Harry Potter and the Mysterious Stubbardmans

Prologue

The war between the Death Eaters and the rest of the wizarding world was over. It was now safe for everyone to return to a normal way of life, or so they thought. As far as the majority of the witches and wizards were concerned, daily life had resumed its usual routine. Thanks to the Chosen One, the most evil and tumultuous of all wizards was destroyed. The problem was, even though the Dark Lord was dead, some of his loyal followers were determined to avenge his death. This meant trouble for Harry Potter.

Harry managed to escape the duel with his archenemy relatively unscathed, except for one minor detail. You-Know-Who's most loyal followers had decided to get even with the Boy Who Lived. One of the remaining Death Eaters decided to take the situation into her own hands.

No one had ever known that many years ago Tom Riddle had kept company with a certain woman. For Tom, love, like guilt, was a useless emotion. In spite of his reputation for being cruel, insensitive, and quick to dismiss anyone who displayed such a weakness, she pledged her love to him. The poor, misguided sorceress swore that she would seek revenge on anyone that would try to do the Dark Lord harm. So, at the stroke of midnight, on Harry's eighteenth birthday, she performed one of the darkest and most evil of all rituals--the Power Depletion Rite.

This particular Dark magic ritual was a very complex concoction of minerals, spirits, stones, and the most critical of all ingredients: blood from a unicorn. Once this mixture had been blended together with a garment from the person being targeted for power depletion, an incantation was spoken. The effects were instantaneous. The person experienced a serious deficit in their magical powers. Not only was poor Harry targeted for assassination, he was vulnerable because he had lost a considerable amount of his magical abilities.

After the mysterious woman had completed the ritual, she committed the most unspeakable of all acts: she took her own life. Unfortunately, for the woman, her act of loyalty would have meant nothing to the Dark Lord, had he even been aware of such a sacrifice made in his honour. While she only had eyes for him, he had eyes for only those that would serve his needs and had no interest in committing himself to anyone. A woman's affection was a distraction and held little value. At a young age, Tom was taught what love was and, for him, the lesson was bitter.

Due to his desire to be unattached and his complete disregard for others, Tom acquired a reputation for being irresponsibly promiscuous. Some wondered if his interests resulted in offspring. It had been suspected that such a child existed.

It was at the Burrow, later that morning, on his birthday, when Harry Potter discovered that most of his powers were gone. Once Professor McGonagall had heard about Harry's misfortune, she immediately took action. She contacted the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, with the hopes that they would provide Harry with protection, until they could figure out some way to restore all that he had lost. Harry's predicament was a well-kept secret...or so Professor McGonagall and the rest of the members of the remaining Order miscalculated.

It was not well known, that there was a great family of witches and wizards whose lineage, in part, could be traced to R.A.E, the Royal Alchemic Entity. A brother, a sister, and a cousin were assigned the responsibility to guarantee Harry's survival. It was their watchful eyes and steadfast training that would help keep Harry safe from the avengers' diabolical conspiracy while he received magical therapy to restore his powers.

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The tall, broad-shouldered man paced nervously within the walls of the headmaster's chambers. His long, silk-threaded robe of royal blue and bronze that wrapped around his lean body, gently caressed the cold, stone floor, keeping in rhythm with his anxious gait. Every now and then the man, thirty-six in years, would run his fingers through his shoulder length, wavy, blonde hair, exposing his facial features to their fullest. His thick brows furled over light blue eyes, and his lips, though elegant in shape, were now pressed firmly against one another, until nearly hidden from view.

The sound of the chamber doors abruptly opening startled the man, pulling him away from his thoughts. He looked up to see the old woman slowly moving forward toward him. Though her sullen eyes and drawn expression reflected that of someone who had been through countless tragedies, the image of Professor McGonagall was still a comforting sight.

"Titus, I knew you could do it," the professor calmly remarked. Her voice may have indicated a strong desire to maintain reserve, but her eyes gave away her hidden joy.

"Thank you, Professor," the man replied diffidently.

"Titus Sigmund Candelier. You know, I believe it was your name that encouraged the Ministry to make their final decision in favour of you," Professor McGonagall informed in jest. "The safe, the victorious protector and the light," she spoke, referring to what each of the man's three names meant.

