A/N
The next two chapters will describe some smaller scenes in the weeks between Easter and the Exams. After that it will be time to undergo the third task and finish the first part of this story.
About Dumbledore again: I still think that it wouldn't be easy to press charges against him. Think about it: The ICW is something like the wizard UNO. Great Britain supplies the Chairman for this organization. It's extremely prestigious for the man and the country. Should Dumbledore be put into Azkaban or something similar, Britain would lose this position, a very dire price for any politician.
Then there are many people, I assume, who simply agree with Dumbledore: HE KNOWS THE BEST. Simple, isn't it? The 'Great Albus' and all – what's the opinion of a few children against that? And if they aren't willing to see reason, it's for the Greater Good to 'convince' them… you see my meaning.
And last: He is THE HERO. He defeated Grindelwald and with this deed he saved thousands and ten thousands of lives. I simply expect that many many people wouldn't agree to put him into prison irrespective of what crimes he performed.
Please don't forget: The most important witness is Flitwick, a partial-goblin, discrediting him in the eyes of many wizards.
Veritaserum/Legilimency? Simply wouldn't help against Dumbledore because of his Occlumency ability.
And a last reason: Do you really want to read a whole sequel without Dumbdork in it?
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A new Headmaster
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Dumbledore Manor – 21st of April – Friday Lunch Time
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Should I have forced the issue? Albus wondered. Did I cave in too hastily?
The past few days certainly belonged to his worst in a long time. Far too many friends had parted ways with him; far too many allies had turned their backs on him. He was quite certain that there wouldn't be a criminal prosecution, but still his reputation was in shambles.
I never expected Malfoy to ally himself with Augusta. Albus sadly shook his head. Perhaps I should have explained my decision about her grandson to her. No, she wouldn't understand. She's far too stubborn, her family too important to her.
With too much force he put his tea cup down, breaking it in the process. Angrily he stared at the broken cup. His old house-elf had cleaned it with the rest of the house only yesterday. He hadn't been at Dumbledore Manor for quite some time. It was neither a grand nor a very important or rich looking house. His family had been old but never among the money-grabbers like the Malfoys or Parkinsons. This had been the reason that he needed the Potter money to fund the war. Since the Potter-boy had taken control of his heritance, he had been in trouble to finance the Order. Too many of its members belonged to the poorer wizards elements. Not that there were many members still. Nearly half of them had left in the past weeks, some only last evening.
I've lost their trust, Albus pondered. The Pinegrew-bitches showed me in the worst light possible and they believed them. How could they? I had always been their leader, the focal point in the war against darkness. And now they speak about me like a criminal.
Minerva – he could have resisted and forced the duel she wanted. He would have won, there was no doubt. But then, what would have happened? To kill or seriously harm his former friend would have been the last nail to his coffin. His very last allies would have left him, all aside from a handful like Moody. Yes, Moody, my friend, Albus allowed himself a very small smile. He's still out there, watching Harry. He's my last link to Hogwarts after everyone else betrayed me.
It was still unimaginable that Severus had betrayed him too. Flitwick, yes – he was partial-goblin and not really trustworthy. But Severus? I should have checked my memory charms more often, Albus groaned. It was a negligence that now cost him dearly.
What now, Albus pondered. What shall I do now?
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Somewhere
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He smiled broadly. The news had been the finest for some time. Albus, good old Albus, wasn't Headmaster anymore.
You still have it in you, Lucius, he grinned. Perhaps I should allow you to serve me again in the future – after my rising from the grave; and after an appropriate punishment for your betrayal. The red eyes glowed with anger. Too many of his servants had betrayed him, had tried to avoid persecution with lies about being imperioused. He couldn't allow this. But Lucius had his uses, especially with his money and his connections to the Ministry.
And then there was the case of the Potter-boy. He only had to wait a few weeks for his most-trusted servant to offer him the boy like a Christmas present. All was prepared, the day of his rising determined. If all went well, he wouldn't need Lucius to grab the boy. But if something went wrong, if somehow Potter's luck kicked in again, Lucius would be useful again.
I hope your reasons to get near to him are trustworthy, Lucius, for your sake.
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Hogwarts
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Albus' defeat will complicate the matter. He would have to be especially careful on the day of the third task. And it would be better to change the plan slightly. With Albus he could have been certain that nobody checked the Goblet for traps – or portkey magic – before the task. But now Filius Flitwick was in charge and he would be more careful.
And less trustful of me than Albus had been, he mused.
But still it would happen. I had to happen. Any other result was unthinkable.
He will return in all his glory. And then it will be time to crush them all.
