Aftermath Of Abandonment ✔ - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Albus Dumbledore paced restlessly within the confines of his cottage in Mould-on-the-Wold, a quaint and almost idyllic setting that concealed his presence from the prying eyes of the Wizarding World. For a year and a half, he had meticulously woven this charade of his demise, retreating into the shadows after faking his death. Within these four walls, memories lingered, including those of his family—the monumental Percival and Kendra Dumbledore, whose lives had shaped his own. He was the eldest of three, with the weight of responsibility tightening around him like a noose.
His thoughts turned to Aberforth, his younger brother, and Ariana, his delicate sister whose life had been marred by the cruelty of Muggles, leading to her magic turning inward and inflicting harm upon her fragile self. It was a dark legacy etched into their family, woven tight with tragedy, when their father, in a fit of rage, retaliated against those vile Muggles, only to land himself in Azkaban. This left Albus to shoulder the burden of guardianship, feeling the weight of despair and expectation bearing down on him, even as Gellert Grindelwald had entered his life. This man was once a friend, now a lover, bound in an ambitious dream.
With Gellert, he envisioned a future where they would rule over the Wizarding World with absolute power, a world they would shape according to their ideals. Yet, as time passed, their paths diverged; conflicting desires ignited a ferocious duel that culminated with Albus seemingly vanquishing Gellert, who, unbeknownst to the world, still drew breath, hiding away like Albus himself. To those around him, Albus was a beacon of hope, likened to Merlin, revered and almost idolised by the masses, while shadows of the past loomed larger.
Yet, an ordinary boy named Tom Marvolo Riddle, born on the doorstep of Wool Orphanage threatened the fragile peace Albus had believed he would protect. Riddle's nascent power dwarfed Albus's own; at eleven, he embodied a darkness that sparked fear. Realising the precarious balance of their world, Albus plunged Tom deep into despair, ensuring he could never see the light again. Amidst this chaos, a drunken seer's careless words foretold a child's destiny—to kill the Dark Lord. In the wake of those ominous prophecies, he found a new hope in a one-day-old baby, Harry Potter, envisioning him as a weapon against the encroaching darkness.
As the years unfolded, Albus watched helplessly as Harry grew; he never expected the boy would defy death itself, time and time again. The boy was resilient, stubborn perhaps to a fault, needing to learn the lessons Albus had hoped to impart. Today, he marked the climactic battle between Tom and Harry, a duel that cast its grim shadow across Wizarding Britain. Against all odds, Harry triumphed, achieving victory without spilling innocent blood—a miracle that left Albus both awed and restless.
Now, hidden away, he found himself trapped in this self-imposed exile without any means to prove he was still alive. His efforts to reach out had fallen short; neither Molly, Hermione, Ginny, nor Ron had responded to his owls, leaving him with a sense of irritation spiralling into worry. Lost in thought, he was jarred back to reality by the sharp tap of an owl against his window. He opened it cautiously, only to pale at the sight that awaited him.
Albus Dumbledore,
The esteemed members of the Wizengamot summon you to appear before the court today at precisely 9:00 in the morning. This urgent notification comes as a result of severe and grave accusations levelled against you by Lord Potter, which include theft of lineage, embezzlement of funds, conspiracy to commit murder, and a multitude of other charges that demand your immediate attention.
You will be instantaneously transported to the Wizengamot chambers after reading this notification. Please be aware that this magical mechanism is designed to prevent any possibility of your escape or evasion of the proceedings without our observation.
Sincerely,
The Ministry
As Albus read the letter's contents, a shock wave washed over him, leaving him momentarily stunned. Just as he began to comprehend the gravity of the situation, he felt a sudden, disorienting tug at his navel. He was instantly transported to a grand court, the air thick with tension, amidst a sea of opulent Lords and Ladies. To his astonishment, the assembly before him was predominantly youthful, with three-quarters of the crowd consisting of bright-eyed young nobles. At the same time, the remaining quarter was made up of older, more seasoned figures. A chill of anxiety crept through him, yet he steeled his face, refusing to let the fear seep into his outward demeanour.
"The court is now in session; the case before us is Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore vs Hadrian James Aries Potter-Black," intoned Lord Zabini, his voice echoing through the chamber.
A hush fell over the crowd as Amelia Bones, the chief magistrate, asserted her authority. "All present will remain silent unless granted permission to speak; this session is presided over by Lady Daphne Greengrass. The matter today comes from Lord Hadrian Potter-Black, who seeks to hold his charges against Albus Dumbledore accountable."
With a keen, piercing gaze, Daphne turned to Albus. "Albus Dumbledore, you stand accused of several serious offences: line theft, manipulation of the heir of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses, embezzlement, and conspiracy to commit murder. What is your plea?"
"Why, my dear Daphne, I assure you, I am not guilty," Albus proclaimed, a playful glint dancing in his deep blue eyes, embodying the grand persona he had carefully crafted over the years.
"Dumbledore," Daphne replied, her voice steady yet commanding, "please remember that you stand before me as the accused, and as a Lady of this house, it is quite unacceptable for you to neglect a formal greeting. Though you've claimed innocence, you will still be administered truth serum." Her tone was resolute, leaving no room for argument.
Hadrian was busy in the background as she spoke, jotting down essential questions he needed to address later that day. With a sense of urgency, he passed them to Daphne just before stepping into the chambers. This secret was known only to his closest family and friends.
Once the serum was administered—an elixir crafted by none other than Hadrian himself and known only to Amelia and the Unspeakable—it began to work its magic, even against the antidote they had previously consumed. Gradually, Albus's eyes took on a glazed, distant look, surrendering to the inevitable effects of the potion as it coursed through his veins.
The atmosphere thickened with anticipation in a solemn chamber filled with curious onlookers as the first question was posed.
"What is your full name?" a voice rang out, cutting through the tension.
Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore, a figure of wisdom and power, responded calmly, "Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore."
Next, the inquisitor asked, "What was your house during your years at Hogwarts?"
Dumbledore's expression remained composed as he answered, "Gryffindor," evoking a whisper of nostalgia among the audience.
The next question dramatically shifted the atmosphere: "How do you know Gellert Grindelwald, and what is your relationship with him?"
Albus replied with a hint of vulnerability, "I have known Gellert since childhood. Our families were connected; his Aunt Bathilda Bagshot was a close friend of my mother's; in time, we became lovers." This revelation hung in the air, prompting numerous gasps of shock and disgust from those assembled in the room, their minds racing to comprehend the implications.
Another query followed swiftly, "Did you defeat and kill Gellert Grindelwald?"
A flicker of sadness crossed Dumbledore's features as he responded, "No, I didn't defeat him. We orchestrated a performance, a façade. He remains very much alive; I did not kill him." The room fell into a heavy silence, the truth weighing on the listeners' hearts.
Lastly, the questioning turned to a more practical matter. "Where have you kept Gellert Grindelwald all these years?"
He took a deep breath before revealing, "He resides in Nurmengard, under my protection, as I am his secret keeper." The gravity of his words resonated deeply, leaving the audience in stunned contemplation.
"Did you intentionally guide Tom Marvolo Riddle, who would become known as the Dark Lord Voldemort, towards the path of Darkness out of jealousy for his growing powers?"
"Yes, I was acutely aware that he would inevitably surpass my skills as he matured, and I found it unsettling. To prevent him from ever becoming my equal, I subtly nudged him towards the shadows, all in the name of what I believed to be the greater good."
"Did you cast the Fidelius Charm on Potter's Cottage?"
"Yes, I took it upon myself to cast that protective charm."
"Were you aware that Sirius Black was not the Secret Keeper of the Potters, but rather Peter Pettigrew was?"
"Yes, I was fully aware of that detail."
"Then why didn't you disclose the truth about Sirius Black's innocence to the world?"
"Because he will obstruct my plans to control young Potter and manage not only his wealth but also his estates,"
"Let us begin with the initial accusation: the child endangerment charge against Lord Hadrian Potter-Black. On the fateful day of November 1, 1981, did you indeed leave Mr Potter on the doorstep of a Muggle, one Mrs Petunia Dursley, who is the sister of the late Lily Potter, née Evans, without so much as knocking and informing them that they would be responsible for their nephew's care?"
"Yes, I placed him on the doorstep, accompanied by a letter stating they were to look after the Potter Boy until he reached the appropriate age to attend Hogwarts."
"Did you implement protective charms or wards on the dwelling to ensure his safety? If so, could you specify what they were?"
"Indeed, I placed several powerful wards upon the house: blood wards to strengthen familial ties, notice-me-not wards to keep unwanted attention at bay, post-restriction wards to control the flow of mail, and protections against individuals bearing the Dark Mark and creatures of darkness. Additionally, I cast anti-apparition wards to prevent unwanted transportation and anti-portkey wards to ensure their financial stability."
"Did you arrange for financial support for the Dursleys to care for Mr. Potter adequately? If so, how did you manage this and from what source?"
