From what she learned from Arthur, Amelia expected this type of reaction from Petunia. She thought about how unprecedented and unique Harry Potter's living arrangements were. It was practically unheard of that an orphaned witch or wizard would be sent to a Muggle family, even if they were related to one of the parents. They wanted to limit potential breaches of the Statute of Secrecy.
There were many who called for the immediate removal of Muggleborn witches and wizards from their families with subsequent memory modification to erase their past. It was an extreme option and Amelia knew those who called for it did not come from a place of good faith. After eliminating any potential papertrail of the young witches and wizards, it would be easy to make said children disappear.
Regardless, it was situations like this, and the fact there were two instances where the Ministry had to get involved, that indicated why it was a terrible idea to send a wizarding child to relatives who could be ill-equipped to handle things. Amelia raised her wand and caused the door to click open.
"You have no right to enter my home!" Petunia shrieked. "I'm calling the police…"
Amelia flicked her want and disconnected the phone.
"Please take a seat," Amelia said. "I am investigating the circumstances of your nephew and he…."
"I knew the boy would be trouble," Petunia said.
"Interesting to see you'd jump to that conclusion," Zara said. "You are nothing like your sister, aren't you? And that fact bothers you."
"I wouldn't want to be a freak like her or him," Petunia said.
"Zara," Amelia said. "You can cooperate and get this interview over with as soon as possible. Or I can call the Aurors, and bring you into the Ministry. It's your choice."
Petunia swallowed.
"May I offer you a cup of tea?" she asked in a strained voice.
"At least she has some manners," Zara murmured.
Petunia fixed a cup of tea.
"Recent events have caused me to look into your nephew's living conditions more closely," Amelia said. "After that Halloween, you agreed to take him in…."
"I had no choice, to agree, Dumbledore made that clear," Petunia said. "He drops off the boy in the middle of the night, one of the coldest nights of the year. I see him on my doorstep with a note, and it tells me…well this is how I find out my sister is dead. He can't even muster up the common courtesy to come to the door, does he? He leaves me a note, saying that Lily and her husband was killed by Voldemort and their son survived. And I should take him in, take him into my house, and if I do, my husband and I will be safe from anyone wishing to do us harm because of who we're related to. And I had a feeling they were watching us….I'm not sure if they haven't stopped watching us."
Amelia looked around the house for a second. She made a few notes and nodded. What she learned, she was not pleased about.
"So, Albus Dumbledore dropped off Harry at your doorstep with a note and did not even come to the door," Amelia said. "And no explanation of what to expect when raising a wizarding child?"
"Well, that's not a surprise," Petunia said. "Your kind don't think much of normal people. I heard that plenty when I was growing up from that awful boy."
"What awful boy?" Zara asked.
"Severus Snape," Petunia said.
"I should have guessed," Zara said dryly. "What did he say?"
"He stalked Lily and me when we were children, although he was fixated on Lily," Petunia said. "And he kept telling her about…your freakish world. And how she was different…special…than people like me or Vernon…and he said to Lily that my feelings didn't matter. And I feel like every time she might have seen….seen something off about him, he kept talking about how bad his home life is. My sister fell for his trick every time."
Petunia just scowled.
"Snape went through my personal things several times, he didn't respect my personal space," Petunia said. "I learned a long time ago how your type…how they consider us. And Dumbledore just throws the boy here, and expects me to deal with him. Vernon and I tried to make sure he respected us, what it was like to live a normal life. We had to be harsh on him. Because…we didn't want him to grow up like her. And maybe…just maybe, if we discouraged his freakishness enough, we could…he would be better off."
Amelia did not like what she was hearing. At all. And she tried not to strangle Petunia.
"Of course, it didn't matter because he got a letter to that place," Petunia said.
"And you should be lucky," Amelia said quietly "Do you realize how dangerous it is to try and discourage a magical user from using their powers? Do you realize what terror you could have unleashed if a wizard the caliber of Harry Potter would have held his power in?"
"What do you mean?" Petunia demanded.
"Well, we wouldn't be having this conversation for one," Zara said.
"And then, that Hagrid, who brought his letter, and told the bo…my nephew what he was, he…he…it was awful what he did to my poor precious Diddykins," Petunia said.
Zara pulled a face.
"Diddykins?" Zara asked.
"My son Dudley," Petunia said. "He had that awful pink umbrella and he pointed it at Dudley…and he grew…a pig tail…which we had to get removed….we had to tell the doctor that it was a wart that got out of control. The poor thing was traumatized."
Amelia figured that there was a squib amongst the medical staff who knew enough to get a Healer involved, and they covered up what truly happened. Or Dumbledore got involved again, once Hagrid told him what he did.
Hagrid would be another one that Amelia wanted to talk to for numerous reasons. Of course, he was well underneath Dumbledore's protection, and hard to get ahold of.
"There was an incident after your nephew's first year," Amelia said.
"The Masons, Vernon was furious that the boy lost him the business deal…." Petunia said.
"I want you to be honest with me, Mrs. Dursley," Amelia said. "What happened?"
Petunia swallowed, but did not bother to lie. She told them about everything, how Vernon locked Harry in his room, fitted the bar with windows, and how they gave him only the bare minimum of food to survive. Amelia took more and more notes, getting furious.
"We had no choice, the boy was out of control," Petunia said. "And why didn't none of your…people show up? Shouldn't you have investigated something like that?"
"I'm wondering that myself," Amelia said.
"I thought you said you were the head," Petunia said. "Aren't you in charge of these things?"
"Unfortunately, it's not that simple," Amelia said. "Where is your husband right now?"
"He's at…he's at work," Petunia said. "He's not going to be happy with this, you know."
"Tell me what led up to your nephew attacking your husband's sister and inflating her like a balloon," Amelia said.
Petunia swallowed her tongue and told the story. Amelia took more notes.
"Naturally, we wouldn't put up with Marge, but…well she's in charge of the estate and Vernon wants us to play nice," Petunia said. "Your people came here this time, and did something to make Marge forget. And they wondered where he went….talked about how there was some convict on the loose and they had to find him."
Amelia got a full picture of what was going on here.
"Dumbledore never should have sent Harry Potter to live here," Amelia concluded. "But, your behavior and your attitude disgusts me. And I want you to know that…."
There was a knock on the door and Petunia got jumpy. The door opened and a pair of goblins appeared at the door.
"Mrs. Petunia Dursley?" one of them asked.
"I'm her…what the hell are you?" Petunia asked.
"Someone who you should learn to have better manners around," one of the goblins stated. "These papers are to indicate that you are to submit a full report on how you utilized the funds you received because of the upkeep of Mr. Harry Potter."
"That's a nice new car you got, Mrs. Dursley," another goblin said. "No way your husband could have afforded it on his salary."
Petunia read through papers and looked like she was going to get sick.
"I believe I have everything that I need," Amelia said. "Since it appears you have some receipts to locate, we'll be on our way."
Amelia and Zara stepped out of the house. Any empathy Amelia would have had for Petunia for what Dumbledore pulled, faded when she heard her attitude. And the very fact she and her husband may have also stolen the money they were given to for Harry's upkeep caused Amelia's stomach to turn.
Anything Amelia Bones could do to them, would pale in comparison to what the goblins would do to them when they sunk their claws into the Dursleys. They took the theft of gold very seriously.
