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.
1.1.1 MINISTRY OF MAGIC
Passing through wizard services on Monday morning on their way to the library the girls smiled and said "Hello" to Betty. Up in the library they decided to do potions home work first, Professor Greenhaulgh always gave them more work that everyone else. By the time lunchtime came around the girls had done three quarters of the two-foot essay.
After lunch the girls waited in Wizard services to be collected to go the department of misuse of Muggle artefacts. Lily smiled as she saw the tall red hared man step out of the fireplace.
"Hello Mr Weasley" she said
"Hello dear…Nice to see you again" he replied "If you will follow me please"
They soon found themselves in a lab with all sorts of Muggle items spread over the workbenches. Arthur Weasley explained that they were to help him to catalogue the latest Muggle artefacts that had come into the office. He gave the girls parchment, quills and ink and assigned each of them a space at a workbench. Explaining the task to them he left them to get on with their work.
Checking how they were getting on Lily asked "How are the boys doing Mr Weasley?"
Smiling at her he said, "They are very well thank you. Baby Percy is growing fast."
Looking up at him she asked "I'd love to come over for a visit…We're staying at the Potter's next week…If I check with Mrs Potter first would it be ok"
Mr Weasley chuckled "I think Molly would be delighted to have some help with the boys"
"Great…I'll owl James and ask him to ask his mum" with this she got back to the task of cataloguing the items on her bench. After a moment she looked over at Mr Weasley who seemed to be struggling with one of the Muggle devices. Lily stood up and wandered over to him.
"Mr Weasley can I help you" she enquired
With a confused look on his face he said, "I'm not sure what this is or what it does?"
Lily smiled "It's a record player…Muggle's use it to listen to music…they put plastic discs on it." Raising the metal arm she pointed to a small needle and said "This reads the grooves on the plastic discs and music comes out of these" and she pointed to two rectangular boxes. "It works with electricity" and she held up the plug.
An expression of excitement spread over Mr Weasley's face and Lily explained, "I'm Muggle born"
At this Mr Weasley seemed to get even more excited and the rest of the afternoon had Lily explaining how a range of different things worked. She explained about plugs and electricity but wasn't sure if Mr Weasley truly understood especially when she went on to explain how some things could work with batteries as well.
Glancing at the time Mr Weasley disappointedly said "Oh dear it's time for you to report back in with wizard services…Hope you have enjoyed your day?"
Both girls got up and Aggy said "Yes thanks Mr Weasley" going over to the fireplace they both said "Goodbye" and Mr Weasley said "Bye girls…Hope you can visit next week".
The girls found themselves back in wizard services facing Betty who asked, "Hello…Have you had a good day?"
They both said "Hello" and Aggy said, "Yes thanks"
Betty smiled "Well time for dinner and then back to your quarters"
"Ok thanks Betty…see you later," Lily said as Aggy made to throw floo powder into the fire.
Up in the refectory the two girls were now becoming familiar figures and people came over to sit with them and ask questions about school and often reminiscing about their own school days.
This set the pattern for meal times for the rest of the week Aggy and Lily never ate alone there was always some one to talk too.
*******************************************************
Tuesday found Lizzy Ward back behind the desk of wizard services but her frost attitude towards the girls seemed to have melted slightly. She wished them a good day as they passed through on the way to breakfast and then when they dropped back in on their way to the library.
Back in wizard services after lunch they waited to be escorted to the department of Care and control of magical creatures. A kindly looking old wizard appeared and said "Hello I'm Ethan Handy…If you will come with me please"
As they entered the wizard's office he pointed for the girls to sit at the table in the middle of the room. Standing in front of them he looked at Lily and said, "You wouldn't be related to Rowan Evans would you?"
At this Lily nodded and said, "Yes he is my brother"
Smiling he said, "The resemblance is remarkable" and picking some parchments up off his desk he said "I thought we would look at the control mechanisms the ministry uses ok" and the girls nodded.
They were soon engrossed as a he explained about the concealment charms being used to hide magical creatures from the eyes of Muggle's. Pulling out a set of charts he went on to explain how they record and keep a check of dragon movements and he said that this would be one of the things he would like them to help with today.
Spreading the maps out he said "I will give you the latest data we have received and would like you to adjust the charts accordingly"
Lily and Aggy crowded over the charts and meticulously corrected the information on them. Both girls were amazed at the number of dragons that were resident in Britain.
As it neared the time for the girls to go to dinner Mr Handy said, "I hope you have enjoyed your afternoon"
"Yes thank you" they said in unison and they got up to return to wizard services.
Lizzy actually smiled at them as they entered her office, which caused the girls to look at one another. But they were soon on their way to dinner.
*******************************************************
Wednesday found them in the department of Magical games and sports. Sitting down, they were handed the statistics from the last Quidditch league game. The girls started there session by updating the league tables and the player statistics, Lily smiled as she saw that Philip was the holder of the fastest snitch catch so far and that Bob was in the top ten scores in the whole league.
