Author's Note
This is a quick one. Firstly I'd like to apologise for the mistake I made last chapter. In my defence, I rushed things so I didn't actually read through it properly.To clarify, Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecombe are third year students not second year.
In this chapter, things really diverge from canon. In the books, not everyone's blood status is stated explicitly. For the purpose of my story however, both girls are purebloods. So the reaction from certain sectors are far different.
Tensions in the castle skyrocketed overnight. Fear hung heavily over everyone. Two purebloods were petrified. That went contrary to everything Salazar Slytherin supposedly believed in.
The Slytherin's themselves were subdued. Those that were gleeful about the idea of the muggleborns being targeted were now silenced. There wasn't a single student in the castle that walked alone.
To my disbelief however, nothing changed much, with regards to how the situation was handled. Curfews were imposed and students were escorted to each lesson by a teacher, but that's it.
I tried to argue the point of involving the Aurors but was quickly silenced by Dumbledore and McGonagall. They felt that we had things well in hand.
To my dismay, none of the other teachers supported my position. Not even my old Head of House, Professor Flitwick. Things came to a head however, about two weeks after the two girls were found petrified.
I was teaching a class of fourth year students, when Professor Dumbledore's magically amplified voice echoed throughout the castle. " All classes are immediately suspended. All teachers, please escort your students to their Common Rooms. "
" Madam Pince, please escort those children that are in the library and Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn, please escort all those students that are out on the grounds. "
The moment he finished speaking, many of the children in my class started panicking and only after my wand emitted a loud bang, did they silence themselves.
" Please, calm yourselves. I know you are scared. But panicking will not help things. Pack your bags and form into two orderly lines. Keep your wands drawn. We still don't know what is responsible for the attacks. "
Things calmed slightly after I spoke. Fortunately, we traveled to Ravenclaw Tower without running into any trouble. It was absolute bedlam in the castle however. We could hear the high, panicked and fearful voices of the other students in the other passages.
It was only later, as I entered the Staff Room, that I was informed along with the other Professors, just what had happened. Two Gryffindor students were found petrified, one a Sixth Year Prefect, Percy Weasley and the other was a First Year, Colin Creevey.
What made the situation baffling, and more sinister, was the fact that they weren't alone. The Gryffindor House Ghost, Sir Nicholas, was found petrified as well.
This was worrying, because I know of no magic that can petrify a ghost. Late at night, past one, after spending hours browsing the books of the restricted section of the library, I was at a loss.
Earlier, as soon as the staff was dismissed by the Headmaster, I rushed towards my rooms. There I used a communication mirror and spoke to my best friend, Bill Weasley.
He was horrified to find out about what happened to Percy and he too confirmed, that he has no knowledge of any magic that could do that to a ghost.
Before cutting communication, he told me that he would be taking a leave of absence from Gringotts and that he would return to Britain as soon as he was able.
That was reassuring. As powerful as my wand is, it comes with one major drawback. Because it's made of the horn of a unicorn, a creature of purity, not only can no dark magic be cast with it, if I were to ever use dark magic with a different medium for example, my wand would never work for me again.
The thing is, just because a wizard doesn't use dark magic, it doesn't mean that he can't. In any event, there are some kinds of magic that can only be detected using certain dark spells. Spells I cannot cast, but that Bill can.
The Headmaster pretends as if he's omniscient, but I don't believe for a second, that he's a master of all forms of magic. An ignorant view that's sadly held by many.
If he refuses to get outside help, then I'll have no choice but to go behind his back. A week after the latest attack however, my world changes.
I'd just finished my morning shower and had dressed in my robes, when a house elf popped into my room. " Excusing Toppy, Professor Lovey, but youse been called to the Guvvies room. " He popped away before I could reply.
Embarrassingly, it took a full minute to understand what he meant. I'd been summoned to the room on the second floor that is used for meetings of the Hogwarts Board of Governors.
As I walk towards my destination, I can't help but scoff internally. It's only now that the fools deign to act. Then again, Lucius Malfoy is the Chairman, so it's very possible that he's been playing politics.
I knocked and waited a moment before I entered. Unsurprisingly, the room itself was very ornate and well appointed. Mahogany was panneled on the walls and the seats were made of the same. Beautifully crafted snakes, eagles, lions and badgers were carved into the backs of the chairs.
