A/N : Please make sure you have read Chapter 10. I posted two chapters today and I don't want anyone to miss out on some cute Draco and Hermione scenes. Plus Crooks showed up. And who doesn't love Crooks.
On to this week's planned chapter.
For those new readers who followed and favorited over the last few weeks. Hi, it's awesome you are taking your time to read my version of the characters lives. For all those reading, I want to do my best for you and I hope you enjoy. ~Lemons
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
The Headmistress of Hogwarts was beside herself. She and Minerva had warded the school to only allow the aurors access during the winter holiday. How in the sam hell did some random witch get past them and access the empty school? Neither of the witches had any answers yet as they watched with a bit of morbid curiosity as the fourth victim was removed from the grounds. They had each received an urgent message from Amelia Bones requesting they immediately return to Hogwarts as someone had broken into the school and then was attacked by the beast. The students were set to return to the school in under a week's time but that may now be pushed out for some undetermined length.
Minerva glared when the woman was wheeled past and a curse slipped from her lips. Sophie looked to her deputy and curiosity got the better of her. "Do you not like that woman Minerva? I don't recognize her as someone who has been at the school this year." Minerva's gaze remained focused on the frozen form and Sophie let her mind run wild and wondered if there was some long held grudge or anything that could take her mind off the current situation for just a few minutes.
"I haven't seen her for a few years. She was banned from the school grounds by the Wizengamot after being caught spying on the professors and students. She calls herself a journalist, but I think a more apt description would be liar." Minerva huffed and continued. "She writes for the Prophet and does their gossip column also known as front page news. Although her stories are so fantastical very few actually believe. Those believers are vocal and stubborn. The most interesting part is her supporters vary depending on who she targeted."
Sophie thought about the paper she had stopped reading by the end of her first week and realized the person who had broken in the school was named Scooter, maybe Scatter, she really couldn't remember as her writing style was very poor. "Ah, well let's make sure Madam Bones documents she had not only went around the Wizengamot's verdict and was on premise, but that she also broke through protection wards. I'd like to understand how she did that at minimum." Minerva's mind was flipping through what the witch could have done to bypass those wards and get into the school. One of the new wards had been created by former student. This particular student was now the top curse breakers for Gringotts and slowly being seen as the wizard to use when setting up or dismantling curses or wards. The goblins had started to outsource his talents with quite the mark up for those requesting services.
"I agree Sophie. It's been a minute since I've read Sherlock Holmes. Do you remember the quote about eliminating the impossible?" Sophie cocked her head to the side in thought.
"Oh, yes it's once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." Minerva's gaze returned to the bundle of healers preparing to portkey themselves and the victim to London and St. Mungo's before turning back to Sophie.
"Quite."
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
Bill Weasley was researching his next assignment when he heard his name called. Turning he saw his former Transfiguration professor standing in his doorway. The witch had helped him find his way in the world and in no small part, was responsible for the success in his work life. "Minerva! Such a pleasure to see you again. To what do I owe this surprise visit?"
Minerva had seen many students pass through the school and found the Weasley children to be the most interesting. Each boy was so different from the one (or ones) before him that she sometimes wondered how they were all raised in the same house. "Good afternoon Bill, we had an issue at the school and I wanted to discuss the ward you helped create."
That gave Bill pause, he'd created the ward specifically for Minerva in case something happened to the new headmistress. The ward took him weeks to figure out but once he had the general idea it wasn't especially difficult to construct and apply to the school. At least, not difficult for a man who had a mastery in Ancient Runes and Warding. "Of course." Bill flicked his wand toward the small seating area and removed all the scattered paperwork. Before sitting, the wizard shut the door and silenced the room. No reason for anyone walking by to overhear their conversation.
With a sigh, Minerva explained what had happened and who had broken into the warded school. "So Rita Skeeter somehow got around the wards and was petrified. Can't say it's that much of a loss to the world, although mum seems to be her biggest fan these days. I know she was out of Hogwarts more than a decade before I even started, but I didn't think she was that good with breaking wards."
