Queen of Swords: Chapter 12
Author's Note: I'm late again (*hides in closet*). Sorry. At least I have the legitimate excuse of being without an internet connection for several days.
Hogwarts Spring 1935
"Have you continued to remain appraised of the situation in Germany?" enquired Rosier of her protégé. They were seated in Rosier's quarters, cups of tea in their hands, after a game of chess which Minerva had won, albeit narrowly with only her queen, two pawns, and a castle remaining.
"Yes, I have. My younger brother, Nathaniel, indulges my curiosity and sends me clippings of the major articles from the newspapers every couple of weeks, when he remembers that is. In fact…" she paused, setting her tea on the coffee table and reaching for her satchel. "They're in my bag, along with a number of older ones dating from the past several months. I wanted to reread all of them in light of the most recent news. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the time."
Minerva extracted a file folder from her satchel and opened it on her lap carefully to prevent losing any of the articles.
"May I?" asked Rosier, leaning forward. "Delivery of The Times to Hogwarts is rather unreliable."
"Of course," Minerva replied. She laid the articles out chronologically on the table, placing them so that she and Rosier could both read them. The oldest ones dated from the previous summer while the most recent one was from the previous Monday, the 18th of March.
"What do you think about this newest violation of the Versailles Treaty?" Rosier queried. "Do you believe, as the Fuhrer claims, that the army will merely ensure the safety of Germany and that the nation remains committed to peace?"
"No, I don't."
"May I ask why?"
"Germany claims to need protection from other nations. Yet, none of the major powers, including ourselves and France, want another war. We haven't recovered from the Great War and we are in the middle of a depression. It would be pure foolishness to start a war now unless Germany attacked first," Minerva explained.
"Precisely."
"Germany is becoming more aggressive, I think," said Minerva. "These high German officials keep mentioning the strength of their nation and of their conviction of being destined for greatness."
"What did you make of this article, referring to the purge of officials within the German government?" Rosier indicated one piece dating from the previous July.
"I think that it was an elimination of enemies or potential challengers to Hitler's authority. He became Fuhrer a little over a month later which made him the ultimate power in the government. And in January," Minerva picked up another article, "Germany regained the Saar. There are also numerous reports and indications of rearmament with emphasis on a great desire for more power in the air and on the sea. Furthermore, I've noticed the intensifying persecution of the Jews. And now, Germany has violated the treaty yet again and I doubt that there will be any significant reprimand which causes the League and the individual nations to appear weak and intimidated. The general public is terrified of another war and I think will not press Germany because of that."
"I'm glad you have kept yourself informed, Miss McGonagall. I share your concerns about the potential threat posed by Germany." Rosier fell silent, her eyes fixed on the chess board where her white king lay topped. Minerva waited quietly for Rosier to continue, rereading the headlines of the articles and recalling their contents. Finally, the Slytherin took a deep breath and straightened in her chair. Minerva looked up to find herself caught in the professor's penetrating stare.
"I debated whether or not you should be told."
"Told about what, Professor?"
"About what some members of the Ministry, and a few select others, believe is happening in Germany. It regards the magical community and government of that nation and is connected to the events in Muggle Germany."
"I'm afraid I don't understand, Professor."
"You will. There are those who would argue that I should withhold this information, that you are still too young and inexperienced to be privy to such information. However, I believe that you are quite capable of comprehending the gravity of the situation and acting accordingly. Moreover, you are applying for the Aurors and deserve to know all of the risks."
Rosier continued, her tone deadly serious, "You are not to repeat anything of what I say to anyone, Miss McGonagall. Not to your friends, your family, not even to another professor. Do I have your sworn word?"
"Yes, Professor," replied Minerva softly. With a curt nod, Rosier accepted the pledge.
"Do you know much about the German Ministry of Magic?"
"No, I don't. There's very little information or reporting on foreign Ministries beyond the slim number of issues which may affect us. The Daily Prophet mostly focuses on domestic issues. "
"That is unfortunately true," Rosier declared. She took a breath before continuing, "In the past few years, a man named Gellert Grindelwald has risen to power within the German Ministry. He has very decided views, ones which share in the hatred and aggression of those of his Muggle counterpart, although the target population differs. Hitler has fixated on Jews while Grindelwald's hatred is directed towards any Muggle influence in the Wizarding world, which includes Muggleborns and anyone or any government that refuses to endorse the doctrine of the superiority of wizards over Muggles. It could escalate into outright war if certain threats become reality. You would almost certainly be involved as an Auror, perhaps even more likely to be so than most because of your abilities."
