Chapter 20
Meetings
Thursday, December 31st, 1992 – Early Afternoon
Minerva McGonagall stepped into the Hospital Wing, and was almost immediately greeted by Poppy Pomfrey. She looked happier than usual.
"If I get a chance to kill Albus Dumbledore, I am going to do it, Minerva!" Poppy said.
Minerva raised her eyebrows. That was a most unexpected greeting.
"Step in line," Minerva muttered, "I have a feeling it will be a very long one. However, if you want an early chance, you should go now. Madam Bones and Alastor Moody are escorting him out of the castle – he is under arrest, and likely will never step into this castle ever again."
"Then I suppose I should call you Headmistress?" Poppy asked.
"Not just yet," Minerva said, "I have to speak with the School Governors. What's the status of your patients, specifically Mr. Creevey and Mr. Finch-Fletchley?"
"They're awake and no longer Petrified!" Poppy said, smiling, her eyes misty with happy tears, "They're rather confused, and were talking about seeing a gigantic snake!"
"A Basilisk," Minerva said, "The Unspeakables confirmed it. We've also discovered the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. The Unspeakables will return tomorrow to put an end to the Basilisk."
"Oh, my," Poppy said, shuddering slightly; she cleared her throat. "Minerva, these students should have never spent this long in here. Dumbledore should have asked the Ministry for Mandrake Draught! Auror Shacklebolt said the Unspeakables had a stock of it."
"Dumbledore has a lot to answer for, indeed," Minerva said. "How about Nearly-Headless Nick and Mrs. Norris?"
"I was about to place some of the Draught in a dropper to give Mrs. Norris," Poppy said. "As for Nick – I don't know where to begin. I suppose fanning the odor of the Draught over him might do it, perhaps."
"If it doesn't, we'll ask the Unspeakables tomorrow," Minerva said. "May I speak to the students? I'll begin with Mr. Finch-Fletchley."
"They're rather confused at the moment, as I said," Poppy said. "I told them what the date was. I'm not sure they believe me."
"I'll speak to them," Minerva said.
"Only for a few minutes," Poppy said, "They need to rest, and they need Nutrient Potions."
"Very well," Minerva said.
Poppy led Minerva over to one of the beds, and through curtains. Justin Finch-Fletchley was sitting up."
"Mr. Finch-Fletchley," Poppy said, "I asked you to relax, and lay down."
"Feels like I've been laying down for a long time," Justin said, "It's weird. Are you sure its the last day of the year?"
"Indeed it is," Minerva said, "What do you remember?"
"I was planning on going to the library," Justin said, "In order to complete your essay, ma'am. Ernie MacMillan told me to leave and hide in our dormitory, in case Potter came around. Said I might be Potter's next target. I was on my way back to the dormitory, and I ran into Nearly-Headless Nick. I asked him if he had seen Potter around. Then... I don't remember anything else. Potter did this, didn't he?! He heard me talking about him!"
"Mr. Potter had nothing to do with this," Minerva said.
"He's a Parselmouth, ma'am!" Justin exclaimed, "Whatever he told you, don't believe him!"
"His girlfriend is a Muggleborn, Mr. Finch-Fletchley," Minerva said, "His dear, late mother was a Muggleborn."
"Girlfriend?" Justin asked, "Granger, right? I thought she was a genius. How thick does she have to be, being the girlfriend of the Heir of Slytherin."
"Mr. Finch-Fletchley," Minerva said, sighing, "Mr. Potter has recently taken his Inheritance Test. I assure you, he is not the heir of Salazar Slytherin. His Parselmouth ability came from the House of Black, it was a dormant ability through his own grandmother. I assure you, he is innocent."
"Prove it," Justin said.
"We're working on it," Minerva said.
"My parents must be so worried about me," Justin said, "I missed Christmas! We were going to have a family reunion with all my family!"
"I'm afraid your parents know nothing about your condition," Minerva said.
"Why ever not?!" Justin demanded, "They should have been told immediately! They're going to be angry."
"I'm sure there's going to be a lot of angry people," Minerva said, sighing. "It was not my idea to not contact your parents, it was Professor Dumbledore."
"Then he should be punished for this!" Justin said.
"He very well may be," Minerva said, "Get some rest, Mr. Finch-Fletchley. You'll be out of here soon enough."
"Haven't I had enough rest?" Justin scoffed. "All the classes and lessons I've missed! How will I ever make it up?"
"We'll discuss that later, Mr. Finch-Fletchley," Minerva said.
She left the curtained area, and followed Poppy to another bed. As she emerged through the curtain, she found Colin Creevey relaxed against the headboard.
