Magnolia Crescent

Chapter Forty-Eight

Consequences of Bad Pranks

"So then, Potter shoves his wand in my face and the next thing I know, I'm bouncing around as a freaking ferret!" Malfoy said, eyeing Moody carefully. Crabbe and Goyle had remained silent since they had entered the office twenty minutes ago. The Auror was leaning on his staff in the corner of Dumbledore's office. Harry fought the urge to growl at Malfoy's blatant lies, knowing that Professor Snape would easily turn it around and get him into trouble. It didn't help matters any that Malfoy was practically hiding behind Snape's robes while Dumbledore frowned.

His office was more packed than it had been in some time, Dumbledore realized, what with two teachers, eight students, an Auror and himself. Despite the number of people present, Harry wasn't convinced that anything was actually going to happen. Leo was staring wide-eyed at Fawkes standing on his perch. The level of awe he displayed was beyond Harry's scope of belief.

"Potter!" Snape snapped, glaring down at him. Harry glanced back at the potion's professor, simply tired of his constant antagonism.

"Yes, Professor?" he replied with a neutral tone.

"Your side of the story?" he prompted, seeming to loom over Harry.

"You've already made your decision. Ask Mr. Moody; I have nothing to add," he remarked, looking up at Dumbledore. There almost seemed to be a sparkle in his eye but he couldn't figure out why.

"Harry was defending his friend. Malfoy used a spell that is banned on a fellow student so we – Harry, Ron and I – stood up to prevent him continuing his abuse on Hermione. I don't see why we are even here – the three of them should have been put into detention fifty times over. And yet, they keep ferreting around the system as if they are above the rules!" Leo suddenly shouted in outrage. He fumed silently for a few minutes, a muscle in his jaw ticking all the while and then he seemed to realize who he had just exploded at.

Leo went stiff as a board before huddling in on himself and trying to step backwards to avoid the eye of everyone in the office.

"Be that as it may, you are not getting out of this without proper repercussions," Dumbledore said.

"So, you're discouraging the desire to stand up for yourself?" Brom asked, suddenly bursting through the office doors. He looked livid, even more than at the skirmish earlier.

"Brom," Dumbledore said calmly while the American headmaster strode in like he owned the place.

"I watched the whole thing and Mr. Malfoy's complete disregard for the rules has been repeated before. Yes, I've been watching everyone this year and I have had many complaints from my own students. Not to mention the number of badges I've seen pass by on your students that are supposed to have authority and have done nothing. But the main question is why you are allowing such blatant chaos to rain in your halls?" Brom demanded, storming to the desk and slamming his fists down on it.

Everyone froze – though Neville jumped, having been hiding behind Ron for most of the conversation – watching Brom and Dumbledore stare at each other. They never broke eye contact and even Snape, for all his composure, glanced quickly at the door.

"Headmaster Brom, I know you mean well, but this is not the time nor the place," McGonagall finally said as if nothing had happened. He stood up abruptly, staring down at Dumbledore in disappointment. He glanced over at Leo for a moment, causing him to shrink even more. Then he straightened out his robes and stalked away.

"Brom, I understand why you are aggravated," Dumbledore called before his fellow headmaster could make it to the door. Brom stopped suddenly, pulling his robe tightly around him.

"Dumbledore, we are both old men and whatever your reasons are, I still believe that it is right to stand up to people who have no issues putting others in the hospital wing," he bit out. With that said he stalked back towards the door and nearly slammed it on his way out.

"Of all the nerve, butting into Hogwarts business! And that goes for you as well, Alastor, you are not in charge of disciplining my students," Snape snarled, glaring fiercely at Moody. The ex-Auror refused to respond but looked at Dumbledore instead.

"It seems that I have been put into an interesting position. I have, as the saying goes, been called out by peers and," Dumbledore paused to glance at Leo, "by the students that I have been asked to watch over. It appears that we have a situation regarding Severus' ability to discipline, so I believe a more neutral party would be required."

Snape was clearly beside himself, glowering down at Leo with a look that promised vengeance. In his defense, he was clearly regretting his decision more and more as the seconds passed. Then he got a determined look in his eye, stood up straight and stared directly forward.

"Professor, what do you mean," McGonagall asked, staring at him in confusion.

