Dark clouds
Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledor's office, 10 am:
Usually, Albus waited for his guests in his office but for Emmerich Longbottom, he walked down to the great entrance hall to welcome him on the gate's steps. On time, the man appeared, smiled in his beard, and walked the viaduct courtyard to greet him and warmly shake his hand.
"Dumbledore! Thank you for meeting me on such short notice," Emmerich said.
"Nonsense! Hogwarts' gates are always open to you, Emmerich! Would you like to stop by the great hall? If my memory doesn't fail me, I remember it was your favorite room in the entire castle," Albus asked.
Emmerich chuckled and shook his head no, before replying, "I'm tempted to accept, but I rather if we head straight to your office, Dumbledore. The matter is quite urgent, I'm afraid", glancing furtively behind him.
Albus nodded and stepped aside, inviting him inside the castle. Then they walked to the headmaster's office, conversing the entire path until the stone gargoyle guarding the spiral stairway let them through, and they soon after stepped inside the office.
Dumbledore sat on his high armchair and pointed a finger at the bowl of lemon drops on his desk, "Help yourself with some lemon drops!" he told Emmerich who hesitated a second before smiling at the bowl and picking one, then a few others he tucked in his vest's pocket.
"For Neville," Emmerich said with a wink.
"Naturally! It was his age when I became horribly fond of these. People think I make fun of them when I say that my first petition the day I became Headmaster, was a bowl of lemon drops, and since the house elves always make sure I'm enough supplied." Albus said, then lowered his voice and leaned forward to whisper to Emmerich, "I came in peace with the idea that Elphias' visits are self-interested, but Sometimes I suspect the elves to retain one posted here in this office, filling the bowl when I'm distracted…"
"Funny… I suspect Neville to empty mine when I'm distracted" Emmerich whispered back, chuckling. Then he leaned back on his chair and said, "Dumbledore, since our previous encounter, a lot has happened, and I have pondered a fair amount of time... I am afraid that it is time for me to retire."
Albus was surprised by the news and said "It would be unfair on my part to deny you that right"
"Much obliged for your consideration," Emmerich said.
"Although, you'll well aware of the sensibility of the moment Emmerich. Could you consider delaying your retirement?" Albus asked.
"I'm afraid waiting more would uplift me to become a liability to our own side, Dumbledore," Emmerich said, sadly as he cleaned his glasses.
"You'll pardon my ignorance on muggle diseases… But isn't there a remedy?" Albus asked, softly.
"Alzheimer's is unstoppable I'm afraid, and I'm favored to have had access to magical options to alleviate my condition. It's slaying me slowly… I'm progressively irreversibly consuming my brain. Being the holder of a permanent seat at the wizengamot and Hogwarts board makes it impossible to obtain treatment at St Mungo… If the word spreads, many will question my previous choices and decisions! Many would seek to revoke some close-called legislations, and therefore we would engage in a cycle of political retaliation that could end up crumbling our institution," Emmerich said.
Albus nodded, his face melancholically, as he stroked his beard, "Is there anything I can do?"
"Thank you for offering, I appreciate it. However, Augusta had been preparing a range of potions that delayed the disease's progression, aiding me to maintain my lucidity. Only this solution has now become ineffectual… So you would know, at first a single dose a day was enough when today, I need to drink one every quarter of an hour. The moment when the interval will decrease again is unpredictable, it could happen a minute from now or in the middle of a wizengamot session…" Emmerich.
Dumbledore remained silent and placed back the lemon drop he had between his fingers on the bowl before saying," Emmerich, I am saddened by this news…" but Emmerich smiled.
"Don't be! Let's instead focus our energy on dealing with our situation in the wizengamot. During the war, we had the upper hand as our opponents were timid to push forward, they program in fear to appear on Bartemius and Alastor's radar. Ironically with the dark lord's downfall, our numbers also decreased," Emmerich said.
"I am aware of this issue… However, we still possess a thin majority we could employ to block them" Dumbledore said.
"I won't be so optimistic, Frank," Emmerich said sighing, before hasting to drinking a sip from a flask he took from his vest, then said, "I apologize… My point is that our majority rests on Greengrass and Fawley, two independent seats that could shift from voting with us to the other side… I know that they're not involved with the dark arts nor followers of wizards supremacy but, as you know, I am not the only one to have retired," Emmerich said.
