POTTER v AUTHOR – First Year
JKR is the acknowledged IPR owner of PotterUniVerse.
My scribbles are rated mature. 2 reasons, I don't write for young children and the subjects are veering towards borderline adult. Comments are welcome, especially if I fumble something
Be warned, I have a lengthy detailed style, not to everyone's preference, if it's fast action you prefer, you'll probably be better served elsewhere.
AN-1. Chapter lengths seem to have a bigger average in this PVA story. It seems once I got the main characters into Hogwarts, my fingers have run away from me.
AN-2. A warning, I am just about to change Kingdoms … Still within the UK, but, moving home always seems to consume time at a ferocious rate. Uploads will probably be delayed after Ch6, (written but not yet edited). Then a 7-week overseas trip; may still be writing, but uploads – no idea. December 2024 should see me back on track.
AN-3. I don't post anywhere else, remember I write for fun, so only on FanFiction.
Chapter 4 Bored of Governors
"Hermione, tell me, how is it that a witch who is from a family that no-one has heard of for hundreds of years suddenly appears at Hogwarts and is declared to be the heir of Ravenclaw. My aunt, who teaches here at Hogwarts says there have been no Dagworth or Granger students here in all her time teaching. Is it a spell that you cast on the sorting hat, is it a trick that you used to try and appear better than everyone else ?" A cutting, comment from a student that Hermione could only remembered the first name of Amanda asked her, quite sharply. It was at this point that Hermes thought that her younger self needed a bit of help. {She is just being inquisitive, a little aggressive, but I don't think she has an ulterior motive. Just feed her the phrase that Minerva has suggested until things have settled down, then tell her you've been advised to say nothing.}
"My family has in recent history, been magically dormant, and we've only just returned to Britain." Hermione reluctantly gave this minimal information, then was quickly asked more questions, though given no time to answer them. The boys were quick-firing questions at her, Michael Corner, Anthony Goldstein and Terry Boot. Odd in that she couldn't remember Amanda's family name ! As they were climbing multiple flights of stairs, none of these fellow first year students appeared to be coping too well, puffing and some even wheezing at the effort.
Another dark-skinned girl, with thick black hair, helpfully offered a distracting comment to ease some of the tension. "My family have only recently settled in Britain; my father wanted us to grow our business and thinks that there are more opportunities here than in India." Then offered a short phrase in another language; Hermione and Hermes, neither understanding, it may have been Hindi ? Hermione replied with the phrase that they had practised for just this situation. It was highly unlikely that anyone would understand 'Slovene'. Then switched to a much longer phrase in French, though this was a language that Hermione knew well, and could carry out extended conversations if required. But it worked in diffusing the tension that had started, Hermione exchanged a quick smile with the dark-haired witch who introduced herself. "My name is Padma Patil; I have a twin sister who has been sorted into Gryffindor house. I feel a little lost that I won't be sharing everything with Parvati. Do I understand that your family have been looking after Harry ?"
This was expected, and a careful response was needed; yes of course, this information was going to come out, and sooner rather than later. But it had to be handled carefully and managed to ensure that aggressive and invasive questions gave a lead-in to the official position that the Potter family would be promoting. Total integration of non-pureblood and other intermixed wizard and witch families. The easiest way to answer this polite girl was a small smile, raised eyebrows and a quiet aside. "Don't believe a word or even any published books you may have read about Harry in the past. I know the real Harry Potter very well and he is the nicest stepbrother you could ever wish for." Ending with a really wicked grin to Padma's sudden open-mouthed shock.
Their little group of first years had finally scaled the tower and the moving stairways then after a short corridor, reached the entrance to Ravenclaws common room. There was an eagle ornament on the door, it animated and asked a riddle. "What can run but not walk. Has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps ?"
Lisa Turpin, the fourth girl in this first year Ravenclaw group gave an answer. "Water."
The Eagle shook It's head, "Almost, but not quite."
"A river," Answered Hermione, "Yes, it's water, but in a river. A river runs, river head is where it starts, it runs in a riverbed. It never stops, or sleeps, otherwise it would be a lake."
"Or a Loch, as we are here in Scotland, and technically a river here is called a Burn." A smiling Lisa replied.
