Chapter 11: The Next Morning
"Well, lets see who our mail is from today shall we; any mail from Gringotts?" Five owls made their way to stand in front of him. He untied their cargo and they flew off.
"Ok, anyone with official business for the Black or Potter Estates next" Only two owls moved to the front of the line. After repeating the process of removing their cargo, they left.
This only left 3 owls "Are you three here regarding Hogwarts?" The three owls hooted softly. Harry untied the packages and the owls left. He decided to start with the mail from Gringotts.
They were all updates on their investigation into the Hogwarts Assets. Some of their findings were quite disturbing. However, they also had a long list of potential Death Eaters. The mail regarding the Black and Potter Estates was just a list of the current properties rented out and by whom. There was also the deed to #93 Diagon Alley and the flat above the shop.
He put the deeds in another pile and then turned to the Hogwarts mail. The first was a letter from the department of educational review:
To: Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts
From: Department of Educational Review, Ministry of Magic, Great Britain
Re: Change of ownership/Change of responsible party Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Lord Gryffindor,
According to our records you are now the Legal Owner and the Chief Responsible Party of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As such we require a meeting to setup new guidelines and procedures for the administration of the Ordinary Wizarding Level Exams and the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests.
As a side note, it has come to the attention of many people that the Hogwarts Board of Governors was disbanded. This has angered many of the governors and certain members of the Ministry.
Just thought you might like this information.
Sincerely:
Lester Holt
Department of Educational Review
Ministry of Magic, Great Britain
Harry snorted when he read the memo. Did they really think he didn't already know about this already? But the heads up about governors being upset was good news for him.
To: Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter
From: Board of Governors, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Re: Change of ownership/Change of responsible party Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Lord Gryffindor,
According to our sources, you have used dark magic to take control of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We have spoken to the Minister of Magic and he has authorized use of deadly force to restore Hogwarts to the Ministry's control. You have 48 hours to rescind your claim.
Sincerely:
Board of Governors
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry was pissed. They thought he used dark magic to claim his birthright? Fudge has authorized the use of deadly force on him. Well they were in for a huge shock. He then looked at the last letter, the seal of the Minister of Magic. Harry was not a happy camper. He tore open the letter and read it, becoming angrier and angrier with each line he read.
To: Harry James Potter
From: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic, Great Britain
Re: The illegal seizure of Ministry of Magic Property-Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Mr. Potter,
According to my sources, you have used dark magic to take control of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have authorized the use of deadly force to restore Hogwarts to the Ministry's control. You have 48 hours to rescind your claim.
Sincerely:
Cornelius Oswald Fudge
Minister of Magic, Great Britain
Harry quickly pulled out a dictation quill to write the three responses. Harry had picked up the quill while staying at the Leaky Cauldron 2 years ago in Diagon Alley. Unfortunately they were banned on essays and exams at Hogwarts. After tuning it to his voice only he began to dictate the letter to the Department of Educational Review:
To: Lester Holt, Department of Educational Review, Ministry of Magic, Great Britain
From: Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts
Re: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry-OWL & NEWT administration
Mr. Holt,
Thank you for your concern regarding the OWL & NEWT Exams. I currently do not need any meetings with any part of the Ministry of Magic while Cornelius Fudge is Minister. Once his corrupt administration has been dealt with, then I would be honored to meet with someone from your department.
Sincerely:
Lord Harry James Potter
Head of the House of Potter
Head of the House of Black
High Lord of Hogwarts
To: Board of Governors, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
From: Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts
Re: Accusation of Use of Dark Magic in regards to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
To Whom It May Concern:
As of two days ago I have claimed my right as the Blood and Magical Heir of the Founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As per their wills, I have assumed complete control of all Hogwarts assets including Hogwarts Castle and the Hogwarts Vaults. As High Lord of Hogwarts, I did indeed declare the Hogwarts Board of Governors to be suspended for the foreseeable future. I have frozen all transactions and have asked Gringotts Bank to audit all the accounts. I have also suspended all diplomatic immunity to all current and former Governors retroactively back to (10) ten years ago.
I have also received an almost identical letter from Minister Fudge threatening deadly force to retake what is rightfully mine. I hereby warn anyone who attempts to enter any Hogwarts property or try to use deadly force on anyone who either works for or is a guest of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, will be met with great force.
As the Owner of Hogwarts, and Head of the Houses of Black and Potter, I plan to refute your charges and the charges of the Minister Fudge in 3 days in a session of the Full Wizengamot.
