Chapter 36
The Concubine Auction, Part 2

Author's Note: Folks, it seems I spoke too soon last chapter. The Auction will be in (at least) THREE parts. This chapter gave a lot more attention to the first half of the Auction then I thought it would. So it needed another split. Several names on this list can be found on HPWiki. Other names are Original Characters, though the ones that come to Crestview will hardly get much screentime (page-time?) at all. I'm just doing this to put a few names on the list.

Warning: Some Nudity involving underage girls.

(Thursday, August 8th, 1996)

Albus Dumbledore followed the queue of hopeful future Masters into Courtroom Three, smiling at the sight. This Auction was his brainchild. Most of the Muggleborn and Muggle raised girls – those who were students at Hogwarts – were under his guardianship. He would gain fifty percent of every Knut, Sickle and Galleon that were paid for those girls under his wing. The money would do a lot of good for his eventual plans to take over the British wizarding society. The fact that wizards and witches – Light, Grey and Dark Alliances – were going to be the ones who supplied the paycheck made the whole thing even that much more wonderful.

He mentally pat himself on the back yet again for this fantastic idea of his. And it had all started because he wanted to bring one or two particular girls who must be with Harry at this moment. Soon he would purchase them, and when he was their Master, he would order them to tell him where Harry Potter was at this moment. Due to the Master-Concubine Ritual, they would be forced to tell him. Then he could find Harry Potter, bring him back to England, and stuff him with enough dosages of Loyalty and Honor Potions that he would beg on bended knee to do his part in destroying Voldemort.

Young girls, ages twelve to sixteen, were being lined up against the wall, as Aurors guarded them from those who wished to get a closer look. Whilst it wasn't mandatory for the girls to be there, their attendance assured that each would sell for a nice amount of Galleons, since the hopeful Masters could see what they were buying. Some of the girls were completely naked, while others wore skimpy clothing. But their clothing didn't really matter, because their intimate body parts were showing. Most of the girls looked quite emotional and frightened. Albus recognized several of them as Hogwarts students. A few others were likely from some of the lesser known schools around England and Scotland.

Out of the corner of his eye, Albus recognized Narcissa and Draco Malfoy talking to Pascal Parkinson. Draco kept glancing at one older girl, whom Albus recognized as Pascal's daughter Pansy. Before the law was passed, it was known that Draco was betrothed to Pansy. Perhaps Draco hoped that he could buy Pansy? Albus smirked – Pansy was one of the girls on his list. He wished the young Malfoy Heir luck. Standing near Pansy was a young girl named Bella Blishwick. Albus knew this was Pansy's cousin. She, too, was on his list. Albus had a good strategy today. He would purchase high-society Pureblood girls. In turn, other high-society Pureblood wizards would pay a pretty price to buy the girls from him as breeding stock. Putting a baby or two in these girls bellies, ensuring their Pureblood lines would be quite a popular option.

Albus looked back at Draco and Narcissa, and considered their presence. Were they just here for Miss Parkinson, or were they here for other girls as well? Albus knew they were well involved with Tom Riddle and his minions. Were they ordered to buy girls in order to satisfy Tom's minions. Albus could see Tom rewarding his minions with a Concubine after a successful mission. This would boost their morale. After all, Albus was doing the same for his minions – ahem – allies. Spending a passionate night with a young woman, or girl, always boosted a man's morale.

Albus looked around for a seat, and found an empty one near Charlie Weasley. He smiled as he walked over to the young man.

"Mr. Weasley," Albus said, "I have to say I am surprised to see you here."

"Professor Dumbledore," Charlie said, "An honor it is, sir. I thought I would come by and maybe get a girl or two of my own. Lonely man, I am."

"Yes, I am sure that is why several men are here," Albus said.

"I thought as much," Charlie said, he motioned to the empty chair, "Do you want to sit?"

"Thank you, my good man," Albus said, as he sat down in the empty chair. "I heard a rumor that you had been sacked from your job in Romania."

"Unfortunate business that," Charlie said, "But it gives me enough free time to do my part in this war. If you need me, that is."

"I always need a good man," Albus said, "My trusty phoenix will send you post when I feel it is necessary to bring you into the mix. Tell me, have you spoken to your mother and father since your return to England?"

