A/N: Hi folks, enjoy the next installment of Symbol fanfiction.
To be honest, I expected a lot of flak from people for how I portrayed McGonagall in the last chapter. However, I am mildly disappointed with the reception. When so many people don't find it odd for McGonagall to act like that, it shows how much she had dropped the ball in the original story.
To me, personally, McGonagall has a lot of potential that has not been tapped properly. While I feel that her perception of events was always slightly skewed towards Dumbledore's favor, she isn't downright neglectful per se. However, she does drop the ball a lot when it comes to Harry.
I have written a short POV from her perspective to cover the fallout of her actions. There are some POVs like this spread around the fiction to give a look into someone else's mindset. I hope you enjoy them.
Chapter 4
Minerva McGonagal felt incredibly guilty and tired.
Her mind wasn't letting what happened two months ago rest in peace. She knew she had behaved unreasonably with Mr. Conrad. But, it was for his own good. When she had walked into that room and saw his handiwork, she had been honest to Merlin afraid. There was so much blood on the floor. Seeing students under her charge lying there with blood and froth coming out of her mouth had made her so angry that she hadn't handled the matter level-headedly.
Still, she had expected Mr. Conrad to show remorse for his actions. Rather, the boy was unrepentant to the extreme. She knew Mr. Conrad was a gifted student. He was one of the few that every staff in the school had high hopes for. To see him so unrepentant had ticked her off and she had acted very harshly towards him.
When she had explained her reasons to Pomona and Albus, they both had been in agreement. While Albus had been a little put out about the incident and her subsequent handling of it, he supported her in her decision to harshly punish Mr. Conrad for his actions. He had advocated that such heavy hand needs to be employed to steer such a bright young man from the dark path. While Pomona wasn't happy, she reluctantly agreed so that one of her brightest students could come back to the right path.
However, things have only gone downhill because of their decisions.
To this date, no one knew what the reason behind the altercation was. No one who had been present on the scene were willing to speak about it. While it was expected from the Slytherins, the silence of the three Hupplepuffs on the scene was baffling.
It was understandable that Mr. Conrad wasn't willing to divulge the details. But for even Mr. Waynland, who had been eager to explain the first time around, to hold his silence wasn't very reassuring. Miss Thorne had unexpectedly followed the silence of the two boys. Short of demanding her outright for answers, there was nothing to be done there. No amount of patient inquiries or persuasions to make her reveal the truth was working.
It was maddening.
But, it was not just that. From that moment, there has been a sense of distance growing between her and all the muggleborn students in the castle. Even her lions weren't being as forthcoming as they used to be. If anything, it bothered her more. Not to mention the clipped answers she was receiving from every Hupplepuff in the castle. It was as if she had become the enemy of the entire house.
Not just her, even Pomona was getting cold shoulders from upper-year girls of her house. This entire incident had created one huge mess. And none of them knew how to handle it. Luckily, the number of incidents between Slytherins and other houses had lowered since then. Her strict handling of Mr. Conrad had sent a very sharp message to every one of the delinquents from that house.
If only those in her house took the same message. Even in their OWL year, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin, and Mr. Pettigrew weren't taking a rest. They were creating so many problems, that she felt like ripping her hair out in exasperation.
Still, they only had one childhood. She would let them have their few laughs here now that the situation outside of Hogwarts was becoming so volatile.
(*)
Adam Conrad was apprehensive.
Before him sat a group of muggleborns like him. Almost every one of them was from the 7th year. A few sixth years were mixed in, but not by much.
"So, I take it you all received the same replies?" Mat spoke first.
His anger was clearly visible on his face. Adam felt a little bit of pity for him. Yet, that apprehensive feeling he had prevented him from feeling anything more. Adam's heart plummeted to his stomach as he watched all the muggleborns nod in agreement.
"Damn those bigoted idiots," Mat cursed angrily.
No one stopped him or reprimanded him. The feelings were high and volatile and none of them had the mindset to comfort others. Adam knew he had to say something. He didn't like how this looked. Maybe, he had been a little hasty in his actions and was paying for it.
"Look, I understand all your anger. I am sorry. I didn't think this would happen," Adam spoke haltingly wondering which one of them would throw a curse at him first.
