Chapter 23
A Mother's Plea, A Director's Disbelief
Author's Note: I am happy to announce that Chapter 22, as of publishing this, is now the highest reviewed chapter in this story, by over ten reviews! Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to review this story. It mean a lot to me to read all the reviews!
Pay attention to the Bold Parentheses in this chapter. The chronology goes back and forth a bit. This chapter begins with an Amelia POV, then goes back in time an hour with two Dumbledore POVs. Then the return of another PoV we had earlier in the story. Then it finishes with another Amelia PoV.
There is a hint to another Femslash relationship in this chapter. It won't have any major significance in the story, and both characters are Original Characters, so I'm not going to list it among the pairings.
I have a feeling I could lose readers due to this chapter. Let me reassure any of you who have doubts because of this chapter, that the events of this chapter is simply a roadblock, and things will get better.
Warning: Dumbledore, Ginny, Ron and Molly Weasley Bashing; Mention of a Femslash relationship.
(Wednesday, December 16th, 1994)
Director Amelia Bones rubbed at her eyes as she sat behind her desk in her office. She had just finished going over the various reports and transcriptions of interviews, from her investigations at Hogwarts. She hadn't gone home the previous evening, having had a late night after Molly Weasley's arrest and preparing for her visit to Hogwarts today. So she had slept in one of the private bedrooms meant for DMLE and Aurors who had late nights on the job, much like Arthur Weasley had done. Even then, she had only gotten about four hours of sleep.
It had been a very long day. After watching Ron and Ginny Weasley leave Hogwarts, for what was likely their final time, she and Minerva McGonagall had returned to the Professor's office, where she and Minerva had a discussion lasting about an hour that had shocked the DMLE Director to her core. At that thought, Amelia glanced over at the Dicta-Quill transcription of the discussion between her and Minerva about the 'troubles' that had plagued Hogwarts over the past three-and-a-half years. 'Troubles' was an understatement.
Trolls. Cursed broomsticks. Baby dragons. First years having detention in the Forbidden Forest! A Cerberus behind a locked door that an Alohomora Charm could open! An obstacle course from hell guarding the Mirror of Erised that held Nicolas Flamel's Philosopher's Stone inside! The Obstacle Course was used as bait for – Amelia still couldn't believe it – Voldemort, whom Albus Dumbledore believed was still alive and was trying to prove it by baiting him! Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were involved in most of the troubles that had been described! Three first years had beaten an obstacle course meant to give Voldemort a hard time?!
Amelia had been in shocked horror and audacity at the entire thing. And that was just Harry Potter and Hermione Granger's first year.
Then Minerva's tale had just gotten worse. Harry Potter had once again been involved with most of the trouble of that year. A year full of Petrified Students – which included Hermione Granger – which had all culminated in Harry Potter having to fight a Basilisk to save Ginny Weasley's life in the legendary Chamber of Secrets!
There was one moment of the Chamber of Secrets story Amelia had a real problem with above all others. Her own niece, Susan, had been one of the students who had shunned Harry, believing him to be the 'Heir of Slytherin'. Believing him responsible for opening the Chamber of Secrets and attacking Muggleborns! His own mother and best friend – at the time – were Muggleborns! How could she have believed such a thing?
She had accused this of her own ally! Worse, the new leader of the Great Alliance! When Amelia had suggested Harry meet with the Children of the Great Alliance, she never realized Harry already had a bad past history with some of those Children, including her own niece! Of course, there was that whole nefarious enchantment that had made the Great Alliance forget Harry's connection to them, but even so. This just made things worse! Yes, she was definitely going to talk to Susan about this! And soon!
Third year. The Sirius Black fiasco. Sirius had been believed to be going after Harry Potter in Hogwarts, when he was actually going after Peter Pettigrew, who was a rat Animagus. And worse? The rat was Ron Weasley's pet! Then there were all those troubles with the Dementors. Harry had almost been kissed several times, first of which was on the Hogwarts Express before first term of the year had even started! Dementors invading Quidditch games. Dementors going after innocent students! It was a DMLE nightmare!
And yet Amelia hadn't known of any of these things. Nothing that had happened over the past three years! None of it!
"It almost makes me want to resign just from the shame of it all," Amelia had moaned after Minerva had finished her story.
Minerva had been against that of course. "You still have so much to do! Help Sirius, make sure Molly, Ron and Ginny Weasley never touch Harry and Hermione again. Make Dumbledore pay for all of this. How are you going to accomplish this if you resign?"
Amelia had, of course, agreed with that. And it had only firmed her resolve harder to make sure Albus Dumbledore paid for everything he had done over the years. Susan could have been mixed up in any part of these troubles Harry Potter had gone through. She could have been Kissed by a Dementor!
"Dumbledore has indirectly caused me more pain than even Voldemort himself did," Amelia muttered. "Yes, I am going to see him pay for all of this if it is the last thing I do!"
Amelia glanced over at her copy of James and Lily's Final Will and Testament she had received from the House Potter Account Manager, Keeper Ragnok, at Gringotts when she had visited the bank after leaving Hogwarts. She had not yet gone to the Minister of Magic about this yet. But she would. Soon.
"One just doesn't walk into the Minister of Magic's office and demand him of anything," Amelia mused with a snort, "Well, unless your name is Albus Dumbledore."
Not for the first time, Amelia wondered where Albus Dumbledore had been all day. She had expected him to turn up at any moment at Hogwarts, but he had not. Now, she was expecting him to burst through her door, and demand she release Molly Weasley and her children. He had not done so, but there were still several hours of the day. But she wouldn't give up the Weasleys. No, not until they were in front of the Wizengamot. She would be assigning their trials for this Saturday. And if she could, she would also try to arrange a trial for Sirius Black on the same day!
Ron and Ginny were now in two cells neighboring on either side of their mother's, in a secret area of the DMLE which only she and a few of her most loyal DMLE co-workers and Aurors of choice could access. She had done several tests against these chosen few to make sure they would never give up the hidden area. It had been created so certain unnamed individuals - Albus Dumbledore - couldn't simply free the prisoners themselves, while waiting for their criminal trial. Sirius Black certainly wouldn't have been sent to Azkaban by Portkey, without a trial, if he had been in one of those Holding Cells.
Thinking of Sirius Black made her think of her earlier conversation with him. She really needed to add the runic array for Sirius' mirror into her own, as soon as possible, so she could talk to him again. There was a feeling in her heart again that she hadn't felt for thirteen years. She really needed to see Sirius again. She needed to tell him what she couldn't tell him before. How much she still loved him.
Her musings were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," she called.
The door opened and her personal secretary, Samantha, stepped into the room.
"What can I do for you, Samantha?" Amelia asked.
"Auror Shacklebolt just sent me a memo," Samantha said, "Molly Weasley requests to see you. All Auror Shacklebolt said is that Molly wants to make some kind of deal – apparently it is for her children."
Amelia nodded. Kingsley was one of the few Aurors who knew about the hidden holding cells. He was one of her closest friends in the DMLE and it was due to her recommendation to Rufus Scrimgeour, that he had been promoted to Senior Auror. Even though he could have been doing other important duties as a Senior Auror, Kingsley had volunteered to be one of the Aurors on duty watching the Weasleys. Normally, guard duty wasn't one of the duties for a Senior Aurors, but he had volunteered freely.
He had been assisted Amelia in transferring Ronald and Ginevra from the Interrogation Room they had been in before Amelia had arrived, to the private Holding Cells. Amelia could still remember Molly Weasley's reaction of seeing her children being brought in under arrest. First she had asked Ron and Ginny if they were okay, then she had rant to Amelia and Kingsley about their arrest, then had wailed when Amelia wouldn't answer her about what her children had been charged with. Kingsley had volunteered to tell her about her children's charges, and Amelia had happily accepted his request. She had walked out of the Holding Cells before Kingsley had started the explanation.
That was two hours ago.
"I'll head to the private Holding Cells then," Amelia said, "Samantha, could you do me a great favor and get us both some dinner from the Leaky Cauldron. My treat, I'll pay you back when you return. Get me this evening's dinner special."
After I meet with Molly, Amelia thought to herself, I am going to see if I can meet with Minister Fudge before he leaves for the day. He doesn't know anything about the Weasleys' arrests yet. I also need to show him James and Lily's Will, and proof that Sirius is innocent. After all that, I'll definitely be hungry!
"Sure, Amelia," Samantha said; Amelia's secretary knew better than to call her 'Director', or 'Boss', or 'Madam Bones'; Amelia appreciated the girl too much for that, "I'll try to have it back by the time you return."
"I am heading to the Minister's Office after I finish with Mrs. Weasley," Amelia said, "So you don't need to be too hasty."
"You know me, ma'am," Samantha said, with a soft smile.
Amelia smiled. Samantha would be as hasty as she needed to be to do this for her boss.
"Of course I do," Amelia said, with a chuckle.
Amelia stood and walked out of her office with Samantha following her. After saying a temporary farewell to her secretary, Amelia headed off for the Private Holding Cells.
(An hour earlier…)
"Tempus," Albus Dumbledore pointed the Elder Wand at the wall of the Holding Cell he had been in for…
Eight hours?! It was four-o-clock!
"You're lucky to have that Wand back, Dumbledore," Keeper Ragnok the Sixth said, "Technically the Wand belongs to the last Peverell descendant. You know who that is. I know you do. But due to the odd phenomenon of wand allegiance, you are allowed to the owner. I wonder if the last Peverell could take that wand back by simply summoning it from you? Maybe he would have an easier time taking the wand from you than other wand-users would."
Albus glared at the Goblin. He didn't need the wretched beast to voice his thoughts on all of this. Albus had pondered all of this before. Of course he knew who the last Peverell was! It was one of his main priorities to make sure the last Peverell never knew himself! If he took the Elder Wand from him, Albus' plans would go down the toilet faster than a load of shite!
He placed the Elder Wand in his Wand Holster, then put his boots on and tied them.
"I've been here for eight hours?!" Albus asked.
"The last three hours were voluntary," Ragnok sneered, "You fell asleep. Then there was the hour for when you ranted about the unsanitary method you were given to use the bathroom. Do I need to continue?"
"No," Albus scowled, "Am I free to go?"
"After I am finished," Ragnok said, "A total of 255,000 Galleons have been taken from yours and Molly Weasley's personal Vaults. The amount that was stolen from the Trust Vault of one Harry James Potter. As of a few hours ago, Harry Potter is once again in possession of his Gringotts Key. If the Key is given to anybody besides Mr. Potter, or those he gives explicit and signed permission to, there will be more than Galleons to pay. Do you understand me, Dumbledore?"