"Could you pass me the Sorting Hat?" he asked, holding out one hand. He motioned for the eight students to sit down and placed the hat on the heads in turn. After a few seconds, the Sorting Hat told them the recommended detention length. When it had passed over all eight, they were dismissed and they filed out solemnly. Leo stayed fairly close to the Gryffindors and no one even bothered to look towards Malfoy.

"Well, I do believe that's the first time that I have seen or heard of Malfoy getting detention," Leo finally chuckled after they went their separate ways. He shoved his hands in his pockets, grinning from ear to ear.

"Not for us," Ron replied. "But did you see the look on Snape's face? He looked ticked! Leo, I've got to hand it to you, why in the world are you not a Gryffindor?" he asked, casually clapping Leo on the back.

"Because I choose not to," he admitted, catching Ron glance at him in surprise.

"Why would you choose Slytherin, of all houses?" he asked in disbelief.

"Merlin," came his simple reply. He smiled, letting out a low chuckle.

"Oh, Merlin was in Slytherin house and was a big supporter of Muggle rights and is now considered the best and most powerful wizard in history," Luna's voice explained. They jumped ever so slightly but was mostly unsurprised to find her trailing quietly behind them. "And I can't believe I've got detention, I am so excited! Oh, you boys," she said dreamily. "You're such bad influences."

"I completely forgot that she got in trouble as well," Harry muttered, leaning closer to Ron.

"Easy mistake. Have you noticed how eerily quiet that girl can be?" he muttered back.

"Well, you have no idea," Leo told her casually, smirking. It fell from his face, however, when they heard an explosion echo from two corridors over, followed closely by a high-pitched scream.

"Was that Snorpwork?" Luna asked, perking up instantly.

"Could be," Leo replied with a knowing smile. Ron, Neville and Harry merely chuckled at him. "I can't wait to spread this around: Malfoy, The Incredible Bouncing Ferret. Anyways, there's something that I need to take care of, later," he said, disappearing down an empty hallway.

"What was all that about?" Ron scoffed, glancing at Harry. His smile faded away and he took a deep breath. His own detention was with Snape, and the joys that would bring. "Well, I have to say things could be better," he said instead. A few seconds later, a slow clapping echoed down the corridor and they spun around to see what it was.

"Great job, Harry, your father would be proud of you," Sirius said, grinning like a madman as he approached them. "But on a more serious note, I wanted to ask you to start coming with me to the Shrieking Shack. The loss of the map and our memory is quite concerning and I don't want that to happen again."

"Agreed," Harry replied solemnly. "We should also start thinking of possible ways into the school. Something that can get past the extra enchantments the Ministry has put up."

"Wouldn't be a bad idea. There are a few things I've been working on, but obviously, this takes precedence," he replied, nodding his head.

"Have you tried to find the room they used? I feel like that would be good place to start," Harry advised. Sirius chuckled half-heartedly at his godson's advice.

"Sadly, that room no longer exists," he sighed. "Despite my best efforts, it's simply gone."

"Well, that can't be right," Harry said, frowning. "This school just keeps getting more and more unbelievable. I thought you knew most of Hogwarts' secrets, anyway," he added, a bit of concern in his voice. Sirius scoffed.

"Not even I would have the arrogance to make that claim," he said.

"Well, it would seem that even Black has his limitations then," Snape's voice said. He strode swiftly through the hall towards them.

"Can I help you?" Sirius said irritably but managing to keep as much coolness in his tone that he could muster.

"Yes, it would seem that your recent abduction has greatly concerned our esteemed headmaster and he has asked me to look into the matter," Snape replied calmly, staring fixedly at a spot somewhere over Sirius's right shoulder.

"Ah, well, I can see that you are the right man for the job," Sirius quipped.

"Sarcasm is unbecoming of you. I would like to know, however, if you had any theories," he asked instead. The potions master appeared to be flexing his fingers in an attempt to keep from doing something rash. Sirius was tapping his chin lightly, glancing at the ceiling thoughtfully.

"I have one theory, but it's about you being a nosy git," Sirius retorted, causing Snape to curl his lips into a sneer.

"It appears that you are incapable of taking even your own life seriously," he growled.

"Sirius, this isn't the time to be antagonizing the potions master," Harry advised, glancing up at his godfather. Both professors glanced at him, one being more obvious than the other. "Look, my life is on the line and now yours is in question too. We can't waste time belittling people who are willing to help," he said, glancing at Snape and suppress a shudder. He couldn't stand the thought of this man actually helping them.