"I have not," Charlie said, "I thought about visiting them after I was finished here. When I got the news about the Concubine Law, and I saw the part in the Manual about Life-Debts, I realized something. My parents told me about Harry Potter saving Ginny's life at the end of her first year at Hogwarts. I knew it must have created a Life-Debt. I hoped I hadn't been too late when it came to Ginny. But my eldest brother, Bill, confirmed that Ginny was now in Potter's possession. I thought Potter was better than that, stealing my sister. He's already married to – what is it – five girls now?"

"Aye," Albus said, "The boy has gone down a most Dark path, I feel. Especially if he has betrayed your parents, who are such wonderful people – key members of the Light Alliance. They were so good to Harry, and he has stolen their daughter from him."

"She fancies Potter, you know," Charlie said, "He probably knows that, and he is using it to his advantage. Probably has her in his bed right now."

"I had high hopes for that boy," Albus said, shaking his head sadly, "I promise, Charles, I will do everything I can to rescue your sister."

"Thank you, sir," Charlie said, "I have no doubts."

Albus smiled. He had feared that, due to the betrayal from Charlie's other brothers – aside from Ronald – that Charlie too had been a lost cause. But it seemed quite the opposite. Charlie would be an excellent minion for the cause. He wondered if, eventually, he could use the boy as a spy, much like Severus Snape. It would be nice to have a spy in Lupin and Potter's group. But not just yet. After that entertaining argument with Bill, the eldest Weasley child would find it suspicious if Charlie had turned a full one-eighty and wanted to redeem himself in his brother's eyes. He would wait a few weeks before he'd try that maneuver.

Besides, if he could get one particular target today, none of that would matter. He would have Harry in his clutches soon enough.

Nymphadora Tonks settled herself in a chair, and mentally prepared herself. The Auction would begin at any moment. It was up to her to purchase as many girls on the list as she could. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Charlie speaking with Dumbledore. She smiled privately – it seemed Charlie had succeeded in convincing the old bastard that he was still a part of the Order. If Charlie played his cards right, he could be a spy in the Order for the Crestview Alliance. Having a spy in the Order would work wonders after all. It would be the easiest way to get Alastor Moody and Minerva McGonagall into the Crestview Alliance.

Tonks looked under her chair, and found a Concubine Instruction Manual and Auction book. She picked up the Auction book, and turned to the first page of names. She compared the names to the list – which Hermione had rearranged the names alphabetically. There were some surnames that started with A. She and Bill had focused on these earlier names for some of the smaller bids. She didn't want to start right off the bat with ten-thousand Galleon bids. The more bids she did that way the lesser the chance that her opposition would be shocked about such prices later on. There was a lot of strategy when it came to these girls, especially since she wanted to buy fifty or more. When Bill put on a bid, all Tonks had to do was bid a bit higher to ensure that the anonymous Vault got the contract.

When it was nearing high noon, there was a sudden buzzing sound around the room, as the new Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, as well as three other men stepped into the room from a side door. Tonks recognized them all. Two of the men were Aurors – John Dawlish and Albert Runcorn – and the other was Ludo Bagman, former Beater for the Wimbourne Wasps. The four men walked up to the front row of seats usually designated for the Wizengamot during trials. Rufus stood in the center of the row and smacked a gavel onto a hard surface in front of him. The crowd went silent and turned their attention to him.

"Good afternoon," Rufus said, "For those of you who don't know who I am, my name is Rufus Scrimgeour, recently appointed British Minister of Magic. I welcome you to today's Concubine Auction. Allow me to introduce the three men seated beside me. First is Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Ludo Bagman. He has agreed to lead today's Auction."

There was a light applause for Bagman, as he bowed.

"Next," Rufus said, "I am sure many of you have heard of Madam Amelia Bones' recent resignation from her post. Wherever she is, we wish her the best. Allow me to introduce her replacement as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Albert Runcorn, who until recently was one of the more successful Aurors in his Department."

Albert bowed respectfully.

"Finally," Rufus said, "My successor as Head of the Auror Department, John Dawlish. Like Mr. Runcorn, he was also a successful Auror, and I trust he will do my former job quite well. Mr. Dawlish and Mr. Runcorn are here as my honored guests. You will be pleased to know that much of the donations that are earned here today from your generosity will be going toward the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Auror Department, in order to assist in the fight against the Dark Arts that seek to ravage our society."