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Pinegrew Manor – Same Time
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"I'm so happy about our new Headmaster," Daphne beamed. The day before Agatha had returned to Pinegrew Manor latish, but with a broad smile. The decision had been a narrow one, with only five governors in favour of the petite charms professor. But it had been enough.
Cyrus Greengrass snorted, but didn't comment. It was the first time in months that all family members were sitting together again. Astoria nibbled on a piece of radish, sitting at her sister's side and looking happier than she had for a long time. "He's away." She grinned. "Dumbdork is away and nobody will mess with my sister's mind anymore; or with yours, Harry – not that there would be much of a mind to mess with anyway." Her grin broadened and with a quick move she evaded the piece of potato that Harry launched at her in response.
"Yes, it is a comforting development," Cyrus agreed, ignoring the childish behaviour. "I feel better now, with Harry being safe again at Hogwarts."
Harry exchanged a puzzled look with Roxanne only to get a small shake of her head and a mouthed 'later'. Cyrus had been behaving this weird for days, trying hard to befriend him. He even was polite around Hermione and only the slightest grimace showed how much he had to struggle.
"Lucius abstained from voting," Agatha explained. "I was a bit hurt that the three votes against Filius came from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Even Mrs. Zabini voted in Filius favor."
"Lucius isn't happy about the choice," Cyrus agreed. "But it was the most important point for him to get rid of Albus. And the only competitor – let's just say that nobody wants her at Hogwarts."
'Her', that was Um-bitch as Harry knew. According to Agatha she had been fuming when the decision had been published, nearly getting an apoplexy about it. If only, he smirked, it would make some things easier for the other races.
"He'll be Headmaster for a five-year-term at least. After that there will be a new election."
"I'm certain he'll win again," Hermione hoped. Neville and she had come to Pinegrew Manor to spend a few days here before they returned to Hogwarts.
"We'll see," Cyrus ominously answered.
"And Minerva will stay Deputy Headmistress?" It was still a bit weird for Agatha to hear Hermione call her favourite teacher by her given name. The tension between teacher and student had started to evaporate after Minerva's changing behaviour and view about Dumbledore. That she really intended to challenge him to a duel to protect her cubs had done much to impress her students.
"Only for a while," Agatha responded. "In the long run she wants to pass her office to Madam Sprout. In the next year she'll help Filius with his work. After that she'll start to introduce Pomona and slowly lay down her appointment as Deputy Headmistress. In a few years we have to decide if we follow her suggestion and set the Deputy apart from the Heads of Houses. Minerva explained to us that the deputy has to be impartial and that it had been difficult for her because of her other duties."
"So sometimes in the future there will be a Headmaster, a Deputy and four House Heads – six and not only five leaders?"
"That's the idea."
"Naturally it will be a question of money too," Cyrus interjected. "There have been many ideas for changes at the meeting: Some of them more intended for later times, some of them short-range. All of them need money to fund them."
"Yes," Agatha agreed. "One of the more pressing matters will be to gather more money. Gringotts offer will be a good start but we still need more. One of the ideas was to sell potions and charmed articles. Not many, not to start a large business, but at least earn a bit of spare money."
"Does Professor Snape have time for something like that?"
"He'll have some," Cyrus answered. "He'll be the first teacher to gain from one of the few changes the board has already agreed upon."
"There will be Junior Teachers," Agatha explained. "Perhaps you already know that there isn't a real 'teachers' program' in Magical Britain. We want to change this. The idea is that these Junior Teachers will learn how to teach and train on the lower classes. They should be able to compensate for the Main Teacher in cases of sickness and similar absence. The Main Teacher is still responsible, but will mostly train the upper classes and additional courses for outstanding pupils."
"So Professor Snape will be the first one with a junior teacher? I assume he'll be happy to get rid of us," Harry grinned.
"I'm not too unhappy too," Neville groaned. Hermione elbowed him, but only slightly.
"Is there even someone worthy enough for this position?" Daphne asked.
"That's one of the reasons he'll be the first teacher to follow through with this idea. Apparently he already spoke with someone. Lucius was happy to agree with the whole suggestion after he heard that Severus would the first beneficiary. And everyone else agreed with his choice after we heard the name: Penelope Clearwater."
"Penelope?" Harry asked. "Wasn't she Percy Weasley's girlfriend?"
"Yes, and Head girl last year," Roxanne nodded. "I met her a few times and arranged a meeting with Severus a few months ago. Apparently last autumn she broke up with Mister Weasley after he got 'very important'. And the work at the Ministry obviously hadn't been as fulfilling as she hoped."
"Without connections or ass-kissing you'll only get paper-pusher jobs at the Ministry," Cyrus surprisingly stated. "You may like it or not but that's reality."
Hermione frowned at that. She had hoped to work there later, perhaps in the DMLE or in the Magical Creature Regulation Department. Neville seemed to feel her uneasiness and hugged her. "Grandma will help you, I'm sure."
"I don't want to…"
"Hermione," Neville stopped her. "No favoritism – it's only to give you a chance. What you'll achieve will be your merit."
Hermione looked at him and, after a while, nodded weakly.
"Yes, Lady Longbottom's help should be a favourable factor," Cyrus agreed, looking thoughtfully at the Muggleborn. "And then there is your connection to Mrs. Bones. But first you should finish your school. I heard many good things about your achievements, Miss Granger. And apparently you're rubbing off on Harry too."
"We're all getting better, Lord Greengrass," Harry answered, staring at the weird behaving patriarch. "Working together, learning together – it's teamwork for all of us." Did he really think that it was Hermione and not Daphne that had been the deciding factor in Harry's change? Or was he only trying to be nice again? It seemed too much like an act. He wasn't much of an actor, Harry decided.
"Yes, you're right. Teamwork is important. But please call me Cyrus. After all we're family."
His broad smile was even more false, but for the moment Harry complied: "Cyrus, then."
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"Sorry to tell you this, Astoria, but your father is very weird at the moment," Harry confessed.
Cyrus had left after the meal and they we're now in the winter garden for a cup of tea. The others agreed, but it was Astoria who solved the riddle.
"You should be careful around him, Harry. We have orders – orders from Lucius."
"Orders? What do you mean?"
"Father, Draco and I – Lucius demanded that we behave nicer towards you and your friends. He wants us to…" she blushed and looked down.
"Yes?"
Astoria sighed. "He wants us to further your relation with Daphne."
Everyone stared. Daphne looked especially quizzical at her younger sister. "What does he have in mind – shoving Harry into my room when I'm changing clothes?"
Now it was Harry's turn to blush. It was hard enough to watch Daphne training in her gym suit. He had no wish to surprise her in panties and bra – at least not yet.
Astoria shrugged and grinned slyly. "I don't know, perhaps. At least Lucius and Cyrus dream about an engagement party for the two of you right after your fifteenth birthday, sis."
That would be in only four months, one month after Harry's fifteenth birthday, Daphne pondered. Astoria had just turned thirteen a month ago, so her own official engagement with Draco was still two years away.
"And he didn't tell you why he had this change of mind?" Roxanne asked her daughter sternly.
"Sorry, mum." She shrugged.
"It's okay," Daphne hugged her little sister. "Thank you for the warning."
"It's alright," Astoria grinned. "Someone has to look out for you, especially with those friends of yours."
Hermione mock growled a bit.
Astoria sniggered. "Ladies don't growl, Miss Granger. I really should speak with Lady Longbottom about improving your behaviour."
Hermione lightly punched Astoria's shoulder only to get her hand fetched and shown to everyone. There was a broad golden ring on it with runes carved into the metal. "So Neville followed Harry's example, I see."
Both teenagers turned Weasley-red and earned quite some gasps from everyone.
"Hermione Jean Granger," Harry growled. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"She only got the ring this morning," Neville explained. "I had the ring for a while already, but wasn't brave enough to ask her. After you shot ahead yesterday, I decided it was really time to be a Gryff."
Harry slapped him on the shoulder: "Good for you." Then he turned to Hermione and hugged her heartily: "And good for you too, Hermione."
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"When do you intend to tell them?" Agatha asked.
The teenagers had left too and only Agatha and Roxanne remained.
"I was thinking perhaps… not at all." She grinned. "So they'll learn with the rest on Sunday evening when Filius announces the changes."
"You're evil, you know that, daughter?"
"It's my mother's fault entirely."
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Hogwarts – Great Hall – 23rd of April – Sunday, Dinner Time
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The students had returned to Hogwarts at the afternoon and now they waited for their new Headmaster to deliver his little speech. The Hall was brimming with rumours about the Governor meeting and what would happen now. And who were these two ladies sitting at the teachers' table?
At last the petite professor positioned himself on his chair and addressed the audience. "Dear students. Much happened since you left two weeks ago, things that will have an influence on your life at Hogwarts. The Board of Governors had a meeting last week and decided about a number of subjects they want to modernize at Hogwarts. Some changes will take years to happen; a few will take hold after the summer break and a few will already start this week.