"Hi, Professor McGonagall," Colin said, "Is it really the last day of the year?"
"Yes it is," Minerva said.
"Wow!" Colin said, grinning, "I feel like a time traveler! Where's my camera?"
"I'm afraid it was destroyed when you were attacked," Minerva said, "I believe the camera saved your life."
"It did?" Colin asked, grinning, "Wow! Brilliant! It was destroyed though? Darn. My father will be mad. He bought it for me for my last birthday. Wait, no, I mean my eleventh birthday. I turned twelve early this month. Wow, am I really twelve?"
"I guess so," Minerva said.
"I missed my birthday," Colin said. "That's strange. Has my attacker been caught?"
"No," Minerva said, "But we're getting very close."
"That's good," Colin said, "Bet it's a Slytherin! Cause who else would be the Heir of Slytherin. Did I take a picture of my attacker? Is that how you are going to find them?"
"I'm afraid the pictures were destroyed too," Minerva said.
"Oh, darn," Colin said, "I could have been the hero! Like Harry! Maybe Harry will find the attacker!"
"I doubt it, Mr. Creevey," Minerva said. "I'm glad you're alright. Get some rest, and we'll talk about what to do about the lessons you missed."
"Alright," Colin said.
Minerva smiled and left the curtained area.
"Two different responses," Poppy said, as she followed Minerva away from prying ears. "How peculiar."
"I do not think so," Minerva said, "Mr. Creevey has been a hyper, happy little child ever since I met him. He was attacked before the Dueling Club meeting in which Mr. Potter's Parselmouth ability was discovered. So he never heard the rumors about Mr. Potter possibly being the Heir of Slytherin. Mr. Creevey basically hero-worships Mr. Potter. Must have read about him before he came to Hogwarts. Mr. Finch-Fletchley on the other hand. The snake Mr. Malfoy had summoned was controlled by Mr. Potter, and it seemed to turn on Mr. Finch-Fletchley. So naturally, Mr. Finch-Fletchley believes Mr. Potter is responsible."
"What are you going to do about their parents?" Poppy asked.
"I'll contact them, of course," Minerva said, with a sigh, "That should be interesting. I need to round up the rest of the staff for a meeting and tell them what is going on."
"Should I be there?" Poppy asked.
"Actually, yes," Minerva said, "I need you to give each Professor a tame version of the Flushing Draught. I don't want to knock them out, but I want any Loyalty Potions effects gone from the staff. It will make things easier. I hate having to do that, because it is similar to what Albus did, but it has to be done to counteract what Albus did."
"I could mix the Potion into Butterbeer bottles which you could give to the staff," Poppy said, "Make a toast for a Happy New Year to begin."
"An excellent idea!" Minerva said, with a smile, "You don't need to be at the meeting very long, however. You have your patients to attend to. Basically what I'll be telling them is this. Both Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape were arrested today."
"Severus too?" Poppy asked. "Unexpected."
"Perhaps," Minerva said, "The Chamber of Secrets investigation will soon be closed. But I'm afraid tomorrow is going to be very interesting. The Unspeakables discovered that there is a colony of Acromantula in the Forbidden Forest."
Poppy gasped. "Oh, my! That's terrible! So close to Hogwarts?"
"Indeed," Minerva said, "A team of Aurors, and reps from the Beast Division will be here tomorrow to handle the colony."
"Handle?" Poppy asked.
"Extermination," Minerva clarified.
"Dear Merlin!" Poppy exclaimed.
"Also, the Unspeakables will be back tomorrow to exterminate the Basilisk," Minerva said.
"So it will be over," Poppy said.
"Not necessarily," Minerva said, "At the Start-of-Term Feast, the Unspeakables, and representatives of the Ministry will be here, when we announce the Chamber of Secrets investigation is over. If a student there is responsible, the Unspeakables and Ministry reps will hopefully know due to their emotions."
Poppy nodded. "A good idea. Thank goodness this is all going to be over before something much more terrible happens."
"Indeed," Minerva said. "I will be back before this evening to check on the students. Congratulations."
"No need to congratulate me; I had nothing to do with it, Minerva!" Poppy said, "I will definitely write some letters to the Ministry about this. They deserve our gratitude."
"Indeed they do," Minerva said, smiling.
She said farewell, then left the Hospital Wing, and headed down the corridor to continue the busy last day of the year.
Thursday, December 31st, 1992 – Mid-Afternoon
Amelia Bones was currently making her way toward the Ministerial Offices on the first floor. She had just returned from Gringotts, where she spoke to Keeper Ragnok. The Goblin had received a letter from Lord Potter just minutes before her arrival, and was ready to give her a copy of James and Lily Potter's Final Will and Testament.
