October 31st 1991
At Hogwarts, no one noticed Hermonie was missing when Quirell yelled, "Troll in the dungeons!" Before fainting, until a sharp scream was heard throughout the castle, after everyone thought they had the dungeon situation under control.
McGonagall who was still injured from adverting the troll away from the dungeon was now moving towards the scream, only staying awake on pure adrenaline. She entered the bathroom and saw a student cast a desperate, "Wingardium Leviosa" as the troll took its club and banged the students head, smashing it in half, before McGonagall could even raise her wand.
Not that this was the first student death that was going to be reported. McGonagall casted a protunus before fainting. Dumbledore took his Deputy Headmistress to Pomfrey where Sprout and multiple Hufflepuff and Slytherins were stationed. The fact he could say that was multiple was a very bad thing as there were many dead students laid around the Slytherin and Hufflepuff doors.
Dumbledore started his long task of writing letters to the dead students' parents.
November 2nd 1991
Mr. and Mrs. Granger stared at the letter in their hands. "Our daughter died because of them." "Never again." Mr. Granger stated as they wrote a letter back, demanding their daughter's body back.
To Dumbledore that letter telling him that they should've never let Hermonie even go to Hogwarts due to how obviously dangerous it was, was preferable to the howler Lucius sent him. It wouldn't be too bad if Lucius wasn't on the board of governors, leading to an investigation because of the death of his son.
Snape even sent a howler, which somehow made him even more scary to the students who knew him.
November 5th 1991
The board of governors were investigating the school by every inch not caring that classes were going on. "A mirror of erised." "The dog and a bunch of traps harmful to eleven year olds." "Did anyone figure about that curse?" "No, need to call a cursebreaker."
By the time the investigation was done, Dumbledore was fired for endangering students and McGonagall was promoted to Headmistress and was out three teachers.
Lucius Malfoy sat down with McGonagall and kept his composure, "I know you don't trust me and that's fine, but for the students' safety, I would suggest canceling classes and having them all go home until teachers can be figured out, especially since we have to call a cursebreaker.
Student deaths, a teacher arrested, and a headmaster fired can be daunting for any person and these students are still growing children and need time to cope."
McGonagall on the rare occasion she actually cared for Lucius nodded, "I agree. I'll inform the students' guardians and make arrangements for them to leave the castle until further notice. And Malfoy, I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you, Headmistress."
November 8th 1991
Students were scrambling to get their belongings together while Dudley struggled not to backhand Ron, after overhearing him badmouth the Slytherins to anyone who would listen, "They're all death eaters anyway. The Hufflepuffs are the only ones we should mourn." He was glad for his struggle when, "Mr. Weasley!" echoed across the room, alerting him to his new Headmistress' presence. "I can't believe such a thing! 150 points from Gryffindor. Those are your fellow students. Hufflepuffs and Slytherins. Death eaters come from every house, you know! Sirius Black was from our own house. Your parents will be informed about this."
This led to Ron being grounded until school started again while Molly tried to deradicalize him.
December 8th 1991
McGonagall watched as Bill Weasley got rid of the curse that he was trying to break for a month. "There goes your DADA problem." "Thank you, Mr. Weasley. May I ask if you have any suggestions for a DADA teacher?" "I'm not sure, Professor. I'm sorry." Bill said as he left the room.
Weirdly enough that day, she got an application from Molly Weasley. And it was impressive. She accepted it. DADA was taken care of, now just transfiguration and potions needed a teacher. And the government also asked that Binns retire as soon as possible, so if she can, please hire a competent history of magic teacher.
While McGonagall was searching for teachers, the government was checking records to make sure they had everything in check to Fudge's dismay, but even he wouldn't argue against the whole wizarding world after their trust in him faltered due to a majority of underage wizards dying.
"Multiple death eaters, no trial." Said a governor. "Must take care of. Fudge has been accepting bribes." Due to major public backlash, Fudge was forced out of the ministry.
Oddly enough trails were easily got through with many let off, until Sirius Black came along.
December 13th 1991
"You want to examine my rat?" Ron asked, confused. "Yes." The auror stated, "It's probably nothing, but Sirius stated he believes the rat to be Peter Pettigrew." "Okay."
Ron got his rat who was unaware of what went on downstairs until he was forcibly turned into Peter Pettigrew to the Weasley's screams.
This led to Sirius becoming free and a weird public meeting with Harry.
December 16th 1991
Sirius met in public with Harry and Severus. Snape was not a happy man, but would not deny Harry a positive figure in his life. "Harry, I am Sirius Black." "Harry Potter, sir." Harry shook his hand. "I'm sorry, I couldn't see you before, but you seem to have grown up to be quite a polite cub." "Cub?" Harry asked Snape. "It's a familial term. Sirius was meant to be your guardian if anything happened to you, but he was unfairly framed." "Thanks D-Severus." Both Snape and Sirius caught Harry almost calling him dad and exchanged glances. "Can we take it slow? I'm still a little unused to everything." "Of course, Harry." Sirius said kindly, remembering the letter Snape sent him.
Sirius,
First, do not think we are on good terms. We are not. While I deplore you, I will not deny Harry a positive influence in his life. I must warn you, Harry is scared of magic and just now coping with his accidental magic. I would ask that your wand not be displayed for the meeting. I'm just now teaching him Wingardium Leviosa.