"This summer you'll get a preparation list unlike the ones you're used to. They will only be about the obligatory subjects like Charms, DADA and Potions. After the summer break Hogwarts will offer an open day. On that day your parents will be allowed to visit the school."
Murmurs erupted everywhere and Filius needed some time to calm them down again.
"On that day we'll speak about new subjects we'll offer then, changes in the known subjects – especially Magical History, Muggle Lore and Sports – and other changes. After that you'll have a chance to determine which subjects you want to take. Flourish and Blotts offered to open a little shop at Hogwarts for that day, so you'll be able to buy the needed books then. This isn't all set in stone. We'll still need to think about many details, but overall we hope that Hogwarts will be a better school, offering more in learning and fun to you."
He allowed the students some minutes to discuss this news before he silenced them and continued.
"You already know that Headmaster Dumbledore retired last week. I don't want to give anymore details. There had been difference in opinion about how a headmaster should behave towards his students and how much influence he should have on their life. These differences were dire enough that they didn't allow a further cooperation between him and the four Heads of your Houses. To end the quarrel and allow Hogwarts to calm down again, Headmaster Dumbledore decided to leave. I beg you to honour his decision and hold him in your memory as a man who fought for decades to protect you from all harm.
"Now about a few changes that will start this week already: The Board of Governors decided that they'll allow us to have junior teachers at Hogwarts in the future. These junior teachers will learn how to teach and slowly take over the duty to teach the younger classes, while the main teacher will still be responsible for the whole subject, teaching the higher classes and offering additional training for outstanding pupils.
"Not all posts will be filled now, but we'll make a start with Potions. Please welcome Miss Clearwater, the new Junior Potions Teacher."
How much Professor Snape liked the idea of getting rid of the junior classes showed in his reaction. Not even the deafening cheers from three houses caused him to lose his smile, a very weird sight for everyone who knew him.
"As Headmaster I can't further be Head of House Ravenclaw anymore. I hope my 'Claws will do me honour and be as wonderful in the future as they have been in the past to their new Head: Professor Aurora Sinistra."
The cheering wasn't nearly as deafening as before, but Professor Sinistra was well-liked, especially among the 'Claws. Filius didn't expect many problems and perhaps a 'mother-figure' would be a nice change after decades of a male head.
"And last there will be a new Charms Teacher too. I'll continue to teach the NEWT classes for a while, but the years up to OWL will be taught by…"
He pointed towards the second lady, who now stood up and dispelled her glamour.
"Roxanne Pinegrew."
'Did you know', a frantic Astoria mouthed to her older sister.
'No idea', Daphne mouthed back, unable to suppress a giggle.
A few tables away Neville was hugged by a slightly crazy Hermione "yes, yes, yes."
Harry's grin nearly split his face, especially when he remembered how Filius had introduced her: Pinegrew. Did dear Cyrus know about this little detail?
Professor Roxanne Pinegrew – it sounded really nice, Harry had to admit.
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"You could have told us, Mum." Daphne growled a bit. Her mother had collected her daughters, Harry, Neville and Hermione after dinner. Filius and the other teachers had left earlier than usual to allow their students to speak freely about the changes.
"I wanted to see your faces," Roxanne grinned.
"You're evil, Mother," Harry mock scolded her.
"Grandma told me the same already."
"I'm so happy to have you here," Hermione was still slightly crazy with giddiness. "Not that I dislike Professor Flitwick," she added hastily.
"It's okay, Hermione," Roxanne calmed her.
"Why do you teach only up to OWL classes? Isn't that like a junior teacher?"
"Yes, you're right. But I still need to make my Master in Charms for NEWT classes. And I'll have to decide if I really want this for more than a few years. You know that I originally intended to be a healer."
"I don't know how you would be as a healer," Hermione said thoughtfully. "But I already saw you as a teacher and I think you'll be wonderful."
"Thank you," Roxanne smiled. "I hope you'll still have this opinion after the next weeks. By the way I have a request. We plan to design a pamphlet about Hogwarts, thought especially for the families of Muggleborn. You know: With pictures, a few facts, how to reach us in emergencies, how to prepare for school, something like that. Would you please write your parents, what they think would be helpful in such a pamphlet? And please ask other Muggleborns too. We want to publish the first edition this summer already."
"I'll do that."
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"Sorry about the hour, but we" Filius pointed towards the four House Heads who were likewise present "decided it would be better to speak about this matter before the school starts again. As you all know, Headmaster Dumbledore used his influence on the Sorting Hat to alter his choice about you."
