Book 1 - Harry Potter And The Dawn Of Chaos
Chapter 10 - The meetings.
As Harry and his friends walked down the frozen path towards the ground keepers hut he thought back to the last few months and about how much had changed. After the events of Halloween he, Ron and Hermione had met up with Neville, Seamus and Dean. The conversation had been very enlightening.
Flashback to the day after Halloween.
"So you're telling me that the reason the third floor is closed is because there is a huge three headed dog in one of the rooms."
"Pretty much."
"And how on earth did you three find that out?"
"It was genuinely a complete accident. Neville got on the wrong staircase, which took us up to the third floor but since we were already running very late to Charms we didn't really notice which floor we were on so we just ran forward."
"And straight into Filch's cat."
"Which is when we realised where we were, panicked and hid in one of the rooms."
"And that room was the one with the dog." Ron asked.
"Yup, and it's the only one which contains a huge beast." Dean said
"You checked?"
"Of course we did." As if going back and double checking every single room for terrifying beasts was a completely normal thing to do.
"More importantly," Neville cut in, "we know it was guarding something."
"How?" Hermione asked.
"Well Seamus saw the trapdoor." The three Slytherins all turned to the Irish Gryffindor.
"How on earth did you notice a trapdoor one face-to-face to a 3 headed dog?" Ron asked, completely baffled.
"I don't know, just did."
"Anyway," Dean brought the attention back to himself as he pulled out a small notebook. "I think it was guarding whatever was in the vault someone broke into at Gringotts."
"How did you figure that one out?" Harry asked, not seeing how it could be linked.
"Well it did take a few leaps in logic but I think everything adds up. Neville told us that the same day you and Hagrid went to Gringotts the break in happened and we know from the newspapers reports that nothing from the bank was actually taken which means whatever the thief was looking for he either didn't find or was already gone. Now you told Neville that Hagrid stopped off at a vault before coming to yours to collect something for Dumbeldore. It isn't too far of a stretch to assume that whatever Dumbledore wanted moved was the item the thief was looking for. That means it is most likely in the castle since that's where the headmaster spends most of his time. What better security than a three headed dog."
No one said anything after Dean finished his explanation.
Harry spoke first. "That's impressive."
"Thank you, I always liked the idea of being a detective."
"So have you spoken to Hagrid yet?" Hermione asked.
"Well that's the problem, we tried but as soon as we mentioned the break in he ran away so we were thinking that he might be more open to talk if Harry was there."
"Maybe, I haven't spoken to him since my first day here. Can't guarantee that he will want to talk to me anymore than you guys." Harry felt a little bad, he hadn't given Hagrid a second thought since the sorting, other stuff had just gotten in the way and now he was slightly worried that his first friend might not want to talk to him. "Why do you even want to find out what it is?"
"Curiosity mainly." Dean answered.
"Plus we think someone is trying to steal it." Neville added.
"Who?" Ron asked, slightly too loudly judging by the glare the group got from the old librarian.
"Umm…." Suddenly Neville wasn't able to look at the trio.
"Neville, who do you think is trying to steal it?" Harry asked pointedly.
Seamus answered for him. "It's kinda awkward but we think it is Snape."
"Snape? but he's a member of staff, why would he want to steal from the school."
"We don't know Hermionie but the evidence is there. Didn't you notice his leg on Halloween." The three Slytherins looked blankly at Seamus.
"It was damaged. His robes were torn and he limped. Almost like he had gotten a bit too close to a big dog."
"I think we are getting off topic a little bit. Harry, will you try and get a meeting with Hagrid and all of us."
Harry took a moment to think, he wanted to see Hagrid just too apologies for being a bad friend first but he couldn't see why after that he couldn't bring everyone. "Sure, it might take some time but I will try."
Neville looked Harry in the eye. "Thank you Harry."
Present day
Harry had visited Hagrid a lot over the last few months, the first visit hadn't gone anything like he had expected since the friendly half giant had apologised to him before Harry had gotten a chance to say anything. Apparently after the sorting Hagrid wanted to reach out but found he couldn't, according to Hagrid when he had been at school the Slytherins had made his life very difficult which had culminated in one of them getting Hagrid expelled, something which he was very tightlipped about. As a result the first meeting hadn't been as awful as Harry had expected. He spent most Saturdays with Hagrid now, with it taking all of November before he was confident enough to bring up inviting the others, an idea which Hagrid had loved which is how they all found themselves waiting for Hagrid to answer the door. Their hearts all filled with hope that the friendly groundskeeper could shed some light of the mystery which had brought them all together.
