a different harry potter

Minerva, could he have wanted Harry raised by the Dursleys and Sirius out of the way?" And with that question Septima gave voice to one of her greatest fears. Minerva wanted to protest the statement immediately, but after everything she had heard, she realized that she needed to think about it.

"I don't know. I would like to say that Albus would never do something like that, but I am not certain I believe that," Minerva paused for a moment, thinking, then added, "I do not doubt that Albus weighs his actions in terms of the greater good. If it meant sacrificing one life to save hundreds, I believe he would make the sacrifice. He would not want to, but in the end, he wants what is best for everyone."

"Not for the person who is sacrificed," Septima muttered in anger. "Who is he to decide?"

"People have been putting their faith in Albus Dumbledore for a long time. They trust him to always do what is right. I have trusted him to always do what is right," Minerva stated her hand tightening on her empty glass. She set it down sharply, eyes downcast as she considered her own actions. Silence reigned for several long moments before Septima spoke again.

"While we are researching and determining whether or not we can trust Dumbledore, where shall Harry stay?" Minerva looked up at her colleague in surprise.

"Are you able to take him in?" She enquired not having seriously considered the possibility that Harry would need to stay somewhere else.

That could work in the short term, though I should warn you that I know nothing of raising a child, especially one with Harry's background. I also have a couple of other trips planned this summer, and although he might be able to go with me, that would not work if we wanted to maintain a low profile as to his whereabouts unless he were in disguise. Even then, I doubt he would enjoy attending some of the conference style events I will be at, and I would not wish to leave him unattended in a strange country."

"I would be happy to have him, but I generally remain at the castle most of the time, and Albus would surely discover if he were there," Minerva remarked. "I could perhaps take some time away to cover for you on one of your trips though if it's near the time that school will start, that may be impossible."

"Surely his parents had other family or friends, perhaps," Septima questioned wishing she knew more about the Potters.

"James Potter was good friends with Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, who Black is accused of killing, and Remus Lupin, who is a known werewolf. His parents died while he was still in school, and he had no siblings or close cousins. As for Lily, her parents also died in the last war, and the only other family I know of for her, is Petunia Dursley. Lily was a friendly girl, but her closest friends, Marlene McKinnon and Sarah Fawcett, both died in the last war. She was also good friends with Severus Snape for most of her school years, but I hardly think you will suggest asking him to take in the boy, as Severus Snape and James Potter hated each other, and Severus has never seemed particularly fond of children." Septima set down her empty glass in frustration.

"What about Sirius Black, who would he name as guardian to Harry if he were not around?"

"Remus Lupin comes to mind, but the Ministry would never allow it," Minerva pondered her answer carefully. "Sirius was not close to any of his family, except for perhaps his cousin, Andromeda. Andromeda Black was disowned by her parents for marrying a muggle born wizard, Ted Tonks. I would imagine that Andromeda is the only family Sirius still spoke with that survived the last war, as both were essentially cast out of the family. I cannot say for sure that the two still spoke, but I seem to recall that they were at least friendly towards each other."

Septima retrieved some parchment and ink and quickly noted the names of the individuals who may be able to provide Harry with additional information about his parents, and those who might serve as guardians until the mess with Sirius Black could be resolved.

"That's a relatively short list of names," she commented as there were only three names on her list, Remus Lupin, Andromeda Black Tonks, and Ted Tonks. She had deliberately left off Severus Snape's name as she would not wish him as a guardian on anyone, let alone an abused child.

"Andromeda and Ted have a daughter, Nymphadora Tonks, who is a Hufflepuff and will be entering her seventh year this year. I am afraid that I have not seen or spoken to Remus Lupin in several years."

"Are there any teachers other than yourself that would know more about James and Lily?"

Filius, of course, he adored Lily, and she was working on a charms' mastery with him before they went into hiding. I had offered to train James in transfiguration, but he was adamant to join the auror core and fight the good fight. I have no doubt that had they survived, he would likely have gotten that mastery, as would Lily. Lily was also quite gifted at potions, and Horace Slughorn was fond of her as well. He retired just after the war, and was replaced by Severus once he obtained his mastery."