"Ron has just made the second largest mistake of his life. The largest (and possibly last) comes next chapter."
Oh, brother!! I have a deep suspicion that, if he survives, Ron is going to be a severely chastised, and, likely, painfully much wiser, individual after that one.
I can't blame Neville and his Gran for being angry and, somehow, I don't think Hannah is going to be much behind them. I daresay that her family will support her and, by extension, Neville. By further extension, this will support Harry. I don't think Dumbles is thinking far enough ahead to realize quite the coaltion he's building. I can just see Susan telling her aunt what's going on and the DMLE becoming a bit less charitably inclined toward Dumbles than she undoubtedly already is.
Heh, I do wonder what Harry's owning of Teen Witch Weekly is going to do for the public opinion battle. I can see that, esp. if Luna and the Quibbler continue their excellent working relationship, causing a number of problems for those who deserve them.
I'll admit to looking forward to seeing your solution for Tom. I'm always open for creaitve approaches.
Author's response
Lets just say that after much reflection and worry about upsetting readers, Ron is going to deserve everything he gets.
My basic point in this story is that Dumbles ISN'T thinking anymore, just reacting. Amelia is paying attention to the running of the school, count on it.
Considering the readership of TWW, not much. Though he is considering changing the title to Dragon Beat...
I hope my solution works out as well on screen as it does in my head.