"We're going to need a Cursebreaker to assess the house," Zara said. "Something about it just gives me a bad feeling….and goblins showing up right now."
"It appears that Mr. Potter may have learned some interesting information and is not too happy about it," Amelia said.
"And Dumbledore let him out to play?" Zara asked. "So what now?"
"We're still searching for Black's trial transcript," Amelia said. "And it's time for me to have a talk with the man who was heading up that department during those days."
Amelia was almost certain that Sirius Black never received a trial. But, there was two men who could verify that fact. Albus Dumbledore and Bartemius Crouch, and considering Crouch was the easier of the two to get a hold of.
And then it would be time to force the issue and talk to Harry Potter himself.
"Is that a Kneazle?" Zara asked.
A cat had been watching them from the bushes suddenly. Amelia could have kicked herself for not noticing it sooner.
"I thought Potter was the only wizard in the neighborhood?" Zara asked.
"He is," Amelia said.
Amelia caught sight of the mailbox. Figg. If she remembered her magical history right, it was an old pureblood family who died out and who had bred Kneazles for generations. The last daughter was a squib.
Another theory slipped into Amelia's head.
"Dumbledore may be onto us soon," Amelia said. "We have to move quickly."
Zara nodded in understanding.
"It's extremely peculiar to see you on the other side of the Hospital Bed for a change, Mr. Potter."
Madam Pomfrey shooed Harry in. Harry stepped into the Hospital Wing, after calming down somewhat. Ron already had been there and sat next to Hermione, who laid in bed.
"She lost it," Ron said. "Pomfrey had to give her a calming draught. What was she thinking cursing Zabini? Even if you don't believe the rumors about his mother and her husbands, there's still…well she's still a powerful witch and not one anyone would want to cross."
Harry noticed Hermione on the bed and she remained mostly out of it. Calm and tranquil for now.
"I don't know what she's thinking," Harry said.
"Potter."
Harry turned around and saw Blaise Zabini in the bed. Half of his face had been scarred up, the marks of the boils which burst still visible.
"Looks like you're not the only student with a scar now," Zabini said. "I'd say at least I have my personality…but that kind of screws me over, doesn't it?"
Harry turned to the Slytherin wizard.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"Well, I may have been a bit too honest in my opinion about her," Zabini said. "The girl wanted to use a beautification potion. Those doesn't really work well when the ugliness is on the inside. And she can be pretty ugly on the inside when she wants to be. And I think I called her a junkie and implied she would be worthless without you. I think she took offense to that second one and well…she lashed out."
Harry just let it all set in.
"Well, she regrets what happened as well," Zabini said.
"She never should have cursed you," Harry said.
"Well, I'm not the first person in my family to get cursed, nor will I be the last," Zabini said. "A few expensive treatments at St. Mungos, a couple of Glamor Charms, and I'll be ready to hit the town."
Harry let Zabini rest and looked out the window.
"Thank you for coming. I wanted a second opinion before I act. I've never seen a case of magical exhaustion this severe."
Ron and Harry both turned their attention to the new arrival in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing. A beautiful woman with silvery hair, and blue eyes, dressed in a healer uniform.
"Chiara," Ron said to Harry. "Chiara Lobasca, she was friends with Bill and Charlie at Hogwarts, she's a Healer."
Harry politely nodded, although as usual, he could not help and think what it would be like to be another beautiful woman.
"Ron," Chiara said. "It's been a long time."
"Hello, Chiara," Ron said. "This is Harry….Harry Potter."
Chiara did a double take and looked over Harry.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Healer Lobasca," Harry said.
"Call me Chiara," she said. "And I never expected to meet the famous Harry Potter."
"Well, it's lucky you hadn't met me as your patient, with all of the trouble I get into," Harry said.
"That's for sure," Madam Pomfrey said. "But, we've been lucky that it's been accidents that I could handle. Although we had a couple of close calls."
"What do you mean?" Chiara asked.
"Well, I was out for three days during my first year," Harry said. "And then I had to grow all of the bones back in my arm during my second year. And then I fell off of a broomstick because of some Dementors in my third year. And I was lucky to not break my neck."
"I didn't know," Chiara asked. "You…well, you're lucky that Hogwarts has such a great healer…although if you were out for three days, you could have been hit with some heavy magical exhaustion. And that's not good when you're that young."
Harry responded with a nod.
"And you're friends with the patient, Miss Granger," Chiara said. "Muggleborn witch, which means it's at the discretion of the Headmaster whether or not her parents would be informed of this."
"I think they should know," Harry said.
"Well, I'm not going to stop you," Chiara said. "And I agree, they have a right to know. Since you know her best, I've got a couple of questions."
"Maybe we should wait for the Headmaster," Madam Pomfrey said.
"Oh, Professor Dumbledore is busy and I'm sure he has enough on his plate," Harry said. "I can answer Chiara's questions."
"Regardless, I will inform the Headmaster."
And Pomfrey was off.
"Ask," Harry said. "Before Dumbledore gets here."
And Chiara did not hesitate to ask.
"Of course," Chiara said. "Was she in contact with any magical artifacts in the past year?"
Ron gave Harry a side-eye.
"Are we sure…we should…."
"She used a time turner," Harry said. "During her third year."
"Are you…a time turner?" Chiara asked. "Why did she use a time turner?"
Harry decided to walk Chiara through the entire mess with the Timeturner. Chiara took notes when he spoke.
"Anything you say, is between us," Chiara murmured. "I have a pretty good idea of the type of things that happen at Hogwarts for my time here."
Harry finished giving her the information, including what they did with the Time Turner, carefully telling her it was Dumbledore's idea. Chiara signed and completed it.
"So, did Hermione have any training to use the time turner?" Chiara asked.
"Not to my knowledge," Harry said. "I know I didn't."
Chiara just noted down a couple more things.
"Did she have any other extended stays in the Hospital after the time turner?" Chiara asked.
"Not to my knowledge," Harry said. "The only other time that Hermione was in the Hospital Wing was when she was petrified by the Basilisk during our second year."
Harry could see Chiara's expression darken a few shades.
"Were you aware of that?" Harry asked her.
"I knew of the attacks, yes," Chiara said. "St. Mungos could have procured Mandrakes much quicker than Hogwarts and could have cured those people much sooner. But….I'm sure the Headmaster has his reasons."
"He always does," Harry said.
"Mmm, yes," Chiara said. "Well, I'll be honest with you, Hermione really should get a full checkup at St. Mungos. And I think it is time that you should get one as well. It's my personal recommendation that you do at least. While I don't discount Madam Pomfrey as capable, she does…well we might pick up on things she missed."
Harry caught Chiara catching herself.
"I'd love to get a checkup, but only if you'd agree to be my healer," Harry said.
"I'd love to," Chiara said. "And your magical advocate is…."
"Andromeda Tonks," Harry said.
Chiara just smiled and she moved Harry over to make the arrangements to get a long overdue checkup.
"Harry! There you are. You had everyone worried sick."
And here came Dumbledore, just in time.
"Professor," Harry said.
"Hello, Professor Dumbledore," Chiara said.
"Miss Lobasca, it is an honor to see you again," Dumbledore said. "Madam Pomfrey mentioned you had a few questions. If you would like, you could ask them in my office and I will be happy to…."
