Chapter 14
"Now, how can I help you Remus?" Dumbledore asked after they had settled in his office.
"Sirius has nominated me to come in his place to ask some questions about Harry's previous years. Such as what he had to do with Quirrell's disappearance" Remus crossed one leg over the other.
"Quirrell? I'm afraid he suffered an accident from a run in with a cursed object. I had been studying it in an out of the way corridor's furthest classroom when I could find the time. Poor boy happened across it and activated the spells I had been working on taking apart" Dumbledore sighed sadly.
"Funny, since we heard differently. You see, we received a quite interesting letter that detailed everything that has happened since Harry started here. He describes things like a Basilisk and Mountain Troll running around, which he dealt with alone" Remus pulled out a copy of said letter. He was surprised to see Dumbledore's face drain of color, then there was a flash of anger in the blue eyes. Suddenly, it was all gone like it had never been there.
"Ah, well, you know how young boys are. Always bragging about little things and making it seem like a big adventure. I'm sure that's all young Harry was doing" The headmaster smiled benignly, holding out a hand as if to take the parchment.
"I doubt that, Albus. You see, there's details here that seem almost underexaggerated. Such as the injuries from said troll" Remus hummed in interest.
"Harry was near the troll that somehow got it, yes. But he was unharmed" Dumbledore gave up on seeing the exact words, instead preparing to rebuke from what he knew.
"That's where you're wrong. He and another student had to heal themselves, as first years only two months in" Remus growled, his eyes likely flashing golden. "And, I have good information that his latest week-long detention is him using a Blood Quill for five hours straight. That is unacceptable!"
"Now, my dear boy, that can't possibly be true. The wards would have notified me" Dumbledore quickly soothed.
"The wards must be faulty then, because Sirius saw physical scars from the detention" Remus flicked his wand out to project a piece of memory from Sirius. He watched as the headmaster's face pinched in anger again before it was whisked away behind a facade of horror.
"My dear Remus, I will of course be investigating this claim. However, I have no power to remove Dolores, as she's protected by the Minister. Even if I had enough proof, it's better to deal with the devil you know than risk a Death Eater using their connections to enter" Dumbledore sighed sadly. "Even Voldemort could figure out a way to get in! No, no, my dear boy. Better to stick with the current teacher and figure out how best to divert her attentions."
"You are on thin ice Albus. At this point, I'm tempted to take the risk of whoever the Ministry appoints after. I could even find a way to slip into the castle, and bite Umbridge as revenge. See how she likes being on the other end of her laws. For now, I won't. It would risk Harry too much. But know that I am willing to risk my life to get rid of that woman" Remus stood up. "We will be watching your actions closely. If you show that you won't protect the students under your care, I have no problem finding a way to oust you"
"Remus-" Dumbledore started before the werewolf disappeared down the staircase. The old man was left standing in his office, contemplating how he had to shift things around to accommodate this new development and threat to his power.