It was one thirty on a Thursday morning. The rest of the castle's human occupants were fast asleep. But for five people and one shadow the day had already begun. Flitwick and Sprout had awoken after being notified by Sir Nicholas of Snape's arrival at the gates. They went straight to the potion master's office to wait for the others. Demos let them in and went back to his book.
As Dumbledore stepped in everyone automatically formed a circle. McGonagall closed the door, joined the circle, cast a Circle of Anomi and invoked a Witness charm to record the proceedings. Flitwick and Sprout waited patiently conjuring easy chairs for all as the sphere coalesced and solidified around them completely. Snape sank gratefully into a chair flexing and rubbing his neck trying to stave off a tension headache. Demos attempted to merge but Snape shook his head indicating that he was not ready to merge just yet. McGonagall conjured a sandwich and a pitcher of pumpkin juice for Snape.
Flitwick made a suggestion. "This meeting has a long agenda and I suspect that it will prove stressful. May I make the suggestion that we lose control of our companions for a bit so we can concentrate on the matter at hand? Mine has not been out all day and getting restless. It cannot wait until I sleep."
McGonagall nodded immediately "Yes, of course, mine enjoyed the flying tonight We could have stayed out all night. Demos could you entertain them for a while?"
The shadow bowed at the waist with a flourish. Sounding like champagne corks being released, the companions shot out of Dumbledore, Sprout, Flitwick and McGonagall. The brightly glowing orbs hummed as they weaved and danced in the air. Demos stood by the bookcase and beckoned them to him. He began to juggle them in the air and the orbs flickered and flashed in delight.
"Now, as I said, things are progressing better than I could have hoped. Voldemort is now aware that the founders' Blessing of Benevolence is slowly weakening. He is focused on planning the attack, marshalling his forces and preparing for a siege of Hogwarts. So focused, in fact, that our own movements against him have gone unnoticed." Dumbledore explained. "Severus, brief us on your meeting then I want to hear the progress of all the teams. I cannot stress enough that we cannot stop, cannot rest and we cannot become careless."
After gulping down some juice, Snape leaned back in his chair and began, "Voldemort has issued invitations to all the Death Eaters. As far as the Death Eaters are concerned the gathering on Friday is a celebration. The purpose of the gathering was a rededication to the cause and to Voldemort. My invitation was the same as the others but also included a letter. In this letter, I was told that my presence on Friday was mandatory and that my loyalty would finally be rewarded. I was to meet with Voldemort tonight to discuss preparations."
"What are these preparations exactly?" asked Flitwick.
Knowing that Snape would have difficulty speaking about it, McGonagall cleared her throat and answered for him. "He instructed Severus to make an improved Dark Mark. At this gathering, all the Death Eaters would be re-branded. Voldemort insisted that this new mark allow him to better control the Death Eaters."
"Control as well as summon? To what level of control?" Dumbledore sat up straight. There was an intensity in his blue eyes that was rarely seen.
"I suspect that the scope will depend on the magical power of the controller," Snape answered. "I also believe that Voldemort will use the Death Eaters to augment his power. He plans to leech power from them per his will. It will be a rape of the worse kind. The victims would not know what is happening only that they are getting progressively weaker. And once all the power is gone, the victim will be left as a vegetable though still conscious and lucid inside."
"Can't they resist? Run away? Would the victim need to be conscious as it was happening?" Sprout pondered.
Snape did not answer right away. When he did his words were carefully chosen. "To answer that I must begin at the beginning. As you all know, I created the Dark Mark to prove to Voldemort how deep my loyalty went I was a stupid, callow boy eager to please and prove my worth. I did not think of all the ramifications and uses that it could have. I only wanted Voldemort to know that I was willing to place myself utterly in his service. My dark mark allows Voldemort to indicate to me that my presence was sought. It also makes it impossible for me to say a direct lie to his face at close quarters. It does not affect my actions only what I say when I am in his presence. He does not know that the closer I am to him, the more I am compelled to say the truth. Voldemort simply believes that all I say to him is the absolute truth. It also inhibits me from doing him direct harm like an assassination. When I presented my "gift" I had thought that it would make me unique and special in his eyes."