"Could you explain a bit more, Professor?"
"Not at the moment, I'm afraid. Those aware of the situation in the Ministry have ordered it to be kept quiet. They claim that they don't want to raise unwarranted suspicion or alarm. Some even believe that Grindelwald will be contented with Germany and leave the rest of the world alone."
A pause and then Minerva said, "I understand, Professor. Thank you for telling me what you could, but that doesn't change my decision to apply to the Aurors."
"I didn't believe it would, but I would encourage you to learn whatever you can about this matter. I would also expect you to learn all you can while in training to be an Aurors."
"I'll try, Professor. Thank you."
"Do you have time for one last cup of tea before your rounds?" Rosier asked, her face losing the intensity which had marked it during their conversation. Her features relaxed and she gestured at the teapot on the sideboard.
"Yes, I do." The remainder of their time was spent discussing the employment of runes in spell construction. Minerva knew better than to question her professor further regarding the Germany; the matter was obviously closed for the moment.
Minerva brushed the soot from her robes, running a hand over her hair to check for straying strands that could have escaped during transit. Edward performed the same motions when he arrived a few seconds later. They walked forward together, shoes clicking on the marble floor. Above their heads, gold symbols drifted across the peacock blue ceiling while the Fountain of Magical Brethren gurgled softly.
With a glance at his watch, Edward said, "We have twenty minutes before our interviews. How do I look?"
"You look fine."
"Good. We spent far too long in the shop choosing them." Their school robes had been set aside in favor of work appropriate attire. Edward's robes were navy while Minerva had selected a forest green one with white piping along the collar and cuffs. Both of their robes had been purchased under the supervision of Mrs. Potter during a trip to Diagon Alley before school. Mrs. Potter had claimed that, although she trusted Minerva, her son was an entirely different matter when it came to clothes shopping. He was more than likely to grab the first set of robes that fit and dash out the door, regardless if those robes happened to be zebra striped.
They approached the golden gates, had their wands inspected, and entered a waiting lift. Being the middle of the workday morning, they had it to themselves. Edward jabbed at the buttons for levels four and two. The lift clanked into life and started to rise.
"Level Four, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures including Beast, Being and Spirit Divisions, Goblin Liaison Office, and Pest Advisory Board," chimed the feminine announcer.
"Wish me luck," Edward said. He gulped, reaching up to tug at the collar of his robes.
"Good luck," she said.
"Good luck to you too." He stepped off and she continued alone until the second level.
"Level Two, Department of Magic Law Enforcement including Wizengamot Administration Services, Magical Law Enforcement Squad, and Auror Headquarters." Minerva walked forward, passing doors inset with frosted glass sporadically placed on either side of the hallway. A few were cracked open, chatter and the sounds of people working coming from within. A pair of wizards exited from one office, examining a sheaf of parchments. They exchanged polite nods with her. She reached the end of the corridor which terminated in a door marked with 'Auror Headquarters.' It too was propped open a bit.
Minerva paused for a breath and went inside. A double row of sturdy desks, sometimes with a file cabinet standing next to them or a bookcase on one side, marched down the center of the wide room. Private offices lined the walls, half revealed through the frosted glass patterned with animated griffins and dragons. Some of the desks were occupied with Aurors, either singly or in groups working together.
"Can I help you, miss?" asked a mustached wizard, lean and taller by a couple inches than her.
"Yes, thank you. I have an appointment with Mr. Fitzwater at ten o'clock," she replied.
"This way. Hogwarts student, I presume? I heard we were considering a couple of candidates this year. "
"Yes, sir. Minerva McGonagall," she offered as he guided her to an office.
"Franklin Palmer, at your service." They shook hands before he rapped on the door.
"Come in," called a voice from inside.
"Good luck, Miss McGonagall. I hope to see you here again in a couple of months." Palmer said with a reassuring smile and strode off towards his desk.
"Mr. Fitzwater?" said Minerva, entering the office.
"Miss McGonagall, you're early. I like that. Alexander Fitzwater, Head of the Auror Department, please have a seat," he declared. He rose to shake her hand over his desk. Minerva's grip equaled his, firm without being overly forceful or tight. He waved her into a chair. Sturdy glasses sat atop a nose with a slight kink, obviously broken at some point in the past. His gray and thinning hair was neatly trimmed and combed while his robes still held sharp creases from careful ironing. If she had met him anywhere else, Minerva would have suspected him to be a barrister rather than a member of a police force.