It was difficult for Harry to concentrate on Filius while Ron glared at him like this. Their relation hadn't improved over the break and apparently he somehow blamed Harry alone for Dumbledore's retirement and the problems of his family. They were seven teenagers in all, sitting around a chair with the Sorting Hat resting on it: Harry, Daphne and her sister Astoria, Neville, Hermione, Ron and Draco.
"Apart from Miss Granger every one of you has been sorted according to Headmaster Dumbledore's wishes, irrespective of your own faculties."
"That explains," Daphne smirked "how the Weasel landed in Gryffindor."
"Yeah," Draco added, being the first to understand Daphne's intention. "He's dumb enough for a Gryff but I always thought a minimum of bravery would be another requirement."
"Good for him, that Headmaster Dumbledore messed with the hat," Daphne continued, her smirk even broader. "Without that he would have landed in Hufflepuff certainly."
"I'm not a Hufflepuff, you bitch," Ron roared.
"Yeah, you're a mighty Gryff, Weasel," Draco laughed. "Dream on."
"I'll prove it." Before anyone could react he stepped forward, sat down in the middle and put the hat on his head.
"Mister Weasley, you should understand…" Professor McGonagall tried to stop him, but it was too late. Within seconds the hat came to a conclusion: "Slytherin!"
Ron paled. "That can't be. The hat is broken." He put the hat down and stared at it, like he was searching for signs of destruction on it.
"I'm sorry, Mister Weasley, but apparently Slytherin it is for you."
"No," he whined. "Turn it back. I want to be Gryffindor."
"It's too late for that. As I wanted to explain," Filius continued after a glare towards a very happy Daphne "you have to decide: Do you want to stay at your house or do you want to try a new sorting. If you agree to a new sorting, it will be final."
"It's your fault," he yelled at Daphne.
"You're welcome," she grinned back. "Have fun among us snakes."
She watched him depart, slamming the door behind him, before she addressed Madam Sprout. "I'm sorry, Madam Sprout, because of my remark about your house. It was only to enrage Weasel-boy and doesn't match my opinion. I really like Hufflepuff and still hope that Neville will be happy among the badgers." Madam Sprout still frowned shortly, but at least nodded slightly.
"Speak for yourself," Draco commented, earning him a smack on the head by Astoria. "Be quiet and be happy about your new toy." His scowl turned into a smirk as he started to think about what he could do to his new dorm mate. "By the way: Draco and I will stay at Slytherin. Draco would never survive anywhere else and he'll need me to show a modicum of sense, at least."
Draco ignored the comment, still day-dreaming, while most others showed a mix of understanding smiles and slight groans.
"I'll stay there too." Daphne glanced at Professor Snape before she continued. "My friends are there and I still hope that Pansy and Millie will change with us around." She earned a very small nod from Snape for this.
"So this leaves only Mister Potter and Mister Longbottom. The choice from Miss Granger hasn't been influenced by Headmaster Dumbledore, but the hat told me already that he had something else in mind, back then."
Hermione blushed and nodded. "He wanted to put me into Ravenclaw. I convinced him otherwise." She had no wish to explain that her only reason had been that Minerva – the first witch she had ever met and the one witch that had impressed her most in her life – was a Gryffindor too. "But I don't wish to be resorted. Perhaps Ravenclaw would have been good for me, but I fear being around Gryffs had rubbed off too much."
Laughter and several nods proved that she wasn't the only one with this assumption.
"I want to stay at Gryffindor too," Harry declared. "I'm not sure which house the hat would choose today, but I'm not unhappy. And after I infected poor Hermione, I can't simply abandon her."
"There goes the last hope of Miss Granger ever using her brain," Snape remarked, but for a moment Harry imagined he saw a small smile.
"I want to be resorted," Neville decided at last. "I'm happy at Gryffindor, but still I think I'm not quite right there. And: Perhaps to be away from my friends will help me growing up and be more independent." He shot a quizzical look at Hermione, showing whom he especially meant. In the past six months he had hardly been an hour away from her and perhaps he really needed a few new friends for a change. For a moment he feared to disappoint her, and he felt a wave of relief when she hugged him instead. Occupied with her reaction he didn't notice the approving looks all four house heads exchanged about his decision.
It was no surprise to anyone that he left the room a few minutes later a Hufflepuff.
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"Miss Granger, Mister Malfoy," Professor Snape stopped them as they wanted to leave. "From next Friday on you'll have additional double potions right after lunch. Don't be late."
Without further explanation he left the room. Hermione stared after him for a while, until Draco hitting the door frame with his head prompted her to turn around. "Great. Another two hours with brainiac to spent. And how I know Severus, he'll force me to share a table with you."
