Chapter 59: Star Witness
"Gosh!" Claire remarked after Charlie finished talking. "I had no idea the Ministry of Magic dealt with so many things: law enforcement, magical creatures, magical mishaps, Muggles…would you ever work with your dad?"
Charlie shook his head. "No, I'd rather work in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures — or Magical Creature Regulation for short."
"That makes sense. You would probably see more dragons that way."
"Right! And if that doesn't work out, I could always go to Romania to work at the Dragon Sanctuary there."
"Even though you had a run-in with a Hungarian Horntail in the Buried Vault?"
"Of course! But how do you feel knowing more about the Ministry of Magic?"
"More prepared than before. Thanks for telling me all about it."
"Well, you are a friend and it's the least I could do. Plus, you've got one less thing to worry about except where to get Floo Powder to get to the Ministry of Magic."
"You're right," Claire realized. "It would be much faster to get to the Ministry of Magic through the Floo Network than by train. Unfortunately, I'm almost out of Floo Powder. Maybe Snape will lend me some."
"Doesn't hurt to ask, but you should hurry since our off-campus assignment will be starting soon."
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After Claire learned the Surfing Loop in Flying, she and Tonks made their way into the Potions Classroom where Professor Snape was talking to Professor Sikander.
"Look," Sikander sighed. "All I'm saying is that, if you think about it, Muggle chemistry is really quite similar to — Miss Krystal, Miss Tonks?"
Meeting Sikander's confused gaze, Claire said, "Sorry to startle you, Professor Sikander. I'm here to ask Professor Snape about borrowing some Floo Powder. But seeing how you're busy—
"I'm not," Snape interrupted sharply.
"Oh, come now," Sikander said. "We were just having a friendly chat about Muggle chemistry."
"We weren't having a discussion," Snape insisted. "Professor Sikander was just talking. What do you need Floo Powder for, Krystal?"
"To go to the Ministry of Magic," Claire answered sheepishly.
"We're going there to learn how to be Aurors — at least, that's what I'm hoping," Tonks added.
"Lovely!" Sikander responded cheerfully. "You know Muggles have a form of law enforcement that's similar to Aurors called—
"Now why would you be invited to the Ministry of Magic?" Snape asked Claire.
"Um, because I did some heroic things," Claire said.
"Yeah, we were picked to do our off-campus assignment at the Ministry of Magic because of…stuff," Tonks responded hesitantly.
"Speak more clearly or not at all, Miss Tonks," Snape insisted.
"Now that's a bit harsh," Sikander frowned.
"Did I ask for your opinion?" Snape glared at Sikander. Then Snape looked back at Claire. "I won't give you Floo Powder until you demonstrate how to correctly use it."
"Yes, Professor!" Claire nodded. "The Floo Network uses a powder, which you throw onto a fireplace in order to travel from one place to another. But, you must speak the location you wish to travel to loudly and clearly."
"And why must you speak loudly and clearly before using the Floo Network?" Snape asked.
"To arrive at the proper location," Claire answered.
"It seems the last of your brain cells are intact," Snape remarked. "Fine, I will give you and Miss Tonks some Floo Powder on the condition that you do not engage in tomfoolery."
"Don't know if I can promise that," Tonks said bluntly.
"Tonks!" Claire scolded. "We swear we won't engage in tomfoolery, Professor."
Snape paused before heading over to a nearby shelf and pulling out a jar full of ash-like powder. "This should be enough to get you to and from the Ministry."
"All right," Tonks said as Claire took the jar from Snape's hands. "Now I'll have to scout out a fireplace for us to use."
"Let's just hope it's somewhere nearby," Claire said and turned around to see Corey standing behind her. "What are you doing here, Corey?"
"I have news about our 'investigation'!" Corey announced.
"All of you, get out!" Snape snapped.
This forced Sikander, Claire, Tonks, and Corey to leave the Potions Classroom. While Claire filled her own Floo Powder pouch, she gave the rest of the jar to Tonks who walked away trying not to drop it from excitement. Claire then went into the Great Hall before dinner started and saw Corey standing in front of someone.
"Claire, I present to you our first star witness!" Corey stood aside, revealing Beatrice who was standing behind him. She still wore her black jacket over her school blazer.
"Um, hi," Beatrice said, waving.
"Don't hold back!" Corey said encouragingly. "Tell Claire exactly what you told me!"
"It's got to do with Merula," Beatrice continued. "On my late night walks, I've seen Merula hanging around the Whomping Willow. Not sure why she goes to the Whomping Willow, but she always comes back from it in a foul mood. Now I've got to go."
As Beatrice left, Corey said to her, "Thank you for your help, Beatrice!"
"Hmm, we should get more information before jumping to any conclusions," Claire said. "We don't want to make another blunder like the Artefact Room fiasco."
"That's what Detective Conebush and Auror Persimmons would say!" Corey agreed.
"With that said, the Whomping Willow was used by 'R' to communicate with their agents including Rakepick."
"So we should definitely take a look, then. But, you're leaving soon for the Ministry of Magic as part of your off-campus assignment, right? That's what I've heard, anyway."
"Yes, you're right."
"I'll keep an eye on Merula while you're gone. After all, we need to know for sure that Merula's the mole before exposing her. Even the best detectives divide and conquer."
"Wotcher, Claire!" Tonks announced as she walked over to Claire and Corey. "I found the perfect fireplace for us to use to get to the Ministry of Magic. But it's in Hogsmeade, and we'll need to convince the owner."
"Not to worry," Claire said. "We'll head right over to Hogsmeade after breakfast tomorrow. And the Ministry of Magic after that!"
"Have a smashing time!" Corey smiled and walked over to the Gryffindor table.
To be continued…