"Oh well done you two, the sorting hat certainly put you in the correct house." The prefect who had guided them back to Ravenclaw nodded with a wide smile.
Amanda looked like she was sucking something bitter, Lisa had a big, wide grin and Padma smiled at the byplay enacted. The boys looked confused, the prefect took the time to show where a bell pull was located alongside the door, just in case they got stuck and couldn't answer the required riddles to gain entrance.
Meanwhile the doorway had opened and the eagle emblem, wings outstretched, head lowered in a gesture, close to a bow, as Hermione walked through the doorway.
The short passage into a big broad round room, with a tiered balcony and many book shelved alcoves, comfortable chairs, small desks and gentle lighting throughout. There were several cast iron stoves, each giving off a little heat, and thankfully no dust or burning embers. This was as close to perfection as far as Hermione was concerned; she stood in awe in the middle of the room where she had coasted to a stop. Gazing around and seeing the ascending roof, rising up to the peaked tower roof. A single spiral staircase wound up to the balconies and then higher still, into the roof space; there would be a great view of the castle and surrounding area from up there.
A ghost walked through one of the bookcases on the balcony, through the parapet and gently spiralled down a staircase that may have been removed at some time in the past but was clearly in place when the ghost was alive. Even holding the handrail to safely negotiate the steep stairs ! Reaching the bottom, then made a direct course to Hermione standing watching her approach. The ghost in 10th Century costume, curtsied, then hand on heart, extended hand and arm towards Hermione. No words were exchanged, but Hermione responded with a rare, for her, curtsey to someone who had extended such respect for an 11-year-old bookworm who until very recently had few friends and felt publicly uncomfortable. Yet here she was, the centre of the entire large rooms attention, all eyes on her, not a sound spoken and no one completely understanding what was going on.
A small voice spoke into the silence, "Hermione Dagworth-Granger you have been graced with a visit from one of Hogwarts oldest ghosts. I introduce to you, Helena Ravenclaw, daughter of Rowena, who was one of the original four founders of Hogwarts school of magic. Of course, she and her mother are both distant, indeed, very distant ancestors of your family. You are the direct heiress and inheritor of Rowena's most magnificent work of magic, this very castle itself. Helena Ravenclaw, sometimes known as the Grey Lady is our house ghost. She has acknowledged your family connection and accepts and confirms that you are the true and rightful heir."
Professor Filius Flitwick stood, at most 4'5" and perhaps more width than would be expected.
Noise levels resumed as conversations continued, undoubtably about the status of the newest member of their house, though strangely, none thought to talk directly to Hermione about it.
A short mind-talk conversation with Harry, checking that each other were being accepted and comfortable and affirming that they were looking forward to Friday night and spending the weekend back together. They would have lots to talk about whilst cuddling and reassuring each other that this was the start of something truly wonderful and magical.
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Later, after following a prefect guide down to the girls dormitory, four girls settled into comfortable canopied beds, Amanda noticeably put out, her attempt at a put-down on Hermione's sudden eminence expressed itself by her choosing the bed furthest away from the door with Hermione getting the doorway bed, being last into the room. Curtains were noisily yanked shut around Amanda's bed, the other three shrugging shoulders at their irritated dorm mate. The three moved off and explored the room and found the showers and a small dressing room and even a tiny sitting room where the three sat down and started to chat.
Hermione endeared herself to her dorm mates, "This is wonderful, all we need are some tea and cakes to make this a perfect place." No sooner said than done, appearing in the middle of the small table, a tray, teapot, cups and saucers and small plates with a variety of cakes. Lisa was startled, her parents had both attended Hogwarts and had explained all the various aspects and never once had tea and cakes in students' accommodation been mentioned.
"I wonder if it's a privilege extended to me being an heir ?" Whatever it was, both Lisa and Padma were happily pleased that they were included. It was well past dark when they finally made it back into the dormitory and into their own beds, Hermione remembered a TV show, where each person bid the others a good night sleep. They took turns wishing each other a good night. Hermione also added Amanda to her calls and wished her good night, a gruff "nite" responded. At least she had not let Amanda go to sleep on an argument or in bad humour, a good example set by her parents.
