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For copyright and disclaimers, please see chapter 1
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22 – Classes, Week thirty one, Second year
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Sunday, March 26, 2000:
Hogwarts, Great Hall, Slytherin table: 08:32
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Professor Dumbledore stood at the Head table, tapping his goblet with his butter knife. The low murmur of voices quieted, and he smiled, "I believe most of us are present. I have a small announcement. Given events over the last few years, and that I have been at Hogwarts since 1938, and Headmaster since 1955, I believe it is time for me to retire." There was an explosion of noise, and he raised his hand. "Thank you. I will finish out the school year, at which time I shall turn the school's wards over to Minerva McGonagall." He smiled gently, adding,"I must say, I am quite looking forward to having a holiday. Perhaps I shall travel."
There was a riot of noise, including the Head Table. Albus let it go on for a minute or two; then held up his hand. "I am sure that you have questions. While I will make my recommendations for staff changes, those decisions properly belong to Headmistress McGonagall. As for what I shall do, I believe the British wizarding population is in dire need of a compact of law. I shall give this task my best efforts, and let the witches and wizards of Britain judge it." He smiled gently, then stepped back, "Professor McGonagall?"
She glared daggers at him, "A little notice would have been welcome, Albus," she muttered, loud enough to be heard. He smiled gently at her, and stepped back, leaving the floor to her.
Mattie was on her cell phone, speed-dialing London. "Hey, Aunt Lois! Breaking news for you: Dumbledore just announced his retirement a minute ago, effective at the end of term. McGonagall will take over as Headmistress. He's going to write a 'compact of law' for wizarding Britain. Right now, McGonagall is sitting there, glaring at Dumbledore, apparently this took her by surprise. Okay, he just pulled his disappearing act – I'd love to know how he does that. Hang on, McGonagall is going to speak."
Minerva stood, and addressed the school, "Well, this is as much a surprise to me as to you. I'm certain that everyone here, like I do, have things we would like to change at Hogwarts, and things that we would like to keep. I would appreciate suggestions, with good, solid reasons, for anything you would change. Put them in writing, please, as I will discard anonymous comments." She looked about, adding, "If you are not confident of your thoughts, they are not worthy of discussion."
Mattie told Lois, "Okay, McGonagall is asking for signed suggestions. Sure, I'll go and see if Dumbledore is in his office, and willing to sit for an interview. Be gentle with him, okay? Right. Bye." She stowed her phone, telling the table, "Gotta go!"
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Sunday, March 26, 2000:
Hogwarts, Headmaster's office: 09:03
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"Gummi Bears" Mattie told the statue, which rotated away. "Hold the statue!" someone called, and Arthur ran up, panting slightly.
"We need to get you in shape," Mattie teased as they rode up the circular staircase. "Want to go running with me later?"
"I don't want to, but I will. I need the exercise," he answered. "Shoot some baskets with me?"
"Deal," she replied, as she knocked on the door. "Headmaster?"
"Please come in, Miss Wayne, Mr. Morton," he called. He stood as they entered, "What can I do for you?" as he waved his wand to conjure two squashy armchairs. "Lemon drop?"
"No, thank you sir," Mattie replied. "I have a request to pass on from my Aunt Lois. She'd like to do an interview, given your rather surprising announcement."
"How did she know about this?" Albus asked curiously; Mattie simply pulled out her cell phone. "Ah. Advanced muggle technology, I should have known." He sighed, "As many advancements as we have made recently, we still have far to go," he said, adding with a twinkle of his eyes, "You may not quote me, Miss Wayne. I am at your aunt's disposal. Shall we say ..." he turned, unlocking his computer and checking his schedule, "Tomorrow at ten? I can offer her lunch, as I have another appointment at one."
Mattie nodded, and stood next to the fire while she called Lois back. Albus turned to Arthur, smiling and saying, "You are concerned with the letter your mother wrote me? Perhaps you would like to see my reply?" He held up his hand, and a file flew out of a cabinet into his hand. Dumbledore extracted a sheet of parchment, handing it to Arthur.