Astoria shrugged. "Perhaps you'll learn a thing or two from Hermione. You could use it."
Draco glared at her.
Hermione wondered: "I've still now idea what he's speaking about."
"Additional lessons for outstanding pupils," Daphne explained with a smile. "Apparently you're in and Draco too."
"But he hates me."
"Obviously he hates me more," Draco whined.
Hermione glared at him, Harry grinned.
"You'll survive, Mione" Neville condoled, not very seriously. "You're still a Gryffindor." Somehow Hermione could hear his 'and you're yourself to blame for that part'.
"And you have my permission to pinch and smack Draco, shouldn't he behave." Astoria grinned, ignoring Draco death glare. "And now, Draco, you'll have two ladies to escort back to the dorms." With a groan he obeyed and accepted her arm.
"You know," Daphne smiled before she linked his other arm. "There are dirty Weasels out there, I've heard."
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"Please stay behind for a moment, Mister Longbottom," Madam Sprout begged him.
Most of the teachers had already left now. Only Hermione – after a pleading look of her boyfriend – stayed with him. With a small smile even Filius left his office to allow the trio some privacy.
"Mister Longbottom, next year there will be job counselling between every student and his House Head. But I would like to ask you now already: Have you thought about what you intend to do after Hogwarts?"
A bit confused Neville looked at Hermione, but she only grabbed his hand and pressed it a bit. Madam Sprout smiled. Yes, it would be good to have Hermione around now, especially if she interpreted the ring that was now resting on Hermione's hand correctly. Did the girl know about the importance of such a ring in a pureblood family like the Longbottoms? It didn't only mean 'I promise to stay true to you' but was also a sign of protection.
"I don't know in detail. But in any case I want to do something around Herbology."
"That's good to hear," Madam Sprout smiled. "I have an offer for you. You don't have to decide now, but within the next month would be good."
Now she had the rapt intention of both teenagers. "You already heard about junior teachers. Professor Snape already started and the other teachers will follow. But I'm in a special position. Perhaps you already know that Minerva wants to stop being Deputy Headmistress in a few years?"
Both teenagers nodded.
"As soon as Filius feels secure in his new office, she wants to introduce me to the duties of Deputy. Because we want to split the offices of House Head and Deputy, I'll have to retire from that in a few years, five at most because we want to finish these changes before the Board decides about an extension of Filius time as a headmaster."
That made sense, Hermione mused. So the new Headmaster – should Filius not be successful – wouldn't be able to block these alterations.
"Now about my offer: Neville, you're the most promising student in Herbology I had for a very long time. I would really like to see you as my successor."
Neville paled. This he hadn't expected. Dreamed about, perhaps, but never expected. He was unable to answer, his mouth opening and closing several times.
"Yes," Hermione answered instead with enthusiasm, paddling back not very convincing. "I mean: If he wants to do that, how would you like to continue. You certainly would have to hasten his education."
"Right to the matter, Miss Granger," Madam Sprout smiled. "And you're completely correct. If Mister Longbottom agrees, I would speak with Lady Longbottom about additional lessons in the summer break. He's already ahead of our normal lessons and would have no problems to take his OWL in Herbology before the new school year starts."
Neville paled even more: Taking OWL in four months – never.
Hermione pressed his hand. "No problem about that," she reassured him. "And then?"
Madam Sprout suppressed her smile. Without Hermione confidence in Neville's abilities this would be more difficult. And perhaps Neville had been right about needing a new house to develop more independence and self-confidence. "Neville would start his NEWT lessons next year and – from time to time – accompany me. After a few months I would allow him to teach first and second classes every once in a while to get some practice. Around winter break of his sixth year he should be ready for his Herbology NEWT. After that we'll have to decide if he wants to use the time to get more experience with teaching or start his Master."
Madam Sprout leaned forward and patted his hand. "Mister Longbottom, I don't want to frighten you and I don't intend to overburden you. I offer this, because I have no doubts that you would be able to do this. Don't decide now. Think about it. Speak with your friends and Augusta. And then decide."
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Hogwarts – Charms Teacher Office – 28th of April – Friday Afternoon
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Harry flopped down onto the cozy armchair that had become his favourite spot in Roxanne's office. She was still in the phase of changing the office to her tastes but it already was far away from the room full of weird memorabilia he knew from Filius – memorabilia which now would find a place in the Headmaster's office. Headmaster Flitwick – it still sounded odd. And he had only known Headmaster Dumbledore for four years. How must it be for the older teachers?
