Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Dumbledore's Decision
Harry and Ron arrived back at the Gryffindor common room to find it filled to the brim with fellow students. Many shot Harry confused looks, which soon turned to contrition as they openly expressed their regret for ever suspecting him as the Heir of Slytherin. After all, it was common knowledge that Harry would never harm Hermione. Her recent attack unexpectedly acted as a kind of grim acquittal for Harry - an uninvited absolution he would rather have gone without.
In the midst of the commotion, the Weasley twins were found orchestrating a fiery, animated speech. The weight of their anger and resentment was heavily directed at Slytherin House. The Chamber of Secrets, its residing monster, was the brainchild of Salazar Slytherin after all, and the traditional rivalry that existed between Gryffindor and Slytherin House insisted it was well deserved.
Professor McGonagall made her entrance into the common room, her usually stern face now pallid and drawn. She delivered somber news - Hogwarts was now at risk of closing its doors. The Ministry of Magic had intervened and she fervently implored any students with knowledge about the situation to step forward. Revealing the culprit behind the attacks could put an end to the chaos.
In the wake of her departure, a palpable silence fell over the students. Regardless of how spirited their speeches were or how firm their convictions felt, it did little to alter the grim reality they faced. Lurking in a corner, unnoticed, Harry's determination started to grow.
"We've got to talk to Hagrid," he said, his voice firm.
Ron, although appearing slightly sullen, echoed his sentiment, "You know I don't think Hagrid would ever do anything to hurt Hermione."
"Neither do I, but he opened the chamber last time. We have to talk to him, he must know something about who opened it this time, or at least how to put an end to this!"
A plan was hatched and as twilight descended, Harry procured his father's Invisibility Cloak. Both he and Ron were thus able to stealthily exit Hogwarts Castle, which was now being patrolled not only by professors but also by prefects and the ever-vigilant resident ghosts. Reaching Hagrid's hut was no small feat, but they persevered nonetheless.
Upon their arrival, Hagrid seemed to be on edge. He stood anxiously, bow and arrow in hand, while keeping a vigilant watch around his hut. He nearly shot the two young wizards who had stealthily approached.
Recognizing them, Hagrid stowed away his weapons and ushered them into his hut, all while muttering under his breath. "It's you! I thought it was…"
He proceeded to make tea, his mind visibly elsewhere. Wasting no time, Harry began, "Hermione's been attacked."
Hagrid audibly swallowed when handing the boys their tea. "Yeah, I heard," he replied, his voice thick.
His gaze kept flitting back and forth between the boys and the window. Harry tried to lock eyes with him but was unsuccessful.
"We thought you might know something..."
Before he could finish, a mild knock came from the door. In the ensuing panic, Hagrid knocked over a treacle tart. Both Harry and Ron threw on the Invisibility Cloak and quickly found solace in a safe corner of the room. Once Hagrid saw them concealed, he defensively picked up his weapon and answered the door.
In the doorway stood Dumbledore, accompanied by a short, rotund wizard dressed in a muggle suit and a wizarding robe. Recognition hit Ron who whispered to Harry, "That's Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, he's my dad's boss!" Harry jabbed him in the side to silence him.
Hagrid's face fell at the sight of his unexpected guests, realizing Fudge's presence probably didn't bode well. But with Dumbledore's presence, he felt cornered and reluctantly let them in.
Fudge, clearly restless and noticeably on edge, drummed his fingers together. "Hogwarts has now been attacked four times and the writers at the Daily Prophet are working away on their articles as we speak. The entire British wizarding community will be aware of the situation by tomorrow. We need to show them we have this under control."
The veiled meaning of his words hung heavily in the room.
"I didn't do it," Hagrid vented, pleadingly turning to Dumbledore. "You know I didn't, Professor, sir..."
Dumbledore, despite the tension, remained completely collected. "I have reiterated time and time again, Fudge, that Hagrid has my fullest confidence. The present situation is unrelated to him, just like those of the past. To take him away today would serve no purpose."
Fudge, fidgeting with his hat, whined "But you're missing the point, Dumbledore. As the Minister for Magic, I have to act in response to these incidents. I'm not saying that I wish to harm Hagrid. I merely suggest that we bring him in for an investigation. As soon as the perpetrator has been identified and captured, he will, of course be cleared."
Taken aback, Hagrid reluctantly asked, "You want to send me to Azkaban, don't you?"
"No, I would never. Where exactly you'll be sent will be decided by the Department of Law Enforcement," Fudge diplomatically skirted the topic.
After an uncomfortable silence, Dumbledore finally vocalized his thoughts. His tone, unreadable. "So, you're unyielding on the decision to take Hagrid away today?"
Fudge seemed more uncertain as Dumbledore maintained composure. After what seemed like an eternity, he responded, "Dumbledore, think of the public. They wants answers... don't you see, my hands are bound..."
As Fudge prepared to continue, he was gently cut short by Dumbledore's raised hand. "As the Minister for Magic, you indeed have the right to remove Hagrid, if you so insist."
Fudge visibly relaxed upon seeing Dumbledore's sudden calmness and a victorious smile found its way on his face. Hagrid, however, paled at the sight. Dumbledore, however, was not finished. "Given the recent developments, I believe that Hogwarts is unsafe. In three days, I will send all the students home and shut down Hogwarts until the true villain is apprehended and we can ensure the resumption of normal schooling."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
_Riux
_Riux Does anyone read these? As I said before, if we reach 4k collections by next weekend I'll push out 30 chapters! We're at 3.1k right now, only 900 to go ^^
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone