I do not own anything to do with Harry Potter, only any OC that may appear in my stories.

Hello guys Badger Here. It's been a while since I updated any of my stories. I apologise for that. My first proper year at University starts next week so, for the past couple of weeks I've been preparing, with gathering what I will need for the year, as well as preparing for the first week of induction. Due to this, I wasn't able to write as much as I would like.

I will also admit, I wasn't actually going to update this story. I was going to update The Creed: The Saviours Return, however, I hit a writers block. I know how I want the chapter to end, however, I am struggling to translate it from idea to the screen, so any fans of that story will have to wait for a little while longer until I'm able to break through the writers block. In the meantime, new chapter, read on, enjoy and I will see you at the end.

Chapter 8

On Thin Ice

Dumbledore watched in mild annoyance, as he watched a group of Aurors escort the younger years into the Great Hall, for breakfast. For the last couple of days, this had been the norm. Dumbledore was almost certain that every corridor in the castle had at least two Aurors guarding it, whilst the Ministry did their investigations, as to who could have smuggled the troll into the castle. Thankfully, they had no leads so far, allowing Dumbledore to salvage some of his plans. However, with the Aurors standing guard in front of the door that leads to the stone, Dumbledore could only hope that Quirrell would devise a plan to sneak past them and get to the stone. Then it was only a matter of luring Harry to the third floor. Seeing Amelia Bones briefly converse with her niece and Harry, before giving orders to a couple Aurors made Dumbledore think back to his, rather unpleasant, conversation with Cornelius Fudge.

…

As Dumbledore had predicted, barely an hour had passed, before the Floo Network to his office went alight, illuminating the room in a green glow, before Cornelius Fudge and Amelia Bones stepped out of the flames, quickly followed by a few dozen Aurors. Dumbledore was surprised with Cornelius' presence and, judging by the look on his face, clearly it wasn't a social visit. Dumbledore had a strong feeling as to why the Minister of Magic was here and he hoped he could talk things down and prevent things from getting out of hand. Cornelius spoke with Amelia for a brief moment, before the Head of the DMLE barked orders to the Aurors, as she led them out of Dumbledore's office, leaving the Headmaster of Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic on their own, where Dumbledore felt more then a little uncomfortable with the silence.

"I must say, Headmaster" Cornelius eventually said, breaking the silence "After the trials at the Wizengamot, trials that, I must say, left a bad taste in my mouth…I had hoped that I would be able to relax for the remainder of the day…imagine my surprise, however, when Amelia Bones bursts into my office...a surprise which, I quickly learned, was neither pleasant, nor welcome…I demand to know, Headmaster, why and how a troll was smuggled into the castle when you were, conveniently away for Wizengamot business?"

"Alas, I am as stumped as you, and Amelia Bones, Minister" Dumbledore lied, once more "I am unsure who would smuggle a troll into the castle, let alone how…I can't imagine anyone in this school would be able to smuggle a troll in, without alerting anyone about what's going on"

The Minister of Magic let out a small snort. It was clear to Dumbledore that Cornelius wasn't believing his lie, at least not fully. Dumbledore wasn't about to back down, however. With his plans already crumbling into dust, he needed to salvage what he could. Shaking his head, slightly, Cornelius stepped further to Dumbledore, placing his hands on the Headmaster's desk, as he gave the ancient wizard a stern glare.

"Amelia said, that she believes you know more then what you say you do" Cornelius said "I'm starting to believe her…if I could dose you with Veritaserum, I would…but that's only half the problem…no one smuggles a troll into the school without reason…and according to Amelia, this reason is because you have placed an ancient artefact within the castle walls for safekeeping…and by doing so, you indirectly placed the lives of hundreds of children in danger, as someone clearly wants this artefact for a purpose…what artefact is so important, it's worth risking the lives of everyone in this castle, Dumbledore?"

"I can't say what the artefact is" Dumbledore sighed "Only that the artefact can be dangerous in the wrong hands…as I told Amelia, even with the Dark Lord dead, there are many of his followers who wish to avenge their Master…I feared that, if they got their hands on the artefact, they'd be able to do just that…so, I had the artefact brought here, where I've set up the necessary defences, to keep the artefact well-guarded, safe and out of the reach of the wrong hands"

"And you didn't think to explain matters to the Ministry?" Cornelius demanded "An artefact which, as you said, can be dangerous if the wrong people got their hands on it and instead of bringing this up to the Ministry, you chose to hide it away…if you had come to me about this, beforehand, we would have helped keep the artefact safe and guarded, with the help of Ministry Unspeakables"

"I'm sorry, Cornelius but I couldn't risk it" Dumbledore said "Someone already tried breaking into Gringotts to obtain the artefact…and word got out about the artefact being in the Ministry, they would try again…at least, whilst its in these castle walls and under my care, it's safe"

Cornelius scoffed, as he shook his head. Turning on his heel, Cornelius made his way to the door, to have a word with Amelia Bones, before he left. Before leaving, however, he stood in the open doorway and turned to face Dumbledore.

