Chapter Four: Teapot

"But Albus, this is madness! Do you not understand the risks and problems caused by permitting entry to a Muggle? Especially at this time, what with the connection to him through her parents..."
Fudge was pacing around Dumbledore's office, wringing his favourite bowler hat – of striking lime green velvet – with anxiety.
"Do please take a seat, Cornelius, your marching is rather arduous. Tea?" Dumbledore was handling a floral china teapot, conjuring two cups and saucers to match.
"One sugar lump, or two?" he asked politely.
Fudge looked like he could do with the extra energy. The veins along the Minister of Magic's temples were bulging and throbbing, his face was a cherry, and his forehead glistened with sticky beads of sweat, even though the fireplace was not lit.
Dumbledore took a slurp from his tea, pinkie pointing vertical. He set the cup back onto his saucer and interlaced his fingers, resting his hands on his desk.
"I am afraid, Cornelius, that I must disagree with you.
"You see, I believe that sometimes, perplexing events occur for a reason unknown to us, and it is our decisions that help to solve the puzzle we have been confronted with. Whether those decisions are wise or unwise, we will find out at the end, and understand how we should have acted. I believe that, after comprehending her defeat of a Stunning Spell without the aid of a wand to conjure a Shield Charm, Miss O'Rourke possesses rare magical qualities that no wizard has ever before come across.
"Some research was required before I made judgment, of course, and after following her family line up to two hundred years ago, I can confirm that she does not hold a single drop of wizarding blood in her body. This was simply bewildering, as you can imagine – but earlier I sat with her in this office and handed her my wand. I then told her to say clearly and loudly, 'Lumos!'. We tried this no less than five times, and on each occasion the spell was cast effectively.
"To further confirm she was gifted, I proceeded to lock that cabinet" – he pointed to a dark oak cupboard in a corner of the room – "and instructed her this time to try 'Alohomora!'. Once again, casting the spell five times, Miss O'Rourke unlocked the doors each instance. I think, Cornelius, there is no need for me to vindicate her case any longer, though if you wish, I can ask her to retry the charms in your presence."

Fudge's face had somehow flushed a deeper red, though he didn't look angry. Instead, he looked utterly confounded.
"Albus, how the heavens did she manage to do those things if she isn't of wizarding blood? Surely you can empathize with me here; it doesn't make a shred of sense! The idea is implausible!"
Dumbledore was now frowning at Fudge's untouched cup of tea, after polishing off his own. He looked at the Minister, a weary expression on his face.
"Cornelius, what do you think our world thought when Salazar Slytherin announced his ability to speak Parseltongue? Without a doubt, he was shunned and branded as 'evil'. Sadly, there was an inkling of truth in those conspiracies, as we all know, but that is beside the point. Did you know one Harry Potter also has the gift of communicating with snakes? It was first discovered when he set a Burmese Python loose in London Zoo aged eleven. And if you believe that Harry is also wicked, then I suggest you resign from your post as Minister."
"Of course I don't think Harry Potter is destined to be a Dark wizard, Albus! I am only pointing out that this young Muggle's capability to cast a few spells might not be as much of a phenomenon as you are making out!" he paused, puffing, with a resigned look. "Fine, Albus. I – I see you believe this girl to have magical qualities, and I have faith in you – which is why I hereby grant you permission to enrol a Miss Samantha O'Rourke at Hogwarts. I warn you, however, that there will be outrage when the press catch wind of this, absolute fury among the prouder of our citizens. That isn't an excuse to keep this secret, though – doing that would make the backlash a hundred times worse when the media eventually found out.
"Miss O'Rourke is from now on your responsibility – if you transpire to be incorrect, then you shall have to deal with the consequences yourself. Good day, Albus."
With that, Fudge tipped his hat to Dumbledore and Disapparated with a small pop from his office.

Dumbledore sighed heavily and rose from his seat, walking to his window. It was slightly open, letting a cool breeze drift in and wash pleasantly over his face. The curtains, as usual, were not drawn and it was lunch break – meaning many students were relaxing and chatting on the grounds. If he craned his head to the left, he could just about make out the puffs of smoke emitting from Hagrid's cabin. Then, scanning the grounds once more, he spotted Harry, Ron, and Hermione assembled on the grass. They appeared to be deep in conversation. He turned from the window and pulled on his cloak, before exiting his office and locking the door. It was about time for lunch, he thought, so the Headmaster headed down to the Great Hall under the orders of his growling stomach. After eating, he decided he would call in to the Hospital Wing where Miss O'Rourke was staying, still exhausted from overcoming the powerful Stunning Spell, and deliver the good news.
Smells of roast beef and boiled potatoes wafted from the Hall to his nostrils.
Smashing.