A/N: This is a second point of view of my story.
Chapter 1
Susan did not know what strangeness the next twelve months would cause. Her aunt had left her a message for her to read when she woke up this morning. It warned her to expect a heavy conversation when her aunt got home. She wondered what this was about.
In less than 365 days, she would be on the express to Hogwarts. That both pleased and scared her. What did her aunt think she needed to know or learn before she had her formal education?
She also wondered who besides Hannah she would know in her class. When her aunt was the chief of the Department of magical law enforcement; she knew that might cause issues with becoming friends with other people there.
{s}
"Did you have a good day, aunty?" Susan asked.
"Not really, had to deal with Wizengamot members that felt their friends do not have to follow the same rules as the rest of us!" Amelia responded.
"Sorry, aunty. Did you really expect things to change? Ever since you became the head of the DMLE that has been part of the job." Susan replied with a smirk.
"I know, but I didn't realize it would be this bad." Amelia whined.
"Really, aunty? The Wizengamot gets to vote on the guilt." Susan replied.
"Fair point. It still vexes me." Amelia answered.
"Poor aunty. Now what do we need to talk about?" Susan asked.
"Several things. After we discuss the important things, we will talk about the changes in your body. We have to get you bras now. You can expect other changes. At least two of them really suck." Amelia said. This caused Susan to blush.
"To start, we need to talk about Hogwarts," Amelia said. "As you know, I did not want to send you there. If it wasn't for the law Albus got the ICW to pass, you would not be sent there."
"Do you know why he passed the law? And where would you have sent me?" Susan asked.
"He wants purebloods to stay in Britain. As to your second question, is either Ilvermorny, Oceanic Institute, or Mahoutokoro. All three of them are better at teaching dueling and dark arts. That is if you still want to be an auror. Bugger, Hogwarts is the only school that does not have a dueling class. Add, Beauxbâtons, if you want schools that use the ICW OWLS and NEWTS or equivalent testing difficulty." Amelia said.
"Why doesn't Hogwarts use the ICW's exams or uses their own that are set to the same standard?" Susan asked.
"Again, Dumbledore is the one to blame. He keeps dropping the standards so that Purebloods don't get schooled by muggleborns. He is also the reason I will be teaching you occlumency." Amelia said. "I do not trust him not to try to get information directly from your mind."
"But that is illegal to due on a minor!" Susan replied in shock.
"True, but prove it, plus it is Dumbledore. He would have to use the killing curse on an auror in the middle of Diagon Alley during Yule rush for anyone to actually think he did anything evil." Amelia sighed.
"Is he?" Susan asked.
"Yes. Worse, he is the perfect politician. Never accepting open rewards but then … Plus he has been riding on his victory over Gellert Grindelwald. Do not ever look him in the eye. When possible, avoid him. Be warned, he uses a cantrip to cause light around his eyes, to attract your gaze. He has the statues, ghosts, and portraits spy on everyone in the castle." Amelia said sadly. Her fury at the man was jumbling her thoughts.
"Lovely. I will discuss with you where I want to transfer to, when I get my OWLS." Susan said. "Any other advice?"
"Yes, and maybe." Amelia teased.
"Aunty!"
"Alright, see if you can find some friends in the library. I know you are intelligent. Not enough to get into Ravenclaw. So, find a smart Ravenclaw, and form a study group. That way if your personality changes, it will be noticed. Also, and I hate to suggest this, but if one of them is from the dark faction, you might want to trade some auror magic for dark magic." Amelia stated. Susan thought for a second, and slowly nodded her head.
"Now, there is one last thing. It is possible for Harry Potter to be your year mate. I know you have a crush on the boy who lives. I hope you realize that the boy in those books is complete fiction. Harry will be completely different from the boy who lived. Harry is real, unlike the stories. Hell, I even changed Harry Potter's diapers. I was friends with his mother. Please, if he is there, be his friend. If, when older, you want to be more, I would be okay with that." Amelia said. Susan eyes grew in shock.
"Yes, Harry was a good baby. So were you." Amelia said getting Susan to blush again.
"You said he might be there. I don't understand." Susan said.
"Harry Potter could be dead. He could be living overseas. He could be in a muggle society. We don't know. I hope he is going to a wizard school next year. Not Hogwarts. I hope the headmaster where ever he finally goes to, refuses Albus." Amelia said.
"Okay. What else?" Susan asked.
"Because I am the head of the DMLE, you have two warnings. The first, if anyone asked about our security, or current or highly publicized cases I am in, I need to know immediately. You will have a communication mirror for emergencies. The second, please, I want you to have fun, but you have to be a good girl. Please do not do anything that would end you up on the front page of the Prophet."