Harry had heard Hermione's side of the conversations, he wasn't snooping, just lying in bed, waiting for sleep. He mind-talked a 'good night' to Hermione then with a suspicion that three plus one, others might also be 'on-line' wished a distant trio 'good night girls'. Harry heard no reply, perhaps they were asleep already ? Susan was too new to their conspiracy and contracted marriage to have formed anyform of connection just yet. He would try and remember to check that in the morning, would be good to be able to mind-talk to all his close family, even if they were in the dungeon Slytherin and Hufflepuff house accommodations and he and Hermione were up here in towers. Though maybe too much rock cut down their ability to chat ?
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Next morning, in similar fashion to other first year dorms, some unseen force pulled back all the bed curtains. The rooms were cold, and unlike Gryffindor where common room fire generated heat which flowed up to the dorms above, Ravenclaw dormitories were lower than the common room, and no heat flowed down. Big fluffy towelling dressing gowns were lain across their trunks and on a small table, four glasses of fruit juice awaited them. Lisa led the charge to the showers, carefully telling of the initial cold water. Four girls happily splashed, squealed and had fun, before hurriedly dressing and getting ready for the escorted trip down to the first breakfast in the great hall. Amanda seemed to have forgotten her barbed question to Hermione and outwardly seemed to have accepted that Hermione was a person who simply inherited her position.
No interaction outside of their house tables happened that first day at breakfast, students stayed in their house groups, whilst eating the first meal of the day. There were long glances between Harry and Hermione, Padme and Parvati who all looked forward to a latter opportunity to catch up on gossip and experiences. Hermes and Gryph knew that it was simply tradition that had students sitting and eating only on their house tables. It wasn't a Hogwarts school rule in any way, in later years they had challenged traditions as earlier Marauders had challenged Hogwarts rules. But for today at least, maybe this week, they wouldn't make too many 'waves'. Later, they would be challenging some of the traditional behaviour of Hogwarts and bending many of the 'rules' that had hindered and held back students and their educational development. After all, as Hermes, Gryph, Hermione and Harry all deliberately knew; it was their house and their rules.
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After breakfast, Hermione found herself leading the first year Ravenclaws back up to their common room access door, she remembered the way and no prefect had seemed ready to be an escort. The door guardian eagle simply bowed It's head as they approached, and the doorway portal opened; no riddle offered to solve for entry. All the four boys and three girls looked surprised at Hermione. "Maybe It's because I part own the castle." Hermione shrugged, having been warned by Harry when his similar event had occurred.
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Professor Flitwick conducted his house meeting in similar fashion to the other house meetings. They had agreed with the headmistress on the subjects to be covered, the information to be given and warnings to issue, especially those about the increased learning tempo. More and faster, the pace of learning had stagnated and so many subjects had been dropped in favour of just those that maintained the status quo of the ruling pure bloods. Up in the Ravenclaw tower, the news was greeted positively, there was an enthusiasm to learn.
Meanwhile in Gryffindor, there were a few groans, as more work, harder work became known. Hufflepuff greeted the news with a collective sigh, but the overall support from the brighter students who all promised extra support to study classes eased the worry.
Dungeon deep Slytherin, there was almost a riot ! Hard work and a strong study ethic was not prevalent in this stronghold of pureblood pampered youth. It mattered not to their new temporary head of house. Silvanus Kettleburn was a gnarled and grizzled veteran of the first wizard war against Grindleward, he was going to brook no nonsense. He was firm in looking after all the magical creatures in Glen Hogg, even the denizens of the Forbidden Forest knew better than to cross him. Young human students never stood a chance in any diatribe railed against Hogwarts new stance. Though there was a muttered phrase heard from the back. "Wait till my father hears about this."
Silvanus Kettleburn smiled inwardly; he had raised just this point with Minerva in last nights Head of House meeting with the headmistress, Minerva. Her wicked smile had given him hope that things were changing for the better, Slytherin students had been getting an easy 'pass' over the years in Hogwarts, no other house students were allowed to get away with the shoddy study efforts common practice in Slytherin. Gazing across the faces around him, irritation, moody and even anger was visible, but three new students all had smiles gently lightening their moods. Oh, maybe he did have some, well three at least, students who had come to Hogwarts to learn.
