Chapter 17
The Investigation: Hagrid and Dumbledore
Thursday, December 31st, 1992 – Mid-Morning
Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt smiled as he looked at Hogwarts Castle. It had been nearly a decade-and-a-half since he had finished his education at Hogwarts, and this was the first time he had visited the castle since then. He had been to Hogsmeade several times, but never had a reason to visit the castle. That being said, it hadn't changed much since he had left. Everything looked familiar.
Unspeakables Algernon Croaker, Broderick Bode, and Balthazar Timmons made their way over to Kingsley, Amelia Bones, and Alastor Moody.
"Hagrid," Amelia said, "If you would remain here for a moment, Auror Shacklebolt wishes to speak with you."
"O' course, Madam Bones," Hagrid said, as he stepped off the front of the carriage.
"Unspeakable Croaker," Amelia said, "If you will, come with Auror Moody and myself into the castle. We'll speak with Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore, and you may accompany us in case you have questions. Your associates may do their own investigation, about the Chamber of Secrets, but I'm sure they'll want to stick with Auror Shacklebolt for the moment. Hagrid may have some information that will help them."
Croaker turned to his associates, and three Unspeakables spoke in what was possibly Latin or Gaelic. Kingsley didn't know much of the language aside from spell incantations, so he didn't pay much attention to it. Croaker turned back to Amelia.
"We can agree with that," he said.
Amelia led Moody and Croaker in the direction of the castle's front doors. Kingsley turned to Hagrid.
"Hagrid," Kingsley said, "We're here to investigate the Chamber of Secrets, in attempt to discover who or what is attacking students."
"Does Headmaster Dumbledore know about this?" Hagrid asked, "I though' 'e was takin' charge o' all tha'."
"Dumbledore should have contacted the DMLE in the first place," Kingsley said, "We're here to make sure no more students are harmed."
"Oh," Hagrid said, "Well, I kin agree wit' tha'. What kin I do fer ya?"
"You were the main suspect in the original Chamber of Secrets investigation fifty years ago, were you not?" Kingsley said.
"Well, yes, I was," Hagrid said, frowning, "But tha' was a misunderstandin'. Aragog was not the monster. I told the Aurors tha' back then too!"
"Aragog?" Kingsley asked.
"My pet Acromantula," Hagrid said, "'E was a wee thing back then. Never left the box I kept 'im in. Not until tha' Prefect attacked 'im. Aragog's been livin' in the Fores' ever since."
"He's still there?" Kingsley asked, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"Aye," Hagrid said, "'E's fairly old now. 'As a little colony of 'is own."
"A colony of Acromantulas?" Kingsley asked, "In the forest? So close to children?"
"They are pretty deep 'n the Fores', sir," Hagrid said, "They never come too close to the castle."
The Unspeakables spoke in the foreign language again. Kingsley turned to them.
"Have a question for Hagrid?" he asked.
"Does this Aragog keep the Acromantulas from coming to the castle," Bode said, "Or is something keeping them from coming here?"
Hagrid shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe both."
"You don't happen to have roosters around the castle, do you, Hagrid?" Bode asked.
"Not anymore," Hagrid said, frowning, "Somethin' got 'em. Bugbears or somethin', I wager."
The two Unspeakables spoke in the foreign language yet again, so Kingsley took charge of the questions again.
"Do you have any idea where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is?" Kingsley asked.
"No, sir," Hagrid said, "Dunno nothin' about it. I was framed. You gotta believe me."
"I think I do believe you, Hagrid," Kingsley said, smiling.
"And 'Arry Potter ain't got nothin' to do with it either," Hagrid said.
"Now why would you bring his name up ?" Kingsley asked.
"Students 'round 'ere," Hagrid said, "They think 'e is doing it. 'E is bein' framed too. 'E would never 'urt Muggleborns. 'Arry's best friend is Muggleborn, as was 'is mother!"
"Mr. Potter is not a suspect, Hagrid," Kingsley said.
"Oh... well, good," Hagrid said.
"You haven't got any idea what the monster is, Hagrid?" Kingsley asked.
"No," Hagrid said, "Wish I did. But somethin' in my mind's been bitin' at me. Tellin' me I should know what it is. I know magical creatures, after all."
"No need to ask him about what the monster is, Auror," Bode said, "I think we've figured it out. But we need to do a bit more investigating first to know for sure. May my associate and I be excused to continue the investigation."
"Yeah, go on," Kingsley said, "Can I know what you think -?"
The Unspeakables walked off before Kingsley could finish his question. He sighed and shook his head.
"Never try to get an answer from them," he said to Hagrid, "They won't give 'em."
"Guess there's a reason they work in a place called the Department o' Mysteries," Hagrid said, chortling.
"Anything else you can tell me, Hagrid?" Kingsley asked. "Anything at all about the Chamber of Secrets? What was the name of the Prefect who turned you in?"
"Riddle, I think," Hagrid said, "'is name's in the Trophy Room. Got an Award for Services to the School. Just 'cause the attacks stopped last time after 'e turned me in."
"Whoever was responsible is long gone now," Kingsley said, "But it seems there is a copy cat. Odd, though. A copy cat who knows a lot about the incident fifty years ago."
"Yeah," Hagrid said, "Odd. Well, that's all I 'ave fer you. 'Ope you kin figure it out. Kin get me name cleared."
"We'll see what we can do," Kingsley said.
Kingsley debated whether to ask Hagrid about Dumbledore's criminal activity, but he decided against it. He knew Hagrid hero-worshiped Dumbledore, and would be loyal to the Headmaster, without question. Kingsley knew Hagrid was half-giant – even though Hagrid was keeping it a secret from most who knew him, including the student body. Because he was a half-giant, it was very difficult for them to be affected by Compulsions, Obliviations and mind potions. Even a man like Albus Dumbledore would have a difficult time achieving it. So it meant that Hagrid's loyalty to Albus was either simply natural... or perhaps it was due to years of manipulation without the use of Potions and spells?
"Thank you for your cooperation," Kingsley said.
Hagrid nodded and turned back to take care of the Thestrals. Kingsley headed toward the castle, to continue with the investigations.
(A few minutes earlier)
As Kingsley began asking Hagrid questions, Amelia Bones stepped into the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts, followed by Auror Moody and Unspeakable Croaker. They found Minerva McGonagall waiting there.
"Greetings, Minerva," Amelia said, "Where is Albus at this moment?"
"He is currently in his office," Minerva said.
"He knows we're here, doesn't he?" Moody asked. "He's waiting for us?"
"If he doesn't know yet," Minerva said, "I'm sure he'll know by the time we arrive."
"I don't doubt that," Moody grunted. "I'm well aware that Albus has a spying network in this castle, with the portraits, ghosts and various statues."
"I'm sure Albus would call it a security system, however," Minerva said, with an uncharacteristic snort.
Amelia nodded. She had heard the various rumors of the portraits being used as a spying network.
"He doesn't know the exact reason we're here," she said, "So we shall not speak of it until we are in front of him. Shall we head up?"
Minerva nodded, and lead Amelia, Moody and Unspeakable Croaker toward the Grand Staircase. As they made their way into the enormous Staircase, Amelia noticed several portraits glancing their way. A few of them vanished from their portraits, and Amelia suspected one or more of them was headed for the Headmaster's office. If Dumbledore didn't know they were there before that moment, he would know soon enough. But the portraits couldn't read their minds, so as long as they said nothing about the most important reason they were there, they would still have the advantage of shock over Dumbledore.
"Where are the students who remained here for Christmas Break?" Amelia asked, as they walked.
"In their various Common Rooms or the library," Minerva said. "They know you're here to investigate the Chamber of Secrets ordeal, and have been told not to interfere. Mr. Potter and Miss Granger are in their Private Quarters."
"Why do they have Private Quarters?" Moody asked.
"That will be made clear when we speak to them, Alastor," Minerva said, "The exact reason has nothing to do with why you're here, but you'll know soon enough."
"Very well," Moody said.
"The rest of the staff also know what the students know, by the way," Minerva said.
"When will you tell the staff the whole truth?" Amelia asked.
"Depends on what happens today," Minerva said, simply.
