In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 31: Governors
A cold breeze sent chills down Harry's spine as he ran Friday morning, it was still dark though a bit of the waning moon helped to dispel the shadows the street lights couldn't. Richard was running next to Harry.
"Good thing you're a sound sleeper," Richard said, "Mum's furious, Ant's been listed as a runaway."
"She did," Harry stated.
"Means priorities," Richard said, "Don't doubt it though, Mum'll still look, she will, but as a runaway, they don't consider Ant's life in immediate peril."
Headlights lit them up as they crossed the road at a zebra crossing.
"Ant is definitely out of control, but overall she seems alright," Harry said, "I do hope she comes back."
"Harry," came Ron's voice as Harry landed later in the dormitory, next to his bed, "You definitely did change, so you don't like your bed?"
"Seemed pointless to keep using it," Harry said, "Thought it'd save Dobby the trouble by not wrinkling the sheets."
Chime!
"It's eight—you're late!" Hermione snapped.
Harry rummaged in his trunk, dressed. Harry and Ron bolted down the stairs, where Ginny blocked their way into the Gryffindor Common Room.
"We're—" Ron protested, as parchment was getting wadded up at the tables.
"Rondick," Ginny said, "Wager on Puddlemere vs Falmouth? Heard Puddlemere is short players, so the odds are on Falmouth."
"No thanks," Harry stated, "If you'll excuse—"
"I am not wagering," Ron said, "Fred and George aren't—"
"How'd you know—?" Ginny asked.
"George wrote—" Ron said.
"Dad's in prison and you're—" Ginny said, "Proceeds to go to bribes—"
"I will not have you join him in Azkaban," Ron said, "Move or I'll be going there too!"
"No practice and no wagering?" Ginny moved aside. "You hate Quidditch?"
"You wouldn't understand," Ron said as he moved past her.
"Excuse—" Ginny started, before she was cut off by the rambunctious applause as the portrait hole opened.
Spitwads flew toward Harry and Ron heading for that door, while Justin Prewett limped through with bandages still wrapped around his head. Echos of Prewett's cane were drowned out by the other Gryffindors.
"See they kept the thugs," Justin Prewett said as loud as he could.
Students drew back as Harry and Ron ran through the corridors, down to the second floor, and to the door of the classroom. They paused long enough to stop panting, and went in. People were sitting to one side of a oblong oval table; Professor Dumbledore was at the far end.
"Just in time—" Professor Dumbledore said.
"Late!" Minister Victor Fallerschain snapped from his spot on the other end of the table from Professor Dumbledore, his blue velvet covered arms were crossed.
"Sorry," Harry said, "We were held up."
"So we should inquire with the Hospital Wing to see who the latest victim is," the Minister said, dryly.
Professor McGonagall, who was sitting at a small desk behind Amos Diggory in the middle, pointed. Harry and Ron crossed to the chairs in front of the fireplace a few feet from the table near the Headmaster. Harry and Ron sat, the heat of the fireplace kept their backsides, and them, uncomfortably warm.
"You are being premature," Professor Dumbledore said, "A roll call is—"
"We all know who is here," Minister Fallerschain snapped.
"Neither of you are chairperson to this board," said Amelia Susan Bones, "You are both out of line. Roll call is appropriate. Minerva."
Professor McGonagall adjusted her spectacles, put her quill to the sheet of parchment before her.
"Chairman, Amos Diggory," she said as Professor Snape entered the classroom.
"I do not look kindly to students—" Amos Diggory started, his eyes glared through his simple bifocals at Harry.
"A simple yes' or here' will suffice," Professor McGonagall said.
Professor Snape stood behind the Deputy Headmistress, observed.
"Here," Amos Diggory said.
"Doris Crockford," came Professor McGonagall's voice as she made a check next to Diggory's name.
"I am quite disappointed with what I—" Doris Crockford said.
"Please!" Professor McGonagall snapped.
"Why yes, here," Doris Crockford said.
"Garrick Ollivander," Professor McGonagall said.
"The feathers do not lie," said Mr. Ollivander, "Here."
Harry studied the familiar face, next to Mrs. Bones, one he had first seen many years go on Diagon Alley, with those moon shaped glasses. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall watched as Mr. Ollivander smartened his posture.
"Rhedyn Nott," said Professor McGonagall.
"Here for this trash collection," said the witch in green.
Professor McGonagall's eyes studied her roster.
"Philip Parkinson," said Professor McGonagall.
