3) Suspicions Rise

Jadin received Percy's text message. The news was disappointing, but not unexpected. This new Minister was worse than the last one. After all, Jadin had no prior dealings with the interim Minister: Pius Thicknesse. Kingsley Shacklebolt, however, was another matter entirely. He'd been in the Order, Jadin had met him, worked with him, and he'd been a frequent visitor to the house at 12 Grimmauld Place. Another betrayal of, and by, an old "friend": this time of Percy Weasley.

So far, everything had been quiet on the Hogwart's front: he'd gotten Hagrid's message about the discovery of a location in the Forbidden Forest of a clear connection. That it was through the territory of the centaurs a definite plus. Bane had agreed to allow passage of Hermione and the rest of the conspirators, while denying access to everyone else. This wouldn't look suspicious, as centaurs rarely tolerated a human presence in their territory.

Jadin Weston CEO, New Revelations, Ltd.

Dear Mr. Weston:

Received your inquiry into my work with the Wild Bunch. Yes, I was aware that digimon were appearing in our world, as we were consulted by Japanese intelligence once the first appearances became known. We figured this was some sort of fluke, and I was not aware that digimon were partnering with children and teens lately.

As to your inquiry, I regret that I can be of no assistance. I would suggest that you contact Goru Mizuno, as he was the only one of the original Wild Bunch who never gave up the project. I do not know how to contact him, though you should ask another of his colleagues: Janyu Wong. Last I heard, Mr. Mizuno was living in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.

Sincerely, Rob McCoy

It wasn't exactly what Jadin was hoping for, but it was better than a clear rejection. He was onto someone who just might know something... Jadin got off an e-mail to Janyu Wong.

Hogwart's

"Yes, Mr. Potter, you have a question?", Professor Adolphus Wormwood asked.

"Sir, I was wondering... if I thought a good friend or family member may be involved in suspicious activities, what would my responsibility as an auror be?"

"Of course you report the questionable activity. It is your duty to uphold and enforce Wizarding Law. Why are you even asking such a question?".

"Betray a close friend..."

"Mr. Potter: even if a private citizen knows about criminal activities and fails to report them, he could be charged as an accomplice after the fact. If you, as an auror, fail to report suspicious activity, you are not only an accomplice, you are also derelict in your duties. Your responsibility is to enforce the law. The Wizengamot determines guilt or innocence: that is their duty, not yours. Do you suspect a friend of yours is involved in illegal activities?"

"Of course not! I was just asking for clarification..."

"There is nothing to clarify, Mr. Potter. You understood the duties of an auror when you enrolled in this program. If you don't believe you are up to balancing your professional life with your personal life, then Auror isn't the career for you. It is not an easy life you've chosen for yourself. If you are to pursue this line of work, you better sort this out now. You will lose friends; people, even relatives, will become uneasy in your company. It goes with the territory, and you'd best get used to it. Is that understood, Mr. Potter?"

"Yes Professor".

"I must insist: why are you asking, and do you know someone who is doing something questionable?"

Harry wasn't going to get out of this as easily as he'd hoped. He thought quickly: "It's Luna's father, he's the publisher of The Quibbler, and he was..."

"Yes, Xeno Lovegood, I know the case. As I said, it's in the hands of the Wizengamot now".

"I was wondering if there was anything I could do".

"As an Auror, you can not play favourites. You enforce Wizarding law impartially, regardless of whether you are friends with Mr. Lovegood's daughter or not. Any shows of favouritism, of partiality, will do nothing but undermine the public's respect for the law and those of us whose duty it is to enforce it. Is that clear Mr. Potter?"

"Yes, but I was wondering if I might speak out in my capacity as a private citizen?"

"There is no such thing, Mr. Potter: an Auror is on duty 24 hours a day, even when you are 'off the clock'. The public at large won't see the difference between your being an Auror and being private citizen Harry Potter. This, too, is a responsibility you accepted when you joined this program. If you can't accept that responsibility, then you do not belong in this program. That will be all, Mr. Potter"

"Yes, Professor".

Harry hoped Professor Wormwood believed him. Wormwood, however, did not. Something about that story didn't sit well with him.