Amelia nodded. The conversation was treading too close to dangerous waters, so they went silent. Their silence remained until they reached Dumbledore's office. Minerva opened her mouth, possibly to give the password, when the gargoyle side-stepped without being told a word.
"It would appear he knows we're here," Amelia said, as they started up the twisting stairwell.
"Aye," Moody said. "Unspeakable Croaker, if you would assist me, I believe we should place some Anti-Apparation Wards around Albus' office. If anyone can Apparate out of this castle, it is Albus Dumbledore."
"Anti-Apparation Wards wouldn't stop Albus from fleeing with his phoenix," Unspeakable Croaker said. "Even I can't stop phoenix flame travel."
"He won't flee," Amelia said, "Not unless he wants to become a fugitive, hunted by the Ministry."
Moody grunted, but still waved his wand around. Unspeakable Croaker followed in suit.
"Wands at the ready," Moody said, "Constant Vigilance! Albus will not like what is about to happen."
"You don't need to be here, Minerva," Amelia said, "We can find you when we're finished here."
"I want to be here," Minerva said.
Amelia nodded. When they arrived at the door to the Headmaster's office, it opened on its own. Amelia nodded to those accompanying her, and she led them into the office. Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his office, looking quite calm with no evidence of surprise at their appearance.
"Greetings Madam Bones, Unspeakable Croaker," Albus said, "Alastor, my old friend. Minerva, thank you for bringing our guests to my office. You may be excused."
"She has permission to stay," Amelia said, "Her opinions and information will be useful in this conversation."
"Very well," Albus said, "Do you wish to sit down?"
"I think we'll stand," Amelia said.
"If you wish," Albus said, "I must admit I am rather perplexed as to why you are visiting this day."
"A couple of reasons," Amelia said; she decided to leave the best for last, "The first is to investigate the Chamber of Secrets incident."
"That will not be necessary Madam Bones," Albus said.
"Oh?" Amelia said, "So are you going to tell me you've already solved the mystery?"
"I'm afraid not," Albus said, "But my staff and I are well on our way to doing so. If we needed assistance from the DMLE and Auror Department, I would have contacted you."
"Minerva contacted me, Albus," Amelia said, "Obviously she felt our assistance was needed. Frankly, I think we should have been contacted immediately after the first incident on Halloween. Two students – two Muggleborn students – were attacked, Albus! Have you contacted their parents?"
"I didn't feel it was necessary," Albus said.
"Why ever not?!" Amelia asked.
"Because their parents would have found a way to contact us," Moody said.
"The students are not in life-threatening danger," Albus said, "Pomona Sprout is currently raising Mandrakes in the Greenhouses, and they'll be ready -"
"- several months from now!" Amelia said, "Merlin's sake, Albus! Have you thought about how long-term Petrification will affect them? Even if they will be completely healthy afterward, what about their education?! They've already missed part of last term, and would miss most of the next term! That is madness!"
"What would you have me do, Madam Bones?" Albus asked, "As I said, the Mandrakes -"
"Are you being naïve on purpose, Albus?" Amelia asked, "The Hogwarts Greenhouses do not have the only stock of Mandrakes in the world! Nor do they have the only source of Mandrake Draught. Unspeakable Croaker was able to obtain some just a couple hours after I told him that two students were Petrified. He has brought the Mandrake Draught along, and will gladly take it to Poppy Pomfrey to give to the students."
"I'm sure Madam Pomfrey would appreciate that," Albus said.
"I'm sure she will," Amelia said, "Frankly Albus, you should be ashamed of yourself for how you've treated your students! And not just the two Muggleborn victims either!"
Albus raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean by this?"
Amelia hid a smirk. She was not ready just yet for the main event.
"You've put the entire student body at risk, Albus!" Amelia said, "There is a monster moving around Hogwarts attacking students!"
"I'm well aware of that," Albus said, "However, I have a reason for not contacting the authorities. I firmly believe a student is responsible for opening the Chamber of Secrets and attacking students. Imagine, Amelia, if they knew you were involved? They would surely panic. Panicked children and teenagers are unpredictable."
Amelia frowned. She had to grudgingly agree with that.