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Serena Lovegood had been assured that even if Severus Snape recovered enough to be able to get out of Madam Pomfrey's medical ward, he would find it impossible to enter the old lecture and teaching areas in the east tower. The doorways won't open for him, and if he tries to break through, Harry had requested Lady Hogwarts to get the house elves to 'pop' him back to the medical ward.
She had been busy since the early hours, with an expected long stay at Hogwarts, and daughter and husband away till Christmass on safari in Scandinavia, her decision, to move her entire potions lab into new quarters. Combined with the salvaged (before fire and explosion) store from the old dungeon potions area, and her extensive experimental concoctions, there was an absolute wealth of magical potions and items. The was the box returned from Japan, the prank stuff, she could think of a good use for that before it exceeded It's 'use-by' date !
When Serena had studied for her potions mastery, her mentor had been an entertaining instructor, who firmly believed in that learning should be fun. That way it would be more easily remembered and retained, and that was the way that she was going to open her introductory lesson. With two years of experience in studying chemistry at one of the finest muggle university / college, chemicals and their properties were going to play a major part in her presentation. Seven glass beakers, increasing in size were lined up on her tutor bench, front and lowest part of this auditorium. Their clear contents, minimal starting from her right, the students left, keeping the natural progression of left to right for her mostly right-handed students. Only one of the fluid contents was dangerous, the fumes emitted were highly toxic, but given off slowly. Daniel Granger had rigged up a vacuum exhaust vent tube for this, it constantly sucked fumes from the beaker and pumped them to the outside tower top, whence prevailing winds dispersed the odious gas.
This primary opening act was to show and express that magic wasn't everything and that in fact, distilled chemicals could be every bit as dangerous as well as useful. It was the last beaker that would contain the final concoction, it would be coloured violent red by that time and be extremely caustic and acidic. There was a solid metal plate that would prove that.
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Lunch was in the great hall as before, though here now a small, slight change. Harry had switched house tables; he'd got up from Gryffindor and walked across to Ravenclaw table. Squeezing in between Hermione and Padme on the long bench seats. Padme had budged up, but Hermione steadfastly refused to move, in consequence, Harry and Hermione were hard pressed, one against the other. Neither found the position uncomfortable, in fact Harry's arms and shoulders were atop Hermione's and they were pinching items from each other's plates and snacking. There was shock evident on Amanda's face opposite, but Lisa smiled brightly at the pair.
"Hi Padme, Parvati says that if I'm brave enough to sit on another house table for lunch today, she'll join you for dinner." Up on the professors table, no adverse reaction, the headmistress even smiled, Flitwick raised a mug and 'toasted' the intrusion and was that Vectraa variety of looks, both positive and neutral, though the majority were entirely non-plussed at the small re-seating. Up on the professors table, no adverse reaction, the headmistress even smiled, Flitwick raised a mug and 'toasted' the intrusion and was that Vectra giving a small handclap.
Slytherin table was mostly angry muttering and ribald snide comments. No other table seemed to object, and as a few older students on Ravenclaw table pointed out, "That pair own half of Hogwarts castle and grounds. It wouldn't do to upset the landlords, might get an adverse reaction." That information percolated across to Gryffindor and Hufflepuff table and the core conversations moved onto other subjects.
There was a little more bumping of shoulders and good-natured joshing going on with Harry nicking some of Hermione's dessert and making a big show of enjoying the stolen treats. There were a few young girls who were showing a little emotional upset, the name and the hype that was Harry Potter had many of them looking forward to trying, or at least attempting to establish a more than friendly relationship with Harry, maybe even more ? Despite the quickly circulated rumour that Harry had been adopted, sort of, by the Dagworth-Grangers. Their close interplay hinted at more than stepbrother and sister, the socially aware and sharp eyed girls noted that their relationship appeared to go far deeper than family siblings. It was soon after that several young girls decided to re-target their hunt for that perfect boyfriend.
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There was a commotion from the entrance hall, the doors were thrown open with a sudden loud bang and a small band of adults started towards the head table. The leading man was tall, carried a silver topped cane and had long white hair. The first few elderly males in the group all seemed to have a determined, even angry expression. The second part of the group was smaller and seemed to consist of mature ladies who merely strolled up the central aisle towards the head table. The woman leading them was wearing a hat, topped with, of all things, a stuffed vulture ! As she passed a group of Gryffindor students, a smile to one of the first years, then looking around, seeing Harry and Hermione together on the Ravenclaw table, the smile was paired with a sly wink.
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"Minerva McGonagall, we the Hogwarts Governors have decided to provide you with educational direction and management expertise in the absence of the approved headmaster". Lucious Malfoy announced loudly to the top table and then turned gloatingly to the student body. The males lined up either side of him, reflecting his posture and manner.
"Thank you for your concern Lucius, but I am very capable of running and improving this school with the full support of the senior members of staff. After all we've been doing it for the last thirty years quite successfully. Though it has been very kind of you to take the time to travel all the way north for your kind offer. Would you care to use the spare table at the back of the hall, I can offer you tea and cakes only, I am afraipurebloods missed the allotted time to be given consideration for dinner." There was a frosty edge to her voice as Minerva addressed the back of Lucius head and the line of male purebloods. Then she resumed eating her dessert, and turned to Pomona Sprout and continued her conversation about the new greenhouse ingredient production facility. Pomona chatted back cheerily, and the other professors all picked up conversations and ignored the standing, simmering angry line of men facing the student body.
There is only so long you can stand and glower in silence, especially if ignored by adult teachers and the student body no longer find you of interest when compared to generous helpings of dessert. The four lady members of the school governors had quietly taken up on the offer, they were seated comfortably in the middle of the 'spare' table at the rear. Teacups already supplied and pouring for themselves, a few of the senior members of the student body had collected a selection of dessert, cakes and delicacies and offered them.
Lucius and others finally broke their stubborn stance and stomped as far as the spare table, glanced at it and realised they couldn't even sit as a group, there were not enough spaces together. They would need to sit in two groups either side of chatting and laughing ladies. That would be intolerable, Lucius barely slowed down as he strutted out of the great hall and started down the medieval steps to the castle main entrance. Steps, even granite ones, wear out over time, and these were of hard tough rock which wears down over the millennium; in doing so, it becomes polished.
Nobody laughed, the students were not watching, and the collective male group of Hogwarts governor's knew how foolish it would be to laugh at Lucius's misfortune. But he did manage a spectacular slip on a step, leather soled shoes, minimal rain moisture and worn steps. It was a disaster waiting to happen, helped of course in this instance by Peeves, who wisely choose not to reveal himself. If you try hard enough, or pay someone to do the deed; even a ghost can be made to suffer ? So, he remained invisible and tried to suppres his laughter, but his laughter could still be heard, it resounded and echoed in the lofty stairway. You can't apparate inside Hogwarts, so Lucius had to 'man-up' and walk painfully to the castle ground gates before he could apparate away back to safety and treatment. He didn't say a word and his fellow governors were equally silent.
Inside the hall, Minerva had finished her dessert, she just loved the treacle tart that the house elves made, especially with condensed milk. Wiping her mouth, she stood, tapped her water glass and waited for silence. It was expected by all, so it happened quickly.
"I'd like to encourage all students to go along to professor Lovegood's introduction to potions. It starts promptly at 2pm in the lecture theatre in the East tower on the 6th floor. Just ask any of the portraits how to get to the auditorium, as it has been many years since last used and even our senior 7th year students probably won't have been there. I will be there too and will be interested to see who attends.
Miss Hermione Dagworth-Granger and Mr Harry Potter, before we go up if you would please meet me at the back of the hall, I would like a quick wood with you both. Thank you, students and staff all; we will resume regular studies in two days' time, individual schedules will be distributed at breakfast on that day."
Walking briskly to the rear of the hall, she passed behind Harry and Hermione, sitting, waiting still whilst students were dispersing from the lunch tables. They rose, followed and quickly sat down again on the spare table, opposite the three ladies having tea and cakes. Minerva had wand in hand quickly and just prior to casting explained.
"Madam Bones, Madam Longbottom, and Madam Marchbanks, you are very welcome at Hogwarts. I think that satisfies the formalities' don't you think ?