Sincerely:
Lord Harry James Potter
Head of the House of Potter
Head of the House of Black
High Lord of Hogwarts
To: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic, Great Britain
From: Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts
Re: Accusation of Use of Dark Magic in regards to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Minister Fudge,
As of two days ago I have claimed my right as the Blood and Magical Heir of the Founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As per their wills, I have assumed complete control of all Hogwarts assets including Hogwarts Castle and the Hogwarts Vaults. As High Lord of Hogwarts, I hereby declare that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is once again a private educational institution, free from the control and influence of the Ministry of Magic of Great Britain.
I have also suspended the Board of Governors for the foreseeable future and have frozen all transactions coming from the Hogwarts vaults. The last invoice from the Ministry of Magic for 100 galleons for the rental space of the Board of Governors has already been paid by Gringotts.
I have also asked Gringotts Bank do a full audit of all the Hogwarts accounts. I have also suspended all diplomatic immunity to all current and former Governors retroactively back to (10) ten years ago.
Also please be aware that any anyone who attempts to enter any Hogwarts property without my permission, attempt to seize any possessions or try to use deadly force on anyone who either works for or is a guest of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, will be met with great force. If you personally attempt to enter my school, I will be forced to personally remove you from the school. As you are aware, the last time you came to this school you were rendered unconscious at the hands of the headmaster. I do not have any qualms in making you permanently unconscious.
As the Owner of Hogwarts and Head of the Houses of Black and Potter, I plan to publicly refute your charges and the charges of the former members of the Board of Governors in 3 days at a session of the Full Wizengamot.
Please also note that whenever you contact or address me, you use my proper name and title; Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts.
Sincerely:
Lord Harry James Potter
Head of the House of Potter
Head of the House of Black
High Lord of Hogwarts
_________________________________________________________________________________
By the time Harry finished dictating the letters, Ginny had finished getting dressed and was sitting in one of the guests chairs. Because of the bond, she did not need to read them. After proofreading them, he noticed the time and Harry and his wife made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
When they reached the Great Hall they both noticed that the 5 tables were gone. Instead a rather large roundtable stood in the center of the hall. Albus, Minerva, Severus, Filius, Poppy Pomfrey, Augusta Longbottom, Remus, Tonks, Molly, Arthur, and Bill Weasley were already sitting there chatting away "Ah, good morning Harry, Ginny. How you both doing this morning?"
Harry escorted Ginny to her chair where he pulled it out for her, "Quite well Albus, thank you. Good morning everyone else" Harry was just pouring orange juice for him and Ginny when the rest of the inhabitants of the castle walked in.
Ron didn't say a word to anyone, just sat down and tore into the food like it was his list meal. Hermione wasn't any better until she had her morning cup of coffee.
However it was Charlie Weasley who asked the question that everyone wanted to know the answer to "Where did you and my sister sleep last night Potter?"
The Weasley men turned and looked directly at Harry and Ginny, ready to kill. Harry just stared back at them and released a little bit of his power to flare his Aura. Bill immediately fell out of his seat, startled by the flaming aura.
"There is a lot we need to tell you, so do yourselves a favor and everyone sit down and start eating. What we are going to tell you will take a while." Over the next hour and a half, Harry and Ginny, with the help of Remus, Arthur, Molly, Albus, and Minerva explained everything that had happened over the last few days. Starting from Dumbledore threatening of the Dursley's, to Harry's magical block, the discovery that he was Godric Gryffindor's heir, and then made the magical and blood heir of the founders.
Harry then told them the entire story about what happened at Gringotts, the Soul Bonding and what it meant; when the Weasley men heard about the bond, they all apologized to the new couple for their actions. Weasleys were known for their quick tempers, but also for their love of family. This was why Percy's estrangement had been so painful.
Harry finally finished off the story and his breakfast by talking about the letters received this morning and the letters he wrote. He handed them around the table to get everyone's opinion.
"Albus, Fudge is forcing my hand much earlier then I would have wanted. Mackrack should have all the documentation we need for the Wizengamot this afternoon. If you, Minerva, Bill, Percy, Penny, and Miss Delacour could go over all information we have, I would appreciate it."