Weirdly enough, he is not afraid of potions and can handle basics in herbology. He considers it cooking and gardening. He has no Hogwarts experience due to running away from the sorting hat. Pomfrey was not amused. Also if he hides in a crowded space, it is normal for him.
I would suggest a public meeting. Please keep in mind Harry is getting used to magic, but it shouldn't be rushed.
Severus.
Sirius thought he was kidding until Harry asked what he was going to do for a job. "I got the job as a transfiguration professor at Hogwarts. Being able to turn into a dog-'' Harry ran out of the room before Snape could catch him. "I told you to not overwhelm him!" Snape said in an unusually panicked tone. "Look anywhere that is cramped."
Harry was eventually found on top of a tree, which Snape cursed his robes as he climbed after the boy. "Harry, I'm coming up." Snape stated as he continued to the top of the tree, sitting on the branch beside Harry. "Can you tell me what happened?" "He he can hurt me and I wouldn't know it was him." "He can show you his transformation if that helps." "Can't he turn into any dog?" Harry looked at Snape. "No. An animagus can only turn into one form. Now if he was unregistered, you may have a point. That is why the ministry makes them register." Snape felt Harry wasn't ready to know Fudge was forced out of position, yet. "Oh. Okay." Snape frowned thinking back to when Harry almost called him dad, "While we are up here, you almost called me dad." "I'm sorry, sir." "I'm not mad. I was just shocked. I have been acting as a father figure towards you. I just want you to know, you can call me dad whenever you want." Snape slowly patted Harry on the back, "It's your choice." Harry slid off the tree like someone who had no regard for his safety and screamed, so Snape hurriedly climbed down, "Harry." He looked at the boy. "My arm." Snape quickly did a diagnosis charm. "Just broke. Come with me and it'll be taken care of." Snape sent a discreet patronus to Sirius telling him that an emergency had taken place.
Harry was in a muggle hospital awaiting his guardian Arabella Figg. He saw her and ran up to Neville, hugging him with one arm, when he saw him next to her. "Neville!" "Harry." Neville exclaimed careful to stay off Harry's arm. "You got me out of school." "Lucky D- Severus would never let me skip. He likes to give me essays." Ms. Figg completed the paperwork and Harry was seen.
While Harry was getting x-rays Ms. Figg calmly asked Snape, "He wants to call you dad?" "Yes. I told him if it was fine. I hope I didn't overstep." "No, it's just, you're a wizard and you know how Harry feels about those." "I'm good at my job." Snape sneered. "There's another thing. Going back and forth can't be good for the boys and I need to move anyway, why don't you and Longbottom move in with me? I'll be sure to find an area that accommodates both worlds."
Harry was helping his brother and Ms. Figg pack with the Dursleys help, since Snape said he'd get his and Harry's stuff together, stating that Harry only having use of one arm may be a hindrance.
After they got done, Petunia took Harry aside. "Harry, I know I warned you of the dangers of magic." Harry nodded as his aunt sighed, "When I did so, I never meant to make you afraid of it. A little fear is healthy, but a lot of fear can consume you. Please, do your best to defend yourself." Petunia patted Harry's back. "Magic can also help you." Vernon entered, "Especially when people count you out, boy."
Harry took the car with his aunt, uncle, and brother, despite his dad's reluctance.
Snape only allowed that after Ms. Figg assured him it was fine. "The Dursleys never hit or starved Harry. Despite Harry starving himself. Even saw them telling him not to fast too long.
The Dursleys and Harry get along fine, as long as no magic is mentioned. And I'm more comfortable when Neville is with them too. If I thought any boy was in danger, I wouldn't allow it."
"Harry asked to go with the Dursleys?" Ms. Figg nodded, "Harry loves them." "Very well." Snape sneered, "Of course muggles would let fear consume them."
Harry and Neville took off to the top bedroom. "One bedroom per a boy." Snape exclaimed. Neville took the room that was in Gryffindor colors and Harry ignored the Slytherin colored room in favor of a plain white room that made a hospital look comfy. "Dad, can I paint it?" "Yes, any color you want. I guess that leaves three choices for me and you."
Ms. Figg took a room that had plenty of room for books while Snape took the completely black room, leaving the Slytherin room for when the Dursleys visited. He had a feeling after the school year, he was going to see a lot more of the Dursley kid.
Later that night, Snape was organizing his more dangerous ingredients, as Harry didn't do any accidental magic while sleeping, when he heard crying. He went towards the crying and saw Neville face down in his bed. "May I come in?" Neville looked up and nodded with a newly found trust in Snape. Snape sat on the bed beside Neville, "I'm not going to pretend I'm good at parenting." Snape stated, "You seem to need comfort." "Do you think I'm a disappointment to the Longbottom name?" Was blurted out kind of fast. "What?" Snape was confused. "My parents are war heroes and I can't even do magic. If they were alive, I would be a disappointment to them. Gran said so herself." "Your grandma was arrested for child abuse for good reason. I'm going to give you a piece of advice that you should take with you for life, don't listen to people who harm you.
You being a squib is nothing disappointing. It makes the fact you're a chosen one more impressive. A muggle blocking a killing curse! No one can say magic saved you. You are a hero, Neville and don't let anyone tell you different. I'm sure your parents are proud of you." "My parents are dead." "Dead people feel proud too, Neville."