He paused and allowed this to settle in, before he continued. "Under your seats are copies of the Concubine Instruction Manual and Auction book. However, I am sure most of you have prepared yourself for this day and these two books are not needed. However, let me remind you. If you purchase one or more of these girls, it is up to you to know the manual from front to back. There is a set of guidelines that must be followed. These girls are members of the British wizarding society, some of them are considered high-born daughters of respectable families. If any of these girls are abused beyond that which is welcomed in the manual, their Master will be punished according to the law. Being a Master does not excuse you from breaking the law, just like being a Concubine does not change their position in our society. Remember that. For example..."

He flourished his wand toward the girls lined up in the back of the room, and each of them now held fluffy white bathrobes in their hands.

"Please cover yourselves, my dears," Rufus said; as the girls gratefully put on the robes, he turned back to the congregated witches and wizards, "I do not want to see something like that in public. That means I do not want these girls paraded up and down Diagon Alley in naught but their skin. I understand that it makes for better sales – but it doesn't need to be done in public. Whilst I say that, when their name is up on the auction block, those girls who are in attendance will have the option – their own decision – to show off their... attributes. That is their decision, not anyone else's. Their Free Will will diminish gratefully soon enough, we don't need it to happen just yet."

Tonks could easily see that Scrimgeour was rather disgusted by the Concubine Law. She knew then that the members of the Crestview Alliance were right to assume that it had not been the Minister who had brought up the proposition.

"Without further ado, the Auction will now begin," Rufus said, "Mr. Bagman?"

Bagman bowed and cleared his throat. "First and foremost, I wish to greet everyone and thank you for your attendance. To the dear girls in the back, the honored guests, thank you for your attendance. To those hopeful buyers, please hold your bids until I ask for them. There are about two-hundred girls on the block. We will be here for a few hours, and we don't need any interruptions causing us to be here any longer than that."

He paused to catch his breath. "There will be two fifteen minute breaks in between. The first will be when we get finished with the surnames who begin with 'G', and the second the same for the surnames beginning with 'O'. During these breaks, you will be offered restroom breaks and refreshments. If you leave the courtroom, you can only return if you have a stamp on your hand which will be offered when you leave the room. Also, a few selected volunteers will meet with you and give you those contracts which you have purchased. Those of you who are paying through your Gringotts Vault will be required to sign a form of written consent, before you are given the contracts, in order to allow us to take the required funds from your Vault. Please make sure you can afford your purchases. Failure to pay for a purchase is punishable by time served in Azkaban. This is serious business today. Do not try to joke around with us when it comes to purchases. All purchases will be final. If you wish to barter between yourselves, do it in your own time, not ours."

He paused again to let this sink into the minds of those gathered. "Parents, loved ones and guardians of Concubines. I understand the pain you must feel to lose your daughters like this. However, if you attempt to make any attempt to interrupt this Auction, you will be punished and put up on criminal charges."

Tonks looked around and noticed a few emotional faces, obviously from parents and loved ones.

"When it comes to those girls who are in attendance," Bagman continued, "After they are purchased, they will be taken to a private room nearby until the end of the Auction. If you purchase these girls, all you have to do is present the contract to the Auror in charge of watching these girls, and you can pick them up. It is advised you do so after the Auction is finished, as none of the girls will be welcome back in this room after they are purchased."

He cleared his throat and continued. "Here is how each step of the Auction will go. I will call a name. Those dear girls in attendance, when your name is called, please come to the empty floor up here. Then I will give a few listed attributes, such as blood-type, age and so on and so forth. I will then begin the bid, and if you wish to purchase the girl in question, simply give me a price, any number at all. If you have the winning bid, congratulations. Shall we begin?"

Tonks looked around and noticed the excitement grow. It was time for the auction to begin. Once again, she looked at her list, and compared it to the auction book. It seemed things were going to get interesting right off the bat. The first young Muggleborn – the Muggleborns were a high priority on the list.

"The first name on the block," Bagman said, "is Alys Abernathy. Muggleborn. Twelve years old. She attends Hogwarts, where she will begin her second year in September as a Ravenclaw. So I am sure she is quite intelligent." He listed off a few of her physical attributes, including that she was Caucasian, had dark red hair and brown eyes. "The starting bid is G300."

"G500."... "G750."... "G1000!"...

"G2500," Bill said.

Tonks looked around to see if anyone else wanted to raise Bill's bid. When she was sure that there was no one else, and Ludo began counting, she decided it was time, and rose up her sign which resembled a ping-pong paddle.