LINE BREAK
"Ahh Quirinus come in, come in, take a seat. Would you like a sherbet lemon?" Dumbledore watched as the timid defence teacher sat himself across from him. His eyes flicked around the room, never stopping or resting on one item for too long.
"No… no thank you Headmaster."
Dumbledore smiled as he took one from the bowl and placed it in his mouth. "Now how have you found your first full term as our defence professor?"
"It has been very different," the man stammered out. "Muggle studies was a lot less dangerous."
Albus smiled, yes he had been surprised when the fearful man had taken a year sabbatical and returned adamant that he should be allowed to teach defence against the dark arts.
"Well some would argue that Muggles can be more dangerous than any of the magical threats."
"Well yes but I was never attacked by a troll while I taught the subject."
"Ahh yes, that little incident. Well I am sure during your exploration of Albania you met much more terrible things than one troll. What else could have inspired you to take on the new role than seeing the true horrors of the dark arts."
At Albus' reference to his trip away the young man seemed to still, the jittering movement ceased and his eyes focused on a spot just to the left of the headmaster's eyes. The spark of fear that briefly flashed through the younger man's eyes was enough confirmation that Tom wasn't completely in control of the Professor's body.
Even from a young age Tom had an unnatural control over his show of emotions, with the exception of his rage which even in later years he had never been able to master. Dumbledore felt some satisfaction with this news, Quirinus wasn't the most powerful wizard or even the bravest so to know the the most powerful dark lord Britain had seen in generations wasn't able to fully possess the man was satisfying and telling of the state Tom had been left in after the fateful halloween night.
"Now do you mind telling us what you think of this year's first years?"
The stammering young man began his update, Albus waited patiently, interrupting, always causing Quirinus to start over. When he had finished Albus took a second before speaking.
"May I ask you something?" Watching as his question made the defence teacher's eyes snap to him was unsettling. Albus was rarely ever unsettled but something about the way Quirinus now carried himself made the old headmaster uneasy.
"Of course Headmaster." Albus made a mental note of the fact the stutter had not made an appearance in that sentence.
"I have overhead a very different account of your lessons from some of the first year Slytherins, discussions on the theory of dark magic."
"Well that was a risk I admittedly took when it came to my lessons. I felt it was best to confront a problem I foresaw. You see many of the Slytherins have been raised in environments where they may have gotten a skewed view of the more illegal aspects of magic and I felt as the teacher of defence if was my duty to protect these children not only from the magic itself but from the ideologies that lead someone down that path. Wouldn't you agree Headmaster?"
"Well thank you for your thoughtfulness Quirinus, that is something I had not considered. Well thought ahead. Anything else you wish to update us on?" Albus' voice held a slight edge to it, he knew that such a response, such a logical and well planned idea was not something Quirinus had become known for. The old headmaster knew now that it wasn't just Quirinus he was talking too.
"No no. My best students had by far been Mister Potter and Miss Bones. Both had quickly taken to the subject, Miss Bone has understood the basic theory but has more than excelled in the practical side of the subject while Mister Potter has an almost prodigal understanding of both the theoretical and practical side of the subject, he masters most spells within the lesson and participated within the debates by asking the most thought provoking questions."
Albus made a mental note to come and watch one of these lessons. The fact Susan Bones was excelling at the practical side of defence was no surprise, with her aunt most likely giving her a few helpful hints to give her an easy start to the subject. Troubling though was the update on Mister Potter, the young boy had been a worry for Albus ever since his sorting and the idea he may now be taking an interest in dark magic, even at a theoretical level was concerning.
"Well thank you for your time Quirinus. I hope you have a lovely Christmas."
"You too headmaster" the man stood and walked away, leaving the headmaster deep in thought. Perhaps his earlier assessment of Tom had been incorrect.
LINE BREAK
Albus had sat in contemplation after Quirinus had left. The man had yet to make any big moves, other than the incident with the troll which had dramatically led to a confrontation with Mister Potter and his friends. It was very unfortunate that Severus had been forced to perform that horrid spell. It was a strange group that seemed to have formed around Mister Potter, it was very rare to see Slytherins and Gryffindors working together effectively but even rare to see genuine moments of friends between the two houses, the rivalry had always existed but since Albus' time within the house it had definitely gotten much fiercer. It was nice and comforting to know that perhaps this was the start of the end for such a toxic competition.
