Chapter 21
Chapter 21
‘Minerva, lovely to see you again.’
‘You as well Prya. How have you been?’
‘Alright I suppose. Can you tell me anything about the weakening of the wards?’
‘I’m not sure what you mean.’
‘The wards have been gradually weakening and now we need to boost them. It will take several people to get the wards where they need to be. As Deputy Headmistress, what do you have to say about this?’
‘I. I. I spoke with Albus about my concerns and he brushed them aside. I am always trying to improve the school. Albus blocks most of my attempts.’
‘Supposing that is true, why did you not petition the board for assistance?’
‘I thought my concerns to be trivial after my conversations with Albus. There is no excuse, I understand any actions that need to be taken.’
‘Good. Another matter I wish to discuss. Why is there so much bullying taking place in the halls? Are there not enough teachers around?’
‘I’m not sure how to answer that. I will look into it.’
‘See that you do. Have a nice day Minerva.’
*.*
‘Professor Flitwick, do you have a moment before your next class?’
‘Of course, Madam Tonks.’
‘Can you describe to me how the wards feel to you?’
‘I have been asking Albus to strengthen them for years, he always tells me everything is in hand and not to worry. In recent years things have not been business as usual. A troll, a basilisk, dementors on the grounds, rather than around the borders of the school. I understood the tournament but I was not happy with it, and then last year with the blood quills? Either he didn't know, meaning the wards are far too weak, or even worse he knew and allowed all these things to happen.’
‘You have given me much to think about, thank you for your time.’
*.*
Walking along the halls in search of her comrades, Andromeda Tonks runs into Hermione.
‘Ms. Granger? May I have a word?’
‘Sure. Are you a member of the board?’
‘Yes but I am also Andromeda Tonks, my sisters' names are Narcissa and Bellatrix.’
‘It's so nice to meet you. Sirius speaks fondly of you.’
‘He was such a sweet boy, but today I would like to talk about you.’
‘Alright. What about me?’
‘How are you adjusting? How did your friends take the news? Do you need anything? Have you spoken to your parents?’
‘I think I'm adjusting fine, my friends had mixed emotions. Do I need anything? Just to be able to send mail, that seems to have been halted, is that why you are here?’
‘Among other things, yes.’
‘I attempted to write to my parents but after the first few letters my mail seemed to not be reaching anyone, Draco was helping me a bit but then the same thing happened to him. The only person I can communicate with is my boyfriend, George Weasley.’
‘I'm guessing the content in those letters is less than substantial, more flirty then anything else?’
‘Things are not always as they seem.’
‘Indeed, once this mail situation is sorted do you mind if i write to you? I have precious few people to talk with anymore.’
‘I would like that, thank you, Aunt Andromeda.’
‘Andy. if you please.’
‘Of course, Aunt Andy. I must be on my way to class.’
‘Don't be late dear. We will talk soon.’
*.*
The Board members meet up after that class to share what they learned. After everyone shares they decide it's time to talk with Albus. Swiftly they travel through the school heading for the Headmasters office. The gargoyle sees them coming and instantly opens the stairway. When they arrive in the office, Albus is standing near Fawkes' perch. He appears to be saying something, but he pauses as he realizes that he is no longer alone. Albus replaces the figure on his shelf and strides toward his desk.
Andromeda curiously hovers near the figures on the shelf. Lords Nott and Travers arrange themselves on the other side of the room. Mrs. Patel walks into the room and sits before the Headmaster's desk.
‘Lemon drop?’
‘No thank you. Albus we have discovered many distressing things today.’
‘I'm not sure I know what you mean.’
‘Bullying is running rampant in your halls, why is no one around to stop it?’
‘I will admit things are a bit sparse in the hiring department but nothing damaging is happening I assure you.’
Andy carefully pushes her magic toward the figure on the shelf. A soft pulse meets her magic in response. She tries again a little harder and feels a stronger sense of magical energy. The signature is vaguely familiar but she cannot place it.
Prya Patel opens her mouth before pausing, she clears her throat and begins again.
‘Speaking of hiring, why have you had so many new professors in Defence? That has to be detrimental to learning.’
‘Those circumstances are beyond my control. We try our best to keep employees, I promise you.’
‘Tell us again how the wards are fine?’ asks Travers
‘They may be a tad weaker then we would all prefer but they are working perfectly I assure you.’