"Long overdue from what I hear," said a wizard in brown robes, "Here."
"Daedulus Diggle," Professor McGonagall said.
"Here," said the wizard wearing deep maroon.
"Thank you Mr. Diggle," Professor McGonagall said, "Narcissa Malfoy."
"This Potter brat is the worst thing that's ever happened to Hogwarts," Narcissa Malfoy said fast, "Here."
Professor McGonagall wrote on the parchment before she announced the next name, "Cornelius Fudge."
"Here," said the man in a emerald green pinstripe suit.
Professor McGonagall simply glanced, and checked the remaining four names.
"This whole formality is ridiculous—" Minister Fallerschain started.
Bang! Bang!
"Order!" Amos Diggory hit his gavel.
The Minister glared.
"Minister," Professor Dumbledore said, "Under ordinary circumstances, a student would be expelled for verifiable—"
"Should we verify your personal ledgers?" Minister Fallerschain said, "A few Galleons—"
"Gentlemen!" Amos Diggory banged his gavel, again. "Another outburst Minister and we will dismiss your claims, with prejudice. Headmaster, you have not been entirely innocent in this matter either. Both of you have substantial claims that merit our inquiry. We will start with the Minister."
Minister Fallerschain got up and stepped back to an easel with a black cloth draped over it. He gripped his thin wand with both hands.
"Harry Potter and his accomplices have clearly committed atrocious—the most darkest of acts, in the past months; this is merely the latest in a pattern of rule breaking that has been permitted by the Headmaster, a clear violation of his oath to the position. I could provide instances in prior years of this pattern, including enchanting Muggle cars to suspicious circumstances in the Triwizard Championship of a mere sixteen months ago—I believe that it was your son that was lost Mr. Diggory. However, those were past years and what matters is his behavior this year and how it endangers every student, every teacher, every governor, and every other person within these corridors.
"First, we visit an incident of underage wizardry that occurred this past summer—an event that, of its own accord, should have incurred an immediate and irrevocable expulsion were it not for the intervention of the Headmaster. A mere week before start of term, an entire Muggle neighborhood was decimated by a substantial Charm, the exact curse has not been ascertained, but the effects were devastating. Centered at or near number 4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey—Potter's residence of record—the destruction consumed more than brick and mortar, it slaughtered a number of Muggles including the good natured relatives that kindly took in Potter many years earlier.
"Professor Snape."
Harry turned his head, watched, as Professor Snape's wand leveled, the door open. It took Harry no time to recognize the lady who frequently babysat him when he was still living with the Dursleys full time, Arabella Figg entered. She sat in the solitary chair, six feet away from the table, across from Amos Diggory.
"Do you swear to tell the—" Professor Dumbledore started.
"Witnesses have already had Veritaserum given to them." Minister Fallerschain turned to Figg. "For the record, please state your name and magical status."
"Arabella Figg, squib."
"What single word best describes Potter's relations in Surrey?" the Minister asked.
"Adversarial," Mrs. Figg replied.
"Did you see Potter on August 26?" the Minister asked, "If so, what happened?"
"I was darning a sock for Quigley when—" Mrs. Figg started.
"Excuse me," Cornelius Fudge asked as he thumbed through some parchment, "Just who is Quigley? I see no reference—"
"He's an Egyptian Mau—" Mrs. Figg started to reply.
"Foreigners?" Rhedyn Nott snapped.
Professor McGonagall grimaced a slight grin.
"A cat," Mrs. Figg explained, "He tears his socks frequently, you see—"
"Onto the matter of Potter and his actions—?" Minister Fallerschain started.
"My apologies," Mrs. Figg said, "As I was darning the socks, the entire house shook sending my teapot—Miss. Violet will be no more. After I collected myself, I headed outside. House upon house was either on fire, smoldering, or gone—my house got off lucky, a little paint over the soot on my window shutters—"
"And Potter?" Minister Fallerschain asked.
"Number 4 was reduced to black rubble," Mrs. Figg said, "Harry was standing, arguing, with his dying Aunt and Uncle, before abandoning them. I know Harry and his relatives never really got along—"
"Which merely helps to corroborate Potter's actions," Minister Fallerschain said, "Mr. Potter is the only Witch or Wizard living in or around that neighborhood, and is therefore, in accordance with established case law, liable for the consequences of casting that horrendous charm."
"Mrs. Figg—" Professor Dumbledore started.
"Thank you Mrs. Figg, you're—" the Minister started.