Aggy smiled at Lily and said "This time next year you will be on this list" but Lily gave her a yeah-right look.
Their next job was to help to organise the Portkey's for the league final that was about to take place. They sorted through the requests and listed the witches and wizards according to geographical area. Looking down the list of Portkey items Aggy called out which group got what and Lily recorded it against their area.
Getting up Lily took the list over to the wizard in charge and said "Mr Furglon is this ok" and handed him the list.
Taking the sheet of parchment he glanced over it "Yes this looks good" and he handed it back to her.
Standing there for a second Lily asked, "Mr Furglon are there any tickets left for this game"
Shaking his head he said, "No I'm sorry…It was sold out weeks ago"
Giving him a smile she returned to Aggy and they finished off the task. Being Muggle born Lily laughed at some of the items being used as Portkey's, they were all items that would be considered rubbish by Muggle's.
*********************************************************
Lily woke early on Thursday, excited at going to the department of Experimental charms. Rushing Aggy to hurry up and get ready so they could go to breakfast.
"Lily calm down…You're acting like an over excited first year," Aggy said exasperated at her friend's behaviour.
Sitting back down onto her bed Lily chuckled "Sorry…got a bit carried away." At this Aggy threw a pillow at her and Lily said, "Now who's being childish" and Lily pulled a McGonagall face at Aggy causing the other girl to scream with laughter.
A few more thrown pillows and they were finally ready to leave their quarters for breakfast. Passing through wizard services with quick shouts of "Good morning" the girls were soon sat down eating in the refectory.
As the arrived back at wizard services they noticed that a small dwarf waiting for them. Aggy whispered to Lily "Think they're related to Flitwick"
The small witch looked up at the two tall (to her anyway) teenagers and said "Good afternoon I'm Janice Flitwick" smiling at the looks on the girls faces she confirmed "Yes I'm Professor Flitwick's sister"
Aggy gave Lily a knowing smile and both girls nodded.
The experimental charms department was housed in one of the lower sections of the ministry building and was very different in appearance to the other departments they had visited so far. Stepping out of the fireplace they entered what seemed to be a communal office which had a number of desks arranged in small groupings and bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling along two walls. Also there were two corridors at opposite ends of the room.
Janice Flitwick explained that the main office was used to formulate and plan the new charms and then down each corridor was laboratories were the charms were tested.
Looking at the two girls she said, "I checked with Hogwarts the level of
your charm skills…I must say very impressive record you two have." Smiling at the excited look on Lily's face she continued "I have set up a laboratory and would like you to do some field tests of a charm we have been working on"
She escorted them down the east corridor and into a laboratory. Moving over to a workbench Miss Flitwick gave them a copy of the research on the charm and explained the procedure to follow for carrying out the tests.
"Ok girls…If you have any problems I will be in Lab 4 west…have fun and good luck" and with that she was gone.
Bending over the workbench the girls read the information that Miss Flitwick had given them and Lily's excitement soon spread to Aggy as they discovered that they were going to test an invisibility charm.
Looking around the lab they saw a number of items that had been left for them to work on. They worked on the annunciation for a while and them selected the first item. After a couple of hours they had got the charm to partially work but it didn't seem to have any staying power and the item would disappear from view for only a couple of minutes.
Going back to study the research behind the charm Lily noticed something, going back over to Aggy she said "Aggy what do you think…If we replaced this section of the enchantment with this (pointing to the parchment) it may alter the durability of the spell"
Aggy nodded her agreement and Lily noted the alteration down. Going back over to the last item they had been working on Lily tried the new incantation. They watched the object disappear and timed how long it was gone for. When after 15 minutes it had not re-appeared they high fived and Aggy said "Shall I go and get Miss Flitwick"
A very smug looking Lily said "Good idea" as her friend left the lab Lily grabbed a spare piece of parchment and noted down the incantation's thinking this may come in handy and she pocketed the note just as Aggy returned with Miss Flitwick.
The girls explained the problem they had encountered and the adjustment they had made. Miss Flitwick examined the incantation and said "Looks good…well done girls…I can see why my brother says you two are his best students." The girls beamed with pride at the little witch.
Looking back at the enchantment Miss Flitwick said "You may want to go back to the research room and work on a counter curse" smiling she continued "So that we can retrieve the item at a later date"
She moved over to the door and held it open for them. For the next couple of hours the girls worked in the research room, it was here that Miss Flitwick found them.
"How are you doing girls?" she asked
Looking up from her notes Lily said "I think we have something worth trying…Is it ok to go back to the lab and see if it works"
Checking the time Miss Flitwick said, "Well its time for you to go…but I suppose another half hour should be ok"
At this the girls dashed off to the lab they had been working in. Lily tried the counter curse while Aggy carried on with the academic research. After a few unsuccessful attempts Aggy gave Lily another piece of parchment with some amendments and Lily tried the new incantation. This was a little more successful the item reappeared but only for a few seconds, just as Miss Flitwick came through the door to tell them their time was up, Lily shouted "That's it."
