Tada - a new chapter who would have thought!
Chapter 12: Cornelius Fudge
"MR POTTER!"
The shocked voice of Professor McGonagall rang out; Harry hadn't even had a chance to take a step back, not that he was sure he was capable of it. Peeves was still crowing loudly drawing attention to the situation as if it wasn't awful enough.
"Oh my goodness!"
He saw the Deputy Headmistress taking in the scene; Harry standing over two prone forms wand in hand. He knew how bad this looked.
"Professor, it wasn't me," he tried to explain, trembling as the fearsome Scottish witch rushed towards him drawing her wand.
"Get behind me Potter." She demanded scanning the area wand held rock steady in front of them. "Keep your wand out and stay right behind me." She swished her wand and cast a spell unknown to Harry. A shimmering silvery cat shot out of her wand and began swishing around them. "Go to Madam Bones, tell he there's been an attack and lead her here at once." Instantly the cat sprinted off and the professor readied herself in a defensive stance. "Peeves shut up at once and don't even think about going anywhere." She pointed her wand at him threateningly and apparently as afraid of Professor McGonagall as Harry felt any rational being should be the Poltergeist simmered down and just sort of hovered uncertainly.
Harry stood silently wand out as instructed adrenalin flowing through him. The hallway echoed with their agitated breathing emphasising the lack of breath coming from Justin and Nick. As much as Harry tried to stay alert and watch his surroundings his eyes kept being drawn back to them. Justin who had become an unofficial lab partner in the greenhouses and Sir Nicholas a kindly guide. He darted his eyes away again determined to keep watch.
Within what felt like moments and yet also hours the shimmering cat form returned, then after rubbing brazenly around the professor's feet, faded into nothing. Amelia and Derek arrived on the scene seconds behind. Even before the Director reached them Harry could see her assessing the situation and firing off instructions to Derek. He began to breathe a little easier knowing they were there though he couldn't bring himself to lower his wand just yet. Derek briefly checked Justin and Nicholas before joining Amelia in casting a multitude of spells in all directions; small brilliant flashes of colour burst briefly into being then fizzled away soundlessly. Peeves shrank inwards and slyly hid behind professor McGonagall at the onslaught of unknown magic. There was an almost musical element to the way they worked, the synchronised, rhythmical pattern to their spell casting was testament to the hours of dedicated training they must have done. Harry observed it all closely, senses still on high alert, the always curious part of him wondering what each spell was for. Finally they seemed satisfied and lowered their wands.
A short discussion later Professor McGonagall again sent out her silvery cat, this time to insist that all students be sent straight back to their dormitories to be joined by their Heads' of Houses. Harry didn't miss how she'd instructed the cat to go to the teachers before the Headmaster. The agents also cast the same spell and Harry was surprised to see a large hound type dog emerge from Amelia's wand rather than the cat he had expected, and out of Derek's came a formidable looking bird, possibly a hawk Harry decided as he watched it soar down the corridor. He nearly jumped out of his skin a moment later when he felt a hand on his arm, Amelia gently lowered his wand, he'd forgotten he was still pointing it, in fact he realised he hadn't moved from the moment Professor McGonagall had stood protectively in front of him.
"Well Mr Potter, It seems yet again you may have some very important information for us." She looked at him wryly as if silently agreeing that his luck really sucked.
Harry wished he did have something of use to tell them but he told them what he knew anyway. Then leaving Justin, Nick and Peeves in the capable hands of the DMLE Professor McGonagall escorted Harry all the way back to the quickly filling Gryffindor common room.
The sudden and unexpected recall to common rooms had ignited the rumour mill and all conversations quite naturally revolved around the reason for it.
"I heard someone's been attacked."
"Who told you that?"
"Sir Cadogan."
"You know you can't believe anything sir Cadogan says."
"The Fat Lady said Peeves has done something awful and they're going to kick him out."
"Isn't Lockhart in trouble with the DMLE?"
"What you think Lockhart's done something with the DMLE here, he's not that stupid?"
"Oh I think he is that stupid, possibly even stupider if that's even a word."
"They're bringing in Aurors."
"I heard it was Harry Potter."
And of course that was the speculative comment that somehow caught and spread through the common room.
"What Harry Potter's been attacked!"
"Harry!"
"He's been attacked."
"Have you seen Harry?"
"Harry's not here!"
"No they're saying he's been attacked."
"Who's attacked Harry Potter?"
"Lockhart's attacked Harry Potter!"
