Disclaimer: Anything you recognise does not belong to me it belongs to JK
Rowling. I'm not making anything from this, so please don't sue me.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews – You guys are great. Thought I would clear up a few quires:
Goddessnmb1 – Mare knows Sirius too well, plus I can't see him as a cradle snatcher - can you? – Fire in the common room during summer – summer in Britain very rarely involves a huge amount of sunshine, also having spent a few summers up in Scotland I can vouch for the need for a fire in the evening. – The girls staying with the boys, I noted that Mr Lupin is an Auror and the Potters know that James is friends with Sirius and Remus so I figure that the Potters got the others involved & who can refuse the Minister of Magic.
Kate – Sorry about the poor grammar – only defence a) some of it is just typing error b) because I rush to finish chapters (have very busy life – mother, wife, full time college lecturer, examiner, post graduate student – some times I am amazed I manage to write at all).
Lori – Sirius bought the Honeydukes candies for Tara on his last visit to Hogsmeades before he got banned.
1.1.1 FRIENDS
As the Hogwarts Express steamed through the country side silence descended over the last compartment. Lily had not moved from James's embrace, Aggy was leaning against Remus who had his arms wrapped tight around her and his head resting on her hair. Peter had propped himself against the window and was staring aimlessly at the moving scenery and Marie was sat on Sirius's lap dozing.
Unable to take the tension any more Annie said "I'm just going to look for Danny…See you guys later".
Watching her go Lily thought I also need a break Straightening up she said, "I'm just going to the bathroom".
As she got up James looked at her "Shall I come with you" he muttered but realised what he had said when he saw the looks on the others face's.
Chuckling for the first time since they had got out of the carriages Lily said "Thanks for the offer but I have been using the loo by myself since I was about four" and raised her eyebrows at him.
James pulled his tongue out at her making her laugh more, spluttering "Very mature Potter".
Rolling his eyes at her he said, "You know what I mean"
Touching his face she said, "Thanks for the offer but I think I'll be ok" and she left the compartment.
They waited until they were sure she was out of ear shot before the started to discuss the Malfoy incident. Unknown to them Lily was in the corridor leaning against the wall. She stood there and listened to the angry voices of her friends. A short while later hearing footsteps coming down the corridor Lily decided she had better go back into the compartment. As she opened the door the noisy discussion came to an abrupt end and they all smiled at her.
Sitting back down next to James Lily waited for some one to speak but no one did they just looked at her. Taking in the worried looks on her friend's faces Lily said, "Listen guys…I heard you taking" pausing to let this sink in she said, "I don't want any of you doing anything stupid"
Sirius opened his mouth but Lily held her hand up "No Sirius…I mean it…I don't want any of you getting into trouble" emotion rising in her voice "Please…Let it go…He is not worth getting thrown out of school for…Please". The begging tone in her voice and the tear that slipped down her face sealed the deal and they all promised not to retaliate.
After a moment Sirius broke the silence "Well are we going to be a bunch of miserable git's or are we going to enjoy ourselves?" And he grinned at them. As always Sirius made the others smile and some sort of normality returned to the compartment.
Lily got the feeling of being watched and looking out into the corridor she saw the worried face of Tara. Smiling Lily waved for her to come in, as Tara entered the compartment Lily held her hand out to the child and pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you for being brave…I hope you weren't frightened to much" Lily said to their little friend.
Pulling away slightly Tara asked "Are you ok?"
Smiling at her "Yes I'm ok" seeing the relief on her face Lily said, "I've got an idea…How about you go and get your friends and come and join us for a game of exploding snap".
Tara looked at the others and asked "Are you sure that's ok?" Watching them all nod "Cool…I'll not be a minute" and she dashed from the compartment.
For the rest of the journey shrieks of laughter and squeals of delight could be heard coming from the last compartment as the Marauders tormented the female occupants.
With about an hour to go before reaching London Annie returned to the compartment bringing Danny with her. Watching the scene from the corridor Annie couldn't help but laugh and Danny said "Is it always like this?"
All Annie could manage was a nod and she opened the door and said, "Got room for two more".
Taking his eyes off his cards for a second caused Sirius to groan as the exploded in his hand laughing he said, "We can always make room for you Annie…But not sure about the ugly git behind you though".
