Disclaimer: All Harry Potter™ characters and settings are the sole property of JK Rowling. No money is being made with this fanfiction and no copyright infringement is intended. All that belongs to me is the plot!
Spoilers for all five books. It's rated at PG-13 for now and there are no romantic pairings at the moment, but that is subject to change depending on future plot lines. Comments can be sent to jewelofatlantisyahoo.co.uk
Chapter 7: Attentions of a Bumblebee
Albus turned his attention to the many rolls of parchment and documents that littered over his large desk. Long fingers traced the list of names written on the thick parchment. The list containing those students whose OWL results made them eligible to participate in the Teaching Accreditation programme.
"Bonnie," he called out loud seemingly to no one.
A few seconds later, a house-elf, dressed in the usual Hogwarts-style toga appeared. "How can Bonnie help Professor Dumbledore Sir?" she squeaked.
"Bonnie," Albus began. "Could you have a look at the East Wing for me. I believe that we'll need to relocate several students there. It should be large enough to house two years worth of students, don't you think?"
"Yes Professor," Bonnie replied. "Bonnie thinks that there is almost thirty rooms in the East Wings sir. The Turret tower is also attached to the East Wing Professor Dumbledore Sir."
Albus' blue eyes twinkled. "Ah yes," he said happily. "Such a perfect arrangement Bonnie don't you think? Those in their third year, the student teachers so to say, could reside in the Tower. Perfect!"
"Bonnie will look into it right now Sir!" the house-elf cried.
"Remember that you do not need to do the work on your own Bonnie" Albus reminded the eager looking house-elf. "Take some other elves."
"Bonnie likes work Professor Dumbledore. There isn't enough work in the summer Sir, but Bonnie will ask the other elves to help Sir," Bonnie replied in her high pitched voice. With a small pop, she disappeared.
Albus turned his attention back to the list. Fourteen students were eligible for the new Accreditation programme from the incoming Sixth year. Those in their Seventh year were too involved in their NEWT level studies to transfer into the programme and those in the fifth year had yet to take their OWL's. In truth, Albus realised that the programme was poorly planned, but it did have one particular advantage.
The Minister of Magic, the incompetent fool, would have no further say in the future of those students who wished to participate. Instead the students would only be held accountable to the Director of the Teaching Accreditation Programme and their supervising Professor. That Professor would be the one who taught the subject in which the student wished to specialise within. In truth, Albus acknowledged that the programme was almost independent from Hogwarts.
Albus knew that it would be hard for those who agreed to participate. The workload would be heavy and demanding. The lack of preparation and planning could only lead to disruption. Fortunately, the group of students who were eligible included several that had proved themselves highly adaptable. Students from all Houses ... from all backgrounds.
Albus could not suppress a small smile as he reread the list of names. Students who had gained an excellent result in their OWL exams. The high demands of the course meant that only those who gained Outstanding and Exceeds Expectations in five or more subjects were eligible. Only then could they teach a subject that they had gained an Outstanding in ... also dependent upon high NEWT results.
A knock at the door interrupted his musings. "Come in Minerva, Severus." Albus called out.
The Deputy Headmistress entered the room, allowing Severus to close the door behind her. Albus gestured towards the two, high-backed armchairs in front of his desk. The two Heads of Houses settled themselves while Albus opened his bottom drawer. He searched around for a moment before finally releasing a sigh of relief.
"Lemon Drops?" he asked.
"No thank you Albus," Minerva politely declined; though her distaste for the muggle sweet that Albus so often eat laced her tone. Severus made no such attempt at politeness. His sneer spoke volumes.
"Are you sure? Severus?" Albus persisted.
"Quite sure Headmaster," he replied, sarcasm rippling through his voice.
"A pity Severus. They're quite unusual really," Albus said. "Bitter. Yet as you continue, you encounter the sweetness. Very interesting ... how it's so conflicted in such a simple matter as taste."
