The Deceit Of A Lifetime

The mood in the headmaster’s office was ominous. The normal luster in the old man’s eyes was completely gone as he looked tiredly across the people in his office. The attack had come sooner than he had anticipated, and he had been caught only half-prepared. Thankfully, no students had been killed, though several were severely injured, including Harry Potter. It was worse than he feared, however, when he had learned that the invaders to his school were there with the sole intent of kidnapping the boy.

After making sure that the students in need of care were in the hospital wing, he had gathered his most trusted staff in his office to discuss the matter at hand. He knew that the entire student body was his responsibility but, as always, his mind was focused on the Boy Who Lived, who, at his last inspection, was unconscious but stable.

Before him sat Madam Pomfrey, the school’s strong-minded, yet gentle, mediwitch. She had attempted to rebuke the Headmaster when he demanded her presence, citing that she had students to care for. However, he had been adamant that her presence was required. Also present was the Deputy Headmistress, Professor Minerva McGonagall, and the Slytherin Head of House, Severus Snape.

After glancing over the other three staff members one last time, he carefully fingered a lemon drop from the dish on his desk and slipped it into his mouth. “You all know why we are here,” he began. “Before we begin, how is Mr. Potter, Poppy?” he inquired. He saw the expression on Snape’s face, one which told him that the Potions Master felt there were more important topics to discuss, but chose to ignore it.

“Stable, and sleeping,” she replied softly. She too noticed the expression on Snape’s face, as well as the worried glance from Professor McGonagall. “He should awake within the next 12 hours or so.”

“And other student injuries?” he inquired.

“Six students suffering from the results of Cruciatus,” she began, “as well as nine others who were hit with a variety of other curses or hexes, of varying degrees of power.”

Dumbledore only nodded in response. “Voldemort has, for perhaps the first time, openly attacked Hogwarts. This is a very dangerous situation, and shows that he is gaining confidence in himself and his growing power,” he began.

“It was an unwise decision to attempt to take Potter from here,” said Snape. “I told him as much when he advised me of what was going on. However, he refused to listen, as did Lucius. They felt that the Death Eaters they sent would be more than sufficient to get their hands on Mr. Potter.”

Dumbledore didn’t even nod this time. “We are aware of that,” he replied, turning his attentions to Professor McGonagall. “Have the Aurors come and taken custody of those Death Eaters who were still on the grounds?”

She nodded at him. “There were fourteen altogether, including parents of three Hogwarts students. Seven of them were inside or near Gryffindor Tower at the time they were captured. Had it not been for Miss Granger and several other brave students, it is highly likely that Mr. Potter would not be here right now.”

McGonagall was concerned about the future, as a result of the attack, but she wasn’t going to hesitate in showing pride in the bravery and ability of her students. Snape, however, looked at her and scoffed, a dismissive sound emitting from his mouth before Dumbledore held up a hand to indicate the need for silence.

Snape, however, was not going to comply. “Potter is an endangerment to every student on these grounds,” he said angrily. “I believe it is unwise for him to remain here, considering that You-Know-Who is now willing to openly attack us here.”

It was McGonagall’s turn to scoff at her colleague. “And just exactly what do you propose we do with him, Professor?” she said, narrowing her eyes over her glasses, her piercing gaze locking directly with the Potions Master’s.

“Silence,” Dumbledore said loudly, his voice echoing slightly through the office. The three others present turned and looked at him, somewhat surprised. “Unfortunately, Severus,” he began, taking a deep breath to prepare himself, “the Ministry of Magic agrees with you. They want the boy transferred out of the country.”

McGonagall’s eyes opened wide as she stared in abject horror at the Headmaster. “Albus, you can’t possibly agree with that! That boy needs to stay here, where he is going to be safe!” she declared. “Mr. Potter is just going to be further endangered if he is taken away from this school!”

Dumbledore held up his hand again. “I understand your concerns, Minerva,” he replied. “However, after careful consideration, it was decided that the safest possible place for Mr. Potter may be somewhere that nobody expects him to be.”

Snape’s eyes almost seemed to light up at this. Due to conflicts with the Boy Who Lived’s father while they were in school together, and Potter’s stature for being famous for merely being alive, he had long ago wanted to see the boy gone from Hogwarts. It appeared that, perhaps, the fates were shining on him, and he would finally get his wish.

“Poppy,” the aged wizard said, turning his gaze on her and doing his best to ignore the almost elated expression on Severus’ face. “As soon as Harry has awoken and is in condition to do so, I ask that you please have him come to my office.”

The mediwitch merely nodded in reply.

“Albus,” McGonagall interjected again, “you cannot allow this to happen! If Potter leaves this place, he will be more exposed than ever. He will be killed!”

For the first time in as long as he could remember, the words of his Transfiguration Professor bit into Dumbledore’s heart. He himself was unsure of whether this type of action is what would save Harry’s life, or destroy it forever. However, there was little alternative left if he was going to keep the other students safe at Hogwarts.

“Minerva, the decision has already been made,” he replied. He rose from his seat and locked gazes with each of the three others before continuing. “I will speak with him as soon as he is able. Until then, we will work to undo what has been done by the attack on the school.” His tone left no room for discussion, and the three left his office soon after.