While Harry slept, things…went belly up.
Messages were sent, meetings were set for the following day and even the press were informed. Hogwarts was ground zero for a heap of trouble.
The truth behind much of the past decade was coming to light and it was not a pretty sight. Chief manipulator behind the scenes Dumbledore was going to be publicly crucified and there was no way out for him. It was his closest supporters that were doing it, so who was left to support him?
After seeing his lack of empathy or respect for this one child that he was the true magical guardian of being treated so badly. How could they allow him to continue to hold the position of headmaster, a position that was responsible for over a thousand children?
The authorities gave all the relevant information to the Aurors, as far as the Healer Pomfrey and Professor McGonagal could deduce from the evidence. Many of the questions would have to be put to Harry directly when he woke up tomorrow and that didn’t even include the issues surrounding his guardianship and his personal health. There was just too much to cover in one sleepless night.
Now that questions were being asked Minerva was sure there was plenty more to find out. The evidence of Alchemically enhanced loyalty potions in Pomfrey was alarming enough that now all members of staff had to be checked. A brief cursory examination of the schools finances showed that money had been diverted in multiple places, and that was just the tip of the iceberg.
So the Heads of Houses gathered to discuss what they should prioritise. First up were the students, their ability to perform should not be undermined by Dumb-dumbs decisions. Secondly was the situation surrounding Harry. He was clearly abused and needed help, though their hands were tied legally until they could access the locked will of the Potter’s. Quite frankly it was confusing how Harry held in the dark so far about his storied heritage, never mind the fact that he should be subject to ‘Last of the Line’ clauses that all Ancient old houses bind to their magics.
They hoped there would be some provisions in there to at least allow him to leave his current place of residence. Although with the evidence provided from the medical test the teachers were sure that with Amelia Bones’ help they could offer some ‘off the books’ assistance. Especially since it was clear that they allowed Dumbledore to abuse his authority as chief warlock for things to turn out the way he wanted them.
Unfortunately, many students had been let down this year due to the circumstances, they were finding it inordinately hard to study for their OWLs and NEWTs as a result. With sub-standard teaching in DADA, it was clear that results would suffer as a result. Looking at the situation they would have to consider other options, perhaps a remedial exam?
Every face was expressing some form of dissatisfaction with how things turned out. Even Snape was alarmed, even disgusted at his own behaviour towards his best friend's son, estranged though he may have been towards the end.
The inane yammering and mild panic amongst his colleagues during the early hours of the morning tested his patience to such a degree that he snapped. This was the first ever public break of his usually stoic facade, shocking his contemporaries.
“Enough!” He intoned, his voice harsh and unyielding. “The larger matters will take too long to untangle now. Use your prodigious minds and focus on what we can affect immediately.”
The silence following his statement was profound. They were equally ashamed and contemplative as the silence dragged on for a few painfully long minutes. Snape sighed, breaking the silence, “I personally have much to… atone for.”
Since each one of them came from a long line of prestigious magical families they understood what he hinted at. His long term life-debt held to James Potter was known to each of them, since they were teachers when he had the very arrogance scared out of him.
“I honestly fell for much of Albus’ manipulations regarding young Mr. Potter.” Rubbing his eyes he spoke through the pain from a long day, “The young man has handled himself well, even with all the adversity I have thrown his way… he is an admirable wizard. A young man of courage who has triumphed through disgusting levels of adversity he faced alone. ALONE!” He shouted, “Since he was a babe I owed his father a life-debt and Dumbledore placated me and lied to me about his whereabouts and his life growing up.”
Visibly restraining himself, his hands shook. “I have no other recourse for my honour, I will swear a guardian oath for the boy. He has no one else. Lily was…”
Diminutive he may have been but Fillius had a big heart, hopping the desk to approach his colleague. Laying a hand on his shoulder, “We understand Severus, you have shown your true colours with us. explained your frustrations at having to continue perpetrating the conflicts between houses. On the White Whiskered Wankers orders no less.” The cheerful professor was unusually solemn at this, even if he was using his regular witty humour.
“I want you to know that I support what Minerva wishes to do from here, only with a united front can we change things for the better. We all are aligned in this I think.” Looking at each of them, he showed his sincerity in his gaze. “I know not which of us may become Deputy, but it is clear that the children need a great deal more support than they have received. Young Harry, in particular.”
Stepping back he nodded to Severus firmly. “Let’s return to what we can do immediately shall we?”
“Quite right Fillius, Severus. I think you’ve both cut to the heart of the matter. Perhaps you should focus on Harry then, Severus?” Pomona Sprout said, moving them back to a more professional mindset.
“I fear that he won’t trust me Pom. I have treated him so badly, little did I know that he was struggling with abuse and I pushed so close to that line, remembering how he flinched when I called him boy…how can I make it up to him?” Snape said, his head hanging in his hands.
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“Harry did mention that Fillius was his favourite professor, especially with your fond reminiscing of his mother… Perhaps you can assist Severus, Fillius? He could use your assistance.” Pomona said quietly, “After all, if the young man could choose, I’m sure you would be his choice of guardian Fillius. However I believe I can speak for Severus when I say that we give you our vote for Deputy. You are hands down the most beloved professor across the houses.”
Minnie had tears in her eyes as she said, “If it wasn’t for Dumbledore you would have already been the Deputy Fillius. I’ve always said I believe I was not the first choice for this role by the school board. If it wasn’t for the bigotry, I’m sure you would be sitting here now.”
“But what about the duties of the Deputy Minnie? I can’t reach out to Muggleborns or blend in as efficiently…” Fillius said, shaking his head softly. “I would rather look after my Ravens. They are my legacy.”
“If I helped you with that Fillius would you do it? You deserve it. Really.”
“Then how can I help Severus with Harry? Raising a young man isn’t easy. It requires a lot of time, with both our current roles it may be doable but would require a great deal of planning and communication.”
Minnie chimed in, “In all honesty I want to be involved with him also, Fillius, but who else can we trust to be the Headmistress? We can’t have an outside hire, we have a great deal of issues to deal with and changes to make to the way we teach the students if we wish to bring Hogwarts teaching standards up once more.”
“Perhaps Pomona could take the role if you feel uncomfortable with the duties? She has cared for everyone across all houses, has everyone’s respect and is considered a pure blood with numerous political connections.” Severus suggested. “This way, we all get what we deserve, we all know that it may be a bit soon for you Pomona, but you were always slated to be picked for Deputy.”
Humming to herself, “Politically I’m the least likely to be objected to it’s true, but who would take my place as head of house and to teach herbology? Hmm, I think I can do it with your blessing, but we need to put feelers out for someone to replace me.”
Shaking her head, “In fact, we should have a plan in place so the School Board doesn’t go over our heads. To be frank this is exactly the type of opening they need…”
“Enough on that, I believe we should grab some rest. Fillius, are you willing to help me with Harry? I wish to move ahead as soon as possible. I will need to look into every avenue of his upbringing and legal paperwork. I just need your help for him to trust me. Perhaps you coming with us to Gringotts would be a good show of trust from you to me?”
“Sounds perfect, we can have an early breakfast and be there when he wakes. I’m sure that we will also need to deal with scheduling interviews for the DMLE. Perhaps we can do that and see the WCS at the same time?” Fillius responded.
Standing up, Snape prepared to sleep. “We should focus on what’s in front of us and deal with them one at a time. There is no need for us to go overboard and lose sight of what matters. The children’s safety. Please, I implore you all to keep that at the forefront of our minds.” Hanging his head, “I always hated that I was forced to march to Albus’ tune. He created the worst kind of image for me…”
“Good night everyone…” a defeated man left to wallow in the depth of his mistakes, alone.
xOxOx
The night was long for Harry, the repeated waking from his terror infused sleep as he re-lived much of the ‘real’ Harry’s memories. In a single evening he re-lived every piece of torment for his short life. Every broken bone, every instance of verbal abuse…
It was a long, long night.
By the time dawn swung around he was beyond fatigued. In fact, after lying there for what felt like hours, reviewing his memories he decided then and there to forget his ‘old’ life. He was given a second chance to learn magic for fuck sake! Who wouldn’t jump at such an opportunity?
With a renewed outlook on his situation he decided he would grab the bull by the horns and live this life to the fullest. He still had a small bit of acting to go yet…He still had a good month left of the school year to go yet. Just depended on whether he needed to sit his end of year exams.
In the remaining quiet of the morning, he planned and schemed. Game planned what he needed to do for his future. Noting the differences between this world and the ‘canon’ world he knew of.
Making a mental list of priorities was easy enough, just time consuming. So far this is what he came up with:
- Claim Conqueror Rite over the basilisk.
- Amelia said she would help with hiring a team of renderers.
- Talk to Amelia about the hunter ritual.
- Getting away from the Dursleys.
- Get physically fit and fix my body’s malnutrition and health issues.
- Study over summer and prepare for Arithmancy and Runes. Aim to take the OWLs early in at least Charms, Defense and Runes.
Now that that’s sorted out, Harry wanted to get on with the day. Finally opening his eyes he checked around him, no one was visible quite yet. He was thankful no one had touched his Sword or even the Diary.
It would be good if he could get Dobby his freedom, he always did love the people with the quirkiest characters, though it was a strange realisation that he could barely remember his name from his original life anymore. Not that he was pining for it or anything, it was just odd that much of his ‘original’ personality was merging, for lack of a better word, with Harry’s.
Checking an old mechanical clock hanging above Madame Pomfrey’s desk, he could see that it was still early, 7:17 AM. Thankfully she was also writing up some reports on her desk. Taking a breath, Harry made his way over to the formidable woman. As they say, ‘It’s best to strike while the iron is hot.’
As he walked towards her, she surprised him by calling out, “Ahh, Mr. Potter you’re up bright and early I see. How are you getting along?” Turning to him with a smile. “Impatient too, should have strapped you to that bed so you could sleep more!”
Harry was a little gobsmacked, he could never remember Madam Pomfrey talking like this. So playful and joyful, although he had to give her a little credit. It certainly put his mind at ease. “Err, I’m doing OK thanks. I’m just a little exhausted…and ashamed I guess.” Harry said, taking a seat in front of her desk.
“Nothing to be ashamed about Harry, you aren’t responsible for how others react to you.” She nods reassuringly at him, “Also you weren’t aware how seriously we take situations like your own. In fact…” She lets out a big sigh, “There’s really no easy way to say this, so I’ll be blunt. If the people who did that to you were in front of me right now, they would no longer be alive.”
A fire sparked in her light blue eyes, pinning Harry to his chair. “In fact, if the WCS doesn't allow us to help, I may force the issue myself.” She declared.