Dumbledore glanced at Phineas Nigellus Black who was surprisingly silent and said, "I have been informed by the contacts Abraxas Malfoy had with them and a few others. Succeeding to Orion Black isn't a pleasant business even with the proper family name and amount of wealth. Before he could secure his position as the new leader of the conservative party, he must deliver to his side an absolute victory and increase their seats… We can expect a strong offensive from Malfoy,"
"I agree, but even in the outcome that he succeeds, those seats would merely bring the numbers to a fifty-fifty configuration. Moreover, as you said earlier, Orion Black freed his seat… To be replaced with someone else guaranteed to our cause" Dumbledore stated.
Emmerich frowned and asked, "Sirius Black?"
"By all means, he was in the order of the phoenix, and I seriously doubt he would follow his father's steps. Once back, he will most surely shift his family to our side and give us the majority we desperately need," Albus said.
"Are you sure?" Emmerich asked, uncertain.
"Yes, I am," Albus said firmly, "I can't imagine a world where he would side with Lord Voldemort's followers or stay quiet if he considers that our Ministry of Magic could become an authoritarian regime."
"But I can imagine a world where he would be harboring some personal grudge against you, Dumbledore. After all, you approved his incarceration without a trial… As we all did," Emmerich said.
Albus nodded and replied, "It would be fair from him. Only, as someone whose own flesh had been burned by injustice, he will seek to withstand it"
"Or seek vengeance towards those who failed him," Emmerich said, firmly.
Albus' eyes briefly widened at Emmerich's tone of voice, but replied politely, "The report I received from Remus point towards the opposite… However, Sirius has a personal reason to come strengthen our ranks. Therefore, I do not worry about his plans"
Emmerich drank another sip from his flask, then said, "He is Harry's Godfather."
Albus nodded and firmly said, "I expect him to claim Harry's custody, but he will understand he can't… It's in Harry's best interests that he does."
Emmerich sighed, looking tired then whispered, "Harry and Neville were supposed to grow up together… Alice was Harry's Godmother while Lily was Neville's."
"How is Neville?" Albus asked, softly.
Emmerich chuckled, took out a picture from his pocket, and handed it to Albus, "He is a good boy, curious about everything! Constantly following me everywhere in the manor, you undoubtedly will have a lot of work with him a few years from now"
Albus chuckled softly, "Has he already shown signs of magic?"
"Not yet, but it won't take long if Augustina agrees into softening when it comes to him. I day can't pass without me telling her that she's blocking his potential… I agree that discipline must be taught to children starting at a youthful age, however, I consider that she is constantly overly strict with the boy. It slows his development if my opinion matters," Emmerich said.
"She only means his bests interest. I remember that she was as strict with herself during her school years." Albus said.
"I won't pretend the opposite, of course… But when I was his age, I devoted my days to exploring the forest surrounding the village! Climbing the threes, falling in the mud, chasing the squirrels and rabbits then running back home, yelling for help, when a wolf noticed that I looked juicier than the hare he hunted! From three to six years old, I have even been crowned England's puddle jumping champion! Neville is afraid of mud! " Emmerich said, shocked.
Albus beamed and handed him back Neville's picture, "Different times."
Emmerich nodded and looked at the window following Fawkes who majestically took off from it, and his gaze became darker, "The future won't be the same either… I am afraid of what those dark clouds in the distance will lash at our children"
Hogsmeade, Remus Lupin's apartment, 10 pm.
Remus sat comfortably in his sofa living room, trying his best not to let his gaze turn to his living door window from where he could see the shack's silhouette mocking him, far in the dark. After a moment, he felt his legs numb and he yawned, closed his book, and massaged his tights before leaving his nest to head to the kitchen.
Cursing as his eyes itched while he cut the onions, he heard knocking on the door. Remus hasted to clean his face, then went to answer the door, curious as to whom would come to visit him past sunset. Hagrid had only shown up once to congratulate him for acquiring the flat, but the narrowness of the stairs made Hogwarts' gamekeeper rather ask Remus to meet him at the three broomsticks Inn.
Remus opened the door and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw Dumbledore smiling on the doorstep, wearing a grey suit instead of his usual wizard robes.
"Good evening, Remus! I'm sorry for bothering you this late" Dumbledore said, looking at Remus in his pajamas.
"Not at all, professor!" Remus said, before opening the door wide and stepping aside, "I was about to have dinner, would you like to join me?"