"I didn't know Mom wrote you a letter," he said, then sat down to read.
25 March, 2000
Mrs. Magdalena Morton
Grandview Heights, Ohio
United States
Dear Mrs. Morton,
I am in receipt of your letter of the eleventh. Please forgive my delay in replying, as you are aware, the school was recently subjected to an event, which has lead to this delay.
I completely understand your concern for both Arthur and Julia (when she starts next year). I have noticed that enrollment has slipped from that of a few years ago, and your point that 'what Hogwarts needs is an educator, not a mage' is well taken.
For this reason and others, I have decided to retire at the end of this term. While I will always feel a strong attachment to Hogwarts, I feel that I can best serve by turning my attention to a post I have sadly neglected, that of Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot (our judicial system).
In this regard, I will be drafting a wizarding constitution of sorts, taking into consideration the Declaration of Separation, which I understand Arthur had a hand in compiling. I am leaving the school in good hands, passing the school to Minerva McGonagall, who has a degree in education from King's College in London. In that regard, some of the personnel decisions I made in the past were driven more by the recent conflicts with Grindelwald and Voldemort. These decisions are now properly in Minerva's hands.
In closing, I appreciate your concerns, and hope that I have addressed them. I look forward to correspondence from you and other parents.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Albus smiled gently as Arthur passed the letter back. "You're going to use the Declaration? But I didn't do..."
"Indeed I am, Mr. Morton. I find it has a number of novel ideas that apply." He steepled his fingers, asking, "Do you have a suggestion that I may pass on to Minerva?"
"Get rid of Binns," Arthur said immediately. "He's a joke as a History instructor. Find someone who's qualified."
"Ah, well, as a ghost, Professor Binns somewhat comes with the castle," Albus said. He looked up, and called, "Come in, Minerva!" Standing, he waved his wand, conjuring another squashy armchair.
"Mr. Morton, Miss Wayne," Minerva said with a stiff nod.
Mattie closed her phone, saying, "Aunt Lois says tomorrow at ten is fine. They'll be doing a special insert in Tuesday's paper." She glanced at Minerva, adding, "Professor McGonagall, my Aunt Lois will be interviewing the Headmaster tomorrow. Would you like to join him, or do a separate interview?" She grinned, adding, "I asked her to be gentle with you."
"I do appreciate the sentiment, but I have nothing to hide from her," Albus said. "Mr. Morton was just expressing his dissatisfaction with Professor Binns' qualifications."
Minerva snorted, "How does one fire a ghost?"
"Stop assigning students to his classroom. I don't think he'd even notice," Arthur said. He glanced at Mattie, asking, "Ready?"
"Always," she replied. Mattie paused when Minerva said, "I will join Albus tomorrow, if you would inform your aunt." Mattie nodded, asking Arthur as he stood, "Which first, the track or the basketball court?"
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Monday, March 27, 2000:
Hogwarts, Headmaster's office: 10:00
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Lois sneezed as she stepped through the floo, dusting herself off. "Allow me," Albus said, brushing off her suit jacket. As he replaced the brush on the hook, he asked, "Tea?"
"Thank you," Lois answered, pulling out her pocket recorder and pad. Settling herself, she told the recorder, "Lois Lane, Albus Dumbledore, and Minerva McGonagall in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts. Now, then, Mr. Dumbledore..."
"Please, call me Albus."
Lois smiled, "Albus then. I understand that you're planning on an active retirement, writing Britain's first wizarding constitution. What are your thoughts on that?"
Albus settled himself, and sipped his tea. "I believe a compact is a better term, as it is an agreement between witches and wizards and their government. Ever since the Ministry succeeded the British Council of Wizards in the late 1600's, we have been ruled by the Minister. Some have been better than others, but there has been no codified law other than the Unforgivables, and they are a recent invention, within the last hundred years. However, the muggles have managed to rule themselves, first with the Magna Carta..."
