Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine only the story line in this work.
A/N: Happy New Year to everyone! I know we're in week three of the New Year but this is the first chapter of 2012 so I'll say it anyway. This chapter was difficult to write, in fact this is the third incarnation of this chapter and though I'm not completely satisfied with it, I think it moves the story along in the direction I want it to go.
I know that my characterization of Dumbledore is not cannon, nor was it intended to be (fan-fiction) but I have been asked about Albus stepping out from behind the scenes manipulations to a more confrontational character. My explanation for this is that Harry is the only other person besides Dumbledore with enough celebrity in the Magical World to actually sway the perceptions of the masses.
With Harry's public accusations of Dumbledore's manipulations and duplicity, Dumbledore had to come out of the shadows to defend himself and his true nature was finally being revealed. Dumbledore is desperate to hold onto his legacy and clandestine control of Wizarding law and policy and would go to more aggressive means to make sure his legacy and control is not challenged or blemished. Well there you go I hope that will explain what Albus does in this chapter.
On a side note next month marks the year point from when I started this little story, and I want to thank all of you that have continued with me through all that time and to those who have just discovered my little story. So THANKS! Now on with Chapter 31 of Watching Over Harry.
Chapter 31
The occupants of Diagon Alley cautiously began to stick their heads out of doorways and around building corners and took in the sight of spell damaged store fronts and sidewalks. Two more squads of aurors had arrived and began the tedious process of getting statements from the witnesses of the bold day time attack.
A counseling and trauma team from St. Mungos had been dispatched to the alley to help with the injured that were caught in the crossfire of the intense albeit short fight. Nine civilians had been seriously injured and two killed, one Order member had been killed and another seriously wounded.
Harry and his group were relatively unhurt but for a few minor lacerations, including the deep cut on Narcissa's left leg which was quickly set right by a trauma witch on sight. Harry was relieved to see that his family was all in one piece, but a rage burned deep within him at the audacity of the Death Eaters, and in particular Lucius Malfoy and his former best mate who had now raised a wand against his family.
There was nothing more important to Harry Potter than the safety of his family and loved ones and to have them come under fire…again…and in broad daylight showed him more than anything else that the Death Eaters and Voldemort were becoming far too desperate, and wanted to permanently stop him and his growing family.
Voldemort had suffered several defeats in a row now and Harry new that his nemesis would soon take his frustrations out on the innocents just to let the Ministry and the populaces in general know that he was still a threat and was to be feared.
He had provided Bill, Charlie, the twins and Ginny with the names that Pettigrew had given them, and they were already in the process of making plans to strike out at the unsuspecting death munchers. Hermione and Tonks had also become full members of Bill's little vigilante group which had been given provisional but secret approbation by the Minister's office. The magically powerful seven person strike team would bring fear and death to those who would use those same tactics against the innocent.
They were now the core of House Potter-Black's military arm and would train others as they pledged their loyalty to Harry. Amelia, Augusta, and Andromeda made up the political arm of House Potter-Black and would lead the House back to political dominance it had once enjoyed within the Wizengamot and bring those houses loyal to the Potter's and Blacks back under one banner as it had done in centuries past.
Minerva, Narcissa, and Luna were the research arm of the House. They were researching the more powerful ritual and blood based magic's, as well as the knowledge found in the grimoire's of the Potter's and Black's including the lost art of battle magic which was found within its pages. Harry and Bella were also learning the more arcane magic's from Morgana who had been entering the couples connected minds nightly as their bodies slept. Bella had been ecstatic to meet her ancestor and had come to adore the ancient echo.
A clearing of a throat jolted Harry from his inner thoughts, he sighed deeply in consternation as the twinkling eyes of Albus Dumbledore appeared directly in front of him. "Harry my boy…" The manipulative old man began. "…how fortunate that I arrived, I see that we were just in time to save you and your friends. No need to thank me Harry it's what I do, I help those who are in need." Dumbledore stated loudly as a crowd gathered.
Harry gave the bastard an incredulous look and calmly responded. "How arrogant can you be Dumbledore." The crowd gasped at the condescending tone Harry used at the most powerful wizard since Merlin. "I don't recall you saving anyone. In fact after your arrival I don't recall you casting a single spell to "aid" us in anyway." Harry stated using air quotations with the word aid.
