The headmaster took a moment and sighed as he tried to figure out where to begin. There was a lot to tell and he was not so naïve as to not realize that what he was about to disclose might very well mean the end of his position at Hogwarts. Oh well, he
had done what he thought best at the time. He realized some mistakes now, but perhaps if he was honest with Harry he might retain some semblance of the regard that the young man once felt for him.
"Alright Harry, I guess we might as well start with Professor Snape since you are adamant on your refusal of him. You remember the prophecy I told you about over the summer?"
Harry was about to nod, but then McGonagall spoke up.
"What about the prophecy Albus? You never told the Order the details. Do you have the full prophecy?"
Dumbledore turned and regarded his deputy headmistress and long time friend. He had been so focused on Harry that he had forgotten she was listening as well. Perhaps he was slowing down with age. Well, she would need to understand then before they continued.
"Yes Minerva, I have the full prophecy, as I was present when it was given. I have been withholding until I thought the time was right. I suppose now that Harry knows, that I should tell the rest of the Order. For now, here is what I heard nearly fifteen
years ago…"
Dumbledore relayed the exact prophecy as Harry had heard it before and McGonagall went pale as the news settled into her. Harry still wasn't pleased with the headmaster, but realizing he wasn't the only one that had been withheld on was somewhat mollifying
for the moment. When the headmaster finished, he turned back to Harry.
"Now Harry, as I told you, when the prophecy was given it was overheard in part and the part that was heard by a Death Eater was then relayed to Voldemort. I believe his hearing the incomplete prophecy is what led to the attack on your parents and yourself.
Now you need to know the identity of that Death Eater. It was a young potions master by the name of Severus Snape."
The news perhaps shouldn't have been surprising. In a way it sort of made sense. Still, it hit Harry like a train. All the color drained from his face as the headmaster paused and Hermione wrapped her arms around him. Knowing there was nothing she could
do for the moment, she kept silent, offering only her arms. Gradually the news absorbed and the rage in Harry grew. Hermione felt it build and wondered what she could or should do. This time she knew the rage was justified and that she wouldn't be
able to do much beyond what she was already doing. A full three minutes later, Harry's head gradually came up and his eyes were cold as he allowed his magic to leak and roll toward the headmaster as he responded.
"Snape! He's responsible for it all! And you've kept him here, near me! Who the hell do you think you are?"
"Please Harry, there is more. I am prepared for your hate, but at least wait until you have all the details. I will accept whatever payment you wish to excise from me at the end."
Dumbledore's words and Hermione's hands on his back calmed Harry enough that he was able to give the barest of nods, indicating that the headmaster should continue.
"I understand your rage at Severus Harry, but he regrets his decision to take the partial prophecy to the Dark Lord as much as you do. The story is really his to tell, but you have a right to know. I could call him up here, but I am aware that he would
not tell you what is needed. I am all too aware that Severus sees James Potter when he looks at you and can never see beyond that. To understand, I need to go back another twenty years or so before your parents' deaths. Your mother was muggleborn
of course. She came from a middle class background. Her father ran a small store on the edge of the village of Cokeworth, and his family resided on the edge of town. As young girls, Lily and Petunia Evans played in the fields that bordered the village.
It was during those early years that the first signs of your mother's prodigious magical talent manifested. As you can probably surmise, her sister Petunia was not happy and supportive of Lily's talents. Instead, Lily became friends with a poor boy
from the town who sought refuge from his abusive home in the same fields where the girls played. That boy's name was Severus Snape, a halfblood from an unhappy marriage between a witch of modest talents and an older muggle man. Severus was able to
offer Lily support and explain magic to her, causing a friendship to grow in the years leading up to their departure to Hogwarts. When they reached the age of eleven, the two friends arrived at this school. Lily was sorted into Gryffindor and Severus
went to Slytherin. In the first couple years of their schooling, the friendship continued, but gradually strained. I won't go into all the possible reasons why. Needless to say, Severus began to believe in the ideals espoused in Slytherin and, by
fourth year, was mostly estranged from his childhood friend. At the same time, he also ran afoul of a group of boys who styled themselves as the Marauders. James Potter led the small band and was the personification of Gryffindor pureblood arrogance.
