Disclaimer: Happy Chuseok.

Ransom

Dumbledore allowed the Auror to help him into his seat and spent the next few minutes in a daze. Having gone through the motions so many times before, he had no trouble performing the opening ceremonies on autopilot.

The Speaker stood up. “Order, order. First item on the agenda is a speech by the Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore.”

“Thank you Mr. Speaker, and thank you all for your time,” Dumbledore said loudly. “I called this meeting to discuss a grave threat to our world, one I believed could spell the end for our way of life.” Dumbledore took a deep calming breath. “I would like to begin by apologizing to you all, I was wrong.”

The crowd erupted, Dumbledore ignored them. Just closed his eyes to wait for things to settle down.

IIIIIIIIII

Aurora grinned as an idea formed. “Well, it's customary to demand ransom for the release of your captive.”

“What's a captive?” Luna asked innocently.

“A prisoner,” Hermione spoke up. “And ransom is when you get money to let them go.”

“How about I buy ice cream for all of you?” Aurora suggested. “Then would you be willing to release me from durance vile?” The children's cheers told her what they thought of that idea.

“Come on,” Susan demanded. “There's a booth over this way.”

IIIIIIIIII

Minerva steeled her resolve as she stepped into her meeting with the board of Governors. She'd been a teacher for her entire adult life, it had been her entire life. She tried to force a smile. What was she going to do now?

“Thank you for coming, Minerva,” Augusta said cheerfully, “would you please take a seat.”

“Of course,” Minerva agreed, “thank you.”

“Not at all.” The old woman glanced down at her papers. “I suppose you're wondering why we called this meeting?”

“I am,” Minerva admitted.

IIIIIIIIII

The Chief Wizard opened his eyes when the noise settled to an acceptable level and looked over the impatient crowd.

“I find that my age is beginning to catch up to me,” he joked. “The threat I spoke of is something many of you may fear, may be right to fear, but it is not one that should be addressed in these halls.” The crowd leaned forward to hear his next words. “The threat I spoke of is change, as one grows older they often find themselves falling into set patterns and they . . . I felt uncomfortable, even frightened when those patterns were threatened with distraction. I was on the cusp of doing something foolish, something that could . . . something very foolish.” The old man took a breath. “I am fortunate to have a set of very good friends that managed to make me see sense.” He smiled widely. “So I would like to thank them, you were right, you were right and I am grateful to you beyond what words can express.”

“Get to the point,” one of the crowd demanded.

“Of course,” Dumbledore agreed, “another failing of age is that it can sometimes cause one to ramble a bit.” He paused for the laughter to die down. “Right, the point. Recent events have shown me that I can no longer be trusted to be as wise and objective as I once was. I therefore resign my position as Chief Warlock, I resign my position as Chief Wizard, I resign . . .” his voice caught. “I resign my position as Headmaster of Hogwarts, and I resign any other similar offices that I may have forgotten to mention. Thank you for your time.” Dumbledore was grateful that his knees remained steady until after he'd taken his seat.

IIIIIIIIII

A thought made its way into Harry's head as he enjoyed his frozen treat. This was probably the first time he'd ever had ice cream, chronologically anyway.

“You know,” he said softly. “I really think we're getting better at this whole being children thing.”

“I agree,” Hermione whispered back. “All it took was a bit of research.”

They both closed their mouths as Professor Sinistra and her 'dog' walked over. “What're you two talking about so seriously?” The woman asked.

“It's a secret,” Harry said seriously. “I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.”

Aurora giggled. “We can't have that.” It was so nice to deal with children without the responsibility of having to teach them anything, and it was also an experience to get them a couple years before they usually came to her class. She was going to have to have a talk with Minerva later.

IIIIIIIIII

Augusta smiled at the slightly younger woman. She had a good idea of what sort of nonsense was running through the Gryffindor Head's mind.

“We would like to offer you the position of Headmistress,” Augusta announced, “please tell us that you accept.”

“What?” Minerva gasped. “But . . . Albus . . .”

“Is the one that recommended you to us,” Augusta interjected.