"Harry, you don't understand," Sirius began.

"Didn't you hear? I was just thrown into detention because of Draco Malfoy. I think I know what it's like to deal with a bully. However, don't think that I wouldn't work with him if my life was on the line," Harry said, talking right over Sirius and crossing his arms over his chest.

"Harry, of course I am going to work with him. I just don't like him period, that's all," he said, trying to reason. "Dear god, you are a lot less like your father than I originally thought." He sighed, forgetting for a moment that Snape was even there.

"Don't act like it's such a bad thing," Harry said, suddenly feeling very ashamed. Sirius exhaled, glancing around the corridor, glowering when his eyes landed on Snape still standing there.

"Oh, right. What are you looking at? We've got work to do!" he urged, pushing Harry away and down the corridor. "I swear, you're as bad Lily some days."

They walked off, leaving Snape standing in the hallway long after everyone was gone. His brow creased deeply over his eyes and his greasy hair fell into his face. With a set jaw, he spun on his heel and stalked away from the corridor with his cloak billowing behind him.

"I wonder if the Ministry will be handling this. An international incident is the last thing this school needs," he muttered to himself, briefly wondering what the American headmaster was doing.

"Headmaster Brom?" Hermione asked in shock, having pushed open a classroom door to find him sitting in a plush chair and sipping from a china cup.

"Do come in, I'm so glad you joined me," he said, giving her a warm smile.

"I'm just surprised is all," she told him, giving a short laugh.

"Don't act so nervous and feel free to leave the door open. I have somewhat of an offer for you," Brom said, smiling. Hermione had already shut the door, so she shrugged apologetically and reached for the handle once more but he simply waved her off. "Leave it."

"Um, okay," Hermione said, trying to look as calm as possible.

"You can sit down, if you like," he offered. She glanced at the chair but choose to remain standing. "Fair enough. Put simply, I am wondering if you would like to become an Animagus as well," he presented, getting straight to the point. Hermione's eyes darted to the only eye-catching thing the room – the fire that glowed softly beside Brom's chair. "Well, if you aren't interested, just say so," he said after a she was quiet for a few moments, feeling a bit put out.

"It's not that, I mean, I have a feeling that Sirius could teach me. It just feels odd that a foreign teacher is interested in teaching a Hogwarts student," she admittedly gingerly, fiddling with the hem of her sweater.

"Understandable. To be honest, it's quite a selfish activity – I love teaching and such transformations are my personal favorite. So, I travel around and find as many willing students as possible and unlike most teachers, I spread that idea as far as possible. Though, I do have to admit mainly because it seems that Animagi are going out of style. Some people fear that it may become a lost art if this decline keeps up. And it just so happens that you were in the right place at the right time."

"You are rather blunt, you know that?" Hermione said, furrowing her brow.

"Yes, I am. So are you interested in learning? And if you are feeling uncertain, feel free to think about it and, since you are so nervous, ask Sirius to watch our lessons or something. Dear god, I have never seen a person fidget that much in my life," he said, raising one eyebrow and watching her movements.

"Oh, sorry. I've just never been asked to talk with a Headmaster one on one before," she admitted.

"Aha, I was thinking that you were getting the wrong vibe from me. Ah, the innocence of the young. Anyway, I do have a few other students who are interested, so show up here after dinner, if you will," he said. "That is, if you are interested."

"Hang on, isn't it illegal to become an Animagus without the Ministry's knowledge?" Hermione asked, rising from her seat and pacing the room.

"Well, for one, I'm an American and therefore have diplomatic immunity," he replied, splaying his hands across his chest. "Secondly, after someone completes the process, it becomes their own responsibility to inform their governing body. So, if you fail to register, then it's on your own head."

"I suppose that's a fair point," she murmured, pulling a thoughtful face. Brom floated a piece of parchment across to the room in front of her. Another flick of his wand caused the door to swing open and he winced when it banged off the wall. Realizing that it was time to leave, she quickly scampered out of the room.

"Well, that was nerve wracking. I've never taught a girl before; concerning, I should fix that," he murmured, moving back to his tea. He heard the door latch as someone shadowed moved into the room.

"Ah, so nice to see you again. What can I do for you?" he asked, smiling over his steaming cup.