Before she had gone to Gringotts, she had been at the Holding Cells on Level Ten. Albus Dumbledore was now in a private cell, usually reserved for dangerous criminals. Many Death Eaters had been in that specific cell over the years. It gave Amelia an odd sensation of satisfaction to see a man as powerful and respected as Albus Dumbledore in that cell. The cell was heavily warded with enchantments, and guarded round the clock by experienced Aurors.
Severus Snape was in a cell too, and while it was enchanted with protections, they weren't as highly protected as the one Dumbledore was in. But that fine with Amelia. Severus had come willingly, and was resigned to his fate. In fact, he wanted to be in Azkaban, for his own safety! That was madness, it its own way!
As soon as Amelia stepped into the waiting room of the Ministerial Offices, Fudge's personal secretary, Delilah, stood up.
"There you are!" Delilah said, "The Minister has been looking for you! He's been waiting for nearly an hour!"
Amelia sighed. That meant Fudge was upset with her. Just what she needed.
"Then I suppose I can walk right in?" Amelia asked.
Delilah glared at her, and opened the door to the Minister's Office. Amelia cleared her throat and stepped into the office. As soon as Cornelius Fudge saw her, he stood from his desk.
"There you are, Madam Bones!" Fudge exclaimed. "I've been expecting you for an hour now! An hour! I shouldn't be kept waiting! Why did I have to hear about Albus Dumbledore's arrest from my own secretary? She heard it from Rita Skeeter, wanting to get an interview from me about Dumbledore's arrest! Apparently Severus Snape has also been arrested? What in bleeding Merlin's baggy Y-fronts is going on?! Do you know what I've been dealing with? I am hosting a New Year's Eve party tonight! This will be the main topic, and I know next to nothing!"
Amelia sighed again. She should have known this would happen. There had been several cameras going off in the Atrium when she, Moody and Aurors were escorting Dumbledore toward the lifts. Rita Skeeter and other journalists and reporters were demanding answers.
"First off," Amelia said, calmly, "I was going to tell you. But I had to do something important before meeting with you. First I wanted to make sure Albus wouldn't escape from custody. Then I had to go to Gringotts to speak with Keeper Ragnok, the Account Manager of the House of Potter."
Fudge stared at her, then sat down in his chair.
"Sit down, Madam Bones," he said.
Amelia did as was asked, sitting at the chair across from Fudge.
"Why were you meeting with Harry Potter's Account Manager?" Fudge asked.
"Because I learned that James and Lily Potter's Will had recently been opened," Amelia said. "Harry Potter has recently become Lord Potter."
"Potter's – what – eleven?!" Fudge asked, looking rather shocked.
"Twelve," Amelia said.
"Why is he Lord Potter now?" Fudge asked.
"He should have been given the title at age eleven," Amelia said, "In their Will, his parents said he was to be Emancipated upon reading the Will, and he'd be able to take an Inheritance Test."
"Which would give him the right to be Lord Potter," Fudge said, nodding, "I see. Well, he can't claim his Family chair in the Wizengamot, not until he's seventeen. Emancipation doesn't give him permission. He can have a Proxy, if he can find one. Wait... James and Lily Potter had a Will, and it was only recently opened? Why wasn't it opened after they died? Who was the Witness? There had to be an official human Witness!"
"There was," Amelia said, smiling, "Albus Dumbledore. Apparently he didn't want the Will opened."
"I'm going to regret asking this," Fudge said, "But why?"
"Good question," Amelia said, "Same question I had. I met with Lord Potter, and he gave me permission to obtain a copy of his parents' Will. I brought it with me. That's why I visited Gringotts before I came to you. I wanted you to personally see a section of the Will."
"Let's see it then," Fudge said, "Then you can to explain to me why the Leader of the Light is in a Holding Cell meant for dangerous criminals!"
Amelia removed the copy of the Will from her robes, then set it on Fudge's desk and flattened it out.
"Read the section on Guardians," Amelia said, "First name."
Fudge's eyes moved across the Will until he reached the correct section.
"Sirius Black," Fudge muttered, "Godfather, per the –! What? This cannot be, Amelia!"
"It can and it is," Amelia said, "Sirius took part in the Godfather Ritual with James and Lily Potter, and their son, Harry. He could never have betrayed the Potters. Minister Fudge, this certainly puts some doubt in the other reason he's in Azkaban. Sirius Black never had a trial, Minister. I know you're not to blame for that. Bartemius Crouch, and your predecessor, Millicent Bagnold, are to blame. As is Albus Dumbledore. He was the Chief Warlock, and he knew Sirius couldn't betray the Potters. He'd be a corpse if he did! But he did nothing to help Sirius. Nothing! Why? That is what I want to find out. Minister, do you know where Harry has lived these past several years?"