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Wednesday, March 29, 2000:
Hogwarts, Staff room: 07:02
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"Good morning, everyone," Pomona said cheerfully, carefully setting her candle down next to Hagrid's. The sweet scent of burning cannabis sativa in the antigen candles everyone carried mixed in the small, worn room. "When do we expect to receive the shipment of new candles?" she asked.
"Not for another week or so," Minerva said. "We usually order that large a quantity of tapers once a year, a second order caught them off. They have sent what they had in stock; I have asked these be placed in the Great Hall."
"Well, we have several things to discuss in confidence," Albus said. "Aside from the usual folderol, what do we do about Miss Malfoy? It could be argued that she is a minor, and is not liable for her actions with Imperious."
Severus snorted in disgust, "You cannot possibly be serious Albus. Regardless of what outward form he might be wearing, everyone in this room knows full well that 'Constance Kowalski' is in fact Lucius Malfoy and most certainly not a minor."
"Lucius Malfoy was declared dead," Albus replied.
"Then declare him alive!" Callista Vector snapped. "He cannot be allowed to escape justice. The fact that he actually lives must override any legal declaration to the contrary. It is simple common sense."
"Would you turn him over to Fudge?" Harry asked. "Without Malfoy to prop him up, Fudge's Ministry is bankrupt, the goblins just presented him a note that Hansen signed for the Ministry. Fudge was completely ignorant of it." He leaned forward, "I am no fan of either Fudge or Malfoy, but even a foolish Gryffindor knows to separate his enemies, and to keep them under observation. We have a spy network in the Ministry, but we have no way to keep track of Malfoy once she's out of Hogwarts."
"I recall her casting Imperious on me, however, she was clever enough to cast other spells to disguise it," the Potions Master said. He glanced at Pomona, "Even though you heard me say so, under the Ministry's revised legal code, that's considered hearsay."
Minerva massaged her face, "I cannot believe I have Lucius bloody Malfoy in my house. Can you take her, Severus?"
"What makes you think we want her in Slytherin?" he snapped. "Given her past, she wouldn't survive the first night, as I'd have to put her with Fook, Wayne, and Tonks. I think even Wayne would be tempted to kill her, if Tonks didn't transform and tear her throat out." He snorted, "Even Fook hates her, and for good reason. Unfortunately, we need her alive for interrogation." He sat back, eyes hooded, "We are fortunate that Minerva knew about the loose floorboard where she had hidden the Dark Lord's charms."
"It was a good idea of yours, Severus, to transfigure that cat toy into false charms and the dagger," Minerva added as she sipped tea, "I just wish we knew where she had hidden the Dark Lord's body."
"It's still there, I checked," Harry said. "I presume she planned for the Dark Lord to inhabit someone's body."
"For what it's worth, I think we should restore the points Malfoy lost for Gryffindor," Filius said. "How many has it been, Albus?"
"Four hundred sixty two, so far," Minerva said dryly, and Albus nodded.
"I suggest we put Malfoy outside the point system," Pomona said. "When do we reveal her identity to the students?"
"I am awaiting several owls from persons I trust on the Wizengamot," Albus said. "I should hope to have answers by the weekend, and make a final decision, and announcement, then, possibly after the Quidditch game."
"I am agreeable to the questions of points regarding Miss Malfoy," Severus said. "Those points should be restored to Gryffindor," he said with a grimace. He looked at Pomona, "What about rescheduling that game between Hufflepuff and Slytherin? The one at the beginning of the month was ... absurd."
"I'm agreeable to voiding that game and rescheduling, especially when it took the snitch flying in front of Miss Wayne for her to notice it," Pomona said. "Even then, it still took her ten minutes to catch it. What dates are open?"
"May sixth is available," Harry said, looking at his laptop's schedule. As Quidditch coach, he coordinated scheduled games with the Ballycastle coach. "Before that, we've got the pitch booked for the student/alumni game Friday afternoon, the twenty first of April, then the Easter Festival that weekend, and the Easter holiday."