"My pleasure!" Dumbledore said before walking inside, "I apologize for not replying to your note this afternoon, I was swamped at the ministry"
"You shouldn't have bothered coming all the way here! It can wait for tomorrow" Remus said.
"Unfortunately, I wouldn't be present either…" Dumbledore said.
"Oh…Anyway, welcome to my home!" Remus said, waving a hand to show his living room before rushing to remove the books scattered on his sofa and armchair, "Sorry for the mess, I tidy every day. Only, I get busy around and it doesn't stay nice long!"
"Who am I to judge? You have been in my office quite often, Remus. So, you have seen what real chaos looks like" Dumbledore said, chuckling before sitting on the armchair. Then his eyes roamed around the room, smiling before nodding at Gryffindor's banner, hanging over the fireplace. "I approve of the decoration choice"
"I can't call anywhere home without Gryffindor's colors," Remus said, glancing at the banner, "Can I offer you anything to drink while I finish cooking?"
"Remus, I wouldn't have come to bother you this late, empty-handed," Dumbledore said with a smile before slightly waving his wand, and a bottle of wine along with various tasty dishes appeared on the coffee table. "One of the privileges I enjoy being Hogwarts headmaster is that I don't need to make myself invisible and sneak out of my office to snatch food from the kitchens"
Remus chuckled, nodding before sitting on the couch, "Won't you need my assistance tomorrow sir?"
"Yes, I will…" Dumbledore said, pouring them some wine, "Cornelius' first month as minister for magic has been quite peculiar…Same for how easily he got elected without campaigning and the sudden chances he enforced on the departments and the reforms he hopes to push forward before his first year in office ends" Dumbledore said.
"What reforms?" Remus asked, frowning after drinking a sip from his stemware.
"Dolores Umbridge, until recently a low-ranked employee of the magical law and justice department, unexpectedly managed to break through and get noticed by Fudge. He recruited her to join his team. Since, I was warned that the minister became actively working on some bills, made to ensure the magical community's safety" Dumbledore said.
"I'm not sure Cornelius Fudge is even fit to be minister, so I don't imagine him addressing such a delicate issue…" Remus said.
Dumbledore nodded, "Someone inside passed me a copy of an advanced draft of the bill…Studying it point by point, I found that the law they want to pass could be used to target a certain category of citizens"
"The muggle-born?" Remus asked eyebrow raised.
"Possibly…The words they chose are 'special needs population'. By that, they refer to squibs, werewolves, vampires, veelas, giants, goblins, elves and all, excuse me for the term, 'half-breeds' as they are named in the bill" Dumbledore said.
"I know someone who would be particularly bothered if that law passes," Remus said.
"I can imagine…Before Voldemort's downfall, presenting a law such as this to a vote would have been just the same as confessing being a death eater. Then, between Voldemort's disappearance and Cornelius Fudge's election, the law would have been rejected in the first session. Only now, if it is sponsored by the minister himself, I'm not sure it would" Dumbledore said.
"Why is that?" Remus asked.
"The wizengamot numbers are tied, Remus…We had a moral hand when Voldemort was around and conserved a thin majority when Lord Orion Black resigned…But, after a meeting this morning with an alarmed Emmerich Longbottom, I came to fear that our numbers could decrease. Therefore, we could lose the vote" Dumbledore said.
"Can you tell me more about this law?" Remus asked.
"Sure…People who fall under that category would be placed under the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures:
- They would be forced to register and move to live in a designated area, separated from the rest of the wizarding and muggle communities. They will not be allowed to live outside of those areas, nor own any assets outside of them.
- They would not be allowed to own a personal vault in Gringotts unless they consent to sign a power of attorney in favor of the department, which will supervise all their banking activities, and approve or not all transactions and administrative procedures.
- They would have to meet a severe list of conditions to apply for a job and disclose their 'condition' to their employer, who would have to sponsor them and be held co-responsible for any kind of incident.
- They would not be allowed to marry wizards and witches. Moreover, if they want to marry themselves, they would be required to receive the approval of St Mungo's and the Ministry of Magic.
- They would also have to check every month in St Mungo. And the list goes on…" Dumbledore said.
"WHAT?! Why don't they just brand us like farm animals?" Remus said.
"Something similar is on the list...They plan to place a tracking charm to locate you anytime. However, some mistakes were made…Mistakes I'll use to block it from being presented to the wizengamot" Dumbledore said.