Closing the door behind him Danny grinned and shoved Sirius "Watch it Black" glancing at Annie he said "Or I'll set the girlfriend on you". Danny's chaser skills came in handy, as he quickly had to dodge the swinging arm of Annie Ryan. Amidst the laughter Danny grabbed hold of Annie and kissed her saying "Sorry".
Punching him on the arm she said, "You're the Ravenclaw version of him" and pointed at Sirius.
Both boys looked at each other high fived and said "Thanks". Causing Annie to roll her eyes and mutter "Bloody men".
Time passed quickly in the now very full compartment and it was soon time for the extras to go back to their own carriages and compartments. Annie walked Danny to the end of the Gryffindor carriages and they kissed goodbye knowing they would probably miss each other in the chaos on the platform. Tara left the sixth years smiling and waving to them shouting "Bye…see you after summer".
Frenzied activity continued for the sixth year Gryffindor's as the friends tried to sort out and collect all their belongings together. Lily chuckled as she watched Sirius grinning and glancing at Aggy who was rummaging in her rucksack.
Looking up Aggy caught the look on Sirius's face and said "Oh for Gods sake" moving towards him "Hand the bag over Black". But Sirius clutched it to him and shook his head earning him a "NOW" from Aggy but still he refused a smile tugging at his lips. Rolling her eyes and before any of the realised what she was doing Aggy had her wand out and placed a full body bind on him. Reaching down she snatch the bag out of his hands and search it retrieving her cards, Remus's chess set and Lily's eagle feather quill.
Releasing him he said "What?" and laughing shrugged. Earning him a slap around the head from Aggy. The Hogwarts express came to a stop, as the friends were finally organised and ready to depart the train. The girls went though their usual routine of saying goodbye on the train.
Stepping on to the platform it was decided by the girls that the boys could retrieve the luggage. Soon they were all assembled waiting to be collected and taken home. Annie and Peter were the first to find their parents and leave, waving goodbye to the rest. Sirius caught sight of his mum coming down the platform he kissed Marie and hugged her saying "Owl me…See you guys soon" and he too was gone. Not long after that Marie also departed for home.
Pulling Lily to him James said, "I'm going to miss you Lily flower".
At the sound of her old nick name Lily smiled at him "James I'll see you in a week" and she reached up and kissed him and then said "I'm going to miss you as well".
Stood just behind them were Remus and Aggy, playing out a similar scene. "Don't forget to owl me" Aggy said to him and kissed him knowing he would be to shy to kiss her first.
Coming through the barrier Mrs Potter tapped Suzie Lupin on the arm "Look over there…Don't they look cute" and smiled. Suzie's gaze followed in the direction Mrs Potter pointed and Mrs Lupin also smiled at the sight of her shy son kissing his girlfriend saying, "Come on lets go and get them"
The four friends were unaware of the watching eyes and it was not until they heard a cough that they realised. Turning around and leaning against James Lily said "Hello Mrs Potter…Its nice to see you again" and James said "Hi mum".
Mrs Potter smiled "Hello you two" and kissed both of them on the cheek. Looking at the other two teenagers Mrs Potter Laughed at the now blushing Remus Lupin "Hello Remus and you must be Miss Court"
Glancing at Remus Aggy thought Could be possibly get any redder looking at Mrs Potter "Hello Mrs Potter…Please call me Aggy and thank you for inviting me to stay with you".
"Your very welcome" Mrs Potter replied
Remus finally gained the courage to look at his mother and he gave her a shy smile that only made her laugh at him. Suzie Lupin moved closer to her son and putting her arms around him she said "Hello Remus" and she kissed him on the cheek. Holding her hand out to Aggy she said "Hello dear I'm Remus's mother"
Taking hold of the older women's hand Aggy said "Hello Mrs Lupin".
Now that all the pleasantries were over Mrs Potter said "Remus…Your mother and I were wondering if you would like to come over and stay with us at the same time as the girls", smiling to her self as she watched the four teenagers exchange glances at this information.
Mrs Lupin took over and said "And then James can come and stay when you girls come over to our place…What do you think?"