"I will be a good girl, aunty." Susan promised.
{s}
"Any word about Harry Potter, aunty?" Susan asked. She thought about the boy as she finished her school shopping.
"No, he has not been seen in the alley. No merchants have seen him. In case I haven't told you, I am sure he is alive. Gringotts has not closed his trust vault. I had to do two favors for the goblins to get that information. Too bad, I would like you to go to school with him. His dad was a good auror, working on his hit wizard certification. I am sure Harry could be one also." Amelia said. "Two more weeks, then off on the express."
"Why do you keep bringing up Harry Potter?" Susan asked.
"Once James grew up, he was a fine man. Lily was fine with a second wife if it was for a continuation contract. That is what you want. If Harry takes after his father, I would approve of the match. Plus, you should see his beautiful green eyes. A child with your hair and his eyes would be a heartbreaker." Amelia said. Susan huffed.
"Susan, the next two weeks will be hard on you. I called in a favor. The head unspeakable will be finishing off your occlumency training.
{s}
"Well Miss Bones, are you all ready to start at Hogwarts?" Croaker asked.
"I am Mister Croaker. I want to thank you for taking over my occlumency training. I think I am almost ready. I know you will now be trying to pierce it. If I can stop you, will I be able to keep a powerful wizard out of my mind?" Susan replied.
"We will see. On a count of three. One. Two. Three. Legilimens." Croaker said.
Susan tried to keep him out. She was at least relieved that she did know he was in her mind, but a bit despondent, Croaker had had pierced her mind. She knew he saw her talk with her aunt about Hogwarts. At least, she could almost throw him out. She was getting there.
"Well, you are not bad at all. With a bit more effort, you would be able to keep the information safe. Your aunt is correct, Albus is a threat." Croaker said.
"You agree with my aunt about Dumbledore?" Susan asked.
"Yes, I will not explain why. But I do agree. Now, I plan on reading your mind and getting the fantasy that you jill off to the most. On three. One. Two. Three. Legilimens." Croaker said.
This time, Susan was able to throw Croaker out after a few seconds.
"Very good. I think he might be willing to do that." Croaker said.
Susan blushed, then she realized what Croaker had said. "How do you know that?"
"I know the boy. The rest, you will have to get from him; if he gives it to you. He will be at Hogwarts with you, I am afraid." Croaker said.
"You do not let stuff slip; what is your game?" Susan demanded.
"You are right; I do not let information slip. You will just have to figure that out yourself." Croaker responded.
"Can I tell my aunt about it?" Susan asked.
"Not until after the first week of school. This is for Harry's safety." Croaker said.
"Now, I will tell Harry you have a crush on the boy who lived if you cannot keep me out, Legilimens." Croaker said.
This time, Susan was able to keep Croaker out.
"See, you can do it. You just needed the right motivation." Croaker said. Susan was still pissed at the man for his poking. She understood why he did. That didn't mean she liked it.
{s}
Susan felt that her aunt was clingy, all the physical affection from her aunt almost made her late to get aboard the express. She found a compartment with her friend Hannah, a bushy hair girl who was reading, "Hogwarts a History", a blond hair pureblood she thought she knew, and a brunette girl. She was glad that there were no boys. It allowed her to relax and actually start a conversation with all the girls. By the time the train had actually left London, they had the basis of friendship.
Then a thick first year boy came into their compartment. He was looking for his toad familiar. She and Hermione got up to go look for the toad. About thirty minutes later, they both returned to the compartment. From a suggestion of a boy, a prefect summoned the toad. Another hour, they saw a conductor run down the train passage. Then a Hufflepuff prefect came into their compartment.
"Have any of you been out of this compartment in the last hour?" The prefect asked. All the girls shook their heads no.
"Then you will have to change into your school robes in this compartment. I will come by every half hour to see if any of you need to use the loo. If you do, I will get a female prefect to escort you to and from it. She will have to stay with you whenever you are outside your compartment. When we get to Hogsmeade, stay here until aurors tell you that you can leave." All the girls agreed with the prefect.
"What do you think this is about, Susan?" Hannah asked.
"Nothing good. For us to be confined to this compartment, and have to wait for aurors; there must have been a major crime. Nothing else I can think of." Susan replied.
"Why would you know that, Susan?" Hermione asked.
"I live with my aunt. My parents were killed in the magical war about eleven years ago so she is my guardian. Why that is important, my aunt is the current director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Susan answered.
