Second Destiny
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The rumblings began that afternoon when Professor McGonagall made an announcement that was heard throughout the entire school during fifth period.
"Ladies and gentlemen of Hogwarts School, this is Deputy Headmistress McGonagall," McGonagall began. "This evening, in the Great Hall, Headmaster Dumbledore will be making an important announcement prior to evening meal. Please wear the finest robes available to you. That is all."
Harry looked at Hermione. "Could this be what the Headmaster was referring to?" Harry asked.
"The business that he had with Minister Fudge this morning?" Hermione said. "Has to be."
As the students made their way to their final class of the day, they began to theorize about what Dumbledore wanted to announce that evening—everything from the visit of Ministry officials for an inspection of the school to Dumbledore resigning from the headmaster's position to make a run for Minister for Magic when Minister Fudge's term would end.
The rumors continued to swirl throughout the school even as the students and staff entered the Great Hall for the evening meal and Dumbledore's announcement. Finally, Dumbledore walked into the hall and up to the podium he used to address the students and staff.
"Good evening, students and staff of Hogwarts School," Dumbledore said. "Before we begin our meal tonight, I have an announcement of historical significance to make."
"Recently, I was made aware of the effects my decisions following the last Wizarding War had on the life of one of your fellow students," Dumbledore continued. "Following his defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named on the 31st of October, 1981, and in knowing violation of the will his parents filed in the events of their deaths, I placed Lord Harold James Potter with his Muggle relatives—people who disliked magic in every way."
"These relatives proceeded to abuse Lord Potter in the vilest ways possible—both physical and emotional. This was all part of a plan I had created in association with Molly Prewitt, former matriarch of the House of Weasley."
"This plan was to guide Harry into a position where we would willingly sacrifice himself to fulfill a prophecy involving him and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, who did actually survive that fateful All Hallows' Eve night all those many years ago," Dumbledore added. "Part of the plan was to keep Lord Sirius Black in Azkaban Prison in order to prevent him from being able to claim his proper status as Harry's legal magical guardian.
"As another part of this plan, Ms. Prewitt and I planned to force Mr. Potter to marry the youngest child of the Weasley family, Ginevra, which would allow Ginevra...and by extension, Ms. Prewitt...to gain control of the Potter estate upon Mr. Potter's death. Those plans began to come apart when Harry learned of his true destiny...and his soul bond with his wife, Hermione. When Harry and Hermione confronted me with what Harry's Muggle relatives had done to him, I realized that I had let my obsession with the 'Greater Good' get the better of me."
"To that end, I spoke this afternoon with Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge and members of the Hogwarts Board of Governors and tendered my resignation as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, effective at noon tomorrow," Dumbledore said. "My resignations as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards have already become effective."
A stunned gasp from everyone in the hall echoed as what Dumbledore admitted and announced began to sink in. "As she had no part in mine and Ms. Prewitt's plans regarding Mr. Potter, Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall will be granted Acting Headmistress status for the remainder of this school year...and is already under serious consideration for the permanent position for the next school year," Dumbledore said.
"I have been proud to be Headmaster for these last twenty-six years and affiliated with Hogwarts School as a teacher for longer still than that," Dumbledore continued. "However, I find that with these plans I have admitted to you, I feel that I am no longer the Headmaster you students need...or deserve. I invite Harry Potter to come up here so that I can apologize to him directly."
Hermione kissed Harry on the cheek before he went up to the podium and stood in front of Dumbledore. "Lord Potter, will you accept a poor old man's apology for the harm I have done to you and your family?" Dumbledore asked.
"Professor, I have long since forgiven you," Harry said. "You freely admitted to me what you had done, and that you vowed to do whatever it took to make up for your actions."
"And I shall continue to do so," Dumbledore said. "As soon as my resignation as Headmaster becomes effective, I shall submit myself to Madam Bones of the D.M.L.E. for punishment as the Wizengamot deems sufficient."
Dumbledore nodded at Harry, then left the Great Hall. As soon as the doors closed behind Dumbledore, McGonagall took the podium and cleared her throat.
"Following a private D.M.L.E. investigation, it has been determined that no other member of the Weasley family has been found to be involved in Professor Dumbledore's and Molly Prewitt's plans regarding Lord Potter," McGonagall said. "As such, the Mssrs. Weasley will be allowed to maintain their educational status here at Hogwarts and Ginevra Weasley's invitation for attending next year will not be withdrawn."
"You will notice, however, that Professor Dumbledore referred to Molly as Molly Prewitt, former matriarch of the House of Weasley," McGonagall continued. "When notified of Molly Prewitt's misdeeds, Arthur Weasley, head of House Weasley, spoke a divorce declaration."
"Further details on these situations will be relayed to you all in due course," McGonagall said. "But for now, let's tuck into dinner and get our minds focused on other things."
With that, food appeared on all four House tables and the staff table as Harry made his way back down to sit next to Hermione at the Gryffindor table.
The further impact of Dumbledore's declaration will continue to be felt next time.
Until then...
:TBC:
