Disclaimer: I do not own anything you recognize. It's all JKR's. But anything else is mine.
Outside Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry grounds, August 29, 1995
The ground approached faster than she had prepared for. Though she had traveled by portkey and apparation many times and was quite skilled in landing, this was different. She grasped her wand with a shaking hand as she looked warily around. Yes, this was quite different. If she was not mistaken, she had landed right outside Hogwarts grounds. She took a deep breath in and took a moment to remember steel blue eyes looking at her in resignation. She nearly gave into the temptation to kneel on the ground and cry till she had no more tears. She shook herself, she didn't have the time for that. She had to put the Plan into action. The lithe girl faded into the shadows of the night and quickly checked the satchel she had brought. Her Un-Detectable charm had worked perfectly. All was there. The girl quickly scanned the surrounding area. She waited silently for a fair few minutes, then grabbed the cloak resting on top. She needed it more for warmth than stealth at the moment. She could do stealth all by herself, Invisibility Cloak or not. She hoisted the bag across her body effortlessly. The weightless charm still worked too. Fantastic. the slim girl thought to herself as she glided down to Hogsmeade.
oooOooo
Madame Rosmerta had grown up among witches and wizards, plus a few mischievous siblings. So she could always tell when a magical person entered her surroundings. It was only understandable then that she dropped the glass she had been wiping when she half turned and caught sight of a figure watching her unexpectedly from a few paces away. Before she could blink, the witch had whipped out her wand and soundlessly returned the glass to the counter.
"Excuse me, but I need a room for a few nights. I assume you are the one in charge of this establishment." The latter sentence was a statement, not a question. But the handsome Madame barely noticed that. It had taken Madame Rosmerta a few moments to realize that the imposing figure in front of her was a girl. She wasn't particularly tall either. It was her manner, the Madame decided.
"I am. Do you have payment?" Madame Rosmerta was never so blunt with her patrons, but this was a mere girl. Fifteen, maybe. Rosmerta looked into oddly grey eyes and nearly changed her mind. Those eyes betrayed an old soul. Rosmerta always could see one's soul through their eyes. Tom Riddle's soul had always given her the creepy crawlies. Slightly softer, she added, "It's 15 Sickles per night."
The girl merely produced a purse from somewhere on her person and counted out 30 Sickles. She slid them across the counter. "Is that satisfactory, Madame?"
Rosmerta pursed her lips and nodded. She didn't know what to make of the figure in front of her. She was perfectly polite, her English clear though accented by a brogue that was similar to Professor McGonagall's. Yet, something was still making the Madame squirm. And if there was one thing the Madame didn't like, it would be things that made her squirm.
"If I have to stay more than two nights, I'll let you know and pay in advance." The girl's tone was much warmer now. Madame Rosmerta looked up. A small smile graced the girls face, partially hidden under a heavy cloak's hood. It positively lit up the room, and though the Madame wasn't aware, it had warmed up the room by a degree or two. Madame Rosmerta straightened up a bit more and smiled back, nodding.
Rosmerta skirted the counter and handed the girl a quill and slid a heavy book her way across the counter. "Just sign your name in here please. Thank you, and now your key is linked to your magical signature. No one else can enter your room now besides me."
The key was ornate and small. Lithe fingers grasped it, and the Madame was graced with another small smile.
"Thank you very much. Sometimes privacy is undervalued these days." Without the smile, the words would have sounded cold, but Madame Rosmerta merely dipped her head in acknowledgement of the subtle request.
"Your room is on the second floor, two doors down on the left." Rosmerta wanted very much to find out more about the young stranger, but she settled for pulling the thick records book toward her and looking at the freshly penned name. She pondered what she saw as the cloaked girl made her way up the recently cleaned steps.
Eleanor Sinclair.
oooOooo
Ella, as she preferred to be called, was currently warding her room. Age wise, she was a few weeks past fifteen. And yet she was doing magic far beyond the average middle aged witch. She wasn't concerned about it. Rather, she was inspecting the fireplace of the room, pleased to note the Floo powder beside it. It was far too late, or early depending on how one thought of it, for her to go to Diagon Alley.
So she quickly set up her small room. She could have just camped out in the wilderness between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in a far more spacious and comfortable atmosphere, but this was part of the Plan. Ella was sure Rosmerta had already sent Dumbledore an owl about her arrival. She had about until tomorrow afternoon until the man showed up. Ella was guessing three o'clock, but would be back by two just in case.