"I have invited Minister Fudge under a banner of truce for the festivities," Albus said. "Please impress upon your Houses that, while they can defend themselves, they should not initiate conflict with the Minister or his party."
"I asked the Minister specifically about Minerva's Dunking Booth," Filius said. "I told him that I would be preceding him if he chose to join us, and reminded him that it was for a good cause."
"Wha' aboot Umbridge?" Hagrid asked.
"She is no longer a Slytherin," Severus snapped.
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Thursday, March 30, 2000:
Hogwarts, Great Hall, Slytherin table: 08:02
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"Good morning, everyone," Lee said as she joined her housemates. Sprink waved her teacup, and Mattie looked up from her stacks of mail.
"I need a secretary," she complained, scrawling a quick note. "This is no way to run a railroad," Lee snorted into her coffee. "Woah, there," she told a bat. "I need to send something back." Mattie turned, asking at the Ravenclaw table, "Amy, find a job yet?"
"No, some owls back, and a few interviews over the floo, but nothing yet," she said.
"Get with Professor Flitwick and go over your interviewing skills, and I'll go over mine," Mattie said. "I need an assistant, someone I can trust. Interested?"
"What about me?" Sprink asked.
"I haven't forgotten my best buddy," Mattie said, throwing her arm around Sprink.
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Thursday, March 30, 2000:
Hogwarts, Staff quarters: 20:44
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Harry's computer 'dinged' with incoming mail:
To: All Hogwarts Staff
From: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 30 March 2000: 20:43:55
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL! Miss Malfoy
I have received owls from several of the Wizengamot. As Minister Fudge has declared Lucius Malfoy dead, and his estate has been probated, Miss Malfoy is innocent of any crimes Lucius may have committed. She may also call herself whatever she wants. However, she may not commit fraud by assuming another's identity.
I am, however, loath to commit Lucille Malfoy to Azkaban. Aside from the Prophet crucifying us for imprisoning a (nominal) "first-year student" in Azkaban, I doubt she would be there long while Minister Fudge retains his tentative grip on power. I would prefer keeping her here, under our watchful eye.
In that regard, I have spoken with Ms. Colleen Merritt, head of the town council of Hogsmeade. While this is normally done for misdemeanors, she will prefer charges of battery by potion and fraud against Miss Lucille Malfoy in council court. She has requested that Hogwarts confine the suspect, as they do not have proper facilities (their own suspects are bonded on their own recognizance). There is precedent for this, most recently in 1979.
Accordingly, as Lucius Malfoy has used wandless magic, it is a fair assumption that Miss Lucille Malfoy can do so. I have thus requested the elves to convert the broom closet across from the hourglasses outside the Great Hall into a cell, where the constant traffic can help keep an eye on Miss Malfoy. She will thus have food, access to medical care, and may choose a defense counselor.
I believe that tomorrow at breakfast, under the pretext of Minerva making staffing announcements, we can suddenly stun and arrest her, then relieve her of any bits of nastiness she may have secreted about her person. Is this agreeable to all?
To: All Hogwarts Staff
From: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 30 March 2000: 20:45:02
Subject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL! Miss Malfoy
I believe this is the best plan for the moment. However, who will watch over her during the summer months?
As a side matter, I would like to suggest Callista Vector for the post of Deputy Headmistress, and that Harry take over as head of Gryffindor. For the post of Transfiguration instructor, I nominate Cho Chang, and Remus Lupin for History.
To: All Hogwarts Staff
From: Harry Potter
Date: 30 March 2000: 20:46:15
Subject: Re:2 CONFIDENTIAL! Miss Malfoy
Cho always was a sharp witch when it came to Transfig. I think that's a good choice, and I've always learned loads from Remus. I think the political situation has improved regarding lycanthropy as a medical condition, thanks in part to Miss Wayne's openly employing them. It didn't hurt when she drew her wand to face down Fudge in front of the press. The only question is, would he take the position?
