Snape opened her mouth to inquire further when the room fell silent save for the hissing that emanated from the boy. After speaking a few words in the language Harry found himself staring down at his hands, already aware of the looks he was receiving.
"It's why I didn't say anything before..." He all but whispered, "I was suspected in my own second year for the same reason."
His words seemed to have enough of an impact to cause embarrassment in most of those present even as the Headmistress cleared her throat, "And you shouldn't be. No one should be judged for a trait that they were born with or have no control over."
Another silence fell for a few seconds before Snape spoke once more, "Well, it is obvious he isn't involved."
Harry was quite sure why her dismissal annoyed him to the extent it did. Maybe it was too many years of being ignored, maybe it was the feeling as though a man could never do anything so manipulative, hell maybe it was just resentment towards the woman. Either way he opened his mouth to speak when she interrupted him.
"You might not be the craftiest of Slytherins Mr. Potter, but you aren't a fool. Why in the world would you make yourself one of the only two suspects if you were guilty?"
It was a good point, and Harry found himself, unwittingly perhaps, agreeing with the woman. Still, he had dismissed glaring evidence before on the grounds that it 'didn't make any sense'. "You should probably have someone keep an eye on me anyway." More than one adult stared back at him in confusion, forcing him to continue in his explanation. "Ginny didn't know what she was doing either until it was too late. I'm sure there are plenty of spells or magical items that can produce similar effects."
Dumbledore smiled softly before nodding, "That's a very good point Harry and very thoughtful of you to make such a request. We will ensure that any such guardian is appropriate and does not interfere with your studies or social life."
****
Harry had been dismissed from the staff meeting shortly after his suggestion, and from there he wandered about the halls for a few minutes before finding himself outside. Feeling restless, he directed himself towards the Quidditch Pitch in the hopes of finding it empty and perhaps even being able to do some flying while there was no one else around to see him.
Unfortunately, his luck didn't hold, and there was already a group of students practicing by the time he made it. Regardless, he couldn't find the urge to return to the stone corridors, and instead found an empty seat in one of the stands to rest in and allowed his mind to wander.
The entire situation was one big mess, and Riddle was clearly the primary suspect. It was just like the previous year, only this time the evidence clearly pointed towards the woman. But unlike before he just... couldn't see it.
Grace Riddle hadn't killed anyone during her own time at Hogwarts, hadn't left behind any evidence of the Chamber's opening. She wasn't a crazed sociopath proclaiming the superiority of Purebloods or women, hell she seemed nice when the outer frosty layers were pushed aside.
Nice.
Grace Riddle, nice.
Tom Riddle, nice.
Voldemort, nice.
Harry shook his head with a snort at that trail of logic. "Feels like I'm starting to go mad."
"It happens to the best of us." A voice replied, turning the boy's attention to the Headmistress who emerged nearby. "Would you mind some company?"
He was quick to gesture to the closest empty spot, "Sure."
Augustina sat down, weariness evident in her movements as she let out a sigh and began watching the players soaring high above. "Some days I wish I was your age again, no worries or concerns outside of school, no arguments to break up or problems that need solving."
"Must be nice," Harry countered easily, "to have such an easy childhood."
The woman couldn't hide her flinch, "Apologies, I didn't... I wasn't thinking."
But he was quick to wave off her concerns, "It's alright, I'm glad things seem to be more peaceful here, that Harriet and Amy had a good childhood."
A moment ticked by before Dumbledore spoke again, "I am sorry you can't enjoy Quidditch during the school year. We considered creating a team for just boys but… well with enrollment for wizards as low as it is we would be lucky to get one full team out of all seven years."
Harry merely shrugged her apology off. Yes, it did bother him, and he missed the exhilaration and freedom offered by flying and the sport itself but considering he had a family now it was a trade he would make without hesitation. "Gives me more free time for family and friends."
She nodded before continuing, "I am hesitant to ask but… what did your Dumbledore do in this situation?"
A harsh laugh did nothing to ease her concerns, "Nothing really, he had a lot going on though at the time with his other jobs and the whole thing turned out to be an attempt to have him removed as Headmaster."
Augustina blinked in confusion, "Who would want him removed so badly as to endanger children? Also, what do you mean 'other jobs'?"
"He was the Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot along with Headmaster. The people who wanted him removed were upset because of his actions against Voldemort and making their lives difficult I guess."
She stared in disbelief before slowly shaking her head, "I cannot… imagine attempting to do any of those two things at the same time much less three. He should have been told to make a choice between his political career and Hogwarts."
Her words affected him deeper than he realized as anger shot through his veins, "He's a good person! He stopped Voldemort, saved lives, he…"
The woman raised a hand without rage or spite, "I'm not saying he isn't Harry, but the problem is any of these three careers would take most of a person's time. Attempting two at once will undoubtedly force sacrifices to be made. The care and protection of children is not something that should ever be forfeited."
Despite her words cooling off much of his anger the boy-who-lived still felt the urge to defend the man's honor and decisions when he could not do so himself. "He was doing his best… besides what are you planning to do?"
She stared back for a moment before letting out a sigh, "Unfortunately, there isn't much I can do. Despite what some believe I do not have complete control over Hogwarts, nor the policies we choose to enact. I would love to suspend all classes, send the students home, and have a team of Aurors sweeping every inch of the castle… but I can't. There is no evidence that this was anything more than a prank gone wrong, and the schoolboard will not allow for school to be suspended until an actual threat is present."
"And even then, they wouldn't find anything." Harry noted in defeat. Clearly, no one had ever discovered the Chamber before, which meant a team of professionals likely wouldn't either, at least not without his help. Then what? How was he going to explain knowing the location of an ancient secret room?
Dumbledore nodded, "Don't worry Harry, we will figure something out. For now, I just want you to stay safe and keep others from doing anything reckless. Let the staff handle the situation this time."
Harry's attention returned to the players still soaring far above them, choosing not to answer the woman. It was only in this silence that another question came to the boy's mind. "Headmistress, why does Snape hate Riddle so much?"
Letting out a sigh, the witch leaned back into her seat, "It isn't that she hates Professor Riddle Harry, there is just a bit of a rivalry between them. Professor Snape has always desired the position of both Head of Slytherin House along with Defense Professor. Professor Riddle has been aware of this for some time now. Now there is a new obsession between them."
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