Terry Boot and Professor Binns's Extra Credit Assignment

Chapter 4: Padma and Mandy

Terry had finally gathered the information he needed to do the project. He had his sources, he had his story, and now all he needed to do was get it done and find his readers. Actually, he was quite surprised by some of the things he turned up. Would Ravenclaw actually do that? Hufflepuff was what? Slytherin could be nice? Gryffindor was that foolish?

After three straight nights of writing he finished. He decided that despite the fact that Hermione and Ginny had promised to read it, he should start with his own house. He was a little nervous as to how everyone would react, and figured his friends wouldn't curse him for his troubles.

"Mandy, Padma could you read this and repond to it?" Terry asked.

"Not now, I need to study," Mandy replied.

"It's my History of magic extra credit, and I need you to read it," Terry said.

"Really," Mandy perked up and took the paper.

"I'll read it after her, if that's OK, Terry," Padma said.

"Yes, that's fine," Terry responded.

***

The Founders Four by Terry Boot



The Baron of Urquhurt Castle sat waiting for his top adviser to arrive for a very important meeting. Salazar kept his barony running well, but when asked for details, the Baron was never certain he was getting the whole truth. And then there was all the time that Salazar spent 'instructing' his son and heir. That made him fearful. And after last night...

"Your excellency requested me." How does he always catch me unawares... the Baron wondered. Still, he would regret what he had to do.

"Yes. The barony is thriving after our most recent defeat of the Duke Pig, am I getting that name right?"

"Sir, he was actually known as the Duke of Kilgore, but his subjects called him Hogwarts, something about his face. Your forces defeated his handily. Indeed, it was such a glorious victory that the men are even saying that Commander Gryffindor led the charge astride a dragon, if you believe that. Anyway, we overtook the meadow that the castle overlooked, and then your catapults destroyed his walls. A thorough, and I must say, rather profitable victory."

"Yes, yes, but we have more pressing measures to discuss."

"As always m'lord. After the expenses of the war, it seems necessary that we raise taxes, if only temporarily, in order to recover our losses. I think that ten percent would be correct..."

"No, Salazar, that is not what I wanted to talk to you about. Yesterday, it seems that somebody had poisoned my food. I was very lucky to catch it before I ate. Now, would you happen to have any information about that?"

"No, sir. I would suggest a thorough investigation be started. In fact, why didn't you contact me earlier? We would have caught the culprits by now...oh." Salazar saw the intense angry look on the Baron's face, and decided there could be only one possibility. "Your excellency, I assure you I would never do such a thing. I have served you loyally for 13 years, if I must remind you, and am completely reliant on you for my position here."

"Nonetheless, Salazar- You do know an awful lot about poison, and you have been spending a lot of time with my heir. I am warning you not to try such a thing because you will get caught, and if you were responsible for last nights attempt I will see to itthat you are drawn and quartered. Do you understand?" The Baron glowered and started to get up from his thrown.

"Yes, m'lord. Now if you will excuse me I have work to do." Salazar turned around and walked out of the baron's quarters for the last time.

***



Disclaimer: JKR owns them

Thanks to Moey, my beta reader