"You're treading on thin ice, Dumbledore!" He warned "By placing a dangerous artefact within the castle walls, you have risked the lives of hundreds of our magical children…something that could be avoided had you simply come to the Ministry beforehand…when word of this appears in the Daily Prophet…and believe me, it will, I will make sure it does…I wouldn't be surprised if the entirety of Wizarding Britain will be demanding your removal from the Ministry and Hogwarts itself…if, by chance, your reputation and position at Hogwarts remains intact, I can guarantee it won't stay that way should a second fiasco like this, happen…good day Dumbledore!"

…

Dumbledore pushed his plate away, his appetite ruined, as he recollected his conversation with the Minister. As of yet, news had not appeared in the Daily Prophet, though Dumbledore knew it was only a matter of time. Once the news did break out, the Headmaster knew there was going to be outrage across Wizarding Britain. If not the entirety of the Wizarding World. The Ministers words had also left a rather sour taste in his mouth. The Minister was right, in saying that people would be demanding his removal from Hogwarts and the Wizengamot. Dumbledore could only go on the attack to try and keep his position of Headmaster, and some of his reputation, intact. If news of the troll attack didn't have him removed, then news of Dumbledore placing Harry in an abusive household might just do the trick. That is, if they found out about it in the first place.

Dumbledore pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes tightly, as he felt a headache pounding in the side of his skull. As he sat there, his appetite gone, he couldn't help but wonder how things just got worse and worse. Ever since Amelia Bones met Harry, at Kings Cross, his plans immediately went on a massive downwards spiral, before he even knew about it. Unless he could salvage things, his plans would hit rock bottom with no signs of recovery. However, any attempt to salvage his plans was going to have to wait for the moment. First he had to see if his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts was secure. He couldn't make plans if he was removed from the castle walls.

…

"You're aunt doesn't mess around" Harry commented, as Amelia left the Great Hall

Over the last two days, things had been quiet around Hogwarts, with Aurors stationed across the castle. Whether this occurrence was temporary or permanent, Harry wasn't sure though, according to Amelia, it may be a permanent occurrence until the end of the school year, unless instructed otherwise. Despite other students feeling slightly uneasy, as if expecting another attack of some kind, Harry, Susan and Hannah felt more safer with a large group of Aurors watching over them.

After the students were given the all clear, after the troll situation, Harry went to the infirmary, with Susan and Hannah with him for support, where Harry gave Madam Pomfrey the list of nutrient potions the Ministry Healer had instructed him to take. Madam Pomfrey tried to keep her composure when she saw the list of potions he had given her, though Harry could see the tears pricking her eyes. Madam Pomfrey had given him enough nutrient potions to last at least two weeks and had instructed him to return for more, if he needed them. Already Harry was feeling a difference. Whilst he was still quite skinny, he didn't look malnourished and his complexion went from a sickly pale, to light and fair. Harry was almost sure he had grown an inch or two as well.

"Auntie is very serious when it comes to her job" Susan shrugged "Especially when it comes to a threat which puts students, including me, at risk"

"Do you think there would be a second attack?" Hannah asked, as they finished their breakfast

"I don't think so" Susan replied "With all the Aurors patrolling Hogwarts, they would be caught almost instantly, the moment they tried…now come on, we have Herbology first this morning"

…

Quirrell sat at his desk, in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, as he waited for his first lot of students to arrive for their class. He was glad he decided to lay low for the time being. With Aurors stationed all over the castle, on the lookout for any possible threats, Quirrell would be placed in Magical Suppression Cuffs in seconds, if he even breathed in their presence. With Aurors across the castle, he'd have to plan his next moves carefully. Hopefully, in time, the Aurors will be withdrawn from Hogwarts, once it seemed clear another attack wasn't going to happen. Quirrell decided to wait until Christmas. If the Aurors were still around at Christmas, then he would have to make plans to grab the Stone, regardless of whether the Aurors were still around by the time he put those plans into action. He was going to have to be careful though.

He wasn't much use to his Master in a cell in Azkaban. Or dead.

…

Harry, Susan and Hannah entered the Herbology greenhouse, the smell of all kinds of flora, hitting their nostrils. As they started taking their places besides some pots, Susan and Hannah were pushed out of the way by a ginger haired boy, wearing Gryffindor Robes.

"Harry mate, I'm Ron, Ron Weasley" The boy said "I'm glad I've finally been able to talk to you"

Before boarding the Hogwarts Express, Ron knew that Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, would be starting his First Year as well. Ron hoped that Harry would be a Gryffindor, he was a Potter after all, where he just knew that the two of them would become best mates before Christmas. However, at the Sorting, Harry ended up in Hufflepuff, instead of Gryffindor. That didn't bother Ron though. He knew the two would become best friends. He just had to find the correct moment to introduce himself.