"There is not a need, Professor, Harry was very helpful," Chiara said.
"Well, Harry, that is to say, Mr. Potter, can be very helpful," Dumbledore said. "Although, I don't think he should have talked to you without my supervision."
"And why is that, sir?" Harry asked.
Harry knew why, but he wanted Dumbledore to say it outloud.
"You're aware of what has happened with Miss Granger," Dumbledore said. "Aren't you?"
"Could you explain more, sir?" Harry asked.
Ron watched his best friend and one of his personal heroes go back and forth. It was like a tennis match.
"Miss Granger has attacked Mr. Zabini, and she could be in danger of expulsion from this school," Dumbledore said. "Especially given Mr. Zabini's mother is a very high standing member of our society. And while I believe it is an honest mistake, I may not be adequately able to assist Miss Granger should she face an expulsion hearing from the Board of Governors. Especially if her pattern of past behavior comes to light."
Yes, setting Snape on fire and punching Lyra in the face, breaking her jaw. There was a pattern of past violence on Hermione's part. That Dumbledore overlooked as the Headmaster.
"What are you asking me, Headmaster?" Harry asked.
Harry knew precisely where Dumbledore was coming, but he wanted him to be the one who told him.
"Your contention of Professor Snape's disciplinary actions have tied me up in an investigation on him, and this misunderstanding can be cleared up easily," Dumbledore said. "I can give you my assurance that Professor Snape will both issue a public apology, and he will not target you again. All I ask is to drop your charges against him."
Harry just frowned.
"Well, I asked Snape for an apology, and he never gave one," Harry said. "Now, I know any apology he gave would not be meant and it would be meaningless because his boss pressured him into giving one. And are you trying to tell me that you could have controlled Snape's actions and chose not to the entire time, sir?"
Dumbledore frowned.
"I'm not a dictator, Harry," Dumbledore said. "I do not control the actions of others. But, I can put Professor Snape on probation…and I can assure you any of his further actions will be investigated by myself and the other heads of house."
Harry resisted the urge to face palm.
"I'm going to leave it up to the Tribunal," Harry said. "I believe they will be collecting evidence soon and will begin their investigation on November 1st."
"Harry, we can't allow that to happen…the other schools…."
"I've made up my mind, Headmaster," Harry said. "And as for how you handle Hermione's potential expulsion, you do what you feel you have to do and I'll do what I feel like I have to do."
"You would abandon your friend and allow your pettiness to get in the way of helping her?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry would have been swayed by the kindly, disappointed grandfather look, even a month ago. However, he knew enough to be on his guard from Dumbledore. Especially since he felt Dumbledore's very subtle prodding of his mind and Harry decided to discourage him just as discreetly.
"Don't confront me about this matter again, Professor," Harry said. "And I will not meet with you, unless my advocate, Andromeda Tonks is present to witness it. You will be receiving a letter soon."
"I have, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. "And I don't think you realize….."
"Harry?"
Chiara nudged Harry.
"My scan of Hermione has indicated that she has a lifeline to you, due to an unowed debt," Chiara said. "Due to her status as a Muggleborn witch, you will be able to sign to authorize a transfer to St. Mungos."
"Even over the Headmaster?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Chiara said. "You are essentially Hermione's magical guardian until she pays her debt. I will need your advocate to sign, but I'll take care of that when I stop by the Tonks residence later."
"Harry, you shouldn't sign those papers," Dumbledore said. "Hermione shouldn't be removed from the Hogwarts Hospital Wing."
"Actually, Potter, I think you should," Zabini piped up.
"Mr. Zabini, you're delirious."
"Headmaster, it's very problematic to call one of your students delicious," Zabini said with a cheeky little smirk. "Although, you would be right."
Obviously the pain relief potions were settling in and making Zabini a bit loopy.
"Where do I sign?" Harry asked.
Chiara pointed it out and Harry did so over Dumbledore's protests.
"Here…here…and initial here," Chiara said.
"Harry, I'm disappointed in you," Dumbledore said.
"The feeling is more than mutual, Professor," Harry said. "And I'll see you in a couple of days for my appointment."
"Yes," Chiara agreed. "I'll owl you with the date and time later this evening."
Chiara took the papers Harry signed and tucked them into her bag before heading off to use the Floo.
"Harry, as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, I forbid you to leave the school grounds," Dumbledore said.
Harry said nothing, he just walked off with Ron following him.
"I can't believe you stood up to Dumbledore," Ron said.
"Do you think I'm wrong?" Harry asked.
"I….I don't…it's….I never thought I'd see the day where I….I actually agree with you," Ron said. "Some of the things Snape said about you and Hermione and Neville…and others, they're out of line. Bill and Charlie told me he was like that for years, but…there's not too many Potioneers out there."
"Parvati's Mum would have taken the job, although she was turned down in favor of Snape," Harry said.
"Why?" Ron asked.
"Dumbledore has something over him," Harry said. "I've got a couple of letters to write."
And Harry realized he left Ron with more questions than he did answers. The moment he got halfway to the Hospital Wing, he had been stopped by someone.
"Malfoy," Harry said.
"Potter…I want a word with you," Lyra said. "After last night I'm….."
"No, you went too far," Harry said. "I want you to think long and hard about what you did wrong. And if…if you're sincere, we'll meet tonight."
It was obvious that Lyra struggled to bite her tongue.
"Yes Dadd…I mean Potter," Lyra said.
Harry would have be blind, deaf, and thick not to notice the slip of her tongue.
"Go, I've got business to attend to," Harry said.
Lyra nodded and walked off. Perhaps she was a bit sorry about what she said, or maybe she was only sorry because the sands of time dwindled on her and she was about lose her bet to Daphne Greengrass.
Penelope made her way up the steps and walked over to Harry.
"So, what's up?" she asked.
"I'll tell you about it on the way to the Owlery," Harry said. "Hermione's pretty bad off."
"Oh God," Penelope murmured. "What happened?"
And Harry told her all about it as they walked all the way up.
Harry sent a letter off to the Grangers, explaining what happened to their daughter. And also a letter off to Andromeda, telling her what happened with Hermione and most importantly what Dumbledore tried to pull first with Beatrice and then with Harry this morning.
Care of Magical Creatures class was the first class of the day and they were dealing with the Blast-Ended Skrewts. Yet again. Harry still did not know the purpose of them.
However, Harry's mind drifted to Hagrid's purpose. Hagrid was the man who took him from Godric's Hollow on Dumbledore's orders and dropped him off with the Dursleys. He was the man who brought Harry back into the Wizarding World and a friendship had been cultivated. Harry risked a lot to help Hagrid.
And Hagrid was loyal to Dumbledore. While Hagrid was not likely maliciously part of Dumbledore's schemes, he was still an unwitting player in a lot of forming Harry's opinions of the Wizarding World. And Harry doubted very much Hagrid was willing or able to open his eyes to what Dumbledore was doing.
Harry flashed back to how Hagrid reacted during that first meeting, when Vernon called Dumbledore a "crackpot old fool." As much as Harry thought Dudley to be a bullying git and an arse, Vernon should have been the one to suffer Hagrid's wrath if anyone.
Neville moved a bit closer to Harry.
