Veritas
Part One: Dawning on the Horizon
Chapter Five - Appointments
Lord Prometheus Wallace was enjoying a cup of gillyweed tea. It was an acquired taste, but he was over a hundred years old and had had more than enough time to get used to it. It was almost sundown, but he knew that the person he was meeting with would keep the appointment. It helped that he had known this fellow since Hogwarts.
A small pop announced the arrival of Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts. "You are always early, aren't you, Theo?" asked Dumbledore as he took a seat.
"And you are always on time, Albus," replied Wallace mildly. "Would you like some tea?"
"Yes, please," said Dumbledore with a nod. Wallace poured him a cup.
"I am more surprised that you are not late. I hear you are very active these days," said Wallace.
"Just as active as you are, my old friend," said Dumbledore. "You still won't tell me what you're really up to, will you?"
"I am not doing anything wrong, Albus. There is nothing to tell." Wallace was dressed in wizards' robes, which he found more comfortable than Muggle clothes. He divided his time between the Muggle and wizarding worlds. Most of his family stayed in the wizarding world. None of them knew about his fondness of Muggles, and just how much of his wealth had expanded because of his business ventures.
Wallace looked very young for his age. He looked around his late sixties, and he took great care when he was building his businesses in the Muggle world. He did not start until he was in his seventies in the wizarding world after his wife had passed away. He was careful to be a quiet businessman and most people did not know that they were reading things published by his many news organizations. Lord Wallace controlled a good portion of the media in the Muggle world. He had learned how to control things very well in both worlds.
"It is summer again. I have come to dread each summer because as Harry Potter returns the battle becomes worse," said Wallace thoughtfully as he buttered a scone.
Dumbledore took a sip of his tea. He enjoyed these meetings with Wallace. Having these civil moments, reminded him that there was still order in the world. Part of Dumbledore admired Wallace's ability to remain objective; he was not one who thought with his heart. Rather, Wallace was one of the most powerful, analytic minds in the world. Perhaps, in history, but he kept his talents hidden, never allowing anyone to get too close. A man like Wallace had many enemies. He was very protective of his family, and no one would think that he even had one.
"Yes, I fear for him, Theo," said Dumbledore.
Wallace gazed at him. "We are getting old, Albus. Both of us. Too old for these battles. Too old for these wars. We have seen more than anyone wishes to see. Now, the children are going to do the battling once we are gone."
Dumbledore sipped his tea. Everything was so calm and still. He waited for his tea to settle down again before taking a spoon to disturb it, even though the action was unnecessary. "You might be right, Theo. We are getting old, but are you prepared to leave it to the children," said Dumbledore musingly.
"Not yet, old friend. Not yet. I just made a very hard decision recently in light of these events," said Wallace. "One decision that I pray I do not regret." He touched his fingertips together as he sighed.
"What are you up to, Theo?" asked Dumbledore, quite alarmed at his words. Wallace was not the type of man who would show his feelings so easily, something was bothering him. "What have you done?"
Wallace's mood changed again. He was once again in control of himself. He pursed his lips before he spoke, "I already told you, Albus. Nothing. There is nothing going on that you should concern yourself with."
Albus Dumbledore knew better than to believe Prometheus Wallace.
Percy was having a hard time adjusting to being around his family, but he kept his ears and eyes open for anything that would be of use. He knew that the process of fitting in would be difficult, so he hung back and watched everyone instead of participating. He noticed how Harry Potter did the same thing.
"I should say I am sorry about what happened before," said Percy softly.
"It's okay. I didn't take your letter all that seriously. Ron ripped it up pretty quick," said Harry with a slight grin. "You really did make them angry, didn't you?"
"I suppose some things are unforgivable," replied Percy. "Words hurt just as much as physical harm." He kept his ears open to other conversation going on.
Unsurprisingly, they were careful not to discuss business out in the open. Anyone could be listening, even someone they did not suspect at all. "Percy, you have the week off?" asked Molly suddenly. He nodded. "Then, you can stay a while longer."
Percy shook his head and gave her a sheepish grin. "I am afraid I can't. I have an appointment to take care of tomorrow," he said.
