A/N - JKR owns the idea, all of these characters, and pretty much
everything in England from what I hear. I only own the idea.
Chapter 28 Tonight's Timeline
"As most of you probably know from that Skeeter article last year, my mum was a giant." Hagrid paused as if waiting for an outburst of disgust but nothing of the sort ever came. No one looked sorry for him nor did anyone look scared. Everyone was just anxious for him to continue his tale.
"This summer I went to go talk with the giants. I went to try to convince them to stand with us in the fight against the dark side. At worst case, my mission was to prevent them from standing against us. And I don't mind telling any of you that it wasn't a pleasant trip. You see they don't actually believe us that the dark wizards are all that dark. It was the ministry after all who ran them out to the mountains all those years ago. It's us that they don't trust, not the other side."
Hagrid paused giving everyone in the room time to reflect on what he had just said before continuing. "They're not bad or evil or anything like that. But you all have to look at in from their point of view. A community that all but waged war on them is now asking for their help against some wizards that the giants don't even know are dark. What would any of us do in their place?"
Again he paused giving everyone time to consider what he was saying. He finally looked to Dumbledore who nodded for him to continue. "Well let's just leave the rest of that part of the story unsaid. Just know that getting them to even listen to me was difficult. Well since then I've been working on a couple of things. The first is I've been taking evidence of the Death Eaters' evil deeds to some of the giants. I'm trying to convince them, one by one if I have to, that our side is the good side. The second step is closer to home. Our side including the ministry has to invite and welcome the giants back to our community."
For the fourth time since he began speaking, Hagrid paused to give everyone a chance to take in what he had just said. Apparently Hagrid could be quite an effective speaker if the cause moved him enough. "Think about the other offer the giants are getting. The dark wizards will welcome them back with no strings attached. The dark wizards are arguing that the ministry banished them before and that it's all of us who support the ministry that are the bad guys. I don't think it will be a difficult sell for the dark wizards to convince the giants to help them topple the ministry and take control of the wizarding community. If we are to have any chance at all, we need to keep gathering evidence. Probably the most important thing though is that some of you need to go talk to the giants. They need to see that our ministry and our natural leaders don't hate them. They need to see that we are not the repulsed witches and wizards that they think we are and that it's not only the dark wizards who would welcome them back if they chose to come."
Harry couldn't help thinking that was asking a lot. He didn't know anything good or bad about the giants but he remembered Ron's initial reaction when he found out Hagrid was half-giant.
Dumbledore was the next to speak. "I of course have been to talk with some of them and I can say that everything Hagrid is telling us is accurate, if not difficult to hear. This very delicate situation is one of the reasons that I agreed to accept the temporary position as Ministry of Magic. I'm hoping that they'll see my appointment as a sign that the ministry is open to wizards who are open to welcoming the giants back."
It was difficult to gauge the reaction of the people in the room. There was some whispering and heads nodding and shaking but Harry couldn't really make anything out either way. Dumbledore gave the masses a few seconds to talk before resuming the discussion. "That mission of going to the giants is something that some of us in this room are going to do between now and Christmas Eve. We'll get back to who is going to accompany me in the next day or two. For now I think it's best we continue going around the room."
Although many of the professors were involved in capturing Pettigrew, Dumbledore had already said that tonight's events were to be saved for later. There was only one other member of the staff who had anything at all to add and that was Filch.
"I don't know whether it's anything or not truth be told but there has been an unusual amount of activity around the Forbidden Forest. Now usually when something happens on school grounds that I can't explain I start my investigation with the Weasley twins." At this revelation he paused to look at the two adult Weasleys in the room. Although almost everyone in the room knew that Filch's suspicion of the twins was well placed, Mr and Mrs Weasley both stared at Filch obviously not pleased at the insinuations. Filch finally continued.
"But in this case I know that it wasn't any students. I'm not sure who has been in there or when but I do know that people have been in there." Done speaking, he took his seat.
Dumbledore seemed to consider his words for a minute. "I see. Well I'm not sure what to make of that either but we should keep a closer eye on the forest. I'll speak to the centaurs and Hagrid if you could speak to Aragog for us I'd be appreciative."