It's quite an odd feeling to be greeted with a look of surprise and the words "You're not dead!" Harry decided, once more bewildered in an increasingly bewildering day. "Neither are you!" He replied in an attempt to lighten the mood but the girl just ran off crying. McGonagall instantly took charge of the room as Harry wriggled his way through the crowd towards Ron and Hermione getting some very strange looks as he went.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione cried out causing several student to look their way and earning her a very severe look from Professor McGonagall causing her to blush deeply.
"Before I go any further, I would like to point out the Mr Potter is perfectly well as you can see, whatever nonsense is being spouted regarding him I expect to cease immediately." She paused for a moment to ensure she had got her point across. Seeing several shamefaced look she continued. "There has however been a serious incident involving another student. Therefore to ensure the safety and security of you all it has been decided that students are to remain in their common rooms while the DMLE investigate." Absolute silence fell as the reality of the situation sank in. Looking out at the worried faces of students her tone softened slightly, "I don't want you to worry unnecessarily. I will be overseeing you all here and Professor Sinistra will fill in for me when needed. Self-study work will be provided by each of your professors," she ignored the inevitable groan at this, "and meals will be provided at normal times. I will be notifying all of your parents and guardians about this event and should they feel it best to remove you from school at present we will support your education away from the castle as far as possible."
With McGonagall apparently having finished what she wanted to say a low level chatter began again growing in volume until finally somebody asked the questions they had all been wondering
"Who's been attacked Professor?"
The older witch hesitated for a moment, clearly debating with herself over whether to tell them. "I'm sorry to tell you that it's young Justin Finch-Fletchley." There was a slight waver to her voice. The revelation was met with a combination of blank looks from the older students and horrified gasps from Harry's year group. Ron gaped open mouthed and Hermione unknowingly grabbed at Harry's arm tears forming in her eyes.
"Is he going to be OK?" Neville asked pale faced.
"He's being well cared for," she reassured him, "Madam Pomfrey is with him now and a specialist from St Mungo's is on their way. He's in the very best hands."
"But what exactly happened to him?" Dean asked forcefully. Justin was a good friend; despite their differences the two boys had bonded over their muggle background. Their families had actually met up over the summer and Dean couldn't imagine how Justin's parents would react. They were never entirely convinced about him attending Hogwarts rather than Eton.
"I'm afraid Mr Finch-Fletchley is not currently conscious so it's not entirely clear at the moment." McGonagall replied overlooking Dean's arguably rude manner in light of his concern for his friend. Seeing Dean's distress Seamus placed a hand on his shoulder and steered him away from the crowd.
"Is it to do with the Chamber of Secrets?" A hush fell in anticipation of the answer.
McGonagall hesitated again. "We really can't be sure at this point." She finally replied though Harry knew that was exactly what she and the DMLE were thinking.
"Professor," Percy Weasley broke the line of questioning striding confidently forwards though the throng of students, "as Prefect I would like to offer my services in any way possible during this time," he solemnly declared standing proudly demanding McGonagall's attention. Harry saw Fred and George roll their eyes at their brother's antics.
"Thank you Mr Weasley," she looked for a moment like she was going to say more but apparently thought better of it and simply nodded in finality and walked to the portrait hole where she began instructing the Fat Lady on the new situation.
In the general hullabaloo of all 76 Gryffindors being present in the common rooms at once Harry, Ron and Hermione found it fairly easy to slip unnoticed into an out of the way corner where Harry regaled them very quietly with all that had happened.
"But what could do that to a ghost?" Hermione turned expectantly towards Ron, "I mean I've never read anything like it."
Ron looked back confused. "How would I know?"
"I don't know." Hermione replied defensively, "It's just you knew all about ghosts the other day I thought maybe you would."
"Oh," Ron blushed unsure what to say. "Well I've never heard of anything that can affect a ghost except maybe a priest. I've heard of some of them managing to banish some forms of specters. We could ask around though," he suggested, "some of the older students may know more."
Harry shook his head vehemently. "The last thing I need is for people to be looking my way again." He surreptitiously glanced around to check their conversation was still private.
"I wish I could go to the library," Hermione bemoaned.
"You have a point," Rona agreed with Harry completely ignoring Hermione, "We could still try asking my brothers though. We could do it subtly so they don't think it has anything to do with the attack."
Harry and Hermione both looked at Ron dubiously. The idea of Ron being subtle about anything was a bit of a stretch for their imagination, but they conceded that he did have a point about their trustworthiness.
