Dear readers,
I am terribly sorry for not updating these past few weeks. Anyway, on with the story.
And thank you for the alerts, subscriptions, and reviews. They are very much appreciated.
xo
Chapter 7: Here We Go Again
The Ministry of Magic building still looks the same. In fact, the only things that are different are the wizards and witches that populate the building. Harry, along with Hermione and Draco arrived at the Ministry atrium. Harry wearing a neatly-pressed three-piece suit, and Hermione donning a beautiful black dress. Only Draco was wearing wizarding clothes, much to his annoyance to the two. The other two reasoned that wearing muggle clothing is part of their political statement.
They were ushered to an immense conference room. In the room were candidates and their managers from other parties. Theodorre Nott, Jr., from the Blood Party was absent. Finally, the Commissioner of the Department of Wizarding Elections swaggered in the room. Andrew Jacob, a middle-aged wizard with a beard reminiscent of Dumbledore swished his wand and an elegant round table appeared in the room. He motioned the rest of them to sit down.
"I am not a man who minces words." Jacob said. "I called for this meeting because the current events are looking bleak. It seems like the murders... are not going to stop."
Every person in the room exchanged worried glances. Only Hermione was sensible enough to ask.
"Why is that? And what is the relationship of the murders and this election?" She implored.
Mr. Jacob pulled out a parchment from the inner pockets of his toga. "I've received this letter last night."
Draco, who was seated beside him pulled it from him and read it. His eyes went wide. "Is this... do you believe this?" he asked.
"I do, Mr. Malfoy. The threats are very probable. If you do not mind, can you read the contents of that letter out loud?" Draco nodded.
Dear Commissioner,
We are the Society of Scorn Squibs, an underground organization intent on avenging ourselves from the mistreatment we have been receiving from the Wizarding community. Our organization is responsible for the recent murders, and we intend to keep on murdering unless our demands are met.
First, we would like to put a stop to this non-sense election.
Second, we would like to have a dialogue with the Minister of Magic.
And lastly, we want to gain custody to the son of Harry Potter.
The reasons for these demands shall remain a secret. We shall be giving you a week to acquiesce to our demands or we shall brutally murder our prisoners, including your son, Thomas. This is not a threat but a reminder.
The room remained still for a while. "Do have reason to believe these threats, Commissioner?" asked David Anderson, the campaign manager of the Democratic Wizard's Party.
Jacob sullenly nodded. "These squibs... whatever they are, are capable of murder. We have seen that. And they are, as absurd as it sounds, will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Now ladies and gentlemen, the Aurors are now investigating and hunting down these criminals. But in the mean time, the Minister has decided to put a halt to the coming election. It is, we believe, for the common good."
Many seemed more relieved than bothered by Jacob's statement... many but Harry, Hermione, and Draco. Anderson, once again, spoke. "But if they're squibs, how can they perform magic? Didn't Parkinson told that the murderers used magic?"
Majority of them nodded and realized this off sight, Hermione just looked scandalized as it was not her who have thought of that question.
"The Ministry believes that with magic or not, this organization is a threat to our people. One theory suggests that they are employing wizards and witches to do the murder for them."
"Commissioner, are you sure that this is not just a tactic to delay the election?" Draco asked. "And I do not see why they need to delay the election in the first place. They are in no way involved in this election."
"What you have said is true Mr. Malfoy. But we are not taking anymore risks, especially that they have my son."
"So this is just about your son, then?" It was Amanda Sharp who asked, the candidate of DWP.
Jacob gave her an almost pleading look, but remained composed. "We are also taking in to consideration the fact that they've mentioned something about Mr. Potter's son."
At the word "son" the people in the room shifted their attention towards Harry.
Shit. Harry said to himself. Not only that these people know of his son, now they've exposed him as well. His secret is now out in the open. He was panicked and decided, banking on his Slytherin traits, to lie.
"Unfortunately, I do not have a son."
Draco and Hermione nodded, intent on showing support on Harry. Both knew how Harry wanted to keep his son secret. Not that he was ashamed of Albus. He was just scared that his son might be used against. And now, his fear is coming to life. He didn't know whom to hold on to. He was scared, more afraid than he's ever been. No. He wouldn't ever risk hurting his son, not even if it means sacrificing the lives of a few wizards or witches. It was not evil, it was just him being human. After all, isn't wanting to protect your son an instinct to a parent?
"Very well then." Jacob said. "The Ministry is doing its best to track down these criminals. But the decision stands – the election is indefinitely on-hold."
Harry hurried to get home as soon as the meeting ended only to find that his house was ransacked. Panic and fear surged all over him as he scurried to look for his son. He frantically searched every corner of his house but the house is empty.
He asked Hermione and Ron to come-over, not knowing what else to do.
"They have him. I just know they have him. What do I do? Ron? Hermiuone?" Harry paced back and forth. Ron trying to make him seat down as Hermione tried to do some detection spells on the house.
"Mate, do try to sit down." Ron said.
"No! My son! He's missing! Who knows... I don't even want to think about it!"
"Harry, you have to calm down. He's just probably out there, playing or something..."
Harry, unable to hold back started to cry – no, wail. Confused and scared as well, Ron pulled him to an assuring, albeit awkward, hug.
"Ssh. We'll find him. No matter the cost... we'll find him."
"Harry! Harry! You have to read this!" Hermione came in running, holding a piece of paper and waving it in the air.
"What is it?" Harry asked. "Oh no. They have him! They have Albus!" He started to cry again, and neither Ron or Hermione knew if it was because of fear or despair.
Short chapter? Well, yes. The next chapter will be longer. I promise.