"Yes sir, I'd be happy for an excuse to spend some time with him." Hagrid answered promptly. Some people in the room didn't know who Dumbledore was referring to but there could be no doubt that others did just by seeing their reactions. Although no one shuddered as obviously as Ron had, Hagrid was safe in assuming that no one would try to take this particular task away from him. Even Harry, who didn't have the fear of spiders that his friend Ron had, didn't like to think about Aragog nor the last time he and Ron had occasion to meet him.
The next wizard to speak was the security wizard from the ministry. His information was a lot like Filch's. He didn't have any specific examples like catching a Death Eater torturing muggles but he did have a lot of reports of unusual activities. Everyone in the Great Hall knew about Bruno being killed already. He said Alastor Moody had been making more reports than usual but that until recently most of them hadn't been taken seriously enough to investigate. He also said that there were reports in Hogsmeade and other towns of an unusual rat that seemed to be listening to conversations before stealing food but they were now sure who that was. He provided a few other non-specific examples before sitting down.
Dumbledore once again stood up. "Alright then. Much of what I know has already been spoken of tonight. The only other things I know revolve around Voldemort's activities with his followers. I know that he's actively recruiting underage witches and wizards. I also know that Lucius Malfoy is taking a very active role in the planning of this up rise. Although I can't prove it, I believe that he is the number two wizard in the dark chain. All right then; it's time to move on to tonight but first we will take another break for refreshments. Please everyone be back in here within fifteen minutes."
Harry turned to Dobby. The house-elf was not looking good. Before he had a chance to speak to him, Dumbledore came over. "Harry, might I steal Dobby away from you for a bit?"
Harry just looked at the house-elf who was still looking scared. "Please sir, Dobby is not knowing anything --- " Dumbledore however did not take no for an answer and eventually Dobby followed him out of the room still covering his face with his hands. Harry was pretty sure that Dobby knew more about Malfoy's activities than he had ever said. He was also pretty sure that the headmaster thought so as well. Harry knew that Dobby still felt bound to keep his old master's secrets but he had been hoping that Dobby would get over that misplaced loyalty. If anyone could help him though Harry knew that it was Dumbledore.
Harry looked up and realized that Ron had brought his parents over to talk to Sirius. He really hoped that they would like him. He walked over to see how it was going. Mr Weasley was speaking.
"Well then, Mr Black --- "
"Please call me Sirius. I know that you two don't know me but I've known Ron for a couple of years now and Harry tells me you two have made him practically feel like part of your family. I'd like it if we could be friends." Sirius waited patiently for their reaction. He didn't have to wait long though before Mrs Weasley answered him.
"Well then, you're welcome to the Burrow any time you'd like. We'd like to get to know you better especially since you're Harry's godfather. And --- er --- well --- I'm really sorry for screaming last year when I first saw you in the hospital wing." She looked embarrassed and Harry was glad that Sirius eased her discomfort.
"Don't give it another thought Mrs Weasley. I've never made a good first impression with the ladies." Everyone laughed as she blushed and admonished him for not calling her Molly. The next few minutes passed easily in pleasant conversation before Mrs Weasley insisted that the entire lot of them get something to eat and drink before it was time to start again.
Everyone was back in his or her seats by the time Dumbledore came back into the Great Hall. "Sorry to keep everyone waiting." Harry realized Dobby hadn't returned with the headmaster who was still speaking. "I know it's late and we're all tired but I think we must finish up with tonight's events before breaking up so I will begin asking for comments as I progress through the timeline."
Everyone in the room was anxious to hear tonight's tale. Almost everyone had played one role or another in the story but didn't have the big picture. They were all glad when Dumbledore continued.
