Chapter 58 - Prophet Aftermath - II (1/2)

<No POV>

HEADMASTER'S OFFICE

Dumbledore was standing in his office and trying to appease the Minister while promising both the Minister and Madam Bones that nothing like this will ever happen at Hogwarts again.

Dumbledore thought ”I should not have allowed Hagrid to take Harry into the Forbidden Forest. It has led to all these problems. Now I will have to change the plans I had about Harry confronting Tom. I would have to either abort the plan or make sure that the incident remains a secret. Another dangerous incident involving Harry will make others truly believe Rita's allegations and consider removing their children from Hogwarts.

Damn that woman. From where did she get the idea to allege such a thing. Now I have to make sure that any future incidents I use to test Harry remains a secret or else I will be forced to expel him from Hogwarts to appease others.”

While Dumbledore was lost in his thoughts, Malfoy and Madam Longbottom returned to the office followed by the professors.

Malfoy ”You are very fortunate Headmaster that Draco was not harmed yesterday. Now I cannot harshly punish those involved. But at the very least I will make sure that your plans of making that oaf the next Care of Magical Creatures professor after the current one retires are foiled. This incident is enough to convince the others governors that our children are not safe near him.”

Madam Longbottom ”I also agree that Hagrid is not suited to be a teacher. If he thinks Forbidden forest is safe for first years then I am afraid to think what dangerous creatures he will deem safe for the children in his classes.

Minerva should also be punished. The punishment I am considering for her is removing her from the Head of the House position. Neville was hurt yesterday and I heard that he was hurt during his first flying class too. She did not do her job and inform me about these incidents. After asking some other children I have come to know that she is neglecting a lot of her important duties as Head of Gryffindor house. I will not allow this to continue.

I recommend looking for a replacement for the Head of Gryffindor. During the next Governors meet, I am sure many people will agree with me on the punishment suggested after I show them my findings.”

McGonagall did not look happy but she did not try to argue since she knew that due to her other posts she was not performing her duties as the Head of the House properly.

Dumbledore was also not happy but he could not do anything to save her from the punishment. McGonagall spent a lot of time doing some of his work due to him being busy with his other jobs. This led to her neglecting most of her other duties. Hagrid will also be disappointed after hearing that his dreams of teaching a class will not come true.

Suddenly the two Aurors rushed into the room and whispered something in Madam Bones's ear. After they were finished relaying the news, Madam Bones looked mad and while glaring at Dumbledore she went towards the fireplace and called for reinforcements using the Floo.

Madam Bones ”You have a lot of explaining to do Headmaster. Can you explain why you have a Cerberus inside the school and why is it behind a door that is locked by only a simple locking charm that can be opened by a first year spell?”

Dumbledore paled at the revealation but did not reply. The other attendants in the room including the Minister gasped.

Madam Bones ”I am calling more Aurors and people from Department of Control of Magical Creatures to take care of it. Don't dare deny having knowledge of the creature since we have many witnesses of you announcing the danger in front of the whole school during the opening feast.”