However most of their classes were split up into two lessons. One lesson for Gryffindors and Slytherins. Once lesson for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. He tried waiting to approach Harry outside the classes, but he was never alone and was always around Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot. Something which Ron found unacceptable. In Ron's opinion, Harry needed a boy at his side. So, if Ron wanted a chance to introduce himself to Harry, he was going to have to wait for one of their rare lessons, where every House is in the same class and, for the first time since starting Hogwarts, Ron arrived early to class.

"I don't know why you chose to be in Hufflepuff, but that doesn't matter" Ron said "However, I think you need the right people by your side during your time at Hogwarts and I'm more then willing to help you there, you'll soon see I'm the right choice, we'll have lots of fun…"

"Excuse me!" Susan spoke up, interrupting Ron's rambling "he doesn't need your help, if he doesn't want it, besides he has us to…"

"Shut up, you bint!" Ron exclaimed, cutting Susan off "Harry Potter is the Boy-Who-Lived, he needs the right friends and not the likes of you to…"

Ron was then interrupted, by Harry, who punched him in the nose, causing the ginger boy to fall to the ground screaming in pain, the anger evident in Harry's eyes. Harry had punched him so hard, he actually broke the boys nose and no, both of Ron's nostrils were seeping with blood. The entire class was quiet, as Hannah and Susan both restrained Harry, to stop him from doing anything else, as Harry realised what he just done and his anger was replaced with fear, as he looked at his hand, where there were a few droplets of Ron's blood on his knuckles.

"Mr Potter, Mr Weasley!" Professor Sprout's voice rang across the greenhouse, having witnessed the last moments of the confrontation "I do not tolerate insults, or physical assault in Hogwarts, let alone inside my own classroom…Mr Finnegan, please take Mr Weasley to Madam Pomfrey, so she can fix his nose, Mr Potter, please enter my office, I wish to speak with you, for a moment, before class begins"

Harry became even more fearful, as he followed Professor Sprout into her office, whilst Ron was led out the classroom by Seamus Finnegan, leaving a trail of blood with every step. Harry was practically shaking, as the door closed behind him and Professor Sprout set up a muffling charm around her office, to make sure no one tried eavesdropping.

"Professor, I'm sorry" Harry said, panicking "I didn't mean to…he insulted my friends and I….I don't know what came over me when I….I'm sorry Professor!"

Professor Sprout opened her mouth, but closed it again. The fear in the boys eyes concerned her. The boy was afraid. Not just afraid. Terrified. And it wasn't fake fear either. It was genuine. A reaction she had never encountered from a student, when they were in trouble. The boy was shaking, as if he expected severe punishment.

"A student physically assaulting another disappoints me, Mr Potter" She said, as gently as possible "It disappoints me even more, when the one throwing the punch, is one of my own Hufflepuffs…even if it was provoked, I'm going to have to take 50 points off of Hufflepuff…I should also give you a detention for your actions…however…I will let you off this time, if you promise me to never attack a student again, because…should it happen again, not only will I take more points, you will be given, at least, a week of detention…am I clear Mr Potter?"

"Yes Professor" Harry nodded quickly, though he still looked fearful, even if his shaking had stopped

"Good, now get to your pot, we're already late in starting the lesson as it is" Professor Sprout said

Harry nodded, before he quickly left the office. Professor Sprout sighed, as she stayed where she was, for a moment. Harry's fear concerned her greatly. It was unnatural, the terror in his eyes. It made her question what Harry's home life had been like, for him to be so terrified of punishment. Now that she thought about it, she was almost certain she had seen him drink a nutrient potion when she visited the Hufflepuff Common Room, this morning. She was going to have to speak with Minerva McGonagall about this.

Something was clearly wrong, and she didn't like it.

…

And that is chapter 8 done. What do you guys think?

So yes, Aurors are stationed around Hogwarts and Dumbledore's job as Headmaster may be hanging on by a thread. With this development, how do you think things will play out? Will Dumbledore be able to fight to keep is job? Will Quirrell be able to make a plan to get the Stone, even with the Aurors stationed around Hogwarts. Only time will tell.

And yes, Harry punched Ron. Honestly, this was a late development to the chapter. I wanted to do something different, as a way to show Harry's trauma regarding punishment. Now, before anyone says anything, as I've said before, Harry won't be a scared little child for the whole story. In time he will grow as a character. Trauma doesn't disappear overnight. Anyway, that is all for now. If you have a story idea you would like to request, do let me know.

I hope you enjoyed, and I will see you next time in whatever story I see you in.

Badger Out