"Thank you…for standing up to Snape," Neville murmured in his ear. "I…I don't think I would have had the guts if he came up to me. I wish I could be brave like you."
"Neville, bravery comes in many forms," Harry said. "And I'm sure the tribunal will be be happy to hear your evidence."
"I overheard, Oscar Grimes, talking this morning and he says he's going to everything in his power to make sure the teachers retain their authority," Neville said. "And that the tribunal doesn't happen. He's got a group of people looking into some of the prefects who have stood behind the tribunal…and I think he might try and get them removed."
"Thanks for the information, Neville," Harry said.
"I think…if Snape gets away with this, he's going to be worse than ever," Neville said.
"Oh, don't think about it Longbottom. He will."
And Pansy swept by the entire group. She walked by with Tracey and Autumn.
"Snape's a bully and tyrant," Parvati said as she stepped closer. "I can't believe Dumbledore would be standing up for him."
"I don't…I don't know why," Neville said. "My family has always supported Dumbledore. But maybe…he's losing his touch. My grandmother would be furious if I even said that."
"Well, that's your opinion, Neville," Ron said as he dodged one of the Skrewts. "You should stick up for yourself more often. Whether it be against friends, enemies, or even your own family."
And Harry remembered the very casual way Neville talked about his family's attempts to "force magic out of him." The fact that was accepted behavior disgusted Harry.
"Watch out!" Harry shouted.
And Lavender nearly got set ablaze from one of the Skrewts. Harry quickly put out the fire as Parvati ran over to check on her.
"Lav, are you alright?" Parvati asked.
"I'm fine," Lavender said. "Although a bit burned…."
Harry turned to the Skrewts and looked at them with narrowed eyes.
"That's enough out of you," Harry told them.
And much to everyone's surprise, the Skrewts all fell in line.
"Harry?" Dean asked. "How did you do that?"
"I…I just told them to stop and they did," Harry said.
The Skrewts resembled extremely ugly scolded puppy dogs.
"Well sometimes it takes a firm tone ter get a creature ter behave," Hagrid said. ".Ten points ter Gryffindor, Harry."
Harry nodded. Lavender looked towards him.
"You okay?" Harry asked him.
"Just a little burn," Lavender said. "Maybe you can kiss it and make it feel better?"
Harry just smiled and took her arm and kissed the burn mark. Lavender shuddered as magic washed through her body and her burn healed.
"Wait, your kisses are magical?" Sophie Roper asked.
"Damn right they are," Parvati said with a smile.
"I think you better check me out after class," Lavender said. "To make sure there aren't any more burns that we can't see."
"And I almost got hit by one of the Skrewts too," Parvati said.
Class ended with Harry assisting the entire class of herding the Skrewts back into the box.
"That was something, Potter," Millicent Bulstrode told him.
Hagrid cleared his throat and caught Harry's eyes.
"Harry, a word?"
"I'll see you ladies in a bit," Harry told Lavender and Parvati.
The two giggled, quite knowingly and smiled. Harry turned to his oldest friend.
"Yes, Hagrid?" Harry asked.
"So wha''s goin' on? with Snape?"
Harry just looked at Hagrid.
"He accused me of cheating on a paper when I didn't," Harry said. "He's been escalating this for three years. I just want to put a stop to it."
Hagrid just sighed.
"Look, i know Snape isn' the nicest, but Professor Dumbledore has his reasons fer keeping 'im around."
The indoctrination appeared to be strong with Hagrid.
"Look," Hagrid pressed. "How abou' we go back ter me hut fer a cup o' tea? It's bin a long time."
Harry spent way too much time around Slytherins and those of a Slytherin mindset lately. Because instantly his suspicions were raised.
"Just a minute, Hagrid, I need to collect myself."
"Take your time."
Harry moved over to his bag and instantly pulled out the Marauders' Map.
"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good."
And the map appeared and Harry moved down to Hagrid's hut. He saw it with his own eyes. In Hagrid's hut, he saw Dumbledore, along with Snape, McGonagall, and the Head Boy, Oscar Grimes.
Harry just frowned when looking at the map.
"Hagrid, something has come up," Harry told him.
"Wha' could be so important?"
Harry just hated to pull this card.
"Hagrid, we've been friends for years, so I'd like you to be honest with me," Harry said. "I risked a lot for you during my first year with Norbert. You remember that."
Hagrid nodded.
"I ended up in the Forbidden Forest for a detention so you couldn't get in trouble," Harry said.
Hagrid just frowned.
"Yeh're really goin' ter hold tha' over me head?"
"Friendship should be based in honesty," Harry said. "And I want the truth from you, Hagrid. Do you have any other guests in that hut?"
Hagrid could not quite meet Harry's eyes.
"Tell Professor Dumbledore it's a nice try," Harry said. "And I thought better of you Hagrid. And I think my parents would have as well, my mother especially."
Hagrid hung his head, ashamed.
"Dumbledore hoped ter get yeh ter listen ter reason," Hagrid said. "He's a great man, yeh know."
"So you told me the day I met you," Harry said. "I don't want to fight you Hagrid. But, I think from now on, we're just student and teacher. Nothing more."
And Hagrid had been left gobsmacked when Harry walked off. He felt sorry for Hagrid, in some ways. However, Dumbledore had cultivated over fifty years of loyalty with the man.
Andromeda Tonks had been thinking of what Harry told her the other day. Her daughter, Nymphadora noticed that her mind has been elsewhere, along with Nymphadora's friend, Tulip Karasu, who spent more time at the Tonks Residence than she did her own house.
"Mum, you look lost," Nym said to her mother.
"More lost than you looked when you met Harry Potter's eyes?" Tulip asked.
Nym just stuck out her tongue.
"There's some very sensitive investigations going on right now," Andromeda said. "A lot's going to be shaken up in the Wizarding World."
"Well, good, the establishment deserves a good kick in the arse," Tulip said.
"So, did Harry Potter hire you?" Nym asked.
"Actually, I'm now his advocate and his magical guardian," Andromeda said.
"Wow, that's great," Nym said. "I've always wanted a brother."
"And let's face it, you'd be perfect for some, "help me brother, I'm stuck" style hijinx," Tulip said.
Nym just hurled a muffin at Tulip, who caught it and ate it.
The fireplace kicked to life and Chiara stepped through.
"Hey, Chiara….ooop!"
Nym almost tripped over the nearest rug.
"Master Auror, her arch nemesis is a rug," Tulip said while buttering some toast.
"Mrs. Tonks," Chiara said.
"Andromeda, my husband has been dead for five years," Andromeda reminded her. "What can I do for you?"
"Papers to sign, to release a patient into St. Mungos," Chiara said.
"Is it Harry?" Andromeda asked.
"Actually, it's someone he…well she's under his guardianship," Chiara said. "Due to a life debt."
Andromeda looked at it. The Granger girl. She should have known. Andromeda signed it, and also signed off on Harry's check-up. It was likely long overdue, as she felt that there was a pretty good chance Dumbledore did not have Harry checked up by a healer that was not under his direct employ.
"Would you care to stay for some Breakfast?" Andromeda asked.
"Actually, I wouldn't mind," Chiara said.
"You look like you've learned something heavy this morning," Nym said.
