Chapter 31 - Lies and Tantrum's and Betrayal - Oh My!
"He can't be dead!"
"Albus, he was eaten by the biggest fucking dragon I've ever seen - of course he's dead." Cornelius held up his hand to stop the old fool repeating the same mantra again.
"What convinces me he's gone for good - more than the hundreds of witnesses who saw the enormous dragon have him for a snack - is that Amelia Bones tendered her resignation immediately after the event. She's tight with Potter, probably heading to Italy as we speak, so that means they think Voldemort's gone for good too. Potter and Granger have been way ahead of the game since leaving Hogwarts - sometimes on a completely different page from everyone else."
"So you're saying you believe Potter over me?"
"Looking at both your recent records, there really isn't a choice to be made. They've squashed the Death Eaters, and everyone else who got in their way. Voldemort is dead, as is Dolores and you were made to look a fool today. We both understand what a disaster my name coming out of that cup would have been, and something Potter was clearly capable of doing. You thought you were trapping a former student, Potter not only reversed your trap - he took out Voldemort for good measure. That's not someone I want to cross in any manner."
Cornelius could see Albus still wasn't buying it. He held a different opinion, therefore Albus Dumbledore was right - and everyone else was wrong. Shaking his head, the Minister served this old fool some home truths.
"I listened to the radio broadcast today, the commentator practically christened those two as the reincarnations of Merlin and Morgan Le Fay. Your own efforts didn't fare so well, as a competitor or an organiser. Did you really not have anything in place to save a champion who found themselves in serious trouble? That Potter did, and it worked brilliantly, is simply another massive point in his favour in any comparison against you…"
"But that's preposterous!"
"Is it? Potter is no longer the Boy-Who-Lived, he's now the Dark-Lord-Destroyer. Is there any doubt in your mind Potter not only orchestrated today's event, he was in total control the entire time. That was the conclusion the radio commentator quickly came to, and so would most of those watching in the stadium. The Ministry is going to be inundated with demands that Potter gets awarded an Order of Merlin, First Class."
"You can't possibly…"
"Of course I can't - he'd very publicly tell me to stick it up my arse. The only chance we would have of Potter accepting is if we offered his betrothed the same, and probably her muggle parents too."
"The Wizengamot would never vote for that."
"Albus, it's days, like Hogwarts, are numbered as well. Amelia tried to warn me, but it wasn't until I sat down and thought about it I realised the Ministry itself is under a very real threat too. There's no point of being the Minister of Magic if there's no witches or wizards left in the country to govern. The Potter family has left Britain for good, so has the Blacks. I suspect the likes of Bones, Longbottom, Abbot, Lovegood and even Weasley will soon follow. Add in the number of families Britain lost during the Death Eater purges and you'll start to see the dilemma we're facing. I have people exploring the extent of the problem at this very minute, I'm already positive I won't like their findings."
"What can I do to help?"
"There's three areas you could really help the country, Albus. Number one, call off this tournament - it's just an embarrassment now."
"I would love to, but it can't be done. Once started, the tournament has to continue until the cup is won at the end of the third task. The tasks themselves have to be challenging, we can't have them sitting down and playing chess for the cup. There also has to be a certain break between tasks, to give any injured champions enough time to recover and compete. What are the other two areas?"
Knowing the old wizard wouldn't like hearing this, Cornelius just blurted it out. "Resign as Headmaster of Hogwarts, effective immediately."
That he had managed with one sentence to render Albus Dumbledore lost for words Cornelius considered quite an achievement. "There are two reasons Hogwarts is still operating. The other schools are providing Professors and the fact that Potter didn't take any students from your upper years. Those borrowed Professors though are using the opportunity to recruit members of those upper year groups for their own schools. When that happens, there simply won't be enough students attending to financially support Hogwarts. There has to be a new staff and new plan in place before the New Year, otherwise Hogwarts won't open next September."
"I've tried, Cornelius. I couldn't even get anyone to accept the deputy post."
"The problem is you, the name 'Albus Dumbledore' has become toxic. Your methods of running Hogwarts have also become well known, using compulsion charms on people who work for you is no incentive for anyone to take on a position in the castle. If you don't resign, I'll be forced to take Ministerial control of Hogwarts, and then sack you. Only with Albus Dumbledore out of the castle do we have any chance of keeping Hogwarts open past June."
Albus looked more shocked than angry, so Cornelius pushed on to his next point. "After the third task, you need to disappear. The ICW are desperate to put you on trial, for multiple crimes, and are sure to take action the instant your involvement with the tournament is over. You won't survive a full-blown trial, and they're certain to make the entire process very public, so you might take the Ministry down with you. Well, Albus, can you help?"
"Of course I can help." Quick as a flash, Albus cast an obliviate at the Minister of Magic - while cursing those Italian wizards for taking his wand.
He was so busy trying to ensure the Grangers couldn't interfere with the situation, those two powerful stunners had him out for the count before he could do anything. Even now, he wasn't sure if it was losing allegiance of the elder wand that was affecting his spell casting, or simply that he was still suffering the after affects of being heavily stunned again.
His anger at Cornelius was of epic proportions. Only he knew about Voldemort's horcruxes, and that the Dark Lord couldn't possibly be dead. With a prophecy in play too, where was Potter's hand in this banishment?
"Little jumped-up pipsqueak, how dare you even think Potter could possibly be better than me at anything - in my own office too. You will forget everything we talked about, and appoint Shacklebolt as the new head of the DMLE."
With Kingsley in that position, he could begin feeding stories - manufacturing evidence if necessary - that the Dark Lord wasn't really gone. Then the gullible public would turn on their false hero, and once more look to him for guidance - and the saving of their miserable lives. Albus had many years of experience at waking his disoriented victims up, and then getting them out of his office as quickly as possible. Fudge was swiftly and surely dispatched to the Ministry of Magic.
-oOoOo-
There was a celebratory atmosphere within the Institute. Classes after lunch had been cancelled so the entire school could listen to the broadcast together. They were currently sitting down to dinner, though Harry, Sirius, Remus, Francesca and Amelia were having what looked like a very serious discussion. Hermione was sticking with her family, the three Grangers were worried how today might affect Joan.
When asked how she was feeling, her little nose still twitched but she was now confident enough just to say what she was thinking. "The bad wizard who killed Harry's mum and dad is gone, and that's a good thing. Millie made sure I didn't see or hear anything too yucky. The beautiful lady who was burned by the dragon, can we go visit her after dinner? Aunt Poppy is wonderful, and seeing the woman is going to be fine would make me fine too."
Hermione explained that it would be up to Poppy if they could visit Fleur but, if she said yes, they'd all go after dessert.
It was only seconds later that Dobby appeared to say Madam Poppy said little Miss could visit - but only for a little while. Joan's wide smile and 'thanks' made Dobby's day.
-oOoOo-
Fleur was lying in the hospital bed, with half her body swathed in bandages - it was a challenge to find a comfortable position. That those bandages were there mainly to hold the burn salve in place was a great comfort to the three adults keeping her company. They in turn were trying to offer some comfort of their own to the distraught witch. All were conversing in rapid French.
"How can I face them again? From the first moment we met, I deliberately insulted them. Yet not only did they save me, I was brought here for treatment. What am I supposed to say to them?"
The report from the mediwitch that his daughter would make a full recovery in a few days had shocked and delighted Louis Delacour. It was hard to believe such an outcome was possible after what he had witnessed today. The mediwitch insisted that getting his daughter out of the arena and into her care so promptly played a massive part in her being able to offer such a positive diagnosis.
"Perhaps you're overthinking this, but saying 'thank you' would be a good starting point."
Olympe also tried to shore up her student's feelings. "Lord Potter was of course correct, none of us had any idea just what we were getting ourselves into. Those unbreakable contracts were bad enough, but it would appear Albus had plans within plans - and we got drawn into them. Lord Potter and his betrothed were brilliant today, their power and control was unbelievable in ones so young."