Albus grinned enigmatically at the thought of his favourite sweet before conjuring up a tray of tea service. He took a few moments to pour tea for his colleagues and himself. Minerva liked a generous helping of cream and one sugar on hers, while Severus only took his with a dash of milk. After adding two sugars and cream to his own, Albus settled back into his seat.
"Have you seen the results Albus?" Minerva finally asked, setting her tea back onto its saucer.
"The OWL results?" Albus replied, feigning ignorance.
"Of course she means the bloody OWL results," Snape snapped. "How that group of dunderheads managed to pass any subject is a wonder in itself. Especially considering certain individuals in that year."
Albus took a sip of his tea, using the cup to hide his smile at Severus' indignation.
Minerva bristled at the Slytherin's comments; especially those aimed at her young charges. "Are you implying that you did not expect those students to have passed their Potions Owl's?" she asked, her Scottish brogue becoming stronger as she continued. "Including your Slytherins? What a pity Severus, especially since you pride yourself on your pass levels for previous years."
"I assure you, Minerva, that my Slytherins performed perfectly adequately in the Owl's." Snape snapped back.
Minerva raised a dark defined eyebrow. "Perhaps. However, I do believe that my Gryffindors out-performed your Slytherins by a rather significant amount looking at those results. Wouldn't you agree Severus?" she asked, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips.
Severus glared holes at the Deputy Headmistress. "Well that know-it-all Granger probably bolstered those achievements. Not to forget Potter, who in all likelihood only gained his results due to his celebrity status."
"Hermione Granger is a hard-working student who deserved every iota of her results and Harry was considered to be a liar, a lunatic by many in the Wizarding community when he took those exams Severus!" Minerva shot back.
Albus wondered whether his Transfiguration Professor was really hissing, or whether it was his imagination. Even so, he decided that perhaps it would be appropriate for him to halt the argument before a cat-fight ensued between the two Heads of Houses. Possibly literally in this case.
"Now, now Minerva. Severus, I know that we promote inter-House rivalry in order to drive the students to greater achievements, but we must also remember that we strive to harbour relations between the separate Houses. It can't be seen that the Heads of Gryffindor and Slytherin having a public brawl. Now, if we may get back to business," Albus interrupted.
He glanced at the two Professors, who both avoided meeting his eyes. Much to his amusement, they did not look at one-another either. 'Some people think Harry and Draco Malfoy have issues,' Albus thought wryly.
"The sooner we finish this, the sooner I can get back to my work," Severus pointed out eager to finish.
"Yes" Albus replied. "Firstly, Minerva? Letters need to be sent out to those who are eligible for the new Teaching Accreditation Programme."
"Of course Albus," she replied. With a wave of her wand, she conjured up parchment and a self-inking quill. She scribbled down several notes quickly before speaking next. "It's quite a mouthful isn't it?" She said to no one in particular.
"Isn't what?" Severus questioned.
"Teaching Accreditation Programme."
"Honestly. What does that incompetent idiot think he's doing with this claptrap?" Severus asked. "It's a complete waste of time. Most people don't want to come into teaching anyway. There are much more glorifying jobs to appease their over-inflated egos."
"You mean, it's much too good for Harry Potter and his friends," Minerva replied.
Severus merely glanced at the Animagus before returning his attention to Albus. "Besides which, the only vacancy for a Teaching Post at Hogwarts is the Defence position ... again!"
"Even so, Cornelius is attempting not only to regain the trust of the wizarding community, but also to stamp his authority on several matters that are slipping from his grasp. This school being one of them. I believe his motives in creating and passing this legislature is to try and demonstrate that he still exerts some level of influence at Hogwarts ... and by association, me."
Uncharacteristically, Severus rolled his black eyes. "And the other reason?"
The twinkle in Albus' eyes disappeared at the thought of the other reason. "He is attempting to further alienate ... hurt Harry."
Minerva's head shot up quickly. "Pardon?"
"By creating the new programme, Cornelius has effectively disabled Remus Lupin from taking a position at Hogwarts for the foreseeable future," Albus replied. "Those who are excluded from the legislation are those who are currently teaching at Hogwarts. The length of the programme exceeds that of the grace period we have been granted. We can only hope that we do not have a vacancy in that time."
"That's despicable," Minerva protested with a hint of desperation in her voice at the situation that Hogwarts had been put in.
"I agree," Albus responded solemnly.
"Can't you do something about it?" she asked.
"Unfortunately the benefits of the programme outweigh the disadvantages in this case."
"How so?"
"Those who choose to participate in this programme fall under the direct and almost complete control of the Director. Cornelius will be unable to further influence those particular students. In several cases, I feel that this fact will be extremely beneficial to us. Nevertheless I have come up with the most ingenious solution with Regards to Remus," Albus replied, the twinkle returning full force.
Severus' demeanour expressed his wariness in what he thought the Headmaster was about to tell him. "What are you planning Headmaster?"
"I will offer the position as Director of TAP to Remus Lupin," Albus announced, eyes twinkling.
Minerva frowned. "TAP?"
"The Teaching Accreditation Programme."
"You're offering it to the werewolf!" Severus exclaimed angrily, knowing that he was right in his assumption. Two spots of red coloured his sallow skin and the Potions Master jumped to his feet and began to pace the office hoping Albus to reconsider.
"Remus Lupin," Albus replied, a hint of disapproval in his voice.
"You expect me to work with Lupin again!" Snape exclaimed, disgust contorting his features.
Minerva did not give Albus the opportunity to reply to Severus's comment. She threw a quick disapproving look towards Severus before turning her attention back to Albus. "Can you do that? If Remus isn't allowed to teach at Hogwarts, how can he be the Director of the programme?"
"Cornelius never specified the role of the Director. In fact, it is one that the Wizengamot created in the latter sessions to oversee TAP. They considered that the Minister of Magic and Headmaster of Hogwarts already carried many responsibilities and would not be able to devote sufficient time and consideration to there students."
"That is true I suppose. Considering when it is running fully, they'll be three years ... with anything upto fifty students," Minerva said thoughtfully as she contemplated the size of the programme when it was fully underway.
Severus returned to his seat. "Where will those fifty students live, especially those in the final year of the programme. They cannot live in their old House dormitaries. Nor are they Professors and thus cannot reside in the Staff Wing."
Albus smiled. "The East Wing."
"Hasn't that been abandoned for almost fifty years?" Minerva asked.
"Indeed. I have asked the House-elves to have a look to see if its inhabitable and start cleaning it up," Albus replied.
"The East Wing is large enough to house an entire House. Why use all that space to hold a mere fifty students?" Severus questioned. "Surely all they need is a separate room for girls and boys and a common room for each year? The lower levels of the North Tower would suffice."
"Severus! Those are completely out of the way!" Minerva replied harshly. "Not only will there be Slytherins participating in the programme, but eventually there will be third year Student Teachers. You cannot expect them to share a bedroom?"
"They're agreeing to participate," Severus pointed out.
Albus refilled his cup. "No Severus. Those who participate in TAP will gain a suite of rooms. Not only do we have to encourage their maturity and independence, they will also be undertaking an aggressive and demanding course load."
"You mean that part of Fudge's plan is continuing? It's ludicrous!" Severus exclaimed.
"I must agree," Minerva added. "It is difficult enough to get students to learn and perform at NEWT level in the current time. To accelerate the courses so that they have completed the material after eighteen months is absurd!"
"Difficult? Yes. Impossible. No," Albus argued. "That does not cover that fact that those students will be taking their exams at the same time as the other NEWT level students in their year. It's is just so that there is enough time during which they can begin their specialisation"
"This is possibly the worst planned out programme in my experience," Severus complained again.
"I agree!" Minerva commented, for once agreeing with her colleague.
"That may be so, but we must adhere to them," Albus replied. "Now back to the tasks that must be completed."
Minerva spoke up. "I'll have those letters ready to send out in two days."
"Wonderful!" Albus replied, delighted at the efficiency. "The sooner we receive the replied, the sooner we can start planning."