"Muggle relatives, right?" Fudge asked.
"He lived with Lily's sister, Petunia Dursley," Amelia said, "Look at the bottom of the Guardian section."
Fudge glanced down the parchment, and a frown crossed his lips.
"Forbidden to raise Harry," Fudge said, "Oh, dear..."
"Dumbledore was the one who gave Harry to the Dursleys, Minister," Amelia said, "He knew they were forbidden to raise Harry, and he still sent him to them. Look at all those names of respectable families and Houses he could have been with, been raised by. Hell, I'm one of them!"
"This is... unsettling," Fudge said. "If word were to get out that the Boy-Who-Lived could have – should have – been raised by wizards... is this why you arrested Albus?"
"No, sir," Amelia said, "But those reasons are on the growing list of charges."
Over the next several minutes, Amelia told a flabbergasted Fudge exactly what she had uncovered. Everything from Dumbledore Obliviating Harry at a young age – though she did not include the Metamorph information – to using students, such as Ron Weasley, to spy on Harry, and everything in between.
She also told Fudge about the Chamber of Secrets investigation. How Dumbledore had decided not to contact the Ministry of Magic, and keep the investigation exclusively inside Hogwarts. Fudge was horrified to learn that two Muggleborn students had been Petrified, even more so to learn that they could have been resuscitated shortly after the fact if Dumbledore had contacted the Ministry. He was relieved to learn the students were likely awake now, and even more relieved to learn that Unspeakables were planning on killing the Basilisk as soon as the following day.
"I'm afraid it just gets worse," Amelia said, "The Unspeakables discovered a fairly large colony of Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest."
"A colony?" Fudge asked, "Close to Hogwarts? Are they a threat?"
"The leader is very old," Amelia said, "He forbids his children from attacking students. However... the Unspeakables fear mutiny. And if there isn't a mutiny, the leader could die in the next few years."
"It could be disastrous if that happens!" Fudge said, "What's being done about it?"
"I am going to be meeting with Rufus Scrimgeour and Walden MacNair after I am finished here," Amelia said. "And we'll put together a team of exterminators – Aurors, and reps from the Beast Division. They'll head out to Hogwarts tomorrow to take out most of the colony who are the threats."
"Take 'em all out!" Fudge said, "Can you imagine what parents would say if they found out? Did Albus know about this?"
"I can't see why he didn't," Amelia said, "He usually knows what is going on in and around Hogwarts."
"What's being done at Hogwarts regarding the Headmaster role?" Fudge asked.
"Well, I needed to speak to you about that," Amelia said, "Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall wishes to be Headmistress, but the School Governors need to agree to it. She agrees to meet them either here at the Ministry, or at Hogwarts, if at all possible."
"I'll arrange it," Fudge said, "Minerva would be a fine Headmistress. I'll tell the Governors I support Minerva. I'll make sure it happens before Sunday evening. That is when the students return from Christmas Break, yes?"
"Yes, sir," Amelia said, "Minerva's currently looking for a replacement for the Transfiguration and Potions posts."
"Right," Fudge said, "Why is Severus Snape in Ministry custody?"
Amelia explained her meeting with Snape. Fudge looked quite shocked.
"He wants to go to Azkaban?" Fudge asked, "Good Merlin. Well, he'll get his wish. Those charges are pretty serious."
"Speaking of serious," Amelia said, "What will you do about Black?"
Fudge sighed. "I'll arrange a trial in front of the Wizengamot. Get Black out of Azkaban. Move him into a Holding Cell on Level Ten. And get him looked at from someone at St. Mungo's! He needs to be sane enough for trial! Great Merlin, this is hell in a hand-basket. Do I really have to put Albus Dumbledore on trial?"
"Did you listen to what I had to say about him?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, yes, of course I did!" Fudge exclaimed. "I'm not deaf! But this is... I never expected... fine, fine. I'll arrange a trial."
"In front of the entire Wizengamot?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, yes," Fudge said, "And I'll be temporary Chief Warlock until we can vote in a new one. Good Merlin, Amelia, we just got finished with the Winter Solstice Session. An emergency session so soon after is unheard of! But it has to be done. You're excused. I need to speak with someone from the Daily Prophet."
Amelia smiled. "Yes, sir. Thank you for listening to all of this."
"Yeah, yeah," Fudge muttered, "I need a drink."