"G2550," Tonks said.

"G2550 is the high bid," Bagman said. "Any other bidders... going once... going twice... sold to number 77."

Tonks smiled and placed a checkmark beside the girl's name. She looked at Bill, who nodded silently. Tonks passed up the next few girls – all of whom were half-bloods or purebloods not on the list - before it was her time to bid again. Her heart broke a little as the girls were sold to other Masters, and she knew that they had rough futures ahead of them. But there were two hundred girls at least being sold off today. Tonks could not take them all. She knew she'd be lucky to grab most of the girls on her list.

She got in a heated bid with a couple people over a Muggleborn fourteen year old girl, Pamela Atley, but she was able to win the bidding war in the end at G7500. It was a close call – she was going to up the bid to a whole ten-thousand if there were any other bids, and she blew a sigh of relief when Bagman said she had won the bid.

After a few more names were called, there was an interesting and slightly heated bid for a girl named Alicia Avery, a high-born fourteen year old Slytherin who was apparently "sullied", which meant she wasn't a virgin. Tonks had heard stories of girls who were passed around in the Slytherin Common Room, and used by the boys for sexual activities. She knew this girl wouldn't be the last who wasn't an unsullied Slytherin.

Alicia was one of the girls in attendance, and was brought up to the empty floor in front of the bidders. When someone in the crowd cleared their throat, Alicia looked frightened and removed her robes, revealing her naked body. Tonks almost bid for the girl, even though she wasn't on the list, just to get her away from whoever had ordered her to reveal herself. The only thing that stopped her was the heaping number of other girls on her list.

Dumbledore and Narcissa Malfoy bid back and forth for the girl. It didn't take Tonks long to realize this girl was a daughter of a Death Eater by the same name. She had a feeling the Malfoys had their eye on Death Eater daughters for use for those in Voldemort's circle. In the end, it was Dumbledore who won the bid. Tonks noticed that Auntie Narcissa looked quite angry that she hadn't won, and also a touch frightened. Tonks wondered if it was Voldemort who had ordered her to buy these girls – what would happen if she failed to bring back too many?

Finally, rounding off the list of 'A' names was Susannah Axton, another name for Tonks to bid on. She was a young half-blood going into her fifth year as a Ravenclaw. Tonks realized this was one of Luna's dorm-mates at Hogwarts, which was why she was on the list. Bill started off the bid at G4500, and Tonks raised it to G5000. Nobody else seemed to want to bid on the girl – her body attributes weren't that good anyway – and the book said that her face was pock-marked from a bad rash of Dragonpox that never completely went away. So it seemed that G5000 seemed like a high price. But it was low in Tonks' opinion, since the girl was on her list. If they were on the list, they were a high priority in the mind of Harry, Hermione and the other teens in Crestview.

Starting off the 'B' names was "Bailey Baddock" a Slytherin pureblood second year, and Tonks was rather surprised to find that she was "unsullied." Dumbledore made a winning bid for her. Next on Tonks' list was one of Ginny's roommates, Sally Birchgrove. Once again Bill started off the bid, and she bid just above him and once again claimed the victory.

Another second year Slytherin, Bella Blishwick was the next heated battle. She was also one of the girls in attendance. One of the interesting things Tonks noted was that Bella was Pascal Parkinson's niece. So Tonks wasn't surprised when Pascal bid on her. Dumbledore and Narcissa Malfoy joined in as well. Once again, Narcissa was beat out by Dumbledore, the fourth pureblood in a row for him. Tonks was beginning to see a pattern in his bids. He wanted the high-society purebloods who would be ripe for breeding pureblood children. A sure money-maker if he were to sell them to interested buyers.

After Dumbledore bought yet another pureblood, Melinda Bobbin, whose father owned the Apothecary in Diagon Alley, Tonks had a string of victories with three Muggleborn, Robin Botesdale, Eleanor Branstone and Mandy Brocklehurst. The latter girl was a dorm-mate of one of Harry's wives. She was willing to reach G10,000 for the first time, but she got Mandy for G8500. Dumbledore bought yet another pureblood. Then it was time for one of the girls high on the priority list.

"Lavender Brown," Bagman said.

