Author's Note: Hello and thank you so much to everyone who is reading. I don't usually get this many readers and it's exciting. Know that I will answer any review I get. Thanks, MNF
Chapter 4:
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The Portkey landing at Remus's cottage was a mess of limbs, but the quartet were safe.
"I never knew you were so nearby," Hermione said as she stood up and dusted herself off. "Do you have a telephone, or will I need to walk to find one and alert my parents that I'm here?"
"It's a Muggle cottage, Hermione, there's a phone in the kitchen. I have electricity too," he explained as he opened the door using a key. There had been enchantments on the cottage and grounds too, but without his wand they would eventually fail. He'd set about creating some Rune Stones and burying them to create new ward lines soon.
"This is all fine, but everything I own is back in Gryffindor tower," Harry said. "I could use a shower and a clean change of clothes." Harry was still in the hospital-issued pyjamas.
"Your things are in the duffel, Harry," Hermione said over her shoulder as she rang her parents' number. "You'll need to restore them. Professor Flitwick said you'd be able to."
"Yeah, I can do that," Harry said quietly, drawing his wand out from his waistband and looking at the trunks which had come out of the duffel along with Hedwig's cage, Crookshanks' bed and carrier and his broom. He wondered where Hermione's pet was. "What's the spell again?" He looked at Sirius, well, looked through Sirius might be a better description. Harry was feeling like his brain was all fuzzy and his thoughts were moving through treacle.
"Engorgio, Harry," Sirius said, putting his hand on his godson's shoulder. The younger man nodded and returned all the items to their regular size. "Why don't you get your kit and go shower. You can lay down in the bedroom to the right of the bathroom. It has two twin beds, so we can share the room, if that's okay?"
"Er, yeah," Harry said, following the instructions and heading off toward the stairs and the bathroom above. Sirius watched him and stared long after the door was closed.
"Is he okay, Pads?" Remus asked.
"No," he hastily answered. "I think it's all catching up with him. Do you have any Calming Draught?"
"Some, but I can brew more," Remus answered. "The old icehouse, in the back there, I've turned it into a meagre potions lab, and I have a potions garden back there too. We should be okay for a while for basic potions and such. What we're going to need is Muggle money. With that we can shop at the market and not starve."
"Harry should be able to get into his vaults," Sirius said. "He also needs the Potter family ring. It will afford him some protections. Once I'm declared innocent, I can take on the head of house duties for the Blacks and protect him as well."
"My parents were concerned about why I'm here, but since you're a former professor," she said to Remus, "and you're Harry's godfather," to Sirius, "they're a bit less worried. They're coming over after they close their practice at two. I hope that's acceptable."
"That is more than acceptable, Hermione," Remus answered her. Sirius was still glancing up the stairs, worried about Harry.
"Professor Flitwick told me that Harry had seen," she paused looking terrorized, "V-V-Voldemort and the Death Eaters last night and that Harry killed them. He didn't tell me much else. I did notice that my wand was ash this morning and I can't help but think they're related. Can you fill me in? Harry will tell me everything, but he will hate sharing the story and it will hurt him to do so. I need to understand what's happening."
"You're quite astute, Hermione," Sirius said. "The weight of what Harry did last night is just hitting him and sharing the tale again will…while you two speak, I'm going to go check on him." Sirius took the stairs two at a time and wasn't surprised to hear the water running in the loo. He went and sat on the small bed he'd used the few nights he'd stayed here with Remus. Sirius had preferred to roam the Forbidden Forest, the cliffs that overlooked Hogwarts or the school grounds for the past year, just so he was close if Harry needed him. For the last month he'd lived almost exclusively in his Padfoot form and was glad to be free of the fleas which didn't seem to follow him when he returned to a human.
Currently his belongings were minimal, he didn't need much as a dog, although he had been able to steal some clothing off clothes lines as needed. He'd need to borrow some money for necessities like pants and socks if he was going to spend more time as a man. He also needed to do something with his hair and beard, and without a wand that probably meant a haircut and shave. He'd not had short hair and a cleanly shaven face since his fourth year.
Harry let himself out of the loo with just his jeans on, carrying his tee-shirt, wand, and socks in his hand. His damp towel was wrapped around his neck, and it looked as if he'd done a spell to remove the slight shadow of a beard that was there a few minutes ago. Harry sat down on the other bed with a weariness that one so young should not have. The frame let out a mighty groan, as if Harry's slight construct was more than it too could bear.
