Amelia Potter and the Chamber of Secrets PART 1

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'For a short stretch only,' said Fudge, not meeting Hagrid's eyes. 'Not a punishment, Hagrid, more a precaution. If someone else is caught, you'll be let out with a full apology ...'

'Not Azkaban?' croaked Hagrid.

Amelia moved forward but quickly moved back into place when the floor squeaked. She didn't like this man with the bowler hat. Whatever Azaban was Amelia wouldn't let that man take Hagrid there.

Before Fudge could answer, there was another loud rap on the door.

Dumbledore answered it. It was Harry's turn for an elbow in the ribs: he'd let out an audible gasp. Amelia rolled her eyes.

Mr Lucius Malfoy strode into Hagrid's hut, swathed in a long black travelling cloak, smiling a cold and satisfied smile. Fang started to growl.

'Already here, Fudge,' he said approvingly. 'Good, good ...'

'What're you doin' here?' said Hagrid furiously. 'Get outta my house!'

'My dear man, please believe me, I have no pleasure at all in being inside your – er – d'you call this a house?' said Lucius Malfoy, sneering as he looked around the small cabin. 'I simply called at the school and was told that the Headmaster was here.'

'And what exactly did you want with me, Lucius?' said Dumbledore. He spoke politely, but the fire was still blazing in his blue eyes.

'Dreadful thing, Dumbledore,' said Mr Malfoy lazily, taking out a long roll of parchment, 'but the governors feel it's time for you to step aside. This is an Order of Suspension – you'll find all twelve signatures on it. I'm afraid we feel you're losing your touch. How many attacks have there been now? Two more this afternoon, wasn't it? At this rate, there'll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts, and we all know what an awful loss that would be to the school.'

'Oh, now, see here, Lucius,' said Fudge, looking alarmed, 'Dumbledore suspended ... no, no ... last thing we want just now ...'

'The appointment – or suspension – of the Headmaster is a matter for the governors, Fudge,' said Mr Malfoy smoothly. 'And as Dumbledore has failed to stop these attacks ...'

'Now look, Lucius, if Dumbledore can't stop them –' said Fudge, whose upper lip was sweating now, 'I mean to say, who can?'

'That remains to be seen,' said Mr Malfoy, with a nasty smile. 'But as all twelve of us have voted ...'

Amelia growled under her breath. Thankfully Fang had backed at Lucius at that exact moment.

Hagrid leapt to his feet, his shaggy black head grazing the ceiling.