Chapter 148 - Ch. 148 A meeting for the summer

One of my main targets was finally dead and no one could possibly know it was all orc.h.e.s.trated.

It was liberating.

I don't enjoy killing, but I do not shy away from it. And that man deserved his fate.

In the meantime, I was handling very sacred, nervous and excitable students as they bombarded me with questions about what Harry claimed.

I had to quiet everybody down a bit forcefully and say that the Headmaster would explain everything after he had all the facts within the next few days. Also had to get people back to their dorms with the help of all the teachers and prefects, while getting officials and guests out in an orderly fashion.

That was the really annoying part since most a.d.u.l.t wizards are demanding, entitled and look down on students still in Hogwarts usually.

So I got the teachers to deal with all those idiots. Felt like I was dealing with a bunch of Karen's as they screamed for my manager.

At least I got a good idea of who is competent from the foreign delegations through this debacle and who's a waste of time.

But even domestic officials are having it tough right now. Bartemius Crouch is dead and now a lot of suspicion will fall on Percy since he's been following his supposed orders for months now. Bagman just ran away from a bunch of people he's in debt to or had bets with. One of the Headmasters disappeared since he's now going to try and hide to save his life, a pointless effort since he has the dark mark and Voldy can follow that anywhere on this planet. One of the Champions was put under an unforgivable. Someone messed with the cup. Our domestic Headmaster was busy investigating everything. And our minister went away to sulk and throw a tantrum like a child instead of handling this whole debacle.

Really shows how the tournament was a great success doesn't it?

It took two hours to get everyone who's not a student or teacher out and everyone else in their common rooms.

I felt like I was doing Dumbledore's job this entire time.

Looks like my job wasn't done since I was called for a meeting in the Headmaster's office that very night.

And when I arrived I saw Dumbledore, McGonagall and Moody waiting for me.

"You called Headmaster?" I simply asked with a slightly raised eyebrow.

"Yes Aedan. After confirming what happened with the unfortunate Barty Crouch Jr, Alastor and Harry, we must now decide how to handle things. Voldemort is back and he will not take kindly to you interfering or Harry escaping from his grasp. So we thought best to include you in these discussions. You also have valuable ideas in these types of situation which I would be curious to hear." The elderly wizard explained.

"Glad to be included." I say with a small smile before looking at the scarred man standing next to the Headmaster. "It has been some time Mr. Moody. Too bad it wasn't really you who was teaching DADA this year and that all this had to happen. But for all it's worth I am happy to see you aren't that worse for wear."

"Hmph. Been a while brat. Been hearing a lot of things about you. Amelia also seems to brag quite a bit about you after a few good shots of fire whiskey. Been good?" He gruffly asked as his magical eye twitched around.

"Everything's been good. Even got engaged. But it still annoys me that you never accepted our invitations for Christmas supper." I answered with a bit of light nagging.

"Never know who could have sent those letters. Gotta have constant vigilance." He responded sharply.

"I don't think that counts when mother invited you directly." I say to the man with a questioning look.

"Could be a disguised wizard trying to catch me off guard." He replied with another paranoid excuse.

"Fine fine. If you're so determined to not come don't. But I'm telling you now that you're pretty much welcome to come for Christmas supper anytime. You did reunite our family after all." I dismissively said in response as I just gave him a permanent invitation. "That way you can decided to come to our actual house whenever you feel no one will attack you. Something I doubt you will ever think, but the offer is there.

Now shall we begin our discussion Headmaster?"

"Of course. Now I asked you three here to talk about how we should approach today's events. Voldemort is back, of that I have no doubt. But as we've seen, the minister will not want to admit to this and will most likely try to bury the fact and whoever wishes to support it." He began to say as he laid down the situation.

"Probably already started to act. No way that dementor was here by accident. Someone in the ministry sent it here to silence Junior." Moody said as he added his piece.

"You can't be serious Alastor. To go so far." McGonagall said in response as she thought of the implication behind someone at the ministry using the dark creatures as a hit squad.

"I am of the same belief Minerva. Such an event was not an accident." Solemnly replied Dumbledore.