"It was their teamwork that impressed me more, they appeared more in sync than Apolline and myself - and we have been married over twenty years."
It was at that point Apolline let go of her eldest daughter's hand, and moved to greet the group who had just entered the infirmary.
"Miss Granger, we cannot zank you and your 'Arry enough for saving Fluer today. Merci, Merci."
"Oh, think nothing of it. We know first hand just how dangerous Hogwarts can be with Dumbledore in charge, we also knew he wouldn't have put any safety arrangements in place. As we said to her headmistress, Dumbledore doesn't care who his plans hurt - we do." Hermione introduced her parents, and then Joan.
"She wanted to see if the beautiful lady was ok."
Joan headed straight over to the injured Fleur, taking the space Apolline had just moved from. "I'm glad to see you're ok, you were very brave. Dobby is the best elf in the world, he brought you here. Aunt Poppy will soon have you all better. She did the same for Harry, and there was blood everywhere when he got back from the Ministry. That was really frightening."
Smiling at the young girl, Apolline gently asked a question. "Weren't you frightened today?"
"Oh no, I was with our family. Nothing can happen to me then." Joan appeared to think for a moment before saying any more. "That bad old wizard knocked his dragon out when he got into bother. If mum had gotten into bother, her Harry would have knocked the dragon right out of the place. They're both very strong and clever, so I wasn't frightened at all."
Thinking that this was the person she'd called 'little boy', Fleur tentatively moved her head around to speak with Hermione. "I need to apologise for my 'urtful words today. I was wrong, and your 'Arry was so right - we didn't know what we were getting into. 'Ank you so much for saving me anyways."
"You're very welcome. Penny Clearwater will be up soon to help make arrangements for what you want to do - she's one of the Institute's assistants. Poppy wants you to stay at least tonight, and the rest of you are welcome to stay too. I need to get this one to bed, we've all had an exciting day."
As Joan said goodnight to everyone, Fleur was heard to mutter 'Elle est si adorable'.
-oOoOo-
An excited Angelina spotted Cedric in the corridor, she hurried to catch up with him. "Hey, Diggory, wait up a moment. Are you going to the ball?"
Cho possessively wrapped herself around Cedric's left arm. "Yes he is, and he's going with me - so back off!"
Holding both her hands in front of her, palms out, Angelina set the clearly jealous girl straight. "Hey, I wasn't trying to poach your date. Not only am I not going, I won't even be in the country. I'm spending the Christmas holidays in Italy with Harry and the gang. Headmistress Sprout gave me some names to invite along, and Cedric was on that very short list. If he's staying here though, I won't bother you again."
Turning, she managed to take two steps away before Cedric got his voice to work. "Hold on, Angelina, you can't spring something like that on a person then just walk away. What's this invitation?"
"Oh, we're spending the entire holiday at the Institute. The Headmistress said their school has weather wards, so they'll be loads of quidditch involved too. Anyone going though needs parental permission, a letter sent to Gringotts works. This is not an official visit, so absolutely nothing to do with Hogwarts or the Ministry. Just some friends spending their holidays together - in Italy."
Still clinging to Cedric, it was a tentative Cho who now politely asked a question she desperately wanted to know the answer to. "Who else's name is on that list?"
"Oh, I couldn't say. We need to speak with these people personally, not let them hear this kind of news second hand."
This forced Cho to ask her real question. "Is my name on that list?"
"I suppose I can tell you that. No, It's a very small list. Harry had Luna check the few Ravenclaw names on it, to see if any of them had picked on her. It looks like anyone who did won't be allowed anywhere near the Potter Institute. Cedric, I will need an answer in the next couple of days."
This time Angelina got to walk away. The couple she left behind were too busy arguing with each other to stop her again. She well remembered Cho publicly flirting with Harry during their match last year - and he still beat her to the snitch. Angelina simply didn't like the girl, wouldn't find it hard to believe she bullied a younger student, and couldn't see anyway Cho would be getting an invitation to the Institute. She headed off to track down the next name on her list.
-oOoOo-
Cornelius swaggered up to his secretary. "Maureen, please send for Auror Shacklebolt. I need to speak with him in my office." As he headed through the ornate door to the Minister of Magic's office, Maureen opened her desk drawer and knew what she had to do.
Shouting "enter" as his office door was knocked, Cornelius was shocked to see Maureen enter with four aurors - and none of them was Shacklebolt.
"What's the meaning of this?"
"Just following your orders, Minister. If you didn't come back and give me a certain passcode, you ordered me to hand you this and have aurors take you to St Mungo's to be checked for compulsion and memory charms."
She handed over a scroll, one that he'd obviously sealed himself. Breaking the Ministerial seal, he then read the missive - penned in his own hand.
If you're reading this, don't be angry at Maureen - she's doing exactly what we ordered her to. We were heading to Hogwarts to confront Dumbledore over today's farce. We had three points to raise with him - cancelling this tournament, him resigning from Hogwarts and disappearing before the ICW get hold of him.
Knowing he wasn't going to like any of that, we thought it wise to take this precaution. It's now time to go to St Mungo's, and discover if this precaution was necessary. The aurors received their own roll of parchment, giving them a Ministerial order to take you to St Mungo's.
That he'd signed it, and put 'Minister of Magic' underneath his signature ended any possibility this could be a fake. Only Cornelius Fudge would know that, even although he was going to be the only person to read this, he would still sign it as Minister of Magic.
He silently held his hand out to the lead auror, and read their orders - again in his own handwriting. The only way out of this would be to order the aurors to stand down, something these written orders specifically ordered the aurors not to accept.
"Well, I suppose we better get this over with." Cornelius left for St Mungo's, under auror guard.
-oOoOo-
Using any scale of measurement, Sirius Black just had a stellar day. Voldemort had been the quintessential bogieman for the entirety of Sirius's life, a figure so scary that witches and wizards were afraid even to say his name. The impact he'd had on Sirius's life was immeasurable, and all of it bad. With Voldemort now banished for good, the world was definitely a lighter place tonight.
Sirius was spending the few remaining hours of that day sitting on the terrace of Harry's home - a glass of exquisite single malt scotch whisky in one hand while his other arm was around the equally exquisite Miss Rossi. The beautiful view across the Bay of Naples held no attraction for the marauder, it paled in any comparison with the beautiful woman currently cuddling into his side.
As expected, Amelia had jumped at the chance of being involved in their latest project. It was the sparkle in Francesca's gorgeous blue eyes that had caught and held Sirius's attention. Sirius was sure he was reading the signs correctly, but he'd never done this before so there were a certain amount of his nerves jangling too.
"You looked really excited about our latest project…"
"Oh Sirius, it's an architect's dream to be given a brief like this. Design an entire village from scratch - not just houses but an environment where a whole community can thrive. Yes, I'm excited."
"How would you like to design one of those houses for us to live in?"
There was a sharp intake of breath, before Francesca asked a question. "Are you asking me to move in with you?"
Leaning over, Sirius kissed Francesca with all the love and tenderness he possessed. "Move in together, marry me, spend the rest of our lives together raising our family - the choice is yours. I just know I will always want you in my life, in whatever form I can get."
The smile Francesca sported eclipsed the moonlight they were currently bathed in. "Francesca Black does have a lovely ring to it."
Discarding his whisky, Sirius was now down on one knee - determined to do this properly. "Miss Francesca Rossi, would you do me the immense honour of becoming my wife?"
She bent over and kissed him. "Just so you're sure, that's a yes."
"We need a ring, then fix a date - any suggestions?"
"Plenty of jewellers in Naples. The date can be whenever we decide but I'd like to get married where my life changed - right here. Do you think Harry would let us get married in his home?"
"You have no idea how happy that would make him, and the rest of our crazy family."
Francesca was now laughing. "Yes, you are a crazy bunch. What's that old proverb - may you live in interesting times - I think we've got that covered. My family is just mum and dad, who you've met. We could get them here for Christmas, meet the rest of the gang too."
