Chapter 33
Chapter 33
‘Thank you for joining us. Before we begin, Minerva is going to seal the room for privacy.’
‘Why would you need to do that? The castle has always kept head conversations secret.’
‘Has it? Or has the Headmaster been privy to everything that goes on in these walls?’
Pomona slowly closes her mouth, her response silenced for now.
‘It seems that there have been some inconsistencies in regards to the health and safety of the students.’
‘That is impossible.’
‘Unfortunately it is not.’
‘Can you explain in more detail?’
‘Severus, have you seen any odd behavior lately? Any potion ingredients missing?’
‘Odd behavior? What makes children's behavior odd?’
‘Like the potion Longbottom asked about? Did he boy bring it to you, Severus?’
‘He did. I spent the break testing the potion and the results are not good.’
‘Is it able to alter a person's actions? Or at least their thoughts that can lead to actions?’
Slowly Snape asks, ‘how did you know that?’
‘We believe we found the victim. What can you tell us?’
‘Hold on. What potion? What victim?’
‘Actually I think this conversation needs to stop right here.’
‘Why?’
‘Sharing perspectives may impede the Aurors investigation.’
‘Why are there Aurors involved?’
‘Never mind that now Filius. I am sorry for bringing everyone here and causing way more questions than answers.’
‘Hold on Minerva, before everyone goes. This evening once every student is accounted for in their common rooms cast the house sleep protection spell. After it has taken effect the elves will arrive and run a diagnostic on every student. I do not wish to remain uninformed with the well being of our students any longer. Over the next week I will bring these results to each of you. Do not discuss this without proper protective wards. Do not mention it to anyone outside of this room. The safety of the students has been called into question.’
‘How can you decree this? On what grounds?’
‘Did you know that every year I was under the impression that I gave a physical and magical
evaluation of every student that walked these halls?’
‘Yes, that is policy.’
‘I have now been informed that the only time a 6th year has been treated or examined he was injured. Despite the fact that this student was malnourished I made an annual report that everything was fine.’
‘That is not possible.’
‘I can assure you it is.’
‘Understood. We will take all necessary precautions.’
Snape remains behind after Fillius and Pomona depart in silence.
‘When are we contacting the Aurors?’
‘I think at the end of the week after I have completed evaluating the entire school.’
‘I will make sure I am available to speak to the Aurors. I must return for my next class.’
‘We will talk soon.’ Severus left the room.
*.*
When Arthur arrives in Romania, he and Charlie sit down for a serious conversation.
‘Your mother and I are experiencing a difference of opinion regarding your behavior. You need to step into the role of lord Prewett and take up your responsibilities. Your mother says you are not ready and I can understand your reluctance but this is not something you can continue to hide from.’
Charlie stares blankly at his father.
Arthur sighs heavily, ‘This is all new to you isn’t it?’
Mutely Charlie nods.
Arthur needs a moment to collect himself. His anger nearly escapes his control. His son has no idea? Molly lied? For all these years? He refuses to unleash his anger on his son. He had no idea things were this bad. How many other lies has she told?
‘Son, it would seem I have a lot of things to discuss with you. The first of which is that you were adopted. Your mother passed away shortly after you were born and your father was Gideon Prewett. I'm sorry that this will appear as if it was hidden from you.’ Arthur clears his throat before continuing.
‘The truth is Molly swore she has been having conversations with you about this for years. She wanted house business to stay within the house. I agreed. Your aunt Muriel has been asking about this as well and your mother told her you were not ready to accept the responsibility yet. I'm so sorry that I trusted her at her word. I should have just asked you.’
‘Dad. it's not your fault i understand. Mum never wants to discuss anything serious. Not careers or commitments, just when will I be home and how long am I staying. What do I need to know? Do I need to visit Gringotts?’
Arthur opens his mouth to answer when suddenly he feels a sharp pain in his chest. He gasps for breath. Charlie begins a diagnostic charm to determine the problem. His charms are clear, there is nothing wrong. Moments later Arthur feels the pain ease and he can breathe normally again.