"Knut for your thoughts," Sirius said. Harry slid his shirt on and laid the wet towel over the metal footboard on the bed. The frame reminded him of the ones that littered the hospital ward and wondered if they were Hogwarts cast-offs. With a sigh, Harry looked at his godfather with tears in his eyes.
"Did you ever kill someone?" he asked quietly.
"I did, several people actually. The first time it happened I was out on a Hit Wizard mission. It was only my third time out after the academy."
"I didn't know you were a Hit Wizard."
"Made the fact that I was taken into custody by them all the worse, trust me. Your dad and I went through the DMLE Academy together, but he was recruited into the Aurors. They wanted his analytical mind. The mission I was on went sideways rather rapidly. Someone had Imperiused a woman to attack her neighbour with a knife. They were both Muggles and the one with the knife just couldn't break free of the spell, not that a Muggle should be able to. She turned from attacking the other woman to going after my partner. I tried to Stun her, but whoever had control of her was strong. I sent a stronger Stunning Spell at her, and it knocked her off her feet and she fell into a low stone wall and cracked her skull open. There was so much blood and…she didn't make it."
"How did you feel afterwards?"
"Like I wanted cry, or vomit, or scream or maybe all of them at the same time. I wanted to attack the Death Eater who had Imperiused her, since he was a coward and hid in the shadows I couldn't. It was his fault an innocent died. But, Harry, there were no innocents in that graveyard, and you do not need to feel guilty. Killing Voldemort and his followers did the world a great service."
"They were still people, Sirius. Some of them had husbands or wives and children. I go to school with some of the kids whose parents I murdered last night!" Harry yelled before he turned his head and vomited on the floor. Sirius went to sit next to his godson, wrapping his arm around the boy and pulling him into his chest. When Harry had calmed down enough, Sirius stood and cleaned up the floor with Harry's towel and then threw the mess out the window into the rear garden. Harry snorted and lifted his wand to do an Air-Freshening Charm before cleaning his mouth out.
"Harry, what you did can't be considered murder," Sirius said after sitting back down, "as it wasn't done with ill intent. If Moody didn't see a crime, there wasn't one. That man is a stickler for the law. What you're feeling is normal, and should you ever get to the point where killing anyone doesn't stir up emotions like the ones you're feeling, then I'll be worried about you."
"I just…Sirius, I've caused so many problems."
"It might feel like that, kid, but it's not true. Whatever happened, it wasn't your fault. Remus is already working on theories about why the wands disappeared and between him and your friend Hermione, they'll have a hypothesis soon. I keep remembering something my uncle Alphard once told me. He said that magic will always balance itself out. Voldemort did some truly terrible magical acts, and from what you said that spell he used to come back was as Dark as they come; all of this might be magic's way of finding her balance again."
"You talk about magic as if it's sentient or something."
"Not like you and I, but there is a will to magic and there is most definitely an intent to magic. One of the things we learned while becoming Animagi was that spells so intricate not only take talent and practice, but that magic must want you to succeed. When I look back, I swear that magic somehow saw something in Peter that your dad and I couldn't see, and that's why he had such a hard time with his transformation. We almost always had to help him out of his rat form, which might explain why he lived as a family pet for so long. He might have been stuck until we undid the transformation." This earned a chuckle from Harry, which made Sirius feel some better.
"Why don't you head downstairs, take your potions, eat a bit of toast and tea and talk with Hermione. She's called her parents and they'll be here in the early afternoon to pick her up. We might need their help getting some initial provisions, since I don't think any of us have any Muggle coins."
"Sirius, Muggles use bills." The man looked at Harry blankly. "Pieces of paper that have values assigned to them, like coins. Professor Flitwick said I needed to get to the bank today, so maybe Remus can take me?"
"Better do that sooner rather than later, then. Let me get cleaned up and the four of us can head out."
"How? Can you Disapparate without a wand?"
"I cannot, but Remus's fireplace is connected to the Floo Network."
"Brilliant."
Remus convinced Sirius he had to stay behind. Even though Moody knew he was innocent there was still a Kiss-on-Sight order for him and Sirius was too recognizable. Harry decided to wear an old fishing hat that Remus had kept from the previous owner of the cottage. The floppy brim shielded much of his face, which kept people from recognizing him. Thankfully the barrier between the pub and Diagon Alley was open.
Ollivander's shop was in ruins. The windows were blown out and sawdust was still floating around the area. It looked like there had been a fire inside as well, and Remus needed to push Harry past the hull of the wand shop. "Not your fault, Harry," his honorary uncle whispered in his ear. Hermione had taken his hand and gave it a squeeze.
They made it to the bank and Harry asked to see the goblin in charge of the Potter accounts. The trio were led into a private room, although the goblin who took them appeared to take umbrage at a Muggleborn and a werewolf as the Potter heir's company.
"Do you really want to challenge me on who my friends are?" Harry asked frustratedly. "I can see it in your eyes that you're aware of what happened last night and what I did." The unnamed goblin didn't say a word and quickly departed. Shortly after his departure, a goblin dressed in a fine suit entered.
"My name is Fairblade, and I am the Potter account manager. Can I get you some tea?" he asked but none of the trio accepted.
"I need to withdraw some gold, and I want it changed over to Muggle Pounds. However, I first need a reporting of what is in my accounts. I would also like to take on my head of house responsibilities and need my ring." Professor Flitwick had told Harry what to say and Fairblade nodded and exited. Less than five minutes later he returned with several pages of Muggle-looking paper and a small wooden box.
"Here is your family ring," Fairblade said, passing the box to Harry. "To assume the head of house you need to slip it on and say, 'By my blood and magic I bind myself to the House of Potter'." Harry did as directed, and the ring immediately sized itself to fit his finger.
"Excellent, Mr Potter," Fairblade said. "Now there are four accounts. The first is your school account, and you've been able to access that since you were eleven. The balance is just over ten thousand galleons, intended to pay for your school fees, uniforms, books and any other supplies you might have need of. As you can see the account has been accessed several times outside of your late August withdrawals and the automatic deductions from Hogwarts."
"Who would have the ability to access this account?" Harry asked.
"Only you and your magical guardian," the goblin replied.
"Who is my magical guardian?" Harry wondered why this guardian hadn't taken him away from his aunt and uncle before now.
"Sirius Black." Well, that answered Harry's question.
"There's no way that Sirius was accessing my account due to his being held in Azkaban," Harry said irritated. "Is there anyone else?"
"The headmaster and deputy at Hogwarts can access student accounts for unforeseen emergencies – robes are destroyed, or your cauldron blows up."
"None of that has happened to me," Harry said, looking at Remus and wondering if he had any idea what might have occurred.
"We can find out if the funds were transferred to another account," Fairblade suggested. "Although it will take us a few days."
"Please do that. You said I have other accounts. How much is in each of those?" Harry wanted to move on, he didn't want to think about being betrayed by people he trusted.
Thirty minutes later Harry exited Gringotts bank, realizing he was a very wealthy man. The goblins had not only helped him remove and exchange some gold, but they had set him up with a Muggle-style debit card. When it was explained to him, he was quite happy to have one made; and it gave him a better exchange rate.
"I'm glad we came when we did," Remus said. "Last month when I came in to replenish my Muggle funds I paid an exchange rate of about one point one percent, today you paid nearly three percent. As more magical folks go about exchanging their gold the rate is likely to go higher. Because of that debit card, you have a year where it will stay stable at two and a half percent. That will save you a great deal."
"Do you really think witches and wizards are going to shop in Muggle stores?" Hermione asked. "I can't see families like the Malfoys heading to the Tesco with all those of 'inferior blood'."
"You're probably right, Hermione, but families of half-bloods or Muggleborns like you will definitely be doing their shopping in Muggle establishments," he said as they passed the small greengrocer on Diagon Alley. "Look at his stands," Moony said softly. "Without the freshness charms the fruits and veg are wilting quickly. Some of those things were probably picked last year and were sitting in his cellar. Wizarding folk can do that because we have charms to keep food from spoiling, but they have to be reapplied often, especially if a long time has passed since it was harvested."
"Gross," Hermione said, looking at the moulding peppers.
"So, do we have other shopping to do?" Remus asked as he hurried the children along.
"We all need clothes," Harry said. "Well, Hermione you don't need them, but if you see anything you want, I'll buy it for you. The rest of us need clothes. I want to wear things that fit this summer." Harry was wearing some of his baggy second-hand clothes from Dudley and he swore he would burn them all when he was done today. "Do you think we can take Pads shopping in Avebury?"
"I think if we go north to Swindon, we should be fine," Remus said. "The magical community lives just to the east of the standing stones. We shouldn't go into Newbury though. There is a large wizarding community there and in Bath."
