◤Chapter 34: Academic education or rather a joke◢
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❦ act II ❦
✩‧₊˚*✧･ﾟ:* The Survivor *:･ﾟ✧*˚ ₊ ‧ ✩
'Who is Dumbledore? Merlin? The Gods? He's not perfect or a higher power.'
- Alice
The Slytherin group was back in Violet's room, their designated meeting place since the others were so terrified by the girl that none of them would dare to try and break in or attempt to draw them out.
'So let me get this straight. You hear voices that only you and that creature you call twin can hear. This voice is both violent and delirious from what you can tell and now this random spirit framed Hagrid in reality and probably hoped you would fall for it as well, most likely assuming your education on magical creatures to be lacking and intelligence to be less agile.' Summarised Theo the situation they found themselves in and by the end he was looking up as if to ask for strength.
Violet wondered if she could start her extra credit charms essay while they continued this conversation since her friends seemed keen on just repeating already established information. 'That's the summary of it, yes.'
"You're so snappy even in your own head." Shook his head Theo and Violet elbowed him.
Draco though, like most pureblood only children, had even less patience than Violet. 'Then it's pretty clear what the entire situations is truly like. There's some type of snake related creature loose around the castle that has the ability to kill and this Tom guy is responsible for the first opening, maybe even this second one.'
"How did you figure that one out so quickly?" Asked Hermione confusedly.
"It was pretty simple, Hermione. Only had to follow the clues. Nobody else hears and they're the only ones who speak snake. One plus one equals two."
'How would that work, Draco? The guy is dead or old. He couldn't just sneak in on numerous occasions without getting caught even with the lacking protection around Hogwarts.' Scoffed Daphne as she had to magically clean one of her nails as the nail polish stained her skin and refused to apply the way she wanted it to.
"Thank you!" Said Hermione excitedly, feeling vindicated.
A metaphorical light bulb lit about her head in that moment. 'Would possession work in this context? Could his abilities be transferred through a possession to the infected one?' She wasn't one hundred percent certain of her theory but it seemed the most plausible explanation that also matched the evidence they could put together.
Moody and the other adults looked at her in surprise at the theory. It was very plausible and well thought.
"That's my girl." Said Sylvia and Sirius at the same time.
Draco glanced at Blaise and saw him also check in with him, both of them nodding simultaneously to each other. He hummed in acknowledgment and came up with the possibilities this assumption would bring. 'It might. I'm not one hundred percent sure. I'd have to check my family library and I don't think Uncle Sev will bring the books to me without having to explain the situation.'
'Can't we just tell him then?' Asked Theo tiredly. He was honestly considering kidnapping Violet and just moving to another country. He was done with England.
"That's everyone's plan at this point, kid." Said Sirius and Theo couldn't even pretend to disagree. As the years passed he thought about it more and more.
Pansy had to agree with him. She certainly wouldn't be too heartbroken if an adult would get involved and deal with this issue. 'It wouldn't hurt to have an adult deal with this stuff. I have an extra credit Transfiguration essay due next week and we have a quiz tomorrow in Potions.'
'What does it say about us that I thought it was weird that we were discussing assignments?' Half laughed and half cried Draco. All of them were exhausted, having stayed up until early morning to examine the journal and try and figure out what it was and how it functioned.
Blaise was shaking his head tiredly, feeling his eyes beg for him to just sleep for a bit. 'We've lost it. All of us.'
'At least we'll go together.' Smiled Daphne as she applied a drying charm to her nails and finally cleaned up her nail supplies.
"Slytherin loyalty scares me sometimes." Whispered Hannah and Susan subtly nodded in agreement.
Theo though needed to have some extra proof, he needed verbal agreement at the very least. 'So we'll try to get an adult involved? Please. I'm so tired of being responsible all the time.' He was close to begging them, wanting to just go back to his room and take a nap before going back to his marine biology books.
"This is absolutely pathetic. You are adults and children have to become ghosts and grow up before their time, because of your actions. You should be ashamed of yourselves." Amelia snapped at the adults around her.