"Rebuttal for the defense!" Professor Dumbledore demanded.
"Later—" Minister Fallerschain snapped.
"Now is the appropriate—" Professor Dumbledore said.
"ORDER!" Amos Diggory banged his gavel.
"If I may?" Professor Snape glanced at Diggory, caught the glance back. "If you wish to expel them Minister—I for one would not be disappointed—then procedure must be followed."
"Headmaster," Amos Diggory prompted.
Professor Dumbledore leaned upon his cane as he studied Mrs. Figg.
"I do thank you for coming at our request," Professor Dumbledore said, "Did you see Mr. Potter with a wand?"
"No," Mrs. Figg replied.
"Did you see him cast a curse?" the Headmaster asked.
"No," Mrs. Figg said.
"Did you see him arrive?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"No," Mrs. Figg replied, again.
"Can you state that Mr. Potter was indeed at Privet Drive at the exact time of this devastation?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"No," Mrs. Figg said.
"Did, at any point before this explosion, see Mr. Potter this past summer?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"No," Mrs. Figg replied.
"Can I help it if she's a bit reclusive?" Minister Fallerschain snapped.
"I remind that you chose her as a witness," Professor Snape said.
Minister Fallerschain glared at Professor Snape.
"Mrs. Figg," Professor Dumbledore said, "Did you see Mr. Potter, at all, during the summer of a year ago? Two Years ago? Three?"
"Yes, yes, and yes," Mrs. Figg said.
"Thank you Mrs. Figg," Professor Dumbledore said, "No further questions."
Professor Snape escorted Mrs. Figg out. Meanwhile, Doris Crockford and others were taking down notes.
"An isolated incident?" Minister Fallerschain said, "No, it wasn't. As you will see in the prepared documents, there are highlights to some of the more trivial incidents that have since occurred.
"I now focus onto the next carnage of butchery. A freedom extended to most students is the privilege of occasionally visiting Hogsmeade. Over a month ago, this privilege was respected by maiming dozens and killing by their own bloodied—"
"You dropped—" Harry protested.
"Naively, I thought it best for you to continue your education, a decision I now regret," Minister Fallerschain said, "Murder charges were merely tabled while the Ministry investigated—however, we have been continuously stymied by a certain Headmaster. Professor Snape, if you would?"
A young lady entered the room, her flowery dress failed to keep her smiling as she took a seat.
"For the record, you are?" Minister Fallerschain asked, "Could you describe yourself?"
"Candie Raybold, twenty four, and working at the Hogs Head."
"Describe what happened on Saturday, September 28th," Minister Fallerschain said.
"It was a bit of a busy morning being that it was a Hogsmeade weekend for Hogwarts," Candie Raybold said, "I had already promised Colby to meet him for lunch, so Aberforth let me take the late lunch. As I left—seeing as I worked in the Hogs Head, eating elsewhere would make it easier—I then heard the screams. Eerily, I followed them to see Harry Potter and some red head standing over those p—people. After those brutes were hauled off, I recognized the one Potter was standing over, it was—it was Colby."
Candie Raybold brought out a handkerchief and dabbed a number of tears into it.
"We were—I was—he was…" Candie Raybold said.
"A copy of this wedding invitation, between Candie Raybold and Colby Radford, is in your packets." Minister Fallerschain held up a neatly wrapped roll of parchment. "It was to be held last week, October 31st."
Most of the governors rifled through their packets, glanced at their copies.
"Now, Miss. Raybold," Minister Fallerschain said, "Where are those two culprits seated—?"
Candie Raybold's eyes roamed, fell onto Harry and Ron sitting there. Her right arm swung fast and she pointed, before her glare trained onto the Minister. "Why haven't you had them kissed?"
"Was anybody else even near the victims?" Minister Fallerschain asked.
"No," Candie Raybold said.
"Was anybody there in use of an Invisibility Cloak?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"You cannot—" Minister Fallerschain's eyes shifted from the Headmaster back to Candie Raybold. "Did you see anybody running away?"
"No," Candie Raybold said.
"Thank you Miss. Raybold," Minister Fallerschain said.
Minister Fallerschain glanced at Professor Dumbledore.
"Thank you," Professor Dumbledore said.
Candie Raybold stood, followed Professor Snape out of the classroom.
"Didn't you arrange for some tea or something?" the Minister asked.
"I would like a cup," said Mr. Ollivander.
"Alas," Professor Dumbledore said, starting to raise his wand.