There were thirteen people present in the room. Lucius Malfoy sat at the head and six sat on each side of the table. A seat was empty at the end of the table. I was motioned towards it.
As soon as I entered, the door closed and a privacy ward activated. As soon as I sat, a cup of tea popped into being in front of me.
Malfoy was the only face I recognised, nevertheless, the other Governors were all purebloods of some standing no doubt. All of them, the seven men and five women, looked uncomfortable. I wonder why.
I didn't have long to ponder. Lucius Malfoy's silky voice broke the silence. " Good morning, Professor Lovegood. My son tells me that you're the best Defence Professor that he's had. "
" Considering that you're only his second, that perhaps is not so much of a compliment. But I digress. I'm sure you are wondering why you have been called before us. "
" You see, the other Governors and I have been dismayed as to what has been happening recently. So many children of upstanding families attacked and yet, the perpetrator has not been found or stopped. "
" We all agree that it is unacceptable. The idea of Hogwarts being forced to close is a horrifying one. Something that we cannot allow. The Headmaster has made no headway as to dealing with this crisis, so the Board has decided to dismiss him. "
" Initially, we had given thought to suspension, but in light of the seriousness of the attacks, decisive action is required. We have questioned a number of sources in the castle and have found out that you were the only dissenting voice among the staff as to the Headmaster's handling of this crisis. "
" It is for that reason therefore, that the Board has decided that you will be the next Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Do you accept your charge? "
Throughout Malfoy's speech, my thoughts have been racing. None of it showed on my face however, until the news of Dumbledore's dismissal was uttered. I couldn't contain the small gasp I let out.
I had researched the previous opening of the Chamber and the then Headmaster Dippet, wasn't blamed at all for the attacks. Then again, they were all muggleborn.
This time around, nearly all the victims were purebloods. Naturally, this didn't go down well with the Board. Still, dismissal, it's almost inconceivable. This is no doubt Malfoy's doing. Seizing the chance to get rid of Dumbledore.
When he reaches the end, I can't help but gape. Me, as Headmaster. It's utterly ridiculous. I'm the youngest and newest Professor on staff by far. Why would they appoint me?
My thoughts race. I replay what he said in my mind. It's true that I was the only dissenting voice, so he likely infers from that that I'm not a fan of Dumbledore. Likely he thinks I'll take a different approach.
Now that I take a closer look at him, I can see the slight tension in his posture, which upon second thought isn't that surprising. His only child is a student here and if purebloods are targeted then his son is in danger.
From what I've heard, Professor Snape and he are friends. Being former Death Eaters and all. Still, Snape wouldn't have gotten the job. Most of the graduating students since he's started teaching at Hogwarts despise him. There would have been a revolt.
Not only that, he's also a half-blood. From my understanding, only a pureblood has ever been appointed to this position. So in that respect I can sort of understand. A throat being cleared snaps me out of my thoughts.
I look up then. In my introspection, I'd been studying the table mindlessly. All thirteen of them are looking at me. I cough.
" I can't imagine that I have earned the honour of this appointment and if I'm being entirely honest, a part of me feels as if I've been confounded. That being said, I recognise the enormity of the task before me. "
" This castle is the legacy of the four most powerful mages of their day, one thousand years ago. I will devote all my skill and power to dealing with whoever is responsible for these attacks, so that Hogwarts will stand for a thousand more years. You have my word on that, so humbly, I accept. "
Lucius Malfoy then removes a bound scroll from within his robes and a blood quill as well. I gesture with my left hand and summon them both towards me.
Many of the Governor's gasp, Malfoy himself looks shocked. I spend a few minutes reading my new contract and when I finish, I sign in blood. Before I relinquish the quill however, I tap it with my wand which I drew. It vanishes all traces of my blood from the quill.
Malfoy's lips twitch. He uses his wand to summon both items and then he leaves the room after nodding at me. The other Governors leave slower. Many of them shake my hand as they leave, but I can tell that most of them are troubled at these developments.
I make a mental note to enquire about all this later. It's then, as I'm left alone in the room, that I become aware of an insistent nudge in my mind. Once I acknowledge it, I gasp. It's a good thing I'm sitting. The weight of the Hogwarts wards presses down on me.
I'm instantly aware of everyone on the school grounds. I can make out the Governors all departing the castle. After a few minutes, they all vanish from the grounds.
With a quick mental scan, I'm aware of the location of all the teachers. Professor Dumbledore is not on the grounds anymore. Casting a silent Tempus, I'm instantly aware of the time. It's still early. It's only half past seven in the morning.
The Governors must have arrived really early to fire Dumbledore. I slowly leave the room, plans half forming in my mind. While I'm walking, I vaguely note that I can't feel Hagrid on the grounds either.
Before I know it however, I'm standing before the gargoyle that guards the entrance to the Headmaster's office on the third floor.
It immediately leaps aside for me. The revolving stairs quickly carry me to my destination. I enter the office then. My office. The thought of it still feels so surreal.
A feeling not helped by how different the office looks now. It's fairly empty. The bookshelves are devoid of books. The cabinet that used to hold Dumbledore's Pensieve is gone.
All the whirling silver instruments. The golden perch and the phoenix, Fawkes. All the assorted knicknacks and baubles. All gone. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see all the portraits of the former Headmasters watching me. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
I call on the house elf Toppy. He pops in immediately. He bows his head deeply. Before he can say anything though, I speak. " Toppy, I'd like you to go to my old rooms and pack all my things. Bring it all up to my new quarters please. " He pops away promptly.
I move around my new desk and sit in the Headmaster's chair. Then I close my eyes and focus inward. I briefly contact my raven familiars, Huginn and Muninn and ask them to come to me later. I can feel they're out hunting.
Next I focus on a more important task. I need to find out where the Heartstone of the wards are. It's information known only to the Headmaster and the Deputy. After a moment, the wards inform me where it is.
There's so much to do in so little time. I conjure my Patronus and send it to Bill, telling him to come to Hogwarts as soon as he has the time. He arrived back in Britain yesterday after all.
Once that's done, I stand. I need to head to the Great Hall and inform all the staff and students as to what's happening. I have no doubt that it won't go down well with many. Bracing myself mentally, I leave my office to deal with things.
By the time I reach the ante chamber to the Great Hall, I can make out the sounds of hundreds of students. Breakfast seems to be in full swing. I pat my robes down slightly nervous, then I enter.
The students don't pay particular attention to me, but some do glance my way as I walk up towards the head table. The staff are all in attendance, though some, McGonagall in particular, seem to be looking towards the Headmaster's seat in particular.
Another reason for their confusion is likely the fact that the lectern is out in front of the head table. It's generally only used rarely. Murmurs break out among them as I stand behind in, facing the students.
I snap my fingers and the magically amplified sound reverberates around the Hall. Conversations cease immediately as all the students look towards me.
" Good morning, students and staff. I have a few important announcements to make. Earlier this morning, an emergency meeting of the Hogwarts Board of Governors took place. A number of important decisions were taken. "
" As I'm sure many of you know by now, this is not the first time that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened. The previous time, fifty years ago, a number of students were petrified. It only ended when a student was found dead. "
" At that time, Professor Dumbledore was the Deputy Headmaster. The Board feels that Professor Dumbledore has failed in his charge to protect this school. Attacks have happened twice now, under his very nose, yet he has taken little effort to deal with this situation properly. Thus, he has been dismissed from his post. "
I stopped then, because immediately frenzied conversations broke out, both from the students and staff. I let the conversations carry on for a minute and then I snap my fingers again.
" No doubt you are all shocked by this news. However, there are other announcements to be made as well. The Board of Governors has appointed me, as the new Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. "
" I was as caught off guard by this development as you are. However, as Headmaster, my first duty will be to see to your safety. Now, today as I'm sure you know is a Monday. I have decided that all classes scheduled for today and tomorrow will be cancelled. "
" After breakfast, your Heads of House will escort you back to your Common Rooms and that is where All students will remain until Wednesday. All your meals will be sent up to you there. Once you're all accounted for, your Heads will seal the entrances to your Common Rooms. "
" I know you are dismayed, but I need time to make additional arrangements for your safety. Please be patient. I will enact the first new safety measure right now. "
That's when I raise my wand above my head and say clearly Piertotum Locomotor. Immediately, booms start sounding throughout the castle as the statues I've animated leap from their plinths.
The students all gape as the statues in the ante chamber leap down in front of the Great Hall. " The denizens of this castle are in grave danger. Stand guard in every passage, facing inwards and without. Do your duty and protect Hogwarts. "
The statues salute and noisily march to their posts. I make my way out of the Hall, back to my office, leaving the chaotic scenes of children excitedly chattering with each other.