Snape stood and paced to and fro twitching occasionally as if uncomfortable in his own skin. His face suffused with shame and regret. "It certainly made my usefulness apparent. When Voldemort saw it and I explained its properties, he asked me to brand all the others. I responded that I could not. The bearer had to create their own and must possess the magical talent and power to do so. I was tasked to find another way. Voldemort had grown enamored of the mark. So, I created a different mechanism to achieve the same effect but with different properties. With this new mark, Voldemort could summon with implicit force thus the bearer had to apparate to Voldemort at the appointed time and place unlike mine which simply signaled me and does not forcefully compel me to obey. There is pain at noncompliance but that is bearable. The new mark due to its method of creation did not have the ability to enforce veracity in the bearer. However, it did have a stronger sense of control over the bearer's actions. The wearer could think what he wanted to but could not act upon those thoughts. The bearer could not directly or indirectly do Voldemort harm irregardless of distance. It is for that reason that he is absolutely safe in the presence of the Death Eaters. I added a primitive control stating that if the wearer willingly accepts the mark, then that wearer agrees to obey the collective will, in this case Voldemort. For example, conscious or not, the wearer must obey. The compulsion to obey is not under their control. This second mark is what all the Death Eaters bear."
"Your student work was always so similarly thorough," Flitwick observed with some bite. "Always wanting to exceed the limits yet doubtful of your own talents and achievements."
"You will be glad to know that I am quite the opposite now. I know what I can do, how far I can go, how close I came to becoming the next Grindelwald," .
"You are far too critically introspective to become a megalomaniac, Severus. Megalomania requires a high degree of self delusion," said Dumbledore with a slight smile. "And the lifestyle would be far too public for your sensibilities."
Sprout added "Be assured, Severus, we will find ways to remind you of your failings as a would-be dictator."
"In the meantime, you have our permission to continue using your classes as the surrogate subjects of your imagined empire," McGonagall added. "Snape Caesar just does not inspire fear."
The group shared a laugh at Snape's expense. At the laughter, the companions returned to hover close by their hosts. Strong emotions always drew them back. Their hosts instinctively reached out to alternately stroke and pat making their companions aware that all was right. The sprites zoomed away again to amuse themselves by materializing in and out of Demos who was adjusting his transparency for them.
Snape sat back down and continued on, "This proposed third mark would have all the same qualities as the second but with greater control over the thoughts and actions of the wearer by the controller as well as the ability to borrow the wearer's magical energy. So you see the wearer will have no free will to resist, conscious or not. The Death Eaters do not know it yet but they are all about to be transformed into herds of sheep under the mercy of a homicidal, psychotic shepherd. No one deserves that, not even a Death Eater."
The room was silent as they all digested this new unpleasantness. Sprout broke the silence "Severus, will your mark be changed as well?"
"I know that it will be expected, however, my mark can never be removed or changed without cutting off my arm." Severus pulled his left sleeve up to show off his mark. He traced the outline as he spoke. "When I said that only the wearer could create one such as this, it was because this particular mark is biological. Each line is made of my own skin and tissue. It has texture and rises imperceptibly off my skin. I grafted my skin then imbued each piece with the rules incantations for summoning, veracity and loyalty. I dyed it black using a dye made with my own blood. Then I grafted it back onto my arm. As the graft healed, the mark was accepted and absorbed by my body. The Death Eaters marks are all burned on then the spells are cast over the figure. You remove the spells and the mark will eventually fade. My mark is a permanent part of myself. It was intended to be such and it is."
All assembled were horrified staring at his arm transfixed. Not even Dumbledore had known the full extent of his Dark Mark's creation. Dumbledore stood, walked across to touch the mark himself. After tracing it completely, he looked solemnly at Snape. "Severus, you cannot do this. There must be a way to avoid it. We, in this room, are the only ones who know that you created the Dark Mark, as well as some of the other things you have done. If the Ministry discovers that you have created this new mark, I cannot do anything to protect you. Nothing I could say would mitigate this."
