A/N: Harry Potter and all the mentioned characters, names etc. still aren't mine. The plot is though! I spent hours thinking about it.
Thanks to CosmicAngel and Polaris the Ice Queen for being Beta!
Thanks to all my Reviewers!
Loopyloony: You will see soon if you are right or not. I hope you'll like the chapter. Sorry it took so long.
Nicoletta: Thank you for your long review. Well, Mrs Black is old and she did after all just lose her son. Even if she's just a portrait. I'm glad I'm keeping you in suspense. That's what I'm aiming for. :p George and the others will play a bigger role.
FelicityJ: blushes Thank you for the compliments! I am very, very glad that you like my story! I forgot about the J. ponders read too much fanfics. Don't know what's in the books and what's not. Nice idea for the kidnapper. Let's see if it's true…
Syco: Oh high and almighty demoness ruler of hell. Let's see if it's true what you said or if Lady Mordor of Evil a.k.a Lady Yoshi of Golemland tricked you. :p
JayBG & andrea10: Thank you for reviewing and for your kidnapper guess.
kateydidnt: Dumbledore is old. He tends to forget some things. Aside from that, he is the Headmaster of Hogwarts. He defended the Ministry against Voldemort. What would they want in his office?
Chapter 5
"Anything new?"
Percy jumped at the sudden voice. He held a hand to his chest before he turned his leather desk chair in the direction of the voice.
"Do you have to do that?" Percy glared in the corner.
"You know perfectly well that I can't be seen." came the reply from the shadows.
"Still..." Percy's voice trailed off. " Did you get him?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Yes. It took some time, but I got him."
"What happened to him? There was blood."
"He was thrown into the fireplace."
"How?"
"His uncle," hissed the voice in the shadows.
"Bloody Muggle," muttered Percy.
"That's not all. It appears that he was beaten - quite frequently at that - by his 'family'" The voice in the shadows spat out the word as if it were venom.
"Is it that bad? Worse than usual, I mean." asked Percy, lifting a questioning eyebrow.
"Yes. The Lord isn't pleased. His injuries are grave. It will delay our plan."
"Well, I'm sure I'll find a way to stall some time." replied Percy, leaning back in his chair.
"I trust you in that. We will need it. How did people react to the article?"
"There was uproar. People are demanding news via owl. The Department for Public Relations is rather busy. They tell the people that we know nothing more than the Prophet. What did the Lord think of the article?"
"He liked it very much. That reminds me, I should praise your great work."
"Thank you." said Percy the tips of his ears slightly red.
"Anyway, anything new?" the person in the shadows shifted and leaned against the wall.
"Everything goes according to plan. The raid started about -" Percy checked his watch "-half an hour ago and I'm sure they'll find something."
"Very well. The Lord will be pleased to hear that. What about the hearing?"
"It's all set for tomorrow. I assembled some questions. Dumbledore won't find a loophole. I assure you, she'll be punished properly."
"What about the spies in the Ministry?"
"I have that under control for now. I will see the Lord myself soon and inform him about the next steps."
"Shall I let the Lord know?"
"If you could."
"Of course. Is that all then?"
"It is for now." answered Percy leaning with his elbow on his desk "I will contact you about the raid."
"Okay. I'll see you then, Mr First-Assistant-to-the-Minister Weasley." came the voice, suddenly teasing.
"Yeah, yeah," replied Percy, used to the teasing. He turned back to his desk and gestured towards the corner "And don't forget to remove the silencing spell."
"Of course, Mr Weasley, sir." came the mocking reply.
A moment later nothing was heard, except the scratching noise of Percy's quill on the parchment.
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Harry flinched at the sudden voice. It was very deep and powerful, but at the same time very soothing and sage. Harry, who thought the voice must come from the big dot, turned in that direction.
"Who...who are you?" he rasped out.
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Filch looked at the Auror fearfully. He couldn't do anything but follow their orders. Even if he wasn't a Squib, taking on three fully trained Aurors was extremly foolish.
He nodded resigned and said, "Fine. Follow me, please. But I'm saying it now. I don't know the password."
"That's fine by us." answered Loks, a tall black woman, in a superior voice. "We aren't Aurors for nothing."
They started walking up to the 'horseless' carriages.