As far as myself, I'll accept the post, and I have a suggestion to make. Ginny has served as an unofficial 'house mum' for the Gryffindor firsties this past year. I'd suggest making that semi-official, and having her available to all the firsties. Sometimes, you need a big sister to ask when you can't ask a 'scary professor' (her quote from one of the firsties) a question.
I think it's a great idea, especially with the muggle firsties! Perhaps I could meet with them before term starts at Diagon Alley. – Ginny
PS: Harry, you owe me a knut for quoting me!
To: All Hogwarts Staff
From: Filius Flitwick
Date: 30 March 2000: 20:48:13
Subject: Re:3 CONFIDENTIAL! Miss Malfoy
Miss Chang always was excellent when it came to her wand work; and I think it's a good suggestion regarding Ginny.
How do we want to proceed with Miss Malfoy?
To: All Hogwarts Staff
From: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 30 March 2000: 20:50:16
Subject: Re:4 CONFIDENTIAL! Miss Malfoy
Albus can invite me to speak at breakfast tomorrow. At that time, I will make my announcements, and after I mention Ginny (which will surely cause some discussion), we can all Stun Miss Malfoy.
While Ginny, Pomona and I search her, Albus can explain the situation to the students.
To: All Hogwarts Staff
From: Narcissa Black
Date: 30 March 2000: 20:51:24
Subject: Re:5 CONFIDENTIAL! Miss Malfoy
While I have been under a geis that prevents me from writing or speaking about Lucille's plans, I have been able to TYPE them, as I'm doing now. She has called me 'mother' (even if sarcastically), so I will take on that role. I would appreciate it; however, if a way could be found for the various spells she has placed on me to be lifted.
To: All Hogwarts Staff
From: Severus Snape
Date: 30 March 2000: 20:55:22
Subject: Re:6 CONFIDENTIAL! Miss Malfoy
I still have a drop or two of the Imperious potion I was forced to brew for her. It would be fitting; I believe, to use her own potion against her, both to interrogate her and to lift Narcissa's spells. I presume no one will object to the use of a Dark brew for this purpose.
I agree with the suggested appointments. This will place Callista in line to be the first Slytherin Headmistress in school history, an honour long past due for our House.
Albus, as tomorrow is certain to be disruptive, I propose you announce the cancellation of classes for the day.
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Friday, March 31, 2000:
Cornwall, Eagles Peak, (Chang home): 07:13
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Cho looked up from her tea and the classifieds at the rapping of an owl's beak on the kitchen window. Grumbling a bit as she always did, she moved a footstool to stand on; then opened the window. A Hogwarts owl flew in, perching on the back of a chair and offering her its leg.
"Thank you," she told it, offering it a sausage. "Can you stay a bit?" She had accepted a position with the Ministry after graduation, only to be laid off in one of Fudge's purges of 'un-necessary' personnel. Finances were tight for her family, but you still treated the post owls right. Breaking the seal, she read:
30 March 2000
Dear Miss Chang,
As you may have heard in the Reporter, Headmaster Dumbledore has announced his retirement, and my appointment to succeed him.
I would therefore like to offer you the position of Transfiguration, effective this coming school term. If you accept, please owl me with your salary and housing requirements. I will need to schedule a meeting to discuss the duties and benefits of a Hogwarts Professor, and the Transfiguration curriculum.
Other staff changes that you should be aware of include "Professor Harry" (Potter) moving to assume the post of Head of Gryffindor, with his wife Ginevra taking the (unofficial) position of "house mum" for the firsties of all four houses. I have also invited Remus Lupin to assume the position of History Professor, and Callista Vector will assume the position of Deputy Headmistress. Divination will become an elective, not a required course.
Lastly, in confidence, I would like to invite you to assume the position of Seeker for this year's Alumni/Student Quidditch game. While Severus' students are talented, I believe we can defeat them.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
(appointed) Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"Stay here, please, and help yourself," she told the owl, who hooted happily when she pushed a plate of kippers and a goblet of water to him. "I'll be writing back directly." Clutching the letter, she dashed up the stairs, calling, "Mum!"