Headmaster of Hogwarts, Titus thought to himself, hardly able to believe that the title would soon be his own. "It seems hard to believe. It hasn't registered yet," he confessed.

"Well, it had better and it had better do so soon! You know what this evening is," Professor McGonagall reminded sternly.

"Yes," Titus replied. "It's the induction ceremony, but it's also the night I'm to work on my first assignment. Sometimes I think that's why they dumped this job on me," he scowled.

"Oh, don't be silly. You were appointed to this job because of your accomplishments! You are a marvellous leader and a brilliant man, Titus. Albus always spoke so fondly of you," Professor McGonagall revealed.

"Yes, he did, when he wasn't busy figuring out how to keep two other students from constantly getting into trouble. When I think back on all of those times I covered for them..." Titus grunted.

"You can't help but laugh in spite of yourself," Professor McGonagall completed his sentence.

"They were good times, Professor. I must say, Black and Potter sure knew how to show a bookworm like me how to loosen up and have a good time."

"Luckily for you, you were just a Ravenclaw," Professor McGonagall said amusedly.

"Yes, indeed. One thing was for certain: they had no use for Slytherin prefects!"

There was a moment of silence. Both professors stood, studying the faces of the previous headmasters, whose portraits graced the walls. Professor McGonagall sensed the young man's anxiety. She knew that the task that had been placed before him would be terribly difficult for any headmaster, even the most experienced. Strangely enough, it became the Headmaster of Hogwarts' job to do it. It was becoming a Hogwarts school tradition, or so the other professors had humorously commented amongst themselves. All had managed to see the comical appeal in it--all except one.

"I'm scared, Professor," Titus blurted.

"I know. I also know, however, that no other man would be capable of handling the job," Professor McGonagall declared confidently.

"I just hope Aristotle knows what he's doing. I mean I know my cousin. He's a very proficient Defence Against the Dark Arts instructor. He has trained the best of them in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I'm certain that, by next summer, he'll have the boy's powers restored, but right now, a year seems so far off. Starting my new job, as headmaster will be overwhelming enough, but to have this on my head too... I feel like I'm drowning. I feel as though I'm forever breathing in water with no reprieve in sight and I wish I would just drown."

"Titus, what you're experiencing is perfectly normal," the old woman reassured. "Every headmaster has felt the same way when they first took on the job. I place all of my faith in you, Titus. I know both of them and the rest of the school are in safe hands."

Professor McGonagall smiled comfortingly at the young man. As she stood, draped in a long, black dress and forest green robe, she took careful note of his being. She watched his facial expressions. She observed how he would periodically clench his fists, or crinkle his forehead, deep in his thoughts. She sympathized with his concerns, but she could do nothing for him except offer her moral support.

She sighed then announced, "I need to get back to the staff room. If you need me, you know where to find me. Congratulations again, Titus Sigmund Candelier." Professor McGonagall turned politely away and exited the chamber.

Titus was left to ponder on his thoughts and cares. Of all the trials and tribulations he had overcome in the past, none seemed so wrought with burden as this. I guess my first step is to talk to both of them and emphasize how important it is that they cooperate with me, he thought.

Harry Potter sat in one of the many guest bedrooms, in the Gryffindor dormitory. The rooms were made to accommodate all of those Gryffindors who were attending Hogwarts in order to make up for the year that they had lost. As the Dark Lord had prevented the Muggleborn students from attending the school the year before, many of them wished to return to complete their education. It would be in this room, located down a dark corridor, that Harry would be spending his last year.

Since he had lost so much time due to the war with the Death Eaters, his only hope of passing his N.E.W.T'.s depended on the lessons that this year could offer. Luckily, he had Ron to keep him company, although the two would feel incomplete without their loyal, female cohort, Hermione. During the previous year, she had maintained her studies while she was hiding in the forest with Harry, and didn't require her last year.

After passing her N.E.W.T.'s with flying colours, Hermione had been accepted into the Criminal Law Apprenticeship Program, better known as "the CLAP". It was under the direction of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She was placed in the sub-specialty of Forensic Behavioural Sciences. In other words, she was studying to become an investigator of crime.

One good thing came out of having to stay an extra year to finish his studies. Harry could spend more time with Ginny. It was Ginny's last year as well, and she hoped that it would be her last year spent as a Weasley. The thought of changing her surname to that of the boy she had loved for nearly seven years was the greatest thrill that her heart had ever felt.