Miss Flitwick examined the girls notes and smiled "This is excellent work" chuckling she said "If either of you want a job after graduation please come and see me…but I'm afraid you will have to go or wizard services will be on my back"
She escorted them back to the fireplace in the research room "Goodbye girls"
Lily smiled at her "Goodbye Miss Flitwick and thanks I've really enjoyed today" and Lily spun away.
Just as she stepped into the fire Aggy said "Bye…thanks" and she was gone
Entering wizard services Lizzy said "You two are late…better get to the refectory or you will be going without dinner"
Waving at her they turned back to the fire and shouted for the refectory.
*******************************************************
Friday morning found the tables turned it was Aggy trying to get Lily out of bed.
"Lily Evans get your back side out of that bed" an evil grin spreading over her face Aggy reached for her wand and whispering a spell a stream of ice cold water hit Lily in the face. This caused Lily to jump up spluttering a death threat at her friend.
Aggy slid to the floor laughing hard as she watch Lily get her foot caught in the bedding and fall off the end of her bed. Finally managing to disentangle her self she sat up and glared at Aggy "You will pay mark my words Agather Court" but Lily collapsed laughing at the look of horror on her best friend's face at the use of her full name.
Soon the girls were back in wizard services after having been the centre of attention in the refectory. Quickly waving to Lizzy the headed for their last morning in the library. So far they had managed to complete their potions homework and most of their transfiguration homework. Lunch was soon over and they were headed back to wizard services and their last placement of the week.
As they walk over to the desk Lizzy said, "Well girls last day…you are going to the home of the Minister of Magic tomorrow" looking up she said "I believe you have already met Mr Ackerley"
Turning the girls saw Jack step out of the fireplace "Hello girls…nice to see you again" looking at Lizzy he said "Hi Lizzy…I'll take them from here" and he motioned for the girls to come over to him.
Stepping out of the fireplace the girls found themselves in a small reception area facing a young witch sat behind a large desk. Standing near the fireplace the girls waited for jack to appear. As he stepped into the room he said "Come on girls this way…Hi Anna" and smiled at the receptionist.
"Hi Jack" looking at the girls she said "Didn't realise you baby-sat?" and laughed.
Rolling his eyes he opened a door and waved Lily and Aggy through saying "Ignore her"
After a short walk down a dimly lit corridor the girls emerged into a large open space, with pairs of desks dotted around it. Jack guided them over to another familiar face and the girls smiled as they saw Ted sat at one of the desks.
"Hello girls…we meet again" Ted said with a smile "Pull a chair up and we'll explain what is going to happen today." Ted pointed towards a desk near to his.
Once they were seated Jack began, waving his arm around he said "This is the Auror squad room…its were we complete all our paper work and were cases are assigned." Watching the girls look round he said "It usually gets busy around shift change and you may get to see the Chief"
Ted took over "Right well how about we start with an outline of what goes on around here?" as the girls nodded he continued "The main purpose of the department is to control the use of magic in the Muggle and wizard world. We tend to only get called out when a serious breach has been made and there is the possibility that Obliverators may be needed but at the moment most of our time is spent dealing with death eaters "
Both girls flinched slightly at the mention of death eaters and Aggy asked, "Why would Obliverators be called?"
Both men sat looking at each other for a moment and then Jack said "If Muggle's are involved…They may need a memory adjustment to avoid the detection of us (waving his arm) and this"
"So memory spells are only used on Muggle's?" she continued
Nodding his head Jack said "By the Ministry yes…but the dark side have no qualms about using them on witches & wizards"
Deciding to join the conversation Lily said, "Are all death eaters brought in alive and what happens to them?
Again both men looked at one another both wondering how to answer this question. Looking away from his partner Ted turned to face Lily and said "No not all death eaters make it…Some are killed in the battle…Those who are brought back here are usually questioned and then they end up in Azkaban"
Pondering what he had just said Lily asked, "So Auror's are aloud to use unforgivable curses?"
Ted thought God this girl is smart "Yes…we were given authorisation not long ago but they are only used as a last resort"
Nodding Lily asked, "Do all death eaters get a trail?"
Christ does she never give up Ted thought and shifted uncomfortably in his seat he felt he was being interrogated by the girl but he said "No not all death eaters get a trail…It depends on the evidence…some are placed directly into Azkaban"
Noticing the look on the two men's faces Aggy said "So how long have you been Auror's?" and she gave Lily a look that said enough.
Smiling Jack said "About 10 years now…we joined at the same time"
"Do you enjoy being Auror's?" she then asked
Both nodded at her and smiled but before they could say anything she asked, "What characteristics make a good Auror?"
Ted answered "You will find that most Auror's are either Gryffindor's or Ravenclaw's, usually partners are one of each" pausing for a second he said "Auror's need courage, nerve, bravery but they also need to be objective, knowledgeable and able to seek the truth"
This information made Aggy smile "So how many days do you work and is the pay good?"
Jack smiled as he caught on to Aggy's questioning "We work seven days on and three days off…Pay is not bad…Why you after a job?"