"Not today though," Harry insisted, "there's no way we could pass it off as unrelated, especially as Nearly Headless Nick is obviously not here."
"You could try asking Madam Bones as well," Hermione suggested. "If anyone knows surely she would."
"Maybe," Harry agreed, "or maybe we could just leave it to them." Ron and Hermione looked at him askance. "What!" he said in an injured tone. "I don't always meddle." They continued to look at him skeptically. "I don't! These things just happen around me. I don't go hunting out trouble." They still didn't look convinced. "Besides so far they have a pretty good track record of actually listening to me, and getting things done."
"That's a great idea Harry," Hermione smiled at him unconvincingly nudging Ron.
"Yeah, mate." Ron agreed in confusion.
"It couldn't hurt to ask a few questions though," Harry added, "just for curiosities sake." He grinned at his friends who laughed back at him.
Though he was curious Harry would have been delighted to have nothing more to do with the Chamber of Secrets and the murderous voice only he could hear however it seemed he wasn't to have that luxury. Several hours later, not ten minutes after Professor Sinistra had arrived to relieve Professor McGonagall he received a summons from the Headmaster. Harry looked meaningfully at Ron and Hermione as he rose from the comfy sofa they'd finally managed to commandeer. With all the recent questionable decisions Dumbledore had been making Harry couldn't help but be suspicious about his timing. He rather thought Dumbledore might be trying to sidestep Professor McGonagall. Still he could hardly refuse, not that he really had a solid reason to do so. Instead he followed silently behind Madam Hooch who had been sent to escort him, looking straight ahead avoiding the curious eyes of his house mates.
Their footsteps echoed loudly though the now empty castle. The brisk step of the small professor leading Harry confidently down the corridor. He noted that she kept her wand ready in her hand and was constantly scanning the area, not unlike a seeker in Quidditch he supposed.
"Do you know what's happening?" Harry couldn't help asking in a hushed tone.
"The headmaster has asked to see you." Madam Hooch replied without a moment's hesitation.
"No, I mean…"Harry stuttered slightly, "has something happened," he asked vaguely trying to gain some insight.
Harry spotted it, a flicker of uncertainty, a minutely faltering step. "You will be informed of all you need to know." She didn't look at him but Harry was convinced that something more had happened and equally that his flying instructor was not happy about her gag order.
Conversation ceased then as Madam Hooch increased the pace bringing him quicker than expected before the Headmaster's office. The stone guards silently slid apart and they ascended the staircase as Harry recalled doing far too many times for his liking.
"Thank you Rolanda. Much appreciated I assure you. If you wouldn't mind waiting outside while I talk to Harry. We'll have a little chat afterwards." He twinkled his eyes at her determinedly oblivious to the look of frustration on her face. An unpleasant sense of déjà vu settled over Harry as Madam Hooch left him with Dumbledore once more.
"Ah Harry, excellent. I hear you've had a very difficult day. I'm sorry you felt you couldn't come straight to me about it you know my door is always open." Harry didn't reply. It's not like there was ever an opportunity to do so and his disappointment in Dumbledore was still weighing heavily on him. "With what you must have seen and witnessed today especially after the events of yesterday I was most concerned about your wellbeing." The grandfatherly looking old man smiled gently at Harry indicating for him to sit in the chair opposite him, and Harry obligingly sat down. Compared to last time the office seemed overly warm and the air seemed thick and heavy. Thin, sickly sweet tendrils of smoke curled around the room emanating from a shallow dish on a shelf just behind the Headmaster. He heard Dumbledore speaking though his eyes and mind were caught watching the mesmerising patterns of vapour as they unfurled. He felt himself relaxing though he hadn't realised he had been tense, sinking back deeper into the well cushioned armchair just watching. "I often find talking through these things can help settle the mind and allow the body to find rest."
Dumbledore's words seeped through into his consciousness and he found himself nodding along with the headmaster's advice. He told the headmaster about stumbling across Justin and Nick and McGonagall's quick reaction to the situation. He described the scene in great detail uninterrupted as Dumbledore listened intently fingers steepled in front of his mouth as if silencing himself. And though he talked on at length about what he saw and how he felt, purging himself of the whole ordeal he never once mentioned the voice he'd been hearing. He didn't notice at the time but he wondered about that omission later, perhaps it was because Dumbledore simply hadn't asked.
Surprisingly, despite his reluctance to see Dumbledore, Harry did feel better after speaking to him. His retelling finally finished Dumbledore offered a few comforting words and reassurances before recalling Madam Hooch..