Minerva snorted in a very undignified way. "No Bill, she never took Ancient Runes and barely made an acceptable score in her core subjects. So no, she didn't disable the wards. They were still standing when Sophie and I got there today. I can only see two alternatives but one is impossible and the other is improbable."
Bill sat up straight at the comment, his mind was racing until he too remembered the quote from Arthur Conan Doyle. He mumbled to himself to see if he could determine just what Minerva was thinking. "So all the impossible options have been eliminated. And all that is left to prove or disprove is the improbable." The man looked up and saw the same expression on his professor's face as when he told her he wanted to be a curse breaker. "She's an animagus?"
"If she is, then she is unregistered. I stopped at the Ministry first. There is no record of her having that ability."
The pair sat quietly for a few minutes mulling over the options. Was it possible? Yes. Impossible? No. Improbable? Most definitely.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
Bill and Minerva arrived at the apparition boundary a few hours later. The pair had spent time reviewing the warding scheme and had a few theories. The only thing they were missing was an individual who was an animagus but Minerva thought she had a solution. She sent off her patronus with a request.
After the pair had a few moments to adjust to their arrival they were met by a couple whose Scottish brogue was impossible to miss. "Minnie, the children miss you already and they weren't happy when you had to leave so suddenly this morning." Bill watched in amusement as his strict and dower professor smiled happily before hugging the wizard and witch who were apparently waiting for them.
"Malcolm, this is Bill Weasley, he is a curse breaker for Gringotts and helped to create a special ward for the school. One that can't be removed until all casters are present. It was believed I would be the only person able to pass the ward but we need to test it. You've heard about why I was called away."
"Yes Minnie, the paper had an article about it in the evening edition. A bit crazy but I think the basic story is correct. Someone broke into the school and was petrified. Like the others." Malcolm looked to the young man standing with his sister and reached out his hand. "Malcolm McGonagall, I'm Minnie's original younger brother. BJ is the youngest now but he's at home with all the children." Bill laughed a bit at the image of a young Minerva, or Minnie, shepherding her brothers.
"Bill Weasley, pleasure to meet some of Minerva's family. I think she might avada me if I called her Minnie. Honestly it's difficult enough to remember she's Minerva now. I've been out of the school for over ten years and I still fall back to calling her Professor McGonagall." Malcolm laughed happily.
"Yes, my sister has always had that effect on people. BJ and I were the only ones who could get away with calling her Minnie until our own young ones were born. Now the village just calls her Aunt Minnie. It's a right sight. But that's not why she's sent for me and Anna. What can we do for you?"
Bill took about 40 minutes to explain the warding scheme in enough detail for the couple to understand no harm would come to them if they tried to pass the wards. They just wouldn't be able to move any closer to the school. It was a purely protective ward and had no adverse effect on the person.
"So what you are wondering is if any animagus can pass through the wards and if they have to be in their form in order to do it." Anna McGonagall née Adar had been a very bright student and continued her love of learning after graduating from Hogwarts. Her adventurous side was something that sometimes got her in a spot of trouble, but what good Gryffindor didn't get in trouble?
After Minerva nodded, Anna walked straight toward the school and was met by an invisible solid wall. The witch took two steps back and transformed into a sleek fox. The animal looked at the trio and seemed to smile before bolting straight for the ward. Malcolm was cursing his wife's desire to jump into the thick of things without thinking. "She had to run straight at it. Couldn't have just walked slowly. No, not my Anna." The fox had obviously crossed the barrier and was sitting happily on the steps leading to the doors of the ancient school.
"That was wonderful Anna, before you come back across, would you shift back and see if you feel anything and if you can come back across the barrier." Before Minerva finished her request, the fox morphed back to the witch who lounged on the steps with a proud smirk.
"Of course Minerva. I don't feel anything adverse going through the ward, not even a tickle. It was a bit disappointing honestly. Is there a ward on the school proper or just the one I've already encountered?" Anna began to walk back toward her husband. Once she reached the ward barrier she stopped and ran her hand over the ward. "No, I can't cross back. I'll shift and come through." Anna was a fox and then back to her witch form in a matter of a few seconds. "That was fun. I need to do that more often." Malcolm glared at his wife before wrapping his arm around her.