Amelia chuckled under her breath. She collected the copy of the Potter's Will, then left the Minister's office. She still had so much to do!
Thursday, December 31st, 1992 – Late Afternoon
Minerva was currently sitting at one end of a long table in the staff room of Hogwarts near the Entrance Hall. Nearly every staff member was there, aside from Madam Pomfrey and Argus Filch. The Hogwarts nurse had been there before the rest of the staff - aside from McGonagall, who had already been there - had arrived. She had delivered several bottles of Butterbeer, dosed with tamed-down Flushing Draught, which would simply remove any effects of Loyalty Potion, so that there wouldn't be any issues when it came to the announcement of Albus Dumbledore's arrest. Minerva planned to suggest the staff to visit Madam Pomfrey later to take the regular Flushing Draught.
Madam Pomfrey had told Minerva, that Argus Filch was currently in the Hospital, having reunited with his cat, Mrs. Norris who had been successfully resuscitated, no longer Petrified. Madam Pomfrey informed Minerva that she had given Filch a Flushing Draught, and a Calming Potion to calm the emotional caretaker.
The only staff member who didn't have a bottle of butterbeer in front of them at the table was the ghostly Professor Binns. The History of Magic Professor couldn't be mind-controlled, so there was no need. Hagrid's bottle had a Flushing Draught, but it was likely he wasn't affected either due to him being a half-giant.
"Is this meeting going to take very long, Minerva?" Gilderoy Lockhart said, "I've been invited to Minister Fudge's New Year's Eve party, and I need to get ready for it!"
"It won't take too long," Minerva said, "But first, I would like to call a toast."
"Hold on, now," Filius Flitwick said, "Where are Albus and Severus?"
"Oh, they won't be attending," Minerva said. "I will explain why soon. But first! A toast! To a New Year that is hopefully more excellent than the last!"
Minerva drank from her bottle of butterbeer, and she smiled when every Professor drank from their own. A few eyebrows fluttered, a side-effect to the Draught, but nobody besides Minerva seemed to notice.
"The reason I have called this meeting," Minerva said, "is to inform all of you of exactly why we were host to Ministry representatives this morning, including DMLE Head Amelia Bones."
"They were here to investigate the Chamber of Secrets, weren't they?" Pomona Sprout asked. "I thought they would speak with me about the Mandrakes."
"Your Mandrakes will be unnecessary, Pomona," Minerva said, smiling, "Unspeakables from the Department of Mysteries brought Mandrake Draught. Mr. Creevey and Mr. Finch-Fletchley have both been cured."
"Oh, wonderful!" Pomona said, smiling with misty eyes, "I've missed seeing Justin in my class, and in the Hufflepuff Common Room."
"Albus had a change of mind?" Filius asked, "I was under the impression he wasn't going to contact the Ministry about the Chamber of Secrets."
"I was the one who contacted the Ministry," Minerva said, "But the Chamber of Secrets fiasco was only one reason why I contacted them. I'm afraid I have some terrible news. Some of you will not believe this, but I ask that you let me explain everything. You will all understand it very soon."
Minerva inhaled and exhaled as she looked at the staff, all of whom were looking at her.
"Albus and Severus were both arrested and taken into DMLE Custody," Minerva said.
There was a collective gasp around the table, and several staff members looked emotional and disbelieving.
"Why the bleedin' 'ell has Albus been arrested, Minerva?" Hagrid asked. "What 'as 'e ever done wrong?"
"It appears he has done plenty wrong, Hagrid," Minerva said. "To begin, he had a history of Compelling both various students, and staff members. Yes, many of you – and myself – were placed under Loyalty Potions keyed to Albus. Those bottles of butterbeer in front of you were dosed with tame Flushing Draughts, so I could make sure the Loyalty Draughts were tamed down. I ask, after this meeting, you visit Poppy and take Flushing Draughts to remove any taints."
Minerva sighed. "Recently it was discovered that Harry Potter's magical core was still bound by seventy-five percent."
"Seventy five?" Filius asked, "But his magic is incredible in class!"
"It is indeed," Minerva said. "His core is now fifty-percent unbound. In a few days, Poppy will release another twenty-five percent. She isn't sure whether or not the last quarter will be unbound, simply because Mr. Potter is already above average even with a low magical core. Poppy should have noticed this long ago, but apparently Albus Obliviated and/or Compelled her not to notice it. She only recently noticed it due to a long-dormant ability in Mr. Potter."
"What kind of ability?" Lockhart asked.
"Mr. Potter is a Metamorphmagus," Minerva said. "Capable of cross-gender transformation. His female form is named Rose. I've met her. She has an entire separate personality from Mr. Potter."