“I . . . yes.” Minerva would be forever grateful that the board allowed her a few minutes to collect herself. “What about Albus?”

“Headmaster Dumbledore is going to.” Dame Longbottom glanced at the clock. “Make that has, resigned every position of authority he once held.”

“How did you convince him?” Minerva asked.

“His brother pointed out how similar Albus had gotten to their father,” Augusta explained. “Albus was horrified when the comparison finally sunk in. One hundred years ago he was a wild eyed radical, fifty years ago he was a bit on the liberal side, twenty five years ago he was a bit conservative, and today . . .” the old woman trailed off. “Becoming too set in one's ways is a trap that many of us fall into. Living, as he did, in an Ivory tower insulated Albus from the changes.”

“I see,” Minerva sighed, “it must have been a terrible shock to him.”

“We'd hoped to persuade him to stop his foolishness,” Augusta agreed, “instead we persuaded him to release the reins of power.”

“What will happen to him now?”

“We managed to convince him not to spend the rest of his years living in a cave as a hermit,” Augusta said with a smile. “With your permission, he would like to remain at Hogwarts as an unpaid volunteer.”

“Doing what?”

“He expressed an interest in teaching a class on pureblood culture and tradition, and he also mentioned that it might not hurt to add a class on alchemy.”

“A couple more transfiguration classes wouldn't hurt either,” Minerva mused, “he taught that subject before I took a position at the school.”

“I'll trust you to work things out yourself,” Augusta said with a wave. “Before we conclude this meeting, I feel that there is one thing that needs to be said.”

“What is it?”

“Albus Dumbledore is no longer the Headmaster, he no longer holds a position of authority over you. If you feel that you can not see yourself giving him orders, then we will withdraw our offer right now. If in the future we find that you are unable to deal with having Dumbledore on your staff, then we will retire you and find someone who can. Is that understood?”

“Of course,” Minerva agreed.

“Wonderful,” the old woman said with a smile. “Then it is with great pleasure that I bring this meeting to a close. Please allow me the honor of allowing me to be the first one to address you as Headmistress McGonagall.”

“I . . . thank you,” Minerva said with a wide grin. “I never expected to hold this position.”

“Figured Albus would stay till his dying day like the rest of us did, eh?”

“Yes,” Minerva confessed.

“Any thought on who you're going to pick as your deputy?”

“I was hoping that Filius would agree to it,” Minerva replied.

IIIIIIIIII

Aurora looked down at the children with a worried expression on her face.

“You're all sure you can make it back to Hermione's house without my help?” She asked for the fifth time.

“I live just down the street, Professor,” Hermione said helpfully.

“And we've done it loads of times before,” Harry added. “We're not babies.”

“I didn't say you were,” Aurora said smoothly. “You have your wands, right?”

“Yes, Professor,” they agreed.

“Well . . . I suppose.” It wasn't like they weren't left mostly to their own devices when they were at Hogwarts after all. “Just be careful.”

“We always are, Professor,” Susan said primly. “Aunt Amelia taught me how to take care of myself.”

“And Susan taught the rest of us,” Hermione chirped.

“On your way then,” Aurora agreed finally. She waited till the children were on the other side of the park before shooting her fiancé a meaningful look.

“Woof,” the dog agreed.

“I'll be waiting here when you get back,” she said as he bound off to escort the children home.

IIIIIIIIII

Dumbledore stepped into the Minister's office with a look of confusion on his face.

“You asked to meet with me?” Dumbledore asked softly.

“Yes,” the Minister agreed, “please have a seat.”

“I thought I made it clear that I no longer wished to take part in politics,” Dumbledore ventured.

“You did,” the Minister agreed, “and I am going to respect that. Sorry to see you go despite the fact that we didn't see eye to eye on several key positions. It's never a good idea for the the various branches of Government to get too cosy.”

“Quite,” Dumbledore agreed with a weak grin. “Then what can I do for you?”

“It's tradition for the Minister to ask the departing Chief Warlock to recommend their successor,” the Minister explained.