Harry stood up from his bed and stared out of the window. He peered out, taking in the welcoming view of the grounds. It was a different point of view than he had been used to in his old dormitory. Autumn was just around the corner, and a few of the leaves on the trees had prematurely changed to deep red and golden colours while the rest boasted rich green flora.

"This is going to be the weirdest year yet, I imagine...that is, if you don't include what happened last term," Ron declared, breaking the silence in their new, makeshift dorm room.

"I'm just hoping that all of this magical therapy that Aristotle is giving me will help me regain what I've lost. I'm a marked man, according to Professor McGonagall." Harry's eyes moved to the floor. A tired expression spread across his face.

"Well, just remember, we're in this together. I know you thought I had deserted you before, but I was just confused. Nothing is going to happen to you," Ron assured.

"Yeah, and what makes you so sure?" Harry lightly challenged, turning toward Ron.

"Because Hermione and I won't let anything happen to you. Plus, if anyone does try anything on you, Ginny will send a Bat Bogey Hex in their direction."

Ginny. Just the name alone would send a plethora of adjectives and visions through Harry's mind. Ginny. Her long, soft, auburn hair sparkling joyfully with the colors of the sunset. Ginny. Her smooth, alabaster skin glowing like an angel's halo. Ginny. Her scent reminding him of vanilla and honey and lavender. Ginny. Harry's mind continued to drift like a feather on a cool breeze.

"Harry? Harry!"

"Oh, sorry," Harry replied sheepishly.

"You haven't forgotten? That's my sister you're fantasizing about!" Ron reprimanded in jest, giving Harry a friendly punch in the arm. Harry chuckled in response. "Come on. Let's go down to the kitchens. I'm starving."

"You're hungry again?" Harry exclaimed. "You just ate a couple of hours ago. Where do you put it all?"

"Look, I'm a growing boy. I'm going into the Aurors' Apprenticeship next term and I'm going to need my strength," Ron joked on behalf of his own defence.

"Yeah, but if you keep eating like that, you're gonna qualify for the Fat Lady look-alike contest!" Harry chuckled.

The two walked out of the Gryffindor common room and down to the kitchens. It certainly was good to be back in the familiar old place. Parts of Hogwarts were still visibly damaged from the battle last semester, but things were steadily being repaired or replaced.

"I hope the induction ceremony doesn't take forever," Harry uttered.

"Why? You and Ginny have plans tonight?" Ron teased.

Harry grinned mischievously. "Who wants to know?"

"Well, me! I do! After all, she is my sister, you know. Besides, I'm your best mate. You're supposed to tell me."

"Oh, really? And do you tell me everything that goes on between you and Hermione?"

"Well, no, but that's because Hermione isn't your sister. Besides, I would if ...she was around to do anything with." Ron sulked. He looked at Harry pensively, then turned his sad eyes straight ahead. They had arrived at the kitchens.

Harry walked through the doors with Ron trailing close behind.

"You know, her last letter sounded kind of sad. I think she misses us," Harry mentioned.

"Misses us? You mean she misses me," Ron was quick to correct.

"Oh, yeah. Right," Harry quipped. He walked over to one of the giant iceboxes and opened it. "Ahh, pumpkin juice, and it hasn't been opened yet!"

"Hey, pour me a glass of that too, while you're at it," Ron commanded, taking two glasses out of one of the cabinets.

Harry pulled out a bowl of chocolate pudding as well and placed it on the table along with the bottle of pumpkin juice. Ron brought over the two glasses and two spoons. Harry poured the juice as Ron helped himself to a heaped spoonful of pudding. Harry handed Ron one of the glasses of juice.

"To our last year!" Harry toasted.

"To our last year," Ron repeated as his glass made a clinking sound as hitting lightly up against Harry's.

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It would only be a second later, she thought. It was the waiting--the dreadful waiting. It was the typical anticipation of finding out how far from a perfect score her test results would be. The all too familiar feeling of her heart racing furiously was more than Hermione Granger could stand.

She stared at the middle-aged woman as though willing her to grade the test more quickly. This woman was Hermione's mentor. Although they had shared some personal stories between them, getting more acquainted with one another over the summer, there was still a mystery about this woman, waiting to be solved. Hermione made a mental profile, created from information she had collected. It took her mind off off the insufferable waiting.