"While you make a good point, Albus," Unspeakable Croaker said, "If you had contacted the Ministry about this on Halloween, the culprits – and the monster, if there is one – would have been discovered within days, and the only victim would have been a cat. My colleagues and I should be able to solve this before the students return on Sunday. Do you know of any students, aside from Harry Potter, who has the Parselmouth ability?"
"As far as I know, there are none," Albus said, "And I am very sure that Harry Potter is not the culprit. His best friend, Hermione Granger -"
"Girlfriend," Minerva interrupted. "Mr. Potter's girlfriend is a Muggleborn. But yes, she was his best friend before she became his girlfriend. Plus, his mother was Muggleborn. He'd never put Muggleborns in danger. Why do you ask, Unspeakable Croaker?"
"The Chamber of Secrets was built by Salazar Slytherin, a renowned Parselmouth," Croaker said, "Wherever this Chamber is, it is likely that only a Parselmouth may gain entrance. It also gives evidence that a serpent is behind the attacks. Tell me, Albus, Minerva, have their been incidents of spiders – no matter how small or big – fleeing from Hogwarts?"
"Indeed there has," Albus said, "It has been quite mysterious."
Croaker scoffed. "Not a mystery at all. Your monster is a Basilisk."
Amelia raised her eyebrows in surprise. Minerva gasped. Alastor snorted, but Amelia wasn't sure what that meant. Albus merely stared at Croaker.
"Basilisks kill their victims with a simple gaze, Unspeakable," Amelia said, "These victims were –"
"Petrified," Croaker said, "I wager none of them looked at the Basilisk right in the eye."
"Colin Creevey was found with his camera," Minerva said, "He was looking through the camera. Justin Finch-Fletchley was with Nearly-Headless Nick, the Gryffindor Ghost. Nick was also Petrified."
"Ghosts can't die again," Croaker said, "Finch-Fletchley must have seen the Basilisk through the ghost. Creevey was protected by the camera. They were Petrified, but didn't die. However, they were lucky the Basilisk didn't eat them."
"Really, Algie, what a horrible thing to say," Albus said, frowning.
"Still true," Moody grunted.
"What about the cat?" Amelia asked.
"There was water on the floor outside Moaning Myrtle's bathroom," Minerva said. "A bathroom she haunts."
"Moaning Myrtle?" Moody asked, "Her name is Myrtle Warren. Give her respect, Minerva."
"My apologies, Alastor," Minerva said, "The students call her Moaning Myrtle."
"The cat saw the Basilisk's reflection in the water," Croaker said. "We're up against a Basilisk, and it is likely being controlled by a Parselmouth."
"Will Miss Warren agree to an interview?" Amelia asked. "If the first attack came from outside her bathroom, she must have seen something."
"She's a rather depressed ghost," Minerva said, "But I think she would agree to speak to you."
"I have tried speaking to her myself in the past," Albus said, "But she's not exactly easy to talk to. You are sure a Basilisk is the monster? Of course... it seems rather obvious now, does it not?"
"I'm pretty sure, Albus," Croaker said, "Has there been any incidents with roosters?"
"Hagrid did report that some roosters were killed," Albus said.
"Murdered likely," Croaker said, "By the culprit who is behind this. A human culprit. If we're fortunate to end this investigation by the time the students return,I intend to be here on Sunday evening with my associates. Madam Bones, Auror Moody, you are welcome to join me."
"Oh, we'll likely be here," Amelia said.
"Hopefully we can find the Chamber of Secrets," Croaker said, "Then we'll find the Basilisk and destroy it. We'll announce the investigation is over to the student body. And while we're there, hopefully the culprit's emotions will betray themselves, and we can figure out exactly who is behind this."
"I support that plan," Amelia said, "Minerva?"
"I think that would be an excellent idea," Minerva said.
"Indeed," Albus said, "I would be very happy to be able to announce that this horrible threat is over."
"Oh, I don't think you'll be here, Albus," Amelia said, grinning; it was time for the main event.
Albus glanced at her through his glasses. "I wouldn't plan on being anywhere else. Why would I not be here, doing my duties?"
"Because they will no longer be your duties," Amelia said; then steeled herself, "Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest."
Amelia relished the moment, as Albus gazed at her with mild shock on his face.
"On what charge?" Albus asked.