"What are you blathering about, idiot?" Mat snapped.
Adam felt his temper rising. He knew it was his fault. But, he never intended something like this to happen. He was already feeling incredibly guilty over it. Mat snapping at him didn't help it much.
"Because our Adam here thinks this is all his fault," Roger broke the proverbial fourth wall without any hesitation.
As Adam watched the group sport looks of confusion on his face, he couldn't help but be confused himself.
"What?" Mat, Sally, and several others asked in confusion.
Adam looked around. Their confusion seemed genuine. If that was the case, he didn't know why he was invited to this meeting.
"Well," Roger let out a small sigh, "Adam seems to think that since he attacked the pureblood heirs they are exacting revenge on all muggleborns through this."
Roger indicated the letter in his hands.
"That's stupid,"
"Idiot!"
"Aw, how cute?"
"Bloody Hell, he couldn't be that dumb, can he?"
The group expressed their disbelief by either shaking their head and airing out their thoughts or simply staring at him.
"Isn't that the truth?" Adam asked hesitantly.
"Bollocks, Adam. I know you think highly of yourself, but this is downright narcissistic," Mat laughed shaking his head.
"You know, I have been trying to tell him this isn't his fault. But the stubborn idiot wouldn't believe," Roger said shaking his head and chuckling.
"Are you guys telling me that this is completely unrelated to me?" Adam asked incredulously.
"Fucking hell man, what the hell does run around in your mind? No, this has been happening for almost a year now. None of our seniors found a job either," Mat said looking at Adam right in the eye.
Adam's eyes widened.
"Then, then, that means…."
"Damn right, those cunts have been targeting us for a long time," Mat growled to himself.
"Then, then, why am I here?" Adam asked the one question that bothered him the most.
Everyone exchanged confused looks, before Roger cursed under his breath and started laughing.
"What?" Adam asked angrily.
"Oh Merlin, this is too good," Roger said amidst laughs as others watched. "I was always wondering why you thought so. This explains a lot."
"What do you mean Roger?" Mat asked.
"I think that idiot didn't apply for any job at all. He has been hiding in the library so much that I completely missed asking him that," Roger chuckled.
"Oh, now I get it. So, that's why he thought it was his fault," Mat said catching on.
"When we asked him to come, he figured this was all because of his actions," Sally said with a small smile on her face causing others to shake their heads.
"Ah, that's sweet," Jenny said chuckling to herself.
"Why else would I be asked to come here?" Adam grumbled looking away.
"We asked Roger to fetch you because you are one of us. Not for anything else, you dumbhead!" Mat swatted at him playfully.
Snickers ensued the area as Adam sat there sheepishly. It went on for a while before Adam spoke trying to get the conversation back on track.
"So," he asked looking at the group, "this has been happening for a while?"
"Yeah, we noticed it last year. Some of the seniors spoke to us about their suspicions. We waited till everyone got back their replies before deciding to meetup."
"Then, this is bad," Adam said worriedly.
"Damn right it is!" Mat crowed angrily. "We don't have any job prospects at all."
"Are you sure they are only rejecting muggleborns?" Adam asked just to be sure.
"Amanda and I applied for the same job. I have better qualifications academically for the job than her," Sally muttered softly.
"Damn," Adam cursed angrily. "What are we going to do?"
"What can we do?" Roger asked back sullenly. "Most of the businesses are run by them. Even Ministry job applications are being rejected. The few businesses that is run by half-bloods and others are afraid of hiring us and attracting their attention."
"What did our seniors do?" Adam asked concernedly.
"Most returned to muggle life. Few went on to tour overseas until the situation is solved. Some applied to ICW, but you know you need to be damn good to get that. The remaining left the country to see if they can find jobs elsewhere," Mat said solemnly.
"Why didn't you tell me anything about this?" Adam asked Roger accusingly.
"I thought you were trying for ICW. If anyone can get in it would be you. I even suspected you took some research position somewhere. You are damn good at spell creation, mate."
Adam nodded accepting that answer.
"If you didn't apply to any job, what were your plans actually?" Mat asked curiously.