"My mere presence was enough for them to flee Harry. If you ever reach my level of magic Harry you will find that people would rather leave than confront you." Dumbledore spoke to Harry as if speaking with a child, some in the crowd nodding and whispering their agreement.
"Ooooh I see." Harry replied with exaggerated praise as he performed a sarcastic bow. "The great Dumbledore does not feel the need to raise his wand…he is too powerful for anyone to confront him. Or for him to help." Harry spat the last two words, looking around at all the people who had gathered meeting every eye.
"Let's hear it for your savior ladies and gentlemen!" Harry raised his arms high in the air assuring everyone's attention. "He has saved us all! Oh wait a minute." Harry took on an over the top pensive look. "There were those here today that weren't saved and how many other attacks has there been since Moldy shorts came back? How many have perished Dumbledore." Harry turned to the crowd with an embellished questioning look. "Perhaps they weren't worthy of saving. While he was stunning the Death Eaters with his awesome presence today…three people were killed and almost a dozen others wounded…how could this be?" Harry mocked.
"Tell me Dumbledore; are you so full of yourself as not to raise your wand even in defense of the defenseless?" Harry posed the question looking at the old man who suddenly looked uncomfortable. All eyes turned toward the venerable headmaster.
"This is not the place for this discussion Harry?" Dumbledore quietly replied.
"Isn't the place for this discussion!" Harry chuckled mirthlessly. "This is the perfect place. Perhaps you can explain it to these families why you did not act to protect their fallen and injured family members?" Harry motioned his arm to the growing crowd.
"Violence is never the answer Harry. Violence begets more violence and there are too few pure…uhm, magicals left in our world to retaliate against them with aggression." Dumbledore stated realizing his gaffe but hoping Harry didn't catch it. Harry grinned malevolently at the ancient wizard. 'Damn!' Dumbledore cursed his slip, but he was already spinning an explanation.
"So…" Harry began slowly. "We should not harm those who are harming us? Should we not defend ourselves from those who would kill us? Should we just accept our fate and let them rape, torture and kill us at their pleasure?" Harry asked in mocking disbelief.
"Why should we not defend ourselves against the Death Eaters?" Harry asked bluntly.
"There are ways to defend oneself without meeting violence with violence?" Dumbledore stated.
"I see…" Harry began. "So I assume you're talking about using stunners instead of more "permanent or aggressive spells" or perhaps you would prefer if we just warded our homes and never left them. Are we to be prisoners in our own home Dumbledore?" Harry asked, the crowd beginning to see where Harry was leading the discussion.
"Tell us Dumbledore, what should we do against these people who would kill us? Why would you not want us to defend ourselves our homes, or our families? Is there a reason not to? Why are you so against it? Are you trying to protect them and if you are, why?" Harry challenged the so called leader of the light.
"I am trying to prevent unnecessary bloodshed, Harry. Surely you don't want to be the cause of such suffering and harm. Your actions here are a prime example of going too far. Everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves Harry, killing these misguided witches and wizards will do more harm to our culture and ways than anything else I can think of. " Dumbledore stated, it was an obvious attempt to shift the crowds growing unsettled mood back on to Harry. But Harry was not done yet; he had a chance to truly expose the manipulative old man for who he was, and was not about to let the opportunity pass. But his verbal comeback was stopped when another's indignant voice was heard.
"How dare you insinuate that my husband is the cause of this war!" Bella hissed, her eyes glowing with fury. "Let me tell you something about these "misguided" witches and wizards Albus bloody Dumbledore and the monster they serve!"
The crowd turned their eyes and attention to up until recently the most feared witch in all of Great Britain. The former Bellatrix Lestrange a former top lieutenant of the Dark Lord himself. Although there were still many in the magical community who were dubious of her new persona and marriage to The Boy Who Lived, there were fewer still who would dare verbally challenge her on her knowledge of the Dark Lord.
"The Dark Lord cares not for rules or fair play, and he instructs his followers in the same belief. He will kill rape and torture anyone who gets in his way. You purebloods out there!" Bella called. "Do not think for one moment that your blood status will save you from his bloodlust for power."
"He fights for the continuation of the old ways! He will spare those of pure lineage!" Someone shouted out from the crowd earning a few voices of tepid agreement.
"In the first war how many Old Families were wiped out?" Bella asked the nervous crowd. "How many!" She snapped. "More than thirty Old Families were wiped from existence and other Noble Houses were decimated because they refused to kneel before him, a half-blood born to a near squib and a muggle!"