"I've got this Albus," Professor McGonagall said as she waved her wand.
Tea, biscuits, and sandwiches appeared on the table, along with several pitchers of water.
"Ta," Mr. Ollivander said as he poured himself a cup.
Professor Snape returned.
"Let us continue," the Minister said.
Mr. Ollivander nodded. Doris Crockford ate at a biscuit.
"Even after the Hogsmeade incident," Minister Fallerschain said, "Some felt we had been treating Potter unfairly, harshly, and some have even stated unjustly. How right they were in that if things were fair, Potter would have been expelled after Privet Drive, he would have been convicted into a long holiday in Azkaban after Hogsmeade. Let me remind you that the amount of circumstantial evidence is exceedingly high in this case, more than enough for either a Muggle court of law or the Wizengamot or any other legal body on this planet—unless that court is being held by Potter's fan club.
"At Hogsmeade, we had evidence of his guilt, but were compelled to stop by strong political forces. If things could turn for the worse, they have. For Potter has since seemed determined that nobody mistakes his turn of character; his crimes now include brutal assaults upon the whole of Hogwarts. Many students have reported being beaten, threatened, robbed, and raped by Potter and Weasley–a level of behavior that has never been tolerated before at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for as long as anyone can remember. I personally witnessed such an assault on Tuesday.
"At the behest of a general inquiry, I came to Hogwarts on Tuesday to conduct some research into the operations of Hogwarts, and for that, I was about to visit Professor McGonagall. Instead, Professor Snape graciously offered to assist—" he ignored Professor Snape's glare "—when we came across Harry James Potter and his sidekick, Ronald Bilius Weasley, attacking several other students—"
"Both of the Prewett twins were already on the floor," Professor Snape said, cutting off the Minister, "Paul Prewett was trying to protect his unconscious brother while also shielding himself, successfully I might add. Potter and Weasley had them pinned to the floor, their fists continued to punch. As a responsible teacher, I immediately ordered them to halt—most fortunate for the twins that I came when I did, forcing Potter and Weasley to stop their beating, instead they ran. A few minutes later, we caught up with them as they were heading out for Quidditch Pitch—I could see through their veil of intentional ignorance."
"Thank you Professor Snape." Minister Fallerschain studied Professor Snape for a moment.
"I should like to add that this was the worst I have seen out of any student during my tenure at Hogwarts, and students can be particularly vicious toward each other," Professor Snape said, "Unfortunately, Potter and Weasley can be brutish even in my Potions—"
"You've always hated me!" Harry yelled.
"Calm down Harry," Professor Dumbledore said, "The animosity between Mr. Potter and Severus has even once been documented in The Daily Prophet—"
"So you even condone the violence in your classrooms?" Minister Fallerschain's eyes roamed the board. "This matter transcends politics or personal feuds. Instead, it is about the safety and welfare of every person in this castle being put into severe jeopardy because of these two blokes remaining as students inside this castle. These bastards should be grateful that I am not the Headmaster for I would expelled them ages ago. I implore you, for the sake of the children, to jettison these menaces right now, not this evening, and certainly not later, but do it now."
"We have obtained the uniforms from the day in question," Professor Dumbledore said, "We can show that a second pair—"
"Sorry there Professor—" Rhedyn Nott held up her hand before she looked at Diggory "—as mentioned earlier—"
"Yes, right." Amos Diggory shuffled his papers. "Moving onto discussion—"
"Mr. Potter is entitled to a defense—" Professor Dumbledore started.
"You had adequate rebuttal and—" Amos Diggory glared at Professor Dumbledore "—if you had done a better job, Cedric would still be alive—and—" Amos Diggory pointed at Harry "—you're responsible!"
"Amos!" Professor McGonagall protested.
Amos Diggory fumbled, brought out a flask, and he took a sip.
"Sorry for the outburst," Amos Diggory said, "My therapist—never mind. As unfortunate as it may be, we are pressed for time, and the Minister is correct that we have to act. The first proposal is for immediate expulsion of Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss. Granger—"
"Hermione?!" Ron exclaimed.
"Knowingly facilitating this mischief is not taken lightly either," Amos Diggory said, "I will start by saying that I am clearly disappointed. I thought forgiving Harry Potter in the death of my son was the right thing to do—he seemed a proper lad at the time. Rules are rules and Harry Potter will learn to live with the consequences of his actions, I will favor expulsion—perhaps this will turn him around."