"Yes," Albus said, through gritted teeth.
"Now that we have confirmed that you have blocked correspondence between Harry James Potter and Gringotts," Rangok said, "We have taken counter-measures into making sure this never happens again. If you, or one of your… minions… interferes when Harry James Potter is summoned to meet with me in the future, there will be punishment – far worse than a few hours in a Holding Cell. Am I understood?"
Albus hissed out a 'yes'. During his… stay… in the Holding Cell, he had feared that Ragnok would soon be contacting Harry Potter. He didn't know when it would happen, just that it would. He feared the day that would come. Because a lot of secrets would probably be discovered, secrets he had been hiding for a very long time."
Ragnok snapped his fingers and a wooden cup appeared on the ground in front of Albus.
"This Portkey will take you to the gates of Hogwarts," Ragnok said, "Be thankful I do not want to see you anymore today, or you wouldn't be receiving this gift from me. You've been warned, Dumbledore. Heed my warnings and interfere no more in Gringotts business. You're lucky you could afford to pay the Galleons you had stolen. Otherwise, you'd be a feast for our dragons this evening. Take the cup, Dumbledore, and be thankful you have not been banned from stepping onto Gringotts and Goblin soil."
Albus ignored the Goblin and grabbed the cup. He felt the familiar pull of his navel as he disappeared from the cave-like room of Gringotts. As he landed on his feet in front of the Hogwarts Gates, he breathed in that delicious fresh air.
He looked around and grumbled to himself, when he found no Thestral-drawn carriages waiting for him. He shook his head and scowled. There was no way he was going to walk up the long driveway to the castle.
"Fawkes!" Albus called.
The beautiful, majestic phoenix appeared in front of him, hovering in mid-air.
"Take me to the front doors of the castle, my friend," Albus said.
Albus held out his arm, and Fawkes flew over to him, then wrapped his talons around Albus' arm. Albus felt that familiar, safe warmth of Phoenix flame travel and soon he was standing at the large front doors of the castle. To his surprise he found that the castle doors were open and Minerva McGonagall was standing there, with her hands on her hips.
"I was notified by the wards that you had arrived," Minerva said, "I was about to ask Hagrid to bring a Thestral Carriage down to you, but I should have figured Fawkes would bring you here."
"Good afternoon, Minerva," Albus said.
"You missed lunch," Minerva said, "The shepherd's pie was most delightful."
Albus ignored this last part; he knew she was teasing him because she knew how much he loved shepherd's pie.
"Did anything interesting happen during my absence?" Albus asked, as he walked into the Entrance Hall, "Aside from another day of end-of-term exams?"
"Yes, actually," Minerva said, "Director Amelia Bones and two Aurors visited the castle. Actually they arrived a few minutes after you left."
"What?!" Albus asked, turning back to Minerva.
"Did you not hear Hagrid calling for you just before you left?" Minerva asked. "He was going to tell you that we were expecting guests."
"Why didn't you tell me before I left?!" Albus said.
"Ironically, I received post from Director Bones about her arrival moments after you walked out of the Great Hall," Minerva said, "I had sent a Patronus messenger to Hagrid to let you know about her arrival. But apparently you ignored him."
"What did the good Director want?" Albus asked.
"Apparently Molly Weasley was arrested at her home last night," Minerva said, "Charged with a Breach of the Statute of Secrecy among other things. Molly's statement made Amelia come here to speak to the four Weasleys. Arthur Weasley came with Director Bones."
"Find the four Weasley siblings, Minerva," Albus said, "I would like to speak to them.
And get their memories of their meeting with Amelia and her Aurors, Albus thought.
"I'm afraid only two of the Weasleys are still here, Albus," Minerva said.
Albus swore under his breath. He knew exactly what she was about to say.
"Amelia placed Ronald and Ginevra Weasley under arrest for Breaching the Statute of Secrecy, amongst other things," Minerva said, "Apparently the Aurors found Class Seven Restricted Enchantments on jewelry the two Weasleys had on their persons."
Albus gulped.
Minerva continued. "From what I could figure out, the Breach of the Statute of Secrecy was something that happened on September 1st, back in 1991, at King's Cross."
Albus winced. He should have seen that coming.
"Did Amelia want to speak to me?" Albus asked.
"She's interested in meeting with you," Minerva said, "According to her, you're the only one close enough to Ronald and Ginevra who could have given them the jewelry with that level of Enchantments on them."
Which meant that would allow Amelia to open a full investigation on Albus further. Amelia Bones wasn't the youngest Head of the DMLE just because she was an attractive witch. She was very, very good at her job. With enough time and dedication into investigating him, she would find a lot of things about Albus that he didn't want her to discover.
"There's something else, Albus," Minerva said. "I had to expel Ronald and Ginevra Weasley from Hogwarts."
"What?!" Albus asked; his voice so loud that a few students who were walking through the Entrance Hall turned to look at him.
"Move on, students, no eavesdropping," Minerva said.
Albus removed his glasses and rubbed his nose between his fingers.
"You had no right doing that, Minerva," he muttered.
"I am proxy Headmistress in your absence," Minerva said, "You leave Hogwarts enough to know that well enough! Albus, Ron and Ginny breached the Statute of Secrecy. Our most important law. Their arrest is soon going to get around our society. If I did not expel them, we would get a lot of bad media coming our way. I did not think you wanted that in the middle of the Triwizard Tournament!"