I know that may be hard to understand, but your father was young once and had lessons that he needed to learn. Lily Evans was often at odds with the young Marauders, despite James' regular attempts to gain her attention. His efforts were not aided
by the Marauders' constant baiting of Severus. Eventually James grew up and Severus separated further from Lily. Late in their sixth year, Lily began to change her mind about James. She tried at several points to reach out to her old friend and mend
bridges, but by that time Severus was already friends with the rising Death Eaters and he and Lily traded nasty words. After school Severus became a full Death Eater, but his heart never left Lily, despite what words he spewed to the Dark Lord. As
he grew up, he began to question some of the Dark Lord's ideals, but there is no going back once you take the Dark Mark. When he overheard the prophecy and took it to the Dark Lord, he was aware that you would be targeted. He has admitted that he
didn't care what happened to James' son, he only wanted Lily for his own. The Dark Lord guaranteed he could have Lily in exchange for the information he delivered. When the Dark Lord went back on his word and killed Lily, Severus was distraught. I
found him in the wreckage of the house, mourning over her. It was then that I took him into my custody and learned the full story. On that day I exacted oaths from him that would guarantee that he worked for the light as a double agent in revenge
against the Dark Lord who took the one person he ever loved. I hold him with bonds stronger than any simple oath could elicit. That is why I keep him close and that is why I ask you to allow him to remain."
The headmaster paused to sip a glass of water after his long story and left the other three in the room to sit back in stunned silence. It was a lot to accept. Somehow though it seemed to make sense. In a way that Harry couldn't quite explain, it was
like puzzle pieces settling into place. Still, it didn't leave his father or the Marauders in the best light and that was difficult. He looked over at Professor McGonagall and saw that she was obviously coming to terms with it all as well. Apparently
Dumbledore had kept her in the dark as well. Thinking about his father, Harry realized that she had known him as a student as well.
"Professor McGonagall, you knew my dad and the others the whole time they were at school right? Does this make sense? Were the Marauders really that bad? Was my dad…was he really like that?"
McGonagall sighed as she regarded her young charges. She really wasn't supposed to have favorites, but it was impossible not to in some cases. Harry deserved the full truth, from herself as well as Albus.
"Yes Harry, I believe what Albus is saying. I knew quite a bit of this, although not how close Severus and Lily were before school. It actually makes a lot of sense. As for your father and his actions, I cannot disagree. When your father was young he
was indeed a bit much to put up with. Combined with Sirius, they were pureblood mayhem. You should remember though that they were quite young and privileged. James did grow up and his attitude corrected itself. He was helped in no small part by your
mother. As I'm sure you can understand, it's hard to continue to espouse pureblood nonsense when you fall in love with a brilliant muggleborn witch. His last couple years at school saw a great change in James Potter. After school his marriage settled
him more and he became a force for the cause of the light. Your father was not perfect, but I suggest you focus on the man he became instead of the boy he once was. Unfortunately, Severus has never been able to separate the two."
Harry nodded and lost himself in thought again. Hearing it from McGonagall made it all the more real. Unlike Dumbledore, he had never felt any deceit from her. She was a hard taskmaster, but she was always fair and straight with him. Hermione clung to
him and gradually he settled and looked back to Dumbledore, giving him a barely perceptible nod to continue.
"Alright Harry, so now you understand why I keep Severus close. Despite his use for the Order, he is also an excellent potions master, although I understand that his prejudices make him a less than ideal teacher at times. Now, back to the night of your
parents' deaths. When the wards were breached, I was alerted but arrived too late. What I found was your parents dead, Severus cradling Lily, and you in your crib with a bleeding scar on your head. Amazingly, you had stopped crying and just looked
around, confused. I took control of Severus and called the head Hogwarts' house elf to transport him to a cell in the Hogwarts' dungeon. He said nothing but Lily's name and went quietly, accepting his fate. I then summoned Sirius and was surprised
when he answered. I had thought I would have to hunt him down since he had been the secret keeper, or so I thought. As soon as he arrived and saw your parents, I tried to take control of him as well, but his rage drove him and he got away from me.