They all nodded while Harry continued, "Fred, George, and Charlie, please check in with Hagrid and see if there is anything he needs help with. Albus and I spoke earlier about some projects he was working on. Also, while you're at, Hagrid might appreciate some tutoring for the OWLs he is going to take later this summer. He already has a new wand. Arthur, I would like you to contact Madam Bones and set up a meeting with her, Albus and myself for tomorrow.
"Ron, Hermione, and Remus, I need you to become experts on the Wizengamot, and the operations of the Ministry." Everyone nodded in agreement. These were things that could be done without endangering anyone.
Tonks had to work today so she could help gather intelligence on Fudge. As breakfast finished, everyone headed off to do whatever they needed to do. Albus, Minerva, Harry and Ginny then departed for the Headmaster's office for their meeting.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Instead of sitting at Albus' desk, the four of them walked through another door and out onto a balcony with a beautiful view of the grounds. "I do like to enjoy a morning cup of tea or coffee here, just as the sun rises. So Harry, what would you and your wife wish to talk to us about?" Harry smiled at his Headmaster.
Albus had done everything he could to protect Harry over the years. But it was now time for Harry to spread his wings. "Well Headmaster, I am very concerned about how this school has been run. So effective immediately there are going to be some major changes. Some of these changes will be staff positions, some will curriculum, and some will deal with student life. Now I do want to say that many of these problems were out of your control to change, but some of them were. I am not here to assign blame for any of it.
"So here is what I have in mind," Harry handed over a piece of parchment over to Albus. It had a complete list of all the changes he wanted to make:
Professors
Will need to review and update their lesson plans and how they teach.
Professors who do not demonstrate and actually help their charges will be dismissed (ex. Potions)
Professors will receive 25% pay increase from previous year
Professors may have their families with them in the castle
The family may live in the castle in the new Staff Wing or Head of Houses Suites
Hogwarts will pay for Primary Schooling for all children under 11 years old on site
Tuition for children of Professors attending Hogwarts will be 35% of normal tuition
Assistant Professors/Apprenticeships
Must be a minimum of 6th of 7th Year Student
As part of program, they will earn their NEWTs via private tutoring
There will be a total of 15 Assistant Professors/Apprentices
Ancient Runes
Arithmancy
Astronomy
Care of Magical Creatures
Charms-(Including acting as Assistant Head of House)
Defense Against The Dark Arts
Herbology-(Including acting as Assistant Head of House)
History of Magic
History of Muggles
Muggle Studies
Physical & Magical Education-2
Potions-(Including acting as Assistant Head of House)
Transfiguration-(Including acting as Assistant Head of House)
Magical Healing-Poppy Pomfrey and St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies
The Assistant Professor/Apprentice will be bond to Hogwarts for ten years
After ten years of being bound to Hogwarts, Assistant Professor/Apprentice will have a mastery in their field
Assistant Professors/Apprentices will have participate in House Quidditch Teams and House Points
They shall be have the full powers and responsibilities of a full professor
Except-Detentions and House Points must be approved by their Head Professor
Their base pay with 15,000 galleons a year until they turn 18 years old
Their pay will then rise 10,000 galleons per
The may be allowed to marry and have a family
The family may live in the castle in the new Apprentice Wing
Hogwarts will pay for Primary Schooling for all children under 11 years old on site
Some of the teachers will be given their walking papers. They will include:
Professor Delores Umbridge-DADA
Professor Binns-History of Magic
Charity Burbage-Muggle Studies
The following classes will by invitation only
Divination-Taught by both Sybil and Firenze
If either of them has a problem with that, then they are free to go
Animagus Transfiguration-Minerva McGonagall
Magical law and government-Albus Dumbledore
Beginning Auror Training-Auror Training Academy
For those who wish to become Aurors, they may complete their last year Hogwarts while attending Year 1 of Auror School
Magical Healing-Madam Poppy Pomfrey & St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies
The following classes either need to revamped or added
Core Classes Years 1-5
Astronomy-Professor Sarah Sinistra
Continue as is
Charms-Professor Filius Flitwick
Continue as is
Defense Against The Dark Arts-Professor Remus Lupin
A competent Professor (Remus Lupin)
Guest Lecturers based on current topic
Herbology-Professor Pomona Sprout
Continue as is
History of Magic-??
Have many different races teach
Goblins
Centaurs
House Elves
Veelas
Werewolves (Remus Lupin)
Vampires (???)