Name: Dori Stubbardman

Age: 36

Marital Status: widowed

Education: Hogwarts, 1973-1980.

House: Ravenclaw

Children: one daughter, Grace, age 16. Grace is a transfer student from a private school in Ireland. She was placed in Hufflepuff.

"Hermione," Dori spoke breaking the unbearable silence.

"Huh?" Hermione gasped, awakened from her train of thought.

"Excellent work, Miss Granger! You never cease to amaze me, although Professor McGonagall did inform me that I have no reason to be amazed. I should get used to receiving work like this from you," Dori praised.

Hermione, breathing a sigh of relief, approached her mentor's desk to accept her test paper. "Thank you. You're a great mentor, Dori." Hermione looked down at the test to review her results.

Dori studied her pupil's expression and noticed some disappointment in the young apprentice's eyes. "You seem upset about something."

"It's nothing," Hermione lied.

"You're looking at the second bonus question," Dori observed.

"Well, it's just that..." Hermione struggled for the right words, but failed to find them.

"Hermione, the fact that you were able to get seven out of the ten points for that question leaves me little doubt that you will be an extraordinary criminal pathologist," Dori prophesied. "Now, come on. Put that infernal test paper away and let's celebrate!"

"How are we going to do that?" Hermione asked, burying the exam in her briefcase after one last fervent glance.

"Hogwarts, of course! Have you forgotten? It's the induction ceremony!"

"Oh, no! I completely forgot about that. I was planning to attend and surprise Ron and Harry."

"You're on top of the world, my dear! You've completed the summer semester of your junior apprenticeship, and have done beautifully under my tutelage, if I may brag. It's only fitting that you spend this evening with the one you love. Now, no more dawdling! Let's go!" Dori ordered.

"You know, you're right. I've earned this night. So why do I feel so guilty saying that?" Hermione pouted.

"Because you're foolishly uptight. I'll have to work on that. Now, off we go! Aristotle said he'd meet us back at the phone booth with Bridget."

"Bridget?" Hermione inquired.

"Yes, Titus' sister. Now, come on! We have to hurry if we don't want to be late. Besides, from what you've been telling me about the way that future husband of yours eats, we'll be lucky if there's anything left by the time we arrive." Dori teased.

Hermione laughed.

Dori and Hermione arrived at the phone booth to find Dori's brother, Aristotle, and their cousin, Bridget, waiting for them. Dori introduced Hermione to Bridget then and the four journeyed to Hogwarts. They arrived in front of the main entrance of the school and Mr. Filch greeted them with his usual distorted version of hospitality.

"Yeah, yeah, come in. Hurry up. Wipe your feet; I just scrubbed this floor!"

"And we're all so thrilled to see you, too," Dori retorted.

The quartet quickly made their way past the old Squib, and continued their conversation.

"I hope I have a chance to talk to Harry. I need to let him know about something," Aristotle mentioned with a hint of urgency in his voice.

"Why? What's the matter?" Hermione inquired, picking up on Aristotle's tone.

"Er...nothing, Hermione. Nothing you need to worry yourself over," Aristotle assured.

"Hermione, why don't you find that lover boy of yours? We'll meet you back here for the ceremony," Dori suggested.

"Okay. It was nice seeing you again, Aristotle. It was nice meeting you, Bridget," Hermione graciously addressed the two Aurors.

She quickly hurried off to Gryffindor dormitory, anxious to see the boy she had come to know and love.

Ron and Harry were sitting cross-legged on Ron's bed, playing a game of chess, when Hermione knocked on their door.

"Who could that be? I already promised Dean I'd play chess with him tomorrow afternoon," Ron remarked.

Harry shrugged his shoulders then looked back down at the chessboard to plan his next move.

"Ron, Harry, is this any way to treat an old school mate?" Hermione teased.

Ron's ears turned red with excitement as he leaped off the bed and dove to the door. The chess pieces flew in every direction while Harry threw his hands in front of his face to protect it from an airborne bishop and rook.

"Hermione!" Ron cried as he opened the door, stepped out into the corridor, threw his arms around Hermione's waist and spun her around. He gently placed her down then firmly pressed his lips against hers.

Hermione responded by allowing Ron to cup his hands around her face. She placed her arms around him and massaged his well-defined shoulders.