"How are we going to get there?" Harry immediately asked. "You can't Disapparate."
"We are going to go in my car," Remus answered, and Harry looked at him in surprise. "My mother was a Muggle, Harry. I can move amongst them with ease." The trio had reached the Leaky Cauldron and were able to Floo away without anyone recognizing them.
While Alastor Moody wasn't feeling his best, he knew he had to go and see Amelia Bones regarding Harry and the Death Eaters. He brought along a phial of Harry's memory of last night, knowing that it might be the only way she'd believe him. He also had the bag of Death Eater masks Harry had collected. The bag itself felt strange. Moody didn't like how it felt in his hands. Maybe it was just the dark magic used to create them leaving an echo.
The Ministry was in utter chaos, and Moody rued the idiot who changed the lift mechanisms from being rune powered to wand powered. The change took place during the first war, after Death Eaters had burned off some of the runes etched into the metal. The acid worked quickly and this action trapped people on the lowest floors when poison had been released. There were over fifty people killed that day. Today, however, the lifts weren't working, and Moody was forced to take the stairs down.
The Floo had gotten him from Hogwarts to the Ministry, but his house wasn't attached. Alastor was beginning to reconsider his motto of 'Constant Vigilance' as he might be trapped within the Ministry. Honestly, he might just stay on the DMLE floor and rest there before planning what to do next. The bunk rooms were utilitarian at best, but there were beds, showers and changes of clothes, something he left at Hogwarts. He then wondered if the canteen were working, as he'd not eaten anything since Barty Crouch Jr. sent down his daily bowl of gruel yesterday morning.
The DMLE floor was a bit better than the Atrium, but that was only because Kingsley Shacklebolt was directing people where to go and what to do. Beside him was Tonks, Moody's last trainee Auror. She'd made third class right out of the Academy and was close to making second already. He'd never admit it, but he was incredibly proud of her. Tonks stopped him as he tried to enter.
"I need to see Amelia, ASAP."
"She's a bit busy," Tonks answered. She was trying to act professional, but really wanted to see what gossip he knew.
"I know, and I can tell her why and I want to give her these," he said as he opened the plastic bag with the Death Eater masks inside.
"Is that a name carved into the back of that mask?" Tonks asked incredulously. "I mean, I know Alecto Carrow wasn't the brightest bulb but, really?"
"They're all that way," Moody said. "I also have Harry Potter's memory from last night. She needs to know what happened."
"Alright, go on, she's in her office," Alastor walked through the department with purpose, not stopping to speak to any of the Aurors or Hit Wizards who wanted to see what he knew. After he convinced Amelia of the new reality, they would need to visit the Minister of Magic.
"Your car is exactly what I thought you'd drive, Moony," Sirius said as he slid into the front seat of the nineteen-eighty-two Ford Escort Station Wagon. It was a metallic tan with faux wood panelling on the sides and somewhat cracked vinyl seating. Harry and Hermione were trying not to laugh in the back seat, but it wasn't easy. It really was the perfect car for their cardigan-wearing, private tutor, tea-drinking, werewolf friend.
"It's a third hand car, Sirius. We can't all buy whatever ride we want," Remus shot back and worked on turning the engine over. Thankfully on the third try it started.
"My bike was second hand when I bought it," Sirius said. "And I have no idea where it is now."
"Hagrid still has it. It's going to need some work, though, as he hasn't tried to run it in nearly fourteen years. Without magic, it won't fly either."
"Damn."
"Your parents know I'm going to drop you off, correct, Hermione?" Remus asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, I called the practice and let them know. We're all invited for dinner."
"That's good because all I have is some bread and jam in the house. I used the last of my eggs yesterday morning," he said quietly.
"The Tesco is open late," Hermione said.
"We're stocking up on necessities," Harry said. "Lots of things which are shelf stable, and we can hold onto for some time. We'll get just enough fresh food for a few days."
"Good idea, Harry. You might need to hide for a while, especially when the story of what happened in that graveyard gets out," Sirius said. "Once my legal issues are dealt with, we might even find that leaving the UK would be best for you. We can go wherever you want, Harry. You are the most important person in my life."
"I'm not sure you're ready to live as a Muggle, Sirius," Harry replied, choked up at being called important. It was the first time that had happened for him.