Lavender was one of the girls in attendance. She slowly strode up to the center of the floor, with tears running down her cheeks. As Bagman listed off her attributes, Tonks considered her bid. She knew this girl was a good friend of Parvati Patil, one of Neville Longbottom's wives. In fact, the way Parvati talked about her, it was easy to tell it was more than friendship, possibly romance between the two girls. She would surely be one of Neville's girls.

"Starting bid is G1000," Bagman said.

"1500"... "1750"... "2500"...

"G3000," Bill said.

"G4000," Narcissa Malfoy said.

"5000," Dumbledore said.

"Ten-Thousand Galleons," Tonks said.

She looked around at the bidders. Dumbledore seemed quite surprised. Draco looked rather venomous. Obviously he wanted Lavender just for him. She was one of his classmates after all, and one of the more attractive ones. But his mother stopped him from barking out a bid.

"Bid is G10,000," Bagman said, "Any other bidders... going once... going twice... sold to number 77."

Tonks wished she could comfort Lavender, but she couldn't just yet – not with so many witnesses. She wanted to tell the girl that she'd be okay, and with her best friend soon enough. Tonks only gave a soft smile to the witch, and Lavender glared at her, as she put her robe back on, then followed a witch out of the room.

Rounding off the B's was Millicent Bulstrode, also one of the girls in attendance. Narcissa gained her very first victory when she won the bid for this girl. Wasn't too difficult. Nobody else – not even Dumbledore – wanted her. She wasn't exactly the most attractive girl, and she was labeled as "experienced" when it came to sexual activity. Tonks realized she had been one of the well-used girls in the Slytherin Common Room. Draco looked rather shocked that his mother had bought this girl. Tonks chuckled softly – she couldn't blame the boy. Millicent was his age, one of his classmates – had Narcissa bought the girl for her son? Draco seemed to be thinking this too.

"Next on the block," Bagman said, "We have a couple of twin sisters, so how about we bid them off together? Hestia and Flora Carrow. And I believe they are in attendance! "Come on up ladies."

Tonks watched as the twin girls made their way up to the center of the empty floor. As Bagman listed off their attributes, Tonks realized these two were Astoria's room-mates. They were the daughters of a Death Eater. If they weren't special to someone in the Alliance, they likely wouldn't be on the list, given their parents' affiliation. So obviously they meant something to Astoria. They were on the list, because they were likely friends of hers. A good twenty-thousand Galleons would be a good price for the two, but could she get less?

"We'll start the bid off at G2000," Bagman said.

"2250"... "3000"... "4000"

"6000," Narcissa said.

"7500," Dumbledore said.

"9000," Narcissa said.

"Ten-thousand," Tonks said.

"Eleven-thousand," Narcissa said.

"Twelve-thousand," Dumbledore said.

Tonks scowled. "Fifteen thousand."

She turned toward Dumbledore and silently dared him to raise the price. Dumbledore smiled softly and bowed in defeat.

"15,000 Galleons is the high bid," Bagman said, "Any other bidders... going once... going twice... sold to number 77."

Tonks smiled as she watched the twins leave the room. Easy as pie. And she saved five-thousand Galleons by glaring at Dumbledore. Even better. Tonks put check-marks next to the two names. Nine for nine. Would her winning streak last? She hoped so. She had spent a little over one-hundred thousand Galleons so far, and had expected to spend nearly twice that much by the time she bought ten girls. Quite a successful day so far.

By the time the Cs were over, Tonks bought three more girls – two Muggleborn, and a half-blood, the latter, one of Ginny's dorm-mates – for a total of G25,000. Two more young Slytherin purebloods – both labeled as "sullied" went to Dumbledore, whilst Narcissa bought a fourth year girl who might have been another Death Eater daughter.

"Tracey Davis," Bagman said, "Aged sixteen. Half-blood. Slytherin sixth year. Interesting... apparently she is bisexual."

Tonks sighed as she heard several interested bidders murmur at this last factor. It seemed a girl who was attracted to both genders was a big sale. She knew Tracey was one of Daphne Greengrass' friends, and she would certainly be one of Harry's choices. It was time to spend money.

"We'll start the bid at G1000," Bagman said.

"G17,500," Tonks said immediately.

The room, which had been buzzing with hopeful, excited bidders went silent.

"Any other bidders?" Bagman asked, "Going once... going twice... sold to number 77."

Tonks smirked as she gave herself a mental pat on the back. Shock factor strategy seemed like it was going to work. She would use it on Astoria Greengrass and perhaps a few others.

