OLD MAGIC

Chapter 68: The Cleansing of Hogwarts

As the huge clock chimed six forty-five, Dumbledore left his office and made his way to where the Room of Requirement was located. It's entry was hidden by the Hogwarts spirit so no one would use it for frivolous purposes. Today, though, the spirit knew a meeting was planned and would ensure the door would appear for the teachers of Hogwarts.

Pausing to listen for any footsteps approaching, Dumbledore heard only silence. Only then did he reach his hand out which instantly caused the door to appear. Opening the simple wooden door, he quickly stepped over the threshold, the entrance disappearing once he was inside.

Studying the room, he was pleased to see someone, most likely Severus, had already created the perfect meeting space consisting of comfortably cushioned chairs surrounding a beautiful heavy oak table. Plenty of light was provided by an ornate wrought iron chandelier hanging over the center of the table. And more light, as well as heat, was pouring from a cheery fire burning merrily within a massive fireplace on the left side wall. On the table sat mugs of steaming liquids and rolled parchment with quill at each place setting.

Satisfied with the preparations for the meeting, Dumbledore took the seat before him and noted who was there already waiting. Not requiring a seat, Firenze was standing in a relaxed hip shot posture just behind the chair Hagrid had taken at the far end of the table. He nodded at the Headmaster politely which Dumbledore returned. Seated at the table, Professors Sprout and Trelawney had chosen to sit beside Hagrid.

Over the next ten minutes the rest of the teaching staff arrived singly or in pairs with Snape being the last to slip in. He sat in the last chair, which was next to Dumbledore.

The clock chose that moment to chime seven p.m. Time to get down to business.

"Your attention please," Dumbledore began, quietly. The room went still except for the occasional popping sounds from the fireplace. "I see Professor Snape has already handed out the lists of those we are planning to quickly and quietly take into custody tomorrow morning." The teachers gasped and stared at him in shock and anger but before any could speak, Dumbledore raised a hand. "Please, hold your outrage and questions. All will be revealed."

Only training and good manners kept them from disobeying. "Arresting the children? What on earth is he talking about?" were the questions on many faces

"Tomorrow morning at breakfast's end, I will announce a security lock down exercise. We actually should have been practicing something like this for safety and security reasons in the first place at least one a year or every six months. I and my staff will be rectifying that oversight as soon as possible, meanwhile, we will use this first one for a much more serious matter. The children will be sequestered in their dorms along with their familiars. All house leaders will take a physical tally of the children and their familiars then remain with them until the all clear is given. While locked in, the children on that list you now hold ..." the stunned teachers turned their attention to the list and studied it as the headmaster continued, "... will be taken into custody. When everything has been done, the rest of the children will be released. As for the incarcerated children they will be given a choice. We here know that most, if not all, of these children did not choose to be on the side of Voldemort. That blame rests firmly on their parents or guardians and their influence. The children are not to be considered prisoners nor will they be shipped off to Madame Bones for questioning."

Astonishment and further shock kept the teachers speechless so Dumbledore pushed on.

"This problem should have been addressed a long time ago and I'm just as guilty as my predecessors for ignoring its existence. Children are not miniature adults. When they come to us to learn how to use their magic they come from all different backgrounds. Some are abused, tortured, forced to do unspeakable things, or live under the constant threat of death and have been indoctrinated to believe in blood purity and the power of the dark lord by their parents, relatives, or guardians. While an equal number of children were fortunate enough to have come from loving, happy homes, but once here, many of them become influenced by the lure of the forbidden by the damaged children at this school. By school's end, they are hooked and become the next generation of evil continuing the reign of terror. This is our fault."

Now the expressions staring at him held anguish, confusion, anger, and, perhaps, in a few, shame, but again he continued on without allowing any to interrupt.

"Because no one in Hogwarts past and present ever thought about identifying and treating these mentally and emotionally damaged children, they have managed to do incalculable harm. Children should not have to fear going to school yet that is exactly the situation within these walls. Children have been threatened, attacked, and even killed all because we blindly ignored the signs and spent our time teaching them lessons but not dealing with the behaviors that kept many from learning anything except in punitive ways. That has obviously not worked which is why we are in a war both outside and within Hogwarts."