"Harry, I lived in prison and I've lived as a dog. Living without magic but knowing you're safe is something I will be able to do." Hermione reached over and took Harry's hand as it was obvious that he was touched by Sirius's words. Remus looked at the pair in the rear-view mirror and had a soft smile on his face. He'd always thought they'd make a good couple.
"Are there potion ingredients we need that can't be grown in your garden? I think we need to owl-order those in the morning. There will be a run on such things," Sirius suggested, and Remus nodded.
"I'll make a list tonight," Remus confirmed.
"Do we have any idea how widespread the wand destruction is?" Sirius asked. "We might need to send to Spain or Germany for some supplies just to keep from paying through the nose. There are certain ingredients that a wand is required for the growing." The remainder of the ride didn't include any conversation, as Sirius began fiddling with the radio and was excited when he heard the classic rock station playing some Queen. The four engaged in a goofy sing-along of songs from when the Marauders were students.
The Parade Mall in Swindon was large enough to suit all the gents' dressing styles, but not so large as to have them get lost. Harry went with simple, classic pieces – jeans, tees, hoodies, button down shirts, a few dress trousers, a few pairs of shorts and undergarments. He also bought three pairs of trainers and a pair of new dress shoes, since the ones from the past school year were too small and his toes were cramped in them. Remus wasn't all that different from Harry, although there were fewer jeans and no short pants. Remus also purchased a few of his beloved open-front sweaters. Harry insisted he invest in some new footwear as well and found two pairs of hiking boots which were rugged enough for his forays into the forest each month but that could be worn with casual outfits too.
Sirius only wanted to purchased jeans and rock band tee-shirts, but Hermione convinced him that it might serve him well to have some dressier clothing, as he was going to take over the Lordship when he was cleared and there would be situations where he needed to look nice. In the end all three men purchased at least one suit, Sirius bought two. Sirius also found several pairs boots and a single pair of dressier shoes. Remus told them how he wore his boots even with his school robes, although McGonagall docked him points frequently for doing so. They also decided to owl-order new robes, although they were leaving the shop they'd order from up in the air until they knew just how far the 'wand-out' was. Sirius's mother had preferred to buy robes in France or Italy, and he knew the names of the shops they'd used.
The men all changed in the loos at the mall before heading to the Granger home.. Harry binned the clothes he'd worn into the mall. He'd all the hand-me-downs from Dudley once they were back at the cottage. Hermione was met by her mother at the door
"Would you like to tell me why you're not at school now or later, young lady?"
While Harry and Hermione had been enjoying a day of banks and shopping, the other students at Hogwarts were suffering. Without wands, classes had been cancelled and all students were required to stay in their common rooms or dorms. No one knew how to channel their magic without wands, and even the classes which didn't require wands, like Runes, History or Care of Magical Creatures, were not being held so those professors could help patrol the school and grounds. Minerva was meeting with her two remaining Heads of House and Madame Pomfrey.
"Albus neglected to share how the water pipes were magically charged," she explained. "The water pressure has been significantly lower and there isn't water in the tallest parts of the school. Nor did he share how the sanitation spells were tied to him." Loos were backing up all over the castle.
"The Protection Spells and Muggle Repelling Charms were also tied to him," Filius said. "They're decaying rapidly. I'd say we have a day, maybe two until there is a catastrophic failure and the school would be open to attack."
"Who would attack the school?" Pomona Sprout asked.
"I'm certain that not everyone who believed in what the Dark Lord was espousing was in that graveyard," Minerva said sadly. "What better way to gain followers than to attack Hogwarts. Plus, we know he has some of his most passionate followers in Azkaban. If they were to get out…" she trailed off thinking of who was imprisoned after the first war. These were not people you wanted to tangle with. "Can you repair the protections, Filius?"
"Repair, no," he answered truthfully. "Rip them down and rebuild them, yes. I'd need to do it at night, and I would need help from some of the goblins in Gringotts."
"Are you certain we need to call upon the Goblins?" Pomona asked. "Surely we are strong enough magically to use Rune and Arithmancy warding."
"I suppose we could do it the way you're suggesting, but it would take us weeks. Also, if we wanted to avoid drawing attention to ourselves, we'd need to work through the night. During the day the castle would be visible. I don't know what protections are on the Forbidden Forest, but there are spells to keep the creatures in. I perish the thought of what would happen if they failed. For the right price, the Goblins can do it one or two nights."
"Minerva, with our water and sanitation situations and the potential of the castle being without any protection charms, it is an unsafe environment for students. We need to send them home immediately," Madame Pomfrey said.