‘Dad, are you ok? What was that?’ Charlie summons a glass of water for his father.
‘I have no idea. But I think I would like to see a healer, where is the nearest one?’
‘There is one here on the reserve, we can be there in a moment. Are you ready? I can apparate us there.’
‘Let's go. I need to know what happened.’
*.*
The Chimera Cantena had been open in Knockturn Alley for just a few short years but it had quickly become a well known pub for natives and tourists alike.
Lord Black enters the pub as if he owns the place. Looking around the room several others are looking back at him. Many familiar faces, many more unfamiliar.
Lord Malfoy strides across the room. ‘Lord Black I see you got your ring from the Goblins, were you successful in naming an heir?’
‘No, actually. It seems the house of black already has an heir. Sadly I have no idea who might happen to hold that title.’
‘Another missing heir? I wonder if there are any others that have gone unnoticed.’
‘So it seems. I wish I could convince the goblins to tell me who my heir is, it is truly distressing that this keeps happening.’
‘We have similar concerns regarding children. We can discuss matters further in private.’
‘Agreed, ah there is Remus. Excuse me.’ The men part ways while Sirius greets his oldest friend.
‘I never thought I would see the day you would walk free amongst us again.’
‘Neither did I to be honest. Grab us some firewhiskey and I will get us a table.’
‘What are your plans?’
‘Move forward with becoming Harry's guardian. Get house affairs in order, perhaps travel over the summer holidays? But first I need to find the house of Black heir.’
‘What do you mean? I thought you would name harry…..’
‘I would but I can't, the goblins have informed me that there is a legitimate heir.’
‘Moony opens his mouth but says nothing. Shock spreads across his face.’
‘Yeah, that's about how I processed it.’
‘Who?’ Remus breathes out quietly.
‘If only I knew.’
‘We will find your heir. No matter what.’
‘Thank you old friend. But for now let's enjoy our evening. Perhaps we can find company?’
‘You go ahead.’
‘Still not interested?’
‘I - I.’
‘Relax, you explained and I understand. Just keep in mind that cousin Dora seems to be interested in you.’
‘Are you- never mind I didn't actually ask it. How can she—- i would never… She is a child.’
‘I know. But she is determined.’
‘Damn Black blood. Must you all be so single minded in your determination?’
‘Yes we must.’ Sirius exclaims before swallowing his drink. ‘I need another. What about you?’
‘Not yet, you go ahead.’
*.*
‘Mr Weasley. I cannot find the cause of this phantom pain you experienced. But I insist you stay a few days so we can monitor your condition. I will not keep you here but I insist you return daily and if anything else happens.’
‘I can do that. I planned on staying until the end of the week anyway.’
‘That's great. I know Charlie has been missing his family. Now on a more serious note. Your memory seems to have been altered a few times. There are some gaps there we can explore if you want. There is also something in your system. I think it's some kind of daily potion. Are you currently on anything?’
‘Not that I know of, can you determine the type?’
‘I can send the diagnostic out for testing and evaluation. That can also take a few days to come back.’
‘Please do so. I want to know what is happening to me.’
‘I have already sent it. The origin seems to be illegal. If we uncover who is dosing you there may be legal action taken.’
‘I understand and I support that action. Do whatever you need to do. Can you explore those gaps? Or do I need to see a specialist?’
‘I can have a specialist here this evening.’
‘Don't bother. I am a legilimens. I can help dad and then we can be sure it stays confidential unless/until you are ready to take action.’
‘I think we will do that.’
‘Alright I will notate ‘refused Mediwitch intervention’ on that if you will place the tip of your wand here. I will see you tomorrow. If the results return after you have seen me that day I will owl Charlie.’
‘Thank you for your help and honesty. We will return tomorrow morning.’
‘Let’s go to Gringotts alright son? If you want to, that is.’
‘If I… dad. I want to acknowledge my parents. I want to see if they left anything for me to see in the event they died. I will always be your son but I need to do this for me.’
‘I understand. Let's get going.’
*.*