Amelia, Augustus and Griselda; we have here at Hogwarts a pair of young students that are going to bring about a wind of change through our school and even our Wiz society. I think it appropriate to say that all storms are preceded by a period of quiet before the heavy weather sets in.
Griselda, I need to warn you that a storm is coming, and I have a few items I need to explain more fully and would like to ask your indulgence for a few days until this and a few other newsworthy items are published in the Daily Prophet.
As the information has been held to a restricted and small group so far, would you object to my creating a zone of silence, such that our discussions here are not overheard ?"
Quite elderly, but sharp as a brass Galleon, she looked intrigued and gave a small nod and a twinkle appeared in her eyes. She sat up straighter and carefully folded her hands in front of her, keenly looking forward to gaining an insight into recent extraordinary event. She had attended today at the summons of Lucius Malfory, the chairman of Hogwarts board of governors, but had been given no further explanation. Augusta Longbottom had talked briefly as they walked across the castle grounds and hand on arm, had restrained Griselda in the march through the hall. The three ladies had halted only part way towards the front. The third lady, Amelia Bones was pre-aware as she had smiled when Augusta had halted Griselda, had been the first to turn back to the 'spare' table.
The presence of two students, first years it appeared from their physical ages, but quite self-assured and confident in extreme. A story was about to be told, if only It's introduction.
A slight crackle appearance to the air surrounding them showed the zone of silence was working. Minerva led off.
"Griselda, there has been a coming together and some forward planning by some of the old families, from the light and neutral factions. I'd like to start off by introducing you to Harry Potter, then explain that anything beyond the death of his parents, as reported in newspapers, adventure books and Chinese-Whispers is utterly fictious and false. Harry has been taken in, rescued from an abusive environment, he has been adopted by the Ancient and Noble, but historical dormant, magical family of Dagworth-Granger. This young lady is Hermione Dagworth-Granger, a strong, intelligent and bright first year witch. Without explaining the whole story, these two were encouraged to go to Gringotts and undertake the Hereditas Prima test. Harry Potter had prior knowledge of the outcome, Hermione's was a complete surprise.
Amelia, perhaps you would you like to formally introduce these two important persons ?" Minerva had a smile that threatened to break out into laughter.
"Griselda, I can professionally confirm and introduce you to Lord Gryffindor, the direct heir to one of the Hogwarts founders and one quarter owner of Hogwarts castle and the surrounding entirety of Glen Hogg. His rescuer has been identified as Lady Ravenclaw, again a direct one quarter owner of Hogwarts and the Glen. We know them as Harry Potter and Hermione Dagworth-Granger. You understand their importance of course. Minerva and I can also confirm that a third current Hogwarts Founder heir, of Hufflepuff, is currently within the castle at this moment. That person, for the moment, remains undisclosed; but like Harry and Hermione, all three acknowledged by Gringotts and all been given unhindered access to all relevant vaults, direction and voting rights. They all have their head of house rings, giving them full authority." Amelia had a positive leer as she described the authority that was now within their grasp and that outside political and dark-side families influences could be negated.
Minerva picked up the lead again. "Hogwarts original charter in the 10th century was written by the founders when they built the castle on land given to them by deed from my family, the Clan McGonagall. The point of this meeting is that clause 10, part 6, section 6 refers to the ultimate rights of the founders and their heirs in perpetuity. One of them is uncontestable authority to bar any persons or groups who adversely attempt, or advise, to wrest control of the castle or the glen and alter It's aims. In short terms, the founders heirs can dismiss the board of governors should they choose. This is something that our group of families have previously considered might be attempted, and consequently have made plans for such attempts, such as todays attempted action led by Lucius Malfoy.
There is further sub-section that allows the heirs to 'Defenestrate' or otherwise 'Exmoveo'. The latter means force out, force away or eject. The former is more lurid, it means quite simply to throw out of a window, presumably a high window.
I think that by my action of simply ignoring Lucius Malfoy's attempt to overthrow the head and staff of Hogwarts and allowing them to leave peacefully, I showed a great deal of restraint, rather than respect, as my position as headmistress has been approved by all three heirs.