"That makes sense. I am glad you are willing to explain. I am the first witch in my family; I do not know about a lot of these things." Hermione replied.
"You are welcome. Just because we grew up in the magical world; that doesn't mean we are better than you. Some people from multi-generational magicals, also known as purebloods, feel they are better than you, just because of the loins they come from." Daphne said.
"Yes, no matter what house we end up in; we can remain friends. We may have to meet in the library to be safe though. Some houses, Slytherin, may make it dangerous if we do it in public anywhere else." Tracy said.
"That sounds nice. Thank you. Speaking of the library; can you recommend any books that have information on pureblood customs and wizarding government?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, I am sure we will be able to find some books for you in the library," Hannah said. "You have been quiet Susan, what are you thinking?"
"I will send my aunt an owl, we may need to know what happened. I will let you all know what I can." Susan said.
{m}
Amelia Bones
Aunty
I know something bad happened on the express today. The aurors at the station and the teachers have told us nothing. I understand if you cannot say anything, but I feel I might need to know.
Since you will ask; both Hannah and I were sorted into Hufflepuff. The sorting was as you told me. The hat said I could either all but Slytherin. Since Hannah was in Hufflepuff, I chose that.
We made some friends on the train. One, a muggleborn, named Hermione Granger who was sorted into Gryffindor. Which seemed strange. She is the quintessential Ravenclaw. She was even reading "Hogwarts a History" on the train. Our two other compartment mates, Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis are now Slytherin. We agreed to meet up in the library and remain friends.
Harry Potter did not show up. So, if he is alive, he is going to another school.
Susan
{m}
Amelia Bones
Aunty
I assume that whatever happened on the express was a major crime. Several things have happened here that you need to know about.
Harry Potter showed up on the second day.
The rumor mill has that several children of accused death eaters tried to kill Harry.
Harry Potter's sorting was buggered. The sorting hat fell off his head without sorting him. Harry said that the hat was forced to put him into a specific house. So, Harry chose Ravenclaw. Professor McGonagall then allowed any first year to change their house. The headmaster was not happy about this. I am glad that my muggle friend left Gryffindor to Ravenclaw.
I hope there will be a chance for me to talk to Harry, I remember your request.
The first month is going well, otherwise.
Susan
PS: When Croaker was finishing my occlumency training; he told me Harry was alive and would be at Hogwarts this year. He said for Harry's safety, not to tell you until today.
{n}
BOY-WHO-LIVED IN ALMOST DIED
Ever vigilant for important news for our loyal readers, I've come across the most astounding piece of information. The hero of our wizarding world, Harry Potter (11), had a group of new students try to assassinate him on the Hogwarts Express. In a close-quarter spell battle, he survived and likely killed his attackers.
He is known to many as the Boy-Who-Lived after his astonishing defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named ten years ago this Halloween, he was able to defeat three other Hogwarts first years as well as an adult. At this time there is no information why the skirmish happened. The DMLE has officially ruled this a murder attempt on the boy.
We, at the Daily Prophet, would like to congratulate Mister Potter on his surviving being attacked by Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle. In the chaos of the fight Ronald Weasley and one more person {see below} died while they were traveling to Hogwarts aboard the Hogwarts Express on the 1st of this month.
This reporter will work hard for you to learn all the facts on this most unusual circumstance and report them in your newspaper for your information.
PETER PETTIGREW HERO OR TRAITOR
During the fight between the boy who lived and the three or four other students, a stray cutting curse hit a rat. The rat, "Scabbers" a family pet of the Weasley family was in reality, an unregistered animagus.
The identity of the animagus has been confirmed by the Ministry. It is one, Peter Pettigrew. Peter Pettigrew was the wizard that was supposedly killed by Sirius Black and some muggles in London ten years ago. The question is, why did he fake his death? Why was he living with the Weasleys as a pet? Did they know?
What we do know, is Pettigrew fought Black on a street in Muggle London. There was a battle; Pettigrew yelled out about how Black had betrayed Harry Potter's family then one of them cast a curse that caused an explosion, blowing up a large section of the street. Twelve Muggles died and the only thing recovered from Pettigrew was his finger.
The DMLE investigation report declared Peter dead, just because they found his finger. That is all. No other evidence was included.
Peter was assumed to have also died in that blast. Killed by Black! If that was the truth, why did he hide after Sirius was arrested? Why did he remain hidden for years? Since he was a recipient of the Order of Merlin Third Class, Questions abound. There is no comment from the DMLE at the time of print
SIRIUS BLACK INNOCENT?
