Chapter 027

That had all four tables immediately shut up.

"So that you're aware of what's going on," she said. "The following members of Hogwarts staff have been taken into custody by the DMLE to answer certain questions relating to Lord Potter's revelations during the first task: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Pomona Sprout, Filius Flitwick, the person who was masquerading as Alastor Moody, Poppy Pomfrey and Rubeus Hagrid. I have also just been informed that the real Alastor Moody was found locked in a multi-compartment trunk in the DADA office, where he has been since before school started this school year.

"As such the number of staff remaining is insufficient for the school to carry on with normal operations. And, as such, classes are cancelled for the foreseeable future."

When the noise levels rapidly rose she loudly snapped out, "Be quiet!"

The rising noise suddenly shut off again.

"When I speak, you listen," she snapped. When no one interrupted again she continued, "Under my authority as Director of the DMLE, I've declared the entire grounds of Hogwarts a crime scene. That means, until I state otherwise, I am in charge. All decisions regarding this school are mine to make."

After giving that a long moment to be 'absorbed', she continued. "As I am in charge there will be no acting Headmaster or -mistress... or Deputy. There will also be no Heads of Houses. I and my aurors are, temporarily at least, filling all of those roles.

"I am also very aware of just how much rule-breaking and troublemaking was allowed to go on. That stops right now.

"Fighting will now be seen as 'Assault'. That means all parties involved will be arrested and taken to one of my holding cells. Depending on the severity of the trouble-making you could find yourself in the same accommodations. Severe enough rule-breaking or trouble-making - at my discretion - may very well see you immediately suspended and sent home in disgrace. I am not a forgiving person and my aurors are to act the same. This is the only warning you will receive on that.

"Next: No one is to pressure Lord Potter on the information he brought to light during the task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Lord Potter is now a prime witness in the criminal prosecutions I have no doubt will evolve out of what he shared with us today. If you hassle Lord Potter about any of it he is to immediately inform me or one of my aurors. You will then be arrested and a charge of witness tampering may well be levelled against you. A conviction of witness tampering can see you sent to Azkaban. At the minimum, after you are questioned as to what you thought you were doing, you will find yourself suspended and sent home on the spot. Again, this is the only warning you will receive.

"Now, I was going to sit and have lunch with my niece before heading back to my office, where I'll be immediately starting official investigations. However, I now believe I will not have time for that. And there'll be no trying to pump my niece for information, either. That, too, will be looked upon very unfavourably. If you bother her about it, you also might find yourself suspended and sent home. Actually, if you bother anyone about it, you'll probably find yourself suspended and sent home.

"Enjoy your lunch. I suggest you then make use of your now otherwise free time from classes with self-study. My aurors will be keeping an eye on all of you."

With that she stepped away from the podium and made her way to the Gryffindor table and straight to Harry.

"Lord Potter," she said. Before Harry could verbally acknowledge her she added in a clear and carrying voice, "What I said up there is true. If anyone questions you about your revelations you are to immediately inform one of my aurors. Understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am," he immediately and just as clearly replied.

"Good," she nodded. "At some time over the next couple of days I'll have one of my aurors come and collect you. Once I've had time to go through those memories you provided I'll need to talk to you about them. Is that alright?"

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "That's fine."

She then turned her attention to Hermione and asked, "The same goes for you, Miss Granger, as with Lord Potter. Is that alright with you?"

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied. "But, aren't I supposed to have my parents with me if you want to talk to me?"

"You're over fifteen, aren't you? I believe you had a birthday a couple months back?" asked Amelia.

"Yes," replied Hermione.

"Then, no. It is not required unless you're being questioned where you might find yourself being charged," explained Amelia. "You are not someone I'm currently looking to charge."

"Then, can I at least have Harry there?"

Surprised at the question, Amelia glanced at Harry, who nodded back that he was okay with it.

Turning back to Hermione she replied, "That will be fine. However, he will not be able to answer any questions for you. He will have to remain silent. Am I understood?"

"Yes; thank you," she replied, quite relieved.

Giving a short nod, Amelia said, "Very well. Now I need to say goodbye to my niece." And left to head across and to the Hufflepuff table.

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