"Remember Harry," the Headmaster said placing his hand on Harry's shoulder and turning him slightly to look at him, "you can tell me anything at any time." For the briefest moment staring into that familiar face full of concern Harry thought about telling him everything, all his doubts and concerns, all the things he'd been keeping from him, but at that moment Madam Hooch entered and Harry slipped free of Dumbledore's grip and escaped down the staircase while the two spoke.
Harry found himself at a standstill once he reached the bottom of the stairs. The stone carving and presumably the gargoyle on the other side were still in place not allowing entrance or exit from Dumbledore's sanctuary. Looking around and noticing several comfortable looking chairs and a small table with a bowl of sweets on it Harry realised this area must be used as a kind of waiting room to see the Headmaster. He also noticed with surprise that although the wall was definitely closed it had small patterns of holes and perforations all across it that allowed those within the room to see through to the hallway beyond. Harry didn't know for sure but he suspected it wouldn't work from the other side. Harry found it was impossible to not be curious when in this position and edged closer to one of the peepholes and as he'd thought the whole of the corridor was now visible to him.
"Now, now Hagrid. There's no need to threaten Mr Malfoy. He has every right to be concerned about the safety of his son."
It was Mr Fudge, the Minister of Magic. Harry held his breath as he saw them come into view. What on earth was going on?
Hagrid was striding forward barging through the Minister of Magic as he tried to get to Dumbledore's office. "I'm not goin' back to that place! I done nothin' wrong. You can' do tha'." He wailed in desperation batting Malfoy senior aside with a hand full of dead rooster.
Mr Malfoy was understandably not a fan of being assaulted by dead poultry and curled his lip in disgust as he brushed off several feathers. "With the attacks no longer confined to animals and uh … muggleborns the board are naturally concerned." Even if Fudge hadn't identified the elegant man as Mr Malfoy Harry didn't think he could have missed the resemblance between him and Malfoy junior; the same aristocratic pale face, white blonde hair and permanent sneer.
"I'm sorry Hagrid," Fudge said trying to placate the angry giant of a man, "but you've got to see it from my point of view. Your record's against you and with Miss Clearwater petrified there would be an uproar if the Ministry wasn't seen to be doing something to protect good, upstanding wizarding families."
"I WON' GO TO AZKABAN!" Hagrid roared in frustration lunging at the cowering Fudge.
Harry was trying to process all he was seeing and hearing. Penelope Clearwater was petrified! Wasn't that the Ravenclaw prefect. When had that happened? Why hadn't anyone told them? They wanted to arrest Hagrid! They couldn't, there's no way Hagrid had done this. He felt panic beginning to rise, what could he do, he glanced up the stairs should he get Dumbledore? He was almost at the point of sprinting back up to the Headmaster's office when he heard another voice silencing the escalating disagreement.
"Ah Minister, what a surprise to see you here." Madam Bones appeared as if out of nowhere. "I hadn't been informed of your visit to an active crime scene."
Hagrid halted mid-stride and Harry finally let out the breath he was holding in relief as all attention turned towards the crimson robed witch.
"Ah Amelia, yes well, recent events being taken into account, of course the Ministry must do all in its power… " Fudge declared standing up tall and straightening his robes.
"Indeed." she agreed, "which is why I am here along with the very best investigators. I do however fail to see how your presence or Mr Malfoy's could be considered helpful to an active investigation or exactly how this in any way affects Mr Hagrid." She kept her voice and face perfectly neutral as she glanced between the three men.
"Yes, yes, I see, quite natural, however evidence suggests… and of course it would be best to err on the side of caution… We must protect the students." Fudge rambled unconvincingly looking toward Mr Malfoy for support.
"I don't think I quite follow Sir," Amelia prompted, "What exactly are your intentions with Mr Hagrid." Harry saw her move slightly between Hagrid and the other men though he suspected she wasn't aware of the instinctive, protective movement.
"The evidence and of course his record." Fudge burbled struggling to meet her eye, "His arrest would be for the safety of the school you understand." He finished lamely.
"Am I to understand that you intend to arrest Mr Hagrid?" she asked coolly.
Again Fudge looked at Mr Malfoy for support and seemingly gaining confidence straightened slightly and replied. "The governors and indeed the people demand action Amelia. We cannot stand by and do nothing."
