"Tea?"
The woman who had sat down moments prior let out a huff, "I would prefer something stronger."
Dumbledore merely smiled before pouring a cup of the steaming liquid for her guest before giving herself one as well and taking a seat. "So, how are things beyond Hogwarts?"
Amelia raised an eyebrow, "You haven't heard?"
"Nothing beyond what is in the papers," Dumbledore answered easily, "and even before this year I made a conscious effort to put little faith in such things. I am more interested in the actual response from the Ministry."
Bones sighed before stirring her tea and gathering her thoughts. "It is a mess, just like we knew it would be. This wasn't something anyone could hide or cover up, not at Hogsmeade, not with so many witnesses to the events. Add in the publicity created by the Minister and well, it is another fire we need to try and contain." The head of the DMLE removed her glasses to rub wearily at her face, "Lycans attacked Hogsmeade, seemed to be targeting the location where the Minister's 'ambassadors', mere children, were having dinner. No Aurors in sight, multiple injuries, possibly serious ones to the students. Considering we haven't had a statement yet." Here she looked up to look the Headmistress with a glare, which failed to even phase the older witch. "The press is beginning to assume the worst."
"If you have a problem with how the status updates of the two children are being handled, I suggest you take it up with their parents."
The two continued the impromptu staring contest for another few moments before Amelia broke it with a snort, "I assume Fudge has been making demands of them?"
"She has brought it up a few times, indirectly mind you, and as I have told her, Hogwarts does not publicly release information pertaining to students without direct parental or guardian permission."
There was an edge in the other woman's eyes, "Which does raise the concern of how this information is being leaked, especially with Hogwarts as locked down as it currently is."
"A student perhaps," Dumbledore mused, "Although if it is the same person who has been letting the information out as the previous articles it has me wondering how they were able to access medical information. Pomfrey is very diligent when it comes to privacy."
Amelia took a sip of her drink before setting the steaming cup back down, "A professor perhaps?"
"Possible, but unlikely. After the previous two years all, new members are rather closely watched for any signs of issues or suspicious behavior. As for the rest, I would not allow them such access without trusting them and their judgement, especially when it comes to Harry."
Bones hummed softly, "Quite protective of him hm?"
Again, eyes narrowed to study her, "I am protective of all my students."
"I have no doubt, but especially so of him hm? Using his first name, all your subtle attempts to prevent him from leaving the castle."
Dumbledore's response was flat and emotionless, "He has been through enough over these past few years, I didn't see any reason to continue the trend."
"And your shielding of him from any interview, whether from Aurors or the press?"
Eyes narrowed and for a split-second Amelia Bones felt an icy sensation creep down her spine. "Conversations tend to be taken out of context, especially when it comes to young people even more so when they are males. If I am a bit more protective towards those who need the protection, then so be it. I do, however, find it a bit concerning that you are also pushing for this without parental approval."
The Head of the DMLE quickly raised her hands in a disarming gesture, "I simply want to ensure everyone's safety, that's all. If I found out my officers were taking things out of context in such a way, they would be on desk duty for the remainder of their short careers."
Her words abated any residual anger, and the younger of the two found she could breathe easily once more. "Regardless of your intentions you will receive permission from his parents before speaking to him or any other student. I will not have Hogwarts turned into an interrogation hall, not again."
The meaning was clear, and Bones had the decency to flush with slight embarrassment at how the previous year was handled before nodding and taking another sip of her drink.
****
"Such a productive year this has been thus far."
Riddle growled in warning, something which others may have heeded but not Snape. Serena knew exactly what buttons to push to get a reaction, exactly what words to use to rile up her opponent.
She was a Slytherin, after all.
"Perhaps you could set him up on a date with a Dementor next, teach him a few rituals that have a simple cost such as a limb or internal organ."
"I never told him to put his life on the line."
But Snape merely scoffed in rebuttal, "You gave him all the tools, pushed him into developing dueling skills, focused on those traits and instincts. What did you think was going to happen?"
Riddle stalked forward, but her movements didn't earn so much as a sweat from her 'prey'. "And you? Should we just ignore all the damage you did last year? Ignore the danger your actions put him in? Ignore how you failed to keep a twelve-year-old boy from sneaking around after dark? You are just as dangerous as I for his future, you just don't want to admit it."
"He would have been safe with me!" Snape suddenly shouted, earning a pause from the older witch. "Learning potions and brewing, safe from foolish behavior and life-threatening dangers! But no, you just had to push, didn't you? You saw the son of Lily and James Potter and saw an opportunity to throw it in my face that you were mentoring him, sleeping with him, that they trusted you with their son's life. Well, where has it gotten us, Riddle? Multiple near-death situations, injured time and time again, and now at the center of yet another political fiasco. Even if he emerges from this unscathed the press will find out eventually and push him into fame that he doesn't want."
Grace stared for another half second before snorting with laughter, "Oh please, Harry wouldn't have made it two hours with your mentorship, and you know it. He simply does not have the mind or the patience for brewing complex potions. His parents chose me not by my insistence, but because of his own natural talents. Even if you had taught him, he would still be throwing himself into harm's way to protect others, it is simply who he is. I think the only real reason you are angry is because he wanted to be with me… and we both know even if his parents had chosen you as a mentor he wouldn't have allowed you to so much as touch him. If you want to act so concerned, then how about teaching him something useful rather than the correct number of times to stir a cauldron."
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