"But headmaster, we aren't trained for dealing with such problems?" Lupin interrupted. Privately he liked the idea of actually doing something about this glaring issue that no one was willing to speak about much less treat, however, how did Albus plan on doing this? He hoped it was with some concrete suggestions rather than more promises.

"Yes, that is very true and it isn't you, the teachers, I would have do this. No, that will be the job of counselors and mental health professionals we plan to hire. However, you will be required to receive training on how to recognize and deal with such problems and who to refer the children identified to for treatment. I plan to set up a special counseling center next to the medical wing for this purpose," Dumbledore told him.

There was a murmur of interest and many raised eyebrows about this novel approach.

"Schools in the muggle world have already been doing this," Charity Burbage spoke up. "I'm thrilled to hear you are thinking of such a thing at Hogwarts. But, I thought this meeting was to simply take into custody the children who believe in blood purity?"

"We are my dear, but then what do we do with them?" Dumbledore asked but didn't wait for a response before answering the question himself. "I and Professor Snape have discussed a plan that is already being designed as we speak. I have spoken with the school board and a few others in the wizard education system about what we are attempting here and many seem on board and are allowing us to be the test case. What we are proposing is to give the 'at-risk' children, as they are called by the muggles, a choice and a plan of action."

"A choice? A choice for what?" Professor Babbling asked, frowning in confusion at the headmaster.

"We can't just tear these children from their homes and families. There are legalities involved concerning parental rights but there are also laws to protect those who cannot protect themselves in an adult world," Dumbledore leaned forward and pinned each person with his stare.

"What we propose is this: each child will be offered a choice to stay or be ejected from Hogwarts when they go home." An outcry of anger met that statement but Dumbledore held up his hand to quiet them. "That doesn't mean we intend to just leave them to their fate. If they choose to go home, we will outfit them with an alarm they may set off if things at home turn deadly and they need to escape. Only then will we accept the child and protect him with all the power that Hogwarts can provide them. The hope is Hogwarts is allowed to take on the responsibility of becoming a foster home, making the students wards of a special group of caregivers within Hogwarts. They will effectively live at Hogwarts until they graduate or decide to leave sooner."

A few frowned at the headmaster while others nodded their heads thoughtfully.

"But what if they are too late initiating the alarm? They could be killed!" Madame Pomfrey objected, horrified and angry by what she was hearing.

Dumbledore's expression was sorrowful. "Yes, I know Poppy but unfortunately, this is where the law of parental rights are invoked. No matter what we might wish otherwise, we are forbidden to interfere unless or until the child makes the choice to flee. We are forbidden to interfere until that occurs."

Poppy looked ill. "It is better than all of them dying is it not?" Firenze interjected, gently.

"Still doesn't seem right or moral," Madame Pomfrey snarled, anguish reflected in her eyes.

"No it doesn't," Firenze murmured in agreement, his expression as sorrowful as hers.

"Anyway, this is what we intend to do, especially in the case of the Death Eaters' children. None of this will happen immediately, however, as we have to wait until their parents are taken into custody first. Which is expected to occur in a matter of days, I've been told. So their children must be kept in a secure location they can't escape. I have decided the room of requirements will suit as a secure dormitory with most amenities provided but they will not be allowed to leave it for any reason. House elves will be their guards insuring the children remain safe from each other as the situation will cause fights and bullying to occur. I'm sorry this will mean longer hours for all of you as you must add separate classes for them onto your already busy schedule. I suggest you meet to figure out that schedule and how you will manage the different ages being taught in the same space. "

Reluctant nods acknowledged their new orders.

"Wait, I never heard about the parents being taken? What are you talking about?" Professor Sprout demanded. She looked around and frowned. "It appears I may be one of only a few that doesn't know, eh?"

The ones in the know, shrugged their shoulders sheepishly.

"I'm sorry Pomona but events have been moving too swiftly outside Hogwarts and a veil of secrecy was being enforced by the Elders so even I wasn't in the loop until very recently. However, as of a few days ago, I've finally been included in on the actual move to end the war within the week." Gasps of surprise and amazement met that statement. "Unfortunately, I cannot update you fully as I have not been given permission to release anymore information as yet. I assure you that as soon as I'm allowed, you will be made privy to some pretty exciting news. What I can tell you is due to the Elder Council, the war will be over within the week."

