November 1994
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
While aurors tied to scurry as fast as they could, Lucius's face remained impassive. Even so, he was pale and the fright in his eyes was clearly visible.
No doubt, he had wanted to use Dolores as a bait but he had never expected that Harry Potter will really kill her that too in front of school students.
Lucius had his fist clenched and wanted nothing more than to whip out his wand and fire killing curses at Harry but he knew it would only be a death warrant for him.
He turned and tried to walk with as confident strides as possible. He was the newly crowned DMLE head and he did not want to lose his new prestige immediately after he had already been humiliated that much after Harry recalled his debts.
He stopped when reached the middle of the hall.
"Draco," said Lucius. "Come with me."
Draco's purple face regained some colour and looked at his father. He then cast a sidelong glance at his mother.
It took some moments for him to react. He was in hesitation. But finally, he hardened his face and walked towards his father.
At this Narcissa who was sitting on the teacher's table sighed deeply in defeat and disappointment was clearly visible on her face.
Draco followed his father out of the great hall.
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Meanwhile, Harry's action would seem quite seem drastic but he had all the logic behind him. It was not about killing Dolores but killing her in front of all the students. These students were those who might have never seen a single drop of blood shed in their entire life. They would, without a doubt, be traumatised by what they had witnessed.
Harry's action had two clear motives.
First was to deter those who were thinking about choosing the opposite side. It may either be Dumbledore or Voldemort. Harry wanted to make it absolutely clear what fate awaited them if they picked up the wrong side and opposed him.
Second was to show them the brutality of the wars. With Voldemort's feat of sending death eaters to Hogsmeade and him learning the plans from Barty, Harry knew a war was coming and wars had no empathy or mercy.
He wanted the students to be mentally prepared if such a situation arises and not be mind lost in critical moments.
"You may think of my action as demonic," said Harry.
His voice boomed, "And you may think whatever you want. Your opinion of me does not matter. What matters are your action."
"But know, this is the reality of the war," said Harry pointing his finger towards the headless body of Dolores.
"You might have some injuries among your friends after Hogsmeade attack, death of civilians of Hogsmeade... that is the reality of war."
Harry continued, "Also, you may think of me whatever you want. You may choose to support whoever you want."
"But... if you point your wand towards me, this awaits your fate," said Harry pointing his wand towards Dolores' body.
Next moment a flicker of spark left his elder wand and Dolores' body and head was burned to ashes and vanished into thin air.
The students gulped in fear and Harry strode past the hall.
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November 1994
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Next day after Harry killed Dolores, The Prophet came up with a scathing article calling Harry Potter all the terms they could. He was termed as the dark Lord in rising and Amelia Bones and Minerva McGonagall were termed as his loyal generals.
The newspaper further questioned the sudden power Harry had gained. It argued using the examples from Harry's own case in Wizengamot that how he was a weak wizard in his first 3 years. He could barely know a knew spells but now he battled dozens of wizards simultaneously also killing the few in the process. The article questioned, how did Harry got all the powers suddenly?
His action of saving the Hogsmeade village which should have been called a heroic action was painted in negative descriptions.
Though it did not call directly but it clearly pointed in the direction of the dark rituals being used by Harry Potter.
Harry was having his breakfast and going through the newspaper when Dobby popped in.
He placed an envelope on Harry's table and popped away.
Harry's gaze landed on the envelope and his lips curved into an interesting smile. The words "Longbottom" were etched on the envelope.
He opened the envelope and pulled out the piece of parchment.
Lord Potter,
Firstly, I would like to apologize for my unwelcoming behaviour when you had visited my manor few days back.
Though this is no justification, I would like to clarify that I had lost all of my faith and reason in involving myself in the affairs of the world.
My only goal had been to raise my grandson into an ideal wizard which I have failed at miserably.
But now, though I would appear selfish, I admit that I am willing to make a comeback. And there are two reasons for it.
Firstly, you have clearly showed signs of an able leader... a leader which is capable enough to take decision.
During the last war my son and daughter in law had foolishly followed a clown of leader who never took any decision and they lost everything. I admit, that though I was not much of fan of Dumbledore, I did not make any attempts to keep my children away from that master manipulator.
Secondly, the news that Bellatrix Lestrange along with Lestrange brothers have escaped the Azkaban make my blood boil. Previously, I had burned all my favours and resources to only for them to be punished by death but all my attempts were in vain.
Now I hope to have my vengeance.
Lord Potter, I hope that you would be willing to accept my apology. I also hope to have a meeting with you as per your convenience. I hope a positive response to my letter.
Augusta Longbottom
After Harry finished reading the letter his lips curved into an even bigger smile and he muttered, "Interesting."
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