A few of the staff members, most of whom taught Harry, looked quite surprised at this news.
"Mr. Potter is the dominant personality," Minerva continued, "A former student and fellow Metamorph, Nymphadora Tonks, is currently here at Hogwarts, staying until Sunday to help Mr. Potter hone his skills. His training should be complete by Sunday. At least I hope so. Today's lesson and yesterday's as well, were both postponed."
"Was 'Arry born with this ability?" Hagrid asked.
"Indeed he was," Minerva said, smiling, "At six years old, Harry discovered his Metamorph ability. At seven years old, his feminine form first emerged. Lily's sister found him, and she read him a letter from Lily which had told her that Harry had turned into a girl once as a babe. Lily's sister also told him he was a wizard, and told him about Metamorphmagi. She also said his feminine form's name was Rose – Lily and James had apparently given her that name."
"But I thought Harry knew nothing about magic until he was eleven," Filius said.
"No, 'e didn't," Hagrid said, "'E was very shocked when I first met 'im. I'm confused."
"The reason he didn't know," Minerva said, "Is because he had been Obliviated, by Albus Dumbledore."
"No!" Hagrid gasped, while several other staff members looked shocked. "Why would 'e do that?"
"Good question," Minerva said. "Harry was recently given a Flushing Draught. He remembers several times when Dumbledore Obliviated him as a child. The first was that same day Lily's sister told him he was a wizard. He was still in his feminine form when Albus arrived. Albus told him he was a boy, not a girl, that he was not a Metamorphmagus, nor was he a wizard. Obliviated Lily's sister as well."
"That's not right at all!" Sprout exclaimed.
Minerva went on to tell them what else she had learned from Harry. How Harry's feminine personality, Rose, had met Hermione Granger when they were children. How Albus had Compelled Harry, more than once, to do different things. How Ron Weasley was involved, and how Ron was never really Harry and Hermione's friend.
"What's going to 'appen to Ron?" Hagrid asked.
"He's been given immunity from any DMLE charges," Minerva said, "He gave his testimony to Madam Bones which helped arrest Albus. However, more than likely, I am going to be Headmistress soon. I won't suspend or expel Ron Weasley just yet. But he will be on strict probation. He won't be able to go to Hogsmeade next year, nor will he attend Quidditch matches. He cannot be near Mr. Potter and Miss Granger, or speak to them. In classes, he'll sit far away from them. When he's not in class, or having meals in the Great Hall, he'll either be in the Gryffindor Tower, or in the library if he has homework. If his grades do not improve, or if he breaks any of these rules, he will be expelled."
Hagrid looked rather emotional about this, but the other Professors weren't surprised at all.
"Why was Severus arrested?" Aurora Sinistra asked, "Aside from being a known Death Eater, former or not."
Minerva explained Severus' involvement, including the fact that he used Legilimency on students and staff, brewed the Loyalty Potions and Compulsion Draughts the staff – and some students - were given. Then she told them the worst of Severus' crimes – how he had been involved in the attempted murder-by-proxy through troll of Hermione Granger. She had explained what had happened earlier when discussing Albus' crimes. However, the staff looked quite shocked.
"Why was Miss Granger a target?" Filius asked, "She is a brilliant student!"
"Because she was friendly with Mr. Potter," Minerva said, "In fact she's his best friend, and recently became his girlfriend. Albus didn't like how close she was to Mr. Potter."
"Is this about her being Muggleborn?" Charity Burbage asked, "Does Dumbledore not approve of the possibility of another Muggleborn marrying into House Potter?"
"Perhaps," Minerva said. "Speaking of Miss Granger, there is something I need to inform all of you about. Miss Granger recently had a Potions mishap, when she was experimenting with a Potion. She was brewing Polyjuice Potion. It worked too well. She accidentally used a feline hair... and turned into a Neko."
"Oh, my!" Hagrid exclaimed.
Most of the Professors looked just as shocked.
"A Neko, really?!" Lockhart said, "I've met a few Nekos myself. All were very lovely. I've been meaning to write a book about Nekos. Perhaps I can teach my classes about Nekos."
"It might be a good idea," Minerva said, "Because Miss Granger will continue to attend classes. She's understandably nervous about everything. She knows there will be students who tease and bully her. I will do my best to prevent this, and I want all of you to help."
The staff all nodded in agreement.
"There's more," Minerva said, "Miss Granger has already found her Mate, in Mr. Potter. I'm sure some of you know exactly what that means, and what will happen between Miss Granger and Mr. Potter."
"You're going to allow it?" Filius asked.