"As I said earlier, I use the feathers to help the perception," Mr. Ollivander said, "I do believe that what is happening here has a sinister purpose and for that, I believe the Headmaster has the right pulse on things—I will be voting against this ridiculous proposal."
"Believe as you will," Philips Parkinson said, "I have been hearing a lot from my daughter on this—every student in this school is convinced, and they are not a bunch of liars. To protect her, I will be voting for expulsion."
"Codswallop!" Doris Crockford said, "It's obvious that few are even considering the possibility that Harry Potter and Dumbledore are being truthful! I certainly will not support this proposal."
"With them hearing us express our minds?" Narcissa Malfoy said, pointing at Harry and Ron, "How can we freely do so if they beat up my Draco tomorrow?"
"How right you are," Amos Diggory said, "Professor Snape—"
"Take them to my office," Professor Dumbledore instructed, "I will see them afterwards."
"Don't flinch," Professor Snape said as Harry and Ron left the classroom.
"Be prepared," Narcissa Malfoy said to Professor Snape.
Professor Snape drew his wand, aimed it toward Harry's backside. They went along the second floor corridor, and onto the stairs next to the Stone Gargoyle. They entered the Headmaster's Office. Professor Snape paused at the door.
"Do not be so stupid to think that the Headmaster can shield you from your actions forever," Professor Snape said. He left the office.
"Bright and cheery he is," Ron said as Harry glanced at the Sorting Hat.
A wide brim gave a bit of a lip; Harry broke out in a quick fit of laughter, before he spun around. Harry promptly propped his feet up on the coffee table as soon as he sat in one of the armchairs by the fireplace.
"Loads of help you are," Ron said as he leaned against the desk, "I'll be expelled—never before—"
"Finally a first for you in the family," Harry said.
"That's mean of you—" Ron started.
"Sorry. At least you have brothers and a sister—me?" Harry's feet came to the floor as he leaned forward, his forearms to the knees. "The Minister called the Dursleys loving? Barmy he is—I'm the gnome in his garden—" Harry drew his wand and gripped both ends in front of his eyes "—wonder how this'll break—"
"Yours?" Ron said as he sat across the coffee table from Harry, "Dumbledore will manage to save it—it's far too important. Mine, on the other hand—well, I do have one of Fred's here…" Ron showed a fake wand.
Harry sighed.
"This Minister is another bloody politician, as Dad says," Ron said, "Right now, bashing you is doing wonders for his political career."
"Bollocks!" Harry said, "He's already Minister—"
"Who gets fired when he becomes unpopular," Ron replied.
"Sorry to drag you into all of this," Harry said.
"Don't fret about it one bit." Ron drew out his pack of Exploding Snap.
"Potter's a goner!" Finnigan shouted as he entered the Great Hall during lunch. He came over fast to the Gryffindor table, kept standing near Dean Thomas and Ginny.
"What do you mean?" Dean Thomas asked.
"Board of Governors meeting right now to expel him!" Finnigan exclaimed.
"I wouldn't get your hopes up," said Luna Lovegood from the Ravenclaw Table.
"At which point we'll know Potter's true influence," Finnigan retorted.
"Would they actually expel Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Takes two–thirds of the governors to agree," Finnigan said, "I think they'll get it, the Minister's persuading them now!"
Ron's stomach growled as a leaf blew past the window, the light had already begun to dim. Harry stood up, yet again, paced the office, stopped by the open pensieve.
"Wish they'd go faster about this," Ron said.
"Sure, fast way, expel," Harry said.
"I'd not be so hasty if I were you," Professor Dumbledore said as he slowly entered the office, "Good to see that I have not lost faith in your character."
Tapping of the cane accompanied Professor Dumbledore's gait as he made his way to his desk. Harry and Ron stood in front of the desk as Professor Dumbledore sat down.
"You will be pleased to learn that the Board of Governors has declined the petition for your expulsion," Professor Dumbledore said, "Therefore you are permitted to remain enrolled at Hogwarts. You may pass your thank you notes to Mr. Diggle as his vote was the deciding one. However, the second motion was a general motion, it passed. I disagree with the motion, however, as Headmaster, I am duly obligated to carry it out to the best of my abilities—they even went so far to suggest replacements should I fail. Since I doubt you wish Professor Snape to become the Headmaster, I ask of you to cooperate fully. May I assume that I have your cooperation?"
"Yes," Harry said.