"How? It isn't likely we can summon the Express - it and platform nine and three-quarters only appear when scheduled, so Muggles don't accidentally find the magical part of the station. The term has another two weeks in it, so I don't think we can rely on the train. Does anyone else have any ideas?"
"How do Muggles travel?" Pomona asked. There was a rather loud and protracted silence which was eventually broken by the portrait of Dilys Derwent.
"You all need a Muggle Studies course!" she said derisively. "Muggles can now travel through the air, water and over land. My suggestion would be to rent a motor coach and let them ride home. You're also going to need a lorry to move their trunks."
"How do you know such things?" Madame Pomfrey asked, sounding impressed.
"I speak with the Muggleborn students when they are admitted to hospital or their parents while they are waiting. The innovations of the Muggle population are astounding." She had a superior air about her when she spoke which rubbed Minerva the wrong way. She turned around and shook her head. Putting magical children on a Muggle bus? That would be disastrous. Then she thought of something else.
"Dilys, how would you even go about arranging such a thing?" Dilys left her frame in a huff at the current Headmistresses tone.
"I would think if we went into Inverness, we could probably hire one," Filius said. "Quicker and most likely safer would be to hire the Goblins to make Portkeys to take the students straight to their homes. We wouldn't need to worry about whether they were picked up in London."
"That's all well and good, but how are we going to contact the goblins? They're not attached to the Floo network, owls would take too long and none of us can Disapparate without our wands," Pomona pointed out.
Filius made a noise that sounded like a growl before speaking. "Unlike all of you, I don't need a wand to do magic. I use one while I'm in this school because I'm teaching witches and wizards who are being taught to rely on one."
"Excellent," Madame Pomfrey said. "Arranging a bus and lorry might take days. We don't have days before the lavatories are overrun with waste and our water supply will run out. I say we send Filius to London and arrange Portkeys. I would make them for tomorrow, the sooner we get the children away the better. We do this with our goodwill to the Goblin Nation. Once the students are gone, then we will tackle our other looming problems."
Minerva looked at her friend and nodded. Exhaustion was quickly catching up with the witch, seeing as she hadn't slept since the night before the third task. It felt like it was weeks ago now.
"Agreed. Filius, I will begin contacting families as soon as you've assured me that we can move them. Ideally, we would announce the departures at dinner tonight, have them pack up their things this evening and then send them out after breakfast tomorrow morning. The goblins will know what families to contact, since they do the collection of the school fees. I will send you back regarding the enchantments for the castle once the students are safe."
Filius nodded, rose, and quickly left. Pomona said she would visit each of the houses to make sure there weren't any problems. Poppy stayed behind and looked closely at her friend. "How are you coping? Can I do anything to help you?"
"This is a job I never wanted and to end up with it in a crisis is so much worse. I was able to reach someone at the Ministry, finally, although it was in the DMLE rather than the Minister's office. No one was responding to Floo calls this morning on behalf of Fudge. Why am I not surprised? I was able to speak with Nymphadora Tonks, who I am sure you remember."
"She spent nearly as much time in the hospital wing as Harry Potter did. How she succeeded in the DMLE training I will never know," Poppy said with a smile.
"Yes, well, she was talented in other ways. Her Transfigurations were exceptional. Anyway, the destruction of the wands is far more widespread than just in Great Britain. Reports are coming in from as far away as Russia and Canada. There are magical failures plaguing the Ministry offices and St Mungo's. Purchasing new wands is going to be a problem as those who have any are going to be expecting top price. How am I supposed to outfit a school with them? How will we teach magic if we can't use a wand to access it?"
"One step at a time, Minerva. Let's get the students home before we worry about bringing them back in the fall. If you need anything, even if it's just a cup of tea, you know where to find me. I'll always be here for you." Poppy gave Minerva a gentle hug and then left the office. Minerva turned around to look at the frame holding a slumbering Dumbledore.
"When you wake up, we are having a long chat, you pompous fool! Tying the sanitation and water pumping charms to yourself? You are not a god, Albus Dumbledore! You cajoled me into this job and then left me with a mess!" Still frustrated, Minerva turned back around and picked up her predecessor's candy dish and hurled it across the room. She then rested her arms on the desk and cradled her head in her hands. She casually thought about what expense they were going to incur by Portkeying the students home, but let it go. Albus had never mentioned the school having financial issues, so she assumed there was nothing to worry about.