"Isn't preventing the law from being submitted to a vote a sort of admission of weakness? Aren't you afraid to be seen as the minority leader? Remus asked.
"You hit the nail on the head...Indeed, the arrangement of the wizengamot has changed since the death-eaters trial...Lord Longbottom's retirement and the loss of his seat is a blow to our side, and his eloquence will be missed ... But, on the other hand, the Lords Abraxas Malfoy and Nott do not seem to retire any soon. This brings us to why I came to see you this late…Did Sirius contact you? Is he planning to come back soon?" Dumbledore asked.
"No professor, he hadn't written since I left Romania…" Remus said.
"How is he?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, as I said in my report, he is strangely well... Azkaban doesn't seem to have affected him as badly as I expected. He's slightly more mature but still the same person I knew. As for his return, he doesn't think he's ready. Sirius made it sound like he was on some kind of spiritual journey" Remus said.
"Has he manifested the idea of getting in touch with Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, he did...To be honest, he was furious to hear that Harry is completely isolated from the magical world and that you won't allow me to contact him. "Remus said.
"As expected," Dumbledore said, sighing.
"However, he understands your reasons, and if it is for Harry's sake, he will comply". Remus said. "It is what he promised me, and I trust him."
"Very well, I'm relieved to hear that. I'll explain everything to Sirius at the first opportunity…Hoping it will be soon" Dumbledore said.
"Sirius also enquired about his wand and asked me to mail it to him. Would you know if it's still conserved in the fortress or if it was stored in his Vault after he was acquitted?" Remus asked.
"Well, considering the crime he was accused of and the sentence, it may have been unfortunately destroyed. However, it is possible that the ministry returned it to his family if not sent it to Gringotts. After all, destroying his wand might have been considered a great offense to a house like his. Even if the relationship between Sirius and his family wasn't the best." Dumbledore said.
"I see... If it wasn't destroyed, could you try to retrieve it?" Remus asked.
"Of course, I'll look for it tomorrow, then ask Fawkes to deliver it to him. Anyways, I have the impression that something else is bothering you. "Dumbledore said.
"Yes, about GreyBack. I didn't witness it myself… Still, Denise Balasko, Sirius, and two other members of his little group confirmed that not only did Greyback transform in broad daylight but that it was quite different from a normal werewolf transformation." Remus said.
"How different?" Dumbledore asked, intrigued.
"He became a hybrid… Something between his human form and werewolf. Sirius swears that his spells bounced back on his skin. But the strangest thing was that he remained conscious! He even spoke, according to them! "Remus said.
Dumbledore remained silent, pensive as he stroked his long beard.
"Can he be an Animagus? Could the fact that he's a werewolf have influenced his transformation in some way? Remus asked.
"I don't think so...Werewolves have become Animagi in the past, of course, but first of all, as you know, one cannot choose which animal he will transform into. The probability that the corresponding animal to a werewolf would be a wolf is slim. Moreover, one's personality and character play a crucial role in the process. The wolf is a noble animal who takes care of his pack, nothing like Fenrir. It is an advanced transfiguration skill out of reach for someone as mediocre in magic as Fenrir. And last, concerning the werewolves that have succeeded in the process, I have never heard of any hybrid form but I do not rule that Voldemort may have developed a way... " Dumbledore said, trailing off.
"Werewolves are used to be outcasts...I doubt anyone has ever stood in their town's square, openly claiming to be both a werewolf and an Animagus. "Remus whispered.
"I sadly agree... Anyway, Fenrir Greyback is incarcerated for good in the high-security section of Azkaban. Therefore, I do not consider him a problem for the moment. Whatever how he succeeded, to preserve his supremacy over Britain's werewolves, I strongly doubt he would have shared his ways with them" Dumbledore said.
"Do you think it can be achieved? Could there be a way so a werewolf could keep his consciousness during a full moon?" Remus asked.
"I understand what it means to you, Remus. However, keep in mind that we are talking about a monster deeply rooted in dark magic, and we are completely ignorant as to the price he might have paid nor the consequences he agreed to... Nevertheless, I will notify the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and they will open an investigation. So, I suggest that we focus on the wizengamot for now" Dumbledore said, kindly.
"Very well..." Remus said, despite his desire to insist.