Ludo Bagman cleared his throat, and did a double take as he looked at the parchment in front of him. He glanced at John Dawlish, then his mouth turned up in a frown.

"Helen Dawlish," he said.

As Bagman listed off attributes. John Dawlish, who had been wearing a steely expression before now, suddenly looked quite emotional. Tonks recalled hearing once that he had a daughter. It seemed this was her. Tonks looked at her list and realized this girl wasn't on there. Tonks wondered if she should buy the girl – if anything it might bring John into the Alliance. He was one of Dumbledore's allies at the moment.

"G5000," John Dawlish said, starting off the bid.

"G7500," Narcissa Malfoy said.

Dawlish looked rather horrified that she had bid against him. Did he realize Narcissa might be purchasing girls for Death Eaters?

"G10,000," Tonks said, deciding to give it a try.

"G12,500," Dumbledore said.

Tonks smirked softly; she looked toward Dumbledore, who narrowed his eyes. It seemed Dumbledore wanted to get this girl for his fellow Order member. It was time to play a little game and see exactly how much he favored one of his allies.

"G15,000," Bill said; obviously he realized what Tonks' game was.

G17,500," Tonks said.

Tonks watched as Dumbledore and Dawlish exchanged glances and apparent silent conversations. Dawlish wasn't exactly a rich man. He couldn't bid that much. Dumbledore bowed his head, and accepted defeat.

"Bid stands at 17,500," Bagman said, "Any other bidders... going once... going twice... sold to number 77."

Tonks inhaled and exhaled. She knew she would have to explain her decision to the Alliance, but she figured that it might be good blackmail material for Dawlish. He was, after all, a member of the Order. It could be a good thing. Dawlish looked emotional, but also angry at Dumbledore. Tonks smirked... it seemed her plan might have merit after all.

By the time the 'D' names went on, Tonks was successful in buying four more names, all were Muggleborn, including the last of the section, Fay Dunbar, a Hogwarts drop-out who went to Brighton, and had been in Hermione's dormitory with Lavender and Parvati.

There were very few names in the 'E' category, but Tonks was able to nab one of Luna's dorm-mates, Felicity Eastchurch, for a cheap G7500. In the 'F' category, she nabbed one of Ginny's dorm-mates, a half-blood by the name of Natalie Fairbourne. Dumbledore bought a couple of purebloods, while Narcissa nabbed another possible Death Eater daughter.

Tonks was quite nervous as they came to the Gs. Astoria's name was coming up. Her nerves were so on end, that she nearly missed out on another Muggleborn on the list, Cordelia Gifford. But she was able to bid G10,000 for a close victory. The bid prior to that was only G5000. She knew she could have gotten the girl for cheaper, but she was too busy concerned with Astoria's bid. Finally it was time...

"Next on the block – Astoria Greengrass," Bagman said.

Tonks heard a sharp gasp behind her, and saw a man she recognized as Astoria's father, Castor Greengrass. He was sitting next to Bill, who had placed a hand on the man's shoulder, calming him. Bill nodded in Tonks' direction, but she didn't dare react. As Bagman listed Astoria's attributes, Tonks looked toward Dumbledore and Narcissa, and noticed that both looked quite eager. Draco had a look of concentration on his face. Tonks knew her cousin wanted Astoria. This was going to be tricky.

"The starting bid is G1000," Bagman finished.

Tonks had discussed Astoria's name with Bill. They agreed that Bill would bid a bit, in order to make Dumbledore think he wanted her for Harry.

"G5000," Bill said.

"G10,000," Narcissa said.

"G15,000," Dumbledore said.

"G17,500," Bill said.

"G18,000," Tonks said.

"G20,000," Dumbledore said.

"G25,000," Tonks said.

"G30,000," Dumbledore countered.

Tonks swore. G25,000 had been the starting bid Harry wanted for her. She considered a price. How much could she risk that Dumbledore wouldn't be able to bid over. How much money did he bring? What was he willing to risk?

"High bid is at G30,000," Ludo Bagman said, "Going once... going twice..."

"G50,000," Tonks said.

"High bid is G50,000," Bagman said.

Bagman looked at Dumbledore, as did Tonks. She held her breath as Dumbledore opened his mouth. Then he closed it and shook his head.

"Going once," Bagman said, "Going twice. Sold to number 77."