A tired sigh from the headmaster was the only sound that filled the empty office, even Fawkes seemed quiet today. Perhaps it was close to his burning time, the old bird always seemed to be quite close to those days. A knock at the door brought the elderly man out of his mind, "come in!"
The smiling face of Pomona Sprout appeared around the door. "Are you ready for me, headmaster?"
"Oh of course Pomona, apologies for not noticing you were outside. I got lost in my own head." With a flick of his wrist the files lying open on his desk, all of which related to Defence, closed themselves and began to sort themselves back on the shelves to the left of the headmaster's desk. Eight new flies flew from the same shelf and floated down, resting on the desk.
"Oh Albus, no apology is needed. How have you been keeping?" The head of Hufflepuff asked as she took her seat across from Albus.
Albus couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face, meeting with Pomona was always his favourite simply because of her caring energy that she put into every conversation.
"I am well, thank you. How are you? How's the daughter? She should be turning 11 soon shouldn't she?"
"I am splendid, this year has been amazing so far and little Jessica is wonderful, very excited to start to receive her Hogwarts letter this summer. Though I feel she will do absolutely anything to avoid becoming one of my Badgers."
The exasperation in Pomona's voice caused Albus to let out a small chuckle
"Ahh yes, that is the way with the young isn't it. They will do just about anything to avoid being like those who came before, however I have often found it is this drive that makes them more like us than anything else."
"Oh she takes much more from her father than from me, can't stand the mud but I don't think I have seen her put down the practice broom he gave her."
"So Do we have a future house quidditch captain joining us next year?"
"Not if I have anything to say about it, it's bad enough having to watch my badgers playing that dangerous sport, honestly I know it's a tradition but couldn't don't we raise the age limit just a little Albus?"
Sighing and shaking his head Albus couldn't help but smile. "Don't you start as well, Poppy submits that proposal every year and every year I have to deal with Minerva's protests. At this point I think they do it to just wind me up. But let's get back on topic shall we, do you want to start with your 7th year and work backwards?"
Laughing at the headmasters moving on with the conversation Pomona agreed and launched into her update on the year so far.
"The seventh years are wonderful, it will truly be a shame to see them go. I am expecting a high set of results from them."
Albus could hear the nervousness in her voice. This would be Pomona's first class that she had taught completely throughout her time at Hogwarts. The headmaster could remember what that was like, he remembered how stressful the exam time was for him and how come results day he hasn't slept at all. His boyfriend at the time had not been impressed.
"The other three classes of Seventh years you have taught were outstanding Pomona and I am sure this year will be no different." The words of encouragement were little help to the nervousness, Albus knew that but it was all he could offer.
The rest of the report went much smoother and without as much stress. Though the two chatterboxes often had to remind the other to get back on track, there was a reason Albus scheduled this meeting to be a lot longer than the others.
"…. and finally the first years. Well they have been as expected. Excitable and energetic but a few are still shy. I haven't had any issues with behaviour, maybe a few chatty ones, primarily in Gryffindor but nothing I can't handle.
Only really worried about two students. Mr Malfoy took issue with the expectation that he would get his hands dirty but I have spoken to Snape and since then the boy has unhappily taken part in the lessons. The other is one of the Ravens, a muggleborn Robert Wilford, I have had to have repeated words with him about his inability to follow the safety procedures I have in place in the greenhouse. I have spoken to Filius a couple of times about the boy but not progress has yet to show itself."
Albus remembered the reports Pomona had filed about the boy.
"I will speak to Filius about the issue, then we can arrange a meeting to figure out the best course of action." It was often harder correcting behaviours shown by Muggleborns due to the poor communication between Hogwarts and the parents. It was something the Ministry seemed to refuse to fix even after his multiple requests to allow Hogwarts have certain exceptions to the statue.
"Thank you Albus. Now my Badgers are lovely, having such a small group is a bit strange but I am sure we have all felt that."
It was an absence that they had indeed all felt. It was something Albus would be sure to hear often today. War was a bad time to start a family and many didn't even get that chance.