Raising her eyebrows Aggy said, "We graduate this year…just checking out what's on offer" and smiled
Ted laughed at her response and thought She would probably do all right and said "So do both of you want to be Auror's when you finish at Hogwarts?"
Before Lily could say anything Aggy answered "Yes I do but Lily already has a career set up" glancing at Lily who was rolling her eyes at her friend "She has already got a contract to play chaser for Puddlemere United"
This caused both men to stare at the beautiful red head that was rumoured to be the girlfriend of the Minister of Magic's son finally Jack said "Wow…well you are full of surprises"
Finding her voice before Aggy could Lily said "It's not that big a deal really…I was hoping to work for the Ministry as well but not as an Auror…I'm interested in more academic stuff like experimental charms"
Smirking at this Jack said, "You Ravenclaw's are always the 'know-it-all' of pair"
Returning the smirk Lily said, "For your information we are both 'know-it- all' Gryffindor's" she just manages to stop herself from pulling her tongue put at him.
Jack found himself laughing at the feisty young girl as she sat there and glared at him holding his hands up he said, "Sorry my mistake…didn't mean to offend a fellow Gryffindor"
A loud cough caught the attention of the three Gryffindor's turning in the direction of the noise they saw the indignant look on Ted's face. Who having their attention said "And prey tell what is wrong with Ravenclaw's?"
Smiling at him Lily said "Nothing…I'm sorry…One of our best friends goes out with a Ravenclaw." This caused both men to laugh and Aggy to roll her eyes at her friend.
Glancing at his watch Jack said "Shit…Oh sorry girls…but its shift change" nodding to Ted "I think it may be wise to escort you girls back to wizard services"
At this Aggy said, "No please let us stay…we'll be good and not get in the way…won't we Lily"
Lily had to smile it wasn't often that Aggy begged "I promise we won't get in the way"
Looking at each other for a moment Ted nodded and Jack said "Ok but sit at this desk and don't move." Both girls nodded at him. "We'll take you back after we've reported in and handed over to the next team"
It wasn't long before the quiet squad room was a hive of activity as Auror's reported in either signing off or just starting their shift. Soon most of the desks had witches and wizards sat at them scribbling away on parchment that appeared from now where.
One wizard in particular caught Lily's eye and she thought he looks really familiar tapping Ted she whispered "Who's that?" and she pointed at a tall wizard with sandy blonde hair.
Glancing in the direction she was pointing Ted leaned towards her and said "That's Simon Lupin…His son's at Hogwarts" the smile on Lily's face told him that she knew that.
Lily scooted closer to Aggy and whispered "Remus's dad is over there" and she pointed to him. Aggy smiled thinking Well it's obvious who Remus looks like.
At that moment Simon Lupin looked up and caught the stares of the two girls and smiled to himself thinking They must be the two coming to stay with us…I wonder which is Remus's girlfriend? Quickly finishing his paper work he decided to go over and find out thinking At least I can tell Remus I've seen her.
Aggy had not managed to take her eyes off Remus's dad, a panicky feeling coming over her as she watch him get up and start walking over towards them.
"Evening Ted, Jack" Simon Lupin looked down at the two girls "So I'm guessing that you two are Aggy Court and Lily Evans"
Aggy nodded and Lily said "Good evening Mr Lupin"
Smiling Simon asked "So which one of you beautiful young witches is my sons girlfriend?" at this Lily laughed and in answer to the question Aggy blushed causing then others to laugh.
Moving closer to her Simon Lupin smiled and felt a little guilty at embarrassing her "Sorry…Well I'd better get going Suzie will be mad if I'm late" a wicked grin coming over his face he said "I'll see you in two weeks I guess…Oh any messages for Remus?"
A very rare sight to be seen Aggy Court sat mouth open and stunned into silence caused Lily to laugh out loud. Trying to compose herself and taking her life into her own hands Lily said "It seems my friend has lost her powers of speech…So could you tell Remus that we miss him and look forward to seeing him at James's house in a couple of days."
Laughing he nodded and moving back to his own desk he waved at them and then he was gone.
Lily leaned close to Aggy and whispered "Told you I would get you back" and laughed at her friend who was still very red.
The noise in the squad room seemed to hush and the girls noticed a tall wizard with dark hair enter the room Aggy nudge Lily and said "That's Mr Crouch he's head of this department." Lily nodded and looked over at the wizard and thought he looks a bit scary.
As the activity started to calm down and the squad room began to empty Ted looked at them and said "Come on girl's it is definitely time for you to go back to wizards services" standing up he motioned for them to follow him. Getting to the fireplace he said "Hope you have had a good week?…Probably see again before you go back to Hogwarts"
Both girls smiled and said "Thanks" as each stepped into the green flames they said bye as the sped towards wizard services.
A/N: Well hope you liked this chapter – next couple of chapters will find the girls at the boy's houses – who knows what will happen???
Don't forget to click the button and let me know what you think – Just love those reviews
Thanks
Madame Padfoot
A/N: Thank you for the reviews – You guys are great.
1.1.1 MINISTRY OF MAGIC
Passing through wizard services on Monday morning on their way to the library the girls smiled and said "Hello" to Betty. Up in the library they decided to do potions home work first, Professor Greenhaulgh always gave them more work that everyone else. By the time lunchtime came around the girls had done three quarters of the two-foot essay.
After lunch the girls waited in Wizard services to be collected to go the department of misuse of Muggle artefacts. Lily smiled as she saw the tall red hared man step out of the fireplace.
"Hello Mr Weasley" she said
"Hello dear…Nice to see you again" he replied "If you will follow me please"
They soon found themselves in a lab with all sorts of Muggle items spread over the workbenches. Arthur Weasley explained that they were to help him to catalogue the latest Muggle artefacts that had come into the office. He gave the girls parchment, quills and ink and assigned each of them a space at a workbench. Explaining the task to them he left them to get on with their work.
Checking how they were getting on Lily asked "How are the boys doing Mr Weasley?"
Smiling at her he said, "They are very well thank you. Baby Percy is growing fast."
Looking up at him she asked "I'd love to come over for a visit…We're staying at the Potter's next week…If I check with Mrs Potter first would it be ok"
Mr Weasley chuckled "I think Molly would be delighted to have some help with the boys"
"Great…I'll owl James and ask him to ask his mum" with this she got back to the task of cataloguing the items on her bench. After a moment she looked over at Mr Weasley who seemed to be struggling with one of the Muggle devices. Lily stood up and wandered over to him.
"Mr Weasley can I help you" she enquired
With a confused look on his face he said, "I'm not sure what this is or what it does?"
Lily smiled "It's a record player…Muggle's use it to listen to music…they put plastic discs on it." Raising the metal arm she pointed to a small needle and said "This reads the grooves on the plastic discs and music comes out of these" and she pointed to two rectangular boxes. "It works with electricity" and she held up the plug.
An expression of excitement spread over Mr Weasley's face and Lily explained, "I'm Muggle born"
At this Mr Weasley seemed to get even more excited and the rest of the afternoon had Lily explaining how a range of different things worked. She explained about plugs and electricity but wasn't sure if Mr Weasley truly understood especially when she went on to explain how some things could work with batteries as well.
Glancing at the time Mr Weasley disappointedly said "Oh dear it's time for you to report back in with wizard services…Hope you have enjoyed your day?"
Both girls got up and Aggy said "Yes thanks Mr Weasley" going over to the fireplace they both said "Goodbye" and Mr Weasley said "Bye girls…Hope you can visit next week".
The girls found themselves back in wizard services facing Betty who asked, "Hello…Have you had a good day?"
They both said "Hello" and Aggy said, "Yes thanks"
Betty smiled "Well time for dinner and then back to your quarters"
"Ok thanks Betty…see you later," Lily said as Aggy made to throw floo powder into the fire.
Up in the refectory the two girls were now becoming familiar figures and people came over to sit with them and ask questions about school and often reminiscing about their own school days.
This set the pattern for meal times for the rest of the week Aggy and Lily never ate alone there was always some one to talk too.
*******************************************************
Tuesday found Lizzy Ward back behind the desk of wizard services but her frost attitude towards the girls seemed to have melted slightly. She wished them a good day as they passed through on the way to breakfast and then when they dropped back in on their way to the library.
Back in wizard services after lunch they waited to be escorted to the department of Care and control of magical creatures. A kindly looking old wizard appeared and said "Hello I'm Ethan Handy…If you will come with me please"
As they entered the wizard's office he pointed for the girls to sit at the table in the middle of the room. Standing in front of them he looked at Lily and said, "You wouldn't be related to Rowan Evans would you?"
At this Lily nodded and said, "Yes he is my brother"
Smiling he said, "The resemblance is remarkable" and picking some parchments up off his desk he said "I thought we would look at the control mechanisms the ministry uses ok" and the girls nodded.
They were soon engrossed as a he explained about the concealment charms being used to hide magical creatures from the eyes of Muggle's. Pulling out a set of charts he went on to explain how they record and keep a check of dragon movements and he said that this would be one of the things he would like them to help with today.
Spreading the maps out he said "I will give you the latest data we have received and would like you to adjust the charts accordingly"
Lily and Aggy crowded over the charts and meticulously corrected the information on them. Both girls were amazed at the number of dragons that were resident in Britain.
As it neared the time for the girls to go to dinner Mr Handy said, "I hope you have enjoyed your afternoon"
"Yes thank you" they said in unison and they got up to return to wizard services.
Lizzy actually smiled at them as they entered her office, which caused the girls to look at one another. But they were soon on their way to dinner.
*******************************************************
Wednesday found them in the department of Magical games and sports. Sitting down, they were handed the statistics from the last Quidditch league game. The girls started there session by updating the league tables and the player statistics, Lily smiled as she saw that Philip was the holder of the fastest snitch catch so far and that Bob was in the top ten scores in the whole league.
