Harry Potter and the Ties that Bind

Chapter 17

Amelia Bones arrived in Hogwarts nearly an hour after the students had breakfast. Most of the students were wandering the castle. There were no classes that day, since they had arrived on Wednesday night. Classes would start next week.

She arrived by floo. Exiting the large fireplace in Albus Dumbledore's office. As she stepped out of the fireplace, Nymphadora Tonks and Kinglsey Shacklebolt appeared seconds later.

"Thank you for coming," Dumbledore greeted her and the others.

She shook the hand that Dumbledore offered. "Considering what you told me, I could do nothing less. Where is he?"

"In the hospital wing."

Amelia followed Dumbledore as he led her to the hospital wing. Walking through the olden corridors, with their moving suits of armor and many paintings, gave her a nostalgic feeling. It had been a long time since she'd been a student here. She even remembered how Dumbledore, then a teacher, had been one of her favorites.

When they reached the hospital, it was to find all of Harry's friends standing outside of the door. It looked like they were arguing with Madam Pomfrey.

"Can't we just see him for a little bit?" asked Hannah.

"No means no. Mr. Potter needs his rest, and he won't get it if you bother him," Madam Pomfrey said.

"But—"

"No buts."

"I'm assuming all of you are here to see Harry?" Dumbledore said, causing the children's attention to snap over to him.

"Professor Dumbledore," Daphne greeted courteously. The others followed her example—except for Tracey.

"You bet we're here to see Harry, so why don't you convince this old bat to let us in?"

"O-old bat?!" an indignant Madam Pomfrey huffed.

Dumbledore chortled. "I wouldn't mind letting you all see Mr. Potter, however, I'd like to ask that you please wait until after we've had a chance to speak with him."

"We?" Tracey asked.

Amelia almost grinned when Susan finally noticed her presence. At her shout of "aunty!" the others also noticed her, Tonks, and Shacklebolt.

"Hello, Susan."

"What are you doing here?"

"Since Mr. Potter has been missing for so long, there's a few question that we would like to ask him."

"I see."

"Why don't you all go out and enjoy the sunshine for a little while," Dumbledore suggested. "Madam Bones and I have some things that we must discuss with Mr. Potter, and it will likely take several hours. You can visit him later."

The group of youngsters deliberated amongst each other. Dumbledore watched them with a sense of pride. It did his heart good to see them so worried for Harry.

"All right. Fine." Tracey appeared to be their spokesperson for the day. "We'll leave, but we're coming back soon. Got it?"

"Smooth moves there, Trace. Have you ever thought of being a diplomat?" Daphne asked.

"Shut it, Daph. I'm being serious."

"So am I."

The group of youngsters walked away. Amelia listened to their conversation, which she could hear even as they got further away.

"I agree with Daphne," Terry said.

"Can it, Boot."

"You really should be a little more polite."