It was James who answered for all of them "That would be great…Thanks"
Noticing the two men advancing on their position Mrs Potter said "Well I think its time to get going" nodding in the direction of the approaching figures "It would seem that your escorts have arrived girls…Hope you have a good time at the Ministry"
The two men bowed their heads to Mrs Potter and Mrs Lupin said "Good afternoon Mrs Potter, Mrs Lupin". The taller of the two said, "We are here to collect Miss Evans and Miss Court" with out waiting for a reply he said "Is this your luggage?" and he pointed to a pair of trunks. The girls just nodded at him.
Turning back to James for a second Lily pulled a face at him and whispered "Friendly sorts aren't they"
At this James pulled her into another hug and kissed her on the cheek whispering "See you in a week…be good".
Laughing Lily kissed him back "I am always good Potter…Bye"
Aggy moved closer to Remus and took hold of his hand "Bye Remus…see you next week" a wicked grin on her face she kissed him and then laughed as he blushed again.
Glancing at the smiling face of his mother for a second Remus thought Oh stuff this and pulled Aggy towards him putting his arms around her he said "Bye…Please be careful at the Ministry and play nicely!!"
At this Aggy stuck her tongue out at him and said "I'm always nice!!" and this caused the others to laugh as well.
Watching the girls disappear through the barrier James laughed and said "God help the ministry…They have no idea what they have just let them selves in for!"
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Lily and Aggy followed the men in silence to an awaiting car, were the door was opened for them and their luggage stored safely in the boot. Standing next to the open car door Aggy thought I can't cope with this turning to face one of the men she said "Hello I'm Aggy and this is Lily".
Looking at her he thought I suppose its not their fault we got stuck with this baby sitting job on Saturday afternoon and he smiled "Hello I'm Jack Ackerley and this (pointing to the other) is Ted Quirke"
Ted closed the boot and said, "Right lets go".
It wasn't long before they were zipping through the London traffic and heading for the Leaky Cauldron. They arrived in no time at all getting out Lily said, "How did we get here so fast?"
This made Jack laugh raising an eyebrow at her he said "Magic" at which Lily rolled her eyes, causing Jack and Ted to laugh harder. Retrieving their luggage it was hauled into the Leaky Cauldron and then Ted placed a levitation charm on it and it floated along behind them. The girls were ushered through the pub, with a quick tap of the wall they entered Diagon Alley.
Lily and Aggy were guided towards a tall white building at the other end of Diagon Alley. Once inside Ted lead them over to the fireplace throwing some floo powder in he said, "You need to shout 'Wizard Services'…ok"
The girls nodded to him, Lily went first and was soon joined by Aggy in a small dusty office. Ted made a quick appearance in the office "Ok girls…This is Lizzy Ward…she will sort you out from here…Don't worry about your luggage it has been sorted" smiling at them he said "See you around". Watching him step into the fireplace they both said "Bye and thanks" earning them a wave as he spun away.
The girls turned back to be faced by the old stern looking witch. Lizzy eyed them suspiciously and motioned for them to sit down in the chairs opposite her. For the next thirty minutes she went over the girl's schedule for the summer and explained the rules and regulations.
Lizzy spoke slowly and clearly to them "While you are at the ministry who will spend each morning working on your summer homework in the library on the third floor…After lunch you will spend the afternoon work shadowing in a ministry department…Is that understood." Waiting for them to nod and then she continued "You are to stay in quarters on the sixth floor which are connected to this office and this office only by the floo network"
Watching the two girls carefully she said "Here is a schedule for your stay at the ministry…Each morning you are to report into this office before going to the library." She handed them each a copy of the schedule and then read it to them.
"Monday – Misuse of Muggle artefacts…Tuesday – Control and care of magical creatures…Wednesday – Magical games and sports…Thursday – Experimental charms…Friday – Magical law enforcement" Lizzy said and then looked up at the two girls "Do you understand?"
Lily thought What does she think we are idiots? But smiling said, "Yes thank you…Miss Ward what are we to do for the rest of the weekend as this schedule only starts on Monday?"
Lizzy Ward opened her mouth to continue but was cut short as a figure emerged from the fireplace. Lily and Aggy turned to see who had come into the office and Lily smiled at the sight of James's dad.
Mr Potter smiled at the girls and said, "Good evening Miss Ward" and received a "Good evening Minister" from the old witch.
"Good evening Lily…It is very nice to see you again" he said with a smile and kissed her on the cheek.
Glancing at the old witch Lily chuckled at the look of horror on her face and said "Hello Mr Potter…I wasn't expecting to see you till next week"
Winking at her he said, "I heard that two beautiful young witches had been brought in by the Auror's and thought I'd better investigate" smiling he continued "I must say I didn't expect it to be my sons girlfriend". The impact of this last statement on Lizzy Ward had lily and Aggy chuckling, the old witch looked positively horrified. But Mr Potter ignored this "So Lily are you going to introduce me to your friend"
Turning back to Mr Potter she said "Yes sir…This is Aggy Court"
Aggy said "Hello Mr Potter" and held her hand out. Shaking hands with her and he said "Hello Aggy".
Glancing quickly at Lizzy he said "I'd better get going and I'll leave you in the hands of Miss Ward…Hope you enjoy your stay" and with that he stepped back into the fireplace and was gone.
Lily and Aggy turned back to face a now stunned looking Lizzy Ward and smiled at her.
Composing herself Lizzy answered Lily's earlier question "You will be served dinner in your room this evening and then tomorrow you will be given a tour of the relevant areas of this building and then you are being allowed to spend the afternoon in Diagon Alley"
Under the watchful gaze of the old witch the two girls smiled at one another.
"If you will follow me I will take you to your quarters" and with that Lizzy rose from her chair and walked over to the fireplace. Waiting for the girls to follow her she said, "Your quarters are know as 'Red quarters' is that understood" Lily and Aggy nodded at her.
Throwing floo powder into the fire Lizzy motioned for Lily to go first as the she spun away Aggy stepped up and was soon following her. At the other end of their short journey the girls found themselves in a room that reminded them of the dormitories at Hogwarts. As Lizzy entered the room they both turned to face her and smiled.
Lizzy said "Your dinner will arrive at six thirty…Tomorrow you are to report to my office at eight O'clock were you will receive further instructions…Is that clear." Watching them nod she said "You just need to step in and say 'wizard services'" and with that she was gone.
*****************************************************
Lily and Aggy reported as ordered to the Wizard services office at 8 o'clock but were surprised not to be face with Lizzy Ward but another witch.
The smiling face said "Hello I'm Betty Madley…You must be Lily and Aggy"
Smiling both girls said "Hello" and sat down opposite her.
Betty glanced down at the notes on the desk and then looking up said "It seems that you are to have a tour this morning and then spend the rest of the day in Diagon Alley."
As her stomach rumbled Aggy said, "Will breakfast be on the tour?"
At this Betty smiled "Yes" but she stopped there as a familiar figure stepped out of the fireplace.
Ted Quirke smiled "Hello girls…Nice to see you again…It seems I am to be your tour guide today." This earned him smiles from both girls and raised eyebrows from Betty. Ted waved for them to come over to him and said "I'll return them after lunch…Bye Betty"
Following his lead Aggy and Lily said bye to Betty and turned to face him. Looking at them he said "Where to first?"
But before he could reply Aggy said, "Breakfast please"
Ted took the girls to the Ministry refectory for breakfast and explained to them that this is where they would get all their meals while at the Ministry. Following breakfast the rest of the morning was spent touring the various sections of the building that the girls would need, while staying at the Ministry. Ted explained that due to their restricted access that they would only be able to get to each location from the wizard services fireplace.
By the time lunchtime arrived Lily and Aggy had met lots of ministry employees and were feeling less anxious about spending time at the ministry. Ted took them back to the refectory for lunch, sitting at a table with him they were soon joined by some of the people they had met that morning. As lunch was coming to an end Ted Looked at the girls and said "Well time to check in with Wizard services…hope you have a good week girls…Might see you on Friday." Ted escorted them back to the refectory fireplace and they said goodbye to each other.
Checking back in with wizard services Aggy and Lily spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Diagon Alley window shopping and eating ice cream. The girls had to go to the refectory for dinner that evening and then retired to their quarters.
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A/N: Thanks for reading – Don't forget to click the button and let me know what you think
Chapter 23 almost finished – should be up within 3-4 days at most.