She had a full day ahead of her, so she quickly readied herself for bed and slipped under the freshly laundered sheets. It smelled like Rosmerta had someone do them by hand. As she was accustomed, she slipped the hand holding her wand under her pillow and slowed her breathing. If any unlucky soul was skilled enough to get past her extensive wards and wake her, they would find themselves disarmed and bound before she really opened her eyes. With that comforting skill in mind, Eleanor Sinclair slipped into the wonderful Land of Nod.
oooOooo
"Albus, that woman is a menace! What were you thinking? Honestly." Albus Dumbledore's eyes were not twinkling.
"Minerva, I had no other choice. The Board and Ministry were insistent. It was either her, or let the boy become a ward of the Ministry. I could not let that happen." Dumbledore stroked Fawkes gently. He knew Minerva would be pursing her lips, unhappy with either option. Still, even she had to admit he had made the best choice.
"Fine, Albus. But if she tries to mess with my cubs, she'll answer to me." He could practically see her crossing her arms and huffing.
"Of course, my dear woman. Now, it is late, and the students will arrive in mere days. I'm sure we both have necessary things to accomplish before then." His eyes were twinkling at her again. The staid Professor McGonagall rolled her eyes and marched out the door. Dumbledore watched her red tartan disappear down the stairs.
An elf popped into his office. "Rink has mail for Headmaster. Is from woman."
"Thank you Rink. Have a lemon drop?" Dumbledore accepted the offered letter and watched bemused as the elf's eyes widened.
"Oh no, kind Headmaster. Sugar, yes! Lot's sugar. Rink needs sleep." And with that, the elf popped back out. Dumbledore merely shook his head. Who was he to understand the odd ways of house elves?
He stroked his beard as he perused the letter. Sinclair. Though the Sinclair Clan was quite large, the last magical Sinclair died over a hundred years ago. Sad really, as they used to be some of the more powerful wizards and witches of their time. A vague memory came to him. He had met the last Sinclair, when he was a boy. All he could ever remember about her was her laugh. It was pure magic. He shook himself as he lapsed into memory lane. This was no time to be taking a trip. The girl was clearly using a fake name.
A thought tickled his outer thoughts. He tried ignoring it, but couldn't. As it passed through to his conscious, he raised his eyebrows. Yes, he had quite forgotten about that prophecy. Albus Dumbledore sighed. It did not seem as though he would be going to sleep tonight after all. He quietly gathered his things and strode towards the Floo. He had business at the Ministry tonight.
oooOooo
Ella woke up an hour before dawn. She smirked. The goblins preferred to sleep in, but would never say no to a customer. And what was life without teasing some of the fiercest warriors on earth? She quickly dressed, thanking her stars that wizarding fashion did not change much, no matter what country one happened to be in. Or century, for that matter. Leaving the room how she found it, Ella slung her satchel over her shoulder and grabbed a handful of Floo powder. Making sure to enunciate clearly, she spoke. "Diagon Alley, if you please." Ella had found that magic tended to be easier if she was treated with respect. Her gentle and fairly soot free landing in Diagon Alley was fair proof of that.
Always aware of her surroundings, she set off for Gringott's. Her blood fairly roiled underneath her skin. Her magic was excited, eager. Ella felt almost bad for anyone that crossed her today. As they almost assuredly would.
As she approached the tall building of Gringotts, she felt the magic of the place swirl around her. She saw the warning etched into the face of the building and nodded briefly to it. Not even she would attempt to steal from Gringotts. She entered into the dimly lit entrance and immediately headed over to where Griphook was dealing with an irate blond woman. He caught sight of her immediately.
"Ah, excuse me, ma'am. Gornuk would be willing to continue on with your transaction today. I have more pressing business to attend to." Griphook grabbed a helpless younger goblin and shoved him in the direction of the blond woman. If Ella were to guess, she would say that was Narcissa Malfoy. And a Sinclair's guesses were often better than anyone else's facts. Mrs. Malfoy looked a bit upset at being handed off, but Ella decided she would get over it.
"Miss Sinclair, if you would follow me please." Griphook was nothing but cordial, and Ella threw one last glance at Mrs. Malfoy before she followed the short creature to a back room.
She casually threw up a ward or two as she entered. Griphook looked at her exasperated,
"Have you no trust in our institution?" She smiled softly at her dear old friend and let her hood down for the first time since arriving.
"My, Griphook, you haven't changed a bit since I saw you last." She gave him a grin. "It feels like only yesterday." Ella settled in the large armchair offered to her by a sweeping hand. "I trust you remember fairly well what we talked about last." The young witch unconsciously rested her hand at the corner of her lips. The result was fairly imposing, if goblins were the sort to be imposed upon.
"Like it was yesterday." The goblin steepled his fingers, pleased. It had been a long time since a human had shown him any respect. And Lady Sinclair went far beyond respect. If Griphook were to hazard a guess at the Lady's thoughts (and it was of his opinion that no living thing should ever attempt to do that), he would suppose she thought of him as a friend. Seeing her here, whole and healthy, was nearly enough to bring tears to his eyes. And it was actually recorded in history books the last time a goblin cried. Griphook had no desire to go down in history for that, so he reined himself in and got down to business.
"Your vault has accrued a substantial amount of interest, of course." The girl smiled slightly at him and nodded for him to continue. "We have protected it entirely from those who tried to claim its wealth. All your properties will be immediately turned over to you. All tenants realize their temporary status. I assume you wish to look over the names of those tenants?" He continued at her nod. "All were chosen most carefully, but we know of your trust issues quite well." Griphook cast a sour glance towards the door that was glowing with her wards. The Lady bit her lip in an effort to keep from laughing. "The Prophecy is also in your vault, we saw no reason to have a separate one as the first is quite impenetrable. No one asked about it until early this morning. A certain bumbling Headmaster that shall go unnamed was searching for it. He went to the Ministry first, and could only find the merest trace of it. One of my brothers was awoken by him. Apparently the merest trace was all needed. He did not realize the danger he put himself into by awakening Gornuk so early. It was only by the shine of my silver tongue that let that man keep all his body parts. Just because the fool is able to speak Gobbledegook does not mean he should. He will be able to view the Prophecy at a more reasonable hour this morning. After you have left, of course." The goblin paused to look at the Lady. She was trying very hard not to laugh still. He nodded in satisfaction. Few humans appreciated goblin humor, mostly because they could not even imagine that the goblins would be making fun of them. They rather imagined the goblins wanting to eat them. Which wasn't all that far off, actually.
With more than a hint of mirth in her voice, Ella spoke. "Ah, thank you Master Griphook. Both for services rendered and laughter provoked. No matter what topics we speak of, my heart always comes away lighter after speaking with you." Ella paused to smile in thanks at the goblin before her. He gave a slight bow, so slight that no one would have noticed besides her and another goblin.
"Now, I still own a large part of the Daily Prophet, is that correct?" Ella was all business now. They had much to cover in a matter of hours.
"You do. Do you wish for them to become aware of this fact?" Griphook took a page from her book and steepled his hands again.
"Today, if possible. It is time for Lady Mora to become known to all. Especially a certain Tom Riddle. Also, look up a reporter by the name Rita Skeeter. The woman is annoying, but she could be useful. I want to sit down and talk with her. If she is agreeable, I would like for her to be promoted." Ella paused to think. "Also, I believe I would like to sit down and talk to a Percy Weasley. He's currently employed by the Ministry, but he would make a fantastic assistant to Lady Mora if he should desire. Percy will be my first priority. I'll send him a letter to meet later tonight." Immediately, paper and a quill rested on the table beside her. The paper bore Lady Mora's crest.
She scribbled the missive as she continued to speak. Griphook was taking notes, not minding the tedious work. This young woman in front of him was going to change the world, and he was going to be a part of that. Even if it was only as her scribe, he thought with a smirk.
"The Prophet needs to start printing the truth, I don't care what Fudge says. I own enough of the paper that he doesn't have a say anymore. And neither does Dumbledore. Everything they present as fact must be documented and proven. After I set up my assistant, I'll set up meetings to emphasize my point. Of course, I'll provide wards for the building itself. And also wards for every reporter's house that he'd go after. Voldy seems more prone to temper tantrums than I remember." With a flourish, she signed her letter. She waved a hand over it.
oooOooo
Percy Weasley was quite surprised to see a sealed letter with a crest he did not recognize appear on his desk. Raising an eyebrow, he quickly scanned it for any curses. When it came out clean, he slid a finger under the flap and read it. And then re-read it. He slid the paper underneath a book as a co-worker passed by. His curiosity sufficiently raised, he decided he would meet with this mysterious Lady Mora tonight. Why not?
oooOooo
Ella kept speaking even as she registered that Percy would indeed be meeting her tonight. "Now that the Prophet is covered, let's focus on the Ministry. Amelia Bones is one of mine, as well as Kingsley Shackelbolt and Arthur Weasley. They are ready for my word. I have several others in place ready as well. Hopefully they have a list of names for me of others that are willing to support the Plan. Amelia must start bulking up the Auror department. I had her lay fairly low until now, but that's where we start. Next, I want Arthur Weasley promoted to the Head of his department. And given a raise. I didn't realize the poor man would have that many children."
"That will do for the Ministry for now. I'll try more with my assistant. Now on to the Wizengamot. Open my flat in London and have an elf assigned to it. I must begin to socialize with that crowd again. I need several laws passed, and that is the way to do it. Also, make a note to alert the Wizengamot that the Sinclair seat has a witch occupying it once more. Let's do that after school gets out next year for summer hols. I'll need to schedule a party or two this fall. Griphook, I know this is a breach of confidence, but can I have list of names from the Wizengamot and how they are doing financially? It would help immensely." Ella paused and looked at the goblin furiously writing.
Griphook paused after a moment and cocked his head considering it. "Under the circumstances, I do believe that will be possible." Ella smiled happily at him and stared off into the fire again.
"I will need a list of all the old Order of the Phoenix members and who is still alive." Ella winced. "I don't imagine there is too many. But I will ward the houses of any left. I don't trust Dumbledore. He might have left an important ward out for the greater good, as he did with the Potter's and Longbottom's. Speaking of the Longbottom's, I wish to visit them fairly soon. Maybe next week."
Ella stared into the fire for another minute, trying to find anything else she needed to speak to Griphook about. Well, besides the huge matter that had been on her mind from the moment she had landed outside of Hogwarts earlier. She took a deep breath and lifted her eyes to Griphook.
"Now Master Griphook, I must know. Is the Council willing?" Ella was tempted to hold her breath like a foolish schoolgirl. Instead, she took a sip of the water provided for her.
"The Council has considered your offer extensively. They are prepared to render aid and services when is asked of them." Griphook paused a moment to take in the girl's shining eyes. It pleased him to please her. "I suppose it does help that our King thinks highly of you." Ella nearly rolled her eyes at the goblin before her. It was only years of training that kept her from the action.
"Aye, King Griphook. It does at that." Ella spoke softly and with great reverence. Imagine her surprise the last time she had seen him and found out he was the new Goblin King. She had been very impressed of the fact that he still worked among the rest of his subjects. She suspected it was due in a large part to her. He refused to let any other goblin even touch her vault. Something she was very grateful for. Secrecy was necessary right now. "You have my thanks and my promise." Magic swirled in the air around them. An oath, freely given. The Goblin King bowed his head in thanks.
"It is nearing my time to go, old friend. Tell me of your family and life before I go." Ella finally relaxed and listened to the gruff goblin speak of his dear wife and daughters. She carefully rested her chin on a fist.
Another hour flew by before the pair realized. Finally Griphook stood up and looked at her with wary eyes.
Ella knew the reason for it immediately. "Ah, don't fret Master Griphook. I won't be leaving anymore. I'm here to stay." His eyes brightened considerably at her words. There had been too many goodbyes in their past. Ella's eyes darkened a moment at the memory of her dear friend's future. It was not bright, and just another reason why she was here now. "Goodbye for now." She bowed deeply to the short figure in front of her.
oooOooo
Dumbledore contemplated the Prophecy he had just read. He was rather inclined to believe prophecies, having seen one too many come true. But this one? This one sprung nearly a well of hope within him. He had been rather short of that particular emotion lately, even with all his machinations.
When the Dark One has cheated death itself
And returned to destroy the one who lived
A Sinclair will rise with him
To give the boy a power the Dark One knows not
To return the world as it should be
To live and let live
It wasn't very long at all, and rather concise. It was rather odd for a Prophecy over all, but Dumbledore didn't care. It was made nearly a hundred years ago, soon after all the Sinclairs were destroyed. But Albus was sure it referred to now. If that girl truly was a Sinclair, then Harry Potter would surely succeed in defeating Voldemort. He must go speak with her. If she was as young as Rosmerta claimed, he could enroll her at Hogwarts and keep an eye on her. Perhaps he could even give her some guidance. With a glance at Fawkes, Albus Dumbledore spun on the spot and disappeared with a POP!
oooOooo
If Ella knew what the Headmaster was thinking at the moment, she would have dissolved into laughter. As it was, she had a good idea. She had dealt with Dumbledore before, and knew him fairly well. Precisely at three o'clock, there was a sharp rap at her door. Mentally patting herself on the back, she waved a hand at the door, allowing the Headmaster to pass through her wards. They were made so that the Headmaster barely noticed them as he passed through.
"Hello Headmaster Dumbledore, how good of you to drop by this afternoon. Tea?" Ella had stood up when he entered, and nodded respectfully at him. Dumbledore hid his surprise well, Ella noted. She had made it very clear she knew he was coming. He nodded in acceptance and sat down in one of the armchairs she had conjured.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eleanor Sinclair, though I prefer Ella. And I can assure you, Headmaster, that Sinclair is not a pseudonym." Dumbledore did not do as well hiding his surprise this time.
