Chapter 76 - Trust
The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual. Before breakfast, while most students were still either sleeping or getting ready for the day, I sat near the common room table with parchment spread before me.
I carefully wrote the formal letter to Hogwarts management. I mentioned both incidents clearly. The troll attack and Harry's broom malfunction during the Quidditch match. I also wrote my concerns regarding student safety and requested a proper explanation and investigation report.
After finishing the letter, I folded it neatly and walked toward Professor McGonagall's office before breakfast began.
She was already awake, as strict professors apparently never slept properly.
When I handed her the letter, she looked at the parchment, then at me. Her face showed a little worry.
"Arthur," she said gently, "is this truly necessary?"
I nodded calmly.
Professor McGonagall sighed softly.
"Do you not trust us?"
I immediately shook my head.
"No, Professor. I deeply respect and trust all of you. And I know the professors truly care about the students, especially Harry."
Her expression softened slightly hearing that.
"But this is still necessary," I continued. "This concerns Harry's safety. And I do not wish to take chances regarding that."
Professor McGonagall remained quiet and listened carefully.
I continued in a respectful tone.
"If I ignore these incidents, then I would not be doing my duty properly. I am Harry's elder brother. And whether others accept it or not, I also have responsibility toward him."
I paused for a moment.
"So I must make sure the truth is found properly."
Professor McGonagall looked at me for several long seconds. Then she finally accepted the letter fully into her hands.
"I understand your concerns, Arthur," she said quietly. "And I cannot fault your intentions."
I gave her a small nod.
"Thank you, Professor."
Professor McGonagall still looked at me carefully.
"But Arthur," she said, "why the letter? You already requested an explanation yesterday, and Professor Dumbledore accepted it publicly."
"You could simply wait."
I shook my head lightly.
"Professor, you are the Deputy Headmistress. You should know the importance of paper trails and evidence."
That made her blink once.
"I need written proof that I raised concerns officially. And if, unfortunately, this matter ever reaches the Ministry, then I need proper records showing that I requested explanations and action beforehand."
Professor McGonagall folded her arms.
"You truly think Professor Dumbledore would not honour his promise? He gave you his word before the entire Great Hall."
I answered honestly.
"That was exactly why I asked the question publicly, Professor, so that there can be eyewitnesses. But I still have to ensure there are no loopholes left for future."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, "Why do I get a feeling that you don't seem to have much trust on Headmaster?"
"I trust Professor Dumbledore and respect him greatly as a wizard, as a person and as Headmaster."
"But he is still a person in power. Neither Harry nor I or our family holds any power. And I have degree of mis-trust for people in power positions, specially politicians."
Professor McGonagall frowned faintly.
"Professor Dumbledore is not a politician."
I gave a small smile.
"Professor, with respect, he is. He holds important positions in magical Britain and internationally as well. He is Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot in the Ministry and Supreme Mugwump of International Confederation of Wizards. It is the first thing written in every admission letter. He holds massive influence everywhere."
"He is as much a politician as he is a professor. I don't have much trust in politicians, specially with their verbal promise, be it the magical world or muggle world."
She became quiet after that.
"So that is why I have to prepare myself carefully. I do not think anything bad will happen. But if it does, I will not leave loopholes behind. I have to prepare backup plans."
Professor McGonagall sighed softly.
"You think too deeply for your age, Arthur."
I smiled faintly.
"I have to, Professor. Otherwise who will think about Harry properly?"
For a few seconds she simply stared at me. Then she slowly nodded. She looked a little tired now. Perhaps because the school year had become far more troublesome than usual. Or perhaps because I had become troublesome.
Likely both.
Finally, she signed the receiving copy of my letter and handed it back to me.
I carefully stored the copy inside my bag. It is the evidence and trail, hopefully unnecessary evidence. But evidence nonetheless.
As I turned to leave, Professor McGonagall suddenly spoke again.
"You truly care for him very much, don't you?"
I stopped for a second. Then I smiled faintly.
"He's my little brother, Professor."
That was answer enough.
After leaving her office, I barely managed to walk halfway through the corridor before three familiar girls cornered me again.
This time, however, I was not kidnapped at wand-point.
Mostly because they simply dragged me willingly into an abandoned classroom instead.
Natasha crossed her arms immediately.
"Arthur, what were you thinking yesterday? You challenged Professor Dumbledore in front of the entire school."
Missy looked worried, "And threatened the Ministry."
"And you even said his name publicly, You-Know-Who" Wanda added.
I raised both hands peacefully.
"I only asked for explanations."
Natasha snorted.
"You call that only asking?"
Still, after I explained my reasoning fully, their expressions softened.
They remained worried.
Very worried.
But at the same time, I could also see pride in their eyes. After all, very few students would dare stand publicly against Hogwarts management.
And even fewer would directly question Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of the time, himself.
Missy looked at me quietly.
"You really would do all that for Harry?"
I answered without hesitation.
"Of course."
The three girls exchanged looks.
Then Natasha muttered under her breath, "Merlin help us."
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing," she said quickly.
But judging from the slight blushes spreading around the room, it looked like my actions yesterday had accidentally created effects I had not originally intended.
Not that I particularly minded.
The next few days passed peacefully enough.
Mostly.
Then one evening, while I was leaving the library, three familiar first years suddenly rushed toward me.
Harry looked serious.
Ron looked excited.
Hermione looked annoyed at both of them.
"Arthur," Ron whispered loudly, "we know who was cursing Harry's broom!"
I looked at the three of them calmly.
Even without hearing the answer, I already knew exactly whom they believed responsible.
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End of Chapter 76 - Trust