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Friday, March 31, 2000:
London, 12 Grimmaud Place: 07:41
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30 March 2000
Dear Mr. Lupin,
As you may have heard in the Reporter, Headmaster Dumbledore has announced his retirement, and my appointment to succeed him.
I would therefore like to offer you the position of History, effective this coming school term. If you accept, please owl me with your salary and housing requirements. I will need to schedule a meeting to discuss the duties and benefits of a Hogwarts Professor, and the (updated) History curriculum.
Other staff changes that you should be aware of include "Professor Harry" (Potter) moving to assume the post of Head of Gryffindor, with his wife Ginevra taking the (unofficial) position of "house mum" for the firsties of all four houses. I have also invited Cho Chang to assume the position of Transfiguration Professor, and Callista Vector will assume the position of Deputy Headmistress. Divination will become an elective, not a required course.
While I am aware of your medical condition, you may not be aware of several recent advancements in the study of the Lycanthropy curse, and the Wolfsbane potion. With your co-operation, you (and the four student werewolves) can have a safe and happy experience at Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
(appointed) Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Remus sighed, 'What do I do? The Waynes have treated me with dignity and respect, how do I turn my back on them?' he mused. 'Still, I was always happy at Hogwarts. The History curriculum needs updating. What do I do?'
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Friday, March 31, 2000:
Hogwarts, Great Hall: 08:30
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Albus glanced at Minerva, receiving a tiny nod from her. Standing, he tapped on his goblet with the butter knife, asking, "May I have your attention, please?" People quieted down, "Thank you. Minerva would like to announce some staffing changes for next term. Minerva?"
As Albus sat, Minerva stood, glancing along both sides of the High Table. "I see that Professor Trelawney could not join us this morning. In any case, for the next term, I will be asking Professor Vector to accept the post of Deputy Headmistress. This will also place her in line to be the first Slytherin Headmistress in school history." The Slytherin table predictably whooped and applauded as Callista stood, while the other Houses applauded politely.
"Secondly, Professor Potter will accept the post of Head of Gryffindor," Harry stood while the Gryffindor table applauded madly. Minerva cleared her throat, "I have invited a recent Ravenclaw graduate, Miss Cho Chang, to accept the position of Transfiguration professor, but I have not yet received her owl. Some of the older students will remember her as an excellent Seeker as well." Now the Ravenclaws applauded.
"I am also awaiting an acceptance owl from Remus Lupin for the position of History instructor, that is, if Miss Wayne does not outbid us for his services." People laughed, and Mattie waved. "Lastly, as Professor Potter cannot referee Quidditch as well as coach Gryffindor, I will impose on Ginny to coach the team. Mrs. Potter will also serve as a semi-official 'house mum' to students in all four houses, especially the firsties." As the students talked over this development, the faculty stood, and fired stunners at Malfoy, who was looking at Ginny.
People screamed, as Ginny calmly floated her unconscious body down the table to the door. Pomona, Callista, and the other female faculty joined them in the small antechamber as Albus stood to restore order.
"Please be seated, and I shall explain what is happening," he called, and wands were put away. "Thank you. The person you know as Miss Koslowski is, in fact, a disguised Lucius Malfoy. She took the identity of Miss Constance Koslowski to discover the location of Voldemort's corpse and resurrect him."
People screamed in terror, and Albus once again motioned for quiet. "She was unsuccessful in this, although she believes otherwise. Professor Potter took appropriate precautions. However, the American intelligence service supplied information on this to us, as well as disguising the real Miss Koslowski for her protection. Would you stand, my dear?"
To the shock of Slytherin, Lee Fook stood and waved. Drawing her wand, she waved it over her head, the petite Chinese girl vanishing, and an ordinary brunette appearing. "The Hat knew about me, that's why I was placed in Slytherin," she confessed.