"Really?" his mother looked rather disappointed. His father's lips were in a thin line, so Percy decided to tell part of the truth to make her feel better.
"I have a Healer's appointment tomorrow," he replied, carefully saying Healer rather than doctor. He was sure that he was going to go through both. "Nothing major. Just a check up," he added quickly when he saw the identical looks of concern on his parents' faces.
"Are you sure nothing is wrong with you?" asked Molly, still very worried about him. Percy walked up to her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's just a check up, Mother. I'll owl you as soon as I get out of the healer's," he assured her. She placed her hand on top of his.
Ron glanced at Fred and George. Percy's siblings did notice how much he had changed physically. He seemed thinner than before and he did look paler. He had grown a few more inches since he had left home. His robes were the same size they were before, but they looked bigger on him. "You should take some food home," insisted Molly. "You certainly aren't taking very good care of yourself, Percy."
"I know how to take care of myself, Mother," said Percy gently, disliking all the fuss she was making. "I did learn how to cook for myself. I'm not starving. Please don't worry."
"I am allowed to worry about you, Percy Weasley. I am your mother," said Molly indignantly as she started to pack up some food for him to take home. He looked at his father for some help. The only thing that Arthur did was grin at him. "No matter how old you get, I still worry about you."
"I'll drop by and visit again during the week. If I have time," said Percy. "It depends on what happens at the healer's. I also have to meet with some friends during the week." The friends he was really referring to were more associates than friends.
"I understand," said Molly. "You are on your own." She gave him another rib crushing hug. "Take care of yourself."
"I will," said Percy. "I'm sorry I have to go so soon. I'll see you later." He gave his mother a kiss on the cheek in front of everyone. That was something he didn't do before. He gave his father a smile. "I really do have to go. It's an early appointment."
In a moment, he was gone. Molly looked at the spot he had Apparated from with a heavy heart. "You're right, Arthur. He's different from before," she said.
"Yeah, he was proven wrong," muttered Ron. His mother glared at him, so he sighed. "I'm sorry, Mum, but you're right. He does look different, but he didn't really look ill."
"Weren't you listening, Ron?" asked Hermione exasperatedly. He looked at her blankly. "He said it was just a check up. It could mean anything. He probably did not say anything because he didn't want anyone to worry or feel sorry for him. Otherwise, he would have said it sooner instead of saying it when he's just leaving." Ron looked at her with his mouth slightly opened. "Honestly, you have no empathy whatsoever, Ron."
"He did apologize about the letter," added Harry. "I think it's nothing to worry about. He's probably fine, Mrs. Weasley."
"Yes, of course. If there was something really wrong, he'd say so, wouldn't he, Arthur?"
Arthur was not so sure about that. "Percy is very good at taking care of himself, Molly. He watched after Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny when he was in Hogwarts. He was a prefect and Head Boy, Molly. I am positive that he can take care of himself."
The topic changed quickly to other things. No business about the Order was discussed. Although, Molly could not stop thinking of Percy. He seemed not so serious as he did thoughtful. There was something troubling him. Arthur was sure that she would be waiting for Percy's owl the next day.
The appointment was at eleven, but Percy showed up at the medical center early. He was going to see Dr. Kunishima and Healer Brandon again. The last time he had seen them was months ago. Both of them at day jobs at the hospitals in their respective worlds.
Dr. Ayane Kunishima worked as a doctor in of London's best hospitals. She was born in America, in San Francisco. She had been accepted into one of the most prestigious schools in the world, Tokyo Daigaku. She first practiced in St. Luke's hospital in Tokyo. Later, the Veritas recruited Dr. Kunishima, so she was transferred to London. She was already a published author in medical journals and an expert at internal medicine. She also specialized in other areas. Not bad, for a young doctor of twenty-eight years old.
On the other hand, Healer Jules Brandon was originally from Scotland. He was only twenty-three years old. He had graduated from Hogwarts like many of the agents in the United Kingdom and Ireland. He had gone through the training program at St. Mungo's. Despite his youth, Healer Brandon was one of the best potions brewers in the world. He was one of the few Ravenclaws that Professor Snape had respected and liked in Hogwarts. He was recruited about two years ago.
