The boy-who-lived stared in confusion, earning a soft laugh.
"You Harry. Grace has your attentions whether you admit it or not. I overheard she escorted you to a party during the summer that Serena attended as well. Now you defended her despite evidence to the contrary."
It was true, but that didn't mean the young man was going to admit it so easily, "I defended her because it's all circumstantial evidence and I'm just as much of a suspect. I remember what it was like being blamed for it during my own second year. As for Grace, my parents set all that up and even if they didn't, why would Snape care?"
A knowing smile formed on the woman's features before he could even process the reason. "So, it is 'Grace' and 'Snape' hm?" Before he could think of a rebuttal the woman continued, "Regardless of how you meant it Harry the fact remains you are closer to Professor Riddle than Professor Snape, and I think you underestimate how much that means. She might act with nothing but disdain for everyone, including your family, but deep down I believe Serena did, and perhaps still does, have an attachment towards not just your mother but your father as well. Between your appearance and personality some of those suppressed desires may have transferred to you."
His eyes narrowed, "So because Snape couldn't rape my dad in school, she is pissed that I call Riddle by her first name?" Dumbledore's eyes widened, opening her mouth to, undoubtedly, make an argument for the Potion Professor's integrity when Harry interrupted with a shake of his head, "Sometimes I just don't understand you or Dumbledore's choice in professors."
With that he stood and left, missing the soft reply from behind, "Sometimes Harry, neither do I."
****
"Professor Snape." The woman turned to observe one of her more favored students walking up, Marie Rosier. "Is it true that Beatrice Haywood was attacked?"
The professor held back a sneer, clearly someone had begun spreading rumors already, likely one of those who had been at the original scene. "Miss Haywood is currently recovering from a prank gone wrong, nothing more."
Staring back, the younger witch seemed to see through the blatant lie but nodded in understanding regardless.
"If you have information regarding the incident..."
Marie shifted a bit in place, clearly uncomfortable with the situation, "I... heard that she had a bit of an argument with Professor Riddle after Dueling Club."
Serena's gaze narrowed, "Oh? Regarding what?"
"Har... Mr. Potter, ma'am. I also saw Professor Riddle arguing with Amaryllis Potter shortly before her first Quidditch game."
"The one in which she was injured?"
"Yes ma'am."
Snape said nothing but nodded before giving a dismissing gesture. The evidence was beginning to build, and it all looked to point in one direction for the Potions Professor.
****
Less than a week after the petrification and Dumbledore found herself being approached by Pandora Malfoy.
"Headmistress, I was hoping to speak with you for a moment."
"Oh? Have you gone to your Head of House first miss Malfoy? Surely, she could…"
"It's concerning Harry."
Augustina inwardly frowned at the use of the boy's first name. It certainly wasn't common practice to use a boy's first name unless one had a familial connection or were in a close relationship with them. As far as she knew Pandora fit into neither of these categories. "Then we should find a place to sit and converse." They made their way up to the older witch's office as she gestured towards the empty seat for the student to take. "Now then, you were saying something about mister Potter?"
"There seems to be the idea that Harry is somehow involved in the incidents befalling other students. This isn't true, he's innocent."
Ignoring the use of his first name, once again, the elder quirked an eyebrow. "Where do you get that idea from miss Malfoy?"
"There are several older students keeping an eye on him, I know because I have been observing him as well."
That was certainly not something Dumbledore expected to hear and would likely earn quite an earful from the boy's mother. "And why would you take such a task upon yourself?"
If it was meant as a trick question the Slytherin didn't take the bait, instead staring back into the woman's eyes without a hint of uncertainty or embarrassment, "He is important to me, I do not wish to see him harmed or penalized for something he did not do."
Dumbledore sat in silence for a moment, before nodding in agreement, "Mister Potter is not under any suspicion, those who were asked to watch over him were doing so for his own safety, nothing more."
Knowing a dismissal when she heard one, Pandora rose and gave another nod before departing the office.
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