Madame Padfoot
A/N: Thank you for the reviews – You guys are great. Thought I would clear up a few quires:
Goddessnmb1 – Mare knows Sirius too well, plus I can't see him as a cradle snatcher - can you? – Fire in the common room during summer – summer in Britain very rarely involves a huge amount of sunshine, also having spent a few summers up in Scotland I can vouch for the need for a fire in the evening. – The girls staying with the boys, I noted that Mr Lupin is an Auror and the Potters know that James is friends with Sirius and Remus so I figure that the Potters got the others involved & who can refuse the Minister of Magic.
Kate – Sorry about the poor grammar – only defence a) some of it is just typing error b) because I rush to finish chapters (have very busy life – mother, wife, full time college lecturer, examiner, post graduate student – some times I am amazed I manage to write at all).
Lori – Sirius bought the Honeydukes candies for Tara on his last visit to Hogsmeades before he got banned.
1.1.1 FRIENDS
As the Hogwarts Express steamed through the country side silence descended over the last compartment. Lily had not moved from James's embrace, Aggy was leaning against Remus who had his arms wrapped tight around her and his head resting on her hair. Peter had propped himself against the window and was staring aimlessly at the moving scenery and Marie was sat on Sirius's lap dozing.
Unable to take the tension any more Annie said "I'm just going to look for Danny…See you guys later".
Watching her go Lily thought I also need a break Straightening up she said, "I'm just going to the bathroom".
As she got up James looked at her "Shall I come with you" he muttered but realised what he had said when he saw the looks on the others face's.
Chuckling for the first time since they had got out of the carriages Lily said "Thanks for the offer but I have been using the loo by myself since I was about four" and raised her eyebrows at him.
James pulled his tongue out at her making her laugh more, spluttering "Very mature Potter".
Rolling his eyes at her he said, "You know what I mean"
Touching his face she said, "Thanks for the offer but I think I'll be ok" and she left the compartment.
They waited until they were sure she was out of ear shot before the started to discuss the Malfoy incident. Unknown to them Lily was in the corridor leaning against the wall. She stood there and listened to the angry voices of her friends. A short while later hearing footsteps coming down the corridor Lily decided she had better go back into the compartment. As she opened the door the noisy discussion came to an abrupt end and they all smiled at her.
Sitting back down next to James Lily waited for some one to speak but no one did they just looked at her. Taking in the worried looks on her friend's faces Lily said, "Listen guys…I heard you taking" pausing to let this sink in she said, "I don't want any of you doing anything stupid"
Sirius opened his mouth but Lily held her hand up "No Sirius…I mean it…I don't want any of you getting into trouble" emotion rising in her voice "Please…Let it go…He is not worth getting thrown out of school for…Please". The begging tone in her voice and the tear that slipped down her face sealed the deal and they all promised not to retaliate.
After a moment Sirius broke the silence "Well are we going to be a bunch of miserable git's or are we going to enjoy ourselves?" And he grinned at them. As always Sirius made the others smile and some sort of normality returned to the compartment.
Lily got the feeling of being watched and looking out into the corridor she saw the worried face of Tara. Smiling Lily waved for her to come in, as Tara entered the compartment Lily held her hand out to the child and pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you for being brave…I hope you weren't frightened to much" Lily said to their little friend.
Pulling away slightly Tara asked "Are you ok?"
Smiling at her "Yes I'm ok" seeing the relief on her face Lily said, "I've got an idea…How about you go and get your friends and come and join us for a game of exploding snap".
Tara looked at the others and asked "Are you sure that's ok?" Watching them all nod "Cool…I'll not be a minute" and she dashed from the compartment.
For the rest of the journey shrieks of laughter and squeals of delight could be heard coming from the last compartment as the Marauders tormented the female occupants.
With about an hour to go before reaching London Annie returned to the compartment bringing Danny with her. Watching the scene from the corridor Annie couldn't help but laugh and Danny said "Is it always like this?"
All Annie could manage was a nod and she opened the door and said, "Got room for two more".
Taking his eyes off his cards for a second caused Sirius to groan as the exploded in his hand laughing he said, "We can always make room for you Annie…But not sure about the ugly git behind you though".