"Sirius, Remus and I have been spying on Death Eater's for many months. We've been able to foil some plans but certainly not all. Pettigrew has evaded us on more than one occasion and tonight we decided was the night to capture him. We've known for a while that Voldemort was going to use Pettigrew to spring a trap on us tonight. We planned ahead and sprung our own trap. Most of the Hogwarts' staff was our insurance to catch Pettigrew tonight. The three of us knowingly chased Pettigrew into the trap they laid out for us. He relied too much on his size to try to get away. The staff was waiting for him to come out the backside of the woods. Voldemort's plan had most of the Death Eaters remain in the woods to trap the three of us so Pettigrew didn't have anywhere near the protection he would have needed to escape tonight."
He paused and looked around the room as if inviting any of the staff to add their comments. When no one did anything but nod, he continued. "Meanwhile Sirius, Remus and I were laying low in the woods well hidden from the Death Eaters. The opportunity to catch some of the dark wizards was too great to pass up tonight even though it was risky. We summoned Harry, Ron and Hermione to come to us and help us escape. Now --- Now --- "
Dumbledore was having trouble quieting the room as people, especially Mrs Weasley, realized what level of danger Dumbledore had put Harry and Hermione in and tried to put her son in as well. He was finally able to continue over the talking. "I know some of you don't agree but I've said before and it bears repeating that these are desperate times and we had no other choice. These three have beaten Voldemort and his minions before and the opportunities tonight were too great not to summon them to help. Indeed, except for Pettigrew, every prisoner interviewed here tonight was the direct result of their efforts in the woods tonight."
Ron was looking embarrassed. Harry was glad that the headmaster had given Ron full credit as if he'd been there tonight too. After all, he volunteered to go too and it wasn't his fault that some mysterious force pulled him to wherever he ended up. Hermione was also looking slightly embarrassed but for a different reason than Ron. She had fallen asleep in her chair and was snoring before being poked awake.
Dumbledore only smiled. "Yes it is getting extremely late so we'll speed this along." He told everyone about the rest of the evening's events with Ron and Dobby as well as Lupin's exploits in the Burrow. When he was through everyone looked astonished, and tired. Harry was glad that Dumbledore was vague enough in the timeline that no one would know that Ron wasn't with them in the woods.
"Now before we conclude for the night does anyone have any questions that can't wait until tomorrow? No? Ok then we'll meet again here at six pm. I must ask that everyone come prepared to be away from their homes for a few days. Almost everyone here will have an assignment and some of you will have to be gone for a few days. On Christmas Eve, again, everyone here will have a role so plan accordingly. Molly, Arthur, I need to speak to you both for a couple of minutes and I will see everyone else back here tomorrow."
While the crowd was thinning out the Weasleys went over to talk to the headmaster who was leading them out of listening range of anyone else. While they were waiting, Harry and his two friends were wondering where they were going to spend the night. Although Harry wanted to spend some time with Sirius, he didn't care where he spent the night as long as he could sleep for the next fifteen hours at least. Finally Mr and Mrs Weasley came over.
Ron asked his mom, "Can Harry, Hermione and Sirius spend the night with us in the Burrow Mum?"
She burst into tears and hugged Ron so tightly Harry was hoping that his friend wouldn't pass out from a lack of oxygen. Mr Weasley answered his son's question. "That's what Dumbledore was talking to us about. You lot have to stay here. Dumbledore is sending you off when you all get up tomorrow. And listen, be careful."
The three friends were staring at each other. Ron asked his parents, "Sending us off? To where?" Mrs Weasley began sobbing again and hugged all three of them before Mr Weasley led her out of the Great Hall. Ron turned to his friends.
"She's going nutters. What's got into her anyway?"
"Ron," Hermione said, "Don't talk about your mom like that. Besides I'm more curious about where we're being sent off to first thing in the morning." Dumbledore walked over in time to hear her last sentence.
"Don't concern yourselves with that now. Enough has happened tonight that we can put off talking about that until tomorrow. Now say goodnight to our newest freed wizard and off to bed with you three."
They said their goodnights and went to their dorms. They wanted to think about everything they heard tonight but it was just too early in the morning. They went to sleep without uttering another word to each other. They had no idea of the troubles they were in for.
A/N -Busy week for me but I'll try to do one at least every other day.