"Within a week? That's incredible! I so hope that's true," Professor Sinistra whispered, relief and hope welling within her.

Dumbledore smiled warmly. "It will be, I promise, and nearly bloodless too if all works out as we hope."

A ragged cheer broke out even from those that had already been somewhat in the know.

"Alright, quiet now. To recap how tomorrow morning will go: just after breakfast, I will announce that all students return to their dorms and be locked in along with their familiars. Each Head of House will do a physical head count of students and familiars immediately. I know they are going to badger you for answers but they will have to wait just like the public for those." Everyone snorted at that. Children were very good at poking at things until they got themselves into trouble. They were as curious as cats.

"When you have taken attendance the house elf assigned to your house will bring that information to me. Unfortunately, for you, you can't leave so prepare yourself with something to keep you busy." There was a small amount of grumbling at that.

Dumbledore paused to pull out a list and his reading glasses. Perching them on his face he said, "Just so we all hear this together, I will read the entire list of those being detained. It should match the list you were given." Without further ado, he read his copy of the list as the teachers followed along, "from Gryffindor: Kenneth Towler and Geoffrey Hooper; from Ravenclaw: Keven Entwhistle, Lisa Turpin, Marcus Belbe, Robert Hilliard, and Stephen Cornfoot; from Hufflepuff: Laura Madley, Megan Jones, Owen Caldwell, and Jacob Summersby; and lastly, Slytherin: Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, Theodore Nott, and Cassius Warrington."

He was interrupted by Professor Vector. "But what about the other four, the ones that attacked Draco Malfoy?"

"Ah, those four students have already been punished and given the choice. Unfortunately, they too must wait until the war is ended before going home and seeing if that is where they want to be. They will, of course, be brought here with the rest to wait until their parents are arrested."

That assurance seemed to be enough for most so they waited for what else he was going to say.

Dumbledore eyed them and when no one said anything more he went on, pulling off his glasses as he glanced over to one of the teachers. "Sinestra, I need you to be watcher for Slytherin as Severus has a particular hunting job to do." Sinestra looked surprised and a bit unhappy but nodded her obedience to the command.

"What if by some chance a student or familiar manages to escape," Madame Hooch demanded.

"I will let Hagrid brief you on that," Dumbledore said unruffled by her harsh tone.

"Firenze and my friend, Thiralon, a Hippogriff, will patrol the grounds watching for any that escape the net," Hagrid assured her. Madame Hooch nodded and relaxed.

"Excellent. Now for the rest of you, there isn't much for you to do but if you wish, pick an area and a partner and do a patrol of the castle. Everything will most likely be over in less than an hour. The house elves are swift and very thorough ..."

"That is the second time you mentioned the house elves as more than servants. What has changed?" Remus asked, though he knew the answer but he wasn't so sure his fellow teachers were aware just how important the house elves were and had been during the wars.

"Being educated is how. I am just as guilty as any wizard of our treatment of house elves over the centuries. We failed to realize just how important and how powerful these creatures are in their own right. It's because we think of them as subservient and meek, we think they aren't dangerous. But serving wizard kind is in their nature and part of their culture. It is so ingrained they do not like being free but are only happy when they belong to a person or family or home but that doesn't make them any less powerful. They just aren't willing to fight unless their people or homes are threatened. Wizarding kind has forgotten that and have been treating them most dreadfully which is why some have become evil. Now that I've had my eyes opened to their true potential, I have worked with them in helping us take care of the enemy much more quickly and without bloodshed. Because they are dismissed, forgotten, and paid no attention to, they are able to work behind the scenes which is why they are the most effective army wizarding kind has ever seen. They are the reason this war will end at last." He was greeted by wide-eyed shock, dismay, and some embarrassed shame.

"So we've simply ignored an army of powerful creatures working innocently around us for centuries," Vector breathed in a barely audible voice of self reproach.

"Pretty much, yes," Snape snorted. No one said anything for some minutes.