"Miss Sinclair, I find myself at a disadvantage. You seem to know me and my thoughts quite well, yet I know next to nothing about you. Perhaps you could inform me a bit." Dumbledore was watching her with shrewd eyes as he sipped his tea.
"Quite the change, I imagine. Very well, I will inform you, as you put it. I have recently made my way back into the country after an extended time away. I wish to attend Hogwarts until graduation, as it is the finest school in the wizarding world. A simple competency exam will prove I am capable of keeping up with other Fifth Years. I arrived in Scotland last night and visited Diagon Alley today. Is there any more you wish to know, Headmaster? I'm an open book." Ella spread her hands innocently, trying not to laugh at the expression on Dumbledore's face. She could see him struggling not to ask any more questions, not that she would answer them as he wished. He seemed to realize that, and shook his head.
"No, I believe that is all. Let's meet at three tomorrow afternoon for your exam, shall we?" At Ella's nod, he continued. "You can Floo directly into my office. I'll have one of the teachers prepare the exam for you."
"Thank you, Headmaster." Ella stood. "It was nice seeing you, Headmaster. I look forward to the next few years."
"As do I, Miss Sinclair. Until tomorrow." Albus tipped his head towards her and turned on the spot. Ella grinned. The man had more questions than answers now. She believed she would have some fun keeping her dear headmaster in the dark for a bit, especially as he was searching so hard for the light.
oooOooo
Albus Dumbledore paced in his office. The girl acted like she knew him! While she seemed a bit familiar, he had never met her before. And he remembered every face he saw. He sighed and sank down into a chair. With all the questions bouncing around in his brain, it was unlikely he would get much sleep tonight either. Accepting it, he sent for Minerva. She would test the girl tomorrow. He had no doubts that the girl, Ella, would pass. And of all things, Albus Dumbledore wondered why this mysterious girl would transfigure her eyes. It was slight enough that he almost didn't notice it. It made him wonder why a fifteen year old girl would want to transfigure her eyes like that. The shape and color hadn't been changed at all, which made it a mystery. And if there was anything Albus Dumbledore was good at, it would be solving mysteries.
oooOooo
Ella decided to wander Diagon Alley a bit before her next meeting. She hadn't expected the Headmaster to let up as soon as he did. Clearly, he was learning how to read a situation better than he had in the past. So now she had a good four hours before Percy showed up in the Three Broomsticks. She spent it shopping for more modern clothes. The ones she had on now were over twenty years old. She walked out of Madame Malkins an hour and a half later grumbling to herself. She hated shopping for clothes, magic or not. But now she had new school robes, some casual clothes, and several things for Lady Mora. Though she had not gotten all these at once. It had required her to go in as Lady Mora afterwards, as she was a bit different in size than Ella was.
Ella was actually quite proud of her Lady Mora side. It wasn't a glamour, it was an actual full transformation. It was quite hard to do, but Ella had practiced it enough that she could do the switch within a minute. Her long wild black curls were tamed into softer auburn curls with a white streak that were piled on top of her head. She grew several inches, and filled out a bit more in the hips and bust area. Her eyes changed from their normal grey to a vibrant green. Her face rounded out a bit more, and her hair line changed to a widow's peak. They were slight changes, but it was enough to hide her true identity. And her claim to her title was very clear in her appearance. She was nearly a carbon copy of Godric Gryffindor, and all the pureblood families recognized that. Of course, she was descended from him, but her true appearance mirrored that of Slytherin and his wife, Rowena Ravenclaw. She had Salazar's eyes and his long fingers, while her hair and willowy figure were that of Rowena's. Looks never changed much throughout the magical families. She, the Malfoy's, and the Weasley's were a testament to that.
Shaking herself from her thoughts, she went into Fortescue's to grab some ice cream and peace. She enjoyed Diagon Alley, but all the children were there getting last minute purchases. As she sat there, three figures caught her attention.
"Harry, we still have loads of shopping to get done! We don't have time for ice-cream!" A bushy-haired witch was ineffectively pulling at a tall boy's sleeve. His bright green eyes, messy black hair, and lightening scar revealed exactly who he was. All of Ella's attention was on the trio as they made their way to the counter.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. But you know how Ron is when he has his mind set on food. Near unstoppable!" Harry raked his hand through his hair in a bit of agitation, and immediately tried to pat it down again. Ella's eyes brightened in mirth. Sure enough, the red-head was the one leading the group. He appeared not to have heard the two behind him. Instead, his eyes were raking over the menu. Harry soon joined him and Hermione crossed her arms and huffed.
Ella took the opportunity to examine the Boy-Who-Lived. The last time she had seen him, he had been over fifty years older. Time had not been kind to him. His hair had been liberally streaked with grey, and his face had hosted a myriad of premature wrinkles. It was his eyes though, that had always gotten to Ella. His eyes revealed a man who had lost everything, his soul nearly as ancient as hers for all the death he'd seen.
But now his eyes were a good deal younger. He had still looked Death in the face though. That much was obvious in the slight slump of his shoulders, the way his hand strayed constantly to where his wand was, and the tiny lines around his eyes. The boy was fifteen, for Merlin's sake! Ella scowled. Fate had dealt this boy quite a hand. But his face was mostly unlined, his hair a jet black, and his expression animated. Ella took another bite of her ice-cream, keeping the trio in her sight as they made their way to table within her earshot.
"Harry, I still can't believe you had to go to trial for casting that Patronus! And Dumbledore refusing to even look at you? He must have his reasons." Hermione was punctuating her sentences with jabs from her spoon.
"Yeah, mate. Good thing it's all over. We'll be on the train tomorrow and have our normal boring school year." Ron's statement was slightly muffled by the ice cream he was shoveling in his mouth. Ella looked on in slight awe. She'd have a headache if she tried that. Harry snorted, Ella assumed in reaction the "normal boring school year" part.
"Normal, ha. That's a good one Ron. Hey, when we get back to the Burrow, let's try out your new broom, yeah? I still can't believe you and Hermione got Prefect badges." Harry tried to make the last part sound casual, but Ella was sure both Ron and Hermione heard the unsaid ending. "And I didn't…" Ella clenched her fist in an effort to keep from hexing Dumbledore wherever he was now. The Great Fool didn't realize what some of his actions did to Harry. Harry saw Dumbledore as a parental figure Harry never had, so when the Headmaster started ignoring the boy, it did far more harm than good.
"Sure mate, that sounds like fun. I wanna see how it does against your Firebolt." Ron grinned at Harry, trying to get his mind off of other matters. Like the Great Bloody Dumbledore. Seriously, if Ella knew how all his fame would go to the man's head she would have never- Ella blinked. Why on earth would the Ministry be tailing Harry? Surely not for protection, although they should have been doing that since the boy was a toddler. Ella carefully watched the man watching Harry. As the Trio left, so did the man.
Sighing, Ella threw away nearly half of her ice-cream. The curse of being a slow eater. Ella slipped into the alley beside the ice-cream shop and removed the Lady Mora persona. Looking like herself once again, Ella caught up quickly to the man tailing the Trio. He was good, she had to give him that. He made good use of notice-me-not charms, shadows, and other distractions to keep within earshot of the trio. A spy on the Boy-Who-Lived? Not very politically correct. Thinking quickly, Ella sprang into action. She silently sent a finite at the man's notice-me-not at the exact same time she sent a cat to trip him. He managed not to stumble on the cat, but didn't notice his charm was gone.
Ella maneuvered herself so that she and Hermione crashed into each other. "Oh! I am so sorry! I'm so clumsy, Mum is always on me about watching where I'm going…" To any onlookers, Ella continued to mumble apologies, including the two boys who were helping the two girls collect all the books and papers Hermione had been holding. Hermione was just scrambling to catch all of her papers. As they stood up, Ella breathed a warning to Hermione.
"Act natural. You've got a tail, don't shake him, just be careful what you speak of. Don't tell the boys, just stay clear of interesting topics." To Hermione's credit, she acted like Ella hadn't said a word.
"Oh, don't worry about it. No harm done." Hermione's voice only had a hint of strain in it. Ella nodded and slowly walked off, blending into the crowd effortlessly. She had caught the way Hermione's eyes had darted and caught sight of their tail though. Good. Ella though as she watched the trio continue on with their purchases. Thankfully, Hermione was quite adept at steering their conversation clear of anything the Ministry might want to know. Satisfied, Ella headed back to the Three Broomsticks. It was nearly time for her meeting with Percy Weasley.
oooOooo
Percy wiped his hands nervously on his robes. He was moving up in the Ministry, and he didn't want to mess that all up. But this Lady Mora had caught his attention quite well. So here he was, in front of the Three Broomsticks. There was no harm in hearing her out. Drawing on some Gryffindor courage, Percy swung open the door and walked inside. His gaze was drawn immediately to a woman sitting in a darker corner, her back to the wall. She sat with perfect poise and grace, daintily drinking tea. She made eye contact with him, and the corner of her mouth curved up. Apparently, that was all the recognition he would get.