"I have no choice," Minerva said, "There is no way to prevent it. In fact it has already happened. For those who don't know what I am speaking of, Miss Granger's feminine cycles have been replaced with moments where she is in heat, like a cat. In fact she is currently going through it. It has already happened, as I said. Mr. Potter and Miss Granger are now living in Private Quarters, behind a Griffin Statute which has been enchanted with Permission Wards. If someone attempts to break into their Quarters who does not have permission, the Griffin statue will attack. And because of enchantments I placed on it, it is nigh-on indestructible."
"So we need to make sure students avoid the Private Quarters," Pomona said, nodding.
"Most of them," Minerva said, "I've recently learned that Harry is currently in Betrothal Contracts with two students in his year: Daphne Greengrass, and Padma Patil. If their parents agree, they may be moved to Mr. Potter's Private Quarters to protect the contracts."
"A Neko as a mate, and Betrothal Contracts?" Pomona Sprout said, "Good heavens."
"Indeed," Minerva said, "Moving on. I am proud to say that the Chamber of Secrets investigation will soon be closed. The 'monster' has been discovered. It appears to be a Basilisk."
"Of course!" Filius exclaimed, and nearly fell out of his seat, "It seems so obvious now!"
"Indeed!" Hagrid said, "Spiders fleeing, the Acromantulas are afraid even, and roosters being murdered. A Basilisk. Bet its a beauty!"
"I knew it was a Basilisk," Lockhart said, "I was days, maybe a week, from discovering it."
"Uh-huh," Minerva muttered, then cleared her throat, "The Chamber of Secrets location has been discovered. The entrance is in the second floor witches' bathroom, more commonly known as Moaning Myrtle's bathroom."
"Ah, of course!" Lockhart said, "One of the places I suspected."
Minerva resisted rolling her eyes, but it was a close thing. "A team of Unspeakables will be here tomorrow to go into the Chamber of Secrets, and destroy the Basilisk. You are welcome to join them, Gilderoy, if you wish."
Lockhart's eyes widened. "Well, I... I'm afraid I might be too tired after attending the Minister's party tonight. But I'll try to make it!"
"Destroy it?" Hagrid asked, "Really, Minerva? It's an innocent creature."
"Innocent, Hagrid?" Minerva asked, "It killed Myrtle Warren, and Petrified several students, including two this year! It framed your pet Acromantula. You were expelled because of it."
"Still a misunderstood creature," Hagrid muttered, with a frown.
"It will be killed," Minerva said, "It has to be done. It is far too dangerous. Unfortunately, the investigation does not end with its death. It is believed a student is behind these attacks – and no matter what you've heard from students' complaints, it is not Mr. Potter!"
"O' course, it isn't!" Hagrid exclaimed.
"Mr. Potter is indeed a Parselmouth, but it is through the dormant Black bloodline," Minerva said, "I'm sure many of you remember his dear grandmother, Dorea Potter, formerly Black. It is her House that the ability came from. He is not an Heir of Slytherin for Merlin's sake!"
"Never believed he was," Filius said. "Even though there are several students who believe this, unfortunately."
"Yes," Pomona said, "I was up to my ears in complaint notices when Mr. Finch-Fletchley was Petrified. They all thought Mr. Potter was guilty."
"On Sunday evening," Minerva continued, "During the Start-of-Term feast, we will announce that the Chamber of Secrets investigation has been solved. There will be Ministry reps there. One of our students is unfortunately behind these attacks. Unspeakables will be in the Great Hall during the feast, and they'll likely be able to pinpoint the guilty student. Hopefully this will all be over by then."
Most of the staff gave "hear-hears."
"Next," Minerva said, "Unspeakables won't be the only visitors here tomorrow. Aurors and members of the Beast Division will also be here. Hagrid, I must apologize, because this will upset you. The Acromantula colony in the Forbidden Forest is a threat against Hogwarts."
"It is not," Hagrid said, frowning.
"It is, Hagrid," Minerva said. "Your pet, the leader of the Colony, is getting old. It may die in a few years. When it does, the colony will go wild. They may follow the leader right now, but they won't follow his wishes when he dies. They'll likely come to Hogwarts in attempt to feed. The Unspeakables feel it could happen sooner, if there is mutiny in the colony. That is why they have to be stopped. Tomorrow, a group from the Ministry will go to the colony... and exterminate those who are a threat to Hogwarts. I'm sorry, Hagrid."
Hagrid had visible tears running down his face.
"Hagrid, listen to me," Minerva said, "Listen to me now."
Hagrid cleared his throat and looked at Minerva.