"Honestly, I didn't feel like working for any of those wankers. As you guys might know, I do have some explosive temper," Adam said causing others to chuckle. "To be frank, I had no idea what I was going to do. The only thing I was concerned about was to read as much as I could before stepping out."
"Any particular reason?" Jenny asked.
"Well, I know that some of the stuff in the library is not taught to us at all. That is a shitload of information about the magic that we don't know. I didn't see how I could get my hands on such knowledge once I stepped out of Hogwarts. So, I decided to cram in as much as possible before leaving this place."
"True," Jenny said causing others to nod. "I didn't think about it at all. I was so concerned with landing a job, I forgot about anything else."
"Me too," Mat grumbled.
The others too said their piece causing the atmosphere to turn a little somber.
"Look," Adam said causing others to look at him, "if no one is going to give us a job to us, then why don't we create our own jobs. I mean, we all could pitch in and start a business or something."
"And where would you put it?" Mat snorted.
"If it hasn't registered to you yet, I will tell it frankly mate," Roger grimaced. "The magical world is essentially closed to us. We don't have any jobs or ways to sustain ourselves. No one would hire us. Even if we do as you say, then we will be attacked. It will be like painting a bull's eye on our back and waving it at them."
"So many muggleborns in a single place would be mouthwatering to that assholes," Mat grumbled.
"Then what are we supposed to do?" Adam asked in dismay.
"That's what we are here for. We will all discuss and try to come up with some ideas." Jenny said placatingly.
Mat snorted at that and looked away.
"Well, I and Sally are planning to go on a tour to France after graduation," Roger said shooting a sideways glance at Adam.
"What about Sam?" Adam asked with narrowed eyes.
"Hmmm, I haven't…. mmmm,"
"We haven't discussed it with our family members yet. We are merely entertaining the idea for now. It's still in the initial stages," Sally piped in to explain.
"Make sure you discuss with Sam, Roger. That man has sacrificed a lot for you," Adam said relaxing back into his seat.
"I will do," Roger shot him a smile in return.
What followed was a long discussion of things and other options. The remaining sixth years took note of the various options available to them. Adam remained silent for most of the discussion watching it take place. He piped in here and there providing his suggestions. Some were shot down, some taken under consideration, some were agreed.
After a hour long discussion, most of the muggleborns had a tentative plan of what they would do after their graduation. People started drifting of one by one. In the end, only Mat, Roger, Adam, Sally, and Jenny remained.
"Well, me and Sally will take our leave. You have to go to your detention in an hour Adam, don't forget it," Roger said rising up followed by Sally.
Adam waved them goodbye and turned his eyes towards Jenny and Mat. Neither seemed eager to move. They were both lost in their own thoughts. Mat was a Gryffindor and Jenny a Ravenclaw. Adam watched for a few minutes before clearing his throat to get their attention.
"Jenny, you never said what your plan was," Adam said trying to get her to open up.
"What can I say Adam," Jenny shot him a wan smile. "I always wanted to go into research or do my Masters in Potions while I apprenticed to a Master Potioner. None of the people I applied to are willing to let me apprentice. I honestly don't know what to do."
Adam didn't say anything. He didn't have any solutions for her. It was Mat who replied her.
"The way I see it, you aren't at much of a disadvantage Jenny. You didn't want a regular job anyway. You can always spend some time on research until all these things blow over," Mat said shrugging his shoulder.
Jenny looked thoughtful for a few moments.
"Still, even to start researching on my own, I would need ingredients, a lab, money, and all the other stuff. This is not going to be easy," Jenny shook her head. "Looks like I can only become a trophy wife at this rate."
Her laugh was so self-deprecating that it made both Adam and Mat uneasy. Both of them looked away from her not knowing how to respond.
"Well, I will get going," Jenny said rising up. "I need to think on things. I think I might have missed a few Potion Masters out there," Jenny smiled wanly at the duo before departing.
Left with no one else, Adam turned his attention to a scowling Mat.
"So, what about you?" Adam asked.
"What about you, Adam? You seem worried about everyone else. But, what about your future? Forget us, after what you did, no one will be willing to hire you even if you are damn brilliant." Mat asked in return.