"That means someone was covering up the situation. Without Crouch we have no actual evidence behind our claims.

They'll dismiss Harry as a delusional child or as if he is trying to make himself famous again by saying the man he is famed to have defeated has returned. They'll say that the Headmaster is going senile. They'll completely dismiss Mr. Moody as him being extremely paranoid and seeing death eaters in every shadow. Professor McGonagall would be said to just be following whatever you would say headmaster, her reputation as one of your hands is far too prevalent. And I am the only other actual witness to everything that happened." I add on as I predict the ministry's actions to try and bury the thought of their worst fear returning.

"Aye, a bunch of cowards and bureaucrats. They'll probably do a smear campaign." Agreed Moody with a scowl.

"I can't help but notice you didn't mention yourself in your predictions Aedan. Why is that?" The Headmaster asked with some curiosity.

"Because it can go a few ways for me. You all have existing reputations and the people know where you stand.

I am an unstable factor. Someone who both sides would like on their side. You would like for me to support your claims, while the minister would dread me not supporting his.

I am the nephew of Amelia Bones, a recognized Lord of a noble family, the leader of a growing political group, a very wealthy business owner, a powerful wizard and a known academic and inventor.

To attack me directly would give the other side a tremendous ally, something anyone would desperately try to stop, hence i am the least likely to be targeted until I choose my own stance." I answered as I explain my thoughts on my own situation.

"And why would you not want to publicly announce Voldemort's return?" Asked the Headmaster curiously as I saw a surprised McGonagall and a now tense Moody.

"To limit the actions the minister can take." I answered with a sly smile on my face.

"Hmmm. Having a neutral party would be helpful." Dumbledore said with a small smile as he stroked his beard in thought.

"What do you mean Albus?" McGonagall asked, not really understanding the conversation.

"Aedan if you could." He simply answered as he threw to ball to my court.

"It's pretty simple Professor. My presence as a strong undecided party would limit the possible actions both sides can take, but would be a lot worst for the ministry side. He won't be able to do anything monumentally stupid or reckless as long as I am there to act as a reminder of his position. Me not choosing a side would mean he can't act against me or my aunt, letting us prepare for Voldemort's next move without him being able to do anything. In the meantime, the Headmaster can prepare his old order and his contacts in secret. The only real problem for your side is that you won't be able to do anything publicly, but I'm sure it won't be much of an issue.

The worst that can really happen, as long as I stay neutral, is the Prophet saying a bunch of slander since the Ministry still owns 49% of it and can order it do so by using a few stupid laws. It might threaten the Headmaster's position as Chief Warlock or Supreme Mugwump, but that's only if the general public listens." I explained as a look of understanding dawn's on the witch.

"Yes, young Aedan is suggesting using himself to force Minister Fudge to pay attention to him and not focus solely on us. A good way to gain time to maneuver and prepare for Voldemort. Unfortunately, he will also have time to gain allies as well and prepare." Dumbledore said as he brought up the issue of the actual enemy.

"They would be doing so as we fought against the Ministry at every step anyway. Me going to your side would just make Fudge's actions even more damaging as he would most likely ruin any form of defense we could muster." I reply as I can easily imagine the man getting rid of everyone he thinks is against him while he also listens to the people actively plotting to kill him and take over the Ministry.

"He's right. Fudge and the toad won't care about anything except having power if they are pushed too far." Agreed Moody as he grumbled about the two idiots.

"Then I do believe we know what you shall be doing Aedan. I will push for the Minister and others to act publicly while you and Amelia do everything you can to prepare in secret. I will also gather people for the order again and start preparing a few other things. Alastor I will need you to check with your contacts. Minerva I will need you to take over much of my duties as Headmaster for the summer." Dumbledore said as he ordered his trusted allies.

"Before we end this meeting Headmaster, I have one last thing to talk about." I say before everyone starts working on their tasks.

"And that would be?" He asked as he looked at me questioningly.

"It's about Harry. He shouldn't go back to the muggles." I answered with a serious look on my face.

"But now that Voldemort is back it is the safest place for him." The elderly man countered.

"Not anymore Headmaster. Not after tonight." I replied with a shake of my head.

