64 Chapter 64

Dumbledore: "Since Harry can't go back to his relatives this summer, I think it would be best for him to remain here at Hogwarts with me as I am his magical guardian. I am sure I will be able to provide him with the protection he needs."

McGonagall snapped at him and said,

McGonagall: "Now you remember that you are his magical guardian. And what's this I hear about protection you are able to provide. If you're so able to protect him now, why didn't you do so from the start instead of letting him suffer for all these years with those muggles?"

Dumbledore: "Now is not the time to let the anger get the better of ourselves. We need to think about Harry's protection. As his magical guardian, it's my decision to make and I believe it is imperative that he remains at Hogwarts for the Summer."

Wow, talk about being shameless. If Hogwarts was so safe then why the hell is he in life-threatening danger each and every year, multiple times at that. Why not just come out and say that you want him under your thumb. Well, no matter, two can play this game. I didn't want to do this since you are going to die next year anyway, but since you forced my hand then be prepared to let go of every hold you have on him. I guess it's time for Harry to go independent, under my expert guidance and influence of course.

Me: "Actually, it's not your decision to make any longer. As an adult, he can make his own choice about his living conditions."

They looked confused at that. Seriously, how clueless can one get? Not to mention Harry and McGonagall, even Dumbledore is looking confused.

McGonagall: "What are you talking about, Professor Canis? He is only fifteen and needs two more years for him to become an adult."

Me: "Yeah, about that, he became an adult in the eyes of the law last year when he became a champion in Triwizard tournament. You see, it's clearly written in the contract that one needs to be an adult to become a champion and participate in the Triwizard tournament. Since Dumbledore as his magical guardian and Fudge as Minister of Magic let him participate in the tournament, they unintentionally declared him to be an adult. Since they could have removed him from participating due to being a minor but chose not to, it effectively emancipated him."

Both Harry and McGonagall looked shocked, while Dumbledore had a look of understanding. I continued,

Me: "Well as you see, as an emancipated minor, he doesn't have a magical guardian anymore and it's his sole decision to decide where he wants to live. All we can do is to give him suggestions but it's ultimately his choice to make."

Harry: "Are you sure? I mean, I don't have to live with the Dursley's any longer do I?"

Me: "No Harry. As I said it's your choice to make and yours alone. If you don't want to live somewhere, no one can force you to to do so, unless they detain you against your will, which is kidnapping."

Harry looked happy at the prospect but before he goes and decides to live at the burrows with Weasley family, I interjected.

Me: "But before you decide anything, I would like to remind you that Voldemort is still out there and it's dangerous for you to live somewhere unprotected."

Here Dumbledore perks up and says,

Dumbledore: " I must agree with Professor Canis, your life is still in danger, my boy, until the threat is passed, you must stay here at Hogwarts so I can keep you safe."

Me: "Actually, I think it would be best if he stays with me. I admit Hogwarts has powerful wards, but there are many secret passages which are unprotected and since Voldemort himself has studied here in the past, it's highly probable that he knows about many such passageways. But unlike Hogwarts, my house is secure and has very powerful wards put up by myself personally. In fact, Even Madam Bones is staying there because of this fact and her niece Susan is also going to stay there during the summer until it's safe."

Yeah, if I am going to have a lasting impact on Harry and firmly establish myself as the one he looks at for guidance, I need to make sure to remove every hold Dumbledore has on him including Weasley family, as they are the firm supporters of Dumbledore.

Dumbledore: "You are right, it might not be best for Harry's safety if he were to stay here. In that case, I have a perfect place in mind. Harry, my boy, I am sure you would want to spend some time with your Godfather this summer, so you can stay with him. Additionally, the Weasley family is also going to stay there this summer, so this way you can also stay with your friends young Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger."

Harry actually looked like he was going to agree. Well played Dumbledore, exploiting his feeling for his only living family, his Godfather. But you are the only one who can play this card. Time for me to bring out the big guns.

Me: "Actually about that, if you want you can bring Sirius with you. Since he was innocent and was unjustly imprisoned for all those years, it's time to clear his name."

Even though he's was confused, he still asked with obvious excitement in his voice,

Harry: "But how are we going to do that ? We dont have any evidence since that rat Pettigrew already escaped."

Me: "Well You see, as you know Madam Bones is staying at my house and I brought up the issue previously and as Head of DMLE, she should be able to directly exonrate Sirius if we can convince her of his innocence. As he was never given any trial and imprisoned directly, he is still under her jurisdiction, pending trial. So she can just clear his name directly since he was never proven guilty."