Now there is a lot that I am not telling you at this moment, there is neither the time, nor the need to bring you fully into our collective group. I will ask this one question of you Griselda, do you believe that the group led by Lucius has the students and Hogwarts best interests at heart ?" Minerva waited for a response. Griselda looked carefully at Minerva, Amelia, Augusta and then very closely at both children. Both Harry and Hermione met her gaze and returned it without concern.
"I don't doubt that. There's a lot that I'm not being told, I can accept that, for the moment anyway. I am increasingly concerned at Albus and his behaviour recently, I have been a great supporter of his over the decades although I am now beginning to have some doubts. To answer your question simply, I think that the board of governors are trying to act in a manner that I consider detrimental to Hogwarts charter. My assistance to Hogwarts is a given, I will offer and continue to give advice whenever and however I can. But can I ask, what is the purpose of this meeting ?" Griselda was no fool, she knew there was an underlying reason why this group were meeting now. "I would like to be included, if I may ? to advise, help the true purpose of Hogwarts. Irrespective of personalities, political gain or dark faction goal." Griselda had thrown her colours onto the table, now she would see if they would be picked up. She looked to Minerva, then Augusta and finally to Amelia; who was leading ? To her surprise, it was Harry that answered.
"Minerva, I instruct you to disband the board of governors with immediate effect. Send out the official notifications via Gringotts and the Ministry, copy the letter to the Prophet. We three heirs have signed the individual notices and affixed our ring sealed authorities. Augusta, I nominate you as senior advisor to Hogwarts school of magic, please select a team of advisors within one week so that we heirs may judge and otherwise agree.
Madam Marchbanks, I have no authority over you, I can not instruct you to keep the matter of known and verified Hogwarts Founder Heirs secret. What I do ask you, though only as Harry Potter; is to refrain from telling anyone of this meeting until such times as the Prophet notifies wizarding Britain of the recent changes. Could you, would you, consider that as a request from me please ?"
Gryph had smoothly assumed control as had previously been agreed both by Harry and all other members of the conspiracy, young, and adult alike on how to disband the dark majority controlled, Hogwarts school of Governors.
The small group carefully watched Griselda for her reaction.
"I have already stated that I would be happy to advise Hogwarts and I will continue to do so. Augusta, I would like to put myself forward for your and the heirs consideration as an advisor'". Griselda seemed pleased at the outcome and her suggestion to advise was happily accepted, if the smiles and nods were indicative.
Hermione thought to add some light relief in conclusion. "Would you like to come and watch our new Potions professor in action ? She has been teaching a small group for several weeks, and I can assure you, It's a clear proof of how Hogwarts will be improving shortly. But we still have time, before we need to move to the lecture theatre. Enough time for perhaps a little more dessert and perhaps more to drink ?"
Said refreshments and individual delicate portions of dessert appeared in front of each of them within moments. Hogwarts elves knew they were catering here to the heirs, the headmistress and two important guests, in consequence, the deserts were exquisite. Surprising the adults, but not preventing them from partaking; and what 11-year-old doesn't like an extra pudding.
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Minerva gave her lifelong friend Griselda a measured and curious look, mentally considering whether to bring her more fully into the conspiracy. Certainly, she knew her well, but it was essentially Harry and Hermione's decision, as it was his Potter household that would be extending the allied house protection. Harry and Hermione were both watching Minerva, were they aware of what she was considering ? Only one way to find out. But maybe now was not the time to raise that question with Griselda. There would be more opportunities in the next few days, though there would be no harm in exposing Albus for the scheming manipulator and outright thief that she now knew him to be. Decision made, time to influence Griselda.
"Dumblydore sequestered a considerable number of items and had amassed a store of magical artefacts, either confiscated or otherwise obtained over the years. He was even arrogant enough to keep a detailed list of who they came from as well as the circumstances. I found several items that are Clan McGonagall heirlooms he has acquired, nothing that I was even aware of that I had lost. The 'Thievin' Sassanach' even noted when, and even detailed, how he obliviated me. If I ever see him again, other than in a court of law or with witnesses present, I'm 'nae' sure of my actions." With a great effort, Minerva calmed herself down, with Amelia's hand on her wrist gently stroking she resumed.