"I withdrew funds from the Potter Trust Vault to meet his needs."
"Did you obtain permission from Mr. Potter for these transactions, and to whom else did you direct payments besides the Dursleys?"
"No, I allocated funds to Molly Weasley and her children, Ginny and Ron Weasley."
"How did you gain access to his vaults?"
"I publicly announced my role as Harry's illegal guardian by intervening during the reading of the Late Lord and Lady Potter's Will, putting a halt to the proceedings meant to clarify Harry's rightful inheritance," he declared, his tone steady as he recounted his actions.
"Did you ever make an effort to visit him while he was in the care of the Dursleys? Were you aware of the conditions he endured—forced to work like a common slave, subjected to verbal abuse, and reduced to sleeping in a cramped cupboard under the stairs?"
"No, I never set foot in their home," he replied, a hint of regret barely visible in his eyes. "But I knew all too well that he was treated as little more than a servant, suffering at the hands of his cruel aunt and uncle."
"Did you take any measures to observe the Dursleys and their treatment of him secretly?" she pressed, her curiosity evident.
"Yes, I assigned a squib named Arabella Figg to keep an eye on them, providing a watchful presence amidst the chaos," he admitted.
"Alright, let's transition to a different topic. Did you intentionally suppress Harry's magical abilities while encouraging Ginny, Molly, Ron, and Hermione to befriend him?" Daphne inquired, her voice a mixture of disbelief and intrigue.
"Indeed, I enforced a magical bind that curtailed his abilities, all while orchestrating friendships with those four," he confirmed, his expression one of earnestness.
From that moment on, Daphne continued her relentless questioning, delving into the complexities of wards, charms, and magical binds employed year after year at Hogwarts. Each inquiry required careful explanation, and every answer she received returned to the justification of doing what was deemed necessary for the greater good.
"Yes, I wished for him to meet his end at Tom's hands," Albus confessed, a wave of panic surging through him as he contemplated the uncertain fate. In the dimly lit chamber, tension hung thick in the air, each moment stretching into eternity as he imagined the cruel interrogations that might unfold.
Daphne's voice cut through the suffocating silence. "Give him the antidote!" she commanded, her tone unwavering and resolute. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a shimmering silencing ward around Albus, isolating him from the outside world. This was the moment for them to deliberate his punishment, a reckoning for the crimes he had committed. They strategised for two hours, their hushed voices mingling with the flickering shadows as Albus anxiously awaited his fate.
"Albus Dumbledore, the verdict has been reached for your crimes. Your punishment will be severe: your wand will be snapped in two, severing your connection to the magical world. Furthermore, your abilities will be severely restricted, bound to a mere 15% of their former strength, rendering you powerless.
You will be isolated and disconnected from any contact with the outside world. A potent enchantment will ensure that you are not merely imprisoned in the physical sense; instead, you will be condemned to experience the total weight of the emotional torment inflicted upon your many victims. You will endure the pain, hate, anger, jealousy, sadness, anguish, disgust, and annoyance you have caused throughout your life. Each emotion will wash over you, one after the other, forcing you to confront the consequences of your actions.
Though you will remain alive, your existence will be one of perpetual torment under the watchful eye of the Ministry. As the Aurors escorted Albus away, the heavy weight of his fate settled upon him, and the cold, unforgiving stone of his cell awaited him—a stark reminder of the choices he made and the legacy he would leave behind."
"Did you genuinely desire for Mr Potter to succumb during the final battle against the Dark Lord?" she asked deliberately, her eyes probing for the truth in his responses.
Once everyone had vacated the chambers, including Hadrian's family, Hadrian and Neville, along with their companions, apparated to the enchanting shores of Italy for a dinner reservation at the illustrious Positano's Ristorante La Sponda. They had pre-booked under their names to ensure a memorable evening. Arriving at the nearest point, they swiftly transfigured their wizarding robes into casual Muggle attire, embracing the local culture—except for Hadrian, who opted to wear his traditional robes over his clothing. With a snap of his fingers, Kreacher appeared promptly, taking his master's robes and disappearing with a soft pop.
Once settled into their reserved table, they found themselves immersed in a private oasis, the beauty of the surroundings amplifying the magic of the night. The restaurant, perched on a scenic vantage point, offered breathtaking views of the city below, illuminated under a canopy of stars. The atmosphere was nothing short of romantic, with a gentle breeze carrying the intoxicating fragrance of blooming roses, creating a perfect blend of elegance and charm for their unforgettable evening.