"An explanation please." He said as he wanted to know my reasoning.

"Voldemort is no longer vulnerable against the protection his mother gave him. He now carries Harry's blood within him. Meaning that if he finds the house, Harry is done." I answered gravely as the it makes McGonagall pale in realization hits her.

"Your thoughts?" The Headmaster then asks the two.

"Too risky to stay there anymore. Potter needs to be somewhere actually secure." Moody answered in a growl.

"I never wanted to leave the poor boy with those horrid muggles in the first place Albus. If it is more dangerous leaving him there then we must do something." Was McGonagall's determined answer.

"I understand, but we must make sure he will be safe." Said Dumbledore as he acknowledged everyone's opinion on the matter.

"I have three options for Harry's situation. The first is him staying with Sirius at the Black family house. I've been informed he would be formally taking the Lordship since his mother never actually had the right to take that away from him, his grandfather Arcturus only giving the position to Regulus Black because Sirius was acting like an imm.a.t.u.r.e child and did not quick him out of the family. The place is extremely well protected, I plan to add a few things as well, it has been properly renovated and cleaned, and Harry gets to be with someone who actually treats him like family and can train him up.

The second is that he can stay with me and my own family. He's like a little brother to me, a good friend of Susan's and my aunt likes him too. You know my strength Headmaster, as well as the defenses I can set up. He can be well protected and I can tutor and train him during the summer as well.

The last viable option would be for you to take care of him this summer headmaster. Either at your home or at Hogwarts, the kid would be more than safe for now. You can teach him what he needs to know about Voldemort and prepare him for what is to come. It might also do him some good to learn some other things directly from you." I said as I gave my opinion on the matter.

"I will not be able to care for Harry as he will require. Especially this summer. I will be far too busy preparing for what is to come." Dumbledore sadly replied as he rejected his taking in of Harry.

"Then how about we ask for Harry's opinion on the matter? We should also involve Sirius as he is his guardian, but I can guess what he would want. My personal recommendation would be a slight mix of the first two options. Harry lives with Sirius after we reinforce the houses defenses, and he can come to me for lessons or relaxation.

It won't do him any good to keep him cooped up all the time, so a proper explanation will have to be given to the kid, and at least a few outings with myself as a guard would do wonders for him as well. Him having friends visit would make sure he's ok with everything as well. I am sure we can have Ron, Hermione and Neville come in secret with ease." I responded as I wanted Harry to have the best summer he could get, even in his messed up life.

"You think we can afford to make Potter comfortable? He's probably going to be one of the biggest targets!" Aggressively growled Moody as he glared at me.

"Alastor, young Aedan has already more than matched me in terms of magical energy, his knowledge and creativity are astounding, only leaving him lacking some experience to have him surpass me completely. Him protecting Harry personally would be even better than myself doing so." Interjected Dumbledore as he calmed the man.

"Are you telling the truth Albus? I know Mr. Bones is beyond gifted, but to have reached such strength." Asked McGonagall as she doubted the statement.

"He reached his third Maturation last summer and has been growing stronger as he became more accustomed to the changes it brings. Even now I feel he is in the cusp of another great change." He reassured her as he only shared a bit of information.

"Hmph. Then I'll go and start what I have to do Albus. I can already guess what Black and Potter will decide." Moody declared as he went for the fireplace and disappeared in a flash of green fire.

"I will go and deal with my lions. They must be getting rather impatient by now." McGonagall said as she excused herself.

"I'm guessing you will address everyone soon about today's events Headmaster." I stated after they had left.

"Yes. I will be making my own stance on events clear tomorrow. Don't want to make student lost before their exams. I will also have to take care of the Durmstrang students since Igor fled after his mark activated. I am not sure how Maxime will act, but I have a favor to ask of her and hope to be able to talk to her before she leaves. I will also arrange for Harry and Sirius to be here after exams are done. Ah and before I forget, here is your permission slip to go to the ministry for your masteries." He said as he handed me the form I had submitted last month.

"Thank you. I hope everything works out well for you Headmaster. This country will need its defenders very soon." I said as I took the slip and excused myself.