Chapter 75 - Explanation 3
Professor Dumbledore remained silent for a few moments after my question. The entire Great Hall was quietly waiting.
Then Professor Dumbledore slowly stood up and said calmly, "Yes, Mr. Dursley, it is unfortunate and deeply concerning that both these incidents have occurred."
His voice spread clearly through the hall.
"We at Hogwarts, the professors and management alike, shall do everything possible to safeguard the students entrusted to our care."
Many students relaxed slightly hearing him speak.
Professor Dumbledore continued, "There shall indeed be an investigation into these matters. The professors will investigate the incidents thoroughly and determine whether there are responsible parties involved."
He folded his hands lightly.
"And you shall receive an explanation regarding these unfortunate events."
I nodded once.
"Thank you, Professor."
Dumbledore gave me a small smile.
"Now then, are you satisfied with this explanation for the moment, my boy?"
I shook my head slightly.
"Not yet, Professor."
The hall became silent again.
"I will wait for the results of the investigation first. After that, I will decide whether further steps are needed."
One of the Weasley twins immediately leaned forward.
"Further steps?" George asked loudly. Or maybe it was Fred.
Honestly, with those two, Merlin himself probably got confused sometimes.
Still, inwardly I blessed whichever twin it was for giving me the opening.
"Yes," I said clearly.
"Tonight I will write a formal letter to Hogwarts asking for a complete explanation."
The students immediately started whispering.
"And if I do not receive proper answers, or if these matters are not resolved properly as soon as possible, then I am prepared to write to the Board of Governors."
That caused even louder murmurs.
"And if it's needed, I will even go to the Ministry to look after the matter."
Now the hall truly exploded into whispers. Several professors looked stunned.
Even Professor Snape's eyebrow rose slightly showing his surprise.
One of the older students blurted out, "To the Ministry?"
"Yes," I answered calmly. "To the Ministry."
I looked directly toward the staff table.
"And if even they caved in like cowards and fail to resolve the issue properly, then I am fully prepared to remove Harry from Hogwarts, away from the UK entirely."
Now people looked genuinely shocked.
Harry himself nearly dropped his fork. Ron stared at me with his mouth hanging open.
Dudley meanwhile was nodding with a firm look in his face, likely agreeing to everything his elder brother said. And he better be in agreement, as he has no other option.
Professor McGonagall and other professors looked alarmed.
"Remove him?" somebody whispered.
"Where would you even take him?"
"Anywhere," I answered immediately.
"Beauxbatons in France. Durmstrang in Germany. Or Ilvermorny in America. Australia. Japan. Anywhere, but here. I do not care where."
The hall was now completely focused on me. My voice had become colder now.
"I don't care whether Voldemort returns and terrorizes Britain again. I don't give a damn about it. If Harry is forced into anything dangerous again and come under any kind of attack, then I will do everything possible to keep Harry safe."
A few students flinched hearing the name spoken openly.
"I do not care about politics or reputations. His parents died in an attack, like Neville Longbottom's family was attacked and are still suffering every day, like Susan Bones parents, like and like many others who died or are still suffering, it's because those who were responsible for keeping them safe failed. I will not let that repeat, in any circumstances."
Everybody was talking in Great Hall now, amazed at me that I named Voldemort by his name in front of all and even mentioned the casualties of his terrorist attacks. Students like Neville and Susan, whose families' were the victims of those time, sat with pale faces but there was no fear in them. It seemed that defiance against tyranny ran in their family.
"And if Hogwarts cannot guarantee his safety, then I am certain many people and families around the world would gladly step in and give a hand to protect the Boy Who Lived."
I said the final words while looking directly into Professor Dumbledore's eyes. For the first time that evening, or like ever, genuine surprise appeared on his face.
Around him, the professors looked deeply uncomfortable and alarmed. Professor Snape's face showed a momentary grief and pain when Harry's parents were mentioned, but he quickly hid it.
Meanwhile, Professor Quirrell nearly choked.
Professor McGonagall stood halfway from her seat.
"Arthur, please," she said firmly. "There is no need to go to such lengths."
Her tone sounded very much like the strict but caring McGonagall everybody knew.
"As Professor Dumbledore said, the safety of Hogwarts students is our highest priority. We shall investigate these incidents fully."
"You must trust us."
I nodded respectfully toward her.
"I do trust you, Professor McGonagall. I trust the professors here greatly."
I glanced briefly toward Snape.
"That is exactly why I am asking for explanations first instead of acting immediately. However, there are still many questionable things regarding these incidents."
Now several professors exchanged looks.
"For example," I continued, "during the troll incident, Professor Quirrell clearly stated that the troll was in the dungeons. Yet students were ordered back to their dormitories."
I looked around the hall. Many Hufflepuffs and Slytherins suddenly looked up.
"The Hufflepuff and Slytherin dormitories are both located near the basement and dungeon areas. I truly cannot understand the logic behind sending students toward the danger instead of keeping everyone safely inside the Great Hall together."
I added, "Fortunately, by Merlin's blessing, nobody got hurt. Otherwise, parents from Hufflepuff and those from Slytherin's, would have been breathing down the neck of Hogwarts. Especially those Pure Blood families with their only Heirs here."
Now even more students started whispering loudly. At this, several professors looked toward Dumbledore. Even Professor Snape slowly nodded once. It was his house that had been closest to the danger.
One older Slytherin student suddenly spoke up.
"Yes, that's right. The Great Hall would've been much safer."
Several others immediately nodded. Soon whispers spread through all four tables.
"Yeah, why did they send everyone away?"
"We would've been safer here."
"What if the troll had gone downstairs?"
"That's true."
Professor Dumbledore remained calm, but the atmosphere in the hall had changed now.
People were thinking, questioning and looking at the incident differently.
I decided that was enough. There was no need to push further tonight. So I inclined my head politely.
"I will await the investigation results, Professor."
Then I added calmly, "And I shall submit my formal letter before classes tomorrow. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter."
Professor Dumbledore gave a slow nod.
"Very well, Mr. Dursley. Thank you for bringing forward your concerns."
I sat back down at the Hufflepuff table.
Immediately every nearby student started whispering loudly again.
Some looked shocked or nervous while some were impressed.
Across the hall, Harry was still staring at me like he had just discovered I was secretly the Minister for Magic.
Fred and George, meanwhile, looked delighted.
Ron looked terrified, Hermione was in deep thought.
And Dudley looked proud of my actions.
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End of Chapter 75 - Explanation 3