"A stand out this year would definitely be Susan Bones, I can see much of her mother in her but she's definitely picked up a thing or two from her Aunt. It's not at all strange that a first year student enters my house and quickly forms friendships but the speed at which the other first years seemed to rally around her was impressive. She's become a good leader for the first years and I definitely see the making of a Prefect in her, maybe even a head girl…"
The not so subtle hit made the headmaster laugh.
"Cedric continues to be a positive presence within the house. He seems to have noticed Susan's role within the first year and has made it his mission to help her as much as he can." Finishing off her report Pomona said goodbye to the headmaster and left. Shutting the door behind her, leaving the old man to his thoughts.
Albus couldn't stop the smile on his face, he would always be jealous of Pomona for being the teacher and head of house that Albus wished he had been and wished he could be but alas he had missed his chance, fate had given him a different role.
LINE BREAK
Ron sat in the Library with Daphne and Tracy. After their conversation with Hagrid, The group had spent some time really trying to think about what the name Flamel meant and where they could find more information on it. Unsurprisingly Hermione said she had heard the name somewhere before and would be spending the Christmas holidays searching for any information on it, she had then rushed back to there room to make sure she was all packed which was funny since she had been packed for two days and unpacked and repacked and unpacked and repacked. It had been driving Ron and Harry mad which is why Harry was off with Neville and he was sat in the Library. Daphne was going over her notes and making sure she had everything ready for her Christmas work while Tracy was reading the latest issue of teen witches weekly.
"Sooo you guys looking forward to Christmas?" Ron hoped the question would break the silence which was boring him so much.
Daphne looked up for the first time since he had sat down. "I am actually, my father is taking the family to our holiday home on theGreek island."
"No he's not Daph, he's doing what he does every year which is taking the three days off from work to annoy the hell out your mum until she kicks him back to work." Tracy cut in, not even looking up from her magazine. "Also you don't own a home in the greek island, you own one in the Caribbean."
"Well thank you Tracy for your stunning insight into my family." Daphne glared at the girl who finally looked up just to wink at Ron before going back to reading.
Ron smiled. Watching Tracy and Daphnes bicker was always amusing to him. The two had known each other for years and it showed.
"Speaking of family, aren't those two your brothers Ron?"
At Daphne's words the good mood faded from Ron as he turned to the direction she was looking and saw the twins making their way towards him, both wore the same smile which was a sign that they were happy, or up to something, or being friendly. Honestly with the twins you could never really tell what they were about to do until they did it.
"Yup, I should go get them before they come over." He said while standing, grabbing his bag.
"Wait, I probably won't see you till after Christmas now since the train is leaving before breakfast so here you go." Daphne handed him three wrapped presents. Ron couldn't stop the redness from appearing in his face since he hadn't been able to get her anything, a fact that when he tried to explain to her she dismissed his attempts.
"I know, don't worry about it. I didn't expect you to. Just thought it would be nice."
"Thank you Ice queen." he said while taking them, carefully placing them in his bag.
"Oh you are dead."
"Ice queen… I like that. Can I steal it Ronald?" Tracy asked, a huge smile on her face as she watched Daphne glare at the both of them.
"Be my guest Davis." he said, not looking back at the two who would probably descend into a name calling match. He had seen it enough times.
"Ahhh Ron. We were just on our way to talk to you." Fred said.
"Didn't you want us to meet your new snakey friends." Gorge followed up with.
"I try to keep you away from my friends to be honest. Safer for everyone." Ron replied. "What did you two want to talk about anyway?"
"Straight to business then. Better find somewhere more private then, follow us." The twins lead Ron out of the library and into an empty corridor.
"Now first of all we need to clear the air. Percy was out of line and we have made sure he understands that if he ever talks to you like that again we will prank him relentlessly until he moves out."
At this Ron has no idea what to say. The last thing he had been expecting was this. Even though he had turned his school and social life around since Snape's words with him, he hadn't actually spoken to a member of his family and had in particular been avoiding Percy.
"I hope you know that mum and dad don't give a rat's ass about your sorting okay. I mean I don't think dad would be best pleased with you hanging out with the Greengrass kid but why should you let his politics get in the way of you impressing a lovely young lady. Not like we are going to tell him."
"Thank you, both of you." Ron was honestly kind of… "Wait, I am not trying to impress her, we are just friends."
"Whatever you say little brother but moving on from your love life."
"Not my love life."
"I think what Fred was trying to get too was our other point for today." George cut in. "Do you want us to stay with you for Christmas?"
"It's a bit late isn't it to change your mind." The hint of bitterness he tried to hide in his voice clearly came through judging on the twins' expressions.
"We deserved that but no it isn't. McGonagal would happily keep us over Christmas if we asked."
"I mean not happily but she would if we explained why. If you wanna stay then stay but don't feel you have to be alone just because of Percy."
Ron was touched by the sincerity in both their voices, this wasn't a prank or even a half hearted offer. If he said yes then Fred and George would stay just for him. "I really do appreciate it but it's fine. I am mainly staying for Harry anyway, not because of Percy. Just can you do me a favour?"
"Of course."
"Anything."
"Can you get mum to write to me?" This seemed to take the two back slightly.
"You mean she hasn't." Fred started before George cut him off
"Sure, we will make sure it's an extra sappy one."
"Thanks George."
"No problem, anyway we need to pack up and meet some friends out on the field. See you after the holidays Ron." The two began to leave before Fred stopped.
"One more quick thing. I am George and he is Fred." George smiled before leaving.
Ron rolled his eyes. Maybe he would get it right one day.
LINE BREAK
"Come in." Unlike his meeting with Quirinus the meeting with Sprout hasn't left him distracted and as such he was able to sense the approach of Hogwarts Charms master.
"Hello Headmaster, are you looking forward to the Holidays?" Asked Filius
"Of course, the elves have promised me that the feast this year will be better than ever. Now how do you want to start this, from the top or from the bottom?" The man already knew that Filius would start with the first year and work his way up as he did every meeting. He liked to spend more time on the sixth and sevenths since they were closer to the end of year exams.
"From the bottom headmaster. My first year charms lessons have continued to follow the basic lesson plan I implement every year. My Ravens are maintaining an expected work ethic and the badgers are working as hard as normal.
"Well that is excellent to hear. I spoke to Pomona and she mentioned the trouble she was having with a certain student."
"Ahh yes that would be mister Wilford. I have attempted to speak to him about the distribution he is causing but he doesn't seem to be listening. They aren't out of malice though, he told her that he simply gets far too excited."
Albus expected this to be the cause of the problem, it often was the case with those who had never seen magic before.
"Ahh then I am sure if the three of us sit down for a meeting we can figure out a way to sort this issue out."
"I am sure Headmaster. Now Minerva's lions are as boisterous as ever and one Seamus Finnegan has shown an impressive ability to blow up everything I ask him to float but he seems to have now gotten a basic understanding of the charm.
However the definite stand outs must be the snakes, on average they do normally perform better at the start of the year but this year group has kept the lead they started with. Two students stand out above the rest though.
The first would be Mr Weasley…"
Albus raised his eyebrows at that, from what he had heard at their last meeting Mister Weasley was a poor student.
"Yes, at the start of the year I had my concerns about the boy, yet ever since that incident during his flying lessons he has progressed massively, whatever Severus said to him has clearly made a huge difference. I wish he could have a conversation with a few of my sixth years."
The small man chuckled at his own comment and Albus smiled, as much as he knew Severus hated most of the job he did enjoy it when a student listened to him and actually improved.
"However the stand out has to be the Miss Daphne Greengrass, she has mastered every charm I have set for her in a matter of days. It's almost at a prodigy level of brilliance, I haven't seen anything like it since Lilly."
Now this was cause for interest. Lilly Evans had been one of the best Charms students to grace the school of Hogwarts in Albus' time there. Her death was tragic for many reasons, the smallest definitely being the loss of such an exceptional student.
"Now for my Ravens, apart from a few adjustment pains, which are nothing I couldn't handle, everything has gone smoothly. I am yet to see anyone I could call I figure head from this group but a few small groups have formed with the larger whole, overall this year is very standard. Nothing I can really make a big comment on."
Albus slowly nodded, "thank you for that, it is nice when we have such talent at such a young age, I trust you will cultivate both students perfectly."
"Yes, I thank you for your faith. Now onto my second year ..." The charms Professor continued his report, as detailed as the rest.
LINE BREAK
They two old friends sat across from each other. The eldest say drinking a tea, the amount of sugar in it making it inedible for anyone other than the Headmaster. The slightly younger one sat with a black coffee, no milk and definitely no sugar.
"Well Minerva, shall we begin?"
"Of course Albus, my Seventh years are performing to an exceptional standard. I have already given you their marks in the most recent tests."