"I am forbidding you from going out to the colony tonight to warn them," Minerva said. "It would only anger them, and too many lives would be at risk. Including all of ours. They may attack you if you try to speak to them tonight. Do you understand?"
"Y-yes, Minerva," Hagrid stammered, "I understand."
"You have permission to go with the Ministry team if you wish," Minerva said, "But you will not like what is going to happen. If the leader, your pet, does not attack the Ministry group, he won't be killed."
"He won't attack," Hagrid said, "He's blind and old. But his children... it will be a war."
"I know this," Minerva said.
"Should any of us help the Aurors tomorrow?" Filius asked.
"Volunteers are welcomed," Minerva said, "But it will be extremely dangerous. To finish this meeting, I need suggestions for a new Transfiguration Professor – as I will be Headmistress, and won't be able to teach – as well as a new Potions Professor."
"You said Nymphadora Tonks is here?" Pomona Sprout, "Her mother, Andromeda, is an excellent Potions Mistress. But she's also a nurse at St. Mungo's. Suggest the idea to Miss Tonks so she can ask her mother."
"A good idea," Minerva said, "The Transfiguration Post?"
"What about Remus Lupin?" Filius asked, "I know he's a risk, but I do remember you telling me that he was an excellent student in Transfiguration. Perhaps he wants to be a teacher."
"I will contact him," Minerva said; she was planning to do so anyway concerning Lupin's old friend, Sirius Black. "Any other suggestions?"
"Horace Slughorn might come out of retirement if Andromeda Tonks doesn't take the post," Filius said.
"Perhaps," Minerva said, nodding. "Any more? No? Aurora, I would very much appreciate it if you will take Severus' place as the Head of Slytherin."
"Of course, Minerva," Aurora said, "I'll be happy to do it."
"Thank you, Aurora," Minerva said, "And thank you all. I know this was some troubling news about Albus and Severus, and everything else. I remind you all – aside from you Cuthbert, Hagrid - to visit Poppy to take a Flushing Draught to make sure you are free of mind-control. Have a wonderful evening."
Most of the staff members left, but Hagrid remained behind. He looked quite emotional.
"I can't believe Albus did all that," Hagrid said, "Are you positive, Minerva?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Minerva said, "Rubeus, I know you look up to him. Why shouldn't you? He gave you a job when you had been expelled. He gave you a home. I'm afraid he used that to manipulate you. I learned recently that Harry was never supposed to live with the Dursleys. His parents had forbid it. He had several suggested magical guardians. Several! Albus knew this too. I know you remember the night we dropped Harry off in Surrey."
"Aye," Hagrid said.
"Do you remember how cold it was that night?" Minerva asked. "It was early November. Harry was a baby, and we placed him on the doorstep. He spent the whole night on that doorstep before Lily's sister found him. And yet Albus didn't seem bothered by it. He just wanted us to leave before we could argue any more about leaving Harry with relatives he was not supposed to live with. We were both manipulated. I was Compelled by Albus to go along with it all, so I had no real choice in the matter. But it was worse for you, because Albus couldn't Compel you. He betrayed your trust, used you for his own means. I'm very sorry about that."
Hagrid sniffled and nodded.
"I will do my best to make sure your record is expunged, Hagrid," Minerva said, "I've heard rumors that Silvanus Kettleburn is retiring at the end of next term. I'm rather surprised he did not announce it today, but I'm sure he understands how overwhelmed we are at the moment. How would you like to be his replacement as Professor of Care of Magical Creatures?"
Hagrid's face brightened. "You mean it, Minerva?"
"I'll do my best to make it happen," Minerva said.
"If Kettleburn retires, I will be happy to accept!" Hagrid said, "Thank you, Minerva!"
"You're very welcome," Minerva said, "You're excused. And Hagrid? Stay out of the Forbidden Forest tonight. If you don't, the Ministry might see it as interfering with the operation they're going to be doing. If you're arrested, I cannot give you the Professor post. Can I?"
"No," Hagrid said. "I promise to stay out of the forest."
"Thank you, Hagrid," Minerva said. "You're excused."
Hagrid noisily stood up and left the staff room. Minerva sighed and relaxed in her chair. That had been difficult. But it lifted a huge weight from her shoulders. She sighed and stood up from her chair. She needed to speak to Miss Tonks, and then contact Remus Lupin. Hopefully he would agree to be the new Transfiguration Professor.
She headed out of the staff room to continue her day, looking forward to dinner that evening, and ending the year 1992 with a fine scotch or three before she went to bed.
Don't worry, readers. Remus will be the Defense Professor in Harry and Hermione's third year. This will only a temporary replacement until a permanent solution comes. The permanent solution just isn't ready to handle the load yet.