"Tinsh, write that down." the Head Auror said pointing to the Thestrals.
"Yes, Sir."
"How do you want to contact Percy without Mum finding out?" asked Ginny, sitting up and leaning against Angelina's bed.
"I'll write to him when I am in Diagon Alley." replied George, moving to sit against the headboard. Alicia put her head into his lap. "And you think Mum is going to let you into Diagon Alley?" enquired Ginny.
"I have to work sometime, don't I?" answered George nonchalantly, "She won't stop me and Dumbledore won't either."
"You already have a job?"
"Well," George looked sadly down for a moment, absently stroking Alicia's hair, before replying "Last year, Fred and I..." he stopped for a moment, closing his eyes, "before he...he...well you know..." The others nodded quietly, "We bought a shop there." George looked away.
"You did? WOW! When? Where?" said Ginny amazed.
George just closed his eyes. Alicia sat up and hugged her boyfriend close.
"Ninety-three Diagon Alley." came Angelina's quiet reply. "They bought it in June. Shortly after getting back from Hogwarts and a few days before..." she broke off and looked out of the window.
"How do you know?" asked Katie
Angelina reached under her pillow and showed them an envelope.
"A letter from Fred?" asked Lee quietly.
"Yes. That's the last letter I ever received."
Angelina looked at the envelope and brushed her fingers gently over the writing. She smiled sadly, thinking about its content. She knew it by heart.
Hello my sweet and gorgeous Angel,
How are you, love? My life would be terrific if you were here.
I really miss you, Angel.
I have great news! First of all, George and I passed our Apparation test this morning. Maybe we can meet each other somewhere now. (Your place or mine?)
Did I tell you that I miss you?
I think I have to write it again. I really miss you! All about you. Your voice, your lovely smile, your captivating looks, your gorgeous eyes and most of all your sweet lips. (Can't get enough of them.)
Hmmpf.
Now I miss you even more!
Before I forget it again because I can't stop thinking of my sweet little Angel, the second part of my news.
George and I bought a shop, with two flats above it, with the money of our generous investor! It's located nearly in the middle of Diagon Alley (no. 93 to be exact). That's a little bit after Gringotts.
Isn't that superb?
Now Mum can't call us irresponsible or demand us to join the Ministry anymore. Not that we cared about that before.
Anyway, we have to check it out!
George and I thought about moving into the flats above the shop after leaving Hogwarts and before you ask:
Yes, love, we started our homework and have it nearly finished.
Did you hear anything from Lee or Katie? Maybe all of us could meet somewhere. Perhaps shopping in Diagon Alley?
I know you girls like to read a little ahead. We could also meet for a small Quidditch match.
How are your holidays so far?
I hope as good as mine! (Like I said before, they would be way better with you here.)
I miss you, my precious Angel!
Hugs, kisses and much love!
Fred
P.S. I love you!
P.P.S. I miss you!
P.P.P.S. I love you!
P.P.P.P.S. I miss you! (can't say it often enough!)
Angelina put the letter back under the pillow and brushed a tear out of her eye.
"There you are!"
The man with the blue cape turned around.
"Had something to take care of first. Is he okay?"
"He is about to wake up." came the reply.
"Well then, let's go."
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"Tinsh? Did you find anything?" asked the Head Auror.
"Here are just some old books, Sir." replied the tall blond man.
"Sir? You should take a look at this. You too, Michael." called the black Auror, waving a roll of parchment in the air.
"Maybe I should accompany you, Albus." said Minerva McGonagall putting her cup down.
Dumbledore looked uncertain for a moment, before smiling. "That's a good idea, Minerva. It will show our concern as teachers some more."
"We should leave then. Maybe we can gain some information about Arabella as well."
The two of them stood up and put their cups on the counter.
"We will see each other this evening then." said Dumbledore to the order members.
He got a few nods in reply. After that the two Professors apparated to the Visitor's apparation room.
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"Merlin's beard! Loks, you know what that means?" cried the Head Auror appalled.
"I will confiscate them straight away, right Sir?" asked the female Auror.
"Yes, of course!"
"We want to talk to Minister Fudge." said Minerva McGonagall to the secretary.
"Name?" asked the elderly women, looking in her diary.