"He took especial care to list items that he had,… I'm sorry Harry, I ever let him leave you with those Dursley's. He wanted you out of the way, so he could steal wholesale from you too. There is a list of items that will be coming back to you over the coming weeks. The only delay is that Amelia wants the DMLE to catalogue the thefts and these will all be used as evidence in his trial. But I wanted to pass this back into your hands today, with these ladies as witness. I hope that Augusta and you too Griselda won't object ?"
Augusta looked fiercely angry; to steal from anyone was a crime, to do so from a child ! Unforgiveable. Her sharp nod gave her clear intention to be witness. Griselda was quivering with fury. "If as you say Minerva, and you too Amelia confirm, that the item is stolen from the Potter's and should rightfully be Harry's ?"
"I do" Murmured Minerva, "It's even marked with the Potter crest on the inside."
"There is no doubt Griselda, a clear evidence trail, written in Dumblydore's own hand and the journal has his unique magical signature. I'm going to have a pair of Auror's who are specialist evidence trackers go through the entire storeroom where he hid them all. It's like a personal gloat gallery, a treasure chamber of stolen items, even the chair he sat in to view them is stolen, and that is from my own brothers looted house. It's got the Bones coat of arms carved into the backrest. The final damming piece of the puzzle is a cabinet full of hundreds of memories, Glowing silver memory threads in crystal vials. I've seen the one where he 'borrowed' this travel cloak from James Potter on his last visit just before poor James and Lily were murdered. He even has the Potter penseive in that gloat room. The travel cloak is an undeniably a Potter item. No doubt exists and the proof is all pointing at Dumblydore being the thief. He details, even gloats in his own handwritten script that he has no intention of giving it back. Thief, there is no other word for him."
"Please forgive me ladies, and you, Harry, this must be deeply emotional for you, I won't ask at this time how the item was known to be in Albus's possession, but why is there such emphasis on this one item ?" Griselda was puzzled.
Harry reached over and took the leather pouch that bore the Potter crest on the outside, opening it, slid out a gossamer thin fabric which slithered and flowed like silk. Turning the material over, on the inside could be seen the same Potter coat of arms. Then gently placing Hermione's arm onto the tabletop, spread the cloak over it. The arm vanished, just the tabletop seen underneath. A smile was all he showed to Madam Marchbanks as he folded the cloak and placed it back into Its pouch.
"I see, or rather, I couldn't see. That's a remarkably efficient cloak, and I think I need to re-assess my previous support of the man. Yes, I will be an independent witness as to the return of the item. My visit today is turning out to be quite remarkable." Griselda sat erect and carefully folded her hands together, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Yes, quite an eventful day."
~~~~~~~~~~
"Griselda, thank you for your support on this matter, you understand now why we have asked that you keep matters private, even secret for a short while. The implications are far reaching and affect many families, but especially the Potter's. To break the mood that has settled upon us, I would strongly suggest you take up young Hermione's suggestion. Our new potions professor, though we are calling her an assistant for the moment, is quite a remarkable talented person. She is giving her first introductory presentation shortly, and as It's clearly educational, I feel sure that you would like to see how Hogwarts is going to be forging ahead in our teaching. It's in the old lecture theatre that's been out of use some thirty years, a bit of a hike across the castle, but as I'm heading there directly, perhaps you'd care to accompany me ?"
"Minerva, perhaps if you take Madam Marchbanks with you, it will save the effort of all those stairs ?" Hermione's intent became clear, right after she offered to take Augusta and Harry could take Amelia. Though Harry explained it more simply, "Only the Headmistress can apparate within Hogwarts castle, with the exception of the Founder Heirs. Amelia, may I offer you a 'side-along-apparate' to save the effort of the climb to the lecture theatre."
"Harry and Hermione can apparate, as first years ?" Griselda was shocked ! But knew that with Minerva, Augusta and Amelia all smiling and nodding, she really had a lot to learn about this group of families that were plotting to improve Hogwarts. More to the point, she was looking forward to seeing just what Harry and Hermione could do. Being heirs was one thing, but what else would be revealed. She looked forward to learning and this was the place to do it. She wondered if she could beg a few nights stay and watch and learn more ?