Amelia was glowering by the end of Harry's rant and Tonks' hair had turned a mousy brown. "You would likely be able to make a case for neglect concerning your relatives and the lack of information about House Potter however it would be difficult against someone with the amount of goodwill that Albus has. At best you'd probably just receive an apology and a confession that he was overworked with his many positions." She scowled. "You're absolutely right though. That is a very disturbing pattern of a man seemingly horribly focused on you."
Shiva nodded. "That's what we thought too. It's why we haven't gone to you or anyone else to bring up charges. There is very little that is concrete that we can point to and he has too much power to try anything without something truly major."
"Harry," Daphne said softly, "tell them the rest."
"The rest?" Hermione asked giving Daphne a calculating look.
"I'm not a fool, Hermione. I can put dates together too you know. It's not hard to figure out that that marriage contract was signed shortly after Harry's placement…and the other attacks and arrests." Daphne gave a sad smile in response to Hermione's wide eyes. Harry just chuckled. His friend was not in Slytherin for nothing – unlike Draco Malfoy.
"What's she talking about, Harry?" Tonks asked turning toward the lone male in the room. Her eyes were wide and she was sitting a little slumped in her chair.
"Well," Harry said, "the timing is just suspicious. I honestly think that the others are making a bigger deal of this then it likely is. My parents died October 31st. I was placed with the Dursleys November 1st. My godfather, Sirius Black was arrested and shipped to Azkaban November 3rd. My godmother, Alice Longbottom was attacked and rendered catatonic November 4th. The marriage contract for me was drawn up and signed by Molly Weasley November 5th. I agree it all looks a bit suspicious but as much as I dislike Albus Dumbledore and hate how he seems determined to control my life I don't think he's evil. And only someone evil would have deliberately arranged to have the Longbottoms attacked and Sirius Black framed."
Amelia was quiet for some time while the others just sat back. Shiva and Hermione had already heard this and weren't surprised. Daphne was holding her chin and considering the potential options. Tonks simply stared blankly up at the ceiling.
"Mr. Potter," Amelia finally said, "do you truly think Dumbledore had nothing to do with those events?"
"I think he saw opportunities and used them," Harry shrugged. "Like I said, I don't like him, but I don't think he'd deliberately hurt the others just to control me."
"That…" Amelia sighed and shook her head. "It is still disturbing. Now I am very glad I asked for this meeting to be kept quiet. I agree there is very little that we could actually bring to bear on him. I will make some quiet inquiries and see what I can find. In the meantime attempt to keep your head down around the esteemed Headmaster. You…may wish to find alternate schooling arrangements, Mr. Potter."
Hermione's eyes widened and she twisted to stare at Harry while Daphne nodded tiredly. Harry just shook his head and ignored his two friends. "Not possible, ma'am. I already talked about it with Shiva over the summer. Dumbledore is still my magical guardian so he would have to approve any change in schools."
Amelia gave a soft nod. "Damn. Very well. Should something occur that requires immediate Auror attention please don't hesitate to contact Tonks. If you get a chance it might be a good idea to craft one of those stones for me as well. I would also take it as a personal favor if you made one for Susan."
"I can do that." Harry smiled at her. "Thanks for listening by the way. There are very few adults who do."
Amelia nodded. "Of course, Mr. Potter. I always endeavor to listen to legitimate concerns. I believe we should adjourn for now. I'll keep you informed of anything we discover on both fronts. Please do the same." She stood up to head to the door. "Tonks, I'll meet you back at the office?"
Tonks jerked out of her reverie. "Yeah, Boss. I'll meet you back there in a few minutes."
"I've got to go finish grading some papers. Feel free to stop by later, Harry," Shiva winked at him as she followed Amelia outside.
"Harry," Hermione said, "can we talk when you get back to the Common Room?"
"Sure, Hermione," he replied. "I have something I wanted to ask you anyway." She nodded and hurried out.
"Jeez, Harry, you can clear a room can't you?" Daphne said with a small giggle. "We need to talk about Tracey by the way. I…could use some advice."
"From me?"
"Well I can't exactly talk to her without getting a second opinion now can I?" she said, raising her eyebrows.
"Whatever," Harry said waving her off. "Just give me a minute to talk with Tonks, yeah?"
"By all means." She gave a playful grin. "Should I give you two the room?"
Tonks' face turned red as did Harry's. "In case you forgot Little Miss Greengrass, Harry Potter here is only 13 so whatever you are implying I suggest you take a U-turn."
"Yeah, sure, Miss I Have A Contact Earring," Daphne said laughing. "Don't mind me; I'll just be over in the corner then reading."
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