Due to the dead body of Peter Pettigrew who was killed on the Hogwarts Express, questions abound about the imprisonment of Sirius Black. This reporter found that Sirius was sent to Azkaban without any trial let alone a conviction by the Wizengamot. Again, there is no response from the Ministry to our questions. Why was Lord Black just sent to Azkaban without a trial, something that even admitted Death Eaters received?
The mystery deepens. This esteemed reporter found out that the documents that were sent Black to Azkaban were signed by Chief Warlock despite the lack of a trial.
{m}
Susan Bones
My darling Niece
I am sorry that I could not say anything. As a matter of fact, the Prophet should not have printed what happened yet either. There is at least one or more auror that sold information to the Prophet. If I find out who did, they will be fired that day.
The information in the Prophet was accurate except that the investigation is still ongoing and there are still questions. I cannot get into it. Your information about Croaker increases the number of questions.
I know you are still interested in him. I will warn you; people are plotting to kill that boy. You also need to know about his circumstances. After he defeated, he-who-shall-not-be-named, someone placed him with his biological aunt's family. They were abusive to him. Then Her majesty's government placed him with a new family.
The new family is interesting. His muggle guardian is the muggle version of a hit-witch. His adopted aunt is officially an unspeakable spell researcher. I am sure she is also a hit-witch. She is a direct report to Croaker.
I do not know if I want you to even be friends with him. Another part of me wants you to. After talking to Croaker, if you eventually want a continuation contract with Harry; I will sign off on it.
I know Mister Potter and his current family are not in the headmaster's camp.
Be careful; stay in touch.
Love Your Aunt
Amelia
{s}
Susan was a little worried about the troll. She and Hannah were having a good Halloween feast. When Dumbledore sent them to their home rooms; she got worried. How could that idiot send them to the dungeons if the troll was really there? Either he did not care about the students, or he knew that the troll wasn't in the dungeon. Where was it really at? Thinking of that, she did not see Hermione or Harry Potter at the feast. So, on the way out of the hall, she told one of the prefects, who ran over to professor sprout.
{s}
When she got into the badger's den, she was furious. The prefect had told Sprout. Sprout told Dumbledore. Dumbledore said in front of both Sprout and the prefect; that he was sure Harry was okay and that if Miss Granger had encountered a troll; it would serve the muggle right for ignoring the mandatory feast.
{s}
She slept poorly that night. In the morning, Hannah had to drag her from her bed. She got her second wind when she saw Hermione and Harry sitting at the Ravenclaw table. She would just have to wait to talk with Hermione.
{s}
After the last class, the girls gathered in the library. It would give them a good chance to talk.
"What happened last night?" Susan asked.
"What do you mean, Susan?" Hermione asked acting like yesterday had not happened. The rumor mill had Harry save Hermione and killed the troll. That caused Susan and Daphne to exchange a long look.
Susan and Daphne raise their wands at Hermione and together said Finite.
"What the fuck!" Hermione said in just short of a scream.
"Okay, what happened?" Susan asked as she hugged the upset Ravenclaw.
It took Hermione a few minutes to calm down. Then she explained what happened from the charm's class to Harry's rescue. When Hermione was finished there was a lot of silence.
"Hermione, you might want to check books about life-bonds, life-debts, and vassal ship. I think you are in danger." Daphne said.
"Danger? What are you talking about, Daphne?" Hermione demanded.
"Someone cast a spell on you, so you forgot last night. Someone doesn't want you to know you owe Harry. If he claims it and you do not respond, you would lose your magic, then your life soon afterward." Susan said.
"Why would someone do that to me?" Hermione whined.
"It could be because you are muggleborn, or a friend of Harry Potter, or both of those or something even worse." Daphne said.
"How do I protect myself? Protect Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Look at the books Daphne told you about. Also, we have to meet here three times a week. Each time, we will cast finite on each other. Anyone missing will be tracked down." Susan said.
{s}
Susan and Hannah were approaching the carriages to go home for Yule. Susan saw Professor McGonagall talking with Harry Potter. Judging by the facial expressions; it was not a pleasant conversation. She saw the professor send off a patronus.
{s}
Susan dragged Hannah to the compartment Hermione and Harry were in. About two minutes later, the door banged open. Headmaster Dumbledore came into the compartment after that. He looked highly cheesed off. She pulled her wand out of her holster and pointed it at the headmaster.
"Mister Potter..." Albus tried.
"I think it is quarter past, since it is eleven now" She replied to Harry's question from a moment ago; already deciding to help Harry out. "It's eleven when we are coming to school," It was amusing to follow Harry's play. Hermione looked shocked but remained silent.