"Charges, plural," Amelia said, "We'll start with the Chamber of Secrets incident. Reckless endangerment of children, obstruction of justice, and interfering with DMLE investigations."
"There was no investigation before today," Albus said.
"There was a case fifty years ago," Amelia said, "It is hasn't been solved, so it merely went cold. Cold cases are still active."
"I'd like to see that hold up in front of the Wizengamot," Albus said.
"Even if it doesn't, there are plenty of charges which will," Amelia said, "There are the more serious charges. Multiple counts of illegal acts of Compulsion, illegal acts of Obliviation, and illegal acts of using illegal potions, including, but not limited to Loyalty Potions and Compulsion Potions. All of these acts were done on both children and adults. Minerva told me everything you did to her, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Poppy Pomfrey, and possibly many others. And I'm sure I can find more charges before the investigation is over. If you flee at any point, you will be considered a Fugitive, and hunted by the Ministry of Magic."
"Hand over your wand, Albus," Moody said, "I know exactly how dangerous it is. Don't even think of attempting to attack us."
"I would like to make a deal, Madam Bones," Albus said, quietly.
"No deals," Amelia said.
"You want to listen to what I have to say," Albus said, "Voldemort is not dead. I have important information that will lead to his permanent demise."
"Would that information be the prophecy sitting in the Hall of Prophecies inside the Department of Mysteries?" Unspeakable Croaker asked.
"Algernon!" Dumbledore growled, "You promised never to speak about that!"
"I do not keep promises with criminals, Albus," Croaker said, his voice calm, "Amelia, I will give you the information Albus speaks of once we return to the Ministry, unless, of course it comes up beforehand. Albus?"
Albus frowned but said nothing.
"Thank you, Unspeakable Croaker," Amelia said, her eyes never leaving Dumbledore, "No deals, Albus. You will come with us, where we will escort you to an empty classroom, where you will remain until we're finished here. Attempt to resist, and you won't like the results. If you succeed at fleeing, you will be hunted down by the British Ministry of Magic, and we will not stop until you're in custody... or worse. That is a promise. Hand over your wand."
"Does Cornelius know you're doing this?" Albus asked.
"I don't need his permission to arrest anyone!" Amelia growled. "That includes you, Dumbledore! Is this your attempt to resist? Because I would love you to try! Drop your wand on the desk, and get up!"
Albus remained in his seat for a few moments. He then took his wand from his robes, and Amelia, Moody, Minerva and Croaker all tensed as they gripped their own wands. Albus placed his wand on the desk, and stood up."
"Place him in the magic-blocking shackles, Auror Moody," Amelia ordered.
Moody grunted and walked over to Albus. Amelia, Minerva and Croaker trained their wands on Albus as Moody proceeded to place magic-binding cuffs on Albus' wrists.
"Madam Bones," Croaker said, "If you collect that wand, do not do so by magic. You do not want to become owner of it. As it is, I believe the true owner of that wand is inside this castle at the moment."
"The true owner?" Amelia asked.
"I believe you are intending to visit him," Croaker said.
Amelia raised her eyebrows. "Harry Potter?"
"If I am correct," Croaker said, "He's recently obtained the title of Lord Peverell."
"What?" Albus gasped, as he looked at the Unspeakable, wide-eyed behind his glasses, "What do you mean?"
"Oh, yes," Minerva said, "I suppose I did forget to mention that, didn't I?. I brought Mr. Potter to Gringotts two days ago, Albus. He met with his Account Manager, Ragnok the Sixth."
Albus' eyes widened. "Why did you not tell me this?"
"Because I am no longer loyal to you, Albus," Minerva said.
Albus growled. "Mr. Potter's guardians did not give their permission to take him off the grounds. Madam Bones, I'm pressing charges against Minerva for endangering a child."
"Excuse the fact that Mr. Potter is now Emancipated," McGonagall said, "Vernon and Petunia Dursley are not Harry Potter's legal guardians. His parents forbid the Dursleys from ever raising Mr. Potter. In fact his parents wished, upon their deaths, that he be Emancipated at eleven years old. He is twelve now."
"Then he didn't need permission," Amelia said, "I deny your request to press charges, Albus."