‘In that case I have nothing else to say to you.’
Andromeda follows the others out of the office despite her interest in the figures. They leave the castle and begin the walk on the way to Hogsmeade.
*.*
Upon entering Hogsmeade village all four apparate to Malfoy Manor. Lucius greets them at the door.
‘Judging by the looks on your faces, I'm guessing there is much to discuss?’
Lord Nott nods.
‘Alright head inside to the board room, I will have refreshments brought while I summon the rest of the Board.’
Moments later Lucius joins them and prepares himself a cup of tea. within an hour the others arrive. Everyone takes a seat silently, all eager to see what was discovered at the school.
Tav Travers clears his throat and stands. ‘I think the most troubling thing we discovered was that the wards are dangerously weak, we will all need to agree on a time to visit to boost them. We may also need the assistance of some of the teachers.’
A few people gasp.
‘Albus remains adamant that there is nothing wrong with the state of the wards.’
Travers sits down, and Nott stands.
‘Next, we found a list of people who are having their mail monitored. There are 2 people that set up the monitoring system. The one from last year was made by Delores Umbridge and hasn't been active this year, we will be removing it soon, the other was set up this year, has been accessed regularly and is directly linked to Albus. I think we can let the ministry handle this.’
Everyone in the room nods agreement. Nott lowers himself into his chair and Patel stands.
‘Third, is staffing. The school does not have enough adults wandering the halls outside of classes to prevent bullying, they barely have enough to cover classes. Albus states that the lack of employees is beyond his control.’
‘What can we do?’
‘Well for starters we can spend some time on site, in the long run we can begin interviewing to fill new positions.’
Patel sits down while everyone thinks about that.
‘Anything to add Andromeda?’
‘I think we have covered everything. Who is contacting the ministry regarding these grievances?’
Mrs. Chang says, ‘I will set up an appointment with the appropriate department as soon as I am able. Is there anything else to discuss?’
When no one says anything she stands and leaves the room. After that everyone begins to disburse.
*.*
Ron manages his second dose for Harry without incident even if it was a day early. The third however he nearly forgot about it amidst all the excitement of another Hogsmeade trip that weekend. Friday is when the potion needs to be ingested. That morning Ron woke with the others and purposely took extra time getting ready.
After his dorm mates all left for breakfast Ron pulls out the vials. The bright yellow of the potion glinting in the sunlight as he lifts it from the box. He puts the vial on the bed and closes the box before hiding it away in his trunk once more. He lifts the vial from his bed as the door swings open, Neville walks in and startles Ron. Suddenly, Ron drops the vial and it shatters on the floor.
‘Sorry mate, I forgot my cloak.’
Anger spreads throughout Ron.
‘You don't know what you’ve done!’ He yells.
Neville is confused, ‘What was that potion?’
‘Just forget about it.’
Ron shoves past Neville in an attempt to get away from the problem. What if he didnt have enough now? What if mum can't send more? Hopefully mum won't be too mad.
Neville looks at the mess on the floor that Ron left in his haste. Pulling on his dragon hide gloves Neville summons a jar and picks up as much as he can. There are several drops still clinging to the vial, maybe he can identify it and figure out why Ron was so mad? Either way he may have to wait until he is home to perform the needed tests to identify it. Neville places the jar in his trunk and locks it with his wand before grabbing his book and walking to breakfast.
*.*
Everyone is getting ready for the trip into Hogsmeade Village, Harry is unable to eat breakfast.
‘Harry? Are you ok, mate?’ Neville asks.
‘Yeah I just haven’t been sleeping well i guess.’
‘Are you still going into Hogsmeade?’
‘Yeah i should be fine.’
Neville follows Harry outside. Hermione joins the Slytherins and Harry looks conflicted. Ron walks up to Harry and Harry furrows his brow and shakes his head several times. Harry takes a step away from Ron closer to Hermione but Ron steps in front of him again. Something seems stranger than normal.
*.*
Ron walks up to Harry. ‘What are you staring at?’
‘I wanted to talk to Hermione.’
‘Why would you want to do that? We are supposed to go to Hogsmeade together, don't you remember?’
‘No.’ Harry says, shaking his head. ‘I need to talk to Hermione.’ He shakes his head again. He takes a step toward Hermione.
‘Harry, what are you doing? Let’s get in that carriage.’
‘I- yeah sure. Let's go.’
*.*