"Alright, count me educated on the role of house elves and that I need to learn more about them. To get back to the collection of bad people, are there any adults on the list? Or were we lucky there?" Professor Sinistra asked, getting them back on track.

"Only one adult. Filch is to be collected," Dumbledore said flatly. "He will be obliviated and released into the muggle world. His cat too."

Some were surprised but others weren't. Argus, though a squib and given a chance to work in the magical world, had betrayed them due to his bitterness at not being magical himself.

"I believe that's it. Any more questions?" Silence. "Good, then the house elves will take action shortly after all the children have been sequestered in their houses and the head count has been reported to me. So please insure there is no delay in getting that done swiftly. Everyone understand what's to happen?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes sir," All said quietly. With that the meeting broke up.

Madame Pomfrey paused a moment before leaving to tag the headmaster. "What's been done about Peeves, headmaster? Though I haven't seen him lately, you know what a gossip he is and the ghosts what about them?"

"You are right to be concerned and I will admit to nearly forgetting about them but, fortunately, Hogwarts has taken an unprecedented active participation in all these proceedings and has already informed me its willingness to control them. I wasn't aware it had that ability until very recently but I'm relieved that it does," Dumbledore assured her, smiling.

"Hogwarts … you mean the castle spirit?" Pomfrey gasped. The headmaster nodded. She shook her head. "And I thought that was just a myth."

"No, it is very much aware. It just doesn't make itself openly known. However, it is part of the schools protection system you know," he reminded her. She eyed him in confusion. "Oh, I thought all were aware of this. Hogwarts controls all the security systems like the empty suits of army becoming active and the gargoyles awakening if the castle is attacked."

"I didn't know that and I should have. That's a relief that we are protected that way," she said, more at ease.

He nodded and smiled. She returned it then left.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Late that evening, when all had begun to seek their beds, yet another prisoner was added to the cells in the Dark Tower. Rookwood stared around in shock and anger. He had no idea how he'd been found or by who nor where he was now but he definitely wasn't happy to see the rest of the inner circle in cells around him. He peered into the gloom as there were only two torches providing light. Most of those around him were laying down on crude pallets, one was a woman.

"Well, well, looks like they found you at last," Malfoy drawled from his hunched up position on the hard bed in the cell beside Rookwood's.

"Malfoy!" Rookwood hissed, keeping his voice low as he didn't want to speak to anyone else yet. "Where are we?"

"The Dark Tower at Hogwarts and you, my friend are here courtesy of a damnable house elf," Malfoy snorted derisively.

"What?" The other man nearly shouted.

"I don't know where you have been nor what you may have heard but I'm not going to fill you in tonight. Might as well get some sleep. We're not going anywhere soon." With that, Malfoy rolled to face the wall and pulled his coat up around his neck.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Tired but very pleased, a certain house elf stopped in to see the potion's master.

"Dobby? It's late, what did you need," Snape asked, already dressed for bed but not yet having made it, wanting a hot toddy first.

"Dobby finished his mission, Professor Snape. Rookwood is now in Dark Tower. Here be his wand," Dobby said proudly handing the stick to the man.

Snape took it carefully. "Thank you and great work. Go get some deserved rest. Tomorrow we plan to take out the spies within Hogwarts and we will need you fresh. Join me after breakfast is served."

Dobby smiled broadly. "That be good news, sir. See you on the morrow." He then vanished, arriving in his little alcove. Pleased at the good work he had done that day, he had no trouble falling off to sleep quickly.

Snape smiled to himself as he took the captured wand and locked it up with the rest before taking his drink and heading to bed. It had definitely been a successful day.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Just before breakfast on Saturday which arrived cold but clear with clouds overhead, Hagrid headed toward the forested area just behind his hut. Waiting there was Firenze and flying into the small clearing nearby was Thiralon, the Hippogriff. The beautiful and intelligent creature walked with stately grace up to the centaur and half-giant then bowed to both.

"Well met, friend Thiralon. Good day for a hunt and a flight," Firenze greeted the creature.

"Good morning. So glad yeu are here to aid us. We have a bit of a wait if yeu wish to just relax in me barn out of sight," Hagrid said politely, leading the way to his tiny barn in the trees. "Do yeu wish some breakfast?"