"Could you just, I don't know, be a bit more careful? Minnie didn't mean for you to run roughshod at the invisible wall love." Her tinkling laughter was the only response.
Bill watched the couple with a small smile. He and his now (official) fiancee had just returned from spending a week with her family. Wizards in love were always funny to watch. "Anna, thank you for testing the theory. It's seems the improbable is probably what happened. We just have to get it officially documented now."
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
While the wards were being tested, Sophie and Amelia Bones had just returned to the DMLE with the recordings the aurors had set up once the students had left the grounds. "Sophie, I've sent a request for Gibby. He's offered to listen to anything we believe may relate to the beast. I do believe we were correct in not setting up the visual recording. I am leery to test just how deadly this beast can be."
The DMLE had recently received their personalized video recorders and all the aurors found them to be unobtrusive and highly effective in relating what happened versus what they thought happened. Everyone agreed it would be better to not test if a video recording would be deadly or not to the viewer.
As the audio began to play the now distinctive hissing was heard and Amelia sent off a quick note to inform Gibby there was something they'd like for him to translate. Just as Amelia was preparing to shut off the audio the sound of human footsteps started. The hissing stopped and the mumbling from the trespassing witch could be heard. "If they'd only allow me access I wouldn't have to break in. There must be something I can find about this beast." There was a bit of unintelligible sound from the distance and gasp. "Damn they are back sooner than I thought. Best to shift for a bit." The pair of witches looked to the other at the virtual admittance of her ability.
Sophie had explained Minerva's theory and how the deputy head was currently testing it. Amelia surprised herself by not reacting too badly. It seemed while her aurors were good, this was something beyond what her people apparently could solve alone. If not for the civilians working for the same thing, Amelia was relatively confident the beast would still not have been identified, the original portal's location or the possible locations of the chamber's second entrance.
"I hope Minerva will come here once her tests have been completed. I am curious on how the ward was created and what they found. Since admitted to shifting, I would believe she's in her animagus form now." As Amelia's comment ended the hissing was heard again before silence reigned for about ten minutes. It was then the first auror was on the scene and calling for reinforcements. "So we know she had been barely petrified when Hopkiss arrived. I'm grateful he was far enough away the beast had the space to retreat."
Once the DMLE had received the drawing of Hogwarts made by Abraxas Malfoy, they used it to document each of the school's floors and where the beast could access the plumbing pipes. Those were the main areas with the recorders and wards. MG Industries had also provided additional recorders that could be set up for long range recording and were positioned in the main hallways off of the main staircase. Amelia was tapping lightly on the map to where Skeeter had been located. It was down the hallway from the fifth floor landing and off the main staircase. There wasn't a bathroom near which indicated the beast either was freely roaming the deserted school or had other ways to travel in the old castle.
"Madam Bones, if we don't figure out how to destroy or at least contain the beast, it may be prudent to contact the families and set up the emergency protocols. I am not comfortable allowing close to 700 children, my professors, staff and others on the grounds." The women shared a look of determination but understanding.
"I agree, I'll speak with the Minister and ensure the alternative location is prepared posthaste. We will decide in a couple of days. We have an unspeakable negotiating with the merpeople. I have hopes we can finish the search of Black Lake soon."
Gibby had arrived earlier but didn't announce his presence just yet. He liked to know what was really going on and had found people spoke freely when they believed themselves to be alone. He couldn't allow the school to be closed and was determined to work with these witches to keep the grand school open. He moved to the middle of the office and popped in. He really just made a loud cracking noise and removed his disillusionment charm. Elves only popped when they wanted someone to know they had arrived or presumably left.
"Gibby, thank you for coming so quickly. Another attack has happened and the beast was recorded just before it happened. If you would please translate." The old elf rolled his eyes (in him mind) and waved the witch to play the tape.
After ten minutes and a request to play it again, the elf was ready. "Most of it is what it always says about coming closer and feeding. The beast was startled when a body appeared in front of him. The beast said no one was there but then saw the body. This is most intriguing." The elf didn't comment on his own thoughts and left that to the witches. If they couldn't figure it out, he would say something to Kitmu. Gibby was loyal to his family and the fact an ancestor helped create the school was enough to ensure the elf would do everything in his power to keep Slytherin's legacy open.