Percy had researched this Lady Mora as extensively as he could. She was around his parent's age. She had only attended Hogwarts for a year before she took her N.E.W.T.S at fourteen, achieving the honor of the youngest to graduate Hogwarts. Not much was known about her before she came to Hogwarts, only that she came from an ancient pureblood family. Her parents were said to have died in a battle against Voldemort, and she lived with an aunt till she graduated. After graduation, she kept a low profile, gaining friends in the right places. She made no move to go into the Ministry, a bad decision Percy thought, but she made plenty of friends in politics. Both in the Ministry and the Wizengamot, Percy noted. And then she had dropped off the map nearly completely. Percy had decided she had traveled to gain support in other countries. All in all, it seemed her friendships had paid off. He knew Amelia Bones and his own father considered her their friend, and several other Heads of departments.
With this in mind, he approached the woman, taking in her appearance. She didn't look quite as old as his parents, but the white streak through her red hair was a sign of her age. Her green eyes had crow's feet around them, likely from smiling often, Percy mused. She stood up and offered him her hand. Percy took it, pleased with her firm handshake.
"Ah, Mr. Weasley. How good of you to meet me tonight. I have heard much of your rapid rise through the Ministry. I believe you are the Minister's own assistant now?" Her voice was slightly husky, and it made Percy want to hear it again. No, the young wizard was not attracted to the older woman, but there was something about her that drew him in.
"Yes, Lady Mora. I am quite fortunate." Percy made an attempt to be humble, but it fell quite flat.
"Fortunate would not have been the word I would have used. You have more than a healthy dose of ambition, but not enough cunning and calculation to temper it. A side effect to you being placed in Gryffindor, no doubt. I wonder why you were not placed in Slytherin? You would have done well there." Percy's feathers were sufficiently ruffled.
"I was placed in Gryffindor because that's where all Weasley's go." Percy refused to hear the compliments Lady Mora had given him, he focused only on the slight to his old house.
"Of course, Percy." Lady Mora soothed. It worked quite well, as Percy began lowering the arms he had crossed. He didn't even notice the familiarity with which the Lady used his first name. "I forget sometimes the bad reputation Slytherin has managed to build for itself. I didn't mean to offend you. I was in Gryffindor myself. I was merely mentioning that you would have done better in Slytherin."
Percy shrugged and looked away from her piercing look. "That's what the Sorting Hat said. But I would have been an outcast in my own family even sooner if I had been Sorted there. I manage just fine with my Gryffindor tendencies."
Lady Mora nodded. Percy looked back at her and squared his shoulders. "Now what kind of job offer do you have for me? I'm making no promises, I just want to hear about it."
Lady Mora's tone was all business. "Of course, Percy. I wouldn't expect you to. I need an assistant, and you came highly recommended to me. You would mostly be in charge of keeping my schedule, scheduling meetings, taking notes at those meetings, and a few other minor things. The job comes with housing, a house elf, and an allowance for food and necessities. Along with these things, I'm willing to match what the Minister is paying you. As I don't need you during the day, you are free to continue your job at the Ministry. I'm willing to work around your schedule there for awhile. I have more information to give you, but only if you accept the job." Lady Mora sat back slightly in her chair, watching as Percy processed all the information she had given him proceeded to place the proverbial cherry on top. "You will be my right hand man, and will have my trust. Something I don't give lightly, young man." Percy nodded. "Also, as I mentioned in my letter, I am willing to throw my support behind you someday for the position of Minister of Magic, your ultimate goal, I'm sure. I have enough backing now to give you a fighting chance, but I'll have even more in a few years to make that a certainty. What do you say?"
Percy's head was spinning. This woman was offering him his dreams on a silver platter. Even Fudge hadn't promised him anything concerning his future. And to give him housing and an allowance beyond his salary nearly had him shouting yes. Plus the fact he could still work at the Ministry, it was almost too good to be true. He narrowed his eyes. Of course it was. There had to be a catch somewhere.
"And the catch?" His sharp eyes watched the Lady's features carefully. He hadn't gotten to where he was without being sharp. Lady Mora chuckled.
"You are a sharp one, aren't you? Perfect. Well, there might be danger involved down the road. But I can offer you my full protection. And you'd be privy to a fair amount of secrets. You have to take an Oath once hired. And I can't promise it won't be illegal. I don't plan on breaking any rules, but things happen." The Lady spread out her hands in an innocent gesture, but Percy could see her eyes sharply watching him.
He pondered what she had said. He supposed he wasn't getting any more information without an Oath. But he had been taught to scan a person's emotions, and he wasn't getting anything malicious from her. In fact, she seemed downright trustworthy. Almost everything in him screamed at him to take the job. And so he did.