"Would you like to be re-Sorted?" the Headmaster asked.
"Na, I'd like to stay in Slytherin, if, um, you guys will have me?"
The Great Hall was silent for a minute, then Karen stood, "I want you in the Den. That was brill! What do we call you, though?"
"Um, either Connie or Lee. I've gotten used to Lee, though." Emma walked a few paces down, and hugged her. "You know, we'll have to put you through another initiation," she said, and Lee nodded.
"Excellent!" the Headmaster beamed. "Regarding Miss Lucille Malfoy, while she did commit assault against the occupants of this castle regarding the Imperious potion in the candles, and fraud against Miss Koslowski by stealing her identity, I am loathe to put a young girl in Azkaban prison, especially when Minister Fudge is likely to release her immediately.
"She owes us blood!" one of the twins shouted. Someone else called "Lock her away!"
Albus raised his hands, "Given the false pretenses, we felt it best to restore the 462 points Miss Malfoy cost Gryffindor. Severus, if you please?"
"Why did you have to start with me?" he grumbled. "One hundred fifty points to Gryffindor, and you will not touch Miss Malfoy," he ground out, glaring at his Slytherins.
Filius added to his house, "I expect to see Miss Malfoy alive. One hundred fifty points to Gryffindor."
Albus said, "Another one hundred fifty points to Gryffindor. Harry?"
"I wish these were different circumstances. The final twelve points to Gryffindor, and," he added, "I also expect to see Miss Malfoy alive and whole. The women are questioning her now; we will deal with matters as they arise. Albus, I believe you had another point to make?"
"Yes, given this morning's events, classes are cancelled for the day. We will also replay the Hufflepuff / Slytherin Quidditch game on May sixth." There was only minor celebration at this announcement, as all four houses had each clustered in conference under privacy spells.
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"We can't kill her, and we can't touch her," Emma said.
"Aye, but spells CAN touch her, an' we know quite a few," Frank said. He glanced at Lee, "Y' tha' injured party here, lassie. We'll go by what y' think."
"She's dragged my name through the mud," Lee said. "She has to stay here, and we have to let her live. Without spilling blood, without a mark or trace to us, I'd like to make her next six years here hell on earth."
"Tha' we can do, lassie," Frank agreed, looking around the circle to general agreement. There was a ping on the spell, and with another look around, Frank dissolved it.
"What do you want?" Karen asked the delegation of Gryffs.
"We, well, we wanted to know how you lot dealt with the Dark Tosser," Henry Spencer asked.
"What's in it for us?" Emma asked coolly.
"Access to Koslowski, err, Malfoy," Violet Pellew corrected at the scowls she got. "Sorry, Lee, err, Connie."
"Call me Lee for now, but DON'T call that little bitch Koslowski," Lee growled. "Her name is Malfoy. What else?"
"Well, we're planning on a couple things, and we were going to offer our co-operation," Spencer said.
"Why would we need it?" Mattie asked. "We just need to keep her alive, not whole. What else are you offering?"
"An apology," Professor Harry said. He looked over at Severus, "On behalf of myself and Gryffindor House, I would like to apologize for lumping Slytherin House in with the Dark Tosser. I was wrong."
"Accepted," the tall Potion Master said. He glanced at his house, "What are you planning for Malfoy?"
"Lee wants the next six years to be hell," Emma said. "We plan to deliver that."
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Saturday, April 1, 2000:
London, 12 Grimmaud Place: 08:14
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Remus looked up at the faint scratching noise at the window. He opened it, and smiled as the tiny bat fluttered over to his table. "Thank you," he told it.
March 31, 2000
Dear Mr. Lupin,
I have just been informed that you have received another offer, that of History professor at Hogwarts. I would like to reassure you that if you decide against continuing with Ballycastle for the present, there will always be a space for you here.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mattie Wayne
Owner
Ballycastle Bats Quidditch, Ltd.
MW/aj
PS: Good luck, Remus! Amy & Mattie!
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