As the witches discussed what was said, Gibby left the office and went to visit Kitmu. When Gibby explained what he heard, Kitmu immediately promised to keep an eye on the investigation and make an appropriate comment if it was needed.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
Lucius Malfoy was used to people telling him things immediately, so he knew something had happened at the school the day before, but he had yet to hear from the Headmistress, the Deputy Headmistress, the Head of the DMLE or the Minister. It was almost more than he could handle. He had informed the adults of what little he knew and as a group they'd agreed to keep the latest bit from the children. The boys would be fine but it was Hermione who caused the worry. The poor witch had been through so much already and all had heard her make a comment or two about how worried she was what the beast wanted. Grudgingly, the adults had silently agreed she was probably correct.
At this exact moment, the children were in the greenhouse with Pomona and Severus getting the mandrakes into larger pots. The Longbottom boy had arrived as well and was diligent in this activity. He had admitted to Hermione how useless he felt. This was the one thing he could do to help his dad. Lucius greatly appreciated how the boy carried himself in public. To the casual observer, the young wizard carried the mantle of the family with a remarkable stoicism, while his father was unable to fulfill his role. He had also taken to wearing cardigans as a reminder of the man he idolized. Lucius wondered if something happened to him, if Draco would grow his hair long. The thought made Lucius chuckle.
"It's good to hear you laugh, even if it's only a chuckle. We've all been too stressed." Narcissa sat in her chair across the room while Lucius ruminated on the state of everything.
"Yes, just a wild thought but nothing of import. I was thinking I should contact someone. If nothing's been found, I'm going to have to call a meeting to discuss if the school will reopen and if not, what contingency plans are in place." Lucius knew the children under his care would be able to continue their education almost unhindered but the other children at the school weren't as lucky and Lucius loathed the thought of leaving behind a substantial portion of their shared future.
"You know Lucius, if they don't have a plan, we could offer up one of the buildings on the far edge of the property. Let the Headmistress ward it herself but include our ancient wards. The children would be protected and allow for them to return home in the evenings or weekends if they desired. Sometimes I wonder if a full time boarding school is needed in our world anymore."
Lucius thought of the number of outbuildings that were kept up but not used. It wouldn't be difficult to convert one or more of them into a temporary school. There was less than six months left in the year and it would cause the least disruption. "That is something I hadn't thought of, you, my dearest love, are brilliant. Let me discuss with Severus and see if it could work. The two largest stumbling points would be the library and Pomona's greenhouses. But I'm sure we can figure something out."
Lucius wandered off to find Severus while Narcissa settled back into her book. 'Thoughts on Education' was a muggle book discussing how this generation of children were vastly different from their grandparents and their educational needs varied greatly from what their own parents had. Jean had mentioned something about it a week earlier and Narcissa wondered if the book would be helpful for magical parents. To her pleasant surprise, the book didn't delve into muggle school topics, but how each generation differed from the ones before it and how they were similar. Narcissa immediately saw her own children, yes she considered all four of the children under her roof as hers, in the descriptions.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
Amelia Bones arrived at St. Mungo's and was directed to the Head Healer's office. The healer had been on an emergency call but the surgery was wrapping up so it shouldn't be too long of a wait for the DMLE head. The healer rushed in and apologized before offering some tea. Healer Rosemead was a middle aged wizard who had broken a number of NEWT scores and was ranked as one of the best healers in magical Europe.
"Again Madam Bones, I apologize for the inconvenience but it was unavoidable. The young witch wouldn't have made it if not for the emergency procedure. But, let's discuss the reason you requested the meeting. We can't determine if Ms. Skeeter is or isn't an animagus until the petrification has been reversed. I have been able to determine her petrification differs from the others. I haven't been able to pinpoint just what yet, but her vitals aren't as strong and her form is more solid than the others. It could just be the differences between witches and wizards, the fact she is an animagus or something we've not yet determined. Whatever is the cause, once she is awake and cleared medically, she will be turned over to the DMLE. From a purely intellectual stand point, I'd like to request my presence for her initial interrogation. Not for hearing what she has to say about her whys and excuses, but to hear what she saw and felt. I will be asking each of the others the same thing, as I am planning on writing a paper on the topic."