"Thank you, sir."
"May I offer you something to drink Miss McGonagall? Perhaps a cup of tea or water?"
"No, thank you."
"Very well. We can start the formal interview then." He opened a folder, containing several sheets of parchment, and inked a quill. "I want you to answer honestly and thoughtfully. If you need to take a moment to consider a question, please do so. To begin, I merely need to verify your information. Could you state your full name, please?"
"Minerva McGonagall."
"From your records, I see that you are Muggleborn? You live in Huntly, Scotland and your birthday is the 4th of October, 1917?"
"Yes, sir."
"You have never been convicted of any crime, minor or major, in either the Muggle or Wizarding world?"
"Of course not, sir."
"What were your O.W.L. marks and what do you expect from your N.E.W.T.s?"
"I received Outstandings in ten subjects: Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Potions, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, History, Herbology, and Astronomy. I continued with seven of those courses: Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Potions, and Care of Magical Creatures. My current marks are generally Outstandings with one possible Exceeds Expectations."
"What are your strengths and weaknesses academically?" he asked.
"The wand focused classes tend to be my strengths while Potions is my weakest subject of those I have continued into the N.E.W.T level."
"Would Potions be the one in which you may receive an Exceeds Expectations?"
"Yes, sir."
"I understand that you have been studying beyond the N.E.W.T. level in several of your classes? Which classes would those be?"
"Primarily Transfiguration, Defense, and Charms, sir, although I have been given supplementary material to the Ancient Runes and Arithmancy syllabi."
Making a notation on the parchment, he said, "I have requested and received statements from Professors Merryweather and Dumbledore attesting to your high aptitude in those areas as well as to your general character. Is there another professor with whom I should speak?"
"Professor Rosier and Professor Forsythe have been mentors to me during my time at Hogwarts. They may know me somewhat better, on a personal level, than Professors Dumbledore or Merrythought," Minerva replied.
"Why do you consider Professors Rosier and Forsythe mentors?"
"Professor Forsythe was the first wizard I met. After I received my Hogwarts letter, he visited my house and explained everything to my family and to me. He convinced my father to allow me to attend Hogwarts. When I arrived at school, he made a point of talking to me, ensuring I was not having trouble with the transition from the Muggle world to the Wizarding one. He also modified my lessons to challenge me when I started mastering concepts and spells before the rest of the class."
"And Professor Rosier?"
"She taught me to play chess," Minerva stated.
"Are you a good player?"
"I win at least as many games as I lose against Professor Rosier."
"What about against different opponents?"
"I've only played against other students and Mr. Potter," replied Minerva. "I usually win those games."
"By Potter, I assume you mean Bedivere Potter who works in Wizengamot Administration?"
"Yes, sir. His son and I are friends. I've spent some time with his family."
"I see," said Fitzwater. "Your application indicates that you have leadership positions at Hogwarts. Could you tell me a bit about those?"
"I was chosen as prefect in fifth year and am now Head Girl. I help organize and oversee the prefects as well as making rounds at night and assisting the professors as needed. I have a limited authority to reprimand any misbehaving student, but I can recommend a punishment and it is usually accepted. Mr. Edward Potter and I began a tutoring club last year which has been formalized and meets almost every evening. We have recruited help from other seventh and sixth years. Most evenings, we have anywhere from fifteen to fifty students participating in some fashion."
"Do you supervise every session?"
"No. The senior students rotate that responsibility."
"Why?"
"It allows us to adapt to what is required in the club each evening and ensues that we all can manage our schedules and coursework. By being flexible, we are able to help without causing us to slip in other areas," explained Minerva.
"You are on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, I believe?"
"Yes, sir. I'm a Chaser."
"Why did you choose to play that position, Miss McGonagall?"
"The Keeper and Seeker are the more passive positions; they tend to be less active during the match. The Beaters cannot directly control the outcome. However, the Chaser is constantly working towards his or her objective. Although the Seeker frequently determines the outcome of the individual match, the points the Chasers score are essential if a team hopes to win the series."
"Why are you applying for the Aurors?" Fitzwater asked. "With your talent and accomplishments, you would be guaranteed in any other Department in the Ministry, with the possible exception of the Department of Mysteries, which I see you have selected as a secondary option. You would also be very valuable to any private company or business.