"Mister Potter, I wish to talk to you outside" Dumbledore demanded.
"Why is there a quarter of an hour difference? And since we have to be off the carriages by ten o'clock, why not leave earlier?" Harry looked at Hannah and Susan "I mean, I can see why the train has a set departure time from King's Cross, but with us going home? Though I guess to appease our Ravenclaw friends, why do we set off later to go home than we do to arrive?" Harry noticed the old man was getting pissed.
"I asked my aunty once. I was curious about the schedules before we came to school." She smiled "We share a track with the muggles, and our train has to avoid them. If we didn't, we would crash into one of the muggle trains and... Well, you get the idea." She was looking forward to her chat with her aunt. Between this and the Halloween incident and fallout, she was sure her aunt would need to know.
She knew her aunt hated the headmaster, and after the lack of trial of Sirius Black; had told her ward to avoid the man. Seeing how Harry's defiance was irritating the headmaster, she just had to join in on the fun. She had to play this straight, though it was hard to not laugh at the old goat. It was even more amusing that everyone in the compartment was also hiding their laughter.
"That makes sense I guess" Harry nodded "And not getting students killed is something the headmaster should be in charge of…even if he sucks trolls' dicks at it, or allows them into the castle to kill students. Still, why do we have so much time in the mornings when we leave? Breakfast ends at nine and all of us are forced to the carriages by ten. By ten fifteen; we are all on board the train. It is like they want to extend the torture to the students. Of course, we all know that as a leader of the light, the headmaster would never do such things."
"MISTER POTTER! YOU WILL LISTEN TO ME!" Dumbledore bellowed, making the windows rattle. All the teens still acted like he wasn't there. This was intolerable. He was the great Albus Dumbledore and their headmaster.
Hermione finally caught on; "So, Hannah… what are your summer plans? Are you going to the continent?" Hermione asked. It was the best she had. She knew she had to follow along with Harry's lead; despite her respect for the headmaster.
"No" Hannah shook her head "Susan and I have plans to stay around the houses. A best, doing day trips." She had a large smile; it took all her will not to giggle. Between what Susan had warned and her parents; the headmaster was now an enemy of her family. Moreover, irritating the old man was fun.
"Aunty approved the plan. She will even join us for the day on occasion." She grinned, then looked at Harry and Hermione "Want to come too?"
"Sorry, I know my parent and I think Hermione already have holiday plans." Harry paused, he finally decided to quit the game, "Headmaster? You're still here? The train's going to leave in a few minutes… shouldn't you be back at school?"
"Mister Potter..." Albus whined.
"Headmaster, to save you some time, none of us are leaving this train. Besides, the ride home is part of the vacation. According to the school bi-laws, during vacation, you have no authority over me at this point. Your authority ended last night when the leaving feast ended. At least that is what the by-laws, section nine, and subsection c three." Harry said with a large grin. Part of that grin; he had the by-laws in his backpack just to show the headmaster if it came to that. Harry also wanted to test the man. While the authority of the headmaster was in section nine: staff authority and responsibility, subsection c: headmaster; there was no part three. Harry wanted to find out if the goat knew his limitations. "So, if you want to talk to me, or anyone here, you will have to wait until after we returned from London," Harry said. "I will be more than happy to meet you then."
"What I need to discuss with you, Mister Potter has to be discussed in private," he said calmly; visibly trying to calm down. "That cannot be done aboard the train. And it has to be done now."
"Well, as one option, you can put privacy wards up on this compartment so we can talk. However, headmaster, anything you talk to me about, I will share with everyone in the compartment." Harry said.
"Your other option, make an appointment with my muggle guardian. Send an owl to my Gringotts address so I will eventually get it." Harry said, "I am sure my guardian will be happy to talk to you about any concerns you might have regarding their child."
Harry continued, "If you try to take me by force, I am sure Miss Bones here would be more than happy to have Aurors arrest you for kidnapping. That is what it would be if you force me to stay at the school. There are too many witnesses, headmaster."
Dumbledore glared at him, then turned and stalked out of the compartment, slamming the sliding door shut behind him. That caused all the children to burst out laughing. Most of them could not believe that Harry had stood up to the headmaster. They made him explain why. Once he explained that the headmaster was his magical guardian; and that his muggle guardian out and out detested the headmaster. To the point; he was ordered to be hostile to the old man. An order he was more than happy to follow. She, Hannah, and Daphne all said their families felt the same way. The only two to remain silent were Neville and Hermione.