"I know that, Albus. I had thought of creating a weaker mark but masking its deficiencies properly would take time. Time is something I have little of," Snape answered.
"Can you not charm the skin around the mark to reject it after a certain time?" said Sprout. "After the time expires, make it itch or something."
"The mark will be burned in. It cannot be temporarily applied and then removed, Cera,"
"Not remove, Severus, but I propose that you change the context. By adding that condition in, it can prove to the Ministry that your true intent was temporary and that you were doing so under coercion. That you tried to not make it permanent will speak volumes," reasoned Sprout. "That fine line could keep you out of Azkaban."
The others turned as one to look at her in stunned amazement. Snape said what they all thought. "That is so devious and subtle it will certainly work. When did you become a defense lawyer?"
"It seemed rather obvious," said Sprout characteristically downplaying her inspired idea. "Every law is tried based on proven intent not just the act. Disprove the perceived intent with the truth and they have no case. Keeps things rather simple to my mind."
"And the sheep will be left with a permanent itch?" McGonagall asked.
"I'll make it a physical itch not a magical one so they can use salves and such to relieve the itching temporarily," Severus rubbed his chin and sat back thinking with a faraway look. "Of course, it will be for the rest of their lives. Or, if it is truly unbearable there is always amputation. I wonder if I can make the control aspects time-released to fade slowly over time?"
"Will you need any assistance?" asked Dumbledore.
"No, there is enough Consula Econtra made using my new recipe courtesy of the 5th year class. I believe a salve that alters the existing mark will suffice. Now as to how to mask the time conditioning -" His attention wandered to the details of his new assignment. Dumbledore returned to his seat and began to ask the others for their progress reports.
Flitwick cleared his throat before saying "Mr. Ollivander and his shipment will be arriving at dawn today. Filch and Hagrid will meet him. The Bloody Baron and Filch have completed the armory just in time. Between you, Ollivander and myself, we should have all the wands enspelled in short order. Ollivander will also be bringing side holsters and such. We still need a physical type of armor. I remember that during the last series of battles against Grindelwald's factions most of the injuries were caused by flying debris and similarly unexpected projectiles. I would like present our war plans at the next strategy meeting. We are on schedule on the other tasks. Before I forget, Minerva, do we have enough funds to order another 50 battle wands from Ollivander's?"
"Why so many, Filius? With the new shipment tomorrow, our inventory will be brought to exactly one hundred wands. That number seems more than sufficient to me." Minerva asked after consulting her notes.
"One hundred is not enough. Each volunteer will have at minimum five wands for their own use. Ten volunteers, fifty wands. The remaining fifty will be used by the specialty teams. I have twenty already provisioned for Poppy. Ten go to Hagrid and his combat medics but he will probably want more once he sees what they can do." Flitwick ticked off items off his list as he went. "Another twenty for the point squads of the attack teams. I have none left on reserve. You cannot know how many wands are lost in melees when the choice is either find your wand under fire or retreat in order to fight another day."
"Let me see what I can do. But I make no promises, Filius," Minerva warned the eager Charms professor. She mused that his students would hardly recognize their cheery professor in the bloodthirsty, calculating general coolly cataloging what he had in the armory to maim, stun or outright kill someone with.
Snape looked up from his own earnest scribbling to say "Filius, please reserve one battle wand for me."
"Just the one?" asked Filius making a note of the request.
"Yes, I'll enspell it myself," Snape answered. "Before you ask, it is for Demos."
The charms and potions masters exchanged a raised eyebrow and an inscrutable look respectively before Flitwick countered with "I take it that I do not want to know what spell essence it will be imbued with?"
"Your assumption is correct," Snape replied going back to his scribbling while shushing a curious Demos. "Later, Demos. I will tell you later."
Dumbledore was looking at Demos with interest. "Severus, I thought Demos was mostly wraith-like, however, now that I look at him more closely he seems only slightly transparent and more solid. I can see distinct features. He's looking more and more like you every day."