"The Auror Department is exceptionally discriminating in who we accept and we require an additional three years of training. It is dangerous and difficult work which may place your life in jeopardy. Why would you choose the Aurors over your other options?" he questioned.
He laid his quill aside and scrutinized her. While he waited patiently, Minerva took a few moments to think before responding.
"I'm well aware of my abilities, Mr. Fitzwater. There are very few career choices in which I have the potential to use those abilities to their fullest extent. The Aurors and the Department of Mysteries are on that list of choices. Given the option, I would rather utilize those abilities to protect and to uphold the law, rather than in research and development which is the major goal of the Department of Mysteries."
"Active versus passive?"
"Yes, sir."
"From what I have gleaned from your application and your demeanor, you are not an impulsive, aspiring hero that wants the glory and rush of chasing down criminals. What motivates this desire, as you said, 'to protect and uphold the law?'"
"To put it simply, sir, I detest bullies who prey on those weaker than them. If I have the power to stop them, I believe that refusing to do so is tantamount to condoning their actions," Minerva stated bluntly.
"Do you have a particular reason for this belief? A past experience perhaps?"
"If you're asking if there was one specific incident which caused me to look to the Aurors as a career, my answer is no."
"Not even the altercation with Mr. Clayton?" he asked. When she didn't respond immediately, he continued, "I apologize if the question seems intrusive, but I do need to know."
"I don't have any sort of vendetta or crusade against Clayton, or anyone else for that matter, sir. I will admit that the incident served as confirmation, I suppose one might say, of my choice of career, but nothing more. I was already seriously considering the Aurors prior to the start of my sixth year," Minerva explained.
"Good, but you understand why I had to ask."
"Yes, sir."
"I'm curious though, what did you mean by confirmation?"
"I didn't like being a potential victim and my powers helped me to avoid becoming one. I would like to use them to do the same for others or to help them to find justice afterwards."
"Do you believe that the law is absolute?" he asked next.
"No, I don't sir. I believe that an amount of flexibility and mercy can be exercised, and may be necessary in certain situations. However, I do think that there are lines which cannot be allowed to be crossed." Fitzwater nodded, picked up a quill and added more notes.
"Tell me three examples of those lines, Miss McGonagall?"
"Murder, rape, and torture."
"There are three Unforgiveable Curses. Which do you personally consider to be the worst?" Again, she contemplated the question for a minute or two.
"The Cruciatus Curse," Minerva finally declared, quiet and determined.
"Why?"
"The Imperius Curse can be fought if you have the will. There are numerous ways to kill, by magic or otherwise; the Killing Curse merely happens to be one of the most direct and obvious methods." She looked away, focusing on the whorl in the mahogany of his desk. Minerva returned her gaze to Fitzwater and continued, "In a desperate circumstance, I can imagine the necessity of using either the Imperious or the Killing Curses. If I needed to force someone to help me or to betray a secret in order to save lives, the Imperious Curse would be option. As for the Killing Curse, I recognize the difference between murder and self-defense or defense of others. If you have no alternative, I could understand using it."
"And the Cruciatus Curse?" Fitzwater prompted softly.
"The Cruciatus Curse is intended for one, single purpose – to inflict pain. There is no justifiable reason to use it," she pronounced. "It is torture and therefore inexcusable under any conditions."
Fitzwater's quill scratched across the parchments for a few lines. He flipped to another sheet and changed the direction of his questions.
"What is your greatest personal shortcoming?"
"My temper, sir."
"How do you try to correct for that weakness?"
"I force myself to pause and to reassess the situation before I do anything," replied Minerva. "I count in my head or I recite various facts to myself. Sometimes, I remove myself from the situation."
"What is your greatest strength?"
"My intelligence."
"Professionally, where do you want to be in twenty or thirty years?"
"I hope to be a senior member of the Auror Department. If I choose to leave the Auror Department, I believe that I will likely remain within the Ministry, perhaps as an Unspeakable or in the Wizengamot."
"Why might you leave the Auror Department?"
"There are several possibilities, Mr. Fitzwater. I could be permanently disabled in some way that would prevent me from continuing as an Auror. I could decide that I would prefer an occupation which would allow me to research or to raise a family and would not involve risking my life. I could decide that I do not want to spend my life hunting criminals. I don't believe that those last two are likely. The first scenario will remain a possibility as long as I remain an Auror," stated Minerva.
