Growing up Pureblooded

DUMBLEDORE RETIRES

One bright morning, about a week later, Sirius swept into the dining room of number seventeen, Windermere Court. He ruffled Aries's hair and pecked Clytemnestra's and Cassiopeia's cheeks before sitting down at the head of the table. Mopsy brought him a steaming plate of eggs and sausages with a cup of tea, and the wizard dived in eagerly, humming to himself all the while. Aries, Cassiopeia and Clytemnestra all gave one another curious glances, and Aries smiled, a rare occurrence since Marius's death. "You seem to be in a good mood, Dad," he said.

"I am in an excellent mood," Sirius replied. "And why shouldn't I be? I live in a beautiful home with my strapping young son and my two lovely aunts," – Aries and Clytemnestra blushed, but Cassiopeia only narrowed her eyes suspiciously – "not to mention a very capable and hard-working house-elf." "Oh, Master Sirius is being too generous to his Mopsy," the elf replied modestly.

"Furthermore," Sirius went on, "this morning I have received fresh proof that nothing is impossible if only one has enough nerve." He flicked his wand, and three copies of The Daily Prophet appeared in front of his family members. Cassiopeia nodded her approval as she glanced at the large headline. "I was wondering when this would come out." "I arranged it for today," Sirius said. :The anniversary of his duel with Grindelwald. It seemed appropriate." The others carefully read the stunning article that dominated the front page:

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE RETIRES; NEW HOGWARTS STAFF APPOINTED

In an unexpected announcement, Albus Dumbledore, the widely revered vanquisher of the Dark wizard Grindelwald, has indicated that he plans to retire from his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the end of the current school year, writes Aloysius Prewett, Special Correspondent. When asked to provide a reason for his surprising decision, Professor Dumbledore said simply that he has grown weary of the many administrative burdens attached to his position, and wishes to devote his remaining years to a quiet life of research. He will be succeeded by Professor Minerva McGonagall, long-time Deputy Headmistress, Transfiguration mistress and Head of Gryffindor House.

Whilst continuing to hold his important positions in the Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Wizards, Professor Dumbledore will also be moving to Devon and beginning the monumental task of organizing the books and papers of his late friend, noted alchemist Nicolas Flamel. In addition, at the suggestion of school governor Cassiopeia Black, the Board of Governors have unanimously awarded Professor Dumbledore the title of Headmaster Emeritus, with the privilege of an ex officio seat on the Board of Governors and the right to nominate faculty candidates for the consideration of the Headmistress.

Professor Dumbledore proceeded to make full use of this privilege in order to nominate two new faculty members, both of whom were promptly confirmed by Headmistress McGonagall. The first of these new teachers is Mr Remus Lupin, who will be taking up the now-vacant post of Transfiguration master. An old Gryffindor, he will also take over the new Headmistress's former position as Head of that House. The second new faculty member is Mr Abraxas Malfoy, distinguished wizard and famous dueling champion, who has generously agreed to serve as Visiting Lecturer in Defence Against the Dark Arts during the upcoming school year.

"How did this happen?" Aries asked, just a hint of curiosity in his voice. He didn't sound quite as excited as his dad would have hoped, but Aries rarely got excited about anything these days. Sirius grinned widely. "Let's just say, it doesn't pay to muck about with the Blacks." The boy's eyes went wide. "You did this?" "Well, to be perfectly fair," Sirius said, "it was more of a family effort. We couldn't have managed anything without Aunt Cassie's Little Black Book."

Aries raised an eyebrow. "What's that?" "Don't worry," Aunt Cassie said. "I'll show you when you're older. Besides, your father is being far too modest. He's the one who raised this whole affair from a rather boring case of blackmail to a true work of art. I still can't figure out how you Charmed that parchment to have so many simultaneous effects." Sirius laughed. "Come now, Aunt Cassie. You know that a Marauder never reveals his secrets."

"I must say, Sirius, I was impressed that you were able to pull it off," Narcissa said as she handed her cousin a cup of tea. It was a pleasant afternoon in early April, and the two were sitting on the terrace of Malfoy Manor. "Aunt Walburga wouldn't have believed it. She never thought you'd amount to anything more than a mischievous prankster." Sirius took a sip of his tea, then grinned. "Well, in a way, this was all simply a very elaborate prank," he said. "Dumbledore never saw it coming."

"Lucius was furious," Narcissa said with a small laugh. "He's been trying unsuccessfully to unseat Dumbledore for years, and now you and Aunt Cassie manage it on a whim." Sirius's expression suddenly turned very grave. "It wasn't a whim, Cissy. We had a very good reason to do what we did." Narcissa nodded. "How is Aries doing?" "Much better, thank you," Sirius replied. "He's able to sit up for most of the day now, and the Healer's encouraging him to take short walks in the garden every morning and afternoon." He smiled faintly. "I'm hoping he'll be up to riding a broomstick again by summer."

"How about you?" she pressed. "How are you handling all this?" "Not very well," Sirius admitted. "Aries may be improving physically, but I'm worried about his emotional state. He's depressed all the time. He's perfectly polite, but he never seems actually interested in anything." He sighed. "I'll ask him if he wants to play chess or cards, and he'll say, 'All right, Dad, whatever you like.' But if I don't initiate it, he'll sit alone all day gazing at the wall." "Do you think there's anything we can do to help?" Narcissa asked.

Sirius took a deep breath. "Actually, I've been meaning to ask you about that. I was wondering whether Draco might be able to spend the Easter holidays with us. I know Aries has missed him, and I thought that perhaps if they got to spend some time together it might help Aries to get back to normal." "Lucius won't like it," Narcissa said with a frown. "He's been positively delighted that Draco's spent this term away from Aries. He's always felt that the boys spend rather too much time together."

Sirius snorted in anger. "What do you think, Cissy?" "I've always regretted that Lucius didn't want us to have any more children, and I'm very pleased that Draco has Aries. They're all but brothers." Narcissa sat up straight and gave Sirius a resolute nod. "Have no fear, Sirius. One way or another, I'll get Lucius to agree. If I have to, I'll go to my father-in-law." "I could have done that," Sirius said cheekily. "Dad would never refuse me anything."

Narcissa laughed. "You're right about that. I've no idea how you managed to persuade him to take up the post of Defense master." "Well, technically, he's not a fully-fledged teacher," Sirius pointed out. "He's a visiting lecturer, not an employee of the school, and he was adamant that he not be paid a salary." "Still, I never thought I'd live to see the day when Abraxas Malfoy would consent to instruct schoolchildren." Sirius shrugged. "He likes me, I suppose," he said. "Besides, he'd do anything for Aries." Narcissa sighed. "Yet another reason for Lucius to dislike the both of you." "No offence, Cissy," Sirius said, "but the feeling is mutual."

"None taken," Narcissa assured him. "One cannot survive for long in the House of Black if one expects all one's family members actually to get along with one another. I think it would drive one slowly mad." Her cousin smirked. "So that's the reason, is it? Poor Mum, if I'd only known." Narcissa rolled her eyes and took another sip of tea.