The nurse at the front smiled at Percy as he entered the section. The medical center was hidden in downtown London among the buildings of the business district. He had taken a taxicab over. The nurse looked up at him. "How may I help you?" she asked.
"My name is Percy Weasley. I am here for an appointment," he replied.
"Oh, yes. You're a little early, Mr. Weasley. Please have a seat," said the nurse. "And please fill out these forms." She handed him a clipboard. Percy blinked. "Please, Mr. Weasley. It's required."
Percy looked at her again before taking the papers. He had to go through his wallet to answer some of the questions. He had some identification cards assigned to him. They were needed to function in the Muggle world, and he needed to carry his Muggle currency in the wallet anyway. He pulled out the appropriate cards and filled in the information.
By the time he had returned to the front desk, the nurse said, "It's time for your appointment. You've got a busy day ahead of you, Mr. Weasley." Percy couldn't suppress the grimace that appeared on his face. The nurse gave him a good-natured pat on the shoulder as she led him to one of the exam rooms.
Healer Brandon was already waiting for him. "Hello, Percy. It's been long time since I've seen you," he greeted with a smile. He was a head shorter than Percy. He had brown hair and gray eyes. He was dressed in traditional healer's robes. "Thank you, Nurse Grant," he said as the nurse shut the door.
"Anything you wish to report?" asked Healer Brandon as he skimmed over the papers that Percy had filled out. "You are a pureblood wizard. That's quite a rarity around here. Less than one percent of the members are."
"Yes, I know. It's more advantageous to be Muggle born or a half-blood," remarked Percy. "I assure you that I have taken more than three years of Muggle Studies. I am continuing to learn, and I am living in the Muggle world."
"I wasn't questioning your knowledge, Percy. I was merely making an observation. You are aware that Dr. Kunishima is going to do a full Muggle examination on you. There are some things that you may not be ready for. According to this, your eyes were corrected."
"Yes, by laser," confirmed Percy. "I wear false lenses at work and whenever I'm in the wizarding world."
"Hmm. So, you're used to injections, right?"
Percy nodded. They did not hurt that much. "I do have one question, Healer Brandon."
"Yes?"
"Why am I here for another evaluation?"
"This is a more thorough evaluation," replied Healer Brandon. "Don't worry. We do this with all of the field agents, Percy. Now I need you to change into this medical gown. I have to do this part of the evaluation. Unless you want Dr. Kunishima to do it."
Percy caught his drift right away and decided that it was best that Healer Brandon handle this part of the examination. Healer Brandon left the room for a few minutes to give Percy enough time to put on the medical gown. It resembled a Muggle doctor's scrubs. Percy sat back down on the exam table as he waited for Healer Brandon's return.
"Let's get this examination under way, shall we?" asked Healer Brandon as he put on a pair of plastic gloves. Percy knew he wasn't going to enjoy this.
Arthur Weasley was doing some paperwork at his desk in the Ministry of Magic. Even though he didn't show it, he was just as worried about Percy as Molly was. He wondered if Minister Fudge had forced him into taking time off because there was a real health problem. A thought came to Arthur, all he had to do was contact Penelope Clearwater at St. Mungo's to see what was really going on Percy.
There was a meeting coming up for the Order of the Phoenix. Now that Percy was with the family, Arthur thought that it would better if he were in the Order as well. Percy was working right under the Minister. He would have some information that the Order did not know about. Or perhaps, it was too soon to put Percy through it. Arthur decided to check with Professor Dumbledore anyway.
Arthur went back to his paperwork. He wondered if Percy would return to the Burrow for another visit. Arthur didn't realize how much he missed Percy until they had lunch together. Percy seemed so different from before. He had a certain quiet confidence about himself. Arthur remembered Percy bragging about things because he lacked confidence in himself, so he was seeking other's approval and praise. Or maybe, Percy was humbled by what had happened last year. Either way, it was a good feeling having Percy back.