Adam shrugged. There has been a vague plan in his mind, but he knew it wouldn't be appreciated by others. Hence, he kept it to himself.
"You know Adam," Mat growled. "I hate your attitude. You sit there with no fucking clue about what you are going to do, yet you are so relaxed. I fucking hate it."
"I know what I am, Mat," Adam replied looking away. "I will never be able to bow to them. And I fucking won't run away too. So, there aren't many choices for me."
Mat leaned forward and looked at Adam for a few minutes as silence prevailed. Adam held Mat's eyes with no visible emotion on his face.
"You are completely nuts, you know that," Mat barked out laughing.
"I have been called worse," Adam said with a wan smile.
"I don't know what you are planning Adam, but I agree with you. I ain't no coward to run away. I am a fucking Gryffindor. I know that look you have Adam. You want to fight, don't you?" Mat said leaning closer with a savage grin.
Adam looked at Mat intrigued. He felt there was something else that Mat wasn't telling.
"If you are interested, I can introduce you to a few like-minded people Adam. So, what do you say? They are looking for young men like you and me who are willing to take a stand," Mat grinned.
Adam merely raised an eyebrow. His mind raced with multitudes of possibilities as he began to connect the dots. It was Mat who had called for the meeting. From how Mat was acting, it didn't look like he was worried about his future.
If Adam were a betting man, he would bet that Mat had a job secured for him already. Adam didn't know how he accomplished that, but his gut told him that Mat already had his future planned out. So, it meant that this whole meeting was a sham.
Not entirely. But, this entire meeting was some sort of test. And it seemed as if Mat was the one who evaluated the others. Adam was sure that Mat had already noted who among his fellow students were not happy with the situation and would be willing to side with whoever lent a helping hand.
But, the biggest question was, who was Mat recruiting for?
"Do tell me, Mat. You have my interest," Adam said with a small smile.
"I knew you weren't a coward," Mat laughed loudly before lowering his voice to a whisper, "Listen, there are a few people who are supporting muggleborns like us. They are not happy with these attacks and are looking to fight back. If you are interested, I can recommend your name."
"Oh, who are all in there? Any notable names?" Adam asked as his interest piqued further.
"Ah, huh. Not so fast Adam. I will let them know you are interested. They will contact you on their own if they think you are trustworthy. I am sure you will be contacted soon, but for now let's leave it here. I will let you know when they decide to contact you," Mat replied in a mysterious tone.
Adam almost snorted at the level of dramatics. Still, he saw the wisdom in keeping such a group secret. It wouldn't do for those bastards to catch wind of this matter. So, he merely nodded at Mat to show his understanding.
As he watched Mat go back to his friends, Adam smiled slightly. Mat had let some things slip. He knew it was unintentional with how Mat was acting. So, such sloppy work could only mean that Mat was at the bottom of the ladder.
Adam also knew that someone in the school was guiding Mat. To have such amount of sway over a Seventh year student meant that Mat respected whoever was in-charge of directing him. It narrowed the pool considerably. While he had his suspicions, he decided to wait and see how this developed. He wasn't entirely on board with this idea, but if they could convince him then he saw no issues with this arrangement.
So, he would wait for the person behind Mat to come out of the woodworks and reveal his hand. Then, he would decide on whether or not he would join them. For now, he had some reading to do on some interesting subject he had stumbled upon recently.
And there was that detention to go to….. sigh.
A/N : The war is just getting started now. And Adam will play a vital role in the war. I know you folks are curious if he will join the Order (that's what the talk in this chapter is about and I am sure most would have recognized it), you will have to wait a bit to find out though :)
Adam's time at Hogwarts is nearing the end. One of the few things I always wonder about is muggleborns employment status during the first Wizarding War. Any information about that time is very scarce in the books.
The social, economical, and other ramifications of targetting muggleborns were mostly glossed over in the books. Hell, in the books it is as if there weren't muggleborns present at that time at all apart from Lily.
So, I took the liberty of taking the fic in that direction. Make no mistake, there will be a lot of action, but I always like to establish some background before getting into it.
If you have any thoughts, feel free to comment. I have written about 65k words for this fic already. If I find anything interesting enough to include I will rewrite and try to insert them in appropriate places.
Cheers...