Aggy smiled at Lily and said "This time next year you will be on this list" but Lily gave her a yeah-right look.
Their next job was to help to organise the Portkey's for the league final that was about to take place. They sorted through the requests and listed the witches and wizards according to geographical area. Looking down the list of Portkey items Aggy called out which group got what and Lily recorded it against their area.
Getting up Lily took the list over to the wizard in charge and said "Mr Furglon is this ok" and handed him the list.
Taking the sheet of parchment he glanced over it "Yes this looks good" and he handed it back to her.
Standing there for a second Lily asked, "Mr Furglon are there any tickets left for this game"
Shaking his head he said, "No I'm sorry…It was sold out weeks ago"
Giving him a smile she returned to Aggy and they finished off the task. Being Muggle born Lily laughed at some of the items being used as Portkey's, they were all items that would be considered rubbish by Muggle's.
*********************************************************
Lily woke early on Thursday, excited at going to the department of Experimental charms. Rushing Aggy to hurry up and get ready so they could go to breakfast.
"Lily calm down…You're acting like an over excited first year," Aggy said exasperated at her friend's behaviour.
Sitting back down onto her bed Lily chuckled "Sorry…got a bit carried away." At this Aggy threw a pillow at her and Lily said, "Now who's being childish" and Lily pulled a McGonagall face at Aggy causing the other girl to scream with laughter.
A few more thrown pillows and they were finally ready to leave their quarters for breakfast. Passing through wizard services with quick shouts of "Good morning" the girls were soon sat down eating in the refectory.
As the arrived back at wizard services they noticed that a small dwarf waiting for them. Aggy whispered to Lily "Think they're related to Flitwick"
The small witch looked up at the two tall (to her anyway) teenagers and said "Good afternoon I'm Janice Flitwick" smiling at the looks on the girls faces she confirmed "Yes I'm Professor Flitwick's sister"
Aggy gave Lily a knowing smile and both girls nodded.
The experimental charms department was housed in one of the lower sections of the ministry building and was very different in appearance to the other departments they had visited so far. Stepping out of the fireplace they entered what seemed to be a communal office which had a number of desks arranged in small groupings and bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling along two walls. Also there were two corridors at opposite ends of the room.
Janice Flitwick explained that the main office was used to formulate and plan the new charms and then down each corridor was laboratories were the charms were tested.
Looking at the two girls she said, "I checked with Hogwarts the level of
your charm skills…I must say very impressive record you two have." Smiling at the excited look on Lily's face she continued "I have set up a laboratory and would like you to do some field tests of a charm we have been working on"
She escorted them down the east corridor and into a laboratory. Moving over to a workbench Miss Flitwick gave them a copy of the research on the charm and explained the procedure to follow for carrying out the tests.
"Ok girls…If you have any problems I will be in Lab 4 west…have fun and good luck" and with that she was gone.
Bending over the workbench the girls read the information that Miss Flitwick had given them and Lily's excitement soon spread to Aggy as they discovered that they were going to test an invisibility charm.
Looking around the lab they saw a number of items that had been left for them to work on. They worked on the annunciation for a while and them selected the first item. After a couple of hours they had got the charm to partially work but it didn't seem to have any staying power and the item would disappear from view for only a couple of minutes.
Going back to study the research behind the charm Lily noticed something, going back over to Aggy she said "Aggy what do you think…If we replaced this section of the enchantment with this (pointing to the parchment) it may alter the durability of the spell"
Aggy nodded her agreement and Lily noted the alteration down. Going back over to the last item they had been working on Lily tried the new incantation. They watched the object disappear and timed how long it was gone for. When after 15 minutes it had not re-appeared they high fived and Aggy said "Shall I go and get Miss Flitwick"
A very smug looking Lily said "Good idea" as her friend left the lab Lily grabbed a spare piece of parchment and noted down the incantation's thinking this may come in handy and she pocketed the note just as Aggy returned with Miss Flitwick.
The girls explained the problem they had encountered and the adjustment they had made. Miss Flitwick examined the incantation and said "Looks good…well done girls…I can see why my brother says you two are his best students." The girls beamed with pride at the little witch.
Looking back at the enchantment Miss Flitwick said "You may want to go back to the research room and work on a counter curse" smiling she continued "So that we can retrieve the item at a later date"
She moved over to the door and held it open for them. For the next couple of hours the girls worked in the research room, it was here that Miss Flitwick found them.
"How are you doing girls?" she asked
Looking up from her notes Lily said "I think we have something worth trying…Is it ok to go back to the lab and see if it works"
Checking the time Miss Flitwick said, "Well its time for you to go…but I suppose another half hour should be ok"
At this the girls dashed off to the lab they had been working in. Lily tried the counter curse while Aggy carried on with the academic research. After a few unsuccessful attempts Aggy gave Lily another piece of parchment with some amendments and Lily tried the new incantation. This was a little more successful the item reappeared but only for a few seconds, just as Miss Flitwick came through the door to tell them their time was up, Lily shouted "That's it."
