Close Or Far From The Law

Chapter 11 : 10. First official investigation

Sitting in the headmaster's office with all these adults made Harry feel small and it annoyed him deeply. He had folded his hands and was waiting for everyone to get into place, noting the very protective aspect of his lawyer. He didn't know how to understand it at the moment, he supposed that his status as a minor pushed the wizard to act in this way and at the same time... It was the first time that an adult seemed to really take this mission to heart. Except one, obviously, the one we couldn't talk about. Harry was surprised to see Professor Snape enter with Professor McGonagall. If he understood about the head of the Gryffindor house, the Slytherin one had nothing to do there, right? It was going to want to take him down again and he already wasn't sure how he was going to experience this ordeal. The Potions teacher would just be an added burden. Harry took a deep breath, he must not let himself be thrown off. And then, as if he had sensed his fears, Fawkes came and rested on him. The headmaster's phoenix didn't seem to like that the room was so cluttered but he gladly took Harry's caresses who smiled a little. Plus, the firebird was nice and warm, it was comforting.

-Good, good, gentlemen. First of all, I think it would be a good idea for everyone to show up for young Mr. Potter.

Harry glanced quickly at Professor Dumbledore who was finishing straightening his long beard, sitting comfortably in the chair behind his desk. He then looked up at his lawyer who smiled politely at him.

-You are right. Mr. Potter, do you know what Aurors are?

-My friend Hermione said it was the magic police.

Harry wasn't going to pretend he knew more than that. He was also there to learn from all this and he turned to the one who was the leader of the other three people who accompanied Mr. Graves. This one looked sinister and a little arrogant. Harry didn't know what to think of the character at the moment.

-I am Rufus Scrimgeour, head of the Auror department. I came with Aurors Kingsley Shacklebolt and Andrew Yaxley.

-Nice to meet you, gentlemen.

Harry supposed he should look impressed and it might have worked if he didn't meet Voldemort every Saturday night. The black mage had the gift of putting certain things into perspective without even trying to do so. And then there was Fawkes, the phoenix was really reassuring. Harry knew that the bird would save him if necessary, without even knowing where this certainty came from. He brushed the red and gold feathers again.

-As Miss Granger said, the Aurors are our police force, they make sure the law is enforced and they also help hide us from muggles.

Dumbledore had a soft smile on his lips, at least what little Harry could see. No matter how much meditation he did, he wouldn't look the man in the eye without his first lessons in Occlumency. It might be a good way to let him know what Voldemort was up to... But Harry couldn't trust. In reality, he didn't trust anyone in this office right now, even if he hoped he could count on his lawyer. He nodded that he had heard correctly and looked back at his lawyer.

-So you found where my ring is?

-Before that, Mr. Potter, we have a few questions.

The head of the Aurors cast an unkind glance at the director who offered tea to everyone, the beverage being finally served. Harry refused. He was too afraid to put it everywhere under the influence of strong emotion. Then it would stop prying at Fawkes and he didn't want that. The teachers stood in silence with their cups, their gazes sharp on them as Scrimgeour continued.

-When did you realize that your ring was stolen?

Just a few weeks ago. I didn't know I was supposed to own one. It was while discussing laws because of what was happening with Professor Hagrid's H... hippogriff that the subject finally came to the table. My friend Neville is the heir to House Longbottom and although I had never paid attention, he had his ring and I sought to find out.