Chapter 8
Tom Wilson had had enough! Another pureblood wizard had joined the team and was put on days instead of him. This one was single with no family. It was the last straw. Tom now realized that the only way out of the graveyard shift was by getting rid of McTavish. He didn't like what he was about to do but the man had left him no other choice.
He made his way to his boss's office. He pulled out his wand and checked the door for wards and charms. There were only basic ones that he was able to bypass easily. He then entered the office and headed straight for the filing cabinet. The files were mostly copies of the ones kept in the main file room but there was a locked box in one drawer where he kept personal files on 'special' patients that no one was supposed to know about.
Tom knew there was a patient he wasn't even allowed to see. He hadn't even been told the patient's name and there was no file in the main file room for them. He knew that patient's file would be in McTavish's private box and was his best hope of finding something to use against him.
Again, he made short work of the locks and charms on the box and soon had it open. He was shocked to see two files in it. The first had no name on it but the second was the Longbottom file. He'd cared for the couple for years and had spent many hours researching cruciatis treatments hoping to find something to help them.
He set their file aside deciding to focus on the unknown patient first. When he opened the file he was again shocked to learn it was Sirius Black. Sirius had protected him from McTavish's bullying in school. It wasn't just his fellow Gryffindors either. He and his friends were well known pranksters at Hogwarts and he would use his talents on any bully he came across.
McTavish was one of the worst so naturally was on the receiving end of one of Sirius's pranks more than once. There was no way he wasn't taking advantage of having Sirius at his mercy. Tom carefully read through the file determined to help his friend. Everything seemed to be on the up and up except for a notation about treating him with a 'special' potion.
On a hunch, he checked the Longbottom file and found a similar notation but, according to their file, they had been given that potion since the night they were brought in. it didn't make sense to give someone a potion for that length of time especially since it obviously wasn't helping them. Then a feeling of dread came over him as another possibility occurred to him.
"No," he spoke his thought out loud. "Benedict, please tell me you're not that cruel?"
There was, of course, no answer since he was alone. He moved over to the cabinet where the 'special' potion was most likely kept. Inside were several vials of a milky white potion. They looked remarkably like nutrient potions and were even labled as such. He pulled out his wand and checked one of the vials. His suspicions were confirmed with the results.
He transfigured a duplicate of the vial he checked and put the duplicate at the back of the shelf while moving the others up so McTavish wouldn't know he'd been there. He then slipped the vial of real potion into his pocket. He put the files back in the box replacing the charms and locks then did the same on the office door.
He then headed straight for the Longbottom's room. Alice Longbottom's eyes didn't watch him like they normally did but were as vacant and lifeless as her husband's. According to the file, her dosage of the potion had recently been increased. Tom figured she must have been fighting off the affects and McTavish had increased the dose to get her back under control. He moved to her bed and placed his hand on hers.
"I know what's going on now Alice," he whispered. "I'm sorry it's taken so long but I promise you you'll be hugging your son in no time."
He then made his way to another room. A room he wasn't allowed to enter. There he found Sirius in a similar condition to the Longbottoms. Again, he moved over to the bed this time placing his hand on his old friend's shoulder.
"Sirius," he said again keeping his voice to a whisper. "I'm going to get you out of here very soon. I know what McTavish did and I'm going to make sure he pays for it."
He then returned to his desk to figure out how best to proceed. He decided to finish out his shift then he would contact Amelia bones. With that decision made he returned to his duties confident he would soon be free of the graveyard shift.
It was a few nights later that Harry was woken up in the middle of the night by Professor McGonagall.
"Mr. Potter," she whispered. "I need you to get dressed and meet me in the common room.
"Did something happen with Sirius?" he asked worriedly.
"All will be explained in good time Mr. Potter," she replied. "Now, hurry up and bring Mr. Longbottom with you as this concerns him too. I'll expect you down there in five minutes. I'm going to go wake up Miss Granger now."
"Hermione is coming too?" he asked while rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
McGonagall smiled slyly at him before answering.
"You are on detention Mr. Potter or have you forgotten?" she answered him. "You have to stay with Miss Granger so, if she doesn't go, then neither can you." Harry returned her smile with one of his own as she spoke. "Now, enough with the questions get a move on."
Five minutes later, Harry and Neville entered the common room to find McGonagall and Hermione waiting on them. McGonagall then led them up to her office. She walked over to the fireplace and took the bowl of floo powder off the mantel.
"We're going to St. Mungos." She told them then explained how to use the floo.
She sent Harry through first. Naturally, he landed on his bum. He quickly got up wondering if he'd ever be able to do it without falling down. Hermione came through next and he felt jealous as she stepped right out without a problem. Neville didn't fall down either then McGonagall came through. She began leading them through the hospital and Neville quickly realized where they were heading.
"Has something happened to my parents?" he asked clearly worried.
"I'll tell you the same thing I told Mr. Potter," she answered him. "Patience Mr. Longbottom."
A few minutes later they entered his parent's room to find his grandmother was already there.
"Gran?" he called to her. She turned to him and there were tears in her eyes which only made him more worried. "What-," he started but was interrupted by another voice.
"Neville?"
He turned and found his mother looking at him. Looking and smiling while holding her arms out to him. He was nearly blinded as tears filled his eyes.
"Mum?" he asked then noticed his dad also smiling at him. "Dad?"
"It's good to see you son," his father responded.
It was only a moment before he ran to their beds. He alternated hugging both of them before sitting in between them clearly not planning on leaving them any time soon. Harry was happy for him and noticed Hermione smiling while shedding her own tears showing that, she too, was happy for their friend. His attention was drawn away from the scene before him by the sound of a very familiar voice.
"Harry?" it said softly.
Harry didn't even hesitate but immediately charged the owner of the voice.
"Sirius!" he yelled.
Sirius Black threw his hands up in surrender momentarily worried the boy was going to attack him only to find himself the recipient of a fierce bear hug. Sirius returned the hug then pulled back to get a look at him.
"Harry," he said squatting down so he could look his godson in the eye. "I don't know what you've been told but-"
Harry cut him off before he could finish.
"I know you're my godfather. I know you were friends with my dad all through school and was accused of betraying them to Voldemort when it was really Peter Pettigrew that set them up. The rat finally got what he deserved and now you are finally getting your life back."
Sirius gave a laugh before responding.
"Yes, well," he said smiling. "I guess that about sums it up." His expression turned serious as he continued. "I was a fool the night your parents died Harry. I let my grief get the better of me and left you to go after Peter. I promise you I will never make that mistake again."
"Good," Harry replied. "Because I need you to stick around."
Sirius pulled him into another hug.
"Don't worry Pup," he responded. I'm not going anywhere."
"Pup?" Harry asked. He knew the answer of course but he couldn't let anyone in the room know that.
Sirius just winked at him.
"Family secret," he answered. "I'll explain when we're somewhere more private."
Sirius then noticed the young bushy haired girl keeping a close eye on them.
"Now," he continued. "What say you introduce me to the lovely young lady that's been watching us?"
Harry turned and beckoned her forward.
"This is Hermione Granger," He introduced her a smile on his face. "And you know Neville. They are my best friends. Oh, and Luna Lovegood too. We met her at your trial and really hit it off. She won't be at Hogwarts until next year."
Sirius noticed that Hermione was standing very close to Harry and decided to have a little fun.
"Nice to meet you Hermione," he said bowing his head slightly and assuming a formal tone. "If my eyes don't deceive me, I daresay you have feelings that perhaps go beyond mere friendship?"
Hermione looked embarrassed and quickly put some space between her and Harry. It was going better than he thought it would and decided to go in for the kill.
"Let me make things clear for you young lady," he continued adopting a firm tone. "I won't allow just any witch to be with my godson. Any potential mate will have to meet a very strict criteria or-"
He trailed off when he saw the expression that came over her face. It was similar to the one that would appear on Lily's face moments before she started throwing hexes around usually aiming for a marauder. He knew she was just a first year and probably didn't know many hexes yet but he wasn't willing to find out.
"I'm just pulling your leg Hermione," he said quickly putting a devious smile on his face. "I saw how close you two were and thought I'd play my first prank on you."
He was relieved when a smile returned to her face. The last thing he wanted was for his love of pranks to cause him to make a bad first impression on his godson and his friends.
"The truth is Hermione," he continued truly serious this time. "I have only two requirements for any girl wishing to be with Harry. They have to love him and make him happy. I don't hold with the proper breeding rubbish that many purebloods cling to. So, if in a few years, you and Harry decide to give it a go, you will have my blessing."
"Thank you," she responded.
"You're very welcome," he replied making an over the top bow that caused her to giggle. "You're going to find Hermione," he continued. "That I'm almost never serious. Well, actually, I'm always Sirius. I mean, it is my name after all but, er, that is, oh, you know what I mean."
By this time everyone was cracking up. Sirius mock pouted for a moment causing everyone to laugh harder then joined in. He then took a seat in an empty chair near Alice's bed. Harry sat in the chair next to him and Hermione sat on Harry's other side.
"If we are done joking around now," Harry hadn't noticed Amelia was in the room and there was a man with her he hadn't met before. "Perhaps we can get down to business."
"I'll never be done joking around Amelia," Sirius quickly responded getting more laughs from the kids. "It's against the marauder code and just isn't in my nature not to mention the ten years I have to make up for."
"Can you please be serious for just a few minutes?!"
Amelia knew she'd made a mistake the moment those words left her mouth. The grin that appeared on Sirius's face confirmed that he was more than willing to take advantage of the perfect setup she'd just given him.
"As I just told Hermione," he replied clearly in his element. "I'm always Sirius. It's the name I was given when I was born and I have never shied away from being myself."
Amelia decided to try to steer the conversation away from the marauder if only to maintain her own sanity. She pointed at Tom Wilson drawing everyone's attention to the healer. Unfortunately, her next words put her right back into Sirius's clutches.
"This is serious, Black-," she started but the marauder immediately seized the opportunity she'd just provided for him.
"No he's not, I am," Sirius interrupted feigning irritation. "We just established that a moment ago. Are you feeling all right Amelia? I mean your face is a little red. Perhaps you're running a fever. Maybe Tom Wilson here," at this point he indicated the man standing next to Amelia. "Should take a look at you; he is a healer after all."
Her face was getting red but it had nothing to do with a fever.
"Lord Black! We have serious matters to discuss here!" she yelled finally losing her patience.
"Oh goody," he replied. "I love being the center of attention."
Amelia closed her eyes and began massaging her temples to try to stave off the headache that was rapidly forming as a result of this conversation. The kids were laughing the whole time and that, in her opinion, was the only good thing this conversation had produced.
She was about to tell them some things that would no doubt be very upsetting to them. If a few minutes of laughter would make it easier for them to handle, she was more than happy to play the straight man to Sirius's antics.
"Minerva?" she said turning to look at her friend. "How did you manage when he was at Hogwarts?"
"I assigned him detention with Mr. Filtch," Minerva answered a slight smile on her face. "I had to do that quite a bit as I recall. We think that's why our caretaker now walks around mumbling about the good ol' days when they were allowed to torture children."
The kids laughed again while Sirius acted insulted.
"Oi!" he objected. "Filtch talked that way when I was in school too!"
When the laughter died down, she again tried to get down to business.
"As I was saying," she started. "We have some s-," she caught herself that time looking pointedly at a smiling Sirius and paused momentarily before continuing. "Important things to discuss."
Sirius momentarily looked disappointed then the mirth disappeared from his face as he placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. She then understood that he too was worried about the kids. He knew what was coming and obviously thought as she did: that the laughter would hopefully lessen the tears that were sure to come later.
"You're no doubt wondering how your loved ones have so miraculously recovered," she started.
All three kids nodded their heads vigorously. Neville was holding on to one of his mother's hands with both of his. She had her other hand caressing both of his hands while Frank had followed Sirius's lead and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"The short answer," she continued. "Is that they were never really sick."
All three kids looked confused so she launched into what she expected to be a lengthy explanation.
"I'll start with Sirius first. When he was brought here for a checkup after his trial, he was given a potion that made him attack the healer then given another one that put him in the same condition Frank and Alice were in."
She looked at Neville at that point. He seemed even more confused and it was only a moment before he voiced his thoughts.
"But how is that possible," he asked. "Mum and Dad were that way because Bellatrix tortured them."
"No Neville," Amelia answered as gently as she could. "They were that way because they were given the same potion the night they were brought in."
Again there was confusion on his face until it dawned on him what she was saying.
"You're telling me someone purposely tried to make it look like they had been tortured into insanity by giving them a potion?"
"I'm afraid so Neville," Amelia answered him.
There were tears in his eyes as the confusion was replaced with shock and more than a little anger.
"I could have had my mum and dad with me all these years," he said quietly mostly to himself.
His mother pulled him into a hug as the pain of those years were now evident on his face.
"Do you know who did this?" Harry asked.
She turned to look at him knowing the next part would probably be hardest for him to hear. He was visibly upset while Hermione was openly crying.
"Yes," she answered him. "Benedict McTavish."
"I'll gut the little bastard!"
It was Augusta Longbottom that had made that pronouncement. She was a part of a generation that held strictly to traditions and old fashioned propriety. She was adept at politics and not one to lose composure or show a lot of emotion. She was also a formidable woman whom you messed with at your own peril.
Truth was she died a little bit every time she saw her kids in that state. She considered Alice to be every bit as much her child as Frank was. It was only the fact that her grandson needed her that had kept her going. Finding out that her family had suffered needlessly was more than she could take. Frank reached over to comfort his mother while Amelia focused on Harry as the worst was still to come.
"Healer McTavish was administering the potions," she continued. "But we think he was doing it on someone else's orders; someone who wanted all three of them out of the way. Harry, the Longbottoms and Sirius have only one thing in common; they were both listed as potential guardians for you in your parent's will."
She watched as a cavalcade of emotions crossed his face as the implication of what she was saying dawned on him finally settling on guilt.
"It was my fault wasn't it?" he asked shedding his own tears, "It's my fault Neville's parents didn't get to watch him grow up. That Neville lost his parents. That Madame Longbottom lost her kids. It's all my fault."
"No!" yelled Hermione. She'd moved from her seat and was now crouched in front of him cradling his face in her hands. "None of this is your fault Harry! It's not your fault that a dark wizard decided to kill you and killed your parents because they tried to protect you. It's not your fault that another wizard decided to try to control your life even if it meant destroying others. We both know whose fault it is Harry so stop blaming yourself."
She pulled him into a hug and within a few minutes he'd calmed down and then she turned to Amelia.
"It was Albus Dumbledore wasn't it?" she asked with certainty.
"I believe so Hermione," Amelia answered. "I can't prove it yet but I believe his involvement in the Longbottom's case goes beyond the potions."
There were shocked gasps all around the room at her words. It was Sirius that found his voice first.
"Surely you don't think it was him that-"
"No I don't Sirius," she answered cutting him off. "There is no doubt in my mind that it was the Lestranges and Barty Crouch Jr. that carried out the attack but I think Albus may have helped them either accidently or on purpose. He was one of the few people that knew who their secret keeper was and the timing of the attack was very fortuitous if his goal really was to control Harry. After Sirius was arrested, Harry's guardianship was in question. Records show that Frank and Alice filed for guardianship when Sirius was sent to Azkaban."
"We did," Alice broke in. "We knew your parent's wishes Harry and wanted to look after you. James and Lily were dear friends of ours. You and Neville had played together as babies and we thought you might like growing up like brothers. We would have done all we could to give you a good home if we had been given a chance."
"Thank you Mrs. Longbottom," Harry responded smiling. "I would have loved getting to grow up with Neville. It didn't make any difference anyway. Neville and I are still like brothers."
"I'm glad to hear that Harry," Alice said returning his smile. "And please call me Alice."
"I would be honored to Alice," Harry replied before turning his attention back to Amelia. "How could Dumbledore have helped them?"
"It is well known that Albus is associated with at least one known death eater; Severus Snape." She responded. "My thinking is that Albus told him who the secret keeper was and Snape passed that information along to the Lestranges". She then turned to the Lonbottoms as she continued. "Your secret keeper was last seen a week before the attack and was never found. My best guess would be that they kidnapped him, tortured him for your location then got rid of him."
The room was silent as they all contemplated her words. Their view of Albus Dumbledore had taken a gigantic plunge over the last hour and it hadn't been that high to begin with. It was Amelia who finally broke the silence.
"Well, that's all I had," she said solemnly. "Minerva needs to get the kids back and these three need to go back under the potion."
"No!" Neville was on his feet his face red with anger. "I'm not letting you take my parents away again!"
Although Neville's reaction was understandable, Harry and Hermione moving behind him then all three drawing their wands was a complete and utter shock. It was clear that Neville was willing to fight to protect his parents and that his friends had his back. Amelia wasn't sure how to resolve this sudden standoff and was trying to come up with a solution when she got help from behind the protesting students.
"Neville honey," Alice spoke softly. "It's only temporary. Healer Wilson will bring us out of it every night so we can learn to move around again. We will also get to catch up with Sirius here during the week and have you and mum visit on weekends."
He turned to hug her but Amelia noticed that Harry and Hermione maintained their vigilance.
"But why do you have to be under it at all?" he asked desperate to save them from that fate again.
"We don't want to let McTavish know we're on to him yet son," Frank had joined his wife in trying to calm their son. "It will tip our hand to Dumbledore and we don't want to give him any chance to weasel out of this."
Neville was fighting a battle with his emotions as he absorbed his father's words. Finally he seemed to accept it but his emotions were far from being under control.
"H-how long?" he choked out while fighting sobs causing his mother to pull him into another hug.
It was Amelia who answered when she saw Harry and Hermione put their wands away.
"In three weeks, there will be a hearing for a final ruling on Sirius's guardianship of Harry. That should be enough time for me to put a case together so I can take them both down. My plan is to bring all three patients into the chamber and give them the shock of their lives."
It took a while before Neville was willing to leave his parents but soon they said their goodbyes satisfied with the plan they had set in motion. Minerva surprised everyone when she pulled Sirius into a hug.
"You don't know how happy I was to learn we were all wrong about you," she said affectionately. "Going after Peter, while understandable, was nevertheless a foolish thing to do. Harry needed you then and the rest of us had already lost far too much when James and Lily were taken from us. I have half a mind to transfigure you into a welcome mat and leave you outside Pamona's dung house for a week for the added worry you caused us."
A look of remorse came over his face as she spoke.
"I know I let a lot of people down including myself," he said apologetically. "I failed to make sure James and Lily's wishes were followed and, most importantly, I failed Harry. I promise you that won't happen again."
"Good," she replied. She turned to go but quickly turned back around. "Oh and Sirius," she added. "I know you won't be able to help yourself, so I won't even bother asking you to refrain from teaching Harry and his friends any of your, shall we say, special skills? But know this: if I suddenly find I have a new generation of marauders to deal with, I may give my welcome mat idea a go and leave you there for a month."
The smile on her face belied the seriousness of her tone. Everyone laughed when Sirius dramatically gulped. Minerva suddenly became emotional as she reached up and lightly patted his cheek.
"It's good to have you back my boy," she told him and there was more than a little moisture in her eyes.
She then led the Gryffindor trio out of the room towards the floo and back to the castle. Once they arrived back in her office, she escorted them back to Gryffindor tower and bid them goodnight. All the while, Albus Dumbledore slept peacefully in his bed unaware that all of his schemes and manipulations were coming apart at the seams.
The next day was Saturday so they went to see Luna to fill her in on the previous night's events. She was obviously happy for Neville and Harry but, as their story unfolded, she became shocked, horrified and finally livid.
"That's it!" she said angrily. "I'm using the spell on the old fart!"
"Luna, I really don't-," Harry started but was cut off as she rounded on him.
"Save it Harry!" she snapped at him then focused her ire on Hermione. "And don't you start with that 'Dumbledore isn't evil' rubbish either Hermione! It's clearly not true and I'm not going to listen to you spouting that nonsense anymore! If you thought I was odd when I used to talk about my dad's creatures, then your continued belief in Dumbledore's goodness after all we've learned is bloody insane!"
Neville reached out to comfort his girlfriend and hopefully calm her down.
"Luna-," he tried to speak but she was having none of it.
"No Neville!" she snapped at him while batting his hand away. "I've held my tongue long enough." She then turned back to Harry and Hermione. "Neither of you were there on Christmas. You didn't see how hard it was on Neville when his mum reached out literally begging him to help her. You didn't hear the sorrow in his voice when he apologized for not being able to do anything for her and told her she deserved a better son!"
There were tears running down her face now as well as Hermione's.
"You didn't see the pain he was in. you have no idea how much he suffered seeing his parents in that condition year after year but I do because I was there! Do you have any idea how hard it was to watch the man I love going through hell knowing there wasn't a bloody thing I could do about it? And now I find out that it all happened because the suffering of Neville and his family was deemed an acceptable price to pay for Albus Dumbledore's bloody greater good?! No, I'm taking his magic then I'm hexing him to hell and back!"
She was yelling at the top of her lungs by the end of her tirade having completely lost her temper. Neville again tried to comfort her. She resisted at first then collapsed into him finally breaking down. He just held her until she calmed down.
"I appreciate the support love," he spoke to her softly. "But you're wrong. The last thing either Harry or Hermione would do, at this point, is defend Dumbledore."
"Nev's right Luna," Harry tried again. "I was only going to say that I don't think we should use the spell on him because, with his age, it would likely kill him quickly and I don't think he deserves a quick death. After what he's done, he deserves to be tortured slowly and painfully until he's begging for death then tortured some more."
"Luna?" Hermione added. "If you don't mind, I'd like to help you hex him to hell and back. With all the hexes that we both know the old bastard won't know what hit him."
Luna giggled at that and soon everything was back to normal. Luna sat back up and pulled Frank's wand out from behind her ear.
"I suppose you will need this to give back to your dad." She said holding it out to him.
"I do," he responded taking it from her. "But don't worry. It will only be for a few months then you will have your own wand back."
"I know," she replied. "But it was nice to have one again even if only for a while."
They put the more serious matters aside after that and just enjoyed their time together.
Severus Snape was hiding out in what amounted to little more than a shack. It was a house that had been in his father's family for generations. His father had used it as a vacation house or perhaps as a place to bring his women to. Apart from being a total bastard to Snape, he had also had numerous affairs on Snape's mother.
Snape hated everything to do with his father including this house but he had little choice at the moment. His year had gotten off to a rotten start. He'd lost his magic as a result of that blasted troll attack and the poor excuse of a wizard Quarenius Quirrell. To make matters worse, he couldn't even get revenge on the turban wearing idiot because the troll killed him first.
Without his magic he was essentially a muggle and, because of his father, he hated muggles and everything to do with them. That's what drew him to the death eaters and serving the dark lord. Voldemort would kill him on sight now that he was one of them. But that wasn't why he was hiding. The dark lord had been gone for a long time now.
He knew Albus believed strongly that Voldemort would return someday and he may be right but it hadn't happened yet. No, Severus was on the run from wizarding law enforcement. He knew once he lost his magic his memories would be next. Wizarding law mandated that wizards or witches that lost their magic and had no living magical relatives be obliviated to maintain the statute of secrecy. It was an old law that was put in place in order to steal family fortunes legally although officially it was to be merciful to those that suffered what was considered the worst fate that could befall a magical individual. Without magic, they couldn't access their vault at Gringotts or even their own homes without a magical relative to help them. Once he lost his magic, he fell under that law.
There were certain memories he wasn't willing to lose so he knew he would have to escape. The infernal healer had bound him to his bed and told him he would be kept there until he learned to be good like some misbehaving child. He played along until they finally removed the restraints. He then overheard a conversation between the healer and an auror where they talked about him being questioned under veritaserum about a pending case. Severus knew then that it was time to go. Without magic, his only option was the muggle world. He had no muggle money so he'd had to travel on foot. It took him a few days to get there but he was safe for the moment.
Thankfully, the house was stocked as usual so he would be able to get by for a while. He needed to get out of the country but that would take money and a passport. He would have to get some sort of job to earn it but didn't have a clue what muggle job he could possibly do. He cursed the fates for yet again tormenting him never once considering that, through his own deplorable behavior, he could have brought this on himself. He decided to eat something then get some rest and work on it in the morning.
The next three weeks flew by fast for the Gryffindor trio. They visited Luna a few more times and were happy to learn that her parents had decided to let her go with her them to the hearing. They also enjoyed visiting Sirius, Frank and Alice at St. Mungos. As the hearing drew near, Amelia informed them that she had been unable to find Snape but would still be able to get Dumbledore on the potions and could add other charges later.
The day before the hearing, Harry was called into Dumbledore's office. Naturally, Hermione and Professor McGonagall went with him. McGonagall gave the gargoyle the password and they rode the staircase up to his office door and waited to be let in.
Albus Dumbledore didn't even bother to look up when his door charm announced that he had a visitor.
"Come in," he said loudly and continued to read the document on top of the pile on his desk.
He heard the door open but decided to let Mr. Potter wait for a moment until he was good and ready to start the meeting. Tomorrow he would finally be declared the boy's guardian and Albus had chosen to start exerting his power over the boy early. When he decided he had made his point, he looked up and was surprised to see Hermione there.
"Miss Granger," he stated firmly. "This is a private meeting between myself and Mr. Potter. You may go."
He gestured toward the door but the girl stayed put.
"If she goes Albus," Minerva jumped in. "Harry will have to go with her due to his detention. The one you insisted he have."
"Surely he has learned his lesson by now and we can end it?" he replied incredulously. "Or at least suspend it for this meeting? I need to speak to Mr. Potter on a private matter."
"No Albus, it can't," she responded. "I gave Mr. Potter a suitable punishment and I intend to see to it he completes it."
"Minerva-," Albus started intending to argue further but was interrupted by a quiet voice.
"Headmaster?" Harry broke in. "I don't mind if Hermione stays. I don't have any secrets from her and would probably tell her about it anyway."
Albus sighed in frustration. Harry may not mind if she stayed but he did! He called this meeting to inform the boy that Albus Dumbledore would now be the one he was required to listen too from now on. The meeting hadn't even started yet and already he had lost control again.
He reminded himself that, in just one more day, only his opinion would matter when it concerned Harry Potter. He would allow this one final exception for the boy but it would be the last time he would do so. It was time for Harry Potter to start listening to the one person who truly knew what was best for everyone; Albus Dumbledore.
"Very well," he said finally. "Let us get started then shall we?"
Harry and Hermione took the two available seats while Minerva conjured a third chair for herself. Once everyone was seated he focused in on Harry.
"You may not be aware Mr. Potter," he began. "But there is to be a hearing tomorrow to determine if Sirius Black is able to continue on as your guardian."
"He's aware of it Albus," Minerva corrected him her tone a bit terse. "I have been keeping Harry up to date on his godfather's condition and, when I heard about the hearing, I passed that information along to him as well."
Albus was beyond fed up with Minerva answering for the boy every time they met with him. After tomorrow, he would have to learn to live without her at these meetings as she would be barred from them.
"Then you are aware that he has not improved," Albus continued his eyes never leaving the boy in front of him. He felt an inner thrill at the slight anger that came over the boy's face. "I had hoped that his breakdown would turn out to be merely a temporary setback but alas that is unfortunately not the case. As a result, a new guardian will have to be appointed for you. The truth is, tomorrow's hearing is merely a formality as I have already been selected to be Sirius's replacement as your guardian."
He paused for a moment to let it sink in. Minerva's scowl deepened indicating her opinion of this news. Hermione was visibly upset while Harry had a look of disbelief on his face. Albus was doing a happy dance in his head over those reactions. Now it was time to lay down the law.
"So you see Harry," he continued. "Yes, I called you Harry. Now that I'm your guardian, I think we should be on a first name basis don't you? As such, you may call me Albus in private but you will still need to refer to me as headmaster or professor in public. I called you in here to inform you of the change in our relationship and explain how it will affect you. We will start with where you will spend the holidays."
He decided to start with something that would likely please the boy first then move on to the more unpleasant ramifications of being Albus Dumbledore's ward.
"I have looked into your home life with your relatives and found it appalling so I have decided to allow you to remain at the castle when the school year ends."
"Will I get to see my friends?" Harry asked.
"I'm afraid not," Albus answered shaking his head. "It's not safe for you to be out in the wizarding world. Voldemort is still out there and could return at any moment and his followers would love nothing more than a chance for revenge against you for defeating their master."
The truth was that Voldemort was removed from the castle when Quirrell was killed by the troll and was probably back in Albania by now. There were none of his followers, other than Lucius Malfoy, left alive in the magical Brittain outside of Azkaban. The boy was actually perfectly safe but there was no way for him to know that.
"You will have to stay here the entire summer. When the time comes, I will go to Diagon Alley to gather your school supplies and, since you will already be here, there will be no need for you to ride the train. I know you may not like the idea of being cooped up in the castle all summer but I only do this to insure your safety."
"Couldn't we visit him here then?" Hermione asked.
He was also tired of Miss Granger being a part of these meetings. She was far too adept at poking holes in his arguments for a girl her age and wielded far too much influence over the boy. She had to go as well. He needed Harry to listen to him above all others. He put a condescending smile on his face while turning the eye twinkle on full force as he turned to her.
"I'm afraid that wouldn't be possible either Miss Granger," he answered her. "As silly as it might sound, Students aren't allowed in the castle during summer break. It was only the extreme circumstances that convinced the Board of Governors to grant an exception for Harry. There is no way they will grant more for his friends just so he won't have a lonely summer."
In truth, the Board of Governors didn't really exist at the moment so he could pretty well do what he wanted but he certainly wasn't going to tell her that. She seemed to consider his words for a moment before nodding her acceptance.
"Now, I suppose," he continued putting a regretful look on his face. "We should move on to what I suspect will be the most difficult part of this discussion."
He paused to savor the moment. It would be difficult for them but he was looking forward to putting the brat in his place.
"As you know, I have been concerned about your behavior since the school year began. After careful examination, I have come to the conclusion that there are two root causes for your violent tendencies. The first was your exposure to your relatives which I have resolved by making it so you can stay here. The second is your friends. Mr. Longbottom is, if possible, even more violent than you are. He is usually the one throwing the first punch as it were. Miss Granger here tends to be the instigator of the violence. She is usually the one creating the conflict then eggs it on until violence ensues. Add in her seeming lack of respect for any authority figure and she is clearly not the sort of person you should be friends with."
Minerva looked livid while Hermione looked shocked. It was Harry that unnerved him. He was staring at Dumbledore with a look of cold fury in his eyes. Albus had to remind himself that the boy was just a first year. It was then that Hermione recovered from her shock enough to speak.
"You can't do that!" she yelled coming to her feet. "Harry and Neville are like brothers!"
"Harry is young Miss Granger," he retorted. "He may not be happy about it at the moment but, in time, he will get over it and make a new best friend. I daresay he will also have no problem making friends with another girl once you are out of the picture as well."
"I'll never give up Hermione old man," Harry said softly and coldly.
So much so that it sent chills down Dumbledore's spine. There was so much anger rolling off the boy that he almost seemed dark. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough so Albus could start putting the boy back on the path of light where he needed to be.