"Effective immediately," Professor Dumbledore said, "A mandatory suspension will be instituted after any future incident. This suspension will cover Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss. Granger—I was unable to dissuade them from including her. This mandatory suspension will be to the morning of two school days later—for instance, if an incident occurred now, you would be suspended on Monday and could return on Tuesday. During a suspension, you are barred from all school functions, including house Quidditch, and you are to be physically separated from the other students."
"Yikes," Ron said.
"I need your Portkeys for modification," Professor Dumbledore said.
Ron handed his over. Harry raised his eyebrows as he handed it over, Professor Dumbledore caught the glance.
"One option would be to throw you into the dungeons," Professor Dumbledore said, "However, I figured that would be harsh and unacceptable—" he studied the puzzlement on Harry's and Ron's faces "—as an alternative, I suggest the following. During a suspension, I ask that you make no attempt to reach Hogwarts, the castle, the grounds, or Hogsmeade." He returned the Portkeys. "I have modified your Portkeys so I can ensure you do not use them to return to Hogwarts during a suspension."
"What if something happens?" Harry asked.
"Unfortunately, you will not get help from Hogwarts," Professor Dumbledore said, "I suggest keeping your essentials in places other than Hogwarts. I believe you have a third Portkey—destroy it as these are unregistered and three in one location is too many."
Professor Dumbledore glanced at his calendar on his desk.
"Ah," Professor Dumbledore said, "The next Hogsmeade weekend is scheduled for November 23. I strongly suggest you take a holiday around then, somewhere far from Hogsmeade with plenty of witnesses."
"Wh–why?" Ron asked.
"It's alright," Harry said as he glanced into Professor Dumbledore's blue eyes.
"Quidditch?" Ron asked.
Harry went for the fireplace, Ron started to come.
"I believe the Minister is a Falmouth fan," Professor Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkled.
Harry grabbed Floo Powder and tossed it with, "Puddlemere United Club House!"
Hermione copied down the assignment from the board in Professor Flitwick's Charms classroom.
"It still reeks," said Pansy Parkinson said.
"Takes em a while to take out the rubbish," Finnigan remarked.
A rattle, Hermione twisted her neck fast to her left, Peeves worked a bolt on the lamp. A rip, and her head turned rapidly to her right, to see Parvati and Padma Patil glaring, torn parchment in their fingers. Another soft movement of a cloak, and her eyes snapped fast to the wand tip exposed, by Dean Thomas. Hermione gripped the hilt of hers, until she saw the smile creep across Finnigan's face.
RING!
"Due on Wednesday," Professor Flitwick said.
A blur as the others crumpled their notes as they rushed out of the classroom. Solace, quiet, despite a quick glare from Professor Flitwick before he left. Hermione's nerves relaxed a notch, found it ironic that she felt safer and more at ease while starkers with Ron and Harry than in Hogwarts fully dressed. She gripped the hilt of her wand, held it as she left the classroom.
"Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said.
Hermione stopped, watched the emerald robes swish as the Deputy Headmistress approach. Professor McGonagall handed Hermione a letter with a bulge.
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
"Professor Dumbledore asked me to deliver this personally," Professor McGonagall said, "His…the day was distressing and tiring for him, so he needed to take a nap instead of personally talking to you, best to open it in private."
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"I think it's unfair and unjust," Professor McGonagall said, "However, neither Albus nor I can defy the orders from the Board of Governors. Good day." She turned around, left.
Hermione trembled as she kept going up the stairs.
"Boo!" came the holler as she entered the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Get lost!" shouted Lavender Brown at Hermione.
Hermione chose the right steps, went up to the sixth years boys' dormitory, entered. She also found this a tad ironic, that she felt more at ease in the boys' dormitory than the girls'.
"Where's Harry?" Ash asked, peeking into the dormitory.
"I don't know," Hermione said.
"Oh," Ash said, as he went back down the steps.
Her right hand opened the envelope. Out fell the Hogwarts Pin, with Pig etched on it. Hermione recognized it as Ron's Portkey. Quickly, her left hand moved to unfurl the letter.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Miss. Granger,
You will be pleased to know that the Board of Governors elected not to expel yourself, Mr. Potter, or Mr. Weasley. However, they did issue an order regarding suspensions that will be unfair to yourselves. Undoubtedly, I'd understand…
I tire easily.
Albus…
Hermione recognized the perfect penmanship of the enchanted quill, so she wondered if the Headmaster fell asleep while drafting it. Still, she understood the hint with Ron's Portkey. She stood and briefly watched a leaf sail by the darkening window. She lifted the strap to her book bag over her shoulder, grabbed her wand, and activated the Portkey. Her butt collided with another's as she landed on Gia's bed.
"Whoa!" came the exclaim.
Hermione, though, tumbled as the other stumbled. Richard fell toward her. He motioned to escape, but tripped a bit further. His crotch briefly pressed against her before he rolled and stood up.
"What the—?" Hermione stammered, her eyes flashed.
"You just appeared out of nowhere!" Richard stammered.
"What are you doing—?" Hermione asked, now sitting up, glaring at the boy.
"Mum wanted to search—" Richard said, "I figured Harry's got things in here he'd rather not have her see, right?"
"Why?" Hermione asked.
"Ant's still missing, that's why," Richard said, "Mum even searched my room—I persuaded her to let me search Gia's."
"We had nothing—" Hermione started.
"Tell that to Mum," Richard said, "But in case Ant hid clues to her plans, I have to find them."
"Where's Harry, Gia?" Hermione asked.
"Haven't seen Harry nor Ron," Richard said, "Gia's still at the pool."
Hermione studied him for a moment.
"Ta," Hermione said as she sat up. She got up.
"Sorry about that, again," Richard said as she left.
It was already dark into the evening as Hermione and Gia returned to 26 Oak St. A breeze blew across them. Richard met them at the green front door. Kristen was inside, phone to her ear.
"Mum wanted supper," Richard said, "I'll be at Jen's."
"What's happening?" Gia asked.
"I'll be back later," Richard said.
Richard left.
"Hi ya!" Harry shouted as he and Ron came down the stairs.
"What—?!" Kristen stammered into the phone, "Gilroy is demanding—?! … Belt up for a moment Clair! … Fine. …. Later."
Kristen slammed the phone, her angry eyes focused upon the teenagers, onto Ron's bruised skin.
"Practice," Ron stated.
"Of all the outlandish things!" Kristen said, "Andrea and her chum are missing while Clair—all my sister is worried about are her damn eggs! She consented to have some of her eggs frozen! She is the one who decided to let her no–good–ex–husband have joint custody. And now he wants them fertilized by his boyfriend!"
"Any news—?" Harry asked.
"Just how do you expect men to seed—!" Kristen asked.
"Ant!" Harry exclaimed.
"Oh, sorry," Kristen said, "Nothing as of late—more friends?"
Hermione wondered how frazzled the nerves were, as Kristen already knew who they were even if the glazed eyes acted as if she didn't, eyes that could comprehend them, even with Ron's bruised skin.
"If now's a bad time—we could go over to my—" Hermione started.
"Sorry—hectic," Kristen said, "I'm needed down at the station."
Kristen grabbed her coat and went to the front door. She waited for Snuffles to come in before she closed the door behind her.
"What happened?" Hermione asked Ron.
"Like he said, practice," Harry said, "I mean, it'll make tomorrow seem easy."
"I think there's some stuff in the freezer," Gia said.
"Hot Tub?" Ron asked.
Hermione didn't have to glance at his skin to understand the motivation, nor wait. Gia barely started for the kitchen before Harry and Ron bolted up the stairs. Their shirts, shorts, and underwear landed on Gia's floor. They went through Richard's bedroom onto the pool deck beneath the clouded night sky. Hermione turned the dials on the tub, the foaming bubbles filled the surface of the water, clouding the view into it.
"I think they used every Quaffle and Bludger they owned," Harry said as he slipped into the foam.
"Ow…aw!" Ron said as he gingerly sank his feet in.
"If it hurts—" Hermione started.
"It's good, it's good," Ron said, "Can't go all at once."
"Nor can he…perform tonight because of it," Harry stated as his excited arousal showed.
"Harry!" Ron quipped.
"It's warm from the microwave," Gia said as she carried out a tray of pizza. Ron took a slice.
"Bit uneven," Ron grumbled.
"You've got magic," Gia snapped.
"Speaking of magic," Hermione said, "Professor Dumbledore didn't … is he always too tired to talk?"
Snuffles paced, nudged the blinders several times, transformed.
"A lecture is long overdue—" Sirius said, his eyes surveyed the starkers teenagers.
"Don't worry," Ron said, "We know what we're doing—"
"Been said many times before there's an accident," Sirius said, "However, I'm curious to the outcome—"
"It's going to be a nice evening," Harry said as they ignored the nearby footsteps, "Maybe a bang or two—"
SLAP!
Hermione pulled her hand back from Harry's face.