Miss Flitwick examined the girls notes and smiled "This is excellent work" chuckling she said "If either of you want a job after graduation please come and see me…but I'm afraid you will have to go or wizard services will be on my back"
She escorted them back to the fireplace in the research room "Goodbye girls"
Lily smiled at her "Goodbye Miss Flitwick and thanks I've really enjoyed today" and Lily spun away.
Just as she stepped into the fire Aggy said "Bye…thanks" and she was gone
Entering wizard services Lizzy said "You two are late…better get to the refectory or you will be going without dinner"
Waving at her they turned back to the fire and shouted for the refectory.
*******************************************************
Friday morning found the tables turned it was Aggy trying to get Lily out of bed.
"Lily Evans get your back side out of that bed" an evil grin spreading over her face Aggy reached for her wand and whispering a spell a stream of ice cold water hit Lily in the face. This caused Lily to jump up spluttering a death threat at her friend.
Aggy slid to the floor laughing hard as she watch Lily get her foot caught in the bedding and fall off the end of her bed. Finally managing to disentangle her self she sat up and glared at Aggy "You will pay mark my words Agather Court" but Lily collapsed laughing at the look of horror on her best friend's face at the use of her full name.
Soon the girls were back in wizard services after having been the centre of attention in the refectory. Quickly waving to Lizzy the headed for their last morning in the library. So far they had managed to complete their potions homework and most of their transfiguration homework. Lunch was soon over and they were headed back to wizard services and their last placement of the week.
As they walk over to the desk Lizzy said, "Well girls last day…you are going to the home of the Minister of Magic tomorrow" looking up she said "I believe you have already met Mr Ackerley"
Turning the girls saw Jack step out of the fireplace "Hello girls…nice to see you again" looking at Lizzy he said "Hi Lizzy…I'll take them from here" and he motioned for the girls to come over to him.
Stepping out of the fireplace the girls found themselves in a small reception area facing a young witch sat behind a large desk. Standing near the fireplace the girls waited for jack to appear. As he stepped into the room he said "Come on girls this way…Hi Anna" and smiled at the receptionist.
"Hi Jack" looking at the girls she said "Didn't realise you baby-sat?" and laughed.
Rolling his eyes he opened a door and waved Lily and Aggy through saying "Ignore her"
After a short walk down a dimly lit corridor the girls emerged into a large open space, with pairs of desks dotted around it. Jack guided them over to another familiar face and the girls smiled as they saw Ted sat at one of the desks.
"Hello girls…we meet again" Ted said with a smile "Pull a chair up and we'll explain what is going to happen today." Ted pointed towards a desk near to his.
Once they were seated Jack began, waving his arm around he said "This is the Auror squad room…its were we complete all our paper work and were cases are assigned." Watching the girls look round he said "It usually gets busy around shift change and you may get to see the Chief"
Ted took over "Right well how about we start with an outline of what goes on around here?" as the girls nodded he continued "The main purpose of the department is to control the use of magic in the Muggle and wizard world. We tend to only get called out when a serious breach has been made and there is the possibility that Obliverators may be needed but at the moment most of our time is spent dealing with death eaters "
Both girls flinched slightly at the mention of death eaters and Aggy asked, "Why would Obliverators be called?"
Both men sat looking at each other for a moment and then Jack said "If Muggle's are involved…They may need a memory adjustment to avoid the detection of us (waving his arm) and this"
"So memory spells are only used on Muggle's?" she continued
Nodding his head Jack said "By the Ministry yes…but the dark side have no qualms about using them on witches & wizards"
Deciding to join the conversation Lily said, "Are all death eaters brought in alive and what happens to them?
Again both men looked at one another both wondering how to answer this question. Looking away from his partner Ted turned to face Lily and said "No not all death eaters make it…Some are killed in the battle…Those who are brought back here are usually questioned and then they end up in Azkaban"
Pondering what he had just said Lily asked, "So Auror's are aloud to use unforgivable curses?"
Ted thought God this girl is smart "Yes…we were given authorisation not long ago but they are only used as a last resort"
Nodding Lily asked, "Do all death eaters get a trail?"
Christ does she never give up Ted thought and shifted uncomfortably in his seat he felt he was being interrogated by the girl but he said "No not all death eaters get a trail…It depends on the evidence…some are placed directly into Azkaban"
Noticing the look on the two men's faces Aggy said "So how long have you been Auror's?" and she gave Lily a look that said enough.
Smiling Jack said "About 10 years now…we joined at the same time"
"Do you enjoy being Auror's?" she then asked
Both nodded at her and smiled but before they could say anything she asked, "What characteristics make a good Auror?"
Ted answered "You will find that most Auror's are either Gryffindor's or Ravenclaw's, usually partners are one of each" pausing for a second he said "Auror's need courage, nerve, bravery but they also need to be objective, knowledgeable and able to seek the truth"
This information made Aggy smile "So how many days do you work and is the pay good?"
Jack smiled as he caught on to Aggy's questioning "We work seven days on and three days off…Pay is not bad…Why you after a job?"
