The Headmaster's Office: 16 March, 1977

[undeniablestyle]

The Headmaster of Hogwarts stands at the window of his office, looking out over his school.

This is the sort of day when Dumbledore does not like his job.

In a castle full of adolescents, a certain amount of chaos and disorder is just a given. Young people are impulsive. They don’t always think. They quarrel and fight. Sometimes they can be out and out mean. All normal pitfalls on the road to adulthood.

But what Mulciber and Avery allegedly did to Miss McDonald yesterday was beyond the norm. Disturbingly and distressingly so. Dumbledore had been informed of the incident as soon as he had returned from London – before he had even gotten his cloak off. He already knows what the only reasonable outcome of this situation is likely to be, but as Headmaster, he needs to hear all sides possible.

He’s already spoken to the boys and to Miss McDonald. Now Dumbledore is waiting to speak to a key witness to the event.

She should be here any time.

Comments

[undeniablestyle]

"As a strategy, it was quite sound."

Lest Mr. Lupin think he is in trouble for casting Petrificus Totalus.

"Mr. Lupin, have there been incidents involving Mulciber and Avery that may not have been brought to the attention of the staff that you feel might be pertinent to this matter?"

[for_his_friends]

Remus is silent for a moment.

He could produce a laundry list of minor run-ins with Mulciber and Avery going back to first year, but he's not sure they're really pertinent.

But there's one that's probably worth mentioning.

"Mulciber used the same suffocation curse on Macdonald last year. In the fall. I don't think any of us realized at the time that it was as serious as it is, sir. It was framed as joke, if terrifically unfunny one."

And Remus was a little distracted last fall. Sirius had just played the single worst Prank in the history of Marauder Pranks.

"She didn't want any kind of fuss made about it, and we respected that decision. In retrospect, we probably should have encouraged her to come forward at the time."

[undeniablestyle]

Dumbledore raises one hand slightly.

"I understand you were attempting to honor Miss Macdonald's wishes."

It is always a difficult line to tow, particularly for prefects and the Head Boy and Girl. When to handle things themselves and when to involve the teachers.

The prefect system is designed to teach responsibility and independence and leadership, but it can, on occasion, backfire.

"You did well, coming to their aid."

[for_his_friends]

"Thank you, sir.

"They'd have done it for me."

Assuming, of course, that James and Sirius and Peter didn't beat them to it.

[undeniablestyle]

At this, Dumbledore smiles faintly for the first time.

"I am certain."

"You and Miss Evans executed your duty quite well. It will be noted in your records."

[for_his_friends]

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore."

Remus would like to ask what's going to happen to Mulciber and Avery, but that's probably not his place.

Besides, whatever it is, word'll get around.

[undeniablestyle]

Probably sooner than he thinks.

"Now, no doubt Miss Evans is waiting so that you can see each other safely back to Gryffindor Tower."

"You may go. If there are any further questions, I'll send word."

But this seems to be fairly black and white.

[for_his_friends]

"She is, sir."

Though if anyone (read 'James') asks, she'll probably put it in terms of Remus seeing her safely back.

"I hope your day goes as well as it can, Professor Dumbledore."

[undeniablestyle]

"Thank you, Mr. Lupin."

Though, Dumbledore reflects as he watches Remus leave, at this point he will simply trust that other days will be more pleasant.