"Yes, but due to my oath, I can't share it right now, "Chiara said. "I'm not too happy with what happened with my patient right now and how Hogwarts handled it."
"Mmm, there's nothing new there," Nym said. "Hey, Mum, the stray's back."
And with that, a great familiar black dog appeared in front of the door.
"Turns out that I can't really say much about what we're doing at my job either," Nym said. "Madam Bones is on the warpath over the investigation and I hate to be the one that upsets her."
"Oooh, yes, I understand."
Andromeda excused herself and moved over to bring the dog inside of the house. She made sure the door was locked leading into the sitting room.
"You can change now."
And here Sirius appeared before her.
"You still need a haircut," Andromeda said. "And maybe a flea bath."
"Very funny," Sirius said. "I'm glad you heard me out in the first place. How are things going at the Ministry?"
"Closer than ever to resolving this, now Harry put in a request for your trial transcripts," Andromeda said.
"Well, he's not going to get it, because I didn't have a trial," Sirius said.
"Fudge should have got your transcripts before he ordered the Kiss," Andromeda said.
"Well, no one accused Fudge of being bright," Sirius said.
Andromeda could not disagree.
"Until your name is officially cleared and the order is revoked, you need to lie low," Andromeda warned him. "And I talked to your godson. I'm his guardian now."
"Good," Sirius said. "I'm glad that he has someone he can trust to advocate for him. So, what do you talk about?"
Andromeda sighed.
"I can't divulge that, not even to you, Sirius," Andromeda said. "Let's just say there's enough to alarm me."
"Well, I had some time to think, and he jumped for the chance to live with me quickly," Sirius said. "About ten minutes before, he thought I was a murderer who betrayed his parents. And he was giddy about getting away from the Dursleys, despite barely knowing me. I…I found that a bit unsettling."
Andromeda knew why.
"His homelife was hell like mine was going up," Sirius said. "I can tell. I only met Lily's sister a couple of times, but she always came off as a jealous and spiteful shrew. And same with her husband, an awful man. I swear if there were Muggle versions of blood purists, that would be the Dursleys. At least that's the impression I got."
"Once this is all cleared up, you can ask Harry everything," Andromeda said. "The question is, have you been in touch with Dumbledore?"
"I…I informed him about Harry's letter this summer, before I got in touch with you," Sirius said. "It's just, those dreams he's having. It sounds like residual dark magic, some kind of link he had with Voldemort after the failed Killing Curse. Although, I can't think of a single thing that would have caused it. And there was the disappearance of that Ministry witch…."
"Bertha Jorkins, I knew," Andromeda said. "Harry also contested Snape and his actions are being looked into by a Tribunal at Hogwarts."
And Sirius's attention perked up. Somehow, Andromeda knew that Severus Snape having potential misfortune would entice her cousin.
"There's a chance that your conviction will be declared null and void," Andromeda said. "However, legally, you are a free man. However, there are still many who believe you are the person who betrayed the Potters and killed thirteen people with a single curse and you were Voldemort's right hand man."
"So, without Wormtail and his confession, I've lost the court of public opinion," Sirius said.
It was going to be tricky going forward. And there was also the chance that certain people could make Sirius disappear, if he had been seen in public. Andromeda knew, as did Amelia, that there were some at the Ministry who were very adept of making problems disappear.
Which was why she wondered if Bertha Jorkins learned something and they had her "disappear in Albania."
Lavender, Parvati, and Harry slipped into an unused classroom. Lavender started to slip off her robes, as did Parvati.
"I think you'd want to kiss us all over, Harry," Lavender said.
"Mmm, I'll start."
Parvati grabbed Harry and snogged him fiercely while grinding up against him. She could feel his erection just building up against him.
"My turn," Lavender gasped with a big smile on her face.
She kissed Harry and allowed his hands to explore her body. The first few buttons came undone and Harry caressed her breasts on the other side of her bra. She gasped in pleasure when he slowly worked his way.
"Mmm, we better make sure there's no burns here," Lavender said.
Harry exposed Lavender's delicious, round breasts for his line of sight. Harry groped them and kissed all the way down onto them. And Parvati just stroked him.
"You sure one of the Skrewts didn't sting you, Harry?" Parvati asked. "You look pretty swollen."
And Parvati dropped to her knees and took Harry's cock into her mouth. Harry just groaned when Parvati rocked back and forth down onto his rod. Harry put his hand on the back of her head and thrusted deeper and deeper inside of her mouth. Parvati leaned in and slurped him hard, and brought that cock deep inside of her mouth.
"Let me help you with that."
Lavender planted kisses down Harry's body and the two best friends got between Harry's cock and sucked it. Parvati and Lavender worshipped Harry's prominent pole and took turns slurping him. The two lovely Gryffindor witches trapped him and smiled.
The eyes of Lavender Brown widened. She sucked Harry's cock like she was a succubus trying to remove his soul through his manhood. Harry slipped his hand against the back of her head and groaned when he buried deep inside of her mouth, breathing heavily for him.
"Lav….oooh…Lav!"Harry grunted.
Lavender's eyes met up with Harry when she sucked him off. Parvati decided to move up and allow Harry to grope and kiss her body.
"You are…something else, Harry Potter," Parvati breathed.
Harry decided to bury his tongue into Parvati's pussy and gave her the gift of Parseltongue. Parvati shook and squirted as Lavender sucked and pleasured him all over. Her eyes widened.
"Mmm," Lavender moaned.
Lavender just groaned and felt that seed erupt deep into her throat. Harry just pressed down into her mouth and finished eating Parvati to an orgasm as well.
A smile crossed Lavender's face and she joined Parvati in a makeout session.
"You better kiss me right there, Harry," Lavender breathed.
Harry buried between the beautiful blonde witch's thighs and started to feast on her when she shared a kiss with Parvati. And then Harry stripped them both the rest of the way and worshipped their fine bodies with kisses.
"Still swollen," Lavender breathed. "Let's fix that."
Lavender rose up and flipped Harry onto his back. Parvati decided to climb onto his cock while Lavender climbed on his face to get a chance at his Parseltongue. The two Gryffindor witches rode Harry's face and cock and allowed him to drive deep inside of their holes from beneath.
"Oooh, yes!" Parvati moaned. "I think his lips aren't the only thing that has healing powers."
"We need…to experiment with this," Lavender said.
Harry's tongue hit places which made Lavender tingle. Lavender rolled her eyes back and shook in pleasure as Harry plunged deeper inside of her. Harry just smiled and let her cum all over his face.
Parvati leaned down and peppered Harry's face with more kisses. Harry turned her over and rode her to another orgasm.
Lavender just smiled and beckoned Harry over. Harry buried his face into Lavender's chest after he pulled out of Parvati and buried himself deep inside of her. Lavender hugged Harry's face into her chest and she moaned when he worked him constantly.
"Oooh, Morgana, yes!"
Harry managed to create a feedback loop and link the pleasure felt by both of the witches for him. Parvati decided to take over where Lavender left off and drove Harry deeper inside of her. Harry leaned in and kissed Parvati's neck and chest and made her feel better.
"Mmm, your kisses make everything feel better, Harry," Parvati moaned. "And soon every witch will know it."
Harry was certain they would. Harry plunged deeper inside of Parvati and Lavender. Harry wondered if he could be in two places at once.