Raising her eyebrows Aggy said, "We graduate this year…just checking out what's on offer" and smiled
Ted laughed at her response and thought She would probably do all right and said "So do both of you want to be Auror's when you finish at Hogwarts?"
Before Lily could say anything Aggy answered "Yes I do but Lily already has a career set up" glancing at Lily who was rolling her eyes at her friend "She has already got a contract to play chaser for Puddlemere United"
This caused both men to stare at the beautiful red head that was rumoured to be the girlfriend of the Minister of Magic's son finally Jack said "Wow…well you are full of surprises"
Finding her voice before Aggy could Lily said "It's not that big a deal really…I was hoping to work for the Ministry as well but not as an Auror…I'm interested in more academic stuff like experimental charms"
Smirking at this Jack said, "You Ravenclaw's are always the 'know-it-all' of pair"
Returning the smirk Lily said, "For your information we are both 'know-it- all' Gryffindor's" she just manages to stop herself from pulling her tongue put at him.
Jack found himself laughing at the feisty young girl as she sat there and glared at him holding his hands up he said, "Sorry my mistake…didn't mean to offend a fellow Gryffindor"
A loud cough caught the attention of the three Gryffindor's turning in the direction of the noise they saw the indignant look on Ted's face. Who having their attention said "And prey tell what is wrong with Ravenclaw's?"
Smiling at him Lily said "Nothing…I'm sorry…One of our best friends goes out with a Ravenclaw." This caused both men to laugh and Aggy to roll her eyes at her friend.
Glancing at his watch Jack said "Shit…Oh sorry girls…but its shift change" nodding to Ted "I think it may be wise to escort you girls back to wizard services"
At this Aggy said, "No please let us stay…we'll be good and not get in the way…won't we Lily"
Lily had to smile it wasn't often that Aggy begged "I promise we won't get in the way"
Looking at each other for a moment Ted nodded and Jack said "Ok but sit at this desk and don't move." Both girls nodded at him. "We'll take you back after we've reported in and handed over to the next team"
It wasn't long before the quiet squad room was a hive of activity as Auror's reported in either signing off or just starting their shift. Soon most of the desks had witches and wizards sat at them scribbling away on parchment that appeared from now where.
One wizard in particular caught Lily's eye and she thought he looks really familiar tapping Ted she whispered "Who's that?" and she pointed at a tall wizard with sandy blonde hair.
Glancing in the direction she was pointing Ted leaned towards her and said "That's Simon Lupin…His son's at Hogwarts" the smile on Lily's face told him that she knew that.
Lily scooted closer to Aggy and whispered "Remus's dad is over there" and she pointed to him. Aggy smiled thinking Well it's obvious who Remus looks like.
At that moment Simon Lupin looked up and caught the stares of the two girls and smiled to himself thinking They must be the two coming to stay with us…I wonder which is Remus's girlfriend? Quickly finishing his paper work he decided to go over and find out thinking At least I can tell Remus I've seen her.
Aggy had not managed to take her eyes off Remus's dad, a panicky feeling coming over her as she watch him get up and start walking over towards them.
"Evening Ted, Jack" Simon Lupin looked down at the two girls "So I'm guessing that you two are Aggy Court and Lily Evans"
Aggy nodded and Lily said "Good evening Mr Lupin"
Smiling Simon asked "So which one of you beautiful young witches is my sons girlfriend?" at this Lily laughed and in answer to the question Aggy blushed causing then others to laugh.
Moving closer to her Simon Lupin smiled and felt a little guilty at embarrassing her "Sorry…Well I'd better get going Suzie will be mad if I'm late" a wicked grin coming over his face he said "I'll see you in two weeks I guess…Oh any messages for Remus?"
A very rare sight to be seen Aggy Court sat mouth open and stunned into silence caused Lily to laugh out loud. Trying to compose herself and taking her life into her own hands Lily said "It seems my friend has lost her powers of speech…So could you tell Remus that we miss him and look forward to seeing him at James's house in a couple of days."
Laughing he nodded and moving back to his own desk he waved at them and then he was gone.
Lily leaned close to Aggy and whispered "Told you I would get you back" and laughed at her friend who was still very red.
The noise in the squad room seemed to hush and the girls noticed a tall wizard with dark hair enter the room Aggy nudge Lily and said "That's Mr Crouch he's head of this department." Lily nodded and looked over at the wizard and thought he looks a bit scary.
As the activity started to calm down and the squad room began to empty Ted looked at them and said "Come on girl's it is definitely time for you to go back to wizards services" standing up he motioned for them to follow him. Getting to the fireplace he said "Hope you have had a good week?…Probably see again before you go back to Hogwarts"
Both girls smiled and said "Thanks" as each stepped into the green flames they said bye as the sped towards wizard services.
A/N: Well hope you liked this chapter – next couple of chapters will find the girls at the boy's houses – who knows what will happen???
Don't forget to click the button and let me know what you think – Just love those reviews
Thanks
Madame Padfoot