Tonks sighed and closed her eyes. That was too close. Damned old, rotten bastard. She inhaled and exhaled in relief, and opened her eyes then looked over her shoulder to Bill. He was whispering something to Mr. Greengrass. The man's eyes went wide and brimmed with tears as he looked from Bill to Tonks. He nodded to her, and Tonks gave a soft smile then turned around. She looked back at Dumbledore, who was staring at her rather intently. She swore silently – she could foresee a discussion with the man soon enough.

Two more names in the Gs were put up for auction, then Bagman cleared his throat.

"We will now take our first of two breaks," Bagman said, "Those who purchased Concubines, please remain seated while someone meets with you to exchange contracts and information. To the rest of you, there are refreshments on either side of the courtroom. If you need to use the restroom, there are available rooms down the corridor in either direction. The Auction will continue in fifteen minutes. Thank you."

Tonks remained seated as a witch in her thirties came over to her. She filled out a form of information pertaining to the Vault number, and other key assorted information. In turn, the witch gave her a stack of Contracts. Tonks noticed the witch looked rather emotional. She cast a silencing spell around her for privacy.

"Are you okay, ma'am?" Tonks asked.

"My name is Holly," the witch said, "You purchased my daughter, Lavender."

"Oh, I see," Tonks said, "I promise, ma'am. She'll be treated quite well. The company I work for has an excellent tutorship. Better tutors than those Professors at Hogwarts. All girls we purchase will also have as much Free Will as they can."

"So... your company isn't a prostitution ring?" Holly asked.

"No, ma'am," Tonks said, "My boss is a generous man. He would never do that."

Holly nodded. "Can she write letters to me every so often?"

"I think my boss will encourage such things," Tonks said. "But we don't use owls. We use house-elves, whom we treat just as well as our future girls."

"Thank you," Holly said, "That makes me feel better. I noticed you had purchased a lot of girls. My first thought was a prostitution ring."

"And I am not nearly finished," Tonks said. "Ma'am, if you're here, then I'm surprised that your daughter stripped for the auction. It wasn't a requirement."

"That would be my bastard of a husband," Holly muttered. "Lavender's step-father. He was quite upset when Dumbledore didn't win. But that confused me. I would think that Dumbledore would treat the girls as nice as your boss apparently will."

"I doubt it," Tonks said, "He's buying high-born purebloods. Either as breeding stock or prostitutes, for those students of his who he wants to please or reward. Your daughter would have had a baby in her belly before the year's end if he won her. Either that, or she would have been passed around to boys at Hogwarts."

Holly's eyes widened. "I would have never guessed. Thank you, again, for purchasing her."

"You're welcome," Tonks said.

Holly bowed respectfully then walked away. Tonks thumbed through the contracts, and added another checkmark on the list – while she was sure the Ministry wouldn't cheat her on the contracts, she wanted to take precautions. She sighed in relief when she found all the contracts were there. Suddenly, she heard someone clearing their throat, and she nearly jumped when she saw Albus Dumbledore in front of her.

"Good Merlin, you gave me a fright, sir," Tonks said.

"My apologies, Miss," Dumbledore said, "I'm afraid I did not catch your name."

"Because I didn't throw it," Tonks said, "Pussy Galore."

"Lovely name," Dumbledore commented. "Are you here of your own accord? Or are you here on business for someone else."

"Not sure if that is any of your business," Tonks said, "but I am a representative of the Crestview Concubine Company. My boss is Alfred Pennyworth, of Wayne Enterprises in Arkham City in the States."

She smirked softly at the reference. She was quite sure Dumbledore did not read Muggle superhero comics. He would likely be fooled by such names.

"I'm sorry," Dumbledore said, "I haven't heard of any of those businesses or names."

"Wayne Enterprises is mostly a Muggle company," Tonks said, "The boss works for the – ah – crazier part of the company. Before he started the Crestview Company, he worked in – ah – crime fighting, I think it was. Mostly in the States, though. Doubt you ever heard of it."

"Can't say I have," Dumbledore said, "Would your boss be interested in barter or trades? I would be quite interested in buying two or three of the girls you purchased."

"Afraid not," Tonks said, with a smirk, "He has a clear view he wants for these girls. He picked them out for a reason."

"Seems he was quite interested in Miss Greengrass," Dumbledore said, "To allow you to buy her for 50 times her starting rate. I wonder if he knows her sister, Daphne? Or her sister's new husband, Harry Potter?"