"What about Remus?" Minerva asked, wondering when the fellow Order Member will be brought up to speed on the Program.
Ignoring the sneer on Severus' face, Albus replied calmly. "I shall send him a letter via Fawkes as soon as we have a few more details. He knows of the general details, but not of the position I wish to offer."
"Looks like I'll have to brew a lot more of that flea-killing potion," Severus muttered softly to himself.
"Pardon?" Albus asked rhetorically knowing full well what Severus just said.
"I was just wondering what subjects the students were eligible to study under the programme. How is it that they choose? After all, Granger could pick any subject she wished and I'm certain that there will be more popular subjects than others," he replied instead.
"Perhaps if you took a less severe and more fair approach to your Potions lessons," Minerva teased enjoying needling Severus.
Severus sniffed in reply, ignoring the chuckling of the Headmaster and the Deputy Headmistress.
"Now that is an interesting problem," Albus finally replied. "Tell me Severus. Have you seen the list of the eligible students, or just the main OWL results?"
"The latter." Severus answered.
"Well then, this will be an interesting and eye-opening read," Albus said. He picked up the uppermost piece of parchment and handed it over to Severus.
Severus began to skim the details. He reached the middle of the parchment before his eyes widened in surprise. Black eyes glanced at Albus and Minerva before returning to the top of the parchment. This time, it was obvious to Albus that Severus was reading the information much more carefully.
List of Students Eligible for the Teaching Accreditation Program:
Bones, Susan-Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; Herbology; History of Magic; Potions; Transfiguration
Boot, Terry - Ancient Runes; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; Herbology; Potions; Transfiguration
Brocklehurst, Mandy - Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; Muggle Studies; Potions; Transfiguration
Finch-Fletchley, Justin - Arithmancy; Astronomy; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; Potions; Transfiguration
Goldstein, Antony - Arithmancy; Care of Magical Creatures; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; Potions; Transfiguration
Granger, Hermione - Ancient Runes; Arithmancy; Astronomy; Care of Magical Creatures; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; History of Magic; Herbology; Potions; Transfiguration
Longbottom, Neville - Care of Magical Creatures; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; Divination; Herbology; History of Magic
MacDougal, Marigold - Astronomy; Arithmancy; Charms; Divination; History of Magic
Malfoy, Draco - Arithmancy; Defence Against the Dark Arts; History of Magic; Potions; Transfiguration
McMillan, Ernie - Care of Magical Creatures; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; History of Magic; Potions; Transfiguration
Patil, Padma - Ancient Runes; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; History of Magic; Potions; Transfiguration
Potter, Harry - Care of Magical Creatures; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; Herbology; Potions; Transfiguration
Turpin, Lisa - Charms; Divination; Herbology; Muggle Studies; Transfiguration
Zabini, Blaise - Ancient Runes; Arithmancy; Astronomy; Charms; Defence Against the Dark Arts; History of Magic; Potions; Transfiguration
[Key: Italics = Exceeds Expectations; Bold = Outstanding]
"Those are the students who are eligible for the Teaching Accreditation programme?" Severus finally asked with a hint of shock in his voice.
"Yes," Albus answered.
"Longbottom made the grade?"
"Indeed, young Mr Longbottom performed well. I do believe we can expect much better of him in the coming years." Albus commented.
"Is he having a lobotomy?" Severus sneered.
"Severus!" Albus reprimanded sternly. After an apology had been muttered, Albus continued his explanation. "Neville has been labouring with his practical spell-work while using his father's old wand. I believe that is why he has difficulties in some of his classes."
"That and his lack of confidence," Minerva added.
"Something that young Mr Potter has been dealing with," Albus replied. "With a more compatible wand, I believe we shall see a marked improvement from Neville Longbottom in the future."
"Granger I understand. Potter however..." Severus continued before he was interrupted.
"I'll have you know that Mr Potter performed better than all of your Slytherins Severus." Minerva remarked smugly.
"I despair of the quality of this programme if that is true," Severus sneered in reply.
"Perhaps you should make sure that your own House is in order before commenting on others," Minerva remarked sharply.
"Now, now." Albus interrupted.
"As you fully well know Minerva, I have to contend with the offspring of several notable Dark families, such as Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. Children who have been groomed for service to the Dark Lord. I must tread a fine line in order to maintain my cover and yet I try to protect them from the harshness and prejudices from the other Houses," Severus continued, ignoring the Headmaster. "It is a difficult and thankless task that I perform to the best of my abilities."
"That does not mean that you are justified in your behaviour if the other Houses," Minerva argued. "It is tolerated at present but it may not be in the future."
"If I do not protect my Slytherins, who will?" Severus hissed.
Albus' blue eyes blazed with power as he glared at the two Professors seated before him. "We will protect them. All of them. Severus, you are an experienced and respected Potions Master. You are not a student anymore. You must accept what has happened to you, not constantly pick at those old wounds. I will not condone prejudice, nor will I allow those to harm what we are fighting for. However, these are still children and thus we are empowered to attempt to teach them how to differentiate right from wrong. Some will heed the lesson, others will not."
"But we are fighting in a war," Severus pointed out.
Albus held back a saddened sigh. "Indeed we are."
Silence reigned in Albus' office. Minerva sipped her tea while the twitching in Severus' jaw lessened. Albus took the opportunity to gather several documents from the latest Order intelligence reports. He moved a report about several Dementor sightings onto the growing pile when he uncovered an envelope.
A letter for Harry Potter. Sent to Hogwarts.
The seal had been broken.
Without any hasty movement, Albus picked up the letter and discretely moved it into a desk drawer. 'Out of sight, out of mind' he thought to himself. Albus looked over his large wooden desk and noted with a small amount of pleasure that the amount of parchment had lessened.
"So how will their specialist subject be chosen? Will those who accept the programme choose the subject they wish to eventually teach?" Minerva finally asked after the long period of silence.
Severus rolled his eyes. "You would end up with most of those incompetents choosing the same subject."
"Well I doubt you'll have to worry too much Severus" Minerva teased. "Very few of them are probably brave enough to endure you for another three years."
"I intended to ask all of those who accepted to enter TAP to send us their first, second and third choice of subject" Albus interrupted with an enigmatic smile. "Of course we would attempt to keep to their first and second choices where possible."
"What if several choose to specialise in the same subjects?" Severus questioned.
"I expect that some Professors will have more than one student." Minerva answered.
"Quite correct Minerva. My hope is that there will be at least one student for each subject," Albus said.
"I don't have any objection to taking on two ... how will we refer to those on the programme?" Minerva asked in realisation that they would no longer be pupils of Hogwarts.
"They're still students aren't they?" Severus responded.
To an extent, but not really" Albus commented. "Their course is such that they'll need to take on accelerated studies in their NEWT subjects, while advanced lessons in the one they wish to teach. It is unlikely that they'll have more than a couple of weeks of lessons with the remaining Sixth years ... if that."
"How much of our time will the accelerated and advanced studies take?" Severus asked curiously. "Considering that most of us have a busy schedule as it is."
Albus frowned in thought for a moment. "That is up to the Director of the Programme, though I presume that a lot of their work will have to be independent, with scheduled time for practical work if required. Evenings most likely."
"This whole business is incredibly badly planned. How can the Minister expect this to work." Minerva complained.
"He doesn't expect it to work." Albus said sadly. "I believe that it is his hope that the programme does not succeed, thus increasing his control over Hogwarts. It is our job to prevent that."
"Then we will." Minerva replied with determination. The small nod from Severus signalling his agreement.
"Another cup of tea Severus?" Albus asked the Potions Master, who politely declined. "As for a name for those on the course? I suggest that we refer to them as the TAP students until something more appropriate is decided."
Minerva adjusted her glasses and looked at her notes for a brier moment. "Now we've covered the letters to the TAP students and a subject preference to be included in their reply. Where they will be housed ... supplies?"
"The Director will have to decide upon that. Along with a lesson plan of sorts for each student in the TAP." Albus replied.