"Ragnok told Mr. Potter and I everything," Minerva said to Albus, "I know you were the Witness of James and Lily Potter's Will. I discovered exactly why you did not have the Will opened after their deaths. You didn't want anyone to know that Sirius Black was innocent! He took part in the Godfather Ritual. He could not have betrayed Harry Potter, nor his parents! Harry was never supposed to live with those Muggles!"
"Harry is protected there, Minerva," Albus said, "He must call the place where his mother's sister resides home, or he will be in danger. He is protected there due to the Blood Wards."
"Harry will never go back there, Albus," Minerva said.
"You do not know what you have done, Minerva," Albus said. "If something happens to Harry, it is on your head!"
"Care to explain that, Albus?" Amelia asked. "What are your intentions toward Mr. Potter? Multiple Compulsions, Obliviations, forcing him to become friends with people whom you are Allied with. Why are you so interested in him?"
"He is the key to ending the terrible reign of Voldemort," Albus said. "Without Harry, we are all doomed. I was, and am, preparing Harry for his destiny. Drop these charges, or doom us all. The blood of the wizarding world will be on your hands, Amelia!"
"You're madder than I believed, Dumbledore," Amelia said. "What is this about the title of Lord Peverell?"
"I assume you're familiar with Beedle's Tale of the Three Brothers?" Croaker asked, "The connection to it and the Deathly Hallows?"
"The Deathly Hallows?" Amelia asked, "That old folktale?"
"It isn't a folktale," Croaker said. "You're looking at the Elder Wand. If Harry Potter is the new Lord Peverell, then the Elder Wand belongs to him. Bring it to him, and it should call to him as its true Master."
"That wand is mine!" Albus growled, "It belongs to me!"
"Not anymore, Albus," Alastor said. "You'll be lucky to hold a wand ever again. Don't even think of reaching for it."
"Does our friendship mean nothing to you, Alastor!" Albus exclaimed, "Our history! Think of all we've been through. Fighting Voldemort! All our friends we've lost to that madman and his followers. What you've lost. If you continue this, we will lose! It will all be in vain!"
"Enough!" Amelia growled, "Silence, or I will silence you! Your fate rests with the Wizengamot now."
"They'll never send me to Azkaban, Amelia," Albus said. "You should drop the charges now."
"You may be right, Albus," Amelia said, "But your days as the Headmaster of Hogwarts ends now. One more word, and you'll be silenced until you're in front of the Wizengamot! Do not test me! Get him away from that wand, and that bloody bird of his, Alastor."
The phoenix squawked.
"Shut up, you overgrown cock," Alastor muttered in Fawkes' direction, "Don't even think of taking Albus anywhere, or you'll regret it."
Fawkes vanished in a poof of flame. It was a tense moment for Amelia and the others in the office, as they all thought the phoenix might take Albus away. But Albus remained in his shackles near Alastor. The old Auror grunted and pushed Albus away from his desk.
"It would appear your phoenix has abandoned you, Albus," Croaker said.
Amelia made a wide berth away from Albus as she walked over to the desk. She conjured a handkerchief and picked up the Elder Wand with it, then placed it in her robes. She had doubts about what Croaker said about the wand and its supposed connections to Potter, but she'd test it out just for kicks.
"Minerva," Amelia said, "Do you know a classroom we can bring Albus to? Somewhere no students would go."
"Aye," Minerva said. "Should I ask a couple staff members to watch him?"
"Nay," Alastor said, "I think I can manage a few wards to keep him from going anywhere. But you won't flee, will you, Albus? You know you'll lose everything if you do."
Albus didn't reply. He merely glared at everyone in the room.
"Get him out of here," Amelia said.
"Wands at the ready," Alastor said, "Who knows what this castle might do in order to stop us from leaving with its Headmaster."
"He's not the Headmaster," Amelia said, "Or he won't be by the start of the new term anyway."
Amelia remained at the back with her wand trained at Albus, as the group left the office. The investigation was only beginning, but as far as she was concerned, their visit was already a complete success!
Albus is cooperating (mostly – aside from his ranting), because he believes the Wizengamot will not sentence him to Azkaban. Is he right? Stay tuned! Either way, his days as Headmaster are over!