Closing the door behind him Danny grinned and shoved Sirius "Watch it Black" glancing at Annie he said "Or I'll set the girlfriend on you". Danny's chaser skills came in handy, as he quickly had to dodge the swinging arm of Annie Ryan. Amidst the laughter Danny grabbed hold of Annie and kissed her saying "Sorry".
Punching him on the arm she said, "You're the Ravenclaw version of him" and pointed at Sirius.
Both boys looked at each other high fived and said "Thanks". Causing Annie to roll her eyes and mutter "Bloody men".
Time passed quickly in the now very full compartment and it was soon time for the extras to go back to their own carriages and compartments. Annie walked Danny to the end of the Gryffindor carriages and they kissed goodbye knowing they would probably miss each other in the chaos on the platform. Tara left the sixth years smiling and waving to them shouting "Bye…see you after summer".
Frenzied activity continued for the sixth year Gryffindor's as the friends tried to sort out and collect all their belongings together. Lily chuckled as she watched Sirius grinning and glancing at Aggy who was rummaging in her rucksack.
Looking up Aggy caught the look on Sirius's face and said "Oh for Gods sake" moving towards him "Hand the bag over Black". But Sirius clutched it to him and shook his head earning him a "NOW" from Aggy but still he refused a smile tugging at his lips. Rolling her eyes and before any of the realised what she was doing Aggy had her wand out and placed a full body bind on him. Reaching down she snatch the bag out of his hands and search it retrieving her cards, Remus's chess set and Lily's eagle feather quill.
Releasing him he said "What?" and laughing shrugged. Earning him a slap around the head from Aggy. The Hogwarts express came to a stop, as the friends were finally organised and ready to depart the train. The girls went though their usual routine of saying goodbye on the train.
Stepping on to the platform it was decided by the girls that the boys could retrieve the luggage. Soon they were all assembled waiting to be collected and taken home. Annie and Peter were the first to find their parents and leave, waving goodbye to the rest. Sirius caught sight of his mum coming down the platform he kissed Marie and hugged her saying "Owl me…See you guys soon" and he too was gone. Not long after that Marie also departed for home.
Pulling Lily to him James said, "I'm going to miss you Lily flower".
At the sound of her old nick name Lily smiled at him "James I'll see you in a week" and she reached up and kissed him and then said "I'm going to miss you as well".
Stood just behind them were Remus and Aggy, playing out a similar scene. "Don't forget to owl me" Aggy said to him and kissed him knowing he would be to shy to kiss her first.
Coming through the barrier Mrs Potter tapped Suzie Lupin on the arm "Look over there…Don't they look cute" and smiled. Suzie's gaze followed in the direction Mrs Potter pointed and Mrs Lupin also smiled at the sight of her shy son kissing his girlfriend saying, "Come on lets go and get them"
The four friends were unaware of the watching eyes and it was not until they heard a cough that they realised. Turning around and leaning against James Lily said "Hello Mrs Potter…Its nice to see you again" and James said "Hi mum".
Mrs Potter smiled "Hello you two" and kissed both of them on the cheek. Looking at the other two teenagers Mrs Potter Laughed at the now blushing Remus Lupin "Hello Remus and you must be Miss Court"
Glancing at Remus Aggy thought Could be possibly get any redder looking at Mrs Potter "Hello Mrs Potter…Please call me Aggy and thank you for inviting me to stay with you".
"Your very welcome" Mrs Potter replied
Remus finally gained the courage to look at his mother and he gave her a shy smile that only made her laugh at him. Suzie Lupin moved closer to her son and putting her arms around him she said "Hello Remus" and she kissed him on the cheek. Holding her hand out to Aggy she said "Hello dear I'm Remus's mother"
Taking hold of the older women's hand Aggy said "Hello Mrs Lupin".
Now that all the pleasantries were over Mrs Potter said "Remus…Your mother and I were wondering if you would like to come over and stay with us at the same time as the girls", smiling to her self as she watched the four teenagers exchange glances at this information.
Mrs Lupin took over and said "And then James can come and stay when you girls come over to our place…What do you think?"