"I believe that it would be beneficial for all the Professors to list a guideline and expectations for each subject. Something that the Director..." Here Severus paused for a moment, allowing a small distasteful sneer to cross his face. "For the Director to gain an insight to what is expected from those students," he finished.
"Excellent idea Severus!" Albus praised. "I believe that study plans and a schedule of sorts can be made from those. If you could owl the others on that matter?"
Severus inclined his head. "As you wish Headmaster."
"Supplies?" Minerva asked.
"I presume that they will still be expected to wear a uniform," Severus asked snidely. "I can make up a list of books in addition to those required for NEWT studies."
"I agree" Minerva replied. "A list of appropriate titles from each Professor."
"I shall add that request to the letters," Severus said.
"The Director of the Programme will likely have items to be added as well," Albus added. "That will be something to deal with after we receive the replied from the faculty."
"There is in fact very little that we can do until you appoint the programme's Director." Severus pointed out.
"I agree" Albus said simply. "If there is anything that we have missed, please let me know. Minerva, Severus, I'll let you get back to whatever you had planned."
"Thank you Albus."
"Headmaster."
The two Heads of Houses rose and left the circular office. Albus took a new piece of parchment and started to write out a letter for Remus. In it he included several pertinent details about the Teaching Accreditation Programme and informed the former Professor that they should meet immediately to discuss the matter.
Finally the letter was completed and Albus put it to one side to dry before sending. Fawkes was still out, delivering several letters to various members of the Order. Albus thought back to the look of triumph on Cornelius' face when the decree had passed. A small part of him could not wait to see Cornelius' reaction when he discovered that Remus Lupin would be heading up the programme. He suspected that it would also please Harry.
Harry.
Albus did love the boy. 'How could anyone not' he thought. It pained him that Harry had to go through what he had, but he could not protect the Boy-Who-Lived any longer. Harry had to become more independent in his opinion. To be able to stand on his own two feet confidently. Sirius' loss was unfortunate but it meant that Albus would be able to direct Harry more than he would have been able to. 'Harry had to be prepared for his destiny ... to fulfil the Prophecy.' The manner of the lesson may have been accidental and painful, but it was a necessary step. To cope with the realisation that he would likely lose friends in the battle as he had lost his 'family'.
This hand drifted down to the drawer that hid the envelope. Albus had decided to withhold the letter with Harry's best interests in mind. 'Harry needs to grieve properly' Albus reassured himself. 'He did not need to worry about Sirius' legal problems. In fact, perhaps it would be advised for me to pay a visit to his lawyer. I could deal with whatever needs to be dealt with. Save Harry the trouble and pain' he thought, hoping to deal with any problems before Harry became aware of the matter.
Twinkling blue eyes drifted over the parchment detailing those students who were eligible for TAP. Albus had already decided that Harry would participate in the programme. By installing Remus as the Director, Albus would have an extra point in his favour. 'It's the best way to teach Harry what he'll need to know' he thought. 'However, the problem lies in who and what would be the best way to teach Harry'
If Albus was not so busy ... did not have quite so many obligations, to Hogwarts, to the Order, then he would have undertaken Harry's tutoring himself. Albus trusted Minerva but he knew that she wouldn't agree with all his plans concerning Harry. She wouldn't agree to teach what Harry needed to be taught.
Severus was an excellent candidate, forgetting the rather insignificant incident with the Occlumency tutoring. Albus made a mental note. 'Persuade Harry to approach Severus and ask for his Occlumency training to restart. Without Sirius, the two of them should be able to concentrate on the greater good. They should be able to reach a working relationship without Sirius antagonising Severus' Albus decided.
Fawkes suddenly appearing in his office stopped Albus in his thoughts. "Fawkes! You've returned my friend," Albus greeted his loyal companion. "With several letters it seems."
Albus had the strangest feeling that the beautiful scarlet phoenix was looking at him in amusement. He opened letters from various members of the Order and added them to the stack already present on his desk. He finally came across one letter that was thicker than the others. Slitting it open, several official documents fell out. However only one thing caught his eye.