"Yes, they seem to be on track for Os all round. Some of the applications of their work could be a bit more inventive but playing it safe has never hurt anyone."
The head of Gryffindor glared at the headmaster. "Not everyone has your prowess with the field Albus. They have performed better than expected, apologies that it isn't interesting enough for you"
Chuckling Albus moved on, he knew it annoyed Minerva when he acted like this. He had always held the performance of transfiguration at Hogwarts to a high standard, one which he completely trusted Mcgonagall to maintain.
The report continued in a similar vein, Minerva would give her update and Albus would find a way to wind her up. A game he enjoyed to no end. Finally they reached her first years.
"My first years have been working well. The lessons have been going smoothly, the usual problems with chatty students but like every year they quickly quietened down. The progress they are marking overall is slightly below what I would hope for, I am about half a lesson behind on content"
Now this was strange, Albus was aware of how much Minerva disliked falling behind. Clearly she knew what he was thinking as she quickly followed up with an answer.
"It's my own fault, with the smaller classes I am finding it easier to work one to one with students who are struggling or giving challenges to those ahead of things. This however means I have lost a little bit of the time I normally gain."
"Ahh, that is understandable. As long as you feel you can make it up before the end of the year I won't push you on it. You mentioned challenges for those ahead, any particular students standing out to you?"
"Yes, from my Gryffindors I am very proud of Dean Thomas, Mr Thomas has taken to the work exceptionally well and his attitude is superb. Filius' ravens have all taken well to the theory side of the subject, with some well formatted essays but most are struggling with the practical work, a model student would definitely be Padma Patil, who like her sister is trying very hard but seems to have a better overall understanding then most of your Raven.
The badgers are hard working, the most variety in skill comes from them, I have some who are really struggling where some have flown beyond what I expected. Susan Bones in particular has clearly studied her aunt very closely, I have sent a list of all of the students I am concerned about to Pomona."
Now the Slytherins have been all on par with the usual level. A slight increase in the usual confidence I would expect from first years, Draco Malfoy in particular is very confident in his abilities, some of which I am yet to see."
Albus agreed with Mcgonagall's comment, the Malfoy family had always been a bit arrogant and his link to the Blacks had done nothing to improve that.
"The stand out from this group would have to be Hermione Granger, her passion and ability to understand and consume knowledge at a rate I have never seen before. She understands and performs spells in transfiguration I haven't seen in a witch before, even James took some time before he reached the high performance he became known for but Miss Granger has taken to it running."
Snape would be pleased to know that one of his Snakes had impressed Minerva to the point of being compared to James. It was interesting to know that the first Muggleborn in Slytherin was also an exceptionally bright young witch.
"Speaking of James, I know you were disappointed to not receive Harry. How are you finding him in lessons?"
Mcgonagall's lips tightened as she thought back to the sorting. It has been a shock to her that the young boy had not followed in his parents footsteps and while she would never admit it, she had been upset to see the boy join Severus' house.
"Mr Potter," Mcgonagall started, choosing her words carefully "is an above average student, he was able to perform to a level I was happy with in the first few lessons. However he is not at the level I would expect for the son of James Potter. His theory knowledge needs some strong improvement but I am sure that his close friendship with Miss Granger will help with that."
Albus mulled over Minerva's words, the other teachers had been quiet on their reports of Mister Potter, his name appeared here or there but nothing jumped out. The incident with the troll notwithstanding.
"Severus has his meeting after yours, I am sure I will pass along any important information he tells me to you."
"Thank you Albus, while he may not be my lion I still find myself caring for his well-being."
Albus nodded, Minerva had been especially close to the Potters, her friendship with James parents and subsequent closeness with Lily and James meant she had understandable care for the boy. It had been that care which had made her the perfect fit for Harry's head of house yet alas the hat had seen fit to place him with Severus.
"I can understand Minerva. I will make sure to grill him on anything and everything connected to the boy. "Now shall we discuss your lions?"
Finishing her coffee, Minerva sighed. "Honestly I swear they try and outdo themselves every year."
"By they do you mean the wonderfully creative and clever Weasley twins?" The glare Albus got for that comment made him giggle.
"Disruptive and disrespectful is how I would describe them." The twins had been back for less than a week before they had gotten their first detention. It had been with herself and they had received it for charming the common room green, they claimed in an attempt to draw their youngest brother to them by making it more like what the twins believed the Slytherin common rooms like.