He suspected there might be some advanced charm work. Parvati hugged him tight. The beautiful Indian witch plunged up and down until Harry erupted inside of her.
Harry tensed up and could feel another burst of power as he erupted inside of the witch before him.
Lavender climbed between Parvati's legs and ate her out. Parvati closed her eyes.
"Anything we can do for you, Harry?" Parvati asked. "You've done so much for Hogwarts."
Harry thought about the current situation with the Tribunal.
"Well, there's one thing."
Harry explained what was going on with Beatrice.
"That's terrible," Lavender said. "Grimes…ugh, he's so Grimey."
"I heard that he told off a first year for complaining about how Snape was being a twat," Parvati said. "Natalie Macdonald I think her name was."
If Harry had a knut for the time where Snape contributed to the trauma of a witch with the surname Macdonald, he would have two knuts. Granted, that was not a lot, but it was strange how it happened twice.
"I like Beatrice, she's actually one of us, and not some stuck up Prefect on a power trip," Lavender said "Grimes on the other hand…."
Lavender wrinkled her nose. Harry cradled both of the witches on either side of him.
"We can get Grimes out of there, but we need a majority of the Hogwarts students," Harry told them. "The Founders put certain protocols in play. They were way ahead of their time."
"It's almost like they knew," Parvati murmured.
The trio enjoyed some more quality time together and perhaps another round shared between the three of them.
Charlotte Granger returned from a long day at Granger Dental. Her husband decided to leave to attend to his mother, who broke her leg. And naturally, David jumped when "Mummy" told him to. Charlotte felt the only thing keeping their marriage together was Hermione and the very real fear that Joyce's connections might cause harm to both Charlotte and her daughter.
Still, she was practically running the Dental Practice, not that was anything knew since that ill-fated night that their daughter was conceived. While Charlotte loved her daughter, the marriage less so.
Charlotte noticed a lovely snowy owl waiting for her. She recognized it immediately, having belonged to Hermione's friend Harry. Charlotte met the young man a few times and she wished he was the type of guy who was around when she was Hermione's age. Something about his eyes just felt enchanting.
The young woman shook her head at having thoughts about a man young enough to be her son.
"Hello, girl, do you have something for me?" Charlotte asked.
The owl nodded and dropped a letter to her. Charlotte never seen an owl so proud in her life. The owl looked rather pleased with herself.
Charlotte opened the letter and it was from Harry. She read it and her expression grew stormy.
The fact she had to hear this from her daughter's friend and not her Headmaster or Head of House, well it did not sit right with Charlotte. And it made Charlotte wonder if anything else was going on at that school, that she was not informed about.
She looked at Harry's offer for help when she needed it along with a phone number to contact his advocate/guardian if she had any questions, along with her business card.
Charlotte had questions. And she wondered if it would be possible for her to arrange a meeting with Harry. Hermione might as well be on a different planet ten months out of the year. And even this summer, she was not around for that long.
Still, calling this Andromeda would be her best bet, to see what her rights were regarding her daughter.
And even the very clear explanations regarding the entire magical guardianship thing left Charlotte's head spinning. If Hermione owed Harry this life debt, then her life would have been in peril before. Charlotte picked up the phone and dialed the number.
"Hello, is this Andromeda Tonks?" Charlotte asked.
"This is she," Andromeda said.
"This is Charlotte Granger, your charge Harry Potter is friends with my daughter Hermione," Charlotte said. "I have a few questions to ask if you don't mind."
"Not at all," Andromeda said without any hesitation. "I can actually arrange to have you come up to my office in the morning if you don't mind."
"That would be great,"Charlotte said. "Where do I go?"
"Well, I'm sure you're familiar with the entrance into Diagon Alley, from the non-magical world?"
"Yes."
"Okay listen very carefully…."
Charlotte grabbed a pad and a pen and jotted down some notes.
"Alright, listen up."
Parvati and Lavender came to Angelina Johnson after their meeting with Harry, and when she found out what he was planning on doing, Angelina jumped in to call a meeting of the entire Gryffindor house.
"One of our own needs our help," Angelina said. "McGonagall told us that our house at Hogwarts is like our family. And it's time to start acting like one. Harry Potter bravely stuck his neck on the line for this school several times, and he's asked for nothing in return."
Alicia, Katie, Fred, and George joined Angelina. The remaining members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were in unity.
"We didn't treat Harry the best sometimes," Alicia said quietly. "We regret that we doubted him in his first year, until Ron set us straight."
Ron nodded and Ginny just smiled and patted her older brother on the shoulder.
"Called him the seeker, we did," Fred added. "It was a disgusting thing we did. Especially considering he didn't do this just for the sake of breaking the rules, but to help a friend avoiding getting in trouble."
"We all regret it," Katie said. "And anyone who was a part of this, who was at Hogwarts when it happened, you should regret it too."
All of the upper year Gryffindors who were part of Harry's shunning over the "one hundred and fifty points" thing all hung their heads in shame. And Ron, who guilt-tripped many of them after the fact, felt vindicated.
"We all know what Snape is, you have to be blind to not see it," Angelina said. "Harry was accused for Snape of cheating on an essay. I've seen it, everything is properly cited, and Harry has written it in his own words."
"He put more work in it than we ever would," George said.
"Nerd," Fred murmured, but he had a good natured smile on his face.
"Snape accused him and took points from Harry and threatened detention," Angelina said. "As you know, Harry contested Snape and thus froze his ability to take points and issue detention. There is to be a tribunal lead by the Head Boy and Head Girl…but there's a problem."
Angelina had everyone hanging on her every word like Oliver Wood always did when he gave a pep talk before a Quidditch match.
"Our Head Boy, Oscar Grimes, he's undermining the investigation and the tribunal," Angelina said.
"We can't have that," Katie said. "He's shown his true colors and he's not for the students at Hogwarts. If he's for Snape, then he's for biased bullying."
There were murmurs in agreement.
"And he's intending to get our Head Girl, Beatrice Haywood, removed from her post, along with any prefect that supports the tribunal against Snape," Angelina said. "Beatrice was never a prefect, but that makes her perfect to be Head Girl. She's not entitled to the position."
"This needs to be for the students," Katie said. "And we need to speak up and be heard. Do not let Snape push him around. We want to support this tribunal and one way to do that is get Oscar Grimes removed as Head Boy."
"Grimey has to go," George said.
There were chants of "Grimey has to go" going through the Gryffindor Common Room.
"We have to support Harry, for all he's done for us," Lavender piped in. "After my bunny died…he came to me and asked if I was okay…that's the type of guy he is."
"Yes, he's the best," Colin Creevey piped up. "I know I was a bit annoying in my first year, but he was always patient to me, even if a lot of people who have made me eat that camera."
"I would have made you eat that camera," Colin's younger brother, Dennis said.
"Not only that, but he's the hero that finally ended Slytherin's stranglehold of both the House Cup and the Quidditch Cup," another older student piped up.
"But, this isn't about Slytherin and Gryffindor," Angelina warned them. "This is about Hogwarts. The Triwizard Tournament is going to take place in a few days, and they say Hogwarts is the best. Maybe we should start acting like it?"
There were loud raucous cheers which go.
"I've got one question," Ron said.
"Yes?"