Albus sighed. "While I disagree with your methods, and believe you should have waited to expel them until I returned – the Weasleys didn't need to be here for them to be expelled, Minerva – I will agree that you are right about the bad reactions that would have come our way. Minerva, never expel another student without my say-so. It doesn't matter whether you are my proxy or not."
"Of course, Albus," Minerva said. "I imagine you are going to try to overturn their arrest?"
"Do you disagree?" Albus asked.
"I do," Minerva said, "Amelia's already suspicious of you for those class seven restriction. You don't need to make her any more suspicious by trying to protect the Weasleys – whether they be your friends and students, or not. At least not before their trials. You can say whatever you need to in your defense. But, in my opinion, If you do anything outside of their trial, Amelia will set her sights on you. Do you want that? What if she discovers about what happened here at Hogwarts over the past three and half years? What if the parents of our students find out?"
Albus sighed and pinched his nose again. He hated to admit it, but Minerva was right. He couldn't protect the Weasleys right now. If Molly Weasley had been detained since last night, and her youngest children detained for a few hours, Amelia and the Aurors could have already gotten plenty of information from them. Things about him! Things about the plans they had concocted together! No, he needed to protect himself right now!
And he knew exactly how to do it.
"I hate to do this to you, Minerva," Albus said, "But I need to go to the Ministry."
"Weren't you just there?" Minerva asked, raising her eyebrow. "I am surprised you didn't know about Molly already. I thought that is why you had left Hogwarts!"
"I was. Indisposed elsewhere," Albus said, cautiously; he refused to tell her he had been detained in a Gringotts Holding cell, while completely naked, for eight hours!
"Are you well?" Minerva asked, concerned.
"You don't need to worry about me, Minerva," Albus said, "I will be fine."
Once I speak to Cornelius, I'll be fine! Albus said.
"I must go," Albus said, firmly.
Without another word, Albus headed off toward the Grand Staircase. He would use the Floo Network once again to get into the Ministry. He wasn't going to Apparate into the Ministry again, and he definitely wasn't going to let Fawkes bring him there. He had learned his mistakes that morning!
(Half-an-hour later…)
As he had done over twenty-four hours ago, Albus stepped into the welcome area of the Ministerial and Support Staff Offices. He made his way over to the Minister's personal secretary. Isabella Blishwick looked up at him in surprise.
"I didn't expect to see you so soon, Headmaster!" she said, "I assume you need to speak with Minister Fudge again?"
"Yes, my dear," Albus said, "It is rather urgent this time, I'm afraid."
"You're lucky he's still here, sir," Isabella said, "He normally goes home around this time. I think he's working overtime because of the upcoming Winter Solstice Session. I'll see if he can see you."
Albus smiled. Isabella stood up, then walked over to the door behind her desk. She knocked on the door, opened it up, then said a few words. Then she turned back to Albus.
"He would be happy to meet with you, sir," she said.
"Thank you, dear Isabella," Albus said.
He walked past the secretary, then stepped into the office. Unlike last time, the secretary did not follow him inside. Instead she shut the door behind him.
"Albus, good evening!" Cornelius Fudge said, from behind his desk, "What brings you in this evening?"
"Good evening," Albus said, "Have you heard anything about the wife and youngest children of Arthur Weasley being detained by Director Amelia Bones and Aurors?"
"I have not!" Cornelius said, "Aren't her two youngest children your students?"
"Third and fourth year students respectively," Albus said. "However, my Deputy – in my stead, as I was away from the castle today – expelled them today."
"Whatever for?!" Cornelius asked.
"Breaching the Statute of Secrecy," Albus said, "Apparently she heard a tale about an incident in King's Cross back on the first of September in 1991."
Cornelius grimaced. "I'm afraid I can't drop those charges too easily, Albus. My apologies. If the ICW heard that I dropped the charges without them being in front of the Wizengamot to tell the tale, I would be removed from office by this time tomorrow."
"I'm not asking you to drop the charges," Albus said. "I'm afraid I'm here for another reason. Amelia seems to be investigating me about something. Maybe several things."
"I can't stop that either, Albus," Cornelius said, chuckling nervously.
"I am not asking you to stop it," Albus said, "I'm asking you to delay an investigation. For the sake of my magic and my health."
"Whatever do you mean, Albus?" Cornelius asked.
"Is it not obvious, Minister?" Albus asked. "As Headmaster of Hogwarts, I am just as involved in the Tournament as the four champions. My oath is tied to the Goblet of Fire as much as theirs is. If I am not an active participant in the Triwizard Tournament – when it comes to decision making and judging, for example – the Goblet of Fire might punish me. I might lose my magic… or my life."
"You want me to ask Amelia to delay any investigations she may have on you," Cornelius said, "Until after the tournament is over?"
"For the sake of my magic and my health – my very life," Albus said. "The moment the tournament is over, she can open any investigation she wants against me. I would do my due diligence to defend myself, of course."
Cornelius frowned. "You're not trying to get out of this, so you can have a good defense by time the Tournament is over, are you?"
Albus sighed. "As long as she does not arrest me or risks my magic and life during the Tournament, she is welcome to investigating me however she wishes. She can arrest me once the Tournament is over, Minister."
Cornelius tapped his fingers on his desk, then nodded. "I'll give the order to Amelia. I cannot ask her what she has on you, however. Do not expect me to give you any inside information about her investigation."
