Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

19. Dismissal

As the weeks turned into months, Cassiopeia got no closer to uncovering the truth about the Chamber of Secrets, despite her frequent visits to the Malfoy Manor.
More and more kids at Hogwarts were getting Petrified, including Harry's best friend Hermione Granger.
Lucius saw all this dispair as an opportunity. So, he blackmailed all of the other school governors, and got them to sign a piece of parchment, ordering Dumbledore to step down from his role as headmaster.

Cassiopeia was at the Malfoy Manor when Lucius returned home from firing Dumbledore.
"It is done then?" Asked Narcissa.
"Yes, Dumbledore has left Hogwarts" answered Lucius with a grin.
"How did he take it?" Questioned Narcissa.
"Surprisingly well. But that could have just been because there was an audience with us, and he didn't want to make a scene. Cornelius Fudge, and that oaf Hagrid were both there. So, Dumbledore probably didn't want to kick his heels and make a fuss in front of them".

"Hagrid is not an oaf" snapped Cassiopeia.
"I beg to differ. Besides, how do you even know him, when you didn't attend Hogwarts?" Quizzed Lucius.
"Our paths crossed during the war, since we both fought on the same side, against you" admitted Cassiopeia, not wanting to reveal the full extent of her and Hagrid's involvement in the Order.
"I'm sure they did".

"Well, I bet you're feeling pretty fucking pleased with yourself, now that Dumbledore is gone" spat Cassiopeia.
"Language" hissed Narcissa.
"I don't know what you mean Cassiopeia. Me and the other governors were merely acting in the school's best interests. Removing Dumbledore from power was the best thing for everyone" insisted Lucius.
"Liar. If it was the best thing for everyone, then how come you had to threaten the governors families, to get what you wanted?" Questioned Cassiopeia.
"You exaggerate as usual" sighed Lucius.

"I do not. I overheard you telling Cissy that you threatened and blackmailed several of the other governors, to get them to come around to your way of thinking" said Cassiopeia.
"How I got the outcome is not important. Look, Dumbledore is out, which means a stronger leader can step in and take his place. One who will look out for all of the student's best interests. I would have thought you'd be pleased. As a new headmaster can step in, and protect the children much better than Dumbledore ever could" replied Lucius.
"And is this new headmaster going to be you?" Asked Cassiopeia.
"Heavens no, being the headmaster of Hogwarts would be far too much work. But I'm sure me and the other governors will find someone suitable in due course".

"So, let me get this straight, you've taken the headmaster away, at a time when Hogwarts needs him the most, and you have no idea when you'll find a replacement, or who it might be?" Questioned Cassiopeia.
"Relax, I'm sure there are loads of people who want the job" reassured Lucius.
"I'm sure there are, but that doesn't mean they will be any good"
"Look, Dumbledore has been in power for far too long. It was about time someone came and removed him from his pedestal. He's getting old, we need someone young and new to take over"
"And you couldn't have waited until the holidays to do this?"
"There would be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts if we wanted any longer, and we both know what a shame that would be".

Cassiopeia couldn't help but laugh out loud, "You don't give two shits about Muggle-borns. You're an elitist pure-blood, who thinks everyone not also of pure-blood is scum. You don't care about the poor, innocent children lying in the hospital wing right now, because they've been petrified".
"I am not Salazar Slytherin, it is not my job to purge the school of all the Muggle-borns" said Lucius calmly.
"No? Then why are you doing such a good job at it?" Demanded Cassiopeia.
"I don't follow" frowned Lucius.
"I know you are in some way responsible for opening the Chamber of Secrets".

Narcissa gasped, "That is an outrageous accusation to make".
"And one she wouldn't make without proof, I'm sure" added Lucius.
"I don't need proof. I know it was you. I have reliable sources" announced Cassiopeia.
"And who are these reliable sources of information?" Questioned Lucius.
"Like I'm really going to tell you, and put their lives in danger" replied Cassiopeia.
"Cass, you can't just go around blaming my husband for things, without any proof" scolded Narcissa.

"He's a Slytherin who hates Muggle-borns, and a school governor, who has easy access to the castle whenever he wants. It doesn't seem that big of a stretch to me, that he would have something to do with the Chamber of Secrets" announced Cassiopeia, not wanting to reveal that she had gotten her information from Dobby and Draco, for she didn't want to put them in danger.
"Neither of those reasons are enough to prove that my husband has unleashed a monster at Hogwarts, that is going around attacking children" replied Narcissa.
"He's not some sweet fluffy bunny. He literally killed people during the war, I hope you haven't forgotten that" snapped Cassiopeia.

"Of course I haven't. But that was a long time ago. He was a different man back then" insisted Narcissa.
"Right, so he's a saint now then? A perfect man who's never put a foot wrong since the war? Because I find that hard to believe. And petrifying children isn't that far from committing actual murders again" replied Cassiopeia.
Narcissa stood to her feet, "I think it's time I took you home, before either of us says something that we will regret later".
"That's fine with me" mumbled Cassiopeia.
Narcissa then stormed out of the room, to grab her coat, expecting Cassiopeia to follow her.

As Cassiopeia passed a seated Lucius, he grabbed her arm, making her flinch.
"You know, next time you try accusing me of a crime, get a little bit of evidence first to support your claim" whispered Lucius.
Cassiopeia shook her arm free and scowled at him, "Don't worry, I won't bring this up again until I have enough evidence to throw you in Azkaban".
"Good luck with that" mocked Lucius.
"You just wait. One of these days you are going to slip up, and I will be right there waiting"
"We'll see".