"No, I have already eaten, thank you, Rubeus," Firenze said. Thiralon shook its plumed head in the negative.

"Then I will leave yeu both for now and attend breakfast as I am expected. See yeu within an hour," He left them in the warm barn and strode quickly back to Hogwarts.

As he walked inside, the halls were already crowded with children getting something to eat. It was a smaller crowd then normal as it was a weekend and many of the children were opting to remain in their dorms getting extra sleep.

He worked his way through the crowd and stepped up to the high table, taking his seat. Food appeared immediately and he dug in. He might not have time later even though the mission itself wouldn't take long the steps afterward would.

All the teachers were up and eating as well. A buzz of excitement ran through them but no one gave away that this wasn't just an ordinary day. Though the sharp minded among the students would note that all the teachers were in attendance when that wasn't normally the case for the weekends.

He caught the eye of his adopted son and saw he was one of those that noticed and was giving him a questioning look. Hagrid smiled and nodded at him while continuing to eat. A knock on his mind shield wasn't a surprise.

"Yes, son?"

"I wanted to wish you good luck this morning. Fawkes let me know what is planned. And don't worry, I plan on staying in my house for the whole thing," Harry said in a rush.

"Thank you Harry, that you will be safe is appreciated. Everything should be over in less than a couple of hours. Just don't make yer friends suspicious, eh?"

"I plan to keep them off balance during it all, don't worry. And, may I say, I can't wait until I'll be able to talk to Draco freely. Take care father," Harry added his caution.

"I will son. Be at ease," Hagrid sent a warm mental hug and Harry sent one back before withdrawing from his adoptive father's mind.

Dumbledore looked over the room and only glanced at those sitting on either side of him. He was relieved to know that except for Professor Quirrell who had died when Voldemort did and had been replaced by Remus Lupin, and Severus Snape who had been a double agent for the Dark, no other teacher had been a Death Eater.

The students chatted, laughed, and ate their breakfast untroubled except for the rather quiet Slytherin children. Seems the restrictions Severus had imposed were still working to keep them in line.

Dumbledore studied them quietly as he slowly ate his meal. This house was where the most Death Eater influence held sway. By tonight all would be offered a choice. To stay or go home with the proviso that if things at home were too frightening and they feared for their lives they could return to Hogwarts. But if they did, they would have to promise to abide by more stringent rules about their conduct. No more dark words, name calling towards children born in muggle households, no ranting about blood purity, and many other rules. In exchange, they would be safe and nurtured, something many had never experienced in their own home environment.

He sighed mentally as he finished his breakfast and enjoyed the relative peacefulness. Then he heard the clock chime and realized he needed to make his announcement now or the bell that sounded the end of the meal would soon be ringing. He rose from his seat and made his voice louder so all could hear him.

"All students will return to their houses and remain there until they are released. No exceptions. All those who have familiars please collect them and hold them on your person. Your Head of House will be by to take attendance of you and your familiars. This is a test of our security system. Due to the problems still incurred by the Death Eaters, it was felt that Hogwarts should have practice drills that would protect our students from harm. Having you remain in your houses ensures we can account for every student so no harm comes to you. This drill wont last long, perhaps an hour no more once you are locked in. Make sure you tell your fellow house mates that didn't come to breakfast that they cannot leave now. However, house elves will bring food for those students. Now please depart calmly and go to your houses immediately."

Shocked, the students complained and whined but did as they were ordered. In short order, silence filled the halls. Dumbledore left the high table along with the teachers who went their separate ways except for the Heads of House. He nodded at Severus in passing but continued on his way to his office where he would wait for the results of this morning's work.

He was glad Quidditch practice was for this afternoon and not the morning as usual and that the game itself was tomorrow, as any change to that schedule would have caused even more angst among the students. At least the game would help draw students away from the results of the morning and equally fortunate, the teams playing were Gryffindor against Ravenclaw. After today Slytherin would have no team all once the ones on the list were collected.