Albus nodded; he could get the information elsewhere "I will not burden you with such troubles, Minister."
"Very well," Cornelius said, "I will forbid her to arrest you, or risk your life and magic, before the Triwizard Tournament is over. June 24th, is that correct?"
"It is," Albus agreed.
"I hope you're ready by then, old friend," Cornelius said, "Amelia is – well – even I am wary of crossing her, you understand."
"She is an impressive young lady," Albus agreed. "I'll be prepared by then."
"Well, if that is all then," Cornelius said, "I'll see you on Monday. Unless you find another reason to visit me between now and then."
"Hopefully it doesn't come to that," Albus said. "Good evening, Cornelius."
"Good evening, Albus," Cornelius said, "Ask my secretary to meet with me, please."
Albus bowed his head and turned around.
(Meanwhile…)
Isabella Blishwick waved her wand over her ear cancelling the eavesdropping charm on the vase that was still on the mantle in the Minister's office. She could barely hold back a grin about what she had just heard. Albus Dumbledore was being investigated by Amelia Bones, and it seemed Dumbledore was quite worried that he might very well be arrested for it! Maybe even go to Azkaban for whatever charges Director Bones could come up with! Now, the old man was trying to delay it for a while so he could come up with a good defense! And he was using his Tournament participation to do it!
This was absolute gold, and something her father needed to know!
As the door opened, and Albus Dumbledore stepped out of the office, Isabella stood up.
"Minister Fudge wishes to see you, my dear lady," Albus said.
Isabella resisted emitting a healthy snort. Bet Albus felt raw being the Minister's gopher!
Now you know I feel sometimes, old man! Isabella thought.
"Of course, sir," she said, "Good evening, sir."
"And a wonderful evening to you," Albus said, "Say hello to your father, the Lord Blishwick, for me the next time you see him. Been a while since we last spoke."
"You might see him before I do, I'm afraid," Isabella said, "Unless he visits me before the Solstice Session. Sorry, sir, I must meet with Minister Fudge."
Albus bowed his head in acknowledgement, and Isabella retreated into Fudge's office.
"Ah, Isabella, there you are!" Cornelius said, smiling, "Please do me a huge favor and find Director Amelia Bones for me. Ask her to meet me as soon as possible!"
"Of course, Minister," Isabella said. "I will go right now."
Cornelius smiled and waved her off. She bowed lightly, turned around and headed out of the office. She smiled to herself, as she started off toward the DMLE Headquarters. Things were getting very interesting around here!
"Might have to write to my little brother, Ivan," Isabella said, "He's still in Hogwarts. He could start rumors about these investigations and let the whole school know about it!"
Among her four siblings, her fifteen year old brother was the only one younger than her. However, as her father's only son, he was also first in line for the Head of House Blishwick, so she made sure to keep close with Ivan. After all, if her father got around to trying to arrange a marriage for her, only her little brother could convince her father this was a bad move.
Only her little brother knew that his youngest sister was attracted to witches more than wizards. And only her little brother knew she had a girlfriend.
Who just so happened to be Amelia Bones' personal secretary, Samantha!
(Fifteen minutes later)
Director Amelia Bones stepped through the door and made her way to the group of Private Holding Cells. Three neighboring cells were currently occupied. Molly Weasley was in the center one, while her daughter, Ginevra, was in the cell to her left, and her son, Ronald, the cell to her right. The cells had iron bars spaced out so that the prisoners could see each other. Kingsley Shacklebolt was seated in a chair.
"Director, good evening," Kingsley said.
"You're still here, Kingsley?" Amelia asked. "When are you going home?"
"In a little while, once my replacement comes," Kingsley said.
"How are they behaving?" Amelia asked. "Any new information?"
Kingsley shook his head. "Any time Ron or Ginny seems to say something – or should I say rant about something – their mother shuts them up. I think she's afraid of them saying something we don't know about. She apparently wants to make a deal concerning them, and she doesn't want them to risk the deal she has in mind. So now, Ginny only sulks and talks to her mother about inconsequential things, and Ron simply complains that he is hungry. I'd be concerned, but he's mentioned it about five times an hour. Even after he finished his lunch, he said he was hungry fifteen minutes later. I think he's just bored."
Amelia resisted rolling her eyes. "Maybe he should have thought about that a long time ago. I am sure both Ron and Ginny are thinking about everything they have done. Which is exactly what we want to happen. I'll see what Molly wants."
Amelia walked over to Molly's cell then conjured a chair a few feet back from the cage's front and sat down. Molly saw her and stood up from the bed she had been laying in. She walked over to the front of the cell.
"I'm told you wanted to see me, Madam Weasley?" Amelia asked.
"I want to make a deal, Director Bones," Molly said. "My children are fourteen and thirteen. They do not need to be here. They do not need to go to Azkaban."
Amelia huffed. "Well, you should have thought about that before you got them involved in a get-rich-quick scheme, Madam Weasley. You should have thought about it before you signed your daughter away in a Betrothal Contract, whether it was illegal or not. You shouldn't have filled her head with tales of Harry Potter and the Boy-Who-Lived to a point where she can't tell the difference between who Harry really is, and who the character in those children's books is. She's obsessed with the Boy-Who-Lived, Molly. Because of you. Harry looks so much like that character, that she believes he is the Boy-Who-Lived."
"So does every other magic-raised child in our society!" Molly huffed.
"Not everyone," Amelia said, "My niece, Susan, mourns James and Lily Potter and thanks them for their sacrifice every Halloween. She thanks them for protecting their son. She doesn't believe he had anything to do with… You-Know-Who's downfall. She once asked me, when she was – oh, six, or so. She goes, 'Auntie Amelia? What did Harry do to that mean man? Did he throw his nappies at him? Is that why everyone believes he defeated the mean man?' Tell me, Molly. Who do you believe was more responsible for his downfall? Harry Potter? Or his mother? Think about it What if Ron or Ginny were in that crib? Would it be one of them who defeated him? Or you? I'm sure you know enough protection spells to put around them to save them from certain death."
"I don't know what happened that night," Molly said, "Nobody does. Except maybe Dumbledore."
"I've questioned just how much everyone – including Dumbledore – knows about that night, you know?" Amelia asked. "We have all these history books and stories about what happened in that house in Godric's Hollow. And yet the only surviving witness was Harry Potter – a fifteen month old baby, who maybe said a handful of clear words at the time. Do you really believe he told anybody about what happened, at fifteen months old? How did anyone know Harry Potter had that scar? Albus Dumbledore probably knew. As did Rubeus Hagrid. He was there that night."
"Hagrid can't keep a secret," Ginny said; she and Ron had been listening in. "He probably got drunk and told everyone."
"And yet he wasn't there to see the demise of You-Know-Who," Amelia said, "So how do you know Harry did it?"
"He did it," Ginny said, "He saved me from the Chamber of Secrets. That proves he did it that night."
"If my niece was down there in the Chamber of Secrets, do you believe Harry would have saved her?" Amelia asked.
Ginny frowned. "Maybe. But he saved me."
"He did," Amelia asked. "Because you didn't turn the diary into Dumbledore or McGonagall, and you ended up down there. My niece would have given the diary to me or to Professor Sprout."
"I doubt it," Ginny muttered. "You don't know what it was like, having that diary."
"Enough!" Molly growled, "I asked you here so I could make you a deal, not to interrogate my children!"
"I'm listening," Amelia said.
"I will make you a deal," Molly said, "I know you can't dose me with Veritaserum in front of the Wizengamot. You can't use the statements I made under Veritaserum either."
"I have enough of your testimony and evidence to put you in Azkaban for several years already," Amelia said, "Without that testimony I got under Truth Serum."
"I am willing to give my whole testimony – all of it – all the information you got from me," Molly said. "I am willing to tell the whole truth to the Wizengamot. In return, my children do not go to Azkaban."
Amelia thought about this. "I will drop every charge against your children, but the Breach on Statute of Secrecy. The ICW would have my job and the Minister's job if I dropped that charge, as it is our most important law. It would end up with Ron and Ginny's magic bound with four bindings. That would give them twenty-five percent of their magic left. Enough that they can survive. I will not break their wands. Their magic will be bound until their seventeenth birthday. Since they will not be allowed back in Hogwarts, they will be home-schooled."
"Arthur wouldn't be able to stay at home all day!" Molly said, "However… my Great-Aunt, Muriel Prewett. She's babysat them before. She can stay at home with them. She can home-school them. She's well-qualfied for such a thing."
"They will not be able to learn practical magics. Only book studies, Potions, and Herbology. With enough studies, they could pass their OWLS and qualify for a seventh year education by the time they turn seventeen.
Molly frowned and considered this. She nodded, after a full minute. "Fine. I agree to this."
"Molly," Amelia said, "I'm warning you now. You have more than enough charges against you to place you in Azkaban for several years. If you somehow are able to avoid Azkaban, I will not agree to any deal. Your children will go in front of the Wizengamot, and our society will know exactly what they are guilty of. How do you think society will react to the crimes against Harry James Potter, their hero and savior?"
"They'll know anyway with my statements!" Molly said.
"Maybe they will," Amelia said, "Maybe Azkaban would be better for them. They wouldn't have to deal with the Dementors. They would only have to deal with the atmosphere of Azkaban and the solitude. But at least they would be away from a society who worships the very young man they attempted to manipulate and steal from."
Molly sighed and shook her head. "My babies cannot go to Azkaban. I will be completely honest with everything I've done. Just as long as they do not have to suffer the same as me."
"If I am satisfied with the results of your trial," Amelia said, "Then we have a deal. Your children will be in custody of your husband and Great Aunt, and they will be allowed to be home-schooled. But their magic will still be bound, and they will not be allowed to use a wand until their seventeenth birthday."
"Agreed," Molly said. "Thank you, Director Bones."
"Thank me by convincing the Wizengamot to put you in Azkaban for a few years," Amelia said, "Your children will be staying in these cells until your trial is finished. The results of the trial will decide where they go next. Your trial should take place this Saturday, two days from tomorrow."
"Fine," Molly said.
Amelia smiled, stood up and vanished her chair. She walked back over to Kingsley."I just got a note from Samantha," he said, "Isabella Blishwick is outside your office with her. She wants to see you."
"Oh, good Merlin," Amelia said, "I better go before those two start snogging outside my office."
Kingsley chuckled. The relationship between Amelia's secretary, and the Minister's secretary was well known around the MLE and Auror Departments.
"Ten Galleons says you'll catch them snogging when you arrive," Kingsley said.
"No bet!" Amelia said, then left the Private Holding Cells.