Meanwhile, the medical examination was underway. Healer Brandon finished up his part of the check up by testing the magical energy in Percy's body and found the readings normal. Dr. Kunishima was called in for the second half of the evaluation. She was to perform various Muggle tests on Percy. Of course, Healer Brandon had already handled some of those tests for her.
Healer Brandon opened the door to allow Dr. Kunishima to come in. Percy had a slight feeling of apprehension that did not leave him during the tests that Healer Brandon was doing. She smiled to him as she entered the exam room. Funny, thought Percy, how such a small, kind looking woman could be so scary.
"How are you doing today, Percy?" asked Dr. Kunishima as she skimmed the chart that Healer Brandon had handed to her on the way out.
"I was fine until this examination started," replied Percy. Dr. Kunishima gave him a smile as she flipped through his chart. "Are we almost done yet?"
"I know that these examinations are uncomfortable, Percy, but we need the information just in case you get injured in the field. This information is required also for identification purposes in the upper levels," she replied as she put the file down and started to look at the syringes. "Levels that I don't have access to," she added as she selected a syringe and filled it with a clear liquid.
"What is that?" asked Percy.
"It's some radioactive material, but it's nothing too dangerous," explained Dr. Kunishima. "I need to do some brain scans on you. Along with some blood tests. This is for later. Please give me your arm." Percy presented his arm. Dr. Kunishima tied a tourniquet around his arm. She swabbed his arm with some rubbing alcohol and inserted a needle. She drew blood from Percy's arm. She took out one vial and filled another.
"Don't take all of my blood now," said Percy calmly. Dr. Kunishima gave him a smile, "Don't worry, Percy. Two vials are needed for the tests."
"What are you testing for?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
"Pathogens, but mostly for DNA," she replied.
"DNA?" Percy found the whole thing utterly puzzling. He wanted an explanation, but he had a feeling he would end up with a headache like the time someone had tried to explain how his computer worked.
"It stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is unique to almost each and every individual in the world. In humans, the only kind of people who have the same DNA are identical twins. You get your DNA from your parents; half from your father and half from your mother. It took about ten years for the Human Genome Project to completely identify all parts of it," explained Dr. Kunishima in the simplest terms possible. She only gave Percy the relevant information. "Your DNA is unique from your brothers and sisters because it's like a lottery. Nature's little lottery."
Percy nodded, not sure whether he understood all that or not. "Your DNA will be catalogued into the system. The blood tests are also to see what kind of immunity you have in your body. It's a test to see how well you can withstand disease," added Dr. Kunishima.
The rest of the testing continued. Percy had to be subjected to x-rays. His teeth were examined. He was put into a machine that resembled a coffin. At least that's what it looked like to him. He had to go through brain scans, both kinds of MRIs and a PET scan. The blood tests were used to measure his immunity and his blood sugar. Percy was grateful that Healer Brandon had already asked the uncomfortable questions. Ones that he was rather shy to answer in front of a woman, even Dr. Kunishima.
When it had all ended, Percy was more than ready to leave the hospital. Dr. Kunishima had to go to the lab to finish the DNA analysis. It would take the longest to work on. She gave him a smile as he left, "Good luck in the field."
Percy smirked at her and retorted, "If I could survive that, I could easily survive the field." He got dressed and left to go back to his flat. Percy decided just to go home and rest after the three hours of medical tests. He did not feel so hungry, even though he had been told not to eat anything prior to the medical tests.
When he had returned to his flat, Percy remembered that he had promised to owl his mother. He remembered when he went to go get something to drink and found the bundle of food that his mother had insisted on packing for him. Percy decided he was hungry after all and had some of it as he thought of what to write his mother. While he was eating, the phone rang. He wasn't going to pick it up until he heard a voice that he hadn't heard in a while.
"Percy, this is Dennis. I'm back in London. The wire has told me that you're—"
"I'm here," said Percy when he picked up the phone.
"Oh? Hello, Percy," said Dennis.
"What's going on? I didn't know you were back from Egypt yet."
"The business there went off without a hitch."
"What were you going to say?"