Violet could see the exhaustion on everyone's faces. They all had dark circles and looked half asleep even when speaking. 'Yes. We'll try to do some preliminary research into creature types that fit the criteria and write down a nicely argued essay on the topic and what we've discovered so far and then we'll leave the adults to deal with it. First, we sleep though.' She added the last part as a way to convince them to go to sleep, neither of the others were willing to admit they were tired and wanted to crash.
She went to her bed used an enlarging charm to make it big enough to fit them all and her friends went to find a place to sleep without needing any additional encouragement.
"My point stands." She glared at all of them with the exception of Remus and Sirius, the two of them not being involved until the next year.
*
The second-years were given something new to think about the week before their Easter holidays. The time had come to choose their subjects for the third year, a matter that Hermione, at least, took very seriously.
'It could affect our whole future,' she told Harry and Ron, as they pored over lists of new subjects, marking them with ticks.
'I just want to give up Potions,' said Harry.
'We can't,' said Ron gloomily. 'We keep all our old subjects, or I would've ditched Defence Against the Dark Arts.'
"Self study." Chorused the Slytherins and Ravenclaws. Almost both houses in their entirety chose to write home and self study during the reign of Lockhart.
'But that's very important!' said Hermione, shocked.
'Not the way Lockhart teaches it,' said Ron. 'I haven't learned anything from him except not to set pixies loose.'
"That's just common sense." Face palmed Ginny.
Neville Longbottom was surprisingly the calmest out of them all. His family offered their advice through letters and it was so confusing he spent three hours in the common room trying to make sense of them, but in the end he was seen speaking with Violet and her friends in the library and he gave his choices soon afterwards. Dean Thomas, who, like Harry, had grown up with Muggles, ended up closing his eyes and jabbing his wand at the list, then picking the subjects it landed on. Hermione took nobody's advice but signed up for everything. Harry smiled grimly to himself at the thought of what Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia would say if he tried to discuss his career in wizardry with them.
"Thank you, Violet." Said Alice and Frank, both feeling grateful that someone actually helped their son since their families seem to work against him even when they tried to help.
Not that he didn't get any guidance: Percy Weasley was eager to share his experience. 'Depends where you want to go, Harry,' he said. 'It's never too early to think about the future, what you need for your future career. People say Muggle Studies is a soft option, but I personally think wizards should have a thorough understanding of the non-magical community, particularly if they're thinking of working in close contact with them – look at my father, he has to deal with Muggle business all the time. My brother Charlie was always more of an outdoor type, he adored all creatures and knew he wanted to work with them no matter what, so he went for Care of Magical Creatures. Play to your strengths and what you wish to further pursue, Harry.'
But the only thing Harry felt he was really good at was Quidditch. In the end, he chose the same new subjects as Ron, feeling that if he was rubbish at them, at least he'd have someone friendly to help him.
"That's such a bad decision." Shook her head Hannah.
*
Violet was doing some light reading about healing potions after she returned from the early Quidditch practice when she heard Draco's voice interrupting the morning's peace.
'This is a complete disgrace.'
She shook her head fondly and wisely closed her book. Once Draco started ranting, she had no chance of stopping him anytime soon. 'Well, that's a nice way of starting the day. What insulted your preciousness today?' She gently pried, trying to get him to start the rant, the faster it started, the calmer and quicker it was.
He kept glaring at a small slip of paper in his hands like he wanted to set it on fire and was considering which was the best method. 'The list of additional classes for next year. They're so few. My ancestors and especially yours are rolling in their graves.' He grumbled, wishing he could crumble it and throw it in the trash, where it belonged.
"That's dramatic." Muttered Hannah but to her surprise Susan was nodding in agreement with Draco's words.
"If she's the heiress of Slytherin, then especially hers." She said to her like that explained everything.
She was so confused but her interest was growing. 'Why would my ancestors be angered by the electives?'