Amelia never liked to have non-Aurors present for questioning but the healer had a valid point. This information could be vital in the future. "I'd like you to generate a list of questions and I will ensure they are answered. You may be present, but you will not be in the room, you can watch from the observation room. This way you can make comments and if you want more information, it can be relayed to the interrogator."
Without a second thought, Healer Rosemead agreed. He did work better with speaking to himself so sitting in a different room would allow him to do that. "Another thing that could provide us with invaluable information would be her vitals. I would like your permission to track her vitals when discussing the beast. Again, I will be doing the same with the other victims."
"As long they don't interfere with the questioning I wouldn't have a problem with it. How would you do this?" The witch was bright but never had any interest in the healing arts.
"It's a simple spell and the vitals will be documented on a piece of parchment I'll have with me. Depending on how quickly you begin the interrogation the charm from the hospital may still be in effect. It wears off of most patients within 36 hours of release and if I'm there with the necessary documents I can track without her even knowing I was there. If it's failed, I would have to reapply it."
Amelia agreed and allowed the healer to return to his responsibilities while Amelia returned to her own.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
Lucius had finally found his friend and the pair discussed the option Narcissa had put forth. Severus didn't know exactly what was in the works but said there was some plan. However, if the Malfoy plan was more appealing it shouldn't be difficult to make the change. "Let's see these buildings and what would be needed to get them ready."
The wizards spent a few hours going through the buildings thinking about the requirements. A number of classrooms, labs and offices would be necessary along with dorm rooms large enough for all the students, mastery students and professors. Additionally, the elves would need space for themselves and their things. The smaller building seemed to be the right size for classrooms, labs and offices, while dorms and common rooms would be in the larger one. Since the second building was large enough to house everyone, it would reduce the complication of sending the students home each night and accounting for them the next morning. If the student wanted to go home on the weekends that could be easily arranged.
After earmarking where Severus would like the potions lab, Lucius allowed him to create the room as needed. While Severus was creating his perfect lab, Lucius went to the other rooms and set up a very basic layout for each classroom allowing the professors to finalize the set up and decorate as they desired. After reviewing the second building and working through the requirements, Severus was more than pleased to realize it would have ample space for the students to relax, study and sleep. This would be where the apprentices and professors would also be housed. The apprentices didn't need much since they would work on their various projects as directed by their master.
The only person who would have their lodging and office in the smaller building was the headmistress. Lucius and Severus agreed it would be preferred to have the headmistress in close reach during the day. To address the potential concern of Sophie quickly getting to the dorm building, it was decided there would be a number of floos added that only could be used to move to different parts of the school.
By the end of the day the two buildings were as ready as they could be and Lucius set up a meeting with Sophie and Minerva for the next morning. What Lucious hadn't expected was for Severus to set up rooms for the professors on the topmost floor with a way for the students to contact them directly if needed. In a move that would probably cause some amount of discourse, Severus made no allowance for the houses. The dorm rooms were set up by year and gender with no other segregation. The direct link to the professors was from each room and would alert all the professors to any issue.
Severus had long seen the housing method as a way to build walls between the students. He didn't know if his life would have been different if there had been no Slytherin/Gryffindor rivalry or if his personal bullies would have found a different reason. More than likely, they'd have found some other reason.
After selecting his own room and decorating it modestly, the wizard returned to the home his parents had left him. He realized he really didn't care for the house which was why he rarely stayed there. It seemed especially cold and lonely now.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
When the sun rose to start another day, Lucius Malfoy was already awake and sitting at the dining table. He had eaten and was now reviewing his proposal. Sophie and Minerva were scheduled to arrive at nine and Lucius wanted to be prepared. He didn't know what alternative options the Headmistress had but he knew how much better he would sleep if his children were on the grounds and safe.