"To get back to Sirius… I wish he would have chosen to come back with you…His presence would make my sleep more peaceful" Dumbledore said.
"Would he?" Remus asked.
"Unfortunately, we are once again pressed to find a new defense against the dark arts professors and I'm confident Sirius would excel in the position," Dumbledore said.
"Professor, I strongly suggest reconsidering that," Remus said.
"I thought you would agree, "Dumbledore said, surprised.
"Sirius would indeed make a great teacher. He would be competent and close to his students, but it would also mean signing Hogwarts demolition warrant," Remus said.
"Remus, I think that after all he's been through, he must have other interests than pulling pranks. Although a few laughs would be nice, the castle's ambiance can be quite gloomy at times." Dumbledore said.
"I wasn't referring to that...I just wanted to remind you that Hogwarts is also the home of Severus Snape during the school year" Remus said.
"Wouldn't you be exaggerating? They are both adults now. Your relationship with Severus is cordial, isn't it? " Dumbledore asked.
"Well, I do my best not to run into him in the hallways, and I ignore his sneers and comments," Remus said." But you should trust me, I'm not Sirius! At the slightest glance or word, he will tear him a new..."
"I get it!" Dumbledore said, chuckling.
"I apologize," Remus said.
"Well, that's unfortunate... I have to cover two positions before the last week of August" Dumbledore said, exhaling.
"Two?" Remus said.
"Yes, Quirinus Quirrell resigned while you were away. He is off to travel around the world as we speak. Therefore, I also need to find someone for Muggle Studies and believe me, they are not easy to find." Dumbledore said.
"Er...Why not Arabella Figgs? She lives among muggles. I could pick her up before class every morning and take her back home after." Remus said to Dumbledore, who smiled at his words.
"Nicely tried, Remus, but I rather contact the Daily Prophet. Anyways, we still must wait to see if any third-year students pick the subject next year and if any fourth-year students and above want to continue." Dumbledore said.
"As you wish! One last thing, just out of curiosity… Will you have Sirius followed during his journey around the continent?" Remus asked.
"Should I?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, I'm conflicted. He's already been through three perilous moments, so I would sleep better if I were told that someone is watching over him! But at the same time, I'm afraid of how he could react if he found out he is being followed. Knowing him, he would be furious" Remus said.
"I understand...I confess that I considered the idea. Especially now that he can move freely instead of hiding. But I quickly chased the idea from my mind…I value too much his trust and friendship… And I already failed him once" Dumbledore said.
"I'm relieved to hear that. Sirius can be stubborn, but If he feels respected, he'll soften." Remus said. "What about his safety?"
"Sirius has proven more than once his talent and strength…What he achieved since he escaped would force many who would harm him to reconsider. However, anytime he is involved in something, the ICW's Aurors get alarmed, and I am the first to be informed…Therefore, if the alarms ring again, I will ask Fawkes to take me to his help, wherever he is" Dumbledore said as a weak rain started to fall outside. Dumbledore waved a finger, and the window closed softly before the rain could wet Remus's shelves and the books on them. Then, Dumbledore stood up and said "I should get back to the castle…Thank you for your time, Remus"
"It was my pleasure! May I suggest using the fireplace?" Remus asked while Dumbledore walked to the door.
Dumbledore turned towards the fireplace and nodded, smiling, "You are right. I rather avoid walking. Have a good night, Remus"
"You as well, professor," Remus said before the green flames took Dumbledore with them.
Hello everyone! This chapter closes the interludes, so the next one will start the final Arc of this book. However, after this chapter, I will take a long break to rest, write entirely the next Arc (I must do tons of research), and will only upload again when I'm satisfied with the result. Therefore, I have no idea if it will take one, two months, or more.
I want to renew my thanks and gratitude to all of you who have followed, fav, or reviewed and tell you that I will apply myself even more in the future. While writing each chapter, the only instruction I have pinned in my mind is: Make sure you don't waste their time. Although, I would love to see you in the review section (or PM) as there must be things you don't like or find weird/confusing or just want some clarification on my part (We are from different places in the world, with different native language and therefore different references and see/read the world from different POVs).
To the silent readers! Writing is time and energy-consuming. A follow is only a click for you but means a lot to me. Waking up in the morning to a notification that someone liked the story, not only brightens my day but motivates me to keep writing and improve.
As always, thank you for reading, and please review and follow (especially now that I don't know when I will be back).