"Professor Minerva McGonagall and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore." she replied tapping her fingers on the marble counter.
The secretary gave them a searching look. Sharp yellow-brown eyes scrutinised them through oval glasses reflecting the bright torches.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked.
"No, we haven't." replied the strict Transfiguration teacher.
"Then I am very sorry, but the Minister is quite busy at the moment." answered the secretary. "You can make an appointment if you want to of course. The next possible date is next Friday at 2 o'clock."
"But that's in four days." came McGonagall's indignant reply.
The secretary shrugged. "I can't help you there."
"Would you mind asking him? Please mention it's an urgent matter."
The women sighed, got up and turned to another woman about the same age.
"Linda, could you watch my fires for a moment?"
"Of course, Thilda." answered the women looking up from her papers. Thilda walked through a set of thick oak doors and closed them behind her. Then she walked through a large waiting room, filled with many elegant armchairs and small tables. On the far wall was a small fireplace. On her left were large windows overlooking the Thames. A few blocky away were the Houses of Parliament.
The windows were framed by heavy dark red curtains. Her heels clicked, as she walked on the highly polished marble. She crossed the room and knocked on another set of oak doors.
"Come in."
She entered and closed the door behind her.
"Thilda? I told you I am busy." said the Minister looking up from a roll of parchment.
"I'm sorry, Minister Fudge, Sir. Headmaster Dumbledore accompanied by Prof. McGonagall are at the reception desk. They said it's urgent and asked me to come here."
"Did they say what they wanted?"
"No, I'm sorry, Sir."
"Well, tell them I'm busy. If it is beyond urgent, ask Percival if he has any time to spare. Should he be busy tell them to leave and make an appointment."
"Very well, Minister" said the grey-haired witch with a slight Scottish accent. "I am very sorry for interrupting you, Sir."
"It's alright, Thilda." answered the Minister, turning back to his parchment.
Thilda nodded her head slightly and went back to her office.
"Oh my, you can't see me very well. I'm sorry, Child, I forgot. Here are your glasses." He gave Harry the round black-rimmed glasses.
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Thilda cleared her throat as she entered the office.
"Minister Fudge is busy, like I said." said the strict secretary to the two Professors. "If your matter is very urgent, I can ask Minister Fudge's First Assistant if he can make some time. Otherwise I have to ask you to leave."
Professor McGonagall looked at her friend and mentor.
"Please ask an Assistant." said the Headmaster, speaking up for the first time.
"Very well. I will ask him if he can make any time."
Dumbledore nodded.
Thilda went through another set of oak doors.
"Sir, here are more rolls of parchment."
"That's it, Loks, inform Minister Fudge. We will seal the office.
"Mister Weasley is ready for you. Follow me please."
Dumbledore lifted an eyebrow at that. The two Professors followed the secretary through a waiting room, similar to the one leading to the Minister's office.
The office itself was brightly lit. It was decorated in dark blue and dark oak. Behind a large oak desk sat Percy. He stood up and shook their hands.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore, please take a seat." He waved his hand at to chairs in front of his desk. "Can I offer you something to drink?"
"Tea would be nice." replied the old wizard.
"Thilda? Could you please?"
"Certainly, Mister Weasley, Sir." said Thilda, leaving the office and closing the door behind her.
"What can I do for you?" asked Percy in perfect business manner.
"We wanted to ask about the hearing tomorrow." said the old headmaster.
Thilda entered again, with three cups of tea, a milk churn, a bowl of sugar and a small bowl of lemon slices on a tray. She served them before quietly leaving again.
"Yes, what do you want to know?" asked Percy as the door closed.
"I want to be Mrs Figg's defence." replied Dumbledore.
"Do you have a licence?" asked Percy.
"No, I don't.
"Then, I am sorry but you need one. Anything else?"
"Is there anything new about Potter?" asked the Head of Gryffindor-house concerned.
"The Aurors are still investigating about Mr Potters disappearance. Like the Minister said, you will receive the report once it's finished."
"Very well," said Dumbledore, "Who will lead the hearing?"
"As Mrs Figg is a Squib she will be heard by half of the High Magical Court. I will represent the prosecution along with Head Auror Williams."
