Chapter 07
Dean and Neville had become quite good friends over the last few months. It had started out of necessity, because no one else would speak or even be civil to them in the Gryffindor Tower and evolved in to a nice friendship.
Outside the tower things were slightly better as long as Harry's name didn't come up in a conversation. Something that was happening less and less as the days flew by. Still, life was not easy for the two Gryffindors, the only other student who openly stood by them, and Harry, was Luna Lovegood, the whole school regarded the little Ravenclaw as crazy but it was nice to have yet another person around, life could be really lonely at Hogwarts and, Dean suspected, Neville was harboring more than just friendship for the blond girl.
That morning, as usual, they went down early for breakfast, Luna meeting them there just a few minutes later, and they left for the library before the great hall became too crowded. If anything their grades were improving due to all the time they were spending at the library. Silently they got to their usual table and started on their homework. They had been at it for about half an hour when Hermione Granger busted through the doors clutching an edition of the Daily Prophet in her hand and sat in one of the more secluded tables at on of the corners of the library instead of the central one she usually favored.
That was their first sign that something different was going on.
As they made their way to their classes, Luna's first because neither one of the boys wanted her taking her chances alone in the hallways, and than again as Dean and Neville went to their transfiguration class, they noticed a lot of the students were gathered in small groups talking in hushed tones amongst themselves eventually glancing at them as they walked by. It was the same when Harry had been first arrested and they started to speak up in his defense, only now the other students didn't seem so hostile, quite the opposite actually, they had an awed expression and some of them even said good morning as they walked by. Still no one spoke to them directly.
They went in to the empty classroom, as they made a habit out of arriving first to avoid any problems. The teachers were forced to deal with any problems inside their classrooms and Dean and Neville had had their share of teachers idly standing by as they were hexed in the hallways. The teachers simply turned a blind eye to anything the students did as long as it was Luna, Dean or Neville who were the injured ones. Merlin knew what would happen if they tried to defend themselves.
Funny enough, Snape and the Slytherins were the only ones who were not giving them a hard time. Draco Malfoy had been down right civil to them while even McGonagall was being partial this time.
Minerva McGonagall entered her classroom and sat, placing her notes on her desk before taking a quick look around the room. Thomas and Longbotton were there already as they had done in every one of her classes this year. They always sat in the last row of tables, at the second table closest to the door, but she knew from experience that as soon as everyone came in and the door was closed they would move to the table right by the door and be the first ones out once the class was dismissed. They would not speak to anyone and were always by themselves or with the Lovegood girl.
The three of them, two of them being her Gryffindors, were the outcasts of Hogwarts and were treated like dirt because they had the courage to stand by a friend – who was now proved innocent of all the charges brought up against him, but that made no difference in the end. The problem was that they stood by what they believe, they had the courage to do it and the whole school, herself included, tried to bully them out of it. It was a shameful lesson that if they got any wiser by it, wouldn't soon be forgotten.
Seamus Finnigan was the next one in. He saw his two dorm mates at the back of the room and made to their table.
"Hi, Dean. Do you mind if I sit here?" Seamus asked in a cheerful voice setting his bag on the table next to them.
"Sorry. Seamus," Dean didn't even looked up to answer, "We are saving those for a friend"
"Oh, ok. I just thought..." the Irish boy tried again only to be interrupted.
"Look, Seamus, I'm sorry, but class is about to start so if you are trying to set us up for something it will just have to wait until class is over. Please move before McGonagall takes even more points from Dean and me. I believe Gryffindor is in a bit of a jam as it is already, you don't have to make it worse." Sputtered Neville.
McGonagall pretended not to hear that as she prepared to class. The boy was right; she and all the other teachers had been taking a lot of points from them for no reason at all. Merlin, the example they had been giving and they would have continued to do so if Pettigrew had not been caught. She felt her face growing warm as she remembered the treatment they had given the three students. They had a lot to atone for and not only to Potter anymore.
Neville and Dean were out of the room so fast that McGonagall didn't have the chance to ask them to stay behind. Which was probably for the best, she couldn't begin to imagine what she could say to them.