“Oh, yes of course.” Dumbledore paused to think for a few moments. “Amelia Bones.”

“Any other recommendations? Amelia had indicated that she plans to retire at the end of the year.”

“I can't think of anyone more qualified,” Dumbledore said honestly, “and having her in the big seat would allow you time to search for someone else.”

“Alright,” the Minister agreed. “One more bit of business I'm afraid.”

“Yes?”

“The foreign office has informed me that there are a number of requests for invitations to your retirement party.”

“I wasn't planning on having one,” Dumbledore admitted.

“It would be helpful if you did,” the Minister said neutrally. “But I leave the decision to you.”

“Thank you, may I have some time to think the matter over?”

“Of course.”

IIIIIIIIII

Sirius returned a few minutes later and transformed back into his original form.

“All safe and back at home,” he said with a grin. “Now, what to I get as a reward for being such a good sort?”

“The satisfaction of knowing that your godson and his harem are safe,” she said dryly.

“That'll do,” Sirius said cheerfully. “Care to accompany me back to my family home?”

“Care to skip it today and go straight to the Cauldron for a decent meal?”

“As my lovely bride commands,” Sirius agreed. He wasn't in any hurry to see the old place anyway, just wanted to get back long enough to salvage anything savable and put the rest of the place to the torch.

IIIIIIIIII

Harry smiled when his tracking charms indicated that Sirius and his paramour had gone.

“We're clear,” he said calmly.

“Nice house, Hermione,” Susan said with a grin. “Who does it really belong to?”

“It's mine,” Hermione replied absently. She looked up to see several expressions of shock. “What?”

“We just . . . well, we figured you were to paranoid to lead Sirius back to your real house,” Luna explained. I know I would be if it weren't a matter of public record.”

“Sirius is perfectly trustworthy,” Hermione said firmly. “Besides, well . . . I may have confounded him so he couldn't find it again without one of us leading him here,” Hermione admitted.

“That's our girl,” Susan giggled.

IIIIIIIIII

Sirius polished off the last of his meal and signaled Tom that he was ready for the bill.

“Charge it to my Gringotts account,” Sirius said with a grin after Tom presented them with their check.

“You're joking, right?”

“Why would I be joking?” Sirius asked with a frown.

“Sirius hasn't gotten out much since he was found innocent,” Aurora explained with a wince.

“First day out of St. Mungos,” Sirius agreed. “Now, why would I be joking?”

“Gringotts folded,” Tom explained. “Why don't we just say this meal is on the house, eh? It's the least I can do after thinking so many bad things about you over the years.”

“Yeah,” Sirius said distantly, “thanks, Tom.” And there went his plan of renting a room for a few hours of personal time. “Looks like I'm broke.” He grinned. “Guess I'm going to have to stay with you until the wedding.”

“You've got ten years of back pay along with a substantial amount from your settlement,” Aurora replied. “Nice try.”

“Damn it. My silver lining's been tarnished.”

“That's the way of things,” Aurora said with a grin. “Now let's get you back to the hospital.”

“Sure I couldn't stay with you?” Sirius asked hopefully. “Just for a few days?”

“I'm sure the Healers asked me to bring you back so you could check out.”

“Check out?”

“They said if you're well enough to escape, then you're well enough to be an outpatient.”

“I still need a place to stay,” Sirius continued.

“And I've booked you a room at the Three Broomsticks,” Aurora said.

“When'd you have the time to do that?”

“When you were playing fetch with the children.”

IIIIIIIIII

McGonagall was sitting in her office when she was disturbed by a hesitant knock on the door. “Come in.”

“It's me, Minerva,” Albus said softly. “May I come in?” He added nervously. Afraid that the witch would ban him from her office.

“Of course, please have a seat, Albus.”

“Thank you, Minerva,” the old wizard shuffled across the room and gently lowered himself into his chair. “It seems that you were right, Minerva. I'm nothing but an old fool, I . . . I thank you for doing what you could to stop me from doing something foolish.”

“We all get set in our ways, Albus,” Minerva said gently.