She made a mental note. She would have to have a long conversation with her aunt. Was the headmaster a danger to her also? Trying to take a child off the train was not something legal. What was going on at the school? What she learned she planned on sharing with her best friend, Hannah, just in case.
{s}
An auror met her at the platform. That auror side-along her to the Ossuary. A house elf gave her dinner. She was bothered. Why was her aunt not home yet?
The next morning, she woke up after a lie-in. She went down to breakfast. Still no word from her aunt. Then for lunch, her aunt appeared. "Aunty" Susan almost shrieked. She hugged her aunt hard.
"Susan." Amelia said as she hugged back.
"Why were you not home last night?" Susan asked.
"Dumbledore. He tried to get my department to detain Harry Potter when he got off the train at the platform. He claimed that Mister Potter was unstable. He wouldn't provide memories that proved that. Then there is the conflict between his magical guardianship and the order of the crown that gave Harry's muggle guardianship to someone that hates Dumbledore." Amelia said.
"Well, we have a family pensive. I have more than one memory involving Harry that I think you should view." Susan said.
"Would that include yesterday morning until when the express got to King's Cross?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, it would be quite a tale," Susan replied. Pulling memories from her mind, putting them into the pensieve. An hour later, Amelia removed her head from the bowl. "Well, aunty?"
"I am glad I requested Albus to prove Harry Potter was a danger before I did anything that old bastard wanted," Amelia said with some heat.
"Yes, now aunty, tell me what you know about Harry, please," Susan asked.
"Okay. I will start. You told me Toad knew Potter. Well, I tracked that lead down. It is true. Harry had permission to visit the Department of Mysteries. He visited there once. No reason was given." Amelia started.
"Then there is Harry's new adopted family. It took a lot of work to find out about them. Let's start with his new mother. She works for the muggle secret service bureau. What she does for them is classified. Even I cannot get more than that from our muggle government liaison. I got that she is no longer a field person because of no given reason." Amelia continued.
"Then there is his newly adopted aunt. Officially she is listed as a spell crafter. I believe she is a hit-witch. She reports directly to Toad but is not a section chief." Amelia finished.
"Does that mean you have changed your opinion about me being a friend of his?" Susan asked a little worried.
"Actually yes, if you do more than fancy him, I would gladly sign a contract between the two of you. From what I have learned, Harry would keep you and any future children safe." Amelia said. "Part of this, James Potter saved my life several times when we were both aurors."
"Aunty!" Susan squeaked.
"Because of who I am, who you are, our lives are in danger. You know how I have two bodyguards whenever I leave our home because of that. With politics as they are, Fudge and his backers would shed crocodile tears if we die. Because of our family power and because you are the last of our line; many purebloods want you dead since they can't have you as a wife and seat they can control. Then there are the death eaters, maybe Voldemort. Then we have Dumbledore. Even being the head of the DMLE is no guarantee of safety anymore with all of our enemies." Amelia said.
"I get it, Aunty. Harry can make me safe. He will probably be a hit-wizard or an unspeakable. But is that enough?" Susan asked.
"Part of me wants to say yes. I lost my husband, parents, sister, and brother-in-law in the last war. I think the peace we live in will soon go away. The other part. I want you to have a wonderful husband that you love. I am glad you have already come to terms with sharing your husband." Amelia responded.
"Okay, I will try. He is fanciable. He also seems nice and polite. The only question, after the troll, he may have a muggle, Hermione, as part of his family. Is that okay with you?" Susan asked.
"If you get along with this muggle, I have no issues. You know better than to ask. I am not a blood bigot." Amelia replied sternly.
"I was just wondering about your scowl when Hermione's name came up," Susan asked.
"It is not that she is a muggleborn. I was just worried about her. I have seen people use life-debts in evil ways. That is another reason Harry is a keeper. It shows the true worth of the man. You should always look at how a person treats those beneath them. From what you said, Harry had not turned Hermione into a humiliated slave." Amelia said.
"Nope, from what she has said and what I have seen; Harry treats her no different than any other friend of his, not that he wants or has many," Susan replied.
"Well, that is all then. So, Lunch?" Amelia asked.
"Lunch," Susan replied. "If this is the last time, we have this discussion?"
"Sorry, Susan, it is a mother thing," Amelia said. "I worry about you and want the best for you. I still don't know if that includes Harry."
Susan got up and gave her aunt a hug. "I know you think of me as your daughter. It is fine that worry about me. Just know, I am smart enough to know what I want. I also know when to get out of a situation if it is not good for me."
{s}
"Did you know about the Cerberus?" Amelia asked.