"Where do I sign?"
Everyone cheered as Ron was the first to sign the petition for Gryffindor to get Oscar Grimes removed as Head Boy, for undermining the Snape tribunal. And Fred and George jumped in and signed eagerly.
"I think mine's bigger," George said.
"Are you kidding, mine's much bigger than yours?"
Fred and George bickered until Ginny took the quill and signed her name.
"They're both the same size and really underwhelming," Ginny said dryly.
And Fred and George shut up, having been roasted by their baby sister. Angelina, Katie, and Alicia signed, and Neville joined them, with Parvati, Lavender, and the rest of Harry's classmates, minus the incapacitated Hermione Granger.
Name after name had been added.
"What's going on?"
And the man of the hour showed up, Oscar Grimes, who looked at the assembled crowd.
"Grimey, Grimey, Grimey," George said. "We don't think you're fit to be Head Boy."
"The Teachers chose badly, the students have to pick up the slack," Fred said.
"You can't…you can't do this."
Grimes tried to torch the petition, only to find himself burning his own hand.
"I'll put you all in detention for being disruptive!" Grimes yelled. "You're a disgrace to Gryffindor."
"Lots of disgraces on this list," George said. "But majority rules."
"And have fun writing out all of those detention slips, Grimey," Fred said. "Be a shame if you get carpal tunnel over it."
"So did I miss anything?"
Harry entered the Gryffindor Common Room and Grimes turned to him.
"You…you caused this trouble," Grimes said. "I should have expected nothing less out of a…Parselmouth."
"Really, that old nonsense?" Harry asked.
"Professor Dumbledore will handle the situation, you can't just…you can't just do this," Grimes said.
"I haven't done anything."
Harry took the paper and signed it. The cheers got louder.
"Now, I've done something," Harry said.
"I will be reporting this and all of you to Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore," Grimes said.
"Sure, Grimey, of course," Harry said.
"And I'm going to….ouch!"
The minute Grimes tried to snatch the paper away, he was zapped.
"Well, that was shocking," Fred said.
"Troll," Ginny said while rolling her eyes. "Troll."
Oscar Grimes stormed off as the majority of Gryffindor decided he was not fit to be Head Boy.
"I hate to be that person," Ginny murmured. "But, this is kind of cooked if a good portion of Slytherin doesn't jump on this one."
Harry smiled. He had a really good feeling about what was happening.
Despite leaving Hogwarts last year, Ravenclaw loved and respected Penelope Clearwater, and when called a meeting, a good portion of the house showed up.
"Harry's done a lot for us, and we need to make sure this Tribunal goes through," Penelope said. "How many of you have decided to change your career because it required NEWT level potions?"
There was a show of hands in the air, as a fair portion of the house.
"I was there when Oscar Grimes stood back, as Albus Dumbledore threatened to remove Beatrice Haywood as the Head girl," Cho said. "Do you think it's fair that such a thing is allowed?"
The Ravenclaws shook their heads.
"Parvati said the Gryffindors are behind Harry and what he's doing," Padma said. "Ravenclaw should have looked at the facts two years ago and realized there was no way Harry should have been behind those attacks. Instead, we jumped on the bandwagon."
"What happens if this fails?" Marietta Edgecombe asked.
"You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take," Roger Davies, the Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain said.
"True," Su said. "Also, Mum says fuck around and find out. Snape fucked around, and he's going to have to find out what happens when Hogwarts is unified."
"And Grimes too," Mandy said.
"Yes, Grimey, can't forget that little Dumblesimp," Su said.
"So, I've got the petition ready to go," Penelope said. "Who wants to sign first?"
"Me."
A dreamy looking girl appeared from the shadows and signed her name "Luna Lovegood" in big block letters.
"So the Wrackspurts that have infested the Headmaster can read it," Luna said as if this explained everything.
Su, Mandy, and Cho were the next to sign and soon the floodgates had been opened. There were a few that abstained. Despite doubting it, Marietta followed Cho's lead in signing it.
Snape had ruined her ambitions of being a Healer. She could not stand another two years of Potions with him, and after OWLs, even if she got an Outstanding, she was dropping the class.
"Looks about seventy eight percent," Cho said. "And no hard feelings….we got the names we wanted to."
Everyone cheered at this development. Penelope smiled. She was rather pleased and she knew Harry Potter would be as well.
"Hard work, fair play, loyalty, these are virtues that Helga Hufflepuff brought into our house at Hogwarts."
Cedric Diggory and Hazel Smith spoke to an assembled group of Hufflepuffs,with Beatrice standing amongst them in the background.
"Two years ago, quite a few of you thought that Harry Potter could have been behind the attacks at Hogwarts," Cedric said. "Many in Hufflepuff were prone to hysteria and we were far from fair. We let emotions get the better of us."
Ernie Macmillian and Justin Finch-Fletchley looked at the ground.
"We were wrong," Hannah Abbott said.
"Damn right, some of you were," Susan said angrily. "I told you all from the beginning, there is no way that Harry Potter could have done those attacks. You all forget what he did, and despite all that, there wouldn't be a Hogwarts if he didn't fight the Basilisk."
"But, don't forget, Cedric, the boy wonder is not as perfect as everyone says he is," Zacharias Smith remarked. "You beat Potter to the Snitch last year."
There were quite a few Hufflepuffs who appeared to agree with Smith.
"Only because there were a hundred Dementors storming the field, Genius," Megan Jones said rolling her eyes.
"I don't count that win," Cedric said. "No true Hufflepuff will ever say that win counted. Next year, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor will have a fair game and Harry and I will see who the better Seeker is. But nothing is proven."
"Zack, don't be an idiot," Hazel said, looking at her younger brother. "The point is, Snape was unfair and Dumbledore is being equally as unfair, threatening Beatrice with being removed as Head Girl…."
"Well maybe she isn't worthy of it," the seventh year Hufflepuff prefect said in a snooty tone. "She's now going after Snape out of spite…."
"Enough, Clarissa," Hazel said. "Snape has a worrying pattern of past behavior. And he made the life of our very own Nymphadora Tonks miserable because she dared get in his NEWT Potions class."
"Still got an Outstanding," Beatrice said. "Although, Penny and Cassie helped her every step of the way and…Rowan too…when she was around."
Beatrice's expression dropped and she sounded sad.
"Rowan Khanna, she was a dear friend, and she would support a better Hogwarts for all," Beatrice said.
"Yes, she was a good friend to many and the Circle lives on," Cedric said. "She would support this Tribunal, so we get a fair and balanced education for all. So would Cassie if she is around….Cassandra Jacobs is the most decorated Hufflepuff of us all."
There were murmurs. Many only heard the stories, passed down from the older years.
"And she would support Harry in what he was doing," Cedric said. "I've tried to talk to Oscar, but he refuses to budge on his stance. We need someone in there who can help us move this forward. We're gathering enough receipts to show how Snape has caused not only damage to Hogwarts by his antics, but also through several key and important jobs within our community."
"Maybe these people should just work harder?" Wayne Hopkins suggested.
Cedric just shook his head.
"Beatrice is putting in time and effort to make sure people and their stories are heard," Cedric said. "We will make sure Professor Snape will get to tell his side, it's only fair. But, Beatrice has proven she's worthy of that badge, and she's proven to be a remarkable and strong woman. Rowan would be proud of her."
Beatrice looked flushed and she wiped away a tear from her face.
"Stop it, Cedric Diggory, you're making me cry," Beatrice said.
"And so would Cassie and Penny and Tonks and Merula…and the rest of the Circle," Cedric said. "You've done well in keeping Rowan's legacy alive, and me, you, Fred, and George, we're the only four left at Hogwarts."
"Oh, enough about your little cult," Zacharias said.
The mood around several in the room darkened. Cedric grabbed Beatrice's harm before she could hex him. Susan, Megan, and Hannah all glared at him and even Ernie and Justin looked less than impressed.
"You shut your fat little mouth, Zack," Hazel growled.
"Yes, watch it, twat," Megan said. "You're no Hufflepuff."
"I'm Helga's heir….."
"Technically since Hazel is older ,wouldn't that make her the heir?" Hannah asked.
And Zacharias Smith shut his mouth.
"If it can be proven," Hazel said. "But our great aunt lost the Hufflepuff Cup and all we have is our grandfather's words. But I don't need to be the heir to be a Hufflepuff. We need to do what's best for the school."
"And now we have a petition to sign," Cedric said. "It's to remove Oscar Grimes as Head Boy."
"That's rubbish," Clarissa said. "Oscar earned that spot….unlike this….she's only got it because people felt sorry about how mental she is."
Beatrice just mentally took several deep breaths. She took the petition and signed it first.
"There, I'm not going down without a fight," Beatrice said.
A fair few Hufflepuffs began to sign, with Cedric and Susan leading the charge after Beatrice. Zacharias and Clarissa, the salty Seventh year prefect, refused to sign it. And to be fair, a few other Hufflepuffs refused to sign it as well.
Although majority ruled once again and Cedric collected the signatures.
"All of you are going to lose your badges when this falls through," Clarissa warned them. "Potter will back off. In case you didn't know, Granger will be expelled for attacking Zabini. And he'll cut a deal with Dumbledore. He'll always protect her. He's a simp for her."
Beatrice did not blink. Although she did have a few doubts based on what Clarissa said.
But, she hoped that the wizard who fought a Basilisk would not cave in after she stuck her neck on the line for this.
Well, too late to back out now.
"Actions speak louder than words, Malfoy."
Daphne gave her that advice over breakfast and Lyra Malfoy took it to heart. And when she overheard those two gossiping hens in Gryffindor, Patil and Brown, Lyra knew what she had to do.
She demanded a Slytherin house meeting. Fortunately, Snape rarely visited his own house's common room and discouraged people from going to his office. Lyra remembered that talk from the first day, with the prefects Gemma Farley and Wallace Macnair, or Wally as they were called.
"Professor Snape is being unfairly targeted about by the other houses," the seventh year prefect, Richard Rochev said. "What are we going to do to ruin what Potter is doing?"
"We're going to help him."
Everyone turned to Lyra ,as if she grew a second head.
"Pardon me?" a rough looking seventh year asked. "We're going to help Potter against Snape?"
"Yes, that's what I said, do you have cotton in your ears?" Lyra asked. "We're going to help Potter take down Snape…and also Grimes."
"I'm all in on Grimes, I can't stand that bastard," one of the other seventh years said. "But, still….are you underneath the Imperius Curse or something?"
"Like father, like daughter," another upperclassman said snidely.
"Look," Lyra said. "Slytherins should look at the bigger picture. And you all need to remember one thing, that is we Slytherins above all else are subtle and cunning."
"She's right," Carmen Zabini, Blaise's younger sister said. "And Snape is about as loud as a firework show with what he's doing. Not subtle at all."
"Still, he's the only person that sticks up for us," another Slytherin said.
"And he's the main reason why Slytherin has the reputation it has, lately," Daphne said. "Snape helps celebrate the worst stereotypes of the Slytherin house."
"And everyone thinks we're evil at worse, or at least rotten, or toxic," Astoria chimed in. "Because of who are Head of House is."
"Who cares what the other houses think?"
"Oh, you really should," Lyra said. "Because, with each passing year, there's less people who want to be in Slytherin. Some beg and plead the hat anywhere but Slytherin. And there's a reason for this. Because, no one respects our contributions to Hogwarts, because Snape is an awful head of house."
"He's always stood up for you, and you're this ungrateful?" one of them asked.
"Use your brain, if you have one," Lyra said. "Snape knows who my father is. And you know I'm willing to let everyone know who my father is."
Everyone nodded in response. This was true.
"Snape will give you a free ride for the short term," Autumn said. "But, you have to think of the bigger picture and how much damage he's done over the past fifteen years to the long term reputation of the Slytherin house…look at this."
Autumn took out of her bag a chart which showed the number of students sorted into Slytherin, which dwindled year by year. And she also took out another chart which showed the number of students taking Potions NEWTs.
"So ,what does this prove?" Rochev asked. "Everyone is just a bunch of dunderheads…."
Autumn flashed a third chart, the number of people who achieved Outstandings in their Potions OWL, and decided not to continue into NEWT year. And those who dropped out before their NEWT who did.
"The numbers don't lie and they don't reflect well on the Slytherin house," Autumn said. "We need to let this Tribunal go through."
"I agree."
Vanessa Nott, the granddaughter of the infamous Cantankerus Nott, and a seventh year Slytherin Prefect spoke up.
"Snape needs to be held accountable for both the future of our world and the future health of the noble Slytherin house," Vanessa said.
"This petition will call for the removal of Oscar Grimes as the Head Boy," Lyra said.
Lyra made sure she was the first to sign, putting her name on the top of the list. And then it was passed around, with over half of Slytherin signing. Daphne nudged Theodore Nott into signing and he did as well. While many abstained, enough would go through, providing of course Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw all had majority.
"And now, I want you all to sign something else," Lyra said. "We are going to all publicly disavow Snape at the Head of the Slytherin house."
"Absolutely not, Malfoy," one of them said.
"If we do this ,and we don't get the majority needed, Snape won't be happy," one of the students said fearfully.
"And my father told me to respect Snape…."
"Mine did as well."
There were some murmurs. Lyra decided to sign the document.
"I can't believe you, Malfoy," Andrew Avery, one of the sixth year prefects who abstained from ordering Grimes to be removed. "What would your father say about this?"
"That's none of your concern, Avery," Lyra drawled. "Now, who else wants to sign?"
All of Lyra's yearmmates signed and most of the under year Slytherins as well. Vanessa signed, along with her roommates as well.
"I hope you all realize that I won't forget this," Lyra said.
"Surely you don't have majority?"
Lyra counted the signatures.
"Once I get Zabini's, I will," Lyra said.
And Lyra was sure that Blaise would remember when he was stabbed in his first year by a family member of one of his mother's many deceased husbands. And how Snape refused to discipline the attacker.
"The things you'd do to get out of losing a bet," Daphne said.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Lyra said.
She walked out of the portrait hole and noticed Potter's owl hovering in front of her. It gave Lyra a rather disapproving gaze.
"May I help you?" Lyra asked.
The owl dropped the letter on Lyra's head and turned around haughtily, as if Lyra somehow mortally offended her.
Potter agreed to meet her. After Lyra got Zabini's signature, she would head off to finish setting things up.