Disclaimer: These characters are not mine. Mostly.
Sedna leaned over the puce color table in the Ministry Cafeteria and tried to read the owl that Theseus clutched in his hand.
"Well?" Sedna queried when she failed to catch a glimpse of the signature, "What did they say?"
"This is odd…" Theseus intoned, reading the note again, "Father responded instead of mother. He says mother is behaving strangely and decided to initiate an in depth background check on you."
"What!?" Sedna shrieked, causing the denizens of the nearby tables to turn and raise an eyebrow. "Sorry" She apologized to them and turned back to the occupant of her table, "But honestly, Theseus! Why don't you just tell me who your parents are?"
"You'll find out over Christmas Holiday!" Theseus quipped, "Besides, you're dating me, not my family!"
"I don't even know your parents' names!" Sedna made another snatch for the hastily stowed letter, "I know your brother's and sister's names, but that's all you've let slip!" They cleared the table and headed back to their offices. "I admit," she continued, "You did at least tell me that McNair was not your real last name. And you have changed it for security purposes." She continued in a lower voice as they reached the hall of the Auror Department.
"But truly! Are they spies for the minister of Russia or something? I've all ready told you everything there is to know about my parents! Their bloody architects in Norway! You've met them for Merlin's sake!"
They stepped inside Theseus' office, but Sedna had a bit more to say, "We've been dating for over a year and your parents have just learned that I exist!"
Theseus had courageously withstood the ire of his love, but now was his turn. Leaning against the door to Sedna's office he finished, "Sedna, I love you. I am not ashamed of you, if that's what you think! But you also have to understand that I can count on one hand the number of people who know who my real parents are. I do trust you. But some things better confronted in person. And believe me when I say this is definitely one of them."
As for confronting things… Poor Alastor Moody was being confronted by a demanding Minerva McGonagall at that very moment.
"Minerva? What's happened!? Has Hogwarts been attacked? Is You-Know-Who on the move?" Alastor responded wand in hand when Minerva's head had jumped into his office fireplace.
"No! Worse!" Minerva replied seriously, "Theseus has a girlfriend!"
Alastor nearly choked on his hackish laughter. That is, until he say the steel way Minerva's eyes leered out of the fire. "What? You're serious?"
"Do I look as if I were joking?" Minerva demanded, dangerously monotone. "Now! Tell me everything about her! Where is she from, who are her parents, where did she go to school, has she ever been convicted of any crimes?"
"Well…" Moody was taken aback by the seriousness, and drive in her questions, "She's from Norway. Her parents have designed most of their magical buildings and cities over there. She's here as an intern studying under our Magical Defense Department. She's an extremely bright girl. She went to school at Beauxbatons. As for crimes, now, Minerva, I think you might be overreacting…."
"I am NOT overreacting!!" Minerva exploded, "This is my eldest's son's future!! I have to make sure he is making the right decision!" She huffed into the fire, and Alastor had to resist the urge to jump back, as he could see embers shooting from the fire. "I'm not feeling very well…" She said, her voice abruptly becoming airy. Then she was gone.
Alastor stared at the fire for a moment longer, shook his head and leaned toward the fire.
Poppy was putting away a new set of potions when she heard someone shouting from the floo in her office.
"Poppy Pomfrey!!" Poppy glimpsed the scarred face of Alastor Moody, She moved over to stand before the fire. "I have favor to ask of you."
"It's nice to see you too Alastor!" Poppy grinned. She and Alastor were cousins, so they had grown up together. She was used to his brisk ways. But that didn't stop her teasing him for his lack of manners. "What can I do for you?""I know you and Minerva are good friends, and, well…" Alastor looked slightly embarrassed, "I thought it might be one of those things… But she floo'd my office a few moments ago doing a background check on Theseus' girlfriend. I've never seen Minerva quite so riled up. I was hoping you could talk to her and possibly make sure she's all right…"
"All right, Alastor. I'll check on her!" Poppy smiled. Alastor had been like a big brother to Poppy and Minerva while they were at Hogwarts. And despite his rather intimidating appearance, he was a softy towards both of them.
"Thank you." And then he was gone.
Albus was sitting in his office, when another patronus shot in. Only this time it was a hare, and it spoke with the urgent voice of Madame Pomfrey. "Albus!! Come quickly to your quarters! It's Minerva!"
Albus jumped from his seat and shot down the hall. Poppy was not particularly strong in attacking spells such as the Patronus. So when she actually employed it, something was genuinely wrong.
A/N Well, this one at least is going to continue. Reviewers will be rewarded with laurels and lauds. SO PLEASE REVIEW!! Thanks for reading. Next chapter up soon.