She arrived outside her office five minutes later. Thankfully, the two ladies weren't snogging. They were simply sitting together, whispering – whether it be sweet nothings, or something else, Amelia didn't know.
She cleared her throat, and the two women stood up.
"Director Bones," Isabela Blishwick said, "Minister Fudge wishes to see you in his office… as soon as possible, he said."
"What a coincidence!" Amelia said, "I was on my way to meet him! Give me a few moments, and let me collect a few things and we can be off. Samantha, keep my food warm until I return."
"Of course, ma'am," Samantha said.
Amelia stepped into her office, collected James and Lily's Final Will and Testament, stuck it into her robes, then walked back out. She followed Isabella out of the DMLE Headquarters.
Ten minutes later, Amelia followed Isabella into Minister Fudge's office.
"Amelia, come in!" Cornelius said, "You're excused, Isabella."
Isabella bowed and left the room.
"You wished to see me, Minister?" Amelia asked.
"Several minutes ago, Albus Dumbledore came into my office and we had a discussion," Cornelius said.
Amelia resisted rolling her eyes. "Let me guess, he wants Molly Weasley and her children released from my Holding Cells?"
"So Arthur Weasley's wife and youngest children are being detained?" Cornelius asked. "Is it true they breached the Statute of Secrecy?"
"Among other things," Amelia said, "Molly will have a trial on Saturday."
"Tell me about the breach," Cornelius said.
"King's Cross Station, Muggleborn side of Platform Nine and Three Quarters," Amelia said, "September 1st, 1991. Molly Weasley and her five youngest children – ages ranging from ten to fifteen at the time – decided to take the Muggleborn route to get onto the Hogwarts Express. Molly Weasley loudly talked about Muggles, in a crowd of Muggles, where anybody could hear her. Then she asks her children about the platform, and her youngest, Ginevra Weasley, age ten at the time, pipes up very loudly, 'Platform Nine and Three Quarters'.
"I've learned that Percival, Frederick and George Weasley all complained about the breach, but was blocked from reporting it by outside sources, be it their mother or someone else. Ronald and Ginevra Weasley did nothing to report the breach.
"This was three and a half years ago, and I only learned about it yesterday," Amelia said, "The witness was a Muggle-raised student who didn't know about the Statute of Secrecy at the time, and didn't know any laws had been broken. They reported it to me yesterday. Cornelius, this a Matriarch and youngest child of a Pureblood Minor House, who broke this law. Molly Weasley should have raised her children, teaching them to never risk a breach in the Statute of Secrecy. And she did it on her own, and influenced her own children to do the same! Her youngest daughter was a part of it!"
"Good Merlin, this is terrible," Cornelius said, "And you said there are other charges?"
"Charges that will be brought forward during the trial," Amelia said. "Charges which, if she is found guilty, could see Molly Weasley in Azkaban for many years."
"Go forward with her trial!" Cornelius ordered, "She should know better!"
"Yes, Minister," Amelia said, "There is something else. Something about her children. It just happened a few minutes ago."
She explained the details of Molly's deal that had been made only minutes earlier.
"Magic bound and no use of wands until seventeen for a thirteen and fourteen year old?" Cornelius asked, "I'll allow it, but only if their mother agrees to her part. If not, those children will be in front of the Wizengamot. The ICW would ruin me if we messed any of this up, Amelia!"
"Completely agreed, Minister," Amelia said, "Now, what is this about Albus Dumbledore?"
"He is under the impression you are investigating him on a few charges," Cornelius said.
Amelia sighed. Damn it. She should have known Albus would have heard about it. She wondered if Minerva McGonagall had told him. Ah well, it was bound to come up sooner or later.
"More than a few," Amelia said.
"Amelia, I must ask you to do me a very big favor," Cornelius said, "I will owe you big. Stop this investigation."
"What?!" Amelia asked, her voice louder than she intended.
"Only for a few months!" Cornelius said, "Only until the end of the Triwizard Tournament!"
"Are you trying to save face on International Cooperation, sir?" Amelia asked.
"No," Cornelius said, "I'm trying to save a man from a terrible fate. More terrible than Azkaban. Amelia, Albus Dumbledore is connected to the Goblet of Fire, just as the Champions are. If he is not actively involved in the entire Tournament, he could lose his magic, and maybe even his life Probably his life! He's an old man of course, very old!
"Do not misunderstand me. Begin the investigation. Do as much as you can with it But do not arrest him until the Tournament commences on the evening of June 24th next year! Arrest him June 25th if you must! Just as long as the Goblet of Fire doesn't kill him!"
Amelia couldn't believe this. Only Albus Dumbledore could have come up with something like this. He was trying to find a way to get her to stop her investigations on him. He wasn't going to interfere with the Weasleys. He wanted to be free, so he could have enough time to fight Harry's Emancipation, and try to find a way to break up Harry and Hermione! Once he got rid of Hermione, then he'd likely try to save Ron and Ginny – or Ginny at the very least! Or he'd find another Boy-Who-Lived fan-girl scapegoat, just to put Harry's Heir in her belly! He wanted to do all this before Amelia could arrest him!
However.. Cornelius did say he would owe her a big favor. She smirked at that.
"I will do this, however – that big favor is going to have to happen immediately," Amelia said.
"As long as it doesn't have to do with Dumbledore, I'll be open to it," Cornelius said.
"Earlier today," Amelia said, "I was given a copy of James and Lily Potter's Final Will and Testament which was opened early."