Harry James Black Potter
"Merlin!" Albus gasped. "Harry will never trust me at all now."
He sat down heavily in his chair, looking even wearier than he had little more than a month before. He could feel Fawkes' gleaming black eyes piercing him, but he ignored it. 'How am I going to get out of this predicament?' he thought before wearily cradling his head in his hands.
A huge thanks to halstead for beta'ing this chapter for me. It's a better read for it!
Jewel
Many thanks to gaul1, cessate133, RogueFanKC, Black Vengeance, seeker, xsilverdeathx, captuniv, LL, Makotochi, GY, John Steppenwolf, ZeonReborn, litine, BferBear, zaraky, Maestro-XL, Slimpun, halstead, ibfritz, wadeki, lady sakura, Numba1 and Rishi Khiara
gaul1 - Thank you. As for Harry's influence? Let's say he becomes a major player grins
Cessate133 - I don't think a man like Fudge would be completely okay with the way things turned out in Book 5. He's too arrogant, has to much pride. However, he's also clever and would go for the low/less public blow, especially with his precarious position.
RogueFanKC - snickers I agree! I do see Fudge as pathetic. Perhaps he's been spewing those lies and mistruths so often that he is deluding himself into believing them himself. Dolores will be making an appearance at some point e.g. though you'll have to wait and see how! Finish this? I really want to but someone wants to send me a plot? Anyone? Looks around desperately Oh dear...
Black Vengeance - Thank you for the encouragement. It's very much appreciated. I think I'll have to rewrite the last chapter though. You can really tell that I wrote it in two sessions. I have a suspicion that you may have to keep notes to keep track of what's going to happen soon enough wibble
xsilverdeathx - Are you sure it only takes five minutes? I get the impression that the goblins are rather shrewd. Anyway, fudge can't change the names on the Potter vaults (or any other) since that would be illegal. It's akin to a relative changing your bank account into their name. Not possible without a document that proves a legal reason for doing so. Inheritance? Certified insanity? shrugs
captinuv - sympathetic cringe Ouch!
LL - Don't quote me, but wasn't Dumbledore the Chief Warlock of the Wizgamot and a member of the ICW? As for the vote of no confidence. I think I've alluded to it, but I will mention why not in future chapters. Suffice to say that it wouldn't make much of a story is one of the manipulators made an early exit!
John Steppenwolf - Hermione sent the article cutout to Harry. Ron gained an Acceptable in Divination. James Potter (not that it has anything to do with the story) could not have gained only 3 OWLs. It's been stated in the books that James was not only bright, fantastic at Transfiguration and became an Animagi without formal training while at school, but also Head Boy. They don't appoint slackers to that kind of position.
Sirius was disinherited and Regulus the primary heir. That was in limbo when Regulus was killed. In my opinion, Mrs Black would have been slightly resentful of Voldemort and the Death Eaters anyway. However, when she died, she believed that Sirius Black was a Death Eater ... everyone else seemed to, why not her as well. It's obvious that not all the Death Eaters knew of each other (cue Wormtail). Hence, in recognition of his 'new' attitude she included him in the line of inheritance once more. In my story, as already stated, the Black Inheritance runs down the male line, hence 'Cissa and Bella's exclusion.
Harry's still grieving. He can and is slightly angry at the world that incarcerated his innocent godfather. Why shouldn't he be angry? It was their prejudices and incompetent judicial system that led to what happened.
BferBear - Dumbledore is going to be interesting to write. Not quite what you expect. He's a Master Manipulator!
Slimpun - Harry will have a fight on his hands with regards to his Inheritances ... though we haven't seen the end of those yet grins Some interesting surprises ahead. Fudge interfering ... I can give you great odds on that! smirk
halstead - Thank you! Grins Have I said good luck by the way? If not, I'll say it now. Harry and Dumbledore will have a confrontation before the end of summer, I promise. Ron? Well let's say he doesn't take certain circumstances all too well.