In each house, the same scene repeated itself. Professor McGonagall stood patiently as her Gryffindor students gathered in the common room with their familiar's visibly in their arms or on their shoulders. Not everyone had one, in this house maybe only half did. Since his rat was discovered to be a hidden wizard, Ron didn't have a familiar as his family couldn't afford another one much to Ron's disappointment. (What he didn't know was Harry was working on getting him a replacement. However, the war kept the ones he needed to speak to very busy, so Harry would have to wait. But he was determined that, if Ron would like one, a familiar would be found.) Hermione stood beside Ron holding Crookshanks who wasn't terribly happy. Wine was draped over Harry's shoulder which caused many a comment as none had ever really seen the kneazle at all and hadn't realized Harry even had one. On his other shoulder was Hedwig. Normally she would have been in the owlery but having heard some of what might be going on she opted to join Harry. He looked rather funny with two pets on each shoulder. Neville held his toad gingerly as the creature was rather slippery. There were two bats and only one other cat, plus two ravens.

The head count only took moments as there were none missing, thankfully. Dobby stood quietly beside McGonagall waiting for the count. She turned to him and gave him a paper with the numbers. He nodded and vanished.

"Please find things to keep you occupied. Remain calm and this will be over very quickly. Thank you for your excellent cooperation," McGonagall said, very pleased that her house for once was on their best behavior. She went to a comfortable arm chair, made a folder of documents appear and began going over them.

The students dispersed but were surprised that McGonagall wasn't leaving either.

Just as they settled in around the common room or up in their dorms, the students were shocked when suddenly a house elf appeared then it and two students disappeared. McGonagall refused to answer any questions on why the two were taken nor where they had gone.

Now thoroughly upset, whispers spread like wildfire and as he had promised, Harry did his best to stamp down on the panic and anger starting to filter around especially with Ron.

"What is going on?" Ron hissed to his fellow mates in a corner of the common room. He kept his voice low so McGonagall wouldn't hear him.

"You need to trust in Headmaster Dumbledore. I am sure he will let us know what is going on when he can. No point in getting upset or arguing about it right now. I intend to get my homework done so I'm doing something useful to pass the time," Harry said firmly, walking away and taking a seat near the fireplace and taking out his homework.

Hermione eyed him, a frown on her face. Biting her lip she too opted to keep her own council and not fan the flames of discontent around her. Unlike what Ron thought, she firmly believed Harry knew more about what was going on. His being calm spoke of something that was inevitable but not dangerous. So she decided to copy him and sat nearby fishing out her own homework.

This scenario was repeated in each house with a few students being taken away and a Head of House not answering any questions. Of course the hardest hit was Slytherin House as four were snapped away, Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, Theodore Nott, and Cassius Warrington left with shock on their faces.

"What the hell is going on? Why is Millicent being taken," Daphne shrieked. But was ignored by the sub Professor Snape had left in his place.

Snape had only been there long enough to make the head and familiar count then left Professor Sinestra to be watcher and no one was willing to ask her any questions. After several long minutes of shocked silence, several of the students went to their dorms to talk.

Sinestra didn't care what they did as long as they didn't harass her or start any trouble. Sighing, she took a seat near the door, made a book appear, and settled in to wait until she was released.

As Dumbledore hoped, the whole take down went smoothly. Snape had taken it upon himself to deal with Argus Filch and his cat, Mrs Norris. It took a bit of searching before he found the disagreeable man just leaving the trophy room.

"Filch."

"What be you need Professor Snape, sir," Filch said, scowling but stopping and waiting to see what the man wanted, his cat stopping to sit by his leg.

Mrs Norris narrowed her eyes and hissed. She sensed something was amiss. Unfortunately, she didn't figure it out in time before, Snape was suddenly accompanied by a strange house elf that Filch hadn't seen before. The elf raised his fingers and snapped. Mrs Norris had only a second to screech before the two were gone.

"The Dark Tower, yes?" Snape asked.

"As you requested, sir," Dobby said, smiling.

"Good, then let's go see if everything else has gone as planned, shall we?" Snape began to walk down the hall, Dobby happily walking beside him. "Has Firg taken care of the ones he had marked last night?"

"Yes sir, he has. Only loyal house elves be about the castle. Our home is safe, happy once more. Even rats have been cleaned out except those few that are familiars," Dobby reported.

"Excellent job."

Dobby blushed a bit and smiled. Snape didn't hand out compliments much so when he did it was a true honor.