"Okay, that's enough! Can't you let someone else say hello. She's my friend, too, you know," Harry joked, standing in the doorway.

Ron managed to pull his lips apart from Hermione's and chuckled. "Aren't you one to talk? You should see him and Ginny at it," Ron jabbed back.

Hermione giggled then gave Harry a hug. After breaking away from Harry's embrace, she asked, "Where is Ginny?"

"Oh, don't worry. She'll be here. She's probably in her room, fussing over her hair." Ron snickered.

"Well, I better go get her. Everyone is waiting for us downstairs."

"Who's everyone?" Ron inquired.

"Aristotle, my mentor, Dori and her cousin are here."

"Oh."

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The Great Hall had been prepared for the induction ceremony with the dining tables draped in Ravenclaw colours to honour the soon-to-be new Headmaster. The ceiling held the illusion of a night's sky full in its celestial glory. At the front was the table where all of the professors and honoured guests would be seated. Centre stage proudly held the beautiful chair to which Titus would be inaugurally led.

Students present and former, the professors, parents, and members of the Ministry began congregating around the Great Hall's entrance. Some proceeded inside and took their assigned seats. As more guests arrived, the Minister for Magic took his place next to the headmaster's chair with traditional scroll and staff in hand. Professor McGonagall held the ceremonial headmaster's hat, which was in the shape of a large, black, satin pepper. On it was the Hogwarts school crest.

Those seated at the Headmaster's table included all of the professors, Hagrid, Arthur and Percy Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Hagrid stood up from where he was sitting and called for everyone's attention.

"Quiet, everyone! It's starting."

Professor McGonagall turned toward Hagrid and gave him a slight nod of approval. With that, trumpets suddenly blared, announcing the arrival of the soon-to-be headmaster.

As Titus rocked back and forth on his feet, everyone else in the Great Hall stood in honour of him, waiting for the music to cue the procession. The trumpets began playing the melody that the band had been rehearsing just for this occasion. Titus nervously took a step forward. He marched almost hypnotically down the red carpet. He fixed his stare on Professor McGonagall who returned his gaze with a warm, encouraging smile. In spite of his relentless anxiety, Titus managed to reach the chair. He turned around and, while still standing, looked out into the sea of impatient faces that filled the Great Hall. All of the students from the four houses remained standing. Titus scanned the Gryffindor table until his eyes found whom he was searching for.

Harry stood stoically as he challenged the strange look coming from the guest of honour. Ginny noticed Titus' eyes were transfixed on her boyfriend. Standing in front of Harry, she turned her head back to see what her bespectacled love was doing in response.

"Harry," Ginny whispered, "what's going on?"

"I have no idea," Harry answered without allowing his eyes to falter from their position.

As Harry and Ginny continued observing Professor Candelier, the Minister for Magic was conducting the ceremony, reciting the traditional words, which had been used with each passing of the Hogwarts baton to a newly installed headmaster.

"...and do you, Titus Sigmund Candelier, solemnly swear to uphold the traditions, rules, and regulations of this institution known as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the Ministry for Magic?"

"I, Titus Sigmund Candelier, do solemnly swear," Titus promised.

"How much longer is this going to take? I'm starving!" Ron quietly grunted to Hermione.

"Ronald Weasley, are you aware that Hogwarts is entering another historical chapter in its book? The induction of a headmaster is a rare occasion. You should feel privileged to take part in such a momentous event," Hermione scolded in a low voice.

Ron responded by rolling his eyes defiantly.

"Kneel, Titus Sigmund Candelier," the Minister instructed.

Titus did as he was told and Professor McGonagall placed the headmaster's hat on his head.

"Please rise," the Minister ordered.

Titus stood up from his kneeling position and, with his body slightly angled in the Minister's direction, listened to these words:

"Titus Sigmund Candelier, I now declare you, before all of these witnesses, on this first night of September, in the year of nineteen hundred and ninety eight, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," the Minister proudly announced, extending his hand to Titus. "Congratulations, Headmaster Candelier!"

With that, all who stood in the Great Hall applauded and cheered, expressing their excitement at the moment. Professor McGonagall led Titus to the chair that was at the centre of the table. As was customary, Titus took his place at the staff table and waited for the others to be seated, prior to standing up again to address the student body. This would be his first speech as headmaster.