"Demos is becoming more and more corporeal," Snape explained. "Though he still retains his wraith-like abilities like passing through walls and dissolving, his physical manifestations are taking on more solidity. Each time he transitions to physical form the length of time that he can retain that form increases slightly. He can currently remain completely solid for an hour. As for the similarity, I attribute that to being a side effect of the Doppleganger's Dilemma."
"Doppleganger's Dilemma?" asked Sprout. "Doppleganger as in the German word for 'twin'? Is that why you needed dopple berries?"
"Yes, Cera. I modified some of the berries' properties to form the foundation layer for the construct potion. I call the new potion the Doppleganger's Dilemma. Without it I would not have been able to create the constructs nor match them to each of you individually." Snape then went into full lecture mode. "I realized the reason for my first failure was that the energy from a living being needed to be housed in another that was of equal or slightly lesser level of sentience. The berries have the power to induce that sentience by making a vague copy of the intended recipient's personality. In my case, there was no other sentient object in the room so the energy went to me as is in its purest, undiluted form manifesting as a mirror image inverted imprint of myself. For the final version, I was able to find the correct dilution ratio between the Doppleganger's Dilemma and the Consula Econtra to instill the construct with the necessary properties but not the other side effects. I did not think any of you would fancy having an alter image following you around."
Flitwick chuckled. "Thank you, Severus. I am quite happy with my little sprite. It is unobtrusive until it is needed or being temperamental."
"Will Demos ever reach full physical and mental sentience, Severus?" Minerva asked. Two potions masters for the price of one. She had become quite fiscally frugal of late.
"I do not know," Snape sighed. "There is no reference to go by. His changes follow no discernible pattern or frequency. We are able to stay apart for longer and longer lengths of time without my experiencing any pain from the separation. He was originally much like a tabula rasa - mentally blank save for instincts and natural impulses. He seems to be slowly absorbing some of my knowledge. How, I do not know. He can speak but with effort. I fell out of bed the day he woke me up by saying 'Good morning, Severus.'"
That remark got several chuckles and guffaws from the assembled. Demos made a small bow and smiled cheekily walking around kissing the ladies' hands before returning to stand behind Snape's chair. Snape motioned to him to merge. The others watched with fascination as Demos stepped into Snape's body. Slowly his dark form dissolved leaving only Snape flushed and breathing deeply. Dumbledore conjured some sandwiches and tea as the hour was getting late and they had more to cover. Their companions played chasing games with each other materializing and hiding in Snape's extensive bookcase.
Professor Sprout began her report while she accepted her tea. "The first full harvest will be ready tomorrow, Minerva. I will need two more storerooms I had underestimated the accelerated growth spell I cast. How many house elves have been assigned?"
"Fortunately, we have several extra rooms already prepared, Cera. I'll have the Gray Lady make a room inspection before the harvest tomorrow night. I have assigned 35 house elves to you. Is that enough do you think?"
"Yes, that will be just fine," Sprout wrote down the number and made some calculations. "I plan on a harvest every two weeks. Hagrid has selected his medic crew. His initial lessons on first aid were illuminating. He is very patient with the house elves and they like him. Also, my projection is that the new cuttings will be ready in two weeks time. I will need more than one or two teachers to tree-sit."
"I'm working on our manpower shortage, Cera," said Dumbledore. "Minerva?"
"Preparations for the visit tomorrow are complete. The Gray Lady has organized things so that each one of our visitors will never go unobserved. We have applied all the capital procured by Vector to our new investment strategy. It is paying off handsomely," McGonagall's eyes shone with delight. "I admit I was not in favor of Vector's original plans however good his intentions, but I cannot argue against his results. Sinistra has become adroit at breaking him out of muggle jails. Severus, are there negative long term effects to polyjuice use?"
"No, not unless you count Vector's egregious fashion sense," Snape answered. "His last outfit was ridiculous - a Hawaiian shirt, long white shorts, white tube socks and sandals complemented by sunglasses and a straw hat."
"I believe he is starting to enjoy becoming more and more outrageous," Flitwick observed.
"Anything that will help him become more effective is acceptable," Dumbledore decided. "What about non-food supplies provisioning?"