"So, Hadrian, what do you have planned next?" Blaise inquired, leaning against a stone pillar as he scrutinised his friend. Hadrian was lost in thought, his gaze drifting over the bustling grounds of Hogwarts, taking in the vibrant colours of the landscape and the hidden shadows where his true friends lingered. They had stood by him when he set foot in this enchanted castle, some now cloaked in darkness to avoid drawing too much attention.
"Well," Hadrian began, his voice steady as he turned to face Blaise, "I'm considering pursuing Mastery in Defense, Transfiguration, Charms, and Potions. To hold the position of Headmaster at Hogwarts, we need at least four Masters, and for the title of Chief Warlock, three will suffice. Though, honestly, I'd prefer you for that role if you're interested," he added, glancing at Blaise earnestly.
The atmosphere shifted as his words hung in the air, and his friends exchanged astonished looks, the weight of his proposal settling around them.
"I would be truly honoured if you believed I could handle that position," Blaise said, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "In that case, I would pursue my Master in Runes, Arithmancy, and Potions." The mention of advanced studies sparked a flicker of ambition among his friends. Inspired by Blaise's aspirations, Theo nodded eagerly, wishing for the same Master. Daphne chimed in, her eyes bright with determination, revealing her ambitions as she declared, "I want to focus on Healing, Transfiguration, and Charms." Nearby, Susan's enthusiasm mirrored Daphne's as she voiced her desire to specialise in those same crucial areas.
Tracey and Hannah glanced knowingly before adding their choices, eager to delve into the realms of Runes, Transfiguration, and Arithmancy. At the same time, with a severe air, Neville mentioned his interest in Defense, Herbology, and Charms, his resolve clear in his eyes.
Daphne leaned back, contemplating the implications of their plans. "It's encouraging to think it will take approximately three years to complete our Masters. By then, we will have established a strong foundation within the Wizengamot. This will significantly aid us in implementing the new laws and policies we've been drafting," she stated, her tone thoughtful yet confident.
"That's right, Daphne," replied Susan, her brow furrowing slightly in concern. "However, we need someone dedicated to publishing only truthful information. Our new changes must be introduced to society to foster trust. I can't shake the feeling of distrust ever since The Prophet slandered Hadrian during that tumultuous summer after the fourth year," she said with a touch of distaste, eliciting chuckles from the others, who understood the weight of her concern.
"We can use Quibbler as our platform to introduce this new idea to people, but will they be open to it?" Theo queried, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"Acceptance from the public is beyond our control, Theo," Tracey replied with a steely determination. "However, if we are genuinely committed to positively impacting the world we inhabit, we must be prepared to overcome all the hurdles and obstacles that lie ahead." Her words resonated with the group, and they nodded in agreement individually, feeling the weight of their shared mission.
"Did you all know that the families of Black, Potter, and Longbottom predominantly own the Daily Prophet? They hold the majority of the shares, with only a mere 10% owned by the Ministry of Magic," Neville announced, his voice steady but edged with disbelief. He glanced around at his friends and noticed their shocked expressions, especially as he continued, "We're planning to seize control of the Prophet, and Tracey is ready to make bold moves to achieve that." The room fell silent as the enormity of his statement settled in, leaving everyone in stunned contemplation.
Hadrian's voice was warm and reassuring as he addressed the group. "Nev is speaking the truth; the Wizarding Orphanage will soon be in the capable hands of Theo and Ted Tonks. Ted will serve as the Healer of the orphanage, collaborating closely with Susan, provided she has no objections. Should she choose to accept a post with the Ministry in the future, Daphne will step in to assume her duties, as currently, she is keen on pursuing her healing career." A gentle smile adorned Hadrian's face, reflecting his confidence in their abilities.
A wave of camaraderie washed over the room as he concluded his explanation. The group exchanged heartfelt hugs, each friend feeling a deep sense of honour and gratitude for the responsibilities Hadrian had entrusted to them. It was a moment that solidified their bonds, reinforcing their shared mission.
Afterwards, the conversations meandered into various topics, laughter and stories filling the air, creating a warm atmosphere that enveloped them. The following dinner was delightful, rich in flavours and memories. As the evening wound down, individuals began to say their goodbyes, their hearts buoyed by the day's revelations.
When the last farewell was uttered, Hadrian found himself alone in his room, a profound sense of peace settling in. For the first time in nearly a year, he slipped into a deep slumber, embraced by the comforting absence of nightmares and the haunting fear of impending danger.