The boys were outside Luna's class before her class was dismissed and once more noticed the strange looks they were receiving and all the people taking their time to greet them as they passed by. Luna met them and showed then the edition of the Quibbler she had in her hands with the news of Harry's innocence and freedom. Suddenly, it all made sense and they talked about it as they made their way to the Great Hall to eat lunch.
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Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts by the time the morning classes were over. He had briefly gone to the Dursleys straight out of the Ministry but the house was empty at the time and he couldn't wait around all day. Many Order members were sending him owls demanding a meeting, the school was probably going wild with the news and he had many things to prepare if he was to receive Harry again.
A private room would certainly be appreciated by the young man. Somewhere close enough to the Gryffindor Tower so that he could reconnect with his friends but independent enough so he could vent whatever frustration he had. Yes, that would be nice.
There was also the matter of his possessions. Where were the blasted things? His broom would be easy enough, the Weasley boy never made a secret that he had it, his cloak was with Miss Granger, he had seen her walking around the castle with it and Hagrid had his owl, but what about his books, uniform and other things? He needed to get a hold of everything soon, he wanted Harry at Hogwarts in a couple days at the latest.
He got in to his office and activated the Order's medallions to alert everyone about the meeting. They must had been expecting his call because in less than ten minutes all the members were there, including Snape, who always made sure to be the last one to arrive only because he knew it would enrage Moody.
"Welcome, my friends. I believe you all read the papers this morning." Several heads nodded. "I'm afraid we have several things to discuss on this meeting. First of all, I spoke to several of my contacts at the Ministry and it is true, Harry Potter was framed for the murder of Ginny Weasley."
Molly Weasley was sobbing again and McGonagall voiced the question many of them wanted to ask.
"Albus, how did that happen?"
"I'm not familiar with all the details yet, but apparently Pettigrew and a few junior Death Eaters were able to stage the attack and nobody ever checked for traces of Harry at the scene of the crime. Fudge was so committed to removing Harry out of the way that several mistakes were made at the time..." Dumbledore looked at the sobbing Molly Weasley and took a deep breath before continuing "Pettigrew also implied that Ginny Weasley is still alive and took part in the plan, we are still trying to confirm that."
"It's a lie, Albus, I know my little girl. She would never do it, not willingly." Busted Arthur still holding his wife in his arms.
"And where is Harry, Headmaster? Why is he not here at Hogwarts?" asked a befouled Mme. Pomprey.
Sighing, Dumbledore proceeded to explain the members of the Order about how Harry had been released in to the care of his family because he was in great need of medical attention – which got Poppy ranting about the health conditions of Azkaban prisoners upon release. Ignoring the medi-witch, Dumbledore began to outline his plans to bring Harry back.
"I'll go talk to his uncle and aunt. They never had a visit from a member of the staff when Harry got his letter as usually happens with any parents of our muggleborn students. They simply don't know Hogwarts is the best option available. That may be enough to convince them to reapply for admission."
"Mr. Potter may not agree with that." Snape pointed out.
"Once his guardian signs the request and I agree to it, he will have to return." Dumbledore tried to pacify the people in the room.
"Do you really think that forcing him back is the way to go?" muttered Snape from his corner where he was watching the reactions of every person in the room.
"Harry is hurt, yes, but once he is back at Hogwarts, in familiar grounds, he will fall back in to his old self and put the past behind him. It will be better for him in the long run, returning to Hogwarts he will face his problems and move on. He will never be able to forgive his friends otherwise," reassured Dumbledore.
"Of course, headmaster. If you think is the best course of action. I'll prepare a few mild calming draughts just in case. He might need help in the first few days." Snape smiled to the headmaster, "and since Harry is NOT coming back it means that nobody will need the extra potions. Yes, I just got myself a few hours of well deserved rest. Plot on, old man, you will soon find out that the boy a bit further from your reach than you think and I'll do everything I can to make sure it stays that way."
The rest of the meeting went smoothly with a few suggestions of how to make Harry 'feel more at home and accepted' – Snape did his best not to laugh out loud or maul anyone because of the inane suggestions he was forced to hear.
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That night, while all the students and the staff were at dinner, Dumbledore made his way back to number 4 Privet Drive. He wanted this matter done and over with as soon as possible. Making sure everything was in order he raised his hand and knocked on the door a few times, a high pitched voice told him that someone inside was coming to answer the door and a few seconds later the door was opened to show an immaculate dressed Petunia Dursley. Her smile disappeared the second she recognized him as a wizard.
"What..." she sputtered only to be interrupted by the smiling old man standing in front of her.
"My dear Mrs. Dursley, I'm not sure if you remember me, I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. May I come in?" he said as he sidestepped her and entered her living room where the other two thirds of the family were currently watching television.
"What do you want here?" Vernon Dursley yelled jumping out of the couch, an impressive feat for a man his size.
"Well, hello, Mr. Dursley" greeted Dumbledore jovially, "I would like to talk to you both about young Harry's education."
"There is nothing to be discussed," boomed Vernon, "the brat is out of the country, he won't be coming back."
"Certainly you must understand that Hogwarts is the best..." tried Dumbledore.
"NO, there will be no discussion on the matter. We never wanted him here and now he is gone," Vernon's tone of voice indicated that his decision was final, "He is out of the country and that is exactly where he will stay! Now, go away before I'm forced to call the police." To emphasize his point Vernon went to the front door and held it open for the headmaster.
Dumbledore was frustrated, now he could not use magic to get the information he needed. Vernon was holding the door open and someone might see if he tried anything. No matter, he would come back another time and try his luck again. Harry was still 16, he couldn't remain hidden a whole year.
As Vernon closed the door behind the old man he couldn't help but smile. His life had suddenly taken a turn up since that blond man had stopped by his office in the morning. Now he had a big fat check in his pocket and a brand new house no freak had the address of to move into tomorrow, all expenses paid for, and all he had to do as to tell the old man his brat of a nephew was abroad. Who cared where the brat really was? He was not coming back and that was all that mattered for Vernon Dursley.
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The morning mail in the wizarding world brought several important letters to their destines.
At Malfoy Manor, while Lucius Malfoy read the morning edition of the Daily Prophet displaying the headline "SIRIUS BLACK OFFICIALLY PARDONED BY MINISTRY", the said Mr. Black sitting a few seats down the very same table received a formal letter from the Ministry with his pardon papers signed by the Minister of Magic himself. A fact greatly celebrated by all present at the moment.
At Hogwarts, Headmaster Dumbledore read the official invoice from the Ministry to hand over any items belonging to one Harry James Potter for safe keeping until the rightful owner came to collect them. An extremely accurate list of the said items was included in the letter what let Dumbledore to the suspicion that someone in the Ministry had been in contact with Harry in regard of what had been left at Hogwarts. The sparkle that had been missing on the old headmaster's blue eye returned full force, maybe there was still one thing that he could do to ensure Harry's return to Hogwarts.
Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table received similar letters, only a bit more specific as to what was to be returned. Hermione sighed, she knew this day was coming but she had hoped Harry would be standing right in front of her so she would be able to offer some excuse as to why she was using his cloak... maybe she could send a letter along. Yes, a perfect opportunity to offer all her reasons in a clear, logical manner. She started to make a list of what and how she could say to save her reputation and get her on Harry's good side again.
Ron was fuming. No way he was going give up his broom. The git didn't needed it. He could buy a dozen like it, no only he was already rich before, now the Ministry was giving him even more money as an apology. That was simply not fair, just plain wrong if anyone would ask him.
Hagrid, Neville, Dean and Luna also received a letter each, not from the Ministry and on plain – although of high quality and obviously expensive – white paper and carried by a normal inconspicuous owl. The text was almost identical in each letter. It was a simple thank you note and an apology for not coming personally to say that, with a brief explanation that he was alright and just needed some time away from everything and an offer that if they ever needed anything he would be there for them as they had been for him. It was signed 'your friend, Harry'.
Smiling the four of them put their letters in their pockets and went on with their daily activities. No one noticed their letters.