"I appreciate your concern however I must remind you that the DMLE alone have the power to arrest, detain or question suspects." She stepped forward and Fudge instinctively retreated a step closer to Malfoy. "In addition no suspect can be placed in Azkaban without a comprehensive trial before a jury of peers," she continued. "I feel you should know that Mr Hagrid is not considered a suspect at this time and is under no obligation to answer any of your questions." Hagrid stumbled back in relief colliding noisily with the wall dropping his dead bird. The look on Fudges face was priceless as he tried to form any sensible words in response. Mr Malfoy stood stoically unmoved though Harry thought he noticed a further paling of his features and flaring of his nostrils.
"Of course, as you say Amelia," he agreed, as they continued to stand around in awkward silence tears of relief spilling down Hagrid's face.
"Is there anything else I can help clarify Sir?" She added blandly.
"No no, don't worry yourself, we can take it from here." He went to move past her.
"I'm afraid that as this is an active crime scene I will have to ask you to explain your presence or leave… Sir." She added slightly belatedly.
Malfoy's hand tensed around the head of his cane and the muscles in his jaw tensed. "I'm afraid Madam our business is between the Governors and the Headmaster. Not a case for thee DMLE unless I am mistaken." He smiled thinly and bowed his head slightly towards her.
Madam Bones remained unmoved. "As I say, explain, or leave."
"It's really nothing to do with the DMLE Amelia," Fudge tried one last time, but seeing her unmoved he sighed in exasperation. "The Governors feel that that Dumbledore is no longer fit to run the school. We're here to inform him of his suspension effective immediately." Fudge slumped slightly.
"As I said," Malfoy stated, "Governor's business."
"YOU CAN'T DO THA'!" Hagrid bellowed leaping at once to Dumbledore's defense.
"The appointment - or suspension - of the headmaster is a matter for the Governors, is it not Madam Bones?" Mr Malfoy appealed to the Director who nodded once in reply. "So you see we can do that." He smiled faintly removing a folded piece of parchment from an inside pocket. "This is an Order of Suspension - you'll find all twelve signatures on it." He handed the document to Madam Bones who glanced at it reluctantly.
"An' how many did yeh have ter threaten an' blackmail before they agreed, Malfoy, eh?" Hagrid surged towards the immaculately dressed wizard as Madam Bones again inserted herself between them.
"Temper, Temper. It would be really too bad if Madam Bones were forced to arrest you for an unprovoked attack on an innocent bystander." Malfoy slid further out of reach.
"Mr Malfoy is correct Hagrid," Amelia placed a hand on his arm to calm him. "The Governors do have the final say on the running of the school." Malfoy tried to suppress a self-satisfied smirk. "That being said, I'm afraid that with such serious allegations as bribery and blackmail the DMLE will have to investigate the validity of this document." She tucked the document inside her robes before looking innocently up at Mr Malfoy who seemed to be almost vibrating with the effort of not reacting. "I'm afraid your business with the Headmaster will have to wait for a while, as I'm sure you can understand the current situation must take precedence."
"There is no evidence to support such allegations," Mr Malfoy stated in a carefully controlled manner.
"Naturally not at present as we have yet to begin the investigation," She replied mildly.
Fudge stood glancing back and forth between Mr Malfoy and Madam Bones visibly unsure what to do next. "Now if that's all I really must insist that you leave the premises while my investigators work."
A strained silence hung in the air for a moment until it was unceremoniously broken by Hagrid blowing his nose loudly. Then as if released from a body bind curse Malfoy senior turned on his heal and with a sweep of his cloak stormed away, the Minister for Magic close behind.
"You won' let 'em take Dumbledore will you." Hagrid looked horrified.
"Oh I doubt it will come to that." She patted his arm kindly. "Now that's all sorted, I imagine there's an excellent story involving dead birds you'd like to tell me." She looked meaningfully at the pile of plumage on the floor.
"No' really." He shrugged, "I' just found 'em dead and was tidyin' 'em up when Fudge an' tha' good fer nothing Malfoy came for me."
"Do you know what killed it?" she probed further.
"Nah, no idea, hadn' 'ad a chance to check."
"Would you mind if we looked into it, even if it is only a rooster it seems a little too much of a coincidence to ignore it completely."
"Be ma guest," Hagrid replied handing over the dead animal into the evidently surprised witch's arms receiving a beleaguered thanks in response.
The two moved off then and the corridor was once more empty when Madam Hooch finally emerged from Dumbledore's office. She was white with rage as she stood with Harry while waiting for the wall to part for them to leave. They stepped out into the corridor and after a curt "Come Mr Potter" they marched back through the castle in silence.