"Lies!" The same voice as before contested while at the same time many other were murmuring over the revelation.
"Truth!" Bella replied matter-of-factly. "Tom Marvolo Riddle was his name while he attended Hogwarts, his mother was Merope Gaunt last of the Slytherin line and a squib who died soon after giving birth to the monster, his father was a muggle aristocrat who had been dosed with a love potion. Do not fool yourselves, the only thing Voldemort…" Gasps of fear and squeaks of terror escaped many lips at her use of the name. "…cherishes is power, and what he wants is absolute power. He cares nothing for the Old Ways and those who follow him follow him blindly. Their family fortunes drained so that he can fund his war on ALL MAGICALS! "Bella hissed.
"My sister speaks the truth!" Narcissa spoke removing the hood covering her face. Many recognized the Lady Narcissa Malfoy immediately. "My…former husband has used the wealth of the Malfoy family to bribe his way out of prosecution for being a Death Eater…" Again gasps were heard throughout the crowd.
"He has bribed many a politician, including former Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, all in an effort to place people loyal to the Dark Lord in positions of power so that when he is ready the Dark Lord will simply take over our government. He has been involved in the assassinations of many Family Heads and political adversaries to achieve his goals. He does not hesitate to kill anyone…even his own followers and his followers will kill anyone their master tells them too without regard to blood or station." Narcissa finished
"So Albus…where should we stand? Do we not defend ourselves and our families, do we not fight for the very survival of our world as we know it?" Harry asked the uncharacteristically quiet master manipulator. Harry turned his back on the old headmaster and looked at the crowd locking eyes with as many as were looking back at him.
"What do you say?" Harry asked the crowd. "Will you hide away in your homes, praying that the Dark Mark doesn't appear over your house?"
"No!" A few voice shouted.
"Will you allow a power hungry fiend to dictate how you should live your life!"
"No!" A few more voice joined the others.
"Will you let a few pureblood terrorist take over your government and dictate who is or isn't worthy to live or use magic based on their blood?"
"No!" This time the response was almost deafening.
The crowd was growing and several reporters and their photographers had arrived and were taking furious notes on the impromptu political speech. A palpable feeling of anger was swelling through the chattering crowd toward the state of their world and the seemingly unchecked attacks by the Death Eaters.
"Headmaster! Headmaster! What is your opinion of Lord Potter's and the new minister's position on being more aggressive in putting down the Death Eaters?" A reporter from an unknown paper asked.
"I am opposed to such action that will spill any magical blood, especially blood from old families. We must give them the opportunity to change their tactics and realize that violence does not strengthen their cause. There are more politically correct means to promote their positions." Dumbledore answered diplomatically.
"Stark Bent from The Wizard Free Press Headmaster, I have two questions. First, you stated that we should not spill any magical blood, but isn't that what the followers of You-Know-Who are doing? Secondly, as Lord Potter has suggested, should the public just put down their wands and hope for the best that they are not killed by these terrorist? Isn't that just being a bit naive?"
"I believe if we offer our brothers and sisters a chance to voice their concerns and give them a medium to express their agenda that we can come to an understanding. Some concessions could be made on both sides to assure at the very least that the violence stops. " Dumbledore answered in his best grandfatherly tone.
"Minster Bones, what is your response to what Lord Dumbledore has proposed?" The same reporter asked.
"Let me make this perfectly clear, these 'Brothers and Sisters' are nothing more than terrorist. Their sole purpose is the destruction of the ministry and anyone who does not measure up to their standards of blood purity. Voldemort does not and will not share power; he would set himself up as dictator and strip our citizens of any and all rights they now enjoy." Amelia stated matter-of-factly.
"We have witnessed what happens to those who do not subscribe to Voldemort's and the Death Eater philosophy. They are killed. How many pureblood house's and Noble families have been wiped out for disagreeing with this terrorist's ideology? An assassination attempt has already been made against me and other old and noble families in the past several weeks.
I will not allow them a voice in our government! I will meet them spell for spell. I have authorized the aurors and hit wizards to respond to deadly force with deadly force. The passive way of dealing with this group in the past has been met with disaster and the deaths of many good wizards and witches. No more! We will actively bring the fight to them. Let me state here and now that your blood status and or House status will not protect you if you are found to be a supporter or an active participant in the ranks of Tom Riddle aka Voldemort. I will protect all of magical Britain's citizens regardless of their blood status, we are all blessed with magic and share a responsibility to nurture and train every member of our society who possesses it." Amelia firmly told the crowd of civilians and reporters receive a round of loud applause.
"Lord Potter what is your position on all of this? In the past you have been known as a strong proponent for the former head of the Wizengamot, has your support and alliances changed? Rita Skeeter Daily Prophet." The jewel bespectacled reporter asked.
"As I have made clear in recent statements, I have lost all confidence in Albus Dumbledore, not only to lead in our political halls, but as a leader against the turmoil our world now faces. He would give one chance after another of redemption to these terrorist while they continue to shed innocent blood. They have not just targeted adults in this war but children as well. They have no morals! And they deserve no second chances and they deserve no mercy.
I whole heartedly support Minister Bones and the direction that she and others within our government have set. We must meet this assault against our people with the same force as is being used against it. I would ask my colleagues of the Wizengamot to join me in supporting the new legislative bills sponsored by the Lady Longbottom which would heavily sanction those who are found supporting this terrorist movement and provide our peace keepers with the training and equipment they need to fight this heinous threat.
Furthermore, I seriously question the motives of Lord Dumbledore's reticence to condemn these terrorist for their atrocities against our world. I wonder if he does not share in their ideals and goals, just perhaps not their methods to achieve it. Furthermore I think we should seriously question his fitness to oversee the teaching at our beloved Hogwarts and the safety of its students. I have given you a history of my own years at the school and the dangers that I and my classmates had to face since my first year as well as the other crimes perpetrated against me personally at the hands of this man." Harry stated glaring at the old man.
"I have been the muggleborn's greatest advocate in wanting them in our society. I am saddened that Lord Potter would think otherwise. I have been an advocate and a champion of those new to our world. As I have said…all magical blood is precious and I am against any such action that would end in bloodshed. We must seek a more benign way of handling these misunderstandings." Dumbledore interrupted sharply.
"Misunderstandings!" Hermione blustered. "Misunderstandings! My parents were murdered in front of me! A man you employed as a potions professor cast the curse that tore open my father's neck and killed him! There was no mercy in his eyes! No…let's discuss our differences! He was there to MURDER US! Gasps were heard throughout the crowd as the name Severus Snape was whispered among them.
"An attack which you… Albus Bloody Dumbledore had been made aware of in advance by your pet Death Eater! You gave us no warning! You allowed the attack to happen! In my eyes you are as guilty as those who perpetrated the act!" Hermione spat at the feet of the old headmaster. Reporters were writing furiously, flashes from a dozen press cameras nearly blinded those nearest to them.
"Miss Granger is clearly emotionally distraught over the loss of her parents and has in her blinded state has linked me to the crime because a former associate of mine who allegedly had attacked her family. I am deeply sorry for her loss, but I had no knowledge of the events in which she speaks. Had I been aware, I would have done my best to protect her family as I would any muggleborn, half-blood, or pureblood family. I am offended that I would be so maliciously accused of being complicit in such a heinous attack!" Dumbledore retorted in false bravado.
"The courts will decide your involvement in the attack Dumbledore as well as your guilt in other crimes perpetrated against me, my family, and magical Britain. A new dawn is breaking Dumbledore and we will no longer allow the travesties of the past to stand.
You say you are a proponent for the muggleborn and the half-blood's, yet your record as Chief Warlock would suggest otherwise. Every piece of legislation that has come before you regarding this group has been shot down. Equality and fair hiring practices for this group has come before you many times yet you refuse to introduce it to the Wizengamot for vote.
Inequality in the courts is outrageous! Muggleborns are not fairly represented. The word of a pureblood is taken over a muggleborns without hesitation or investigation. Muggleborns are barred from serving in the ministry or owning a business. Is this your idea of being a champion of the people? The elites in our world fear no prosecution and see themselves above the law and often are guilty of crimes that should earn them a lengthy stay in Azkaban.
Your own voting record shows that you are as biased against muggleborns as those who would see them driven from our world or worse. You have no credibility Dumbledore and I look forward to your trial where all your manipulations and lies will come to light. Now if you will excuse us we have things to be getting on with." Harry received applause for his observations and shouts of support for the Boy-Who-Lived echoed throughout the alley.
"I need to speak to you in private before you leave Harry." Dumbledore said in low tones for Harry's ears only. Harry raised an eyebrow at the impertinence of the man.
"We have nothing further to discuss Dumbledore. I am not that trusting little boy anymore." Harry replied curtly.
"I'm afraid I must insist Harry. You are taking things too far. We need to show a united front if we are going to turn the hearts of the people toward the greater good." Dumbledore stated his smile slipping a bit and his eyes icy.
"You insist nothing! You forget yourself Dumbledore, I've let slide your presumptiveness of addressing me in the familiar. But let me make it perfectly clear that I do not consider us friends socially or politically and I have no inclination or desire to align myself with you." Harry's voice hardened as he stepped closer to the ancient wizard his eyes locked onto Dumbledore's showing his contempt for the man. "You are nothing to me Dumbledore but a meddling old man with delusions of godhood who is out of touch with reality. Your refusal to engage this war in the way it needs to be is proof of that. Your time as the supposed leader of the light of Magical Britain is about to crash down all around you. I pity you old man, this is what you have brought your life down to. Historians when they write about you will write about your infamous fall from grace." Harry then stepped back and turned his back on the former head of the Wizengamot.
Hate and anger swelled with in Dumbledore's chest. This BOY was destroying all he had created, challenged him at every turn. And now his action threatened his place in history and he could not allow his legend to be sullied by this halfblooded upstart! "I AM ALBUS DUMBLEDORE! THE GREATEST WIZARD SINCE MERLIN! AND YOU WILL LISTEN TO ME POTTER OR BE SILENCED!" Albus drew his wand with surprising speed and pointed it at Harry's back, a dark purple curse the organ liquefying curse illuminated the tip of his wand and then sped toward its target.
An immediate explosion of color illuminated the area, as shields, stunners, and some offensive spells flew from a multitude of wands. The still assembled crowd and members of the media stood frozen in time as they watched the spells slam into the body of the great wizard. In horrific slow motion his body hit the ground. There was no movement no one dared breathe as the motionless form lay on the ground. Empty eyes stared up from the crumpled body, there were no risings or fallings of his chest, no signs of life what so ever.
No one knew for sure but the historic figure was hit by no less than a dozen spells, none were lethal on their own but the collective power of so many spells was enough to extinguish the once celebrated life of Albus Perciful Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.
It would be the topic for years to come, the tragic and seemingly senseless death of the Defeater of Grindelwald and Leader of the Light. Many articles would be written on Dumbledore's dissension from grace, his mental stability over the last several years of his life and his manipulations of the Boy-Who-Lived and the many other crimes and inconsistencies in the man's life as Headmaster of Hogwarts, Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.
All though his reputation had been stained in recent years the Wizarding community would feel the loss of the once great man.
The aurors began to disperse the crowd as medi-witches confirmed to Minister Bones what was obvious to all the Dumbledore was indeed dead. Harry felt numb, although though the two men had been at odds he never would have wished this heartbreaking end for his onetime mentor.
Bella wrapped her arms around her husband, pulling him tightly against her. "It's not your fault love. He decided to use deadly force against you, ironic when you think he would not use such lethality on the Death Eaters. We were merely defending you against the attack. Even Moody and Lupin shot stunners at him. It was unfortunate but none of us regret defending you." Bella consoled her husband.
"I know love. It's just…" Harry shook his head in sad frustration not knowing really what he wanted to say. Bella just held him tighter and rubbed his back with small circles.
Amelia came over and placed a comforting hand on her godson's shoulder. "Harry, why don't you and the rest of the family head home? I'll be here late getting all of this sorted out. With close to fifty witnesses the news of this will be all over Britain by morning. I'm going to have to give a press conference first thing. With the news of Dumbledore's death I'm sure we will see an upswing in Death Eater activity; you should get everyone to come over to the manor tonight so we can come up with some kind of game plan." Amelia stated warmly. Harry nodded his head, and with a look to his family they all disapparated back to Black Manor.
Tomorrow would be full of new challenges; a world without Dumbledore may motivate his enemies to more open hostilities and brazenness. For all his faults, Albus had commanded respect from his enemies he after all was a powerful wizard. Most who worked in the dark feared him on some level and now without that fear how would the Dark respond.
A/N: A short chapter but a pivotal one. Three warring factions have now become two and the war will begin again in earnest. I hope that you enjoyed the chapter and hope that you will take the time to Review.
Please Read and Review