Clandestine meeting at the Lake Ⅲ

Paying no mind to their audience, Nadira pressed closer staring deep into the eyes of the wizard. What she found therein was sufficiently satisfactory and to her liking. She drew her head back to proudly gaze down at the stunned wizard.

"Emrys Linnaeus, you have been summoned by the appointed Guardian of Hogwarts. I ask you on this night and before all those present, do you solemnly vow to serve and protect Hogwarts and those under your charge as Headmaster of Hogwarts?"

No one could ever accuse Master Linnaeus of being slow. Without pause, Master Linnaeus considered the ramifications of the pros and cons. In the end, he determined there are far more benefits to be had than negatives. That and well, there hadn't been a Slytherin Headmaster since Phineas Nigellus Black. And he intended to do his house proud! (That and the political ramifications for his career would be greatly appreciated!

Bowing his head, Master Linnaeus replied, "I, Emrys Linnaeus vow before the Guardian of Hogwarts and all those present that I will willingly bind myself to Hogwarts as Headmaster of Hogwarts. I vow to serve and protect Hogwarts and all those under my charge as Headmaster of Hogwarts. So, mote be."

The gem on Nadira's forehead began to glow as a cascade of stars is emitted from Hogwarts. A swirling, twinkling wave engulfs Master Linnaeus binding him to Hogwarts as Headmaster. The twinkling just as rapidly vanished plunging them back into the dark.

Nadira lets out an exhausted sigh. "I shall retire now," she tiredly murmured, before darting away and plunging into the depths of the lake to rest. She would speak properly in private to the Headmaster of Hogwarts at a later time. She would have plenty of time to do so.

There is a moment of silence until it is broken by Fawkes, who happily flutters his wings letting out a happy chirp. The stinky worm was gone! Finally!

"Fawkes," Albus chided the phoenix with a twinkle in his eye. He had a feeling; he knew exactly what Fawkes was thinking. And it was not very polite at all.

A faint flush dusted Lucius Malfoy's cheeks as he finally recovers himself from his stupor. He bangs his walking stick against the grass and gruffly says, "I believe, we have a new Headmaster and a new guardian," he paused with an unhappy frown. "We shall discuss the specifics at our next meeting. I believe it has been a tediously long day for all of us, the meeting is adjourned."

With his opera cloak fluttering Lucius Malfoy stomps away. He refused to mention what had transpired with the wicked serpent to Narcissa! He would only give a summary, no details. Perchance, he would even consider sending Aurora to Beauxbatons or even Durmstrang. They had cousins there. Certainly, not out of any sort of dread! The two magical institutions in question had more experience and qualifications than Hogwarts! It is simply a known fact!

The other board members also scatter returning to their homes to rest or those like Izuki Saito recount the incredible tale to his wife and children. Others will take a side trip to the Daily Prophet or one of the other newspapers. The extra coins never hurt anyone. And well, it would put them in good favor with the news outlets. One never knew when one might need a favor or for unsavory news to be pulled and not be reported to the public.

The Hogwarts board members swiftly depart with the exception of three, Walburga Black, Master Linnaeus, and Albus Dumbledore, who make small conversation. Walburga remains quiet as she tarries for other pressing matters.

"Please allow me to show you the headmaster's office, Headmaster Linnaeus" Albus invitingly said with a bit of a sad, but warm smile. "I will have my things out by tomorrow, Master Linnaeus. I am certain that you will want to move in as soon as possible."

"I am certain the quarters will be most accommodating, Professor Dumbledore," Master Linnaeus sincerely replied. "You have both my condolences and your congratulations at having garnered the attention, Guardian Nadira."

Albus chuckles at the remark. "The sentiment surely rings true, Headmaster Linnaeus."

The two wizards traverse the grounds and enter the grounds closely followed by Walburga Black, who quickly way to the infirmary. She had been pointedly tasked by Dorea Potter (nee Black), her aunt to retrieve her adopted grandson, Lorcan D'Eath. (The house elves with ease had already retrieved the boy's belongings).

Personally, Walburga was somewhat fond of the half-breed child. The boy played well with all of the children of her cousins from the reinstated squib lines. That and well, they owed the boy. Many more would have died that night if not for the boy's timely warning.

Walburga's grip on her skirt tightens as she sees the cots filled with children dozing fitfully with nightmares. Most of the injuries are minor already well on their way to healing. Others are still healing but will finish healing well enough by the morrow if not the following day.

Being a mother with children of her own, Walburga's heart was moved. She passes several beautiful golden-haired beauties causing her to loudly sniff. She recognized the girls as the get of Ethel Greengrass. That particular Greengrass branch reproduced like rabbits!

"Madam Pomfrey," Walburga loudly cleared her throat to gain the attention of the infirmary matron. "I am here to collect, Lorcan D'Eath at the request of Aunt Dorea Potter, the boy's guardian."

Madam Pomfrey's once white apron and cap are dirtied with grim, blood, and other body fluids. She simply looks exhausted, but she had patients to tend too. If not for the timely arrival of Ames and his nieces, Lorraine, Leyna, Valencia, Serene, Argene, Minyonette, and Amadine, she does not what she would have done!

"Mrs. Black," Madam Pomfrey greeted the pureblood witch and coincidentally newest Hogwarts Board member. "Please come with me," she said motioning to Valencia to take care of the patient she had been tending.

Poppy Pomfrey led the stern Black family matriarch to a corner of the infirmary. Poppy gently pulls the linen curtains back to reveal three children inside. Curled up laying on his side is Lorcan D'Eath staring blankly with soulless black eyes at the wall. His skin is even more pale than usual, and his laps are practically blue. There is a resigned, depressed air about him. It was as though he had given up on life. It is a rather distressing thought.