"You've been a bit distant to Daphne for the past days." Roxanne's voice disturbed Harry's thoughts and he turned around. He blushed a bit and felt ashamed. She was right about it, but he couldn't help it. "After you gave her the ring she really hoped, that you love her."
"I do," Harry protested, stopping himself instantly. Roxanne smiled softly, when Harry repeated with a lower voice. "I do, really, but…"
"Is it because of Cyrus?" Her voice was nearly a growl. If her good-for-nothing excuse-of-a-husband threatened the love life of her daughter, he would pay dearly. "You behaved this way since Astoria told you about Cyrus wish to engage you with Daphne."
Harry sighed and hid his face behind his hands. "Speak to me, Harry."
Harry looked up again: "Yes, in a way."
Roxanne's face darkened. I knew it.
"I don't want to be a pawn in any game of the Malfoys."
"I understand, Harry. But tell me: Do you love Daphne? And did you offer Daphne the ring on your own?" He nodded weakly.
"Why did you do that?"
Harry pondered. Why did he do it? Back then… "It felt the right thing to do. I got this jewellery from my aunt and I thought about my parents. I thought about how happy they had been, at least for a while. Remus once told me, that my mother didn't like my father very much until their sixth year. Only then did he change and grow up. Only then did they date, spent time with each other. They had only a few years together, far too short. I didn't want to repeat that. Daphne likes me now and I wanted to show her, that I do the same. You know: It's not so long ago, that I had a crush on Cho Chang. But now I can't imagine a day without Daphne and in a way by presenting the ring to her, I wanted to ask: Do you feel the same?"
"And what do you think now, what's her answer?"
"I think she's feeling the same." Harry answered with a thoughtful expression.
"I think so as well," Roxanne agreed. "Is it important what others think about it? So Dumbledore wanted to separate you – to Hell with him. And now Malfoy and my waste of a husband want to see you together – twice to Hell with them. Do what you want, Harry! Do, what you feel is the right thing to do. Don't listen to the gits of this world. Perhaps it's too soon to get engaged this summer. But who forces you? It's your decisions alone, yours and Daphne's. Please don't behave shabbily towards her because of the thoughts of a Malfoy. You won't allow him to win and influence you?"
"No, I won't." After a moment Harry repeated with more determination: "No, I won't. Thank you, Mother."
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Hogwarts – Great Hall – 29th of April – Saturday, Lunch Time
.
With a kiss on her cheek Harry parted from Daphne to visit the Weasley twins. Since his conversation with Roxanne the day before, he had been able to apologize to his girlfriend and return to his former behaviour. He felt lucky to have such an understanding girlfriend. With stubborn Hermione – he assumed – it would be much more difficult to make good for such a stupid stunt.
But now it was twin time. Harry grinned. They had returned with the other students and while they still used the pity ploy to get around some of the work in the lessons, they seemed alright again to Harry. They had promised Ginny to visit her next weekend, but today they stayed at Hogwarts.
"Charlie is with her," Fred explained.
"He planned some excursion with her and Fleur's little sister," George added.
"Still trying to fetch some brownie points, I assume," Harry grinned.
"Mother still isn't happy about Fleur."
"But father agrees and at the moment only his opinion matters."
"I have an offer," Harry slowly started.
"More money for our prank shop?" Fred asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
"No, money for some students and especially Ginny." He waved Colin to take a seat at his side.
"You remember two years ago, the events around the Chamber of Secrets. What everyone apparently forgot: There is a dead Basilisk down there. Certainly much of the cadaver isn't useful anymore, but I hope that the magic of the chamber preserved at least the hide, the bones and the teeth."
"You want to sell the cadaver?"
"Yes," Harry nodded. "Next weekend – on our Hogsmeade day – I'll visit Gringotts and speak with the Goblins. I want to sell the cadaver and distribute the money. Most of it is thought to fund the school's changes. But a part will go to the students that got hurt. I hope I'm not totally mistaken about the worth of it, but please stay quiet until I know about what kind of money we're speaking."
"Why tell us now?"
"If I have a contract with the Goblins, I'll have to open them the way. I want Colin to accompany me to do some photos. And I thought you would like to come with me to have a look. I'll offer the same to a few others too, but with you being Ginny's brothers…"
"We would like that."
.
A dozen steps away Daphne and Hermione had taken seats at the Slytherin table. A few months ago the snakes wouldn't have accepted this kind of behaviour – and Hermione wouldn't have dreamed of doing this either – but much had changed since then. Still some of the Slytherins – especially the older boys – were glaring at her. But she liked to spend the meals with Daphne, finding a kindred spirit in her at last, someone willing to speak about other things than Quidditch or clothes.
And to her surprise she had started to like the conversations with the other girls too, not only with Tracey – who amused her endlessly how she held her boyfriend Blaise under her thumb – but also Millie. The big girl had started to show a new side, a side able of deeper thoughts. Yes, Millie wasn't especially bright, but she wanted to learn. She was diligent and patient in her work and often willing to think for long times about a problem. Obviously this side was new to her dorm mates too. Pansy, who stayed silent most of the time, often stared wide-eyed at her friend and bodyguard when Millie surprised them anew with some deep thoughts.
"What is she doing here?"
Oh, right, Hermione groaned inwardly. I have forgotten.
From Blaise she knew that Ron's first week in the dungeons had been troublesome. The other boys tried to ignore him, with only Draco using every chance to insult him. The one time Ron had dared to insult him back Crabbe and Goyle had punched him into the ground. Not too seriously, only to show the pecking order. With no friends among the Gryffindors anymore – not because of his house change but thanks to the other students learning about his part in the whole 'we force Ginny onto Harry' matter – he had started to struggle for recognition among his new housemates.
He was still very angry and apparently felt betrayed by his former friends, tricked into this situation – not totally without good reason. So he began to insult them as often as possible, ignoring the fact that he already lost his new house some points with this behaviour, as he wasn't very sneaky about it. So perhaps she shouldn't have been surprised to get a new round of insults, but she really had hoped that he would grow up eventually. She had hoped for too much, obviously.
"Hey, mudblood, I'm speaking with you."
Hermione paled. The pinging sound of Slytherin losing another ten points wasn't helping. Not that she felt really hurt by this dumb insult anymore, but she never expected to hear it from Ron. His family would be furious.
"What did you say?" Daphne's voice was ice-cold. Everyone around stopped to eat and watched the quarrel. Ron – feeling proud and totally ignoring that most Slytherins were glaring instead of sending any looks at him that could be called adoring – only smirked and stood up.
"I said… argh." He yelled and jumped back, when a pint of hot gravy hit his head from above. Looking up he saw an empty bowl floating above, at least for a second before the magical grip that held the bowl in place stopped and it came down smashing into his face.
"Ups… are we a bit clumsy, Weasel-boy?" Pansy's shrill voice caused Ron to forget the pain. He saw her store away her wand, smirking. Forgetting his own wand Ron hurled himself at the small girl, only to trip over Millie's foot. With much noise he came down among the plates, dishes and bowls on the table. Groggy he stood up again.
"What's going on here?" The drawling voice of Professor Snape stopped every further action and forced everyone to hide his smile – at least a bit.
"Mister Weasley feels clumsy apparently, Professor Snape," Pansy explained. "And he's unable to appreciate the value of hard work – you see how he handles the dishes our dear house-elves prepared with so much diligence. It's a shame, really!" Perhaps she shouldn't have winked at Hermione, but Snape ignored the gesture.
Instead he glared at Ron. Severus had heard the ping too and knew its meaning. Since he followed the example of the other House Heads there hadn't often been the case of someone using this special insult. Not only because it was forbidden now and cost the house points – something that angered quite a few Snakes – but because Draco and Pansy had forbidden the use too, for different reasons.
"Paddoc."
A groan escaped the throat of a younger Slytherin and Ron paled. Paddoc, the Pinegrew house-elf, had already been able to build up a reputation for disgusting detentions in the few days since Roxanne brought him to Hogwarts a week ago. The groaning second-year had been his first victim, when Roxanne – unwilling to cope with the boy anymore – assigned him a detention with Paddoc the grumpy imp. Snape had heard about his complaints the next day, how the hours at the kitchen had been worse than any trophy polishing under Filch's watchful eyes. So in a way Severus was quite happy for this chance.
"Paddoc, Mister Weasley wants to learn about the meaning of hard manual work. He has detention with you this afternoon. I expect him to clean all tables before it's time to prepare for dinner."
Paddoc bowed deeply, his evil smile showing that Ron wouldn't like the detention one bit.
Perhaps Ron should really learn to keep his mouth shut, Hermione mused with a slight smile.
.
A/N
I looked into the Potter wiki, but there was no information about the houses of some of the teachers. So I decided that Professor Sinistra would make a good Ravenclaw.
I'm still working on my script for the sequel. So if you have ideas/wishes, now it would be a good time to write about them. Will Ron come to his senses? Will Narcissa make her dream come true and poison dear Lucius?
Especially I'm unsure about what to do with DADA. Umbridge will be there as an Inquisitor (because of Filius). But should she be DADA teacher or someone else?