"Enter", Headmaster Snape called out to the door knocker. "Professor Wormwood, you requested this meeting?"

"Professor Snape", Wormwood greeted. "I had a most disturbing conversation with one of my students, Harry Potter..."

"Ahhhh yes, Mr. Pot-ter", he pronounced the name with that characteristic sneer.

"I take it, Professor Snape, you do not approve of Mr. Potter?"

"I never agreed with the decision to place him in the Auror Program, but I've made no secret of that. What has Mr. Pot-ter done this time Professor?"

"It's not so much what he's done, it's that he was asking about what he should do if he were to suspect one of his friends was involved in legally questionable activities. When I pressed him on the matter, he claimed it had to do with the Xenophilius Lovegood case. I understand he knows Luna Lovegood, but I got the distinct impression he was really talking about someone else. You know him better than I do: what can you tell me about his friends?"

"I see", Snape replied, fascinated.

It would not be out of character for Potter to be up to something. Snape was very familiar with how fast and loose Harry Potter and his friends were with Hogwart's rules, going all the way back to their first year. He also did not approve of Professor Dumbledore's indulgence when they did. Potter should have been expelled several times over.

"There seems to be some sort of difficulties between Mr. Pot-ter and Miss Granger. I over heard them arguing in the hall the other day".

"Do you know what it was about?", Wormwood asked, interested.

"Unfortunately, I do not. Neither admitted to anything as I urged the both of them to move along to their classes", Snape explained. "I hope Mr. Pot-ter isn't making trouble for you? He has a habit of doing that".

"Yes, Professor, I am well aware of your feelings towards Mr. Potter. Thank you for your help, Professor".

"Good day, Professor", Snape dismissed Wormwood.

The Hogwart's grapevine, as efficient as ever, let the Headmaster take a good guess as to what Harry Potter and Hermione Granger had been arguing about. After all, Severus Snape had personal experience with unrequited love. It was no secret that Hermione had been very interested in the Mentor: Jadin Weston. It was Snape's unvoiced opinion that the Ministry decree that none of Hogwart's students have any further contact with the Digimon Mentors was foolish in the extreme. Better that Jadin and Hermione renew their friendship in the open, with Jadin's being none the wiser as to Hermione's being a magician.

The year before Snape's invitation had arrived, he had tried to introduce himself to the girl he'd watched from a distance, of whom he dreamed. That first meeting had been a disaster. As Hogwart's students, there had been a relationship, but Severus had been seduced by the Dark Arts, as had many a Slytherin before him. He had given his loyalty to the up and coming Lord Voldemort, thereby losing Lily Evans who had given him an ultimatum: the Dark Arts or her love.

He could only watch as a rocky relationship with the Marauder and tormentor of the socially awkward Snape, James Potter, grew into the fullness of love, marriage, and a first child: Harry Potter. That didn't mean he didn't stop loving her. He'd turned against his Dark Lord in a failed attempt to save her life. Severus Snape couldn't blame Hermione, nor could he say he wouldn't be doing the same thing if he were in her place.

London: Dirk Weston's Flat

Back from school, Jadin logged onto the New Revelations e-mail account. He had a message:

Dear Mr. Weston:

It was with great pleasure and delight that I received your e-mail. As you may know, it has always been my belief that digimon could be more than game characters or virtual life, and that the Internet more than simply another communications network. It was for these reasons I never gave up. I always believed that a New Evolution was on the horizon, a new dawn of man that would propel us all to a level higher than you can imagine.

Unlike my colleagues, it was always my belief that our digimon would some day appear in our world, apart from the systems that initially supported their existence. They didn't take me very seriously, and I can't say I hold that against them. I was a bit disappointed that our message to the digimon went unanswered for so long, after the initial sporadic contacts of the late 1990s. I must confess to being a bit perplexed, and may be a little envious, that the digimon chose to appear in the US and the UK, as opposed to appearing here in Japan. Is that nationalistic of me?

Regarding your partnerships, it does appear that a new opening was developing. I am also pleased that you were able to make use of my Blue Card algorithm, and that it worked as designed. I share your disappointment that there are others of our kind who would interfere, though I am not surprised. Much of what calls itself 'humanity' disappoints me greatly. As I grow older, the temptation of cynicism grows ever stronger. There have been far too many cases of lost opportunities littering history. If there is anything I can do to help you, just name it.