"That's a wonderful idea. How does a Christmas wedding grab you?"
"If we talk it over with my folks, then we'll see."
Sirius wanted to head for Naples right now, desperate to be there in time for the jewellery shops opening. "There's no way I want to give you any time to change your mind about marrying me."
"Oh, you'll find I'm very stubborn when my mind's made up. You're not getting away from me now, Sirius Black."
That declaration deserved a kiss, possibly many kisses. On this stellar day of days, Sirius was sure he'd saved the best bit until last.
-oOoOo-
Cornelius should also have been experiencing a stellar day, and a glass or two of whiskey sounded just about perfect at the moment. After ranting and raving for at least fifteen minutes, with numerous swear words peppered in there too, it was time to calm down and do his job. The biggest problem he faced right now was Cornelius didn't know who he could trust.
The Minister ordered the quartet of aurors who'd accompanied him to St Mungo's to undergo the same tests as he had. When one of them was found to have a loyalty charm on them, it just made Cornelius more determined.
He sent for the head of the hospital and, after they had been given a clean bill of health, Cornelius explained the problem.
"Dumbledore has been rather charming, playing fast and loose with memory, loyalty and compulsion charms. We have no idea how many charms, how many people or even how long it's been going on. I suspect decades but at the moment, the only people we can trust are currently in this room. We need to change that, and quickly. That will take a massive involvement of your staff, but I think they need to be scanned first - with the auror department next in line."
The mere thought of someone casting spells on any of his staff had the head of St Mungo's instantly agreeing. They would begin the sweep of the hospital staff immediately, with Cornelius assigning two aurors to help quash any objections those about to be tested might have. The Minister then sent the third to track down the head of the Unspeakables, and bring them here. He held onto the fourth as a personal bodyguard, they were currently playing everything by ear and the next few hours would be critical.
-oOoOo-
Like many residents of magical Britain, Augusta Longbottom had partaken of a few celebratory drinks to mark the passing of the abomination who called himself Lord Voldemort. Watching her grandson proudly march into that stadium, his lovely betrothed at his side, was also an occasion worthy of a celebration for Augusta. She was shocked when, after turning in for the night, her house elf announced the House of Longbottom had important visitors.
Making her way down to the reception lounge, she was greeted by the Minister of Magic, along with a healer and auror.
"What's the meaning of this intrusion, Cornelius? I better like your reason, otherwise there will be consequences."
"Madam Longbottom, could you indulge us for a moment? We need the healer here to scan you for any behavioural modifying charms or potions. I really can't tell you anything else, until we discover if you are clear of these abominations."
A serious Cornelius was enough for Augusta to agree, she also wanted to hear his explanation. With the healer nodding she was clear, Augusta invited them into the lounge for a seat. Somehow Augusta thought she might need one.
"Today I went to Hogwarts and confronted Dumbledore, things just can't continue they way they are. I came back to the Ministry with no memory of our confrontation, the only thing in my mind was to appoint Albus's suggestion to fill Amelia's now vacant post. I had left some orders with my secretary though, and found myself dragged to St Mungo's. There it was discovered I had been memory charmed by Dumbledore, and not for the first time. Scanning my accompanying aurors, we discovered one of them had been charmed too."
Augusta got straight to the heart of their dilemma at once. "Who can we trust? I understand now why you scanned me first."
"I decided we needed to test those who would be doing the scanning first, so instigated a sweep of St Mungo's - with terrifying results. The reason we're here is because every healer who worked on your son and his wife have all been compromised. We need to sweep the aurors next, followed by the Ministry, the Wizengamot and then anyone else who wants a check-up. With St Mungo's now on full alert to tackle this unprecedented challenge, the hospital itself will be running with a skeleton staff. I wanted to offer you the chance of moving your family somewhere else - just until things can get back to normal here."
A quick glance at the clock had Augusta diving for the phone on her sideboard. In another ten minutes, the phones at the Institute would be switched to that thing where you had to leave a message - a message that wouldn't be listened to until tomorrow morning.
After a few rings, her call was answered. "Hello, Augusta Longbottom here. Is that you, Percy?… I am perfectly aware of the time, young man. The fact that I'm calling at this hour should instantly alert you that this is an important matter - I have a bit of an emergency on my hands. Can I speak with Pomona or Minerva?" Covering the mouthpiece with her other hand, she let her flabbergasted audience know what was happening.
"Percy's trying to connect me to Pomona. I'll need to apologise for snapping his head off next time I - oh, hello Pomona, I'm so glad I could catch you…
No, no one is hurt but we have a serious problem here. Albus has been casting a lot more charms than we thought, and for a lot longer too. He memory charmed the Minister again today, but this time Cornelius went to St Mungo's and got treated…hold on a minute, Pomona."
Covering her mouthpiece again, she quickly explained that Harry, Hermione and Poppy had witnessed Dumbledore casting a memory charm on the Minister in the Hogwarts infirmary. Only Harry and Hermione getting the drop on Dumbledore saved them suffering the same fate. Knowing they wouldn't be believed, Poppy cast a memory charm on the headmaster while Dobby tucked the old git into his own bed. That was the night they all decided to leave Hogwarts.
"Pomona, the healers that have worked on my Frank and Alice have all been targeted by Dumbledore." She had to hold the phone away from her ear as Pomona gave her opinion on that - rather loudly.
"Yes, I totally agree. St Mungo's is going to be operating with a skeleton staff, while just about every witch and wizard in the country will need to be scanned. I don't want to leave them there…. Oh thank you, Pomona. If you could let Neville and Harry know… Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you so much, and see you soon."
It was with a sigh of relief Augusta placed the handset down. "Pomona will organise everything. Frank and Alice will be in the Institute tonight, under Poppy's care. I don't want to get my hopes up here, but we've not had any hope at all for over a decade. Dumbledore is not a friend of our house, anything he did won't be to their benefit but will possibly be reversible."
Thinking it would be easier to achieve what they needed to at St Mungo's with the Minister of Magic, a healer and an auror in their group, Augusta offered them refreshments while she went and changed for travelling. The Longbottom matriarch had just returned when the wards alerted her a portkey had entered their home. With Neville in their party, the Longbottom wards would allow their party entry.
Neville came racing in and hugged his grandmother. "I want to kill him, Gran. Dumbledore's a bigger Dark Lord than Voldemort."
"Git intae line, Neville. Ye'r wey doon th' queue fur a shot at that lanky bearded sassenach."
Augusta knew her friend must barely be holding her temper in check for her accent to slip that badly. Minerva spotted Cornelius the minute she entered, and he was next to feel her wrath. "Minister, 'n' whit urr ye daein' aboot this monster wha aye heids a schuil?"
"At this minute in time, we're having to ensure the people we send to arrest him are free of any spells Dumbledore might have placed on them. You have my word he won't be in Hogwarts come tomorrow morning."
Minerva wasn't angry with anyone here, but the mere mention of Dumbledore's name stirred her Highland blood - and saw her primed and ready for battle. Her 'aboot bloody time' was almost spoken in her normal accent.
Harry completed the trio of visitors and approached Augusta. "Ma'am, House Potter considers House Longbottom family. Whatever I have is yours for the asking, anything we can do will be done."
The emotions of tonight caught up with Augusta, tears were running down her cheeks and she couldn't answer Harry's formal declaration of aid. Neville stepped forward though and accepted by shaking Harry's hand.
Minerva was now back under control and able to fulfil her part in tonight's shenanigans. "Poppy has asked for all medical records pertaining to Frank and Alice Longbottom. We would also like samples of any potions they were prescribed. Our Potions Mistress is standing by to determine what exactly they were been drugged with."
Quickly agreeing to all of that, the seven then flooed to a very busy St Mungo's.