The only concern Lucius had, after seeing what else Severus had done to the dorm building, was where the library, kitchen and 'Great Hall' would be situated. The large space between the two building was enough to accommodate a kitchen and hall that would hold the entire school. Similar to Hogwarts the library could be on the floor above. Maybe adding a third story for the infirmary and some large rooms used for whatever the headmistress thought necessary. Building wouldn't take too long and the entire place could be up and going within a week.
When Narcissa saw the plans the night before, she mentioned a thought she'd had about using the buildings as a school for younger children at some point. She had been responsible for ensuring Draco and Harry were taught what they would need in order to succeed at Hogwarts. She was surprised and dismayed when Severus spoke of how poorly a portion of the student body wrote. The idea was born then and after working with her boys, she had privately took to planning how to institute the school for a larger number of children.
Lucius had noticed how bored Narcissa seemed once the children had left for school and had hoped she'd find something she could devote her time to making a success. They had both agreed the priority right now was Hogwarts and how to protect the students. It seemed like the sun had just risen when Usher escorted the two witches into Lucius's study.
"Good morning to you both, would you like some tea or breakfast before we begin?" As anxious as Lucius was, he was also the consummate host.
"No, but thank you Lucius, we've actually come from a breakfast meeting with the Minister. If it wasn't just nine I would opt for a whiskey over tea." Sophie looked drained and Minerva's expression was one Lucius hated to see as a student. "As you wish, let's settle and discuss a few things I'm worried about for the upcoming term." The witches looked the other and the look seemed to be resigned to something.
"Lucius, before we begin, I've been remiss in communicating with you regarding the latest news. For that, I apologize, time got away from me and before I knew it the paper printed the story. The actual facts hadn't even been known before it was reported." Sophie deflated a bit more. It seemed her failures kept mounting and the stress was getting to her.
"Sophie, if you'd like I can fill Lucius in on everything and look the other way if you need to spike your tea. I have a full flask with Scottish whiskey if yours is empty." Minerva sent her boss a wink and turned to Lucius. Neither paid attention to whether the other witch did indeed spike her tea. As Minerva explained the wards and what they believed happened Lucius nodded at all the correct parts. "We had a basic contingency plan in place but with nothing happening during the holidays, no one moved on them until Skeeter had been found."
"So what are these plans?" Lucius was pleased to know they had thought enough ahead to have something in place but worried by how dismal the witches looked.
"Yes, the Minister swore he'd set up something that would make Hogwarts look outdated. What he provided was nothing more than some warehouse the Ministry happened to own in what I've come to discover is a rather sketchy part of muggle London. It was completely unacceptable and now we are forced to decide if we use it or help the students move to other schools. If that happens I fear many will not return next year."
While Lucius wasn't pleased at just how poorly the Minister had acted, it did mean his alternative may be accepted a bit more quickly. "Well ladies, let me start this with that I understand and appreciate you coming to explain what you had in place. It seems the three of us are more alike than not. I had the same concerns and thought if it was unsafe to open the school again, when we could identify a safe alternative. While I was struggling with options, Narcissa again came to the rescue. If you will allow me, I'd like to show you an alternative option I've been working on with a few others." The witches, who were desperate, agreed and each took an arm as Lucius apparated them out of the Manor. After landing, the witches saw two large and somewhat generic buildings. "The exterior hasn't been changed yet, but I do have some ideas. Let's go into the classrooms first."
As Lucius began his tour, he admitted Severus assisted with preparing the buildings and had already laid claim to a space for the potion lab and his personal dwellings. It surprised neither witch when the space earmarked for the lab was the basement of the building. Lucius chuckled and admitted it was difficult to have a dungeon in every building on the property. As they walked through the rooms, Minerva noticed the one for her and smiled at how homey it felt. "The classrooms haven't been completed yet. There are few things I'd like to discuss before that all happens."
Sophie was more than impressed with the classrooms and when she asked about dorms, Lucius admitted to thinking the students would return home each night. He went on to say after Severus gave him a look and rolled his eyes, they determined the second building would be able to accommodate the students and staff as needed. It seemed Lucius forgot even with a curfew, students still took advantage of using all time allotted to them.