He did not need more encouragement. 'Slytherin at the very least must be shaking his head in disbelief and disgust. This damned school is already barely hanging on to its permit to function due to its stunted growth and lowering education standards and this list is one of the main reasons why.' He was ready to continue his rant but he saw the confused look on Violet's face and suddenly remembered that his friend was not raised in their world no matter how much they covered, it was still to early to expect her to automatically know all the references and comments he and the others make. 'Around fifty or so years ago, there used to be a lot more core subjects. We had magical law, religion which wasn't like Muggle religion but educated us on our origins and the rituals we participate in as a society and why they're important to our way of life, physical education and latin. We also had the option all throughout the years to take English, Maths, Physics, Languages and Culture. And physics would be adapted to our world's true limitations, so it was fascinating. My tutors covered these topics in our sessions but not everyone has the same opportunities as I. And I would assume it sounds weird to those that have never learned it but culture classes are actually important to our way of life, in my opinion at least. What are we as a society without culture? Culture means tradition, language, history, experience, etiquette and so on. It also didn't only teach British culture, in the upper years, it presented magical cultures around the world, starting with the biggest allies and former colonies of the British Empire. Not to mention that since third year you could start to study alchemy, magical theory and politics. The last one was specifically catered to the students that were heirs to their family's titles but could be attended by anyone, especially by those that were interested to go into politics or wanted to go into a field that required collaborating with the Wizengamot like the DMLE. Not to mention there were a couple of electives starting in fifth year which now would make most students look at me like I was crazy if I mentioned.'
Most students in Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and a couple of Ravenclaw students that did not really interact with their housemates or Slytherins were staring wide eyed at the screen. They had no idea these were classes that could be taken. There were of course a couple of students in the first two houses that have known from their tutors but they hadn't realised that people weren't aware of these changes.
Dumbledore's entire demeanour until then changed at the mention of the removed classes. His face and eyes seemed to flare for a second before his mask slid back into place, though the damage was done since there were some who were watching the headmaster more than they watched the screen, monitoring his reactions.
She was certainly going to look more into the subject, there must be a reason for these changes, especially if they happened during such a short amount of time and they were so drastic in the negative way. 'That's fascinating. It would have been so helpful and interesting to have the ability to take these classes, especially politics. Though I might've wanted to take them all. What is offered now?'
"That's what I'd like to know as well." Said Amelia with her lips pressed together, making her disapproval known. She was surprised Susan hadn't said anything. She had tutors since she was little in these subjects and continued certain studies at her request during the summer, though that must've been the reason why. She planned to ask exactly why she hadn't heard about this. Her niece wasn't the type to hide things from her.
'There's divination, but it's pretty useless unless you have seer blood in your veins. The most you can do is read in tea leaves and coffee grounds and interpret dreams. That's without mentioning that the woman teaching it is a fraud like the blond peacock. There is also Arithmancy which is a must take if you want to use your brain and go further into any interesting career, Ancient Runes which is my favourite subject after Potions, Care of Magical Creatures which I think has a lot of real life potential and uses even if it is not required for your future job, Muggle Studies which is also a disgrace, that course hasn't been updated for fifty years and even then it was severely lacking and there's also dueling but unlike the other classes, professor Flitwick has to personally hand you an invitation and invite you to join. He's a world champion dueling master and even holds records for his abilities. He also made a lot of money after inventing and selling two common spells in upper level professional duels. He has been watching all of us during these two years and evaluates our work in his class and in others. He asks other professors about our performance, our behaviour and I don't know what else and then he decides whether or not he wants to accept you. Only five students are picked each year to join.' He explained he swore he saw her eyes light up when she heard about the dueling class. He should have expected this reaction from her.
All students were aware of said class but they had no idea who attended it. It was kept secret, all new students swearing a secrecy vow when taking their spot and the entire elective was thought to be an urban legend more than an actual class.
She certainly decided what her electives would be and had a new goal to work towards. 'That sounds like a dream come true. I practiced some dueling spells and participated in mock duels throughout summer under the tutelage of Mrs Nott and it was incredible. I loved the feeling of fast spell casting, the momentary decisions and the art that goes into a truly powerful and fun duel. I like to believe that I got pretty good by the end. Mrs Nott promised to continue teaching me this summer.' She shared excitedly, thinking about how every day she was closer to getting to summer.
"She mentioned it and I must say I am glad she had you, Sylvia. You were always my most talented student and your guidance certainly shows in her style." Mentioned quietly Filius to Sylvia and the two shared a smile.
"I was your favourite student as well no matter how hard you deny it. I have no doubt you would've figured out that I taught her just by the spells she used." She whispered back and caught her former mentor hide his laugh.
