Harry said firmly, "My life is currently in danger, by an unfingered person, who could attack at any time. The leads have grown cold, and there isn't enough evidence to justify bringing in the authorities with a clear cut case."
"But Snape-" Ron Weasley said.
"Give me ten minutes in the Great Hall, and I'll have ten people who witnessed Snape muttering under his breath at me." Harry Potter said firmly. "If that was enough evidence, he'd be in gaol already."
Hermione vibrated in her chair, not saying a word but looking like she had a thousand to say.
Harry Potter grinned, and said, "Here's what I've got:
1) Call in the Authorities
2) Find the killer myself
3) Lay a trap for him with myself as bait.
4) Remove Dumbledore from being Headmaster."
Hermione's eyes had kept on getting bigger throughout, and Harry continued quickly, "I may not be able to do all of them at once, but... put everything on the table!"
Hermione said, "You can't fire the Headmaster!?"
"He is putting me in the direct line of fire of an attempted murderer." Harry said, frowning, "Does that sound like someone who should be in charge of children?"
"Well, no..." Hermione said.
"Dumbledore won't let any harm come ta ya!" Ron said, "Ask Hagrid, he'll set you straight."
Harry, who had been doing some reading, looked carefully at Ron, "Hagrid's definition of harm and mine differ a bit, you know? He's a half-giant, it's hard to hurt him by negligence or accident. You gotta be tryin'."
Hermione chimed in, "But Dumbledore defeated the Great Wizard Grindenwald!"
"Leaving aside I don't know who that is," Harry began, "He'd still need to be awake to defend me, wouldn't he? Even the Great and Wise Dumbledore has to sleep sometime..."
"He could put up wards!" Ron said, excited.
"Yes, but, he hasn't..." Harry Potter said. "And if Hogwarts' own wards didn't help...
[a/n: title refers to the price of fostering ignorance.
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