"You do have to admire the creative flair they perform every prank with and the harmless nature of their pranks is why I do enjoy their antics. Now tell me the latest gossip about Minerva. we still have a while before I am needed in my next meeting."
Sighing at the old man's immature obsession with keeping up with his former house's latest childish drama Minerva began to fill him in on everything. The current state of the quidditch team, the fact a 5th year and 6th year had broken up and so on.
"… the closest thing to drama in the first years would be Mister Longbottom and his recent closeness with a certain trio of Slytherins. Ever since the troll incident apparently they have been hanging out a little more."
Albus would need to talk to Severus about this, the two boys being close was unexpected but perhaps something that would work in Albus favour. It first of all showed that Harry hadn't fallen for the rivalry between the two houses, something that would have made things harder for him. The second is that it might provide a backup plan in case Harry's friendship with the Weasleys falls through.
"How is Mister Longbottom doing? Last we spoke, you had concerns about him."
"Much better, while his class work could do with a lot of work his nervous energy has settled. Seeing him now excited for the day has been a lovely change."
"Oh I imagine it has been a treat." A knock at the door interrupted the two. Glancing at the clock Albus chuckled. "Come in Servus, it appears me and Minerva have gotten lost in conversation and completely forgotten about the time."
"Apologies, Servus. He's in a chatty mood." Standing and saying her goodbyes to the pair Minerva left.
"Headmaster"
"Servus, take a seat."
"I am surprised your robes aren't more themed. Don't you usually prefer red and green this time of year." The drawl of Snape's voice seemed to bring with it an end to the relaxed mood that had filled the room during the previous meeting.
Albus looked down at his yellow robes and smiled, never one to let the judgement of others impact his good spirits. "I thought this year should be different. I can change if you prefer the more festive ones."
Snape saw fit not to reply or the headmaster's joyful retort.
"I thought not, now do you wish to begin your report. I am eager to hear about the progress you have made."
Unlike the other three heads of houses Snape did not digress into tangents about other topics. His reports had always been quick and to the point. It was in Albus' opinion the most boring way to do it but he knew pointing this out to Servus would result in a list of snide comments that the headmaster wasn't in the mood for.
"… and finally the new first years are as Unimpressive as always. Not a single one seems to have any bit of talent and those who do show a modicum of ability ruin it by having the most irritating of attitudes. Longbottom has almost killed himself around 5 times due to his incompetence and Finnigan has blown up an impressive number of potions. Only 3 students have done anything close to what I expect. Draco, Granger and Finch-Fletchley."
Albus smiled at Severus' report. "Well three students are named as average. This must be a special year indeed."
"Indeed. Now are you going to ask the dam question you have wanted to since the moment I came in here or are we still going to pretend that you are just a caring headmaster." Snape snapped. His patients had clearly worn thin and with that comment the atmosphere of the room shifted. The portraits that surrounded the room suddenly had their curtains closed on them. A certain portrait of a certain Black suddenly found itself under a silencing and deafening charm.
"Well, I do hope you know that it is not just an act but I guess you do not care."
The scowl confirmed that indeed Severus did not care about that. Sighing Albus asked the question. "Tell me about Harry Potter?"
"The boy is difficult."
Waiting for Severus to expand but quickly realising that no such elaboration was coming Album pushed. "Difficult?"
"Yes. Some moments he seems to be James Potter reborn. His obnoxious laugh and difficulty following the most basic of instructions no matter how clearly explained they are is an ability he could only have gotten from his Father."
"At some moments?" The comparison to his father was expected but the fact it was not complete was interesting.
"Yes, luckily for the boy those moments only seem to occur when he believes himself unwatched and when he has been riled up by others."
"You believe he may have his fathers temper?" This would be an issue, James was famous for his temper and was often what caused most of the issues within the order.
"Without a doubt. Yet even at the age of 11 he has greater control over it than James did at the age of 18. As much as I disagreed with your decision to place him with his Aunt, it has paid off."
Now this was a surprising statement. Severus had, like most of the small number of people who knew of where Harry had been kept, been strongly against the decision of placing him with Petunina. An admittance that it might have been the correct call was not expected.
"You believe so?"
"The boy shows little of the arrogance James was known for. He keeps to himself mostly. Can almost always be found with Granger and since the incident after the flying lesson the youngest Weasley. The trio are almost inseparable."
"Like a certain band of Marauders?" Albus inquired.
Scowling Snape answered. "No, they have the closeness perhaps but that is where the similarities end."
"How has he fared amongst his peers?" This has been Albus' second greatest fear since the boy's sorting.
"Better than I expected," Snape hated to admit it but the boy had learnt quickly to stay out of the way. "his habit of keeping to himself keeps him off the radar of the more level headed members of my house. Mister Malfoy seems to have taken great offence to Potter siding with Weasley but at this point in time it is no worry."
"What of the more extreme members of your house? How have they reacted to Potter's sorting?" It was the upper years, those who had been born during the dark lords campaign that concerned him more than the spawn of Lucius.
"Badly, I had a few requests for a resorting to the boy but they quickly stopped. I have ordered all Prefects I trust to keep an eye on those students I feel would actually attempt anything," though this number was very small, while the views you-know-who had campaigned for where still very much alive those who followed him had not the bravery they used too and this seemed to extend to their children, "and so far it was worked. As long as the boy doesn't stir up too much trouble then he should be okay for now. The first year truce holds as it always has."
"I am relieved to hear it. What can you tell me of his friends? Mister Weasley and Miss Granger."
"The Weasley is an unexpected addition, I would say more unexpected than Potter. He was a mess, the pressure and family disappointment was too much for him in the beginning. After the fight and a few choice words from me this changed. I assigned him Miss Greengrass to help him catch up."
"An interesting choice, why her?" Albus has been happy to see the boy make friends with the youngest Weasley. If Miss Greengrass used the boy as a way to get to Harry it might be a problem.
Severus was not impressed with the headmaster's suspicion, while a Slytherin the girl was just that, an 11 year old girl.
"Her family never actively supported the dark lord, she is one of the best students on average and she might relate, she comes from a family of Ravenclaws so I thought that might help the connection."
"Good logical thinking, have you considered how it might impact his relationship with his family? The Greengrasses aren't known for their support of many of Arthur's proposals."
At this Severus lost his composure slightly. "Dam his family, they cut the boy off just because of the colour of his bloody school tie."
"I will speak to Molly and Arthur, I am sure they haven't cut him off. The surprise may have caused a little rift but I doubt it is as bad as you believe."
"Fine, do as you wish and I will do as I feel is best."
Sensing that this line of conversation would undoubtedly lead to an argument Albus moved it on. "What of Miss Granger?"
"She is intelligent, absorbs knowledge at a rate I have never seen before yet her lack of an awareness of others is causing many problems."
"Are you sure the problems aren't caused by.."
Cutting the man off before he could finish, Snaps answered. "No. While that certainly has been an issue with certain members of the house the main problems are caused by her attitude. She is rude and sees herself above the others." Snape sneered as he remembered her behaviour in the first potions lesson. "However her pushy nature seems to have been of a benefit to Mister Potter, his academic writing has greatly improved so I suppose it has some usefulness but I will need to find a way to sort it."
"I have faith you will find a way to fix it." The calmness in Albus's voice was infuriating, oh course he would fix it.
They two men sat in an uncomfortable silence for a while, the ticking of the clock the only sound. Both men were too stubborn to speak. Another five minutes passed before a word was spoken.
"How did the meeting with Quirrell go? Are you ready to accept that I was correct?" A ting of Smugness in his voice.
"Perhaps." Albus kept his face calm, Servus was still unaware as to the true extent of what he had planned. The fact that the dark lord himself was within the young man was a secret he felt best to keep to himself. He was unsure how the former Deatheater would react if he discovered the truth. "I still feel the best cause of action is to observe rather than intervene, no attempt on the stone has been made since Halloween."
"So you are still content to do nothing about this issue. I know there is more going on then you are willing to admit to me Albus, I am not as easily fooled as Minerva." Standing the young man turned his back on the headmaster, "if anything you have planned puts the safety of Lilly's child at risk then you can consider our deal broken." With the final warning Snape slammed shut the door, leaving an old man to ponder alone.
Dear Readers,
I am very very pleased with this one. It was one of the first chapters I ever finished for the story and I have only added more and more to it since then. I really hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was the chapter I wish I could have posted as part of my return after my Christmas break but a few additional scenes were needed to tie it to the greater story.
I appreciate everyone who read last weeks and hope you can give me some feedback on any improvements to the story so that it can become even better. I hope to see everyone next week.
From Paddington123