“May I ask if you've considered my request to be retained as an unpaid member of the staff?” Albus asked with a trace of hope in his voice.

“Of course,” Minerva said quickly. “It'd be folly to dismiss an educator of your skills.”

The former Headmaster let out a relieved sigh. “What classes would you like me to teach?”

“The details will need to be worked out later, but to start with I was thinking of giving you three courses.”

“What subjects?”

“Transfiguration, Alchemy, and a course on . . . well, one of the Governors called it History and Moral Philosophy. Though I'm not sure that title fits.”

“What of my course on pureblood culture?”

“I was thinking that the History and Moral Philosophy will cover that,” Minerva said slowly. The old woman paused to think. “To be honest, so far as I'm concerned that course can be used to teach whatever you like. Teach culture one day, mix in a bit of history the next, and cover current events on the third day. You're an experienced enough educator, do what you like with it.”

“How much time might I have to teach this class?” Dumbledore asked eagerly.

“I'm afraid it's only an elective course so . . .”

“Not much,” Dumbledore interjected with a smile. “None the less, I shall make the most of the time I have.”

“Do you mind covering a few study periods?” Minerva asked.

“What would my responsibilities be?”

“Helping with homework, that sort of thing. Once the homework is done then you might have a bit of extra time to cram some more lessons into their little skulls.”

“Thank you, Minerva, I . . . I can't say how much this means to me.”

“Save the thanks, Albus. As much as I respect you, as much as I wish there was more I could do to help. In the end, none of this is for your benefit. Everything I do is for the children, if I thought it would help their education to ban you from the castle then I would reluctantly do so. I'm giving you these opportunities because I think it will help the children grow into well rounded adults.”

“Even better,” Dumbledore replied. “The children are the reason the school is here after all.”

“I'm glad we see eye to eye on this subject, Albus.”

“Yes,” Dumbledore agreed. “I can see how it would be awkward if we did not.”

“Would you mind sending me your book list as soon as possible, Albus? I'd really like to arrange things with the bookshops as soon as possible.”

“Of course, Minerva.” The old wizard rose from his chair. “And on that note, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.”

“Of course, Albus. And don't hesitate to drop by, I've retained your open door policy and I'm sure you know how much of a relief it is to have an excuse to get away from paperwork.” She laughed. “I'd thought it was bad as a deputy, not even a day into my new job and I'm already ready to pull my hair out.”

“One of the few things I shant miss,” Dumbledore laughed. “Good day, Minerva.”

“Good day, Albus.”

AN: Couldn't quite get this chapter where I wanted it, still can't but this is close enough. Thanks got to Earl Cauthridge. More go to polychromeknight for his constructive criticism.

Omake by: Michael Bennett

Addressing the Wizengamot

"It is nothing like that," Dumbledore replied. "Purebloods have less chances to find employment, due to the fact that they can not survive in the muggle world. Muggleborn and most halfbloods can live in either world, so employment is much easier to find. By removing the current protocols of employment for the Ministry, this erases a number of jobs that Purebloods can actually take." Albus took a deep breath, "It would be even worse if we forced the removal of these protocols of employing Purebloods first by all businesses, due to the sole fact that so many muggleborn and halfbloods would rush to steal these positions that soon Purebloods will be left unemployed. This would lead our economy and culture to ruin, and possibly our world, as the wealth Purebloods contain disappears due to the lack of employment."

Dumbledore looked over a sea of unreadable faces, "Then we have the fact that Muggleborns and some halfbloods do not understand the customs and traditions of the magical world. If Purebloods were no longer the majority in the Ministry, we would loose our history all because 'things do not make sense' from the point of view of a muggle. The muggle point-of-view is so fickle, they change their own rules so much that one never really knows what is legal or illegal in their world now. Why, the muggles still rule that it is illegal to eat mince pies on Christmas Day."

"As I said before," Dumbledore stated sadly, "Muggleborn can live in either world so employing them after Purebloods causes them no harm. Purebloods are stuck in the magical world, denying them employment causes great harm to them and to the entire world of Wizards."