"I'm glad you have some comprehension of the dangers involved," Fitzwater remarked, clasping his hands atop the desk. "At this point, I would like to reiterate the process which is mandated for you to become a qualified Auror."
"Before you are accepted into the training program, you will be required to pass a series of assessments. They will include a physical component, but will be more focused on your psychological fitness and aptitude in order to determine if you have the mental and emotional capacity to be an Auror. If you pass those tests, you will be a trainee for three years, under the direct instruction and supervision of an experienced Auror. During this period, you will be continually evaluated and can be dismissed if you fail to meet our standards. At the end of those three years, your record will be reviewed. If it is deemed satisfactory, only then will you be registered as a qualified Auror. If it is not deemed satisfactory, which I assure you happens from time to time, you will be dismissed and will have spent three long and hard years without having attained your goal."
"Of course," he continued, "many of the other Ministry departments are quite willing to hire Auror candidates who complete their three years, but are judged unfit at the final review. You do have the option to withdraw, if you should so desire, during those three years, but you will not be permitted to reapply. Becoming an Auror is designed to be arduous on multiple levels, Miss McGonagall, and it will be, regardless of how skilled and talented you are. Do you understand all of this?"
"Yes, sir."
"Are you still certain that you wish to pursue this career?" demanded Fitzwater, staring her down.
"Yes, sir." There was no hesitation, no hint of indecision in her firm tone. She met her interviewer's gaze solidly, chin uplifted and spine straight.
"Very well." He set his quill aside, capped the ink well, and closed the folder. "That concludes your interview, Miss McGonagall. We will be scheduling a practical skills test for you by the end of the term although it may be possible to hold it at Hogwarts, for yourself and the other candidates. We'll notify you of that date as soon as it's know. After that and after we receive the results of your N.E.W.T. examinations, we will review your application and make a determination. You can expect receive an owl by the twenty-fourth of June, informing you of our final decision." Rising to his feet, Fitzwater waited for her to do the same before extending his hand to her.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss McGonagall," he said.
"It was an honor, sir," she responded. "Thank you for your time." Fitzwater moved around the desk and opened the door for her.
"Good day, Miss McGonagall."
"Good day, sir." Minerva retraced her steps to the lifts and rode one to the Atrium floor. Passing through the golden gates, she found Edward wriggling his fingers in the Fountain of Magical Brethren.
"Minerva, how was your interview?" he asked. He flicked his fingers, causing water droplets to fly off, before wiping his hands on his robes.
"Fine. How was yours?"
He smiled and said, "It went rather good, I think. We were sidetracked into a discussion of the value of protecting nonmagical animals from extinction by Muggles for a while so I believe I can safely say we were getting along fine. Kenwood, that was his name, said I would fit right in with rest of the Department."
"That's encouraging."
"What time is your interview with the Department of Mysteries tomorrow?"
"Nine thirty. Are you ready?" At his nod, she twisted on her heel and disapparated. With a pop, she materialized at the Hogwarts' gates. A second pop announced Edward's arrival. They placed their palms on the Hogwarts crest in the middle of the iron gate. It swung open obligingly and they started up the path to the front doors.
Edward glanced longingly towards the lake and the students sprawled snoozing on the grass or the group of boys tossing a ball between them. While still cool enough to require sweaters underneath their robes, the sunshine warmed the late April day enough to make being outdoors an enticing prospect.
"You have to study," Minerva reminded him, catching his train of thought.
"N.E.W.T.s aren't until June!"
"That's six weeks away. We'll need every one of those days, because, in addition to those exams, we will have final assignments to complete and a Quidditch Cup to win. By studying early, we can spend bit more time on Quidditch practice later without worrying that we are damaging our marks." She teased him a bit, "You should be more motivated to study than usual, considering we are returning from our Ministry interviews. You would hate to have given a good interview and then fallen short on the exams."
"I would like to state, for the record, that I'm refraining from sticking my tongue out at you with great difficulty," he retorted. "I suppose you're right, as usual though." He sighed and dragged his gaze from the other students. "What shall we start with? Care of Magical Creatures or Charms?"
"Charms," she declared. Retrieving their school bags from the dormitory, they retreated to an empty classroom where they would be free to practice spells and quiz each other.
Endnote: I took the liberty of changing up the Ministry a bit. I thought that, it being a magical building, it might be altered every so often to keep things fresh.
Please take a moment and review. And if anyone wants to put this in a community archive, feel free.