It was James who answered for all of them "That would be great…Thanks"
Noticing the two men advancing on their position Mrs Potter said "Well I think its time to get going" nodding in the direction of the approaching figures "It would seem that your escorts have arrived girls…Hope you have a good time at the Ministry"
The two men bowed their heads to Mrs Potter and Mrs Lupin said "Good afternoon Mrs Potter, Mrs Lupin". The taller of the two said, "We are here to collect Miss Evans and Miss Court" with out waiting for a reply he said "Is this your luggage?" and he pointed to a pair of trunks. The girls just nodded at him.
Turning back to James for a second Lily pulled a face at him and whispered "Friendly sorts aren't they"
At this James pulled her into another hug and kissed her on the cheek whispering "See you in a week…be good".
Laughing Lily kissed him back "I am always good Potter…Bye"
Aggy moved closer to Remus and took hold of his hand "Bye Remus…see you next week" a wicked grin on her face she kissed him and then laughed as he blushed again.
Glancing at the smiling face of his mother for a second Remus thought Oh stuff this and pulled Aggy towards him putting his arms around her he said "Bye…Please be careful at the Ministry and play nicely!!"
At this Aggy stuck her tongue out at him and said "I'm always nice!!" and this caused the others to laugh as well.
Watching the girls disappear through the barrier James laughed and said "God help the ministry…They have no idea what they have just let them selves in for!"
*******************************************************
Lily and Aggy followed the men in silence to an awaiting car, were the door was opened for them and their luggage stored safely in the boot. Standing next to the open car door Aggy thought I can't cope with this turning to face one of the men she said "Hello I'm Aggy and this is Lily".
Looking at her he thought I suppose its not their fault we got stuck with this baby sitting job on Saturday afternoon and he smiled "Hello I'm Jack Ackerley and this (pointing to the other) is Ted Quirke"
Ted closed the boot and said, "Right lets go".
It wasn't long before they were zipping through the London traffic and heading for the Leaky Cauldron. They arrived in no time at all getting out Lily said, "How did we get here so fast?"
This made Jack laugh raising an eyebrow at her he said "Magic" at which Lily rolled her eyes, causing Jack and Ted to laugh harder. Retrieving their luggage it was hauled into the Leaky Cauldron and then Ted placed a levitation charm on it and it floated along behind them. The girls were ushered through the pub, with a quick tap of the wall they entered Diagon Alley.
Lily and Aggy were guided towards a tall white building at the other end of Diagon Alley. Once inside Ted lead them over to the fireplace throwing some floo powder in he said, "You need to shout 'Wizard Services'…ok"
The girls nodded to him, Lily went first and was soon joined by Aggy in a small dusty office. Ted made a quick appearance in the office "Ok girls…This is Lizzy Ward…she will sort you out from here…Don't worry about your luggage it has been sorted" smiling at them he said "See you around". Watching him step into the fireplace they both said "Bye and thanks" earning them a wave as he spun away.
The girls turned back to be faced by the old stern looking witch. Lizzy eyed them suspiciously and motioned for them to sit down in the chairs opposite her. For the next thirty minutes she went over the girl's schedule for the summer and explained the rules and regulations.
Lizzy spoke slowly and clearly to them "While you are at the ministry who will spend each morning working on your summer homework in the library on the third floor…After lunch you will spend the afternoon work shadowing in a ministry department…Is that understood." Waiting for them to nod and then she continued "You are to stay in quarters on the sixth floor which are connected to this office and this office only by the floo network"
Watching the two girls carefully she said "Here is a schedule for your stay at the ministry…Each morning you are to report into this office before going to the library." She handed them each a copy of the schedule and then read it to them.
"Monday – Misuse of Muggle artefacts…Tuesday – Control and care of magical creatures…Wednesday – Magical games and sports…Thursday – Experimental charms…Friday – Magical law enforcement" Lizzy said and then looked up at the two girls "Do you understand?"
Lily thought What does she think we are idiots? But smiling said, "Yes thank you…Miss Ward what are we to do for the rest of the weekend as this schedule only starts on Monday?"
Lizzy Ward opened her mouth to continue but was cut short as a figure emerged from the fireplace. Lily and Aggy turned to see who had come into the office and Lily smiled at the sight of James's dad.
Mr Potter smiled at the girls and said, "Good evening Miss Ward" and received a "Good evening Minister" from the old witch.