"We are accepting shipments nearly every week," said McGonagall. "Filch has been creating more storerooms the last few days. The Hogsmeade communication hub system is complete. We will be starting on the London, Manchester and Edinburgh hub links. After that, Cardiff and Inverness are on the docket. I never knew establishing a completely new communication and transport system would be so difficult."
"I'm unclear on the benefits of this new system over the floo or apparating." asked Flitwick. "How can I send an operative anywhere I want without the Ministry knowing about it?"
"I'm sorry, Filius, but Pince or Sinistra are the right people to discuss the specifics with," McGonagall explained. "In theory, we use the muggle Internet navigating using the IP addresses of sites that we own. Port keys will be programmed for all the sites such that a user need only specify the location desired. Since these dedicated IP addresses are unique there is less chance of misdirection as in the floo network or apparating and one can go between any addresses as needed. Pince has been mapping and adding IP addresses from all over Britain and some in Europe. Sinistra's test trips have been very successful. Other items are on schedule."
"Wonderful. Now let us discuss our tactical needs. I have chosen you four to be my tactical seconds. I hope that you have given your own choices of tactical seconds careful thought as I had asked." Dumbledore steepled his hands and continued. "I will need you all to concentrate on our overall strategies and supervise your tacticals to carry out the strategies. Tell me your two choices and why. Filius, let's start with you."
"I choose Madam Pince and Madam Hooch," said Flitwick. "I want Madam Pince for offensive research and design. She has shown an admirable inventiveness with the mechanics of the new network combining the muggle with the magical. Besides, I can sense that there is something under the surface with her that intrigues me - a closet field marshal in the making cool and level headed in the heat. Madam Hooch has excellent tactical aptitude and her natural inclinations are well suited for rapid field deployments. I believe that she will find the chance to create a war broom to be irresistible."
"War broom?" asked Snape. "I have never heard of such a thing."
"Several were made for the old war, Severus, and by their nature had to destroyed after the war ended. These brooms were known for their suppleness, superb handling, flexibility, offensive weapons, aggressiveness and the armor capabilities given to the rider." Filius explained. "They are extremely difficult to make but they were coveted as they are ideal for quick strikes and directing field movements."
"Approved, Filius. Minerva?" Dumbledore looked at his deputy.
"I choose Sybil Trelawney and Hermione Granger," Minerva did not say any more waiting for the pregnant silence to end as she knew it soon would.
"Granger?!" Snape sputtered and sat up in attention. "They hate each other. Besides, meddlesome as she is, she'll tell Potter."
"Sybil? You and Sybil?" said an amazed Sprout. "Together?"
Dumbledore looked extremely thoughtful and said "Explain, please."
McGonagall stood up and faced her colleagues. "Remember Sybil as a student, Filius, Albus? She was one of the top students that ever went to Hogwarts and still is. Then she had her first vision her first year at university. She was ruined by it. I have watched her these last few weeks. I have seen a change in her. I know in my bones that she will prove an asset to us and craves a chance to prove it. She will handle the communications network as well as our investment instruments. As for Ms Granger, I need not list the aptitudes and proclivities that she would bring to our plan. I need a capable, trustworthy individual to organize the students. Look at SPEW, she has shown the ability to be a natural and tenacious campaigner. Additionally, I feel that her muggle heritage will be of immense use. I know that once they get to know one another, both of them will perform with distinction and discretion."
"Have you talked to Ms Granger?" the headmaster asked.
"No, however, I have made an appointment with her to discuss this matter," McGonagall responded. "I have secured the permission of her parents. They have indicated that it is Ms Granger's decision to make."
"All right. I approve Sybil. If Ms Granger agrees, then your team will be complete. I cannot help notice that you've chosen your past protégé and your current one, Minerva. Cera, your choices?"
Professor Sprout sat up and said "Sinistra and Filch. I envision Sinistra for internal defense research and active design of defensive methods. She has demonstrated the ability to think independently and originally. I'm looking forward to what she comes up with. I need Filch for implementation and covert defense development. He knows the castle and grounds inside and out. Madame Pince told me that Argus has been haunting the library reading up on every spell imaginable. I've seen him practