Author's Note: For those who have already read this, I tweaked some of the details in the beginning paragraphs of this chapter in order to keep everything consistent with the other chapters. This was originally intended to be able to be read as a stand-alone piece, but I've decided to make it a multi-chapter story. I added in the previous chapters A/N that Ron and Harry made it on the train without Dobby's interference at Kings Cross because Molly made sure all the children went through before her. Since I removed that conflict, I added train engine troubles instead that greatly delayed its arrival to the school. ;)
Fair warning: This isn't a particularly Dumbledore-Friendly chapter, though I feel I justified it well enough.
Chapter 3 - Dumbledore
Molly stared down the elder wizard who sat across the vast desk in front of her. He appeared as calm and collected as he always did while he looked back at her over his half-moon spectacles, watching the witch in silence as if he already knew the reason as to why she was there.
"Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, Headmaster," Molly said, keeping her composure to at least offer a pleasant greeting.
"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. To what I owe the pleasure of in regards to this meeting?" Albus' gaze switched between the two as he spoke. "If it is about the incident in regards to the Hogwarts Express breaking down shortly before young Ronald and Harry were caught sneaking into the train's engine room, I assure you that they will not be expelled. Just a healthy number of detentions were given, and I'm quite sure the young man is embarrassed enough about the situation already that informing him of your presence would only further his agitation of the matter.
"And as for your daughter Ginny, I'm sure you're happy to learn that she has been sorted into Gryffindor. Naturally, I never doubted her house allegiance in the slightest."
This information was already relayed to her via owl the night before, though the timing of Ron tampering with the train aligning with Molly's concern for Harry was pure coincidence. Before Molly could bring up the subject as to why they were there, Albus had flourished his hand, summoning an elf in the blink of an eye. The small champagne colored house elf held a polished silver tray with a full, fresh tea service and biscuits ready to go. The yellow teapot with a black flower pattern had steam wisping from its mouth, indicating its fresh boiled water within. The elf had vanished as quietly as it had appeared.
"Since you have taken time out of your working day to meet with me this morning, Arthur, may I interest you in a cuppa?" Albus flipped a teacup over and leisurely prepared his drink as if they had all the time in the world. "I'm sure you have your hands quite full with the extra raids being executed back at the Ministry, Arthur. If you need any assistance on the matter, I would be more than happy to aid you on handling them in hopes that you secure increased assets from it."
"Headmaster Dumbledore, we wouldn't be taking up your precious time if it wasn't important," Arthur stated, shifting awkwardly in his chair at the strange atmosphere that settled in the office. "But I appreciate your concern about my job. I'm not too worried about it myself at the moment."
Molly gave her husband a concerned look, remembering his exhaustion from the night prior and how he mentioned that he wasn't even halfway done with them. She knew he came with her to avoid the Ministry for as long as possible, but he was also there for support and to reinforce her case in regards to Harry. She remained quiet, mentally preparing herself to present her case to the elder wizard.
"Ah, time. It always has a way of getting away from us all eventually, doesn't it?" Albus offered a canary yellow teacup to both of them. They quietly declined with a wave of their hands. "I understand that you are not here for casual conversation over tea. Quite a shame. I rather enjoy conversing with older alumni of mine."
Molly had straightened her posture as the headmaster took his time sipping at his tea. She was already growing impatient with him, and the shift in the air hinted that the elder wizard already anticipated an unpleasant conversation ahead. The witch was not going to be swayed from this. He could use all his subtle intimidation, deflection, and undertones of bribery tactics all he wanted. Molly was not going to back down.
"I am here to inquire about some rather deplorable things I recently learned about Harry Potter's living conditions," Molly said suddenly, having had the time to gather her bravery to discuss their visit. "And I am rather appalled to know that you are directly responsible for placing such a kind and delicate child who has been burdened with such trauma and loss in the hands of those awful people."
This didn't seem to phase Albus as he intently listened to the witch while holding the teacup to his lips. He looked at her through his glasses this time, head slightly raised, before that cup touched his mouth again for a quiet sip.
"I see," Albus started, seeming to want to add more to the simple comment.
This only angered Molly more. "How could you be so irresponsible with that boy?"
Arthur jerked in his seat, startled at his wife's outburst. The headmaster raised a hand in a silent gesture to calm the situation. "Mrs. Weasley, though your anger is quite valid on Harry's behalf, I'm afraid it is misdirected. Whatever has caused such speculation to make you believe I have placed Harry in harm's way is a grave misunderstanding."
The fire sparked from Molly's eyes now. "Speculation?"
"Ah, Headmaster Dumbledore," Arthur interjected, placing a light hand on his wife's arm when she half-rose in her seat in hopes to diffuse the brewing situation. "You know that Molly and I hold a great respect for everything that you have done during your time at Hogwarts, as well as the Ministry, to date so far. We wouldn't doubt your judgment when it comes to many things. After all, you played a prominent role on the frontlines of two Wars. But I would appreciate it if you would listen to my wife and not dismiss her concerns as simple hearsay."
Albus gazed at the pair for several long seconds. The air between them was thick with tension, and Molly could see that the elder man was carefully calculating his next several sentences. She felt a faint envy for how composed he remained as he did this, but it didn't matter how he prepared to sway the conversation, Molly was not going to change her argument in any way. She didn't care how loud she had to get or what she had to say, she was going to walk away the victor. Molly knew he was gifted in analyzing everything carefully, and the drawn out silence was a tactic of his to deter others from attempting to further question him like she had done.
"My apologizes, Mrs. Weasley," Albus finally stated, finishing the remains of his tea before placing it on the saucer nearby. "Concluding that your worries were based on speculation was erroneous. Is it correct to say that you are not in favor of Harry's only family being responsible for his care?"
Molly let out a heavy breath, she was not going to be undermined. "Of course it is, and you should be just as disgusted knowing you placed him in such an environment. Don't you dare tell me you are not aware of how he is being treated under their roof! I saw it for myself, heard the coldness in that woman's voice when she spoke of Harry myself. They treat the boy like they found him in the woods while having a wand to their heads with someone telling them they couldn't leave him behind."
"I am sure you are well-versed in Harry's story, Mrs. Weasley," Dumbledore commented, seeming to not have heard a word Molly said. "At the time there were very few options for the boy. I provided him the best opportunity that presented itself for his well-being, and that was taking him away from our world. His only family has kept the ancient magic imbued in him given from his mother that is strengthened by the charms I added. They are his only defenses he has against Voldemort."
She, along with Arthur, flinched at the name, but the opportunity Molly was needing had presented itself. The magic Albus spoke of may have been present at one time, but when she was there inside that house, she felt no trace of said ancient magic safeguarding the home. Such old magic was easily felt, a form of a side effect of sorts, but it also hedged a warning to those wishing to breach it. The only remnants of it lingered in the places where Harry seemed to consider his safe spaces as if the protection of Lily's sacrifice bled out into them in a way. Knowing that the residual magic was prominent by the stairs and not from the small plain room with worn down furniture was distressing to her. It told her enough that Harry had only recently been placed in the room, and that the Dursleys had narrowly avoided ridicule of where he was truly kept before then.
It was appalling to realize that this man in front of her was considered a wise wizard in their world.
"You know of his suffering, and you claim to have the power to do right by that boy, so why not follow through with it?" Molly challenged, shifting to the edge of her seat. "That magic you speak of was not present in that home, not anymore at least. It was barely even traceable. If you were relying on him to keep thinking that place was home to keep those wards active, then your judgment is deeply flawed. That protection was gone as soon he saw what it was like to be somewhere that showed him even the smallest of care and comfort like a proper home should have."
The fire she felt burning in her core had her own magic crackle under her skin and from her eyes. Albus didn't attempt to explain away her revelation. Instead, he looked past her with the sharpest of blue eyes as her words turned cold between them.
"Is there a way to assure you that I promise Harry's best interests are to remain in his only family's care and protection?"
Molly got to her feet, collecting her oversized purse from the floor. "That's a piecrust promise, Headmaster. Easily made, easily broken."
He wasn't denying anything she said, nor was he fully acknowledging it, either. She was not going to get the elder wizard to do what needed to be done, but she still made her voice heard.
"You can do right by that boy and release him into my care immediately, or I will take it upon myself and do it anyway and so help me, Headmaster, your interference will not be wise." She placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze for silent comfort. He rested his own over it for assurance that he supported her testimony.
"My father used to always say that it was the honest ones that you have to watch out for," Molly snarled out. "They're the ones you can never predict, and oftentimes it resulted in them doing something incredibly stupid. Knowing that you have willingly allowed a child to stay in such a toxic home life, one that has caused Harry more unnecessary suffering, while fully aware of what was going on is deplorable, disturbing, and certainly no accident. He's just a boy for pity's sake!"
She turned on her heel and stormed for the fireplace nearby to head home. There was work to be done. Arthur was slower to leave, not able to make eye contact with Albus as he stood up and cleared his throat.
"Well, you heard it loud and clear, Headmaster. We will be taking responsibility of the boy from now on," he declared, fortifying everything Molly had said. "I hope you understand where Molly is coming from because this decision isn't going to change. Harry will be in good hands." Arthur collected his briefcase and hat, giving a dismissive nod.
"Good day to you."
Molly heard her husband's statement before stepping through the Floo back to the Burrow. She had people to contact to get the best protective magic covering her home for Harry. There were letters to be written, and preparations with the Dursleys to be made. She also had to make sure that Harry was fully informed of what was going on. It was important that he knew he had a choice, a say on where he could live, a choice that would greatly impact his life. This was something she knew was never an option given to him until now, and will be prepared for him to take it very apprehensively.
Harry needed someone who would take care of him, love him, and enjoy his very presence. Molly wanted to give that to him. It was the least she could do, after all.
Originally written for:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments)
Quidditch League Fanfiction Competition
Monthly Challenges For All
The Houses Competition
Word Count: (Per Google Docs) 2,129
Proofread Update: November 2019