"Alright! Alright!" Harry explained the meeting, the resolutions.
"That's unfair!" Hermione protested.
"Dumbledore agrees!" Ron said.
"With the makeup of the board—it isn't a real surprise," Sirius said, "Especially with Oscar Kramer—the Kramer house is known for its hostility toward Muggle interactions."
Hermione shook her head. "Wish more would be enlightened—"
"Unfortunately, there is history behind his family," Sirius said, "Oscar is descended from the eldest son of Ansell Kramer who lived in the fifteenth century. Ansell's youngest son was a squib, and that squib had a son, Heinlich Kramer. As you may recall from Professor Binn's boring lectures, Heinlich gained notoriety as a prosecutor of witches and even went so far as authoring a manual for witchhunting. With that treason, Ansell's eldest son, Erich, relocated the family to near Carisle."
"What do we do about all of this?" Gia asked Harry.
"Dunno." Harry shrugged. "Not really, though Dumbledore did recommend we take a holiday." Harry explained that.
"Where to?" Gia asked.
"Maybe a train—" Harry started.
"It's obvious!" Hermione said, "It's going to be a Hogsmeade weekend—you need to be far away, so you've got an alibis."
"You need an alibis?" Richard asked as he came out onto the roof deck.
"Will you keep a better lookout?!" Sirius snapped before he transformed back to Snuffles.
"Yeah," Harry said, "For school."
"We'll think of something," Ron said.
"It's a plan," Harry stated.
Snuffles left.
"Any ideas?" Richard asked.
"Jen?" Gia asked.
"Not home," Richard said as he grabbed a slice of the pizza, "I figured Mum'd leave so I could eat."
"So, what do we do for a holiday?" Hermione said, "My parents love the Mediterranean."
Richard stepped into the hot tub.
"I already done Egypt," Ron quipped, "Though I could show you around. Floo Network and—"
"I'm guessing Professor Dumbledore wants us to use muggle transportation," Hermione said, "To a muggle vacation place without any magical transportation around."
"Not even brooms?" Ron asked.
"Planes are pretty fast," Richard said.
"Aeroplane?" Ron asked.
"Twenty third—two weeks away," Richard said, "Plenty of time."
Hermione slipped further into the hot tub, the water came over her shoulders.
"So, where are we going for this holiday?" Richard asked later in Gia's bedroom. He leaned back against the wall.
"Surprise me," Gia said to Harry as she sat on the bed, next to a sleeping Hermione curled into Ron.
Harry leaned back against the bookshelf, stroked Hedwig's feathers.
"We?" Ron asked.
"A chance to fly—are you kidding?" Richard said.
"I flew today, I'll fly tomorrow," Ron said, his arm rubbed Hermione's back.
"Brooms don't come naturally to us," Gia replied.
"Oh," Ron said.
"We went to Romania for the summer," Harry said.
"Charlie—well, Weasley's and you—" Ron started.
"Yeah," Harry said as he walked back to the bed, aroused.
Harry climbed onto the bed, over Gia, who laid down.
"You're about to—" Richard started.
"I'm among friends," Harry quipped.
"This holiday?" Ron said, distracting the attention away from Harry and Gia, "Dunno, what's there to do?"
"Seems to me you need a spot far enough that flying's more reasonable than a train," Richard said, his eyes trained on Ron to avoid Harry and Gia, "While I'd love to hike, the good stuff in, say, the Alps, would have snow, and you need people to witness you having a good time. Wanna try skiing?"
"Skiing?" Ron asked.
They waited for Harry and Gia to finish.
"Skiing involves skis in the snow," Richard said, "Plenty of resorts in the Alps, that'd give you your witnesses."
"Like flying, but still on the ground," Harry said as he rolled to the side next to Gia, satisfied.
"It can be dangerous," Gia said, "You'll love it."
"Skiing it is," Ron said, "Give it a try."
"I'll ask about borrowing the plane tomorrow," Richard said, "Should sit six. Um…how long?"
"Dunno," Harry said, "Long enough to make it clear we wouldn't slip back to school. A week?"
"Centered around that date," Gia said.
"I'll have to ask Mum too," Richard said, "But with Ant's antics, think I can pull it off. We'll have this figured out before the weekend's out."
"At least one of us is the planning type," Gia said.
"So's she," Ron said, pointed to Hermione.
"I'll let you—G'Night," Richard said. He turned off the lights before he left the bedroom.
"Skiing," Ron said, "That'll be new."