Yours,

Goru "Shibumi" Mizuno

Hogwart's: Headmaster's Office

"Come in and have a seat, Miss Granger", Snape invited.

She climbed the short staircase to the upper alcove where Dumbledore had kept his desk. Snape sat behind that very desk, the portrait of Albus Dumbledore looking down on his former office.

"You asked to see me?"

"It has come to my attention that you have been going to London quite frequently lately", he began in that characteristic slow drawl.

"My parents live there", Hermione replied. "Since I'm an upper class man, and have my apparition license, I can drop in for visits".

"I am aware of that", Snape answered. "Are you sure that's all you are doing? You have always been one of our brighter students, and I admit I would have liked you in Slytherin. I suspect that certain Slytherin qualities are coming to the surface".

"I'm not sure I follow, Professor?"

"I shall not ask if you are seeing your boyfriend, Jadin Weston, to spare your having to deny it to my face. You are well aware of the decree that you are not to have any contact with Mr. Weston, are you not?"

"I'm well aware of that, Professor".

"And that the decree still stands even though the interim Minister has been replaced by Mr. Shacklebolt?"

"Yes, Professor".

"I had a most disturbing conversation with Professor Wormwood. He was asking about you and your friends, Miss Granger".

With that, Snape went to the small closet, still overflowing with Dumbledore's junk, and removed a phial.

"Be sure you keep this with you at all times", he advised.

"Professor?"

"It's the antidote to Veritas Serum. Use it wisely, Miss Granger. I wouldn't want to lose such a promising student".

"Thank you, Professor..."

"That will be all, Miss Granger"

Did Harry say something to the Headmaster? She didn't want to believe that, but couldn't rule it out completely. After all, she was well aware of how the grapevine worked. Still, it was too close for comfort.

London: Ministry of Magic

"Come in, Albert", the Director of Magical Law Enforcement, Pius Thicknesse, invited. "I have an assignment I'd like to get cleared up ASAP".

"Mr. Director", Albert Runcorn greeted.

Runcorn was one of their best investigators. Despite that he'd worked for Voldemort, ferreting out those of less than pure blood, he'd been retained. He had been the one who discovered Dirk Cresswell's true family history, despite all his efforts to hide his muggle ancestry. It had been a brilliant bit of detective work which earned him a special bonus.

"Professor Wormwood of Hogwart's has brought to my attention a possible violation of a Ministry Decree. It is his belief that Miss Hermione Granger has been in contact with her boyfriend, the Digimon Mentor: Jadin Weston". He handed over a manila folder: "Here is the case file".

"This would seem to be a rather minor matter", Runcorn protested, "hardly anything that can't be cleared up simply by asking her".

"Are you forgetting the reason she and her friends were ordered not to have any further contact with Mr. Weston and his Mentor friends? They have been Obliviated, and that does us no good if she tells him everything. We need to know if she's been seeing him, and what she's been telling him".

"I still don't see why not just ask her. What's the worst that could happen? She gets a reprimand, and is told to cease and desist. It's a relatively minor..."

"Under normal circumstances, I would agree. However, Granger, Potter, and his closest associates have a long history of ignoring rules and laws they don't like. They have been doing this ever since they started at Hogwart's, and with the tacit approval of the late Albus Dumbledore. Granted, given the situation of the times, the return of Voldemort, it was understandable in that Potter was destined to be the one who destroyed the Dark Lord once and for all.

"It is a pattern of behaviour that's become all too much of a habit, and I don't doubt but that the Granger girl would have no problems ignoring a Ministry decree. Sneaking around has long become a way of life for Potter and his associates. It may have been necessary and even helpful once, but times have changed, and Potter and his friends need to learn that none of them are above the law. We need to know what they're up to and with whom.

"We have another problem, Albert, there are certain elements, particularly the two Weasleys, who have all too much sympathy for these muggles. They don't agree with the Decree, and Percy has even approached the Minister about the matter. He has, of course, been advised to not discuss the matter".