"No, what is this about a Cerberus?" Susan asked back.
"Read the prophet. After that, can I see your memories of the welcome feast?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, gasp!" Susan gasped is shock.
"What Susan?" Amelia asked.
"Until I read this, I did not remember that part of the welcoming feast where Albus warned us students about the third-floor corridor," Susan said. Then Susan put a memory in a vial, handing it to Amelia. Amelia quickly put it into the basin. She quickly watched the memory.
"This is just more proof Albus is a danger to the students," Amelia said. "I have to go to work now."
{s}
The return to school was anticlimactic. She heard from her aunt, that she had dressed down the headmaster. It was the gossip she could share with her friends. She did notice that Harry sat alone in a compartment. It was one next to hers. He had told Hermione to sit with her friends. Did the boy expect to be attacked again? At least he was protecting Hermione. Other than the trolley witch and the prefects, no one else came into the train car during the entire trip. That was more than odd. Did people think Harry was a monster or a danger magnet? She was conflicted. She wanted to invite Harry to be in her compartment. But she did not want to scare her friends. The welcome-back feast was amusing. At least there was one less danger in the castle. They would also no longer have Quirrell as a teacher. The month of January went by with no issues. Then she received an owl.
{m}
Susan Bones
Susan
Please let me know if Albus told the students that the corridor is now safe. We will discuss Quirrell when you get back this summer.
Amelia
{m}
Amelia Bones
Aunty
The rumor mill states that someone killed Quirrell. Yes, the headmaster told us about the corridor. He seemed to downplay it though. He just said it was safe. That is old news but I understand that you can not discuss until the investigation is over. The auror now teaching DA-DA is so much better than Quirrell.
Love
Susan
{s}
It was a boring school year after that. She knew a lot of spells they were being taught already. She noticed that Hermione knew the theories before they even started each spell. Her bookworm friend probably read the whole book before they even came to the school. Her other observation, Harry knew some of the spells, like he had been casting them for years. But only spells that had a duel or worse application.
She would bet all of her chores over the holiday that Unspeakable Croaker had taught Harry Potter magic. That was interesting. What else was he taught? Was he a budding hit-wizard? If he was, then he was more powerful than she was or would ever be. That made the boy a bit more attractive. A hit-wizard as a husband would ensure her safety and the safety of her children. Plus, that would make him a bad boy. Something to break out her out of the good girl mold. She also noticed that she was looking at the girls in their group as maybe more than friends. She wondered how soft Hannah's lips were and what it would be like to snog her.
{s}
The rest of the school year went slowly. While she liked quidditch, the school teams did not elicit any major reaction from her. Not even the Hufflepuff team. By the final feast; she was just glad she could get out of the castle. Her mind said that the headmaster had tried legilimency on her several times.
The leaving feast finally happened. It was time to go home. She internally cheered. She did not care that Ravenclaw got the quidditch cup while Slytherin won the house cup. It was time to go home. The time she could actually relax. It would be nice to relax. She had to use the mirror a score of times to alert her aunt about inappropriate questions either from fellow students or the headmaster. Both her and Amelia were really torched each time Albus asked about stuff they knew he knew better than to ask.
{s}
"Susan, how was the trip? Ready for your holiday? Amelia asked. She had met her niece on the platform. After the incident on the express, she didn't trust Susan's safety to the Hogwarts' staff anymore.
"The trip was okay. It started off with an incident. McGonagall tried to force Harry Potter to give her where he lives. Will you explain that? Also, I got Daphne and Hermione to agree to invite Harry to our study session next year."
"And? Tell me about Mister Potter." Amelia asked. She had no idea what to think about the boy. Her instincts said the boy was a killer. The boy had shown an empathetic response though. It was a quandary. Everything else the boy did would be exactly the same as what she expected his aunt would do. Textbook hit-wizard. Would that make the boy a fine suitor for Susan or not, was a question she did know and that irritated her.
"Harry Potter is complex. He is a loaner. Loyal to his friends. Smart. Powerful. I would not want to duel or fight him. Whoever trained him, did a great job. I would say he could go one on one with any of your normal aurors and win right now. At this rate, when he graduates, he could probably win against any of your staff including you. Also, he is polite and friendly unless you are hostile to him or a Hogwarts staff member." Susan said.
"He has a problem with your teachers?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, it is obvious he has no trust in them. When it comes to Dumbledore, pure hate. He tries to hide it but you showed me what to look for. I honestly think that Harry would have no problem killing him. I think only the threat of the veil or Azkaban stops him. The other two he hates are McGonagall and Hagrid. I don't understand why."