-oOoOo-
Totally unaware of the drama unfolding elsewhere, Dan was lying in bed with a wife who was struggling to sleep. He could feel Emma's apprehension through their bracelets and decided to face head-on the pachyderm that was currently sharing their bed.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
After a minute or so, Emma was ready to air her thoughts. "Today I shot a man - or was it a woman - in front of hundreds of people, and I don't feel one iota of remorse. Shouldn't I feel at least a little regret that someone died today - and we played a big part in it."
Dan tried to answer as honestly as he could. "If a rabid dog was getting ready to attack people, and you had your gun, there would be no hesitation and you'd take the shot. That might have looked like someone's grandmother today, but we were both there when it was born in a cauldron of bone, flesh and stolen blood. It wasn't a person who died today, that was
a murdering monster. There was absolutely no humanity in that body he manufactured. Because of what we did today, our family will now be able to live normal lives."
She knew her husband was cracking a joke, but every now and then Dan somehow managed to nail one that was actually funny. After she stopped laughing, Emma started jokingly berating her husband.
"Our family couldn't do normal if they tried. A couple of gun toting former dentists, our fifteen year old daughter has a four year old calling her mum and Harry levitates dragons - in his spare time. Our family parted ways with normality the instant the doors were magically blown off our old home. I wonder if they ever got all the blood out that kitchen - I used to spend hours ensuring it was spotless."
That got Dan chuckling, remembering how particular his wife had been about keeping her beloved kitchen so clean you could eat your dinner off the floor. "You forgot to mention the in-laws - a big black dog, a werewolf and an adoring elf. Yip, that's definitely not normal."
As they lay snuggling, Emma had another thought. "With Voldemort and his Death Eaters gone, there's nothing to stop us going back to Britain and taking up our old lives."
This shocked Dan. "Do you really want to?"
"Hell no! I much prefer what we do now, and we sold everything back in Britain anyway. Apart from the odd visit to Ambrosia's - which we can do anytime - what else is there to miss? What would we have to talk about with our former friends? We spend our days trying to teach magical children how our world works, but we can't tell anyone from our world what we now do for a living. Told you we don't do normal."
"You had me worried there. I couldn't go back to pretending interest on how the new club Charles Wilkie just paid way over the odds for is going to improve his golf game."
"His wife is worse, explaining in excruciating detail how to avoid suffering from a soggy bottom when baking pastry. Listening to that is about as exciting as performing root canal treatment on someone with really bad halitosis."
That had both of them chuckling. They now embraced each other with the same enthusiasm they had for their new lives - and family.
-oOoOo-
Poppy loved her new job - new life - but was also enjoying the challenge of tackling the problems currently in her infirmary. When she'd discovered two Institute students would be facing dragons, she'd immediately contacted three separate dragon reserves - asking for a sample or formula of the burn paste they used. All three had replied, and Miss Delacour was benefiting greatly from the salves and knowledge Poppy had received.
The Longbottoms were a different matter altogether. After stopping all medication - she didn't trust anything Dumbledore had a hand in - Poppy was monitoring them through the night, while using that time to study their medical files. Something wasn't adding up here, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.
Looking at the box of potions, she was positive that's where the answers lay. Poppy was also positive that the Institute's Potions Mistress would be up to the task of deciphering whatever secrets they held.
Poppy's thoughts were disturbed by someone entering her infirmary. "Couldn't sleep, love?"
Ginny came over and wrapped her arms around her second mother. "Too much has happened too quickly. I really wanted to see Tom ended today, give me closure as my healer would say. I also understand why I couldn't go, something else Dumbledore robbed me off."
"Surely you talked to Luna, she would tell you exactly what happened?"
"She did, and of course I believe her, I just wish I could have seen it for myself. Luna's with Neville just now, visiting the room his gran's staying in. I don't think any of them will get much sleep tonight either. Without Luna there, I didn't want to be in our room alone tonight - and knew you'd be working on this… I hope you don't mind?"
Kissing Ginny's forehead, Poppy got up and made them both hot chocolate in the little refreshments alcove built into her office. She'd always hated calling for elves to supply her with tea or coffee when the situation demanded Poppy had to work through the night. The elves now simply checked her alcove was topped up with fresh supplies, just one more thing Poppy loved about her new infirmary.
Sipping her hot chocolate, Ginny then broached the subject that was really bothering her. "Now that he's gone, do you think people will still come to the Institute?"
Knowing Ginny as she did, Poppy understood she wasn't looking for blanket reassurance here - rather an honest answer. "If the Ministry of Magic ever get their act together, and if Hogwarts becomes a top school again, I could see years where we might not get twenty students from Britain. Now, bearing in mind the massive changes needed for either of those conditions to be met, I'm sure we'll be full for many years to come."
Seeing that had settled Ginny somewhat, Poppy brought out the big guns. "The Institute also has an agreement with the Italian Ministry that, should there be spaces available within a year group, those spaces will be offered to local Italian students. The Potter Institute is here to stay Ginny, and Harry's already looking at places for students or staff to live when they graduate or eventually retire. At the moment, that last bit is a secret - but definitely happening before you graduate."
Finishing her delicious hot chocolate, Ginny hugged the woman who'd quickly become someone who meant a great deal to her. She could now head back to bed, relaxed enough to sleep, and hopefully dream about building a new life in the future - a future that would be spent in Italy.
-oOoOo-
Albus was down early for breakfast, he needed to see what damage today's newspaper was going to do to his reputation. He never doubted for a minute that he would soon repair and rebuild that reputation, and Albus Dumbledore would once more be considered the greatest wizard in Britain. That Fudge had the audacity to think that Potter was the better wizard still really smarted, a right kick to the ego. The idiot had so many loyalty charms on him, he should have been arguing that Orders of Merlin be renamed to Dumbledore. That pleasant thought was interrupted by a squad of eight aurors marching into the great hall.
Rather than being alarmed that the Hogwarts wards hadn't warned him of their approach, Albus was more worried that Kingsley was near the back of the group - rather than leading them.
It was a different delivery that was going to ruin Albus's day, as the lead auror removed a scroll from his robes.
"Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest for crimes too numerous to list here. You have already been sacked from a Ministry controlled Hogwarts, and will accompany us to the Ministry of Magic - where formal charges are being prepared."
Albus didn't have to act shocked as he took to his feet. "This is preposterous…"
He was interrupted though by the same auror. "Three of this group were under the thrall of spells you personally cast on them. We find this unforgivable, and are hoping you won't come quietly."
The standoff ended rather quickly, and somewhat anticlimactically. Severus had stealthy drawn his wand, and silently stunned Dumbledore in the back. He then slowly and carefully laid his wand on the table before raising his hands - all the while offering an explanation.
"Aurors, my wife here is pregnant, while our son is sitting down to breakfast. Dumbledore might have been happy with an all out duel taking place in the great hall, I am not. Over the years, too many people inside Hogwarts have been hurt by his schemes - not today."
As the head of the group nodded in acceptance of Severus's actions, four of his aurors raced to search and restrain Dumbledore. The old wizard twitching was enough provocation for another two stunners to be cast upon him. Shackled and then trussed up like a turkey, Dumbledore was physically dragged from the great hall by his ankles. Thankfully for all who witnessed this, his bindings ensured those garnish robes stayed in place and protected Dumbledore's modesty.
In the now silent hall, the thump, thump, thump of Dumbledore being dragged down the entrance stairs could clearly be heard. Looking around, the same thoughts were shared by everyone - though a sixth year muggleborn Hufflepuff summed it up brilliantly.
"Albus has left the building!"
Chapter 32 - Changes
Granny V Gone for Good
With an almighty crunch, the former monstrous Dark Lord was instantly transformed into a monstrous Dragon's Lunch. The very name 'Voldemort' had held the entire country in an iron grasp of terror for decades, yet a couple of muggles left this Dark Lord defenceless before the dragon attacked - and the rest was over very quickly. Granny V was gambling that no one would attack her, because the unbreakable magical contract the tournament invoked would see those attackers lose their magic. As Hermione Granger's father so eloquently pointed out, neither he nor his wife had any magic to loose. Using muggle means, both soon had Granny V on the ground and bleeding. This was taken as an invitation to lunch by the huge Hungarian Horntail, and no one was foolish enough to try and disagree with the massive dragon's decision.
This reporter did learn that the dragon handlers were later approached by a Ministry representative, asking if it would be possible to recover Voldemort's wand from the dragon. The representative was immediately given permission to sift through the Horntail's dung, but was advised they didn't thing the wand would survive its journey through the Horntail's digestive system. The representative was also advised to compile a will before beginning this task, as the handlers didn't think they would survive trying to sift through a nesting Horntail's dung either.
Bella could read no more. "Muggles, fucking muggles! That thing was certainly not our master, letting a couple of muggles get the better of them. I would have happily sacrificed my magic to put an end to that abomination…" The three wizards currently sharing this house with Bella could all see her thinking something, all of them instantly recognising this could be bad.
"Does the Prophet say when the date for the second task is?"
Having already read the newspaper before returning with it, Augustus was able to answer Bella instantly. "No, I suspect how the task ended put that decision out of their minds. We should know in a day or two though. What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that if I have to live like a muggle, wearing their clothes and eating their food, I might as well become one. We can't even use our magic, in case it attracts attention from the Ministry - so what's the point in having it? Our way of life is gone forever but we can still choose how we go on from this life - killing Potter, or even Dumbledore would be a fitting end."
Her husband wanted some clarification. "Are you suggesting a suicide mission?"
"Not exactly, but if I go I want to take as many of those fuckers with me as I possibly can. This hiding amongst the muggles is keeping us free - but we have no freedom - or life. We tried Europe, that wasn't any better. Do you really want to move further away, start again with nothing? Become Mr and Mrs fucking Average in Australia, get jobs and live normal lives? That's not me…"
Indicating the issue of the Prophet they were currently reading, Bella really made her point. "And that's not how I want to be remembered either. They've turned our Master's memory into a fucking joke - that thing he became treated as nothing more than a clown. They will be selling dragon eating Granny V cuddly toys for Christmas, and people too frightened to say our Master's name will buy them up for their little brats. I just wanted to put this on the table, see if you three can come up with another option that will give our lives meaning - instead of our deaths."
With that, Bella left the three stunned men sitting there while she went to lie down. Her anger was never far away, just bubbling below the surface. Bella could effectively keep a lid on it, if there was a possible outlet on the horizon. At the moment they had nothing, making every day harder than the one before. Without such an outlet, it was only a matter of time before her temper got away from her - and that would be disastrous. They would need to blow something up, or burn something down, soon, before those urges became uncontrollable.
Of the three men left with their thoughts, it was somewhat predictable that Augustus was the first to speak. "I'm not comfortable going into an attack where we have no exit strategy, other than take as many of the fuckers with us as we can. To be honest, I'm too young and handsome to die for a good while yet."
Since Augustus was clearly none of those things, it raised a couple of wry smiles amongst the brothers. Knowing his wife better than anyone, Rodolphus stated what the other two had already surmised.
"She needs an outlet, or at least a fixed time for one. Hitting a muggle target would be easy, and not very satisfying. Dropping into a Diagon Alley packed with people shopping for Yule would be better, but would instantly unleash the Ministry onto our heads - for very little gain. I can see why she's drawn to this tournament, the Prophet said the first task was broadcast live all over Europe. Like you though, I'd like to go to Hogwarts with an exit plan."
"What about the technique this granny thing used to hide - the Prophet claims it just walked out of a boulder. Could we use something like that?" Rabastan looked toward Augustus for an answer to his question.
"We need a lot more information, since we currently don't have any. Depending on the security around the event, we may even be able to get in there by using glamour charms. Remember, no one is looking for us here. If we can keep that status until the task, polyjuice potion should see us able to stroll right in there. Tomorrow's Prophet should give us some of what we need to know."
They left their discussion for now, all understanding events beyond their control would dictate most of their decisions and tactics.
-oOoOo-
Pomona entered the infirmary, immediately noticing the crowd around the Longbottom beds this morning. Poppy was there too, so she asked for an update.
"Whatever potions they've been given, those potions have been getting administered for over a decade. I'm not expecting any changes for at least another day, it will take that long for the potions to begin working their way out of their systems. I hope to know more when Professor de Marco is able to analyse what's exactly in those potions."
"I have Miss Clearwater and Mr Weasley covering her classes for today, freeing her up to concentrate on this. Her research should at least give us an idea of what we're dealing with." Addressing the students gathered there, Pomona gave them a gentle reminder. "I hope everyone remembers that there are no bells in the infirmary, watch your time for first period."
After receiving a number of 'yes, Headmistress' replies, Pomona nodded to Augusta before making her way over to Poppy's other patient. She knew the group that had summered with Harry were now all close, but to see every one of them here this morning - supporting Neville - brought a smile to her lips.
"How are you feeling today, Miss Delacour?"
"Much better, 'Eadmistriss. I talked 'zings over with my parents and would like to stay 'ear until I'm 'ealed. 'Ogwarts I found lacking in nearly everything, but your Institute est magnifique!"
"Thank you, we try our best. Will your parents be staying to?"
"Non, papa 'as to return to work, mama 'as to go 'ome - my little sister is 'zere."
"Your mother would be welcome to return with your sister. We also have childcare facilities at the Institute and, if my memory serves me right, Madam Riccio listed French as one of the languages she speaks."
Fluer couldn't hold back the tears, and her parents then turned up at what could have become an awkward moment. She acted before that could happen, exclaiming loudly to her parents that Gabrielle was invited to stay as well.
Apolline's entire demeanour changed in an instant. "Oh 'zank you, 'Eadmistress. I didn't want to leave Fleur but 'ave already been away too long from Gabrielle. She is only eight, and misses us 'orribly when we 'ave to travel."
"Think nothing of it, we have a number of younger children at the Institute. I believe you met one of them last night. If you arrange your portkey back home, we can supply you with an Institute one to return you and your daughter to here. I think Filius's holding the office position this morning, Minerva and I have classes first period."
With that, Pomona really did have to leave.
-oOoOo-
The head Unspeakable was shown into the Minister's office, finding a grinning Cornelius reading a report.
"You got him then?"
"Oh yes, and our aurors are being very thorough. They stripped him of all clothes, trinkets and even his glasses, before shaving his head bald and whipping that beard off. As the report says, Dumbledore could have hidden a bloody hippogriff in there. He's currently dosed with Draught of the Living Death, and still under auror guard too. Letting him escape would be a total embarrassment, one I don't think my Ministry would recover from."
"What do you intend to do with him?"
That question actually drew a sigh from the Minister. "As much as I'd like to put him on public trial, there's just so much more that urgently needs done right now - trying to fix all the shit he's caused for a start. I'm thinking of handing him over to the ICW, let Dumbledore become their problem. I know they're desperate to get their hands on him, and it might buy us some goodwill from their direction too." Cornelius thought the Unspeakable was nodding in agreement, at least the hood moved.
"I think that's a good solution, Minister. You'll be pleased to know we also have a solution to your tournament woes as well. Throwing the Goblet of Fire and the Triwizard Cup through the Veil of Death will end all contracts associated with the tournament."
There was no imagination needed this time, Cornelius was definitely shaking his head in disbelief. "I don't know if Dumbledore hadn't thought of that, or was determined the tournament had to continue anyway, but that's a brilliant solution to this problem. I want you to collect both and keep them somewhere safe, and tell no one you have them. This must be kept secret."
"You don't want me to destroy them now?"
With the voice modification spell on the Unspeakable's hood, you couldn't tell if you were talking to a witch or a wizard - far less garner any expressions from what they said. Cornelius chose to believe he'd surprised the Unspeakable, and then gave his reason for doing so.
"Dumbledore is still a extremely powerful and very resourceful wizard. Whether the ICW will be able to hold him during any trial, get a conviction and then keep him contained in a prison is debatable. If they manage all that, we can end the tournament without anyone risking their magic by detaining a champion. Should he escape, the fact Dumbledore is still a champion means he has to turn up at Hogwarts on a date and time of our choosing."
There was a minute of silence, the Unspeakable clearly thinking things through. "Assuming the task is broadcast live on the wireless again, we would know at once when Dumbledore shows up. Throwing the goblet and cup through the veil then would allow the aurors to take him down - without risking their magic."
"I like that plan - I like that plan a lot. I'll now need to contact the ICW, see if they're interested in collecting our prisoner from a Ministry holding cell. Then I'll be heading off to Hogwarts, trying to keep the castle open for business. The healers should finish scanning the Ministry personnel sometime today, there will be an emergency Wizengamot meeting called for tomorrow morning. After that, we should be able to go public with this - and start offering scans to everyone."
Sensing their dismissal, the Unspeakable stood to leave. "I'll get the goblet and cup safely locked away, then we'll see what happens." With the Minister agreeing, the Unspeakable left to complete their task.
-oOoOo-
Lunchtime was a welcome relief for Harry and Hermione, sitting with Joan between them centring their attention once more. They'd just come from a double period of transfiguration, where McGonagall had sprung a surprise on them - demonstrating to the class the transfiguration they'd used in yesterday's task at Hogwarts. She'd left the last half hour of their lesson free so the two champions could be front and centre.
Hermione confessed over their bond that she found McGonagall sitting in the front row watching them more terrifying than doing this in the arena with the dragon present.
Harry's answer of 'well I think a Hebridean Black would kick a Swedish Short Snout's arse any day of the week' almost had Hermione losing control of her transfiguration as she laughed in his head - almost.
Ron was eating like he'd forgotten all those manners so recently learned. After shovelling down his usual amount of food in roughly half the time, the reason became clear as he pulled a pile of parchment - each bit appeared covered in names and diagrams - from his bag.
"We really should have had some practice sessions, a few pick-up games last weekend doesn't prepare us for this match tomorrow. Are you sure I can't convince you to play seeker, Harry?"
With a groan, Harry answered his friend - and team captain - again. "We've had this discussion, Ron, many times. The next task at Hogwarts has us on brooms, Hermione and me playing chasers allows us to work on our coordination. On parchment, what's your best team?"
"Well, me in goal, the twins as beaters, you, Hermione and Ginny as chasers - with Colin as seeker."
"Ron, that's a Gryffindor team - you really need to mix it up more."
"I could replace one of the twins with Millie?"
This had Hermione laughing. "Replacing one Weasley with another is hardly helping." Ron was now bright red, while Millie appeared delighted.
Harry held his hand out, and Ron gave him the list of players in the squad. "Our friends who trained and flew all summer with us all saw a big improvement in their flying."
With Neville down as the other replacement beater, Hannah a chaser, Susan Ron's back-up and Luna seeker, it was easy to see the impact their holidays had. With Dean and Daphne taking up the other two chaser slots, Harry though Ron had done a great job with his selection. It was time to play it down a bit though.
"The whole idea of tomorrow's game is to have a bit of fun. We only have two players over the age of fifteen available to us, and this is our first ever match. Swap the players in and out - give all of us a game. If we're getting hammered, switch to whoever is playing best on the day. Can you put Hermione and me in and out as a unit? We really need to be playing together, and this match will give us that chance against tough opposition. The important thing to remember here is to enjoy tomorrow. There's no quidditch cup or house honour at stake."
After setting Joan off to her lessons, Ron was heading to third year Runes, and the other three to fourth year Arithmancy. They split - with Ron hardly out of sight before Millie turned on the other two.
"That was mean. Ron had this built up into a huge event and you two just tore him down. You're supposed to be his friends…"
Harry interrupted before she could say anymore. "Millie, of course we're Ron's friends. Tomorrow's game isn't huge - it's gonna be historic. Sofia has already picked the spot in the library where the picture from tomorrow will hang. Front and centre of that picture will be Ron, in the Institute's new quidditch uniform - which are currently hidden in the Headmistress's office - and he'll be wearing the captain's armband. That picture will probably be front page of the Quibbler and plastered over the Italian magical press too. Barchoke is also arranging medals for both sets of players, to commemorate the first ever quidditch match played by the Potter Institute."
Millie's lips were moving, but no words were coming out. Hermione giggling at this reset her thoughts. "Then why did you play it down, if this is even bigger than Ron and I thought?"
She was surprised when Hermione answered her question. "You'll know by now, Ron lives and breathes Quidditch. He's a great tactician, a superb reader of the game, and a natural when he plays - that's the Ron we want on that pitch tomorrow. When he starts putting himself under pressure, questioning his own decisions and basically overthinking everything - that won't turn out well for Ron or the team."
"You were trying to help him?"
Harry was nodding in agreement as he answered. "Yes, and you can too. Keep his mind of the game tonight, or at least have him focused on the celebrations after the match. Win, lose or draw, we will be celebrating the Institute's first ever match."
"Oh dear, I just remembered I'll be in that picture too. Now I'm the nervous one, and Ron will have to keep me calm."
That had Hermione smiling. "Brilliant tactic, and one he won't suspect. Ginny's name's on that wall because she helped design the robes we wear. Ron's gonna be up there as the Potter Institute's first Quidditch Captain, which one do you think he'd prefer?"
Millie suddenly had an epiphany. "You did this for him! Of course you did, Merlin you built a bloody school for your friends…"
Harry could only smile. "Ron dreamed of being Head Boy and Quidditch Captain, copying his elder brothers. Coming here took that away from him, this gives Ron something no one else will ever have. Only Ronald Weasley can be the first ever Quidditch Captain of the Potter Institute."
Looking to Hermione, Millie then asked a stupid question. "What about you. You were a stick-on to be a prefect, and eventually Head Girl."
Hermione put her arm around the girl. "Millie, I get to be Mrs Potter. For me, nothing tops that. As for this, that's what friends do. You and Ron are two of our best friends, why so surprised?"
This had Millie smiling again. "My bridesmaid spot is already yours, unless Ron dithers until Joan is old enough to claim the spot."
That had her laughing. "Harry and I are getting used to playing second fiddle to Joan. Either of us Potter ladies would love to be your bridesmaid."
It was three happy students who walked into what each considered the hardest class of their day.
-oOoOo-
Severus wondered if there was some strange type of kismet invoked when a politician called you by your first name, he couldn't help but think that nothing good could come of it. He and Narcissa were sitting in their Hogwarts quarters, with Fudge lounging across from them like a welcome guest who was drinking his offered tea. They were about to discover what attracting the attention of the Minister of Magic meant for them.
"Severus, I have a couple of dilemmas on my hands, and you feature in both of them. With Dumbledore arrested and Hogwarts brought under Ministerial control, I really need someone who could step forward this instant and take over the school. We need to make massive changes very quickly as, like it or not, Potter's Institute is the new gold standard that Hogwarts will be measured against. Now, as charming as Narcissa is, she would be the first to admit that she's not the Charms Master Filius Flitwick is. That's what Hogwarts needs, people with experience that are also masters in their fields. Now my Ministry is committed to finding those masters, but I need someone to lead them."
"Minister, I'm flattered - I really am - but I think we both know the person you want is Minerva McGonagall."
Taking another sip of his tea, and wishing it was brandy, Cornelius had to immediately kill that idea. "I actually spoke to Minerva last night, and mentioned Dumbledore would be getting arrested this morning. She turned me down before I could even bring up the subject of her becoming Headmistress. She's apparently having the time of her life at the Institute, loves Italy so much she's already planning to spend her retirement there. She also mentioned loving teaching again, enjoying not having anyone casting compulsion or memory charms on her and has her own veranda attached to her accommodation - that just so happens to overlook their quidditch pitch. Minerva is a self-confessed quidditch nut, and likes nothing better than sitting in that veranda and watching the students play. Apparently they have a game against another Italian school arranged for tomorrow, and members of their Ministry are invited too."
Severus struggled hearing the first bit, never mind the rest. "Where did you see Minerva?"
"At Longbottom Manor. I had gone there to advise Augusta that all the healers who attended her son and his wife had been compromised by Dumbledore. With the healers at St Mungo's going to be very busy scanning the witches and wizards of Britain, I was offering her the chance to arrange their care elsewhere. I saw the damnedest thing ever. Augusta picked up a device that was sitting on her sideboard and contacted the Institute, she actually spoke to people there - I could hear Pomona clearly calling Dumbledore some choice names - all the way from Italy. In what seemed like ten minutes, In walked her grandson, Minerva and Harry Potter."
Severus gave a glimpse of his knowledge of muggles. "I believe she used a telephone - a device now common in muggle homes."
"Not just muggle homes anymore. Potter's Institute is apparently full of these things - allowing the students to call home. I have my NEWT in Muggle Studies, and have never heard of these things. A pair of muggles took down the Dark Lord that had brought Magical Britain to its knees - yet we know so little about the people we share our country with. I'm now reliably informed that most of what we do know is either wrong or so out of date to be bloody useless. That's just one of the things we need to change."
There was nothing else for it, Severus simply had to say the words. "Minister, I really don't want the job. I don't think I'm the best person to push through what you're looking for either."
Sitting his cup and saucer down, Cornelius had expected no other answer from the wizard. If he couldn't save Hogwarts though, his tenure as Minister for Magic would end fairly soon after the castle closed its doors to students. It was time to play hardball.
"Well you see, Severus, this brings my other dilemma into play. At this moment, the only two Death Eaters still at large and known to the Ministry are both at Hogwarts - Igor Karkaroff and you. Igor had his trial, made his bargain and served his very limited sentence. You, on the other hand, survived purely on the word of Albus Dumbledore - a wizard who the entire country now recognises as a lying, cheating, wand waving ruthless bastard. If we pull you in for a trial, and I promise you it will be a fair trial, only you know what that trial will reveal. If you're confident you'll walk free from a fair trial, I'll wish you well with your new position at Drumstrang Academy. I'll also be cursing under my breath, knowing I'd lost my best chance at saving Hogwarts."
Looking at his pregnant wife, Severus just had to ask the question. "If I accept the Headmaster position, where will that leave me - and what will you expect from me?"
"That would leave you with my full support, and I would expect you to try your hardest to see Hogwarts survives this crisis - and comes out the other end stronger. I will be honest here and say that, if Hogwarts closes, we both know there will be a massive outcry for scapegoats to be found and punished. I will almost certainly lose my position, while you would already have no school to be Headmaster of. Whatever the newly elected Minister would then do is anyone's guess."
Narcissa understood her husband really didn't have a choice here, but wanted some clarity on their situation. "Cornelius, what do you mean when you say 'full support'?"
If this wasn't such a tense situation, the Minister might have smiled at getting what he wanted. "Exactly that, my dear. Tomorrow morning I'm calling an emergency meeting of the Wizengamot, with the first task of the day being getting every single member examined by the team of healers we'll have standing by. I fully intend to blame Dumbledore for the atrocious state Hogwarts finds itself in. Harry Potter is on record saying Dumbledore was the reason he left Hogwarts and opened the Institute - apparently I was memory charmed right in front of them by that old bastard. If Potter wasn't safe with the Minister of Magic standing beside him, what other choice did he have than to flee the country. Potter's spent a fortune on his school, that Institute is here to stay - and we're going to be dealing with the consequences of that blunder by Dumbledore for decades to come. This tournament isn't doing us any favours either…"
In her time as the Malfoy matriarch, Cornelius was a frequent visitor to their home. Narcissa could sense his frustration was reaching boiling point and, like a good hostess, knew exactly how to avoid that happening. "Can I offer you a brandy, Cornelius? This meeting is clearly going to cover a lot of ground, might as well be comfortable while doing so."
Just having that heated brandy snifter in his hand relaxed Cornelius, the exquisite aroma of the French cognac escaping the top of the glass helped too. Narcissa always did know how to do things properly, and having her standing alongside her husband meant this venture had a much greater chance of success.
"I intend to inform the Wizengamot in great detail of the dire straits Dumbledore has left Hogwarts in, before asking for ideas, suggestions for possible Professors and gold to try and counter the unthinkable happening. The ideas and staff suggestions will be coming to you both, the amount of gold I can get them to part with will determine just how much we're able to achieve."
With both Severus and Narcissa nodding in agreement, Cornelius continued with his briefing. "Short term goals - send the other two schools home. If the Institute can portkey to Hogwarts on the day of the tasks, why can't they? We need them gone, and to immediately begin convincing those students they've been trying to poach that Hogwarts is going to improve - massively. Cancel the Yule Ball - no, that would be very unpopular. Reschedule it for summer, and call it the Champions' Ball."
Cornelius was almost certain the tournament would be cancelled long before then, but there was no point in giving bad publicity an invitation to snap at you. It would do so of its own accord, so best to avoid what they could and not hand out any freebies.
"One of the things that really impressed me from talking to Minerva was the amount of input their students had on the Institute. Augusta complained Dumbledore totally ignored the Board of Directors, he certainly wasn't going to listen to students. Asking them for suggestions and then implementing a few of them will let the very people we need to stay here see that Hogwarts is changing."
While Narcissa was talking notes, Severus started asking questions. "So far you've not suggested anything I'm against, but who teaches the classes if our visitors return home?"
"I intend to badger the examination team to help Hogwarts in her hour of need. Again, short term measure until we can look at appointing appropriate Professors. If I may make a suggestion? Appoint Narcissa here as your deputy, cut down her teaching to perhaps the first two years, that will leave her free to handle all of the administration running Hogwarts entails. That would also free up your time to carry a fuller timetable - teaching the subject of your choice. If you're both accepting of these positions, we can put together a list of exactly what subjects Hogwarts will then need Professors for."
A glance was all that was needed between the married couple for their decision to be made. Taking a fresh piece of parchment, Narcissa promised Cornelius she would have the list ready before he left.
There were still questions to be asked though, so Severus did just that. "Our short term goals are all concentrated around Hogwarts remaining open - again perfectly understandable. We need at least an outline of our longer term goals however, so we're not putting things in place now that would need to be reversed later."
"Number one for me would be to discover when and why Hogwarts moved to an exam system that's below the levels held within most of Europe. That investigation will be carried out by the Ministry, only after seeing that report will we sit and discuss where we take those findings. History of Magic and Muggle Studies simply have to change - probably the sooner the better. Any thoughts?"
"The problem with Muggle Studies is a difficult one. From what I understand, Miss Granger's parents teaching the subject at the Institute have advantages we simply don't. Getting the students using electricity, and all the many devices that allows muggle life to be easily demonstrated, is something simply not available to us here. Without that advantage, any muggle teaching the same things inside Hogwarts simply wouldn't be believed - because they'd have no way of proving what they claim to be true. You would need a respected Pureblood with extensive muggle knowledge before there would be the slightest chance of them being taken seriously. I don't know anyone who fits that bill."
In the short silence that followed, both wizards noticed the quill in Narcissa's hand had stopped scratching its way across the parchment. "I might know someone like that. Whether you could convince her to teach here is debatable. My sister Andromeda married a muggleborn twenty years ago, she works in St Mungo's while their daughter is in the Auror Academy. I think I read somewhere that Sirius reinstated Andi back into the Black family, I know for certain he kicked both Bellatrix and me out."
With both mother and daughter effectively working for the Ministry, this gave Cornelius a lever he could use to get what he wanted - if this witch proved a suitable candidate for the post. He would of course try other methods first - higher salary, better hours, more prestige, et cetera. He had his main people in place at Hogwarts now, it was time to finish this.