He smiled at the obvious passion for the subject in her tone. He was the same way when talking about potions. 'I might just start a petition if Professor Flitwick doesn't ask you to join after that description of dueling.' He told her and he could tell she assumed he was teasing, so he nudged her shoulder a little to show that he was serious. 'What are you picking?' He decided to change the subject, wishing to see whether his speech helped her decide or not.
"We all would have." Agreed the Slytherin group.
She grinned then, glad that she had help in deciding what electives to take. 'Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures, of course. Your speech has successfully swayed me to take the classes I'm going to assume you'll take as well and hopefully Professor Flitwick will ask me to join the Dueling class.'
He assumed that much, it was the standard Slytherin third year choice though there was a number of them who did not want to be constantly in danger by a line written in the wrong order and avoided Ancient Runes or didn't plan to deal with animals and didn't take Care of magical creatures. 'Looks like we'll have the same schedule next year with the exception of one class. I will go forward with those classes as well. I plan to become a potion master like my godfather, with an inclination towards runic potions and it's mandatory for me to have my NEWTs in these subjects and a couple of additional ones that I'll take at the Ministry.'
"Runic potions exist?" Asked a fifth year Hufflepuff and his classmates sighed.
"Yes but don't worry about them, you will drop the class after this year and those are only mentioned in the second trimester of seventh year to those that take Ancient Runes." Answered one of his friends as patiently as he could.
She was annoyed by how little she seemed to know no matter how much she worked on learning and acclimating. 'You can take additional exams at the Ministry?' She asked in a small voice but she knew Draco wouldn't make her feel bad about it. He was the one she went to with questions or the first when it came to French and etiquette. This wasn't any different.
Hearing her question he could only shake his head in silent disappointment and disgust. 'What a joke Hogwarts has become.' He muttered and hoped that the founders were planning an extended discussion with their current headmaster after he passed away on the topic of how he dealt with the school. 'This school's teaching standards might have lowered over the years but the employment requirements have not and neither have the standards of old pureblood families' expectations of their children. You, of course, first have to take the additional OWLs and then you can take the NEWTs but the best part is that you're not limited by age or a specific time. You can take them at any age as long as you apply for one of the three sessions. There's one at the beginning of summer, one at the end and one during the winter break.'
"I had no idea that was a thing," said a Gryffindor surprised.
"Do you people ever listen to me?" Shook her head Minerva. "I always mention and make a note about it on the announcement board. You just need to check it."
She had been wondering what she could research next, trying to limit the amount of extra credit work she did as Theo asked her to. 'Do you happen to have a list of these additional subjects? I believe I found a new activity to keep me busy this year.'
He had so many regrets, he had not thought it through. 'Theo will murder me in my sleep for giving you more things to study but yes, I do have a list. I'll give it to you tomorrow in Charms. I'll have to check where I put it.' He was going to ask the castle not to allow Theo in his room for a while after this, maybe for the rest of their seven year stay, just to be safe.
"Wise choice," the boy agreed, showing everyone that he was still not over it and Draco would need to continue his ban until they finished school.
*
They woke next day to brilliant sunshine and a light, refreshing breeze. 'Perfect Quidditch conditions!' said Wood enthusiastically at the Gryffindor table, loading the team's plates with scrambled eggs. 'Harry, buck up there, you need a decent breakfast.'
He didn't want to be the one who brought it all up again. As he left the Great Hall with Ron and Hermione to go and collect his Quidditch things, another, very serious worry was added to Harry's growing list. He had just set foot on the marble staircase when he heard it yet again: 'Kill this time ... let me rip ... tear ...'
He shouted aloud and Ron and Hermione both jumped away from him in alarm. 'The voice!' said Harry, looking over his shoulder. 'I just heard it again – didn't you?'
Ron shook his head, wide-eyed. Hermione, however, clapped a hand to her forehead. 'Harry – I think I've just understood something! I've got to go to the library!' And she sprinted away, up the stairs.
"There you go. Took you long enough." Teased Draco and Hermione glared at him.
'What does she understand?' said Harry distractedly, still looking around, trying to tell where the voice had come from.
'Loads more than I do,' said Ron, shaking his head.
'But why's she got to go to the library?'
'Because that's what Hermione does,' said Ron, shrugging. 'When in doubt, go to the library.' Harry stood, irresolute, trying to catch the voice again, but people were now emerging from the Great Hall behind him, talking loudly, exiting through the front doors on their way to the Quidditch pitch. 'You'd better get moving,' said Ron. 'It's nearly eleven – the match.'
"At this point we should move a bed in there and call it a day." Teased Violet and Hermione didn't look nearly as insulted or against it as anyone would have expected.
Harry raced up to Gryffindor Tower, collected his Nimbus Two Thousand and joined the large crowd swarming across the grounds, but his mind was still in the castle, along with the bodiless voice, and as he pulled on his scarlet robes in the changing room, his only comfort was that everyone was now outside to watch the game. The teams walked onto the pitch to tumultuous applause. Oliver Wood took off for a warm-up flight around the goalposts, Madam Hooch released the balls. The Hufflepuffs, who played in canary yellow, were standing in a huddle, having a last-minutediscussion of tactics. Harry was just mounting his broom when Professor McGonagall came half-marching, half-running across the pitch, carrying an enormous purple megaphone. Harry's heart dropped like a stone.
'This match has been cancelled,' Professor McGonagall called through the megaphone, addressing the packed stadium.
"What? Quidditch is never cancelled. Not even in horrible weather and when there is a risk for dementors." Said in a snappy voice Remus. He had a lot of words with Albus and Minerva after that mess of a match.
There were boos and shouts. Oliver Wood, looking devastated, landed and ran towards Professor McGonagall without getting off his broomstick. 'But Professor!' he shouted. 'We've got to play ... the Cup ...Gryffindor ...'
Professor McGonagall ignored him and continued to shout through her megaphone: 'All students are to make their way back to the house common rooms, where their Heads of Houses will give them further information. As quickly as you can, please!' Then she lowered the megaphone and beckoned Harry over to her. 'Potter, I think you'd better come with me ...' Wondering how she could possibly suspect him this time, Harry saw Ron detach himself from the complaining crowd; he came running up to them as they set off towards the castle. To Harry's surprise, Professor McGonagall didn't object. 'Yes, perhaps you'd better come too, Weasley.'
"I know what this must be about. I'm surprised that you didn't have Violet join you." Noted Susan.
"We were too far away and lost track of them in the crowd," explained Theo and nobody was surprised to hear that he referred to he and Violet as a unit.
Some of the students swarming around them were grumbling about the match being cancelled, others looked worried. Harry and Ron followed Professor McGonagall back into the school and up the marble staircase. But they weren't taken to anybody's office this time.
'This will be a bit of a shock,' said Professor McGonagall in a surprisingly gentle voice as they approached the hospital wing. 'There has been another attack ... another double attack.'
Harry's insides did a horrible somersault. Professor McGonagall pushed the door open and he and Ron entered. Madam Pomfrey was bending over a sixth-year girl with long curly hair. Harry recognised her as a Ravenclaw he noticed his sister hanging out with in the library though he had no idea what the two could talk about. And on the bed next to her was –
"Just because you have a lacking social life, it doesn't mean the rest of us don't interact with other people." Said Draco and gave him a look.
'Hermione!' Ron groaned. Hermione lay utterly still, her eyes open and glassy.
'They were found near the library,' said Professor McGonagall. 'I don't suppose either of you can explain this? It was on the floor next to them ...' She was holding up a small, circular mirror. Harry and Ron shook their heads, both staring at Hermione. 'I will escort you back to Gryffindor Tower,' said Professor McGonagall heavily. 'I need to address the students in any case.'
*
She was once again quietly reading, this time in her room though, using the reading nook each room came with and occasionally glancing at the reflections and shadows passing through the water.
Draco burst into her room without bothering to knock, knowing that if she were changing or something the door wouldn't have allowed him entry. 'Vi, you've got to let me borrow your cloak, please.' He pleaded as soon as he entered.
"Manners, Draco," chastised Narcissa and her son had the decency to look sheepish.
'Hello to you too, Draco.' She mumbled under her breath, counting to ten in her mind, trying to convince herself that murdering him would not be worth it. 'What do you need my cloak for?' She asked and sighed deeply, refusing to close her book. Maybe if she let it open he would get the hint and go away.
"I can guess how this went. He did not go away." Said Theo and Violet did not even bother to say anything in return.
He knew exactly what to say to get her to agree with borrowing the cloak. She hated that man just as much as he and his family did. 'Father wrote to me this morning. He finally got a way to make Dumbledore step aside from the school. It's not the political ruin everyone was hoping for but it's more and closer than anyone else succeeded. It should go down at seven.'
Draco instantly paled as did the Malfoy family. His parents could not even be angry because those were their son's thoughts and he was with a trusted friend, he had no idea his thought would be read out loud in front of people.
Dumbledore instead had a calculated look on his face as he was paying even more attention trying to see if he could gain any insight or have something to use against the Malfoy family. He had wanted to get rid of them for a long time. This might be the perfect opportunity.
She instantly reached for her bookmark and closed her book 'Then I certainly can't allow you to be the only one to witness it. We won't have access to a pensive until Beltane.' She announced as she went to get the cloak.
"Beltane?" Asked students from around the Hall.
"It is usually celebrated on the first of May and signifies the beginning of summer." Explained Daphne and the students nodded in understanding. The ones celebrating the old religion knew though that there was more to it but they thought it was an acceptable explanation since the youth was pretty uneducated about magic as a whole from what they knew and it would cause unnecessary panic to say more.
'Only you, no one else, not even Theo. We can't risk being caught.' His eyes and tone were hard and decided, he would and could not risk it.
She could spot the worry and slight fear in his eyes from a mile away. 'Of course, Dray. Don't worry, I won't let you get caught. Promise.' She smiled reassuringly at him and linked their arms together and covered them with the cloak.
The two of them smiled at each other. That adventure brought them even closer and their friendship took a turn for the better afterwards.
The two of them left the Slytherin Common Room together and walked in hurried steps to the statue that was hiding the entrance to the headmaster's office. They watched silently as Lucius Malfoy came around the corner and stopped professor McGonagall. The two of them shared a look, curious to see how the two would interact.
The blond's face lost some of his frown and nodded respectfully at his old professor. 'Merry meet, Minerva. I am searching for the headmaster but I can not seem to find him.'
She watched him silently for a few seconds, looking like she was analysing his entire being and trying to decide if he was worthy. 'Cornelius came and asked to speak with Hagrid, the headmaster went with him. They should still be at his house.'
"I would have crumbled under that stare." Whispered Hannah and Susan nodded in agreement. Their professor could be very intense.
He offered the professor one of his most charming smiles. 'Marvellous. I appreciate your help, Minerva. Merry part.' He bowed slightly as he said his goodbyes.
She did the smallest bow back and turned to walk away again. 'Merry part, Lucius.'
"That was weird." Mentioned a second year Hufflepuff.
The two of them watched the exchanged with curiosity, Violet being grateful that the other taught her how to formally greet another Wixen, so she was able to recognise what had happened. They shared a couple of faces during the brief conversation but did not dare mutter a single word.
"So that's what that was." Said the second year.
The Muggleborns and most of the Halfbloods looked at each other in confusion, they had no idea that there were specific greetings in the Wizarding World. Was it like with the additional classes?
They quietly started to follow Lucius but kept their distance in order to be able to speak without fearing being caught. They were slowly getting closer to Hagrid's hut and could spot the Minister and the other two inside the building.
'What is the Minister doing here?' Sighed Draco and looked about as done with the current state of affairs as she was.
She did not even attempt to run her words through a mind filter. 'Butting in without any hesitation like usual.'
The minister made an affronted noise but did not get the chance to say anything before the reading continued. Nobody wanted to hear his complaints.
'I swear to Merlin this country has gone to shite.' He muttered more to himself than to her.
A lot of adults nodded in agreement, the older ones with even more vigor, remembering the way things used to be.
However, she was excited to hear him curse and express his disappointment in the current government. 'I am so telling Theo and Pansy about this.'
'No, you won't.' He said without even looking at her.
'No, I won't.' She easily agreed and smiled faintly at the trust he showed by his confidence that she wouldn't babble if he told her not to.
Those who had a lack of friends or had superficial friendships sighed longingly at the screen. They wished to have that too.
The two of them quickly entered with Lucius and rapidly found themselves an empty corner where they could press themselves in order to not bump into anyone or cause any crashes. There were a lot of things in the small hut that could fall if they weren't careful.
'Merry meet. Already here, Fudge,' he said approvingly. 'Good, good ...'
'What're you doin' here?' said Hagrid furiously. 'Get outta my house!'
'My dear man, please believe me, I have no pleasure at all in being inside your – er – d'you call this a house?' said Lucius Malfoy, sneering as he looked around the small cabin. 'I simply called at the school and was told that the Headmaster was here.'
'And what exactly did you want with me, Lucius?' Said Dumbledore. He spoke politely, but there was fire blazing in his blue eyes.
The blond glared at his figure even though they both knew he wasn't able to see them. 'I hate this man with the passion of a thousand suns.' He whispered and Violet had barely heard it and she was glued to his side, so she wasn't worried about them being overheard.
Narcissa was shaking her head, rubbing her temples and Lucius looked like he swallowed a lemon. Draco was surrounded by his friends who closed the circle around him, knowing that way too many people still trusted the man no matter what they claimed and the paper said about him.
'I still don't understand how this world just allowed this random guy to control everything without any oversight while also clearly violating and disrespecting our history, culture and traditions.' She shook her head. The others had tried to explain but to her it just simply did not make sense. There were too many traditionalists for such a disrespectful man to have the hidden power, though that might've been how he gained power. He placed puppets with popular values in positions of power and then he took the middle ones and ruled from behind the scenes.
"Someone finally said it." Mumbled to herself Amelia and Sirius nodded in agreement, his friend still allowing him to read her thoughts. He was relieved to hear that she wasn't a blind follower like other people he knew.
'He can be quite charming when he wants to be, not to mention that he is powerful, no matter what you think, you can't deny that.' Draco shrugged at her when she looked at him scandalized. He was taught to never underestimate his opponents and the old man was a lot tougher than he seemed.
'Dreadful thing, Dumbledore,' said Mr Malfoy lazily, taking out a long roll of parchment, 'but the governors feel it's time for you to step aside. This is an Order of Suspension – you'll find all twelve signatures on it. I'm afraid we feel you're losing your touch. How many attacks have there been now? Two more this afternoon, wasn't it? At this rate, there'll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts, and we all know what an awful loss that would be to the school.'
'Oh, now, see here, Lucius,' said Fudge, looking alarmed, 'Dumbledore suspended ... no, no ... last thing we want just now ...'
"Now what business is that of yours?" Asked Amelia and she gave the Minister a look.
'The appointment – or suspension – of the Headmaster is a matter for the governors, Fudge,' said Mr Malfoy smoothly. 'And as Dumbledore has failed to stop these attacks ...'
'Now look, Lucius, if Dumbledore can't stop them –' said Fudge, whose upper lip was sweating now, 'I mean to say, who can?'
"Who is Dumbledore? Merlin? The Gods? He's not perfect or a higher power." Said Alice, her annoyance creeping in her voice. This was getting out of hand. It was ridiculous if this man was actually the one supposed to run the country.
'This man was chosen as our minister? What did everyone smoke when voting?'
"Genuinely." Whispered Sylvia to Remus, her husband and Sirius and the men had to hide their laughter.
Draco sighed, sounding tired and looking tired. 'He's a moron but father says the light side supported him, probably because of his stupidity, and they have majority. You only need majority for the vote to be called, not all three factions or anything of the sort and most families are scared to be in neutral or dark because of the reputation, so most have scurried to the light. The grey is almost empty and the dark is mistrusted by the light and ignored by the few daring ones in grey, so they can't pass any laws or make any decisions.'
'That sounds unbalanced.' Warned Violet and Draco only nodded his head and offered her a sad smile.
"It is." Smiled sadly Narcissa. She had taken the seat for her sister's family and it was discouraging how she was one of the few left in the dark section.
'That remains to be seen,' said Mr Malfoy, with a smile that resembled a soldier returning proudly from war. 'But as all twelve of us have voted ...'
Hagrid leapt to his feet, his shaggy black head grazing the ceiling. 'An' how many did yeh have ter threaten an' blackmail before they agreed, Malfoy, eh?' he roared.
Narcissa almost stood up in outrage. She might have a lot of issues in her marriage and disagreed with her husband's approach to things but she knew him, she loved him. He was not that type of man or stupid enough to be so obvious about it.
As much as he and his father had problems he would not allow anyone to insult him in such a way, much less the drunk on school grounds. He moved to go and stand up for his father but Violet pushed him back in their corner.
'Don't, Dray. It's not worth the trouble.' She gave him a look and he stayed down, recognizing that she was only trying to protect him.
"Thank you." Said both Narcissa and Lucius, the two of them glancing at the other after hearing their voice. Maybe they still had hope, maybe there was something left to salvage.
'Dear, dear, you know, that temper of yours will lead you into trouble one of these days, Hagrid,' said Mr Malfoy. 'I would advise you not to shout at the Azkaban guards like that. They won't like it at all.'
'Yeh can' take Dumbledore!' yelled Hagrid, making Fang the boar-hound cower and whimper in his basket. 'Take him away, an' the Muggle-borns won' stand a chance! There'll be killings next!'
"Again, not one of the gods, just a man." Said Sylvia.
'Calm yourself, Hagrid,' said Dumbledore sharply. He looked at Lucius Malfoy. 'If the governors want my removal, Lucius, I shall of coursestep aside.'
'But –' stuttered Fudge.
'Pathetic.' Coughed Violet and glared at the spineless man standing in front of her.
"Can't blame her." Shrugged Alice and the other adults agreed with her.
'No!' growled Hagrid. Dumbledore had not taken his bright blue eyes off Lucius Malfoy's grey ones.
'However,' said Dumbledore, speaking very slowly and clearly, so that none of them could miss a word, 'you will find that I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me. You will also find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.'
"I hope not." Muttered Sylvia and Narcissa and Vivienne voiced their agreement. The three of them were more sure than ever that they had to get the man out of the school.
'Admirable sentiments,' said Malfoy, bowing. 'We shall all miss your – er – highly individual way of running things, Albus, and only hope that your successor will manage to prevent any – ah – killings.' He strode to the cabin door, opened it and bowed Dumbledore out.
'That was something.' Said Violet as the two of them also left and walked back towards the castle. 'I hope we get Minnie or Flitwick as headmaster.'
He did not stop walking but he did pause for a second. 'Not Severus?' He asked gently. He knew the two did not get along but he would've thought she would still support their head.
She let the question unanswered for a while, choosing to think her words through, because she wanted to give Draco an honest answer. 'I don't think he'd enjoy it and he's got to grow up a little before he's ready. Not to mention that the other two have been teaching here for much longer.' She tried to explain her reasoning, though she did exclude some of her other reasons thinking it was more than enough, especially since he was the man's godson, so he would definitely support him and want only the best for him just like Snape clearly had a soft spot for him even if he tried to hide it.
"That's thoughtful of you and your reasons are justified." Agreed Remus and Sylvia also gave her daughter an approving smile.
'Fair.'
And that was it. No demands for justification, no yelling, no anger, just simple acceptance and moving on. She appreciated that the most about her friendships with the Slytherins. They never demanded more than she was willing and ready to give. It wasn't a give and take, it was simply love without expectations. It felt like home. It felt like safety.
Draco gave Violet a hug and the others joined them after some time passed and they enjoyed the moment. They were happy to be Violet's safe place. They would protect her with their lives.
Those who loved Violet watched them with happy tears, relieved she found a soft place to land with people willing to fight for her. She deserved better and she found it.
"I will read." Offered Susan. "Aragog or Following the spiders sounds like a bad idea."
***
Very belated happy new year! Also happy Easter to those who celebrate it!
So, it took me much much longer than I expected (by a lot of months and due to a lot of shit going down in my life), but I did it. I wrote like the final part in less than two hours today. While writing the end part I had a sad playlist playing and I was a tad angry at the world, so I am sorry if it showed in my writing. Hope you like it!