I didn't realize then that he had gone to hunt down Peter. Although it was hard to believe, I knew that as the secret keeper he must have betrayed your parents. That left me in a quandary as the Ministry officials arrived. You had no magical relatives
and Sirius was your godfather. The whole evening was chaotic and troubling. No one knew where Voldemort was and I was afraid he would come back to finish what he started. In his haste to leave, Sirius left his motorbike. Hagrid took the bike while
I took you away from the house and back here to the school while I figured out what to do next. I knew I couldn't keep you here forever, but at least the wards bought us some time. I began my initial questioning of Severus while contemplating where
you should go. The morning after the attack, the story was all over the papers. In addition, a lot of people that had been under the Imperius were released from it and a number of Death Eaters had fled. The understanding was that somehow Voldemort
was gone. You became the Boy Who Lived, known to everyone in magical England. I had the goblins check your parents' will and, along with Sirius, they had listed Frank and Alice Longbottom as guardians. Unfortunately, the Longbottoms had their final
duel with Bellatrix the previous week and were no longer able to even care for their own son. I knew any number of magical families would foster you, but the hysteria in the couple days after the attack was such that I feared you would be raised spoiled
and privileged even more than an average pureblood. In addition, I still wasn't convinced that Voldemort was gone. In the end, I was left with what I felt was the best choice by leaving you with your mother's sister and her family and invoking ancient
blood protections. I was hopeful that you would grow up normal and uncoddled until you could be welcomed back into the magical world. I of course never imagined how they would treat you. A day after I left you at the Dursleys, Sirius tracked down
Peter and they dueled. As you know, Peter framed him and the Aurors used wartime laws to imprison Sirius immediately. I should have investigated more, but I accepted the decision. I never would have thought Peter would have done what he did. He was
an untalented student and the least of the group of Marauders. I made many mistakes. I have asked for your forgiveness, but I realize that may be impossible."
Once again Harry was left to sit and absorb the massive amount of information inundating him. After a minute, one overriding fact seemed to settle into his brain as he addressed Dumbledore.
"So you were able to take a newly orphaned child from the scene of a crime and harbor him until you decided where best his future was spent? You were allowed to do this? Doesn't the Ministry have a family services department? And what happened with the
Longbottoms? Did Voldemort have them killed?"
"Yes the Ministry has such a department Harry, but they allowed me to take over due to my position on the Wizengamot and my reputation. I know I perhaps abused that, but I truly thought it was for the best. At the time the Ministry was overwhelmed and
understaffed. I'm afraid it didn't take much convincing to have your care remanded to me. As for the Longbottoms, I suggest you discuss that with Neville. It is his story to tell if he wishes."
Harry trembled at that last bit of disclosure. The Ministry was apparently doing so poorly at the end of the first war that they had allowed an elderly wizard with no legal claim and no experience with children of his own to take custody of an injured
orphan. He thought the Ministry now was lacking, but obviously they had once been even worse. He'd had enough for a moment and stood up to pace the office for a couple minutes. Hermione let him be, knowing that he needed time, but after allowing him
a few minutes, her gentle words prodded him from his thoughts.
Love, do you want me to take over for a bit? Do you need some fresh air?
No…it's just all a bit much. Perhaps you should question him next. I feel my control is slipping.
Harry came back to sit by Hermione, who turned her attention to the headmaster as she took hold of Harry's hand.
"Alright headmaster, so you took it upon yourself to make life altering decisions for Harry after the attack. We now know why the attack most likely happened and the details around the attack for the most part, but one large question remains. What happened
to Voldemort? And a couple more questions from that. Voldemort obviously didn't die, but where did he go? Was he hurt? How was he able to survive?"
"Lady Potter, that is indeed the most important question. I have spent the intervening years researching the answer to that and your subsequent questions. For a year or so after the attack everything remained a bit chaotic. It was obvious that the Death
Eaters had no connection to their former master. Some managed to avoid Azkaban by claiming the Imperius. Many of those I doubted, but a lot of them were quite influential. The trials went on for many long months. Once they were complete, everything
settled down. Even the usual crimes that occurred before Voldemort seemed to be at all time low levels. Everyone seemed to want to put the past behind and believe the Dark Lord really was gone. I had my doubts, but no proof. Still, I used what free
time I had to do some research I had put off for a while and began to probe Tom Riddle's history. It was more a personal project at the time. Then, a few years later, I started to receive some unusual reports from the continent. Incidents of dark
magic were reported in Romania and Bulgaria, with a couple mysterious disappearances and the deaths of several magical creatures. I wondered if perhaps the news was linked to Voldemort, but it was hard to imagine how. My research into Tom's background
had yielded one curious memory that gave me a clue that I didn't want to acknowledge. With the reports of dark magic, I furthered my research and started to gain an idea of how Tom might have cheated death. I wasn't sure if I was correct. At least
not until your second year."
"My second year? The Chamber of Secrets? What did that tell you?"
"That is a difficult question that requires even more background. I know we've been here for quite a while, do you want to take a break and continue later? This next part will not be brief."
"NO. We've come this far and we will continue. I deserve the full truth finally."
Dumbledore nodded and accepted Harry's firm words.
"Alright. First, before we go to your second year, I need to give you some background on Tom Riddle. I've collected a few memories through the years. Perhaps it is time to go to the pensieve again."
Dumbledore crossed the room to a nearby cabinet, where he withdrew a number of memory vials. He took them back to the pensieve, where he poured them in. Next, he withdrew a long string of memories from himself and added them to the magical device before
looking up at the three others who had gathered around him.
"Alright, I have added all the necessary memories. They'll play in chronological order. It will be too difficult for all of us to descend into them, so I am going to activate the suspension rune on my pensieve. I might say that this is a unique addition
that I have only seen on one other pensieve."
Dumbledore activated a strange rune on the edge of the shallow bowl and an image suddenly hovered over the top of the bowl, displaying a middle aged wizard walking on a dirt road leading to a rundown shack. Harry was still reeling from all the disclosures,
but sat back on his heels to begin watching the memories. It took about twenty minutes for them all to play and then Harry and Hermione sat back down, trying to catalog and assimilate the bits of information. Dumbledore put the pensieve away and then
turned back to them.
"So, now we've seen the pieces, let me start filling in some of the blanks. First, the shack you saw was the home of the Gaunt family, the last heirs of Slytherin. You saw what years of inbreeding had brought them to. Morfin and his father both ended
up being sent to Azkaban. Morfin was sent for his crimes against the muggles. Marvolo was sent for attacking Ministry officials. Once they left, his daughter Merope caused quite the sensation when she ran off with the muggle Tom Riddle. I have no
proof, but I suspect a love potion was used. Some months later Merope was penniless and pregnant after Tom left her. She died giving birth and her son was left in the orphanage that you saw me visit. He had a history of being a bully who caused strange
things to happen around him. I was concerned about his attitude, but hoped that bringing him to Hogwarts and training him properly would alleviate his early rough years. The matron at the orphanage was more than happy to send him off for most of the
year. While he was a student, he excelled academically. The boy was incredibly gifted and the picture of Slytherin cunning. Aided by his natural skills and uncommonly good looks, he attracted followers easily. Still, I found myself concerned about
him. Something in me knew that he was beyond just cunning. By the time of his third year, a tension built between us. I was just a professor then, but I kept a sharp eye on the boy and he resented me for it. One of those who was charmed by Tom was
the Potions professor and his head of house, Horace Slughorn. The last memory you saw you probably noticed was a bit different. The memory is broken and unclear because it has been modified. Horace is a master at potions, but he is also a man who
loves the comforts of life and surrounds himself with those of influence and power. Tom attracted him immediately. Now of course he knows who Tom became and is ashamed of the true memory, so he refused to give it to me. To get the modified memory
alone took a good bit of cajoling and some fine scotch. Despite the poor quality of the memory, the key point is that we know Tom was researching horcruxes while he was at school. I believe that in these studies lies the answer to how he managed to
survive and return."
Hermione had been pondering after the pensieve stopped and while Dumbledore spoke. A number of questions were brewing in her mind and Harry gave her a mental nod to go ahead.
"Well, I suppose this explains a bit. Still, it's more than ironic that the Dark Lord who espouses pureblood ideals is actually a halfblood and looks more like his muggle father than his witch mother. Seeing the Gaunts and what they were should be an
advertisement against the inbreeding that those ideals lead to. Anyway, we know where Tom Marvolo Riddle began and what set him on his course. The question now is how to stop him. It seems that his horcrux is the key. What exactly is it professor?
I've never read anything about it."
"And you normally wouldn't. Not here at Hogwarts. I had the few books with general references to them removed from the restricted section years ago. Perhaps if my forebears had done the same, we would not be here today, although I suspect that Tom would
have found his knowledge elsewhere. As to what a horcrux is, it is perhaps the most vile and dark bit of magic known to our world. A horcrux is a soul container, an item in which a wizard or witch places a piece of their soul to keep them bound to
this plane. To create one means that the soul has to be split. The only way to split one's soul is to murder an innocent. Some ritual preparation is needed beforehand, then the murder is done and a piece of the soul is stored in the prepared container.
That container is then hidden. As long as it remains intact, the wizard or witch cannot die completely. They may remain on the most base levels of existence, but they can return using other dark rites, much as Voldemort did in the cemetery."
This time is was Minerva who gasped and shook her head. Before Harry or Hermione could say anything further, she found her voice.
"ALBUS, by the gods, really? You've known all this for how long?"
"I've known a bit of Tom's background for years. The details on the horcruxes I have only discovered in the last ten years or so Minerva. I know you and the others of the Order will probably question my means and motives, but I have done what I felt was
necessary. Horcruxes are not known to most of the population. I would say only a few Unspeakables and a couple others in the Ministry have even heard of them."
The Transfiguration professor just stared at her old friend, wondering what else he wasn't telling them. Then Hermione spoke up again.
"Alright, so Voldemort created a horcrux. So we need to find it and destroy it before hunting him down. Unless…Professor, can one create more than one horcrux?"
"And once again you show your brilliance Lady Potter. That is the issue we have with the modified memory. I believe a discussion on the number of horcruxes was what Tom asked Horace. I know for a fact that one horcrux has been destroyed, but I am not
certain how many more remain, although I can take an educated guess."
"One has been destroyed? When? How?"
Dumbledore rose from his chair and crossed the office. He pulled his wand and performed a long incantation as he ran his wand alongside a picture. The picture swung aside and revealed a hidden space behind it. From here he withdrew a small book that was
instantly familiar to Harry. He returned to his desk and placed it in front of them.
"The diary! That's how he was able to take control of Ginny through it!"
"Yes, this diary contained a piece of his soul. It was lucky that you had a basilisk fang handy to destroy it. Basilisk venom is one of only a couple of items that can destroy a horcrux."
"So one down, how many to go? What do you think?"
"My theory is that Tom would have chosen a magical number when choosing his horcruxes. I don't believe he would have thought three would be enough. I think he would have wanted more insurance than that. I think thirteen is more than even his soul could
take being split. So my guess is seven. The diary is a commonplace item and, given the age that he was when he appeared out of it, I believe it was his first. Knowing Tom as I did, I suspect that later horcruxes would have been created from items
of greater import. I have a couple more memories that might provide some insight, but there is something else I suspect and it may be the most difficult news of all."
The grim look on the headmaster's face made Hermione cringe. There was something worse than all this? She squeezed Harry's hand as she took a deep breath. Harry's jaw was set as he nodded at Dumbledore.
"Lord Potter, I've researched the circumstances around your parents' murders for many years. Of course the key question was always what happened to Voldemort and how you managed to defeat him. I reached the conclusion that it was your mother's sacrifice
that invoked ancient life magic and caused the killing curse to rebound off you and back to Voldemort. Your scar is the result of that of course. Since you've started at the school I know your scar has caused pain for you and that you also occasionally
have nightmares from it. Added to that are your parselmouth abilities, which I believe come from Voldemort. There is no easy way to say this, but all this evidence leads me to believe that when Voldemort's killing curse backfired he created an inadvertent
horcrux, lodging a fragment of his soul in your scar."
That news hit Harry harder than any of the previous disclosures. His scar was a horcrux? A piece of Voldemort's soul? His magic flared out of control despite Hermione's physical and mental link to him. She was as distraught as he was and was unable to
help him gain control. As the magic flared, Dumbledore put up a shield around the young couple. He supposed the reaction was understandable, but the strength of Harry's magic was staggering. He wondered how much of it was due to his bond with Hermione.
Harry got up and was about to begin pacing when he suddenly dropped to his knees and began to dig his fingers into his forehead. It wasn't logical, but he was beyond logic until Hermione regained control.
Harry my love, stop! Hurting yourself won't solve this. I'm upset also, but use your occlumency. We'll find a solution, but you need control first.
Harry was on his knees in a ball with Hermione wrapped around him. Gradually he exerted his mind magics and his raw magic display came under control. With his magic under control, his emotions took over and he began to quietly sob. Hermione joined his
tears as she clung to him, peppering his cheeks with small kisses as she mentally caressed him. Dumbledore took down the shield and he and McGonagall watched the young couple for many minutes. The force of their bond was palpable and remarkable. After
a while they gained control and stood up to face the headmaster and their professor, although they said nothing.
"I am very sorry to have to be the one to tell you this. Now you understand why I have wanted to wait before putting this burden on you. I am glad that you have bonded now so that you have your soulmate to help you through this."
Hermione regarded the headmaster with mixed feelings. He had made many mistakes, but in his mind he obviously thought he was doing what was best. He wasn't malicious, but definitely misguided with more than a bit of arrogance. Well, no more, the truth
was out and it was time to work on finding a solution.
"Professor, you mentioned that basilisk venom is one of the only known ways to destroy a horcrux. What other ways are there? What can we do?"
"The other two ways I know of are fiendfyre and a reverse ritual that has to be done by the originator of the horcux. It would require great remorse on Voldemort's part and a sincere desire that he wishes to reverse what he has done. Obviously that will
never happen. So that leaves just the two known weapons against the horcrux, basilisk venom and fiendfyre. I will say that this magic is ancient and reviled, meaning that much of what was known about it has been lost. I have been searching for other
alternatives."
Harry finally found his voice as he regarded Dumbledore coolly.
"So I either have to dose my scar in venom or fiendfyre to destroy it. Of course that would be a bit hazardous to my health. Does that mean that for Voldemort to finally be gone that I need to die as well?"
Hermione gasped and whimpered as she clutched onto Harry.
"I hope not Harry. That is why I continue to search for another answer. Since you've bonded, the need has become doubly imperative."
"You mean?"
"Yes my love, he means that if you die then I most likely will as well. That is the case with all other documented soul bonds. Not that I would wish to continue without you."
The young couple embraced again as Harry pulled Hermione onto his lap. It was all too much. He supposed that if it was just himself he had to sacrifice, he could come to terms with that, but he couldn't take her with him. They had to find another way.
Hermione settled a bit and turned to look at Dumbledore.
"Well then, we need to research more. This may be OWL year, but that no longer matters. Now is not the time for modesty. I may only be fifth year, but I am the best researcher in the student body. I have to ask that you share any notes you have already
gathered and advice on how to move forward with finding a way to safely remove a also need to track down the other horcruxes."
"Of course Lady Potter. I will share everything I have. I will also give you open access to the restricted section of the library, as well as my own personal collection. I am assured that if anyone can find a solution, it will be yourself. I think while
you continue with researching how to remove a horcrux, I will continue on the other path to track down the additional horcruxes that need to be destroyed. I have a couple books here that you can take immediately if you wish."
Hermione nodded and Dumbledore crossed to a bookshelf on the left side of the office. He removed two heavy tomes and placed them on the desk in front of her. With a sigh, he addressed them one final time.
"Now I know this day has been a long and momentous one, but we must return to the issue of the governing of the school. I have accepted that you are invoking Founders' rights, and will move to make the changes in DADA, History of Magic and Divination,
but what is your final decision regarding Professor Snape now that you realize the reason I keep him near?"
What do you think my brilliant love? I suppose I see the reason for keeping him here, but I still want him gone.
I understand Harry and I've been thinking on this. I suggest we let Snape continue teaching NEWT students and ask Dumbledore to find someone sufficient to teach up to OWL level. That means we at least won't have to worry about him until next year.
An elegant solution once again my love, you go ahead and let him know.
Dumbledore regarded the two of them with a look of contemplation as Hermione turned and presented their verdict. The headmaster seemed relieved as he responded.
"I think that is an admirable compromise and I have an individual in mind who I believe could serve well. She never quite completed her full potions mastery, but she is close and will be more than adequate up to OWL level. Also, I couldn't help but notice
that the two of you were quiet for a bit. Out of curiosity, has your bond given you the legendary mind speech ability?"
Guess we can't hide it anymore.
Aye my love.
"Yes headmaster, the ability developed gradually as our bond strengthened, but it isn't something we wish to advertise."
"Understood. Now, the decision has been made regarding Professor Snape, and I have a good deal to get done with tracking down Remus and looking for a History professor. First though I need to let the Ministry know that their interference will no longer
be tolerated since the Founders' rights have been invoked. Needless to say that will cause quite an uproar. Before I tell the Ministry, it might be prudent to call an emergency session of the Board of Governors. With Umbridge being evicted today,
I daresay it won't be long before the Minister calls me. Do you wish to speak to the Board or would you prefer for me to do so?"
Thoughts love? Personally, I'd love to do this myself. I know Lucius is on the board and I want to see his face.
Most definitely.
"Thank you for the offer headmaster, but I think it will be best if we speak to the board. It shouldn't take long. Let's see, it's almost dinner time. I think I'd like to take a quiet meal with my lady in our apartment and begin to adjust to all of this.
Perhaps after dinner we can call the board meeting. Say around seven? Can they floo in? It shouldn't take long."
"I think we can manage that Lord Potter. I'll send patronuses to all ten members immediately. Once the meeting concludes, I'll make my call to the Minister. The evening will still be young, so I expect the Prophet will have time to grab the story in time
to print it in the morning."
"Understood. Professor McGonagall, will you be attending the board meeting? I'd like you there if you don't mind."
"Of course Lord Potter. And might I add Harry, this day has brought a lot of disturbing revelations. If there is anything I can do to help, I am at your leave."
"Thank you. That is much appreciated. One more point headmaster, with the news most likely making the morning paper, I should make an announcement to the school. Probably at the start of breakfast before the post arrives."
"Of course. A very sound idea."
Anything else for now love? I really need to get out of here for a while.
No, I also need a break.
"Alright, I think we've done all we can for now. I thank you headmaster for finally disclosing what you know. I won't say that I am ready to be at ease with you, but I am willing to work with you to defeat Voldemort and care for the school. My wife and
I will be retreating to our apartment and will return at seven. I think though that I would prefer to avoid any questioning in the halls for now and will call Dobby."
Dumbledore nodded and Harry summoned the elf. Dobby was more than happy to take both Harry and Hermione by their hands and apparate them to their apartment. It was still twenty minutes until dinner, so he left them for a bit before returning with trays.
Although there was much to discuss, words seemed to be insufficient as the they curled up on their couch and held each other in comforting silence. Once dinner arrived, they traded a few thoughts as the events of the day seemed to heap around them.
One point that came up as they finished was in regards to Ron.
Harry, what do we tell Ron? Anything? He is going to know something is wrong. He hasn't always been the most steadfast, but he has been there when it counted. And your alliance with House Longbottom will most likely make news as well. That will also make him wonder. For that matter, since we're allied with Neville now, maybe he should know?
I don't know. Part of me wants to keep this quiet and almost deny it and another part of me wants the support of my friends. The Weasleys have been good to me. I wonder since I allied with House Longbottom, if I should offer an alliance to House Weasley. Of course, that is something I would have to offer to Arthur.
Hermione was quiet for a couple minutes and Harry could see she was thinking hard. After a bit, she replied to him.
I think that may be a good idea love. Offer an alliance to Arthur. If he accepts, then I think we can tell Ron. A house alliance will allow a unique secrecy vow. I think you should tell the others as well. You know that the family doesn't keep secrets well among themselves. I've also been thinking that Bill and Charlie might be able to offer some unique help. Bill is a cursebreaker and his skills offer an obvious advantage in research. Charlie has been in Romania for several years and I've heard that the old Eastern European wizards had some unusual magic. Perhaps he can find something that will help. Then there's the twins. Something tells me that we'll be needing their unique approach to problems. As much as I hate to admit it, they've created some ingenious solutions in the past. As for Ron and Ginny, I don't know that they will offer much directly, but I know they will support us.
Alright, that all makes sense. Except you left out Percy. He had the best test scores in the family.
Yes, I know, but I don't feel comfortable trusting him. He has been too focused on his career and seems to have left the family behind. If he can't be loyal to them, then how can he be loyal to us?
I guess that's sad but true. Okay, I'll offer Arthur an alliance soon. Perhaps I should ask Dumbledore if we can make a quick trip to the Burrow tonight before the news breaks?
You don't have to ask my love. We have Founders' rights and can do as we please.
Of course. That will take some getting used to. So, meet with the board at seven, then to the Burrow after. If Arthur accepts the alliance, then I will ask him to call a family meeting this weekend. That should give Charlie time to arrange for an international floo connection. I really don't want to do this more than once, so how about we invite Neville and Sirius as well?
That sounds like a plan. You should probably include Augusta Longbottom since she is the matron of the house until Neville comes of age. She also sits on the Wizengamot.
Good idea. Well, that's a lot to do in the next couple days. And I honestly still haven't fully assimilated all this yet.
I understand my love. We'll work through it all. First we take control, gather allies and information.
Harry smiled and leaned across the table to give his wife a quick peck as they finished their dinner. After the meal, Hermione decided to begin looking at the books Dumbledore gave her while Harry meditated and prepared himself for the meeting with the
board.