"Ah, excellent. I'd have a hard time finding a more suitable assistant." The praise made Percy feel warm. Fudge hardly ever complimented him. "If you would follow me, please. I'd rather not have you take an Oath in front of all these people."
Percy glanced around the bar. There were maybe a dozen people scattered about. And none of them were paying a lick of attention to the two of them. Nevertheless, he shrugged his shoulders and followed the Lady upstairs. Once they were inside her room, she sat him down on a chair. Percy started to see a goblin waiting for them
"Ah, Master Griphook, excellent. Mr. Weasley has agreed to be my assistant. You will oversee the Oaths?" Percy wiped his sweaty hands on his cloak. The goblin saw, and sneered at him. Trepidation began rising in his throat. What had he done?
Without warning, the Lady grasped his forearm, and he did the same to her. Magic started to build as he repeated the binding words after her. The Oath was very thorough, it left no room for him to go against her in any way without severe consequences. With a blinding blue light, he said the last word. He slumped in his chair, overwhelmed by the new magic coursing through him. But apparently they weren't done. The Lady grabbed his arm again and proceeded give an oath to him. She promised to protect him and his with the best of her abilities, to never cheat him, and to one day support him as Minister and make sure he was equipped for the job. Percy almost couldn't believe it. No one made those kinds of Oaths in politics anymore, as it was mostly about stabbing people in the back to get to where you wanted to go. It's why his father never made it very far, he wasn't willing to go to those lengths. He looked at the woman before him with great respect.
She and Griphook sat down and looked at him. "Percy, there is just one more thing." The Lady spoke. "Hold out your arm." Percy did, somehow entirely trusting the woman in front of him. A large part of that, he supposed, was due to the Oaths he had just sworn. She gently held his arm and pressed her wand the crook of his arm. A burning sensation flared momentarily, then was gone. He examined the slightly red mark. It was two snakes entwined around an ornate clock, the hands pointing to eleven o'clock. It was small, and barely noticeable as the red faded away fast. It appeared to be in white ink, directly opposite where the dark mark would be.
"Percy, pay close attention." He swung his gaze to her face, where it would remain for the rest of the night.
"I don't usually mark anybody without a Dark Mark on the other side." Percy was confused instantly, and dismayed. What had he gotten himself into? "Don't look so horrified. My ultimate goal is to defeat Voldemort and fix all that's wrong with our society. And yes, Voldemort is back. And part of bringing down old Voldy is doing it from the inside. I have people loyal to me inside his Death Eater ranks. They need the mark, mostly to prove their loyalty once everything is over. You need it because it will alert you instantly when I need you and allow you to apparate to where I am, similar to the Dark Mark. It will also start burning if I am in danger, or turn black if I die. If I die, Percy, you must flee the country. You already know enough to be killed, and my protections will not protect you if I am dead."
Percy nodded slowly, taking it all in. She was right, this could turn dangerous. But somehow, he still trusted her. He also believed her that Voldemort was back. As part of their Oath, he knew that every word she said to him was truth. And he was glad he was taking such an active part in taking down Voldemort.
"My mark will protect you from most hexes, jinxes, and forms of Legilimency. You are also impervious to the Imperius Curse. Only Griphook, others who have the mark, and I can see the mark. You will live in a wing of my own house, starting tonight. I'll have your house elf, Blinky, move all your stuff tomorrow morning. Even Voldemort couldn't break past the wards on that house. I will not always be there, but you can call me in an emergency by pressing your wand to the mark. You will have your own office, and Blinky can deliver any messages you have for me. Starting tomorrow, I will have a notebook that will fill with the things I need you to do. We won't see each other often after the first few days, but I have utmost confidence in you." Percy nodded silently, taking all the information in.
"Now, this is essential. You must remain estranged from your family, you must keep acting as you did before. For awhile, no one at the Ministry must know you are my assistant. And you must keep me informed of Fudge's plans. We will meet again tomorrow night, and three nights after that. For now, I'll have Blinky take you to your new quarters." With a small pop, the house elf appeared. Percy took the elf's hand, still musing over all he had learned. As they popped away, he concluded that this would be the adventure of a life-time. And his Gryffindor side was quite alright with that.
TBC
A/N: I will not post anymore notes after this. This is un-beta'd. If you see mistakes and would like to see them corrected, feel free to message me about taking the beta position. I love to hear feedback, and will respond to each review. Please leave an email address if you would like a response. I have already fallen in love with this story, and hope you will too.
Thank you for reading!