"Oh, yes, I got word that you've got a week off. Is it true? Did the great overachiever get some time off?"
Percy groaned inwardly. Things were bad. He knew it. If Dennis was having fun with him like this, then things were really bad. How did news travel so quickly? "Yes, I do," he said with a sigh.
"Do you want to meet me at the gym?" asked Dennis. Percy winced slightly at the question. He should have guessed that was what Dennis was going to say. He remembered what happened the last time. Percy's body just ached thinking about it. How could someone nearly twice his age be in better shape than him? "Well?" pressed Dennis.
"Fine," agreed Percy begrudgingly. "I'll meet you at the gym."
"Excellent. I want to see if you've improved," said Dennis with a laugh as he hung up before Percy could add anything. He hung up the phone and picked up a piece of parchment. He kept a supply in his flat along with a few quills. He could not use ordinary Muggle stationary and ballpoint to pen a letter home.
Percy wrote a letter to his mother telling her that everything was just fine. He did not write any specifics of the tests. Dr. Kunishima assured him that everything looked fine. He was not really concerned about the test results because he knew that he was perfectly healthy. Percy finished and decided to send off later. He did not have Hermes with him. He would have to send it off when he went to Diagon Alley to pick up his clothes from the cleaners.
After Percy finished his letter, he decided to call it a day. He was really tired because of the medical tests. He did something that he had not done in years: he took an afternoon nap.
Dr. Kunishima ran through the blood samples that came from Percy Weasley. She did the DNA analysis. The analysis was going as planned until she found something that she had to document and report. The next thing she knew, she was summoned to see the head of the Veritas.
The head of the Veritas was one of the most powerful wizards in the world. He was a cohort of Albus Dumbledore. Dr. Kunishima didn't know all that. She only knew the head of the Veritas as Alpha. That was his codename because he was the one who had started the Veritas long ago.
"You wanted to speak with me, Sir," said Dr. Kunishima nervously. She felt like quaking in fear, but stood her ground and looked him straight in the eye.
"What did you find out about Percy Weasley?" he asked.
"He has a strange genetic anomaly," replied Dr. Kunishima. "It is rare, but it is not life threatening. He is cleared for work in the field."
Alpha pursed his lips together. He looked rather thoughtful for a moment as if he was deliberating something. He looked at Dr. Kunishima; she had a feeling that he was looking past her. "Very well," he whispered.
"What about the DNA analysis?" asked Dr. Kunishima.
"You said that there was nothing life threatening about it, right? It's a rare non-threatening anomaly. It is not enough to keep him out of the field," he replied.
"Then, I'll give the health clearance, Sir," said Dr. Kunishima with a nod.
"You're dismissed."
Dr. Kunishima left with a strange feeling that she could not shake. She decided to investigate her hunch. As the person who had created the system that catalogued the DNA of every member, she had access to all the files. She searched until she found the data she needed. Her suspicions were confirmed. Aya sighed. She quickly closed the files. She knew the truth and understood what was going on. It wasn't her place to tell anyone else what she had found, but it was good information to know.
Written by kirikarin
Beta Read by IvyDragon
AN: The word "daigaku" means university. Tokyo Daigaku is one of the hardest universities in the world to get into; it often called Todai for short (I don't mean the restaurant.). It only takes six years to become a doctor in Japan because one goes straight from high school to medical school. St. Luke's is one of the oldest public hospitals in Tokyo. It was built by an American, and one of the structures that prevent the use of the nuclear bombs in Tokyo. The Americans wanted to preserve that building along with other structures. As for the biology lesson, please forgive me. I've been going over the stuff again for the umpteenth time. There's a lot of information to look at in this chapter. The genetic anomaly will come back later. Ayane's nickname is Aya.
And no, Percy and Dennis do not have a homosexual relationship. If anyone can guess who Dennis really is, then they get brownie points with me. I purposely didn't put his last name because it would have given a better hint. If you can figure it out, or have a good guess, or just have general questions…go to kirikarin.livejournal.com. You can even complain about my run on sentence just now.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. This story belongs to me and cannot be posted anywhere else without my permission.