Ghosts (Not Binns)
Any other race we can think of
History of Muggles-Arabella Fig
To be taught along side History Magic
Explain what effects one world, effects the other world
Living in the Magical World-Molly Weasley
Mandatory for all students
Include proper wand care
Wizarding Etiquette
Ballroom Dancing
Basic household charms
Muggle Studies-Muggleborn Professor
Update Class
Physical & Magical Education-Nymphadora Tonks & Alastor Moody
Cardiovascular
Weight training
Aerobics
Endurance
Tumbling
Dueling
Swimming
Potions-Professor Severus Snape
Potions are actually explained
Why and How Ingredients should be used
Answering of Students Questions
Transfiguration-Minerva McGonagall
Continue as is
Core Classes for Years 6-7
Charms-Professor Filius Flitwick
Continue as is
Defense Against The Dark Arts-Professor Remus Lupin
A competent Professor (Remus Lupin)
Guest Lecturers based on current topic
Physical & Magical Education-Nymphadora Tonks & Alastor Moody
Cardiovascular
Weight training
Aerobics
Endurance
Tumbling
Dueling
Swimming
Potions-Professor Severus Snape
NEWT Potions
New Potions Class-Everyday Potions
Transfiguration-Minerva McGonagall
Continue as is
Elective Classes-Years 3-7
Arithmancy-Professor Vector
Continue as is
Ancient Runes-???
Continue as is
Animagus Transfiguration-Minerva McGonagall
Beginning Auror Training-Auror Training Academy
For those who wish to become Aurors, they may complete their last year Hogwarts while attending Year 1 of Auror School
Care of Magical Creatures-Professor Rubeus Hagrid
Guest Professor Charlie Weasley
Handle Unit on Dragons
Divination- Taught by both Sybil and Firenze
If either of them has a problem with that, then they are free to go
History of Magic-??
Have many different races teach
Goblins
Centaurs
House Elves
Veelas
Werewolves (Remus Lupin)
Vampires (???)
Ghosts (Not Binns)
Any other race we can think of
Magical law and government-Albus Dumbledore
Magical Healing-Poppy Pomfrey and St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies
Student Life
I will not have children of known death eaters in my school.
Draco Malfoy
Theodore Nott
Vincent Crabbe
Gregory Goyle
Pansy Parkinson
Anyone found to have the dark mark will be expelled.
If they wish to attend, I want an unbreakable vow from them with the Headmaster and myself and their Head of House being the binder.
House Points
Any Professor, Prefect, etc. who abuses the system will lose their right to use it
Quidditch Cup will no longer count towards House Cup
School Facilities
Five new Greenhouses and remodel of all existing greenhouses
Dragon Habitat
Stables
Horses
Hippogriff
Griffins
Thestrals
New Potions Laboratories
Expanded Hospital Wing
All new Equipment through out school
Boat House for Black Lake
Harry smiled as Albus finished reading and decided to drop another bombshell, "Since Ginny and I are married, we will be living in the suites attached to my office. We also will take private tutoring to finish our education and will no longer be a part of Gryffindor House anymore. As the High Lord and Lady of Hogwarts, we are to be treated as professors."
Albus looked at Harry and Ginny with raised eyebrows. Technically, Harry could serve as Headmaster if he wanted, but Albus thought Harry might have other things on his plate.
Returning his attention back to the parchment Harry had given him, Albus knew all the changes listed needed to be done and he was sorry that these changes had not happened yet; though with Harry in charge now, things were going to get a lot better. Some of these changes were going to be very popular, especially the assistant professor/apprentice program.
Hogwarts had something very similar many years ago, but it had fallen out of use. But some of these decisions were not going to be popular with the staff, especially those who were going to be fired.
Maybe I can ask for Charity to take a one year leave of absence? "Harry I completely agree with 99 percent of what want to do. There are only two problems I can foresee. The first is Professor Burbage; you see when I hired her, I guaranteed her a 10 year contract. However, I do believe I may have a solution. If we explain to her that we need to change, and offer to send her out on a 1 year sabbatical. This way she can live in the muggle world and then bring back her knowledge and teach. The other problem will be who will be in charge of the apprenticeship program. In years past this has fallen to the headmaster, but I believe you and Mrs. Potter would be the best choices to run it."
Harry's eyes twinkled just like Dumbledore's "That might work out for the best Albus. We do need to fill in a few vacancies, though. Would you please make enquiries about our vacant or soon to be vacant positions and get a hold of those people who I mentioned I feel would be great on staff? If they can make it, have them come to the staff meeting tonight?"