"Interesting, still want to be more than a friend?" Amelia teased.
"Yes, he is a bit dense. Hermione is his girlfriend in all but name. She so wants to kiss him but doesn't want to spook him. We get along well. I am almost positive that Hermione would be happy to share." Susan said.
"Really?" Amelia asked.
"I am teaching her about our customs. I brought up second wives, marriage contracts, and the like. She seems fine with sharing a husband. I also think she may be curious about being with a witch. Maybe more than just curious?" Susan said.
"A witch's witch?" Amelia asked. Knowing that Susan was also at least curious.
"Maybe with the exception of Harry," Susan said.
"Just don't get hurt," Amelia said sternly.
"Yes, Aunty." Susan replied.
{s}
"What is wrong aunty?" Susan asked.
"Very long day. I met with Misses Malfoy. I had to tell her that I could not tell her anything." Amelia said.
"Why could you not tell her anything?" Susan asked.
"Dumbledore has the file sealed. He also had Fudge order me to end the investigation." Amelia said.
"Why would he do that?" Susan asked.
"The Weasley that was involved. An ally of his that may not have been innocent." Amelia said. She put a file on the table. She opened it up and put documents on the table. She gestured to the parchments. Susan read them. The two were silent for a while. She waited until Susan looked at her.
"Well, as a future auror, what is your opinion?" Amelia asked.
"I am not sure. I see several possibilities. Most possible. Ron was trying to isolate Harry and become his friend. Future purpose unknown. Probably spying on Harry for Dumbledore. This is borne out by Ron's lies, his family breach of the statute of secrecy. Draco came in to kill Harry. His fake spell would have been to show off to a muggle raised. Second, he is the sixth son of a poor family. Someone paying him a large amount to kill Harry. Draco was also there to kill Harry. Least likely, he was being paid to help Draco kill Harry." Susan said.
"Yes, I can agree. Here is what you are missing. The goblins would neither confirm nor deny there was a contract between Draco's trust vault and Ron's trust vault. Sorry, I found out about that after this file was sealed." Amelia said. "Now, Draco?"
"Considering what you just said. Draco would not have been stopped by Ron's notice me not. Since Draco's father is on the school board. He would know about the tracking runes on the express. This was very sloppy of a crime. No, real exit strategy. I think Draco just expected his father to bribe his way out of the problem or scapegoating Ron or both." Susan stated with a smile.
"Very good. What else?"
"You said Harry's new mother is a muggle hit-witch or similar? His adopted aunt works for Croaker?" Susan inquired and got a nod from her aunt. "Plus, we both know Harry knows Croaker?" Getting a nod.
"Either Harry is good enough to spoil the ambush, or Peter spoiled it or both." Susan said.
"I am not sure either. Harry did come out on top in the end. Politically, no matter which way it went down between Ron and Draco, Dumbledore had to bury this. That was day one of Hogwarts. It will only get worse." Amelia said. "If I could, you would not go back to Hogwarts."
"I agree, but we have no choice. I do have to ask, is there any chance both of us are wrong? That this was an elaborate assassination of Draco and Ron by Harry?" Susan asked.
"I do not think so. Not unless Croaker, his new aunt and mother trained him for years. Even if they did, that would only have given him the means. What motive? What about opportunity? Harry had no motive that I can see. After all, why would he kill fellow children? How could he have known that Draco would visit him unless he knew that he was on the train? Even I did not know Harry was on the train. No one reported the boy who lived was on the train. No, Harry is innocent." Amelia said.
"According to this report." Susan said pointing to one parchment, "Both Pansey, and Draco were not acting as normal. Would that not give opportunity if some outside person confounded or imperioused those two and sent Draco to Harry?"
"I thought about that. It is possible, but not likely. The only person on the platform that was capable would-be Harry's new aunt. She is a Rockwood. Her husband was friends of Lucius." Amelia replied. "So, I am sure Mister Potter is the victim."
"Well then next year, I will try to get Hermione to play cricket and get Harry to our study group. Now, that is next year. I need dueling practice this summer. The rest, I attend to enjoy my holiday." Susan stated firmly. She did not want Harry to knock her on her tail easily. She knew it would happen, but she at least wanted to make Harry work for it.
"Before that starts, you should know why the study group. I have my class rankings. I was only beaten out by my friend Hermione, my friend Daphne, a raven I don't know, then Harry Potter. Hermione is more book-smart than I am. Daphne is more cunning, no surprise she is a snake after all. I am looking forward to next year." Susan said with a large grin.