"Has he?"

"So far, he has followed orders, which is why he and his father still work for the Ministry. That doesn't change how they feel, and can not guarantee their compliance. This situation has the potential to cause the Ministry more problems than it would first appear: some young girl who insists on seeing a boyfriend".

"I'll take care of it", Runcorn promised.

After reviewing the case file, he knew the case was going to be a bit more formidable than first glance would suggest. There was the break-in at the Voldemort controlled Ministry and the theft of Slytherin's Locket from the Directrix of Muggleborn Registry: Dolores Umbridge. There was the penetration of Gringott's, the recovery of Hufflepuff's Cup from a high security vault and the subsequent escape. The escape from Malfoy Manor... These "kids" knew what they were doing, and if they were violating a Ministry decree, uncovering that fact wasn't going to be easy.

He became aware of just how dangerous their attitude to authority actually was. They had violated the Hogwart's Code of Conduct numerous times. The former Headmaster had indulged this behaviour on many occasions. He had played blatant favorites to award Gryffindor the House Cup on at least two occasions. Dumbledore had even gone so far as to assist in the escape of the fugitive, Sirius Black. This being an offense that should have cost him his positions as Headmaster, Chief Justice of the Wizengamot, and leader of the International Conference of Wizards. This was Azkaban-worthy. None of this was ever mentioned in Dumbledore's semi annual reports to the Board of Governors. All of it had come out after the debriefings held in the wake of Voldemort's final defeat.

0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Runcorn assembled his team: the aurors Williamson and Dawlish. Both returned to the Ministry, now freed from Voldemort's Imperius Curses, in good standing. Runcorn detailed the assignment for them.

"I suggest we start with the little one", Dawlish was explaining, "Rita Knowles. She should be the most vulnerable and naïve".

"That's assuming that Weston would have told her anything", Williamson said.

"I think he would", Dawlish replied. "Look at how closely they worked together at Hogwart's. If Jadin were informed as to how and why they'd lost their partners, I don't think he could resist telling her. If not, there are the others. Surely he would have told someone. It shouldn't be too hard to determine who's been seeing whom".

"How will you go about this?", Runcorn asked.

"I've already procured a hair sample with the Summoning Spell. If one of us meets with the Knowles girl, and she recognizes us, that will be proof positive, and we'll have the proof we need to confront Miss Granger".

"Excellent", Runcorn congratulated. "The sooner we get this out of the way, the better".

Rita, thanks to Jadin's instructions to be more alert and aware, noticed the strange characters who'd begun appearing around her school: during lunch breaks, recess, and when school let out. She'd seen them from the playground. One older man looking like he stepped straight out of 1920, complete with a bowler hat and spats. Another looking like a refugee from the Haight from 1967. The older lady who looked decidedly uncomfortable in her muggle attire.

She was about half the way home... "Hey Rita!", the call rang out, "Hold up a sec".

She turned around, and it was Terry Kaminsky. She allowed him to catch up. "You seen Jadin around? Been looking for him".

"Ummm...", she began. He didn't give the challenge! "Aren't you a little old? You aren't some kind of freak who's into young girls are you?"

"I...", he began, "I must've confused you with someone I thought I knew. Sorry". He took off in a big hurry.

"So it's starting", she thought to herself. Jadin and the Mentors will have to know, and soon. That could wait until she was safely in her own room before texting a report. Jadin got Rita's message and reassured everyone that this was just a fishing expedition to see if the Obliviation was still holding. Rita had handled the situation just as she should have. Her performance might throw them off the trail, but that was by no means certain. He warned that they should not alter their habits, as that would alert the aurors that something was up. Just go about your normal business, but stay alert. They might try this again with one of the other Mentors.

London: Ministry of Magic

"I spoke with the young one: Rita. She didn't seem to recognize me", Dawlish was reporting back.

"So it would seem these Mentors still remember nothing. They haven't been in contact with any of the students at Hogwart's", Runcorn said. "Then the matter's settled and I can assure the Director".

"It would seem so, but...", Dawlish paused, "I'm not so certain. I got her attention, and she didn't try to avoid me. There was an instant... my gut's telling me she recognized me. I know it's not much to go on".

"If she did recognize you, then why didn't she say so? According to your report, the girl denied knowing you. Are you sure?", Runcorn asked.

"I can't explain it, but I've been an Auror long enough, and you develop a feel for these things".

"So far, the investigation has turned up nothing unusual", Williamson added. "Records at St. Mungo's do show that Neville Longbottom has signed in as a guest to visit his parents on every trip to London. We've had the Granger girl followed, and she has likewise been going to her parents' home as she claims. The Weasley boy has been going to his family home outside of Ottery St. Catchpole".

"Then it looks like this case is closed?"

"That's hard to say. So far, we have discovered nothing that would directly support Wormwood's suppositions".

"Not quite yet", Runcorn replied. "There are the other Mentors. Since Rita's so young, it's likely they wouldn't include her in their plans".

0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

So far, the plan worked out just fine. Under the Disillusionment Charm, Dawlish and Williamson slipped into Yvonne's bedroom. A quick stunning spell, and Williamson apparated away with her. The Obliviators did their job of installing the appropriate false memories of another day at school, then apparate her back to her home. Once the stunner was lifted, she'd be none the wiser.

"Jadin!", Yvonne called out as school was letting out.

"Yvonne, wasn't it?"

"Don't act like you don't know me. I was wondering, when do you think Impmon and Hawkmon will be returning?"

"Excuse me? I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about: Impmon, Hawkmon 'returning'? What's that supposed to mean? You don't actually think video game characters are for real, do you? Maybe you should lay off the gaming for awhile?"

"Maybe so... Sorry", she said as she made a hasty retreat.

"Persistent bastards", he thought to himself. No way would the real Yvonne say something like that to him. Jadin knew right then and there he'd be needing to be improving his security.

London: Ministry of Magic

"So that's it", Runcorn spoke up as soon as Dawlish had finished his report. "The Weston boy denied knowing anything about your being a Mentor?", he asked.

"It would appear he did", Dawlish answered. "I was sure he would...", he shook his head. "...want to talk about it with a fellow Mentor".

"Could he have been lying?", Runcorn asked.

"I didn't get that impression, no Sir, not this time. He seemed genuine"

"So that's it", Runcorn told him. "The Weston boy doesn't know you beyond that the Innis girl is just another kid in school. He's been obliviated and knows nothing out of the ordinary. I can report to Director Thicknesse that there's nothing to Wormwood's suspicions".

"I still think that's a bit premature", Dawlish disagreed. "There's still the Knowles girl. I can't shake the possibility she recognized me. If she did, and got in touch with Weston and the others, warned them, then Weston would be prepared for just such an occurrence. We know we caught her off-guard. Weston, I'm not so certain".

"I'm inclined to agree with Dawlish, Williamson agreed. "Let's not underestimate these kids. Are you forgetting how Granger came up with the idea of using those enchanted Galleons so Dumbledore's Army could communicate surreptitiously? That fooled the High Inquisitor, and they continued using them even after Voldemort's men were in full charge of Hogwart's. These kids are smarter than you're giving them credit for".

"If what you're saying is true, then we have a problem?", Runcorn asked. "If they know about Polyjuice, then they would have had to learn about it from Granger. If she told them and they caught us unawares, then she has done a lot more than just seeing a boyfriend. This is a serious violation of the Secrecy Statute. I don't think it wise to inform the Director he has nothing to worry about", Dawlish pointed out.

"Then what do you suggest?"

"At the very least, keep them under surveillance, both the former Dumbledore's Army members, and the muggles".

"The Director isn't going to want to hear this", Runcorn said more to himself than to the aurors.

"Sir?", Williamson spoke up, "if I may: perhaps we should be having a talk with Granger and her friends. If they're involved, then maybe they'll give us some answers".

"I'm hoping to avoid that", Runcorn explained.

"If we do, then they'll know for sure we suspect them. They'll go running to tell the muggles, and make it all that much harder to get any answers. No, not just yet. Professor Wormwood needs to have a talk with Potter. And Malfoy: he's going to school with Weston".

Hogwart's

"Mr. Potter, would you be so kind as to see me after class?", Professor Wormwood requested.