18 Chapter 18: “Difficult Decisions Part - 1”

After a somber return from the Longbottoms' home late at night, the group was visibly distressed. The aftermath of the attack left the Longbottoms physically intact but emotionally scarred, their trembling forms a testament to the horrors they had endured.

Lily, her voice heavy with emotion, emphasized the urgent need for justice. "We need to ensure those monsters are given the strictest punishment for what they did. I don't want them to roam around the streets free to harm any more people."

Dumbledore, sharing in the sentiment, pledged to leverage his considerable influence to see the culprits confined to Azkaban for life.

The conversation soon veered towards the safety of the Potter family. 

James said "We now need to think about our own family's safety. I have heard that the Ministry is turning our old home in Godric's Hollow into a memorial and providing us with a new one."

Dumbledore relayed the information he had on the topic. "Yes, the minister wants to make it a monument so that it reminds other people that light always wins in the end. I tried to stop it but she was adamant. Getting a replacement house from the ministry will take time so we will have to consider other accommodations. We also need to change the ward used to protect your house since you can still be attacked. This recent attack proves that the Fidelius Charm is not sufficient."

After a pause, he continued, "I propose a new ward scheme for your new home. However, there is a limitation to this ward scheme. For the greatest effect, the ward can only accommodate three people. The number three is a strong magical number, and it will give the wards the most power."

Lily's initial shock turned to outrage at the suggestion of leaving Harry behind. "You can't be serious, Professor! Are you suggesting we leave Harry behind? Harry is my son; we cannot just leave him."

Sirius, equally appalled, fervently protested the idea. "This is madness! How can you even suggest separating a child from his parents? Harry is just a child! He needs his parents. Especially after the events of that night."

James, wrestling with a complex blend of feelings towards Harry, chose to keep his thoughts to himself during the discussion. A storm of conflicting emotions raged within him — a mix of jealousy and a sense of responsibility as a father. 

Losing his right as the future head of the Potter family hurt a lot. Every time he saw Harry, James couldn't stop thinking about how others might be making fun of him for not passing the Lordship test. Back in his school days at Hogwarts, being the future Lord Potter made him quite popular, and he often used this to pull pranks on others. Now, he imagined those same people were probably laughing at him for his failure.

"I understand your concerns, but we have no other option. Our foremost concern must be the safety of Charles and the broader implications for our world. It's either you use this new ward scheme or trust the Fidelius Charm again." After seeing that no one gained another opinion, he continued' "Since that's decided let's discuss where can we place Harry?"

Sirius was quick to volunteer. "He can stay with me."

Dumbledore shook his head. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Sirius. You're too high-profile a target and we cannot risk your family attracting Harry to their side through you. The young Harry would be an easy target for them to attract to their side."

Sirius retorted "I have not met my family in years. They cannot get to Harry through me and I am sure I will be able to raise him well."

But Dumbledore still denied the idea. After a long discussion, where alternatives were rejected one by one for one reason or the other by Dumbledore, they concluded that Harry couldn't be placed anywhere in the magical world for 'his safety'.

The discussion then gravely turned to placing Harry in the Muggle world. 

Dumbledore finally suggested, "I think the best person to take care of Harry is Lily's sister, Petunia. She is family and Harry would receive the care and love he needs there."

Lily's immediate rejection of the idea was palpable. "Absolutely not! Petunia detests magic. Harry would be better off in an orphanage than with her," she argued, unable to hide her distress at the thought.

Hearing orphanage, Dumbledore's thoughts couldn't help but go back to the time he met the young Tom Riddle at Wool's orphanage. He regrets not doing better for the young boy who went on to become his biggest headache.

"An orphanage cannot be considered under any circumstances. Moreover, there's a strategic aspect to Harry's placement in the Muggle world that we must address. As many of you are aware, Charles is destined for significant responsibilities and roles within our community. To ensure he can fulfill these duties, he needs the protection of being the Potter heir." Dumbledore began, laying the groundwork for his argument.

"The will of Fleamont Potter explicitly names Harry as the Heir Potter. However, for Charles to rightfully assume this position and the subsequent Lordship, we need Harry to be seen as ineligible. The best course of action is to distance Harry from the magical world and our family traditions. This separation will cause the heirship ring to deem Harry unfit, allowing Charles to step into his rightful role as heir. Such a maneuver is crucial for Charles's protection against Voldemort's followers, who remain a threat at Hogwarts and within the Ministry," Dumbledore explained, outlining a plan that seemed to resonate deeply with James and Lily.

This rationale appealed to both James and Lily, whose affections were more naturally aligned with Charles. His upbringing under their direct care had fostered a closer bond, in contrast to Harry, who had been predominantly raised by his grandparents, adopting their values and perspectives.

James, in particular, understood the critical significance of the heirship ring for Charles. "I see where you're coming from, Professor. That ring isn't just a piece of jewelry; it's like a shield for Charles. Having it means he'd be safe from being wrongly accused or caught up in trouble he didn't cause. If the Ministry or anyone tries to blame him for something he didn't do, the ring and the rights that come along with it will protect him. It's a way to keep him safe from any tricks or false charges that could be thrown his way." he acknowledged, recognizing the protective mechanisms the ring offered against the political machinations and the lingering malice within their society.