"Do you want to talk with your sister about the possibility of teaching here, or would you prefer me to make the initial approach?"
"I think it would be better coming from you. I wasn't allowed to even mention her name in front of Lucius, so we haven't actually spoken since before I was married."
Nodding that he would do so, Cornelius sipped the last of his brandy before standing and shaking Severus's hand. "Let me be the first to congratulate you, Headmaster, on your appointment. While chatting with Minerva, she told me that no magic was allowed to be cast in certain parts of their school, in case magic interferes with their muggle systems. That's certainly something we could investigate within the castle, or build something suitable at the edge of the wards. Again, something the Ministry will look into."
Narcissa handed Cornelius the list of subjects needing Professors, while he kissed the back of her hand to congratulate her on a well deserved promotion. After confirming it would probably be Sunday before he returned, Cornelius then flooed back to the Ministry of Magic - his mission accomplished.
-oOoOo-
While showing the visiting quidditch players from Milan around the Institute, Ron was already playing down their chances in today's match. They would certainly be the underdogs but having your opponents underestimate your abilities might just give them an edge. That he was basically telling the truth meant there was no collusion between himself, Millie, Luna and Neville for the visiting students to pick up on.
"Yes, this is my first game as captain. Actually it's the first proper game for all four of us. In our entire squad, only my two elder brothers have played before - they're our beaters. Harry's played a few times too, but never as chaser. This really is a day of firsts for nearly all of us."
The visiting captain hadn't stopped smiling since he'd arrived. They'd figured the Institute team would be made up of kids, an initial look around was all that was needed to confirm this. Hearing it from their captain though just supported the idea they would have an easy afternoon. They were under strict instructions to be on their best behaviour today, and not beat the Institute too badly - or they might not get invited back. "Don't worry about it, once the game starts you'll enjoy the match. I've been on the team since I was your age, only the experience of playing matches makes you a better player."
Ron was delighted they'd taken the bait - hook, line and sinker. Basing his judgment on the Hogwarts teams Ron had watched in his time there, he thought the Institute one was pretty strong. If Harry would just play seeker, Ron would be quietly confident about the outcome of this afternoon's match.
After spending the morning escorting the visiting Professors and Ministry officials around the Institute, Minerva then met up with her two friends - having previously arranged to watch the match together. That their grandson and niece would be taking part in today's proceedings just made it that little bit more special.
"Nearly didn't make it in time, Minnie, the Wizengamot meeting this morning turned into a total shitstorm. Dumbledore had cast spells on over a third of the members, they were bloody furious about it and wanted the old goat's head on a stick. Fudge is determined Dumbledore will be tried by the ICW, he nearly didn't get that vote passed in the chamber though. Only his insistence that they should concentrate all their efforts on fixing the many, many things Dumbledore's meddling had fucked up carried the day. That and his assurance that Dumbledore would get what was coming to him, the ICW are also incensed at his actions and want him badly."
Seeing her friend so riled up actually started Amelia laughing. "I have to say Fudge took it well when you told him to stop pontificating and just tell us what he wanted."
Taking a sip of her port, Augusta actually smiled at that memory. "Today I get to see my grandson playing Quidditch, not something I ever imagined happening. After the last couple of days, this is something I really need - and wasn't about to miss the occasion by being forced to listen to Fudge waffle on all day. I think everything he proposed got passed, the Minister will probably thank me the next time we meet. Snape is now Headmaster of Hogwarts, and the Ministry are funding big changes there."
Minerva was glad she was sitting down when hearing that news, though she wore a wide smile, the news had still come as a shock. "Good, none of us here wanted to see Hogwarts close - just improve. I've already enjoyed my time working here more than all my years at Hogwarts - under Dumbledore. He took a once great school and brought it to its knees - all to follow a plan only he could see. I'm actually relieved to know he cast so many spells on me over the years. I would be ashamed of myself if I hadn't fiercely fought against some of the shit he pulled."
"Well, be prepared for the ICW to contact you over that. They intend to hit Dumbledore with as many charges as possible, probably the only reason the Wizengamot allowed his trial there to go ahead. They could see the amount of work involved and, as long as Dumbledore goes down, were perfectly happy to let someone else do that work."
Antonio's voice rang around the Institute, as his offer to commentate on today's game had been gratefully accepted. This was also the signal for the three ladies to take their seats in Minerva's veranda.
Ron lead his squad out for a formation lap around the pitch. The stands might not be full but the noise being generated was amazing. The Headmistress had pulled a few surprises on them this morning, one being their new quidditch robes. While of course being in the Institute's colours, a large 'Insπre' was riding a broom on their chests.
She'd also arranged the families of the players to be here for the match. Leading his squad past the stand holding his parents, Percy and Bill had Ron's heart almost bursting with pride. The official was a professional Quidditch referee, provided by the Italian Ministry, and she called the captains down.
"I know this is a friendly match, but things can get out of hand during the game. I'm relying on you two to put a stop to that immediately, I really don't want to be handing out a lot of penalties today. Also, I'm aware both teams intend to be swapping players in and out, just be careful that you only have seven players involved at any one time - if that happens I would have to invoke penalties for it." Both captains agreed, hands were shook and the game was under way.
The Institute team was initially swamped, with Milan scoring three times in the first fifteen minutes. Hannah then scoring the first ever goal for the Institute saw the stands erupt, and Ron swap a couple of players. They'd been playing for an hour and a half, a dominant Milan were now ninety points ahead. The last thing Ron wanted to happen was for them to get so far ahead that catching the snitch didn't matter. Some of the things Ron had tried worked quite well, some combinations simply hadn't gelled. Having sussed who was having a good game, and who had simply let the occasion get to them, Ron swapped in what he now considered their best team over the next ten minutes.
With Harry, Hermione and Daphne as the chasers, and the twins hitting those bludgers for fun, the Institute slowly started to claw their way back into the match. After scoring three unanswered goals in a trot, the stands were going mental, while the Milan captain swapped in his strongest team too. Harry's flying had been amazing since he first sat on a broom, that Hermione appeared to now share that ability was awesome to watch. Daphne was also a brilliant flyer, denied a position on her former house team because she literally couldn't batter her opponents into submission. Between the three, they gradually brought the score down to forty points between the teams.
Ron was practically losing his voice, he'd been shouting for over two and a half hours, when Luna approached him.
"What do I do with this, now that I've caught it? It flew past me so I just grabbed it."
Ron nearly had both of them off their brooms, grabbing Luna and kissing her. It was only after Antonio recognised what was happening the rest of the people watching caught on.
"Luna Lovegood has caught the snitch, the Potter Institute has won the match, and both those two better remember they're betrothed - to other people. Oh, Neville and Millie have shot up to join them - and it's congratulations all round to everyone who took part in what was a very entertaining match."
The visiting team were disappointed to lose but congratulated their opponents on a fine match. Their mood improved dramatically however when Pomona revealed her last surprise of the day. The Italian Minister of Magic didn't need any persuading to present each and every player with a commemorative medal Barchoke had provided to celebrate the occasion.
Noticing every medal was exactly the same, and they were being presented by their Minister really lifted the mood of all the visitors. The Milan players headed off to shower and change, getting ready for this BBQ that they had only heard about on the radio. All in all, not a bad way to spend a Saturday.
The three ladies sitting on Minerva's veranda had made as much noise as anyone watching the match, and were putting their rather flushed appearances down to that. It was a smiling though rather thoughtful Augusta who summed it up best.
"Ladies, I couldn't tell you when I've had a more enjoyable afternoon. I can certainly see the attraction of living here, and can honestly say I've never seen my Neville happier. I don't think anything they do to Hogwarts will ever entice either my grandson or his betrothed to return to Britain, be that for school or to live. The situation with Frank and Alice will of course affect any decision I make. After witnessing the change in Neville since the summer however, who am I to say miracles can't happen."
They all left to congratulate the Institute's team, and their family.