As far as Sophie was concerned, the dorm building was almost too good to be true. Lucius again acknowledged the layout was done by Severus with the thought of removing the individual houses. It would have been impossible to find a building large enough to have a layout that matched the current set up. He also mentioned Severus had taken it upon himself to set up basic rooms for the apprentices and the professors. The witches took their time as they walked through the rooms and found Severus Snape had a hidden talent for spacial recognition and finding the best way to divide the space.
After the dorms, the group made their way to the large space between the two buildings. "If this alternative is accepted, this where the main spaces of the school would be. It's large enough to house the student body, apprentices and professors. I've spoke with an architect who is mocking up a few options and once the selection has been made it will take about a week to complete. Those involved have obviously taken a vow to not mention this, but wish to ensure Hogwarts survives this threat."
Sophie was awed a bit more than she expected to be. This was something Lucius was able to put together in less than a day and had addressed all the physical needs of the school and students. The Minister who had over a month to do anything did nothing. "Obviously I can't make the decision at this moment, I would like to discuss it with my professors and also the entire board. I believe the head of the board may be in agreement on this option and the board would probably follow his lead. The only thing I wonder about is the warding. What sort of wards are currently present? Will we have permission ward this area in a manner similar to Hogwarts? What is the plan for the students to arrive and depart?"
"Yes, I had forgotten to detail those plans during the tour. Let's start with the arrival and departure question. Unlike Hogwarts the land isn't covered with any anti-apparition charms, so families could apparate. There will be a number of secured floo connections set up but with 700 students the logistics could be a bit overwhelming. So my thought had been to use the Hogwarts Express. There are tracks and a small station situated just beyond the wards. It wouldn't be difficult to have the train run here instead of Hogsmeade." Minerva wasn't surprised at just how prepared Lucius was. She had noticed that in school, if the man wanted something he was driven to succeed.
"As for the wards, the scheme is probably easier to understand if I show you the drawings. If you will?" Lucius reached out his arms and the trio were back in the Manor and the warm study Lucius had allocated for himself. He pulled various documents from a drawer and began to lay them across the large oak table in the room. "This is the plat map for the complete estate. The Manor and the buildings we were viewing are located here and here. As you see the Manor, surrounding homes, and other buildings used for the estate, have some ancient protection wards ensuring if someone were to access the grounds, they couldn't get into any of the inhabited areas. The back edge of the property, where the buildings we've just viewed are located, is warded with similar protections but were not as limiting since this area had once been used by the family as the location for various aspects of the business. Those wards can easily be strengthened. Additionally, the three of us can add any other protections you'd like. As the head of the family and estate, my involvement is necessary but will not limit you in what you'd like to do. In fact, I have a few suggestions for the overall wards and Narcissa would like to discuss somethings before the interior of the buildings are finalized."
By the time lunch rolled around, Sophie had all but decided to accept Lucius on his offer and begin to figure out how to accomplish everything. In the end, Lucius agreed to extend the winter break for an additional week and allow the school to figure out the best way to deal with the impact related to the course schedules and end of year tests the delay would cause.
By dinner, Sophie and Minerva had shown the professors the two options and they unanimously selected what Lucius and Severus set up. The second decision related to the design of the center building. The architect had done three exceptional proposals and in the end, the Hogwarts elves made the selection. Lucius already contacted the builder and provided the selected layout. They would start the next day and promised to work around the clock until it was complete. The new building would be three stories. The second story would house the complete library and the third would be the hospital ward and some open space to be used as needed.
Finally, Lucius reviewed the warding scheme proposed by Sophie and Minerva. He suggested a few changes that would allow the new wards to compliment the older ones and still allow students the ability to access the grounds allocated. While Narcissa's suggestions related to the safety of the students and who could do what, when and how. Minerva chuckled at the most important change Narcissa wanted.
By the time Lucius crawled into his bed, he was more than comfortable with the safety of the children.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
A/N : For the next stories, if there are any of the side plots or characters you find interesting, let me know. I have the story line for the main characters but I think there are a ton of stories surrounding the secondary characters. Anyway, let me know what characters you'd like/love to see more in the future. Last chapter today, everyone enjoy your weekend.