"Good evening Lily…It is very nice to see you again" he said with a smile and kissed her on the cheek.
Glancing at the old witch Lily chuckled at the look of horror on her face and said "Hello Mr Potter…I wasn't expecting to see you till next week"
Winking at her he said, "I heard that two beautiful young witches had been brought in by the Auror's and thought I'd better investigate" smiling he continued "I must say I didn't expect it to be my sons girlfriend". The impact of this last statement on Lizzy Ward had lily and Aggy chuckling, the old witch looked positively horrified. But Mr Potter ignored this "So Lily are you going to introduce me to your friend"
Turning back to Mr Potter she said "Yes sir…This is Aggy Court"
Aggy said "Hello Mr Potter" and held her hand out. Shaking hands with her and he said "Hello Aggy".
Glancing quickly at Lizzy he said "I'd better get going and I'll leave you in the hands of Miss Ward…Hope you enjoy your stay" and with that he stepped back into the fireplace and was gone.
Lily and Aggy turned back to face a now stunned looking Lizzy Ward and smiled at her.
Composing herself Lizzy answered Lily's earlier question "You will be served dinner in your room this evening and then tomorrow you will be given a tour of the relevant areas of this building and then you are being allowed to spend the afternoon in Diagon Alley"
Under the watchful gaze of the old witch the two girls smiled at one another.
"If you will follow me I will take you to your quarters" and with that Lizzy rose from her chair and walked over to the fireplace. Waiting for the girls to follow her she said, "Your quarters are know as 'Red quarters' is that understood" Lily and Aggy nodded at her.
Throwing floo powder into the fire Lizzy motioned for Lily to go first as the she spun away Aggy stepped up and was soon following her. At the other end of their short journey the girls found themselves in a room that reminded them of the dormitories at Hogwarts. As Lizzy entered the room they both turned to face her and smiled.
Lizzy said "Your dinner will arrive at six thirty…Tomorrow you are to report to my office at eight O'clock were you will receive further instructions…Is that clear." Watching them nod she said "You just need to step in and say 'wizard services'" and with that she was gone.
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Lily and Aggy reported as ordered to the Wizard services office at 8 o'clock but were surprised not to be face with Lizzy Ward but another witch.
The smiling face said "Hello I'm Betty Madley…You must be Lily and Aggy"
Smiling both girls said "Hello" and sat down opposite her.
Betty glanced down at the notes on the desk and then looking up said "It seems that you are to have a tour this morning and then spend the rest of the day in Diagon Alley."
As her stomach rumbled Aggy said, "Will breakfast be on the tour?"
At this Betty smiled "Yes" but she stopped there as a familiar figure stepped out of the fireplace.
Ted Quirke smiled "Hello girls…Nice to see you again…It seems I am to be your tour guide today." This earned him smiles from both girls and raised eyebrows from Betty. Ted waved for them to come over to him and said "I'll return them after lunch…Bye Betty"
Following his lead Aggy and Lily said bye to Betty and turned to face him. Looking at them he said "Where to first?"
But before he could reply Aggy said, "Breakfast please"
Ted took the girls to the Ministry refectory for breakfast and explained to them that this is where they would get all their meals while at the Ministry. Following breakfast the rest of the morning was spent touring the various sections of the building that the girls would need, while staying at the Ministry. Ted explained that due to their restricted access that they would only be able to get to each location from the wizard services fireplace.
By the time lunchtime arrived Lily and Aggy had met lots of ministry employees and were feeling less anxious about spending time at the ministry. Ted took them back to the refectory for lunch, sitting at a table with him they were soon joined by some of the people they had met that morning. As lunch was coming to an end Ted Looked at the girls and said "Well time to check in with Wizard services…hope you have a good week girls…Might see you on Friday." Ted escorted them back to the refectory fireplace and they said goodbye to each other.
Checking back in with wizard services Aggy and Lily spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Diagon Alley window shopping and eating ice cream. The girls had to go to the refectory for dinner that evening and then retired to their quarters.
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A/N: Thanks for reading – Don't forget to click the button and let me know what you think
Chapter 23 almost finished – should be up within 3-4 days at most.
Madame Padfoot