering your rights to" Amelia slid the second document over "And this one acknowledges the surrendering of all of Harry's belongings." She slid the final document over "By signing these as a non magical person formerly responsible for a magical child, you are also swearing secrecy of our world as well as the secrecy of whom you will be relinquishing guardianship of said child"
There was a few moments in which Mrs. Dursley surveyed each of the documents. It seemed almost too good to be true. "Where do I sign?" She asked, pained by the suppressing of her excitement.
Amelia didn't return the smile, but she flicked her wand and the lines where Petunia needed to sign were highlighted.
Mrs. Dursley began to sign when Minerva asked, "Where are Harry's things?"
Mrs. Dursley looked into the fiery eyes of Minerva McGonagall and realized she had met her match, "They're up in his room. Second door on the left from the landing." She replied after tearing her gaze from Minerva's.
Molly and Minerva stood up and walked up stairs to gather Harry's things. Mrs. Dursley watched them as they left. She then turned back to the papers and contemplated them for a moment. For only a moment, Mrs. Dursley appeared very hesitant to start signing. She then stood and walked away from the table and entered what could've only been her room. She came back a few minutes later carrying what looked to be an old photo album. She sat back down as Molly and Minerva re-entered the kitchen carrying a small box of Harry's belongings.
She started signing away and finished with the the last signature before sitting up to look at the four in front of her.
"Is that it?" Minerva asked, not wanting to be in the presence of Mrs. Dursley any longer.
Mrs. Dursley glared at her for a few moments before turning to the book. She picked it up and put it down in front of Minerva. "Here"
Minerva looked down at the book and saw "Evans Family Photo's" on the the front, then she looked back up at Mrs. Dursley with a curious look on her face.
"Harry should have that", Petunia explained with a shrug, "No reason for me to keep it any longer"
Minerva studied the woman in front of her for a few moments. It was a kind gesture, but it was also her last attempt at letting go of all remembrances of her sister. What was it? Was it jealousy? Was it arrogance? Minerva wasn't sure, but she was sure that nobody will ever know.
Minerva sighed in spite of herself, "Petunia"
"No", Petunia interrupted, shaking her head slightly. A silent moment past before Petunia gathered the three document in front of her and handed them to Amelia. "Get out"
They sat in silence while Amelia stowed the documents in her brief case. "Thank you Mrs. Dursley" said Amelia, then all four of them rose and made their way out of the house in silence. Once outside, they grabbed ahold of one another, and with another turn, were gone.
They arrived at the entrance of the Ministry and briskly walked over to begin their descent to the Atrium. Once in the Atrium, Amelia turned to the others, "Alright. One more step and our mission will be complete".
Everyone carried joyous smiles as they made there way through the atrium and into the lift. Once up to the 2nd level, they walked straight to Amelia Bones' office, and just like before, she closed her door and put privacy wards on the door. Everyone was breathing great sighs of relief, and had a bit of giddiness about them. The women were exchanging laughs and giggles. Like Minerva, Amelia was one to always keep her business as usual body language, but she couldn't help herself. As Minerva signed Molly asked, "So Minerva, how do you plan on keeping it a secret?"
Minerva bore a cheeky grin and replied, "I will just carry on as if nothing has happened. Then when we leave for the holiday in two weeks, it'll be on him to figure it out."
"How long do you think it will take him?" Asked Amelia
"Knowing Albus, probably next week" Minerva replied with a smile as she slid the paper over for Arthur to sign.
The room went quiet for a second, then Molly asked the obvious question, "What do think he will do?"
"I don't know", Minerva sighed, "Hopefully we can all get on the same page before there are any rifts, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."
Arthur finished signing and handed the documents to Amelia. She took them and smiled, "Well Congratulations you three. The proud new guardians of 'The Boy Who Lived." Amelia then became more serious and spoke softer, "Lily and James would be extremely thankful for what you three have done". The weight of those words must've hit hard, for none of them said anything in reply. They just smiled softly, and gave their nods of appreciation. Nobody deserved to go through what Harry has had to go through, and nobody should ever be forced to live as Harry has for the past 11 years. Everyone who knew or were close to Lily and James should be ashamed at how they dishonored them. But now, Minerva and the Weasley's have the opportunity to right all that's been done wrong by Harry.
"Well" Molly began softly, then her smile started to come shine in full force, "I believe this calls for a celebration! Looks like I'll need to be getting Bill's old room ready for our new member of the family."
With that, she prompted Arthur to stand and come along with her, then she turned to Minerva.
"You two go ahead" said Minerva with a wave of her hand, "I still need another word with Madam Bones"
Molly and Arthur nodded and said their goodbyes and then left. Amelia turned back to Minerva expectantly, and noticed her dabbing away a tear in her eye.
"What wrong Minerva?" Asked Amelia soothingly
"Oh its just" Minerva began then took a steadying breath. "Lily and James… Now that Harry is in school, there's not a day that goes by where I don't miss them."
Amelia gave her a comforting smile and began making some tea, "He really is like them, isn't he?" She asked softly
"Oh if only you've seen him" Minerva replied blowing her nose "He looks just like James… except for those eyes"
"Lily's eye" Amelia replied with a smile of her own. She was never really close to the Potter's, but it was hard not to know of them. Her brother Edgar, who was a member of the Order of the Phoenix, used to rave about James' fiery nature when it came to fighting the Death Eaters. Lily's brilliance spoke for itself. She was heavily recruited out of Hogwarts by many departments within the Ministry, but not only did they both choose to fight at their young age, they chose to start a family of their own. Thus Harry Potter, the savior of our world, was born, and the Dark Lord had been vanquished. It came with a price, and that price was the death of both Lily & James, leaving infant Harry with nothing.
"He has the best of both of them." Minerva continued between cries, "It's so unfortunate. And he doesn't have the faintest idea of who they were or what they were like." Minerva finished by blowing her nose once again
Amelia sympathized with Minerva, she gave a small smile and leaned forward in her chair, "Well, the way I see it, you're someone that can change that now." Amelia said softly as a tear rolled down her cheek.
Minerva gave her a smile back and pulled herself together. "I'm sorry. I'm a mess"
Amelia chuckled, "It's okay. It shows me that you really care for him"
Minerva smiled her appreciation at the kinds words, "Thank you Amelia. And thank you for everything"
"Not a problem", said Amelia truthfully "And I'll see to that other thing as soon as I get the chance."
Minerva couldn't help but chuckle, "When will it end?"
"Something tells me this is only the beginning", Amelia replied a bit humorously
Minerva smiled, thanked her again, and then left her office. Back to Hogwarts she goes with a feeling of great accomplishment. Only a week of avoiding Dumbledore and playing the part, then she'll be back home, away from it all. Her only worry now was the well being of Harry, where it should've been all this time, but it may not only be him that she has to worry about.