"Harry Potter?" Tonks said, "Where have I heard that name before...? Oh, the Chosen One bloke. I don't think he has any business with Potter."

"Well, if Mr. Pennyworth is interested in selling Miss Greengrass," Dumbledore said, "I'm sure Mr. Potter would want to buy her. But so would I? And I promise you, Miss Galore, I would offer a hefty price for her."

"More hefty than fifty thousand Galleons?" Tonks asked, "If you wanted her so bad, you should have raised the bid."

"Ah, I'm afraid that would put a damper on my other planned purchases," Dumbledore said.

Tonks smirked. He had fallen for her trap. She wanted to know how much money he had been planning on spending, and it seemed as if G50,000 was too much. Or was he planning on obtaining another target aside from Astoria. This took some thought.

"Well, I am sure if I informed my boss of the interest in Miss Greengrass," Tonks said, "That would give him much more interest in her. She might even end up being his Concubine. He was quite interested in claiming one or two of the girls for himself."

"I see," Dumbledore said, "Well, please tell him my name if he is interested in selling her."

"What is your name?" Tonks asked; she smirked privately when Dumbledore's eyebrows disappeared behind his hairline. "Makes it sound as if you think I know it. Are you famous or something?"

"My name is Albus Dumbledore," Albus said.

"Bumblebee?" Tonks asked.

"Dumbledore," Albus said, more clearly.

"I apologize for the mistake, Mr. Mumblemore," Tonks said, "Er... Stumble... no, that's not it."

"Dumbledore," Albus repeated, with a bit of annoyance in his tone.

"Right," Tonks said, "My bad... Dumbledore. Got it that time. Knew I would get there. I will – ah – do my best to remember that name for my boss if it comes up."

Dumbledore frowned. "Thank you, ma'am. If you forget my name, just ask anyone about the Headmaster at Hogwarts."

"Pigfarts?" Tonks asked, achieving a confused look. "Oh, Hogwarts. Sorry. Yes, I will remember that."

"I hope so," Dumbledore said, "Many of the girls you're purchasing attend my school."

"Oh, not whilst they are with us," Tonks said, "My boss has plans on tutoring all his girls. We have excellent teachers lined up."

Dumbledore's mouth represented that of a fish, opening and closing. When he finally got control of it, he asked his next question "Is it Ministry-standard education?"

"Of course, sir," Tonks said, "Only the best for our girls."

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Right. Good luck with the rest of the Auction, Miss Galore."

"Please, call me Pussy," Tonks said, "Everyone else does. "They seem to love to my first name. Can't understand why. My parents tell me it is short for Priscilla, but I didn't like that name. Thinking of legally changing it. Pussy... just rolls off the tongue."

Dumbledore blinked. "Nice meeting you."

"You as well," Tonks said.

Dumbledore sighed audibly and turned around. Tonks looked over her shoulder at Bill, who seemed to be attempting not to laugh out loud. Tonks winked and stood from her chair.

She needed a few refreshments. Saving girls and making fun of old bastards was tough work!

Part 2 of the Concubine Auction finished.

Oh, lord, that last conversation made me laugh so much. I couldn't resist a bit of in-story Dumbledore bashing. And the Batman references. Can you imagine what would happen if Dumbledore tried to clarify this? I think it might just happen! It would be as entertaining as Colonel Sanders in "Partially Kissed Hero". Read that story if you haven't yet. It is awesome. When I started this story, I thought of having Horcruxes in this story for the sole fact of killing Dumbledore off and bringing him back cause of a Horcrux, much like that story. But decided against it. Fun little factoid from my insane mind for you.

So what did you think of the first part of the Auction? The next half of the Auction will probably span the entire chapter. Won't go into as so much detail as I did in this one. But there are several girls coming up still that are important. Lillian Moon is just one of them. Bella Blishwick, an OC in this chapter, will get quite a bit of page-time in my story. Her last name is Canon, mentioned on Pottermore. She had a small part in Bonds of Time: Fighting Fate – in that story she was the cousin of the Greengrasses. In this story, she's a cousin of Pansy. I have big plans for her and another girl. –evil cackles-

Next chapter: The rest of the Auction. Also, Tonks and Bill meet with the girls in attendance who they purchased. More fun and insanity. Maybe more pop culture references. We'll see...