"And you don't need to be licensed?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"You might remember that I took two Newts in History and Law. I became licensed a week later. Now, if you don't have anymore questions. I am quite busy."
Dumbledore shook his head slightly.
"No, that's all. Thank you, Weasley." said McGonagall. Percy lifted his eyebrows at that. "Oh uhm sorry. Force of habit Mister Weasley." she smiled slightly.
"Very well then. I will lead you outside."
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"What in Merlin's name is going on here?" squeaked a voice from the end of the hallway. "What are you doing in the Headmaster's office?"
"Professor Flitwick, right? came the superior voice of the Head Auror. "We have a search warrant for the Headmaster's office. From this very moment on, nobody is allowed in there. This office is sealed by the Ministry of Magic. Breaking this seal will be, according to the Wizarding law of 1486, punished severely. We will know who broke that seal so don't even try to overcome it. Now, if you excuse and be so kindly to move out of the way, we have to take this to the Ministry." he pointed to several boxes that were levitated by Loks.
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"At least Arabella will get a fair hearing." said Minerva McGonagall to her superior, while they were walking through a nearly empty Diagon Alley.
"Yes. The Ministry not much influence there. I think I will call an old friend of mine. Maybe he knows who the judges are." replied the Headmaster, "This took longer than expected. We should head straight to dinner."
"Dinner sounds very good to me."
With that the two of them apparated to Number 12, Grimmauld Place.
When Harry's sight became clear, he stared at an old man. He was wearing rich purple robes with a many small golden runes. The hems of his robes were lined golden as well. He had long, pure white hair and a long beard. Harry couldn't quite see how long his hair was, as the man was sitting in an engraved, polished chair.
The man was smiling kindly, his forest green eyes twinkling and his square glasses, which were sitting at the end of his long nose, were sparkling in the bright light.
Harry watched the man carefully as he reached over and took a glass of water from the bedside table and offered it to Harry.
"It makes talking easier, Child."
Harry looked at it with doubt in his eyes, before he took the glass with both of his heavily bandaged hands and took a large gulp.
After swallowing he looked at the old man, who was still smiling.
"Better?" asked the man kindly.
Harry nodded before asking again,
"Who are you?" Thinking twice, he added hastily "Sir?"
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"Albus! Finally!" Professor Flitwick jumped up when the old headmaster entered the kitchen.
"Filius, is there anything wrong?" asked the old wizard, suddenly standing straight.
"There were Aurors at the school today. They sealed your office an took some thing with them."
The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes vanished immediately.
"Enough is enough." muttered the Headmaster.
"Albus? What is the meaning of this?" asked the Deputy Headmistress confused.
"Alas, I don't know, Minerva. I will talk to Cornelius now. I intend to find out what this is about."
Thilda looked up, "How can I help you, Sir?"
"I want to talk to Minister Fudge, now." replied Dumbledore.
"I am sorry, Sir, but the Minister was called on an emergency."
"What kind of emergency?" asked the headmaster.
"I don't know, Sir. His wife called..."
"And Mister Weasley?" interrupted the old wizard.
"He has an appointment in Dartmoor. Mr Weasley said, that he will be in tomorrow afternoon. After the hearing."
Suddenly the door opened and Tinsh came in.
"Is the Minister in?"
"No, Sir. He was called on an emergency." replied Linda, looking up from her parchment.
"Did he say when he would be back?"
"No, Sir."
"Okay, then. Inform me please when he is back."
"Of course, Sir."
The Auror left again.
"Do you want to leave a message?" asked Thilda, looking at Dumbledore.
"Yes, please. Tell him to contact me immediately."
"Very well, Sir. Thilda wrote the message on a Ministry memo paper and tapped it with her wand. The message folded itself and flapped away.
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"No need with the 'Sir', Child." replied the old man.
Harry nodded, silently.
"My name is..."
Suddenly the door opened and the young man entered, followed closely by the rider.
When Harry spotted the young man his eyes widened and he scrambled back in fear.
"Yo...You!" Harry tried to get away so fast, that he fell of the bed and landed in a heap on the floor, the class shattering into pieces next to him.
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A/N: Sorry it took so long, but like I said, I was away.
I hope you liked the chapter.
Please REVIEW and tell me what you think. More guesses about the kidnapper?