"They penned a Will?" Cornelius asked, blinking. "Of course they did. An Ancient and Noble House – it would almost be required of them! I assume there was something in the Will you want me to know about."
Amelia removed the Will from her robes and walked over to Cornelius' desk. She spread the Will out then placed it in front of him.
"Skip down to the Guardianship for Harry James Potter," Amelia said, "First name."
Cornelius did and his eyes widened as he read the information.
"Sirius Black?!" Cornelius asked, "Godfather… per… what?!"
"Godfather, per the Godfather Ritual!" Amelia said, "I trust you know what that means?"
"It means… he couldn't have betrayed the Potters or their son!" Cornelius said, "But.. then.. what happened?"
"Look up at the list of Inheritances," Amelia said, "Peter Pettigrew's name."
"The poor man," Cornelius muttered, then his eyes widened. "Wait… this says.. no!"
"Sirius Black wasn't the Secret Keeper, Minister," Amelia said, "Peter Pettigrew was. Minister, did you know Sirius Black was never given a trial?"
"What?!" Cornelius asked, "He a Pureblood of an Ancient and Most Noble House! If word gets out that he didn't get a trial!"
"The Purebloods would have a fit," Amelia said. "Minister, you are not to blame here. Remember who was in charge when this happened. Bagnold was Minister, Bartemius Crouch was in my role. And the Chief Warlock, of course, was –"
"Albus Dumbledore," Cornelius said.
"Look at the bottom of the Will, sir," Amelia said, "Look who the Witness of the Will was."
"Albus Dumbledore," Cornelius echoed. "He.. he knew Sirius wasn't the Secret Keeper. Is this why you're investigating Albus?"
"Among other things," Amelia said, "Harry Potter lives with Muggles, Minister. Vernon and Petunia Dursley Petunia is Lily's sister. Look at the bottom of the guardian list."
"They forbid the Muggles from raising him," Cornelius croaked, "Merciful Merlin, Amelia!"
"I have it on good authority this Will was sealed after James and Lily's deaths," Amelia said, "By Dumbledore himself. Sir, I could have raised Harry Potter. However, Sirius was first in line. Look at all those good citizens who could have raised Harry Potter! And he was raised by Muggles. Albus Dumbledore put Harry Potter on the Muggle's doorstep himself!"
"I assume my favor I owe you is to withdraw the Dementors Kiss-On-Sight Order on Black," Cornelius said, "So you can give him a trial?"
"I will get the word out, so it is in the Daily Prophet tomorrow," Amelia said. "He could have a trial on Saturday. After Molly Weasley's even! If we can find him, if we can convince him to come in for his trial by then!"
She smirked. Let's see what Dumbledore has to say about this!
"Do it!" Cornelius said, "Make sure the article says I am trying to correct a terrible mistake!"
"And what will you do if Dumbledore tries to fight It before Saturday?" Amelia asked.
"I'll tell him if he fights the trial," Cornelius said, "I'll let you march up to Hogwarts with ten Aurors and arrest him. He can have a trial after Sirius Black!"
"Then I agree to not arrest him until either June 25th, or you tell me otherwise," Amelia said.
"Agreed," Cornelius said. "Thank you, Director Bones."
"Always a pleasure, Minister Fudge," Amelia said.
"Goodness me," Cornelius said, as he watched Amelia collect the Will, "For some reason, I feel I need to apologize to Harry Potter after reading that Will."
"He's done so much for us," Amelia said, "He could have been a citizen of our society his entire life."
"Goodness me," Cornelius said. "If I see him again, face-to-face, I am going to apologize to him."
"Something tells me you'll see him sooner rather than later," Amelia said.
"I hope so!" Cornelius said. "Goodness me…"
"I'll see you later, sir," Amelia said.
"Yes, yes, dismissed," Cornelius said, dismissively.
Amelia smirked as she walked out of the Minister's office.
Albus Dumbledore wasn't the only one who could manipulate the Minister of Magic.
I am aware this is probably the last thing my readers wanted when it came to Dumbledore, Ron and Ginny, but this seems to me the obvious way to go. Dumbledore keeping himself out of Amelia's sights for a while, and Molly protecting her children. Remember, Dumbledore knows nothing about Harry being Lord Potter and Lord Peverell. He's still focused on removing Harry's Emancipation. He can't focus on that with Amelia on his arse. He'll soon discover how bad his plans are failing.
Minerva's interactions with Dumbledore in this chapter may seem odd – what with her warning Albus about Amelia. But what she was trying to do was get his thoughts away from Harry Potter and Hermione Granger at the moment. Which is, of course, why she didn't tell Albus Amelia had spoken to those two as well. She also was trying to prevent Albus from doing anything about Ron and Ginny, like reversing their expulsion and him bringing them back to Hogwarts by the following morning! No, she wanted him focused on Amelia, and his own selfish desires to keep himself protected from Amelia's investigations. I hope that makes sense.
Next Chapter: The Children of the Great Alliance (and the Great Alliance) story arc begins as Harry receives an interesting letter. Then he gets some helpful advice from Dobby, with almost immediate results! Then he speaks with Neville, Padma and Luna about the Children of the Great Alliance. Then he reads another interesting article from Rita Skeeter – one he had nothing to do with!
How will Dumbledore react this time? Hint: he gets a letter from Cornelius Fudge, before he reads the newspaper, that makes him very fussy! And more!