Harry Potter and the Heirs of Hogwarts
Chapter 2 – The way forward
Harry was sitting in his aunt's front room, surrounded by Arabella Figg's cats, and facing Bill Weasley. Arabella sat down beside Bill.
"Harry, we need to tell you first of all what's wrong with your aunt," said Arabella. "She and Vernon had a big row about you coming back, and when he saw that he wasn't going to win, he hit her and left. Dudley wasn't far behind him out the door when he realised that he'd be in the house with only you and his mother – he has no fear of his mother, but he fears you."
"Vernon had been hitting Petunia for years, always where it didn't show. You weren't the only physical abuse victim in this house," added Bill.
"So I came straight round as soon as I was told. She was in a pitiful state – she loved your uncle to bits, goodness knows why of course." Bill rolled his eyes, as Arabella continued: "She had a massive shiner – this is a week ago, and she's plastered in make-up, not that it makes much difference, she spends so much time crying… Anyway, the house was in a terrible state. Bill arranged for Dobby to come down from Hogwarts to tidy up – she was past caring – and I moved in full time."
"So where did they go?" asked Harry.
Bill answered, "Dudley's staying with friends elsewhere in Little Whingeing. Vernon… was murdered by Voldemort. Unknown to him, the ties that protect you when you're here also reflect onto your uncle and cousin through your aunt – Dudley is safe enough in the same town, but Vernon went to Wales on business, and Death Eaters killed him while he was there. Once he could no longer call here home, he had no protection."
"It was too much for your aunt. She attempted suicide last night, but we stopped her in time," said Arabella.
"She's a broken woman, Harry. She's lost without Vernon, and she needs you for the next four weeks.
"After that… you have to get out before you turn 17, as you know, because you will no longer be safe anywhere in the country."
"Arabella will be within reach at all times. Another two Order members will be keeping watch."
"Unfortunately, you can't leave the house – it's too dangerous. We've, ah, 'arranged' for Tesco to deliver food to you each week. It's being paid automatically from Petunia's bank account."
Harry just sat there, trying to take this in.
"On the other hand, there is a little good news. Hedwig can be let out whenever she likes – your aunt won't mind. And you will have real visitors. Soon," he added before Harry could ask him when.
----
"How on earth did he find out?"
"Nothing to do with me, Minister."
"Nothing to do with you? Kingsley, you were put there not only to look after the Prime Minister, but to make sure that he was kept in healthy ignorance."
"I know, Minister, but – "
"No buts, Kingsley. This happens far too often, a Prime Minister stays in office for more than about five years, they start asking questions. And obliviation is too blunt an instrument." Scrimgeour paused and looked out the window.
"Perhaps we could use this to our advantage, Minister."
"I'm listening."
----
Professor McGonagall paced round her office. Scrimgeour had just left to go back to London, which left her with the Governors.
"What do you think, Minerva?" asked Madam Marchbanks, the chairwitch.
"I don't know, Griselda. Scrimgeour thinks we should give up, but where would the students go? This place is still safe, it is protected by wards placed by every single Governor and member of staff who has ever set foot in it. Only those who placed wards can break them."
"Like Lucius Malfoy."
"Indeed. And as long as his wards are in place, he cannot be altogether prevented from entering Hogwarts."
"What was the nature of his wards, Minerva?" asked a new, yet familiar voice.
"I don't know, Aberforth. He was a Governor even before I became staff."
"I see."
McGonagall sat back down again. "We also have staff shortages – never mind a Headmaster, once again we need a new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher,"
"Lupin?" suggested Aberforth to gasps from round the table. "Well, why not? He showed himself totally competent, and Slughorn can brew up the wolfsbane potion."
"But Slughorn…"
"No, Griselda, Slughorn has agreed to stay. Full of himself he may be, but he is still competent and respectful to his colleagues," said McGonagall.
"Unless you would rather have Alastor Moody…" suggested Aberforth.
"I think I would rather have Alastor. The real thing cannot be any worse than Barty Crouch Junior."
"How about we offer it to Alastor first, and if he rejects it, offer it to Lupin?" suggested Aberforth. "Nothing would surprise anyone about Hogwarts any more."
All eyes looked on Marchbanks. "Aberforth's right, as usual. Why on earth are you a barman?"
McGonagall asked, "What about a headmaster?"
Aberforth looked at her. "You are a most capable administrator. I propose we appoint Minerva as acting Headmistress for this year, and get some stability before we seek a new permanent headmaster. We will have to get you some help to cover your duties."
----
Ten minutes later, McGonagall sat down in Dumbledore's – no, her study. Albus looked down from his portrait and said "I expect my brother has been keeping you in check?"
"You could say that, Albus, you could say that."
Albus chuckled. His brother was incorrigible.