A/N - I love the feedback Kathleen but it's ironic that you said Avery when you meant Nott.
Chapter 28 Tonight's Timeline
"As most of you probably know from that Skeeter article last year, my mum was a giant." Hagrid paused as if waiting for an outburst of disgust but nothing of the sort ever came. No one looked sorry for him nor did anyone look scared. Everyone was just anxious for him to continue his tale.
"This summer I went to go talk with the giants. I went to try to convince them to stand with us in the fight against the dark side. At worst case, my mission was to prevent them from standing against us. And I don't mind telling any of you that it wasn't a pleasant trip. You see they don't actually believe us that the dark wizards are all that dark. It was the ministry after all who ran them out to the mountains all those years ago. It's us that they don't trust, not the other side."
Hagrid paused giving everyone in the room time to reflect on what he had just said before continuing. "They're not bad or evil or anything like that. But you all have to look at in from their point of view. A community that all but waged war on them is now asking for their help against some wizards that the giants don't even know are dark. What would any of us do in their place?"
Again he paused giving everyone time to consider what he was saying. He finally looked to Dumbledore who nodded for him to continue. "Well let's just leave the rest of that part of the story unsaid. Just know that getting them to even listen to me was difficult. Well since then I've been working on a couple of things. The first is I've been taking evidence of the Death Eaters' evil deeds to some of the giants. I'm trying to convince them, one by one if I have to, that our side is the good side. The second step is closer to home. Our side including the ministry has to invite and welcome the giants back to our community."
For the fourth time since he began speaking, Hagrid paused to give everyone a chance to take in what he had just said. Apparently Hagrid could be quite an effective speaker if the cause moved him enough. "Think about the other offer the giants are getting. The dark wizards will welcome them back with no strings attached. The dark wizards are arguing that the ministry banished them before and that it's all of us who support the ministry that are the bad guys. I don't think it will be a difficult sell for the dark wizards to convince the giants to help them topple the ministry and take control of the wizarding community. If we are to have any chance at all, we need to keep gathering evidence. Probably the most important thing though is that some of you need to go talk to the giants. They need to see that our ministry and our natural leaders don't hate them. They need to see that we are not the repulsed witches and wizards that they think we are and that it's not only the dark wizards who would welcome them back if they chose to come."
Harry couldn't help thinking that was asking a lot. He didn't know anything good or bad about the giants but he remembered Ron's initial reaction when he found out Hagrid was half-giant.
Dumbledore was the next to speak. "I of course have been to talk with some of them and I can say that everything Hagrid is telling us is accurate, if not difficult to hear. This very delicate situation is one of the reasons that I agreed to accept the temporary position as Ministry of Magic. I'm hoping that they'll see my appointment as a sign that the ministry is open to wizards who are open to welcoming the giants back."
It was difficult to gauge the reaction of the people in the room. There was some whispering and heads nodding and shaking but Harry couldn't really make anything out either way. Dumbledore gave the masses a few seconds to talk before resuming the discussion. "That mission of going to the giants is something that some of us in this room are going to do between now and Christmas Eve. We'll get back to who is going to accompany me in the next day or two. For now I think it's best we continue going around the room."
Although many of the professors were involved in capturing Pettigrew, Dumbledore had already said that tonight's events were to be saved for later. There was only one other member of the staff who had anything at all to add and that was Filch.
"I don't know whether it's anything or not truth be told but there has been an unusual amount of activity around the Forbidden Forest. Now usually when something happens on school grounds that I can't explain I start my investigation with the Weasley twins." At this revelation he paused to look at the two adult Weasleys in the room. Although almost everyone in the room knew that Filch's suspicion of the twins was well placed, Mr and Mrs Weasley both stared at Filch obviously not pleased at the insinuations. Filch finally continued.
"But in this case I know that it wasn't any students. I'm not sure who has been in there or when but I do know that people have been in there." Done speaking, he took his seat.
Dumbledore seemed to consider his words for a minute. "I see. Well I'm not sure what to make of that either but we should keep a closer eye on the forest. I'll speak to the centaurs and Hagrid if you could speak to Aragog for us I'd be appreciative."
"Yes sir, I'd be happy for an excuse to spend some time with him." Hagrid answered promptly. Some people in the room didn't know who Dumbledore was referring to but there could be no doubt that others did just by seeing their reactions. Although no one shuddered as obviously as Ron had, Hagrid was safe in assuming that no one would try to take this particular task away from him. Even Harry, who didn't have the fear of spiders that his friend Ron had, didn't like to think about Aragog nor the last time he and Ron had occasion to meet him.
The next wizard to speak was the security wizard from the ministry. His information was a lot like Filch's. He didn't have any specific examples like catching a Death Eater torturing muggles but he did have a lot of reports of unusual activities. Everyone in the Great Hall knew about Bruno being killed already. He said Alastor Moody had been making more reports than usual but that until recently most of them hadn't been taken seriously enough to investigate. He also said that there were reports in Hogsmeade and other towns of an unusual rat that seemed to be listening to conversations before stealing food but they were now sure who that was. He provided a few other non-specific examples before sitting down.
Dumbledore once again stood up. "Alright then. Much of what I know has already been spoken of tonight. The only other things I know revolve around Voldemort's activities with his followers. I know that he's actively recruiting underage witches and wizards. I also know that Lucius Malfoy is taking a very active role in the planning of this up rise. Although I can't prove it, I believe that he is the number two wizard in the dark chain. All right then; it's time to move on to tonight but first we will take another break for refreshments. Please everyone be back in here within fifteen minutes."
Harry turned to Dobby. The house-elf was not looking good. Before he had a chance to speak to him, Dumbledore came over. "Harry, might I steal Dobby away from you for a bit?"
Harry just looked at the house-elf who was still looking scared. "Please sir, Dobby is not knowing anything --- " Dumbledore however did not take no for an answer and eventually Dobby followed him out of the room still covering his face with his hands. Harry was pretty sure that Dobby knew more about Malfoy's activities than he had ever said. He was also pretty sure that the headmaster thought so as well. Harry knew that Dobby still felt bound to keep his old master's secrets but he had been hoping that Dobby would get over that misplaced loyalty. If anyone could help him though Harry knew that it was Dumbledore.
Harry looked up and realized that Ron had brought his parents over to talk to Sirius. He really hoped that they would like him. He walked over to see how it was going. Mr Weasley was speaking.
"Well then, Mr Black --- "
"Please call me Sirius. I know that you two don't know me but I've known Ron for a couple of years now and Harry tells me you two have made him practically feel like part of your family. I'd like it if we could be friends." Sirius waited patiently for their reaction. He didn't have to wait long though before Mrs Weasley answered him.
"Well then, you're welcome to the Burrow any time you'd like. We'd like to get to know you better especially since you're Harry's godfather. And --- er --- well --- I'm really sorry for screaming last year when I first saw you in the hospital wing." She looked embarrassed and Harry was glad that Sirius eased her discomfort.
"Don't give it another thought Mrs Weasley. I've never made a good first impression with the ladies." Everyone laughed as she blushed and admonished him for not calling her Molly. The next few minutes passed easily in pleasant conversation before Mrs Weasley insisted that the entire lot of them get something to eat and drink before it was time to start again.
Everyone was back in his or her seats by the time Dumbledore came back into the Great Hall. "Sorry to keep everyone waiting." Harry realized Dobby hadn't returned with the headmaster who was still speaking. "I know it's late and we're all tired but I think we must finish up with tonight's events before breaking up so I will begin asking for comments as I progress through the timeline."
Everyone in the room was anxious to hear tonight's tale. Almost everyone had played one role or another in the story but didn't have the big picture. They were all glad when Dumbledore continued.
"Sirius, Remus and I have been spying on Death Eater's for many months. We've been able to foil some plans but certainly not all. Pettigrew has evaded us on more than one occasion and tonight we decided was the night to capture him. We've known for a while that Voldemort was going to use Pettigrew to spring a trap on us tonight. We planned ahead and sprung our own trap. Most of the Hogwarts' staff was our insurance to catch Pettigrew tonight. The three of us knowingly chased Pettigrew into the trap they laid out for us. He relied too much on his size to try to get away. The staff was waiting for him to come out the backside of the woods. Voldemort's plan had most of the Death Eaters remain in the woods to trap the three of us so Pettigrew didn't have anywhere near the protection he would have needed to escape tonight."
He paused and looked around the room as if inviting any of the staff to add their comments. When no one did anything but nod, he continued. "Meanwhile Sirius, Remus and I were laying low in the woods well hidden from the Death Eaters. The opportunity to catch some of the dark wizards was too great to pass up tonight even though it was risky. We summoned Harry, Ron and Hermione to come to us and help us escape. Now --- Now --- "
Dumbledore was having trouble quieting the room as people, especially Mrs Weasley, realized what level of danger Dumbledore had put Harry and Hermione in and tried to put her son in as well. He was finally able to continue over the talking. "I know some of you don't agree but I've said before and it bears repeating that these are desperate times and we had no other choice. These three have beaten Voldemort and his minions before and the opportunities tonight were too great not to summon them to help. Indeed, except for Pettigrew, every prisoner interviewed here tonight was the direct result of their efforts in the woods tonight."
Ron was looking embarrassed. Harry was glad that the headmaster had given Ron full credit as if he'd been there tonight too. After all, he volunteered to go too and it wasn't his fault that some mysterious force pulled him to wherever he ended up. Hermione was also looking slightly embarrassed but for a different reason than Ron. She had fallen asleep in her chair and was snoring before being poked awake.
Dumbledore only smiled. "Yes it is getting extremely late so we'll speed this along." He told everyone about the rest of the evening's events with Ron and Dobby as well as Lupin's exploits in the Burrow. When he was through everyone looked astonished, and tired. Harry was glad that Dumbledore was vague enough in the timeline that no one would know that Ron wasn't with them in the woods.
"Now before we conclude for the night does anyone have any questions that can't wait until tomorrow? No? Ok then we'll meet again here at six pm. I must ask that everyone come prepared to be away from their homes for a few days. Almost everyone here will have an assignment and some of you will have to be gone for a few days. On Christmas Eve, again, everyone here will have a role so plan accordingly. Molly, Arthur, I need to speak to you both for a couple of minutes and I will see everyone else back here tomorrow."
While the crowd was thinning out the Weasleys went over to talk to the headmaster who was leading them out of listening range of anyone else. While they were waiting, Harry and his two friends were wondering where they were going to spend the night. Although Harry wanted to spend some time with Sirius, he didn't care where he spent the night as long as he could sleep for the next fifteen hours at least. Finally Mr and Mrs Weasley came over.
Ron asked his mom, "Can Harry, Hermione and Sirius spend the night with us in the Burrow Mum?"
She burst into tears and hugged Ron so tightly Harry was hoping that his friend wouldn't pass out from a lack of oxygen. Mr Weasley answered his son's question. "That's what Dumbledore was talking to us about. You lot have to stay here. Dumbledore is sending you off when you all get up tomorrow. And listen, be careful."
The three friends were staring at each other. Ron asked his parents, "Sending us off? To where?" Mrs Weasley began sobbing again and hugged all three of them before Mr Weasley led her out of the Great Hall. Ron turned to his friends.
"She's going nutters. What's got into her anyway?"
"Ron," Hermione said, "Don't talk about your mom like that. Besides I'm more curious about where we're being sent off to first thing in the morning." Dumbledore walked over in time to hear her last sentence.
"Don't concern yourselves with that now. Enough has happened tonight that we can put off talking about that until tomorrow. Now say goodnight to our newest freed wizard and off to bed with you three."
They said their goodnights and went to their dorms. They wanted to think about everything they heard tonight but it was just too early in the morning. They went to sleep without uttering another word to each other. They had no idea of the troubles they were in for.
A/N -Busy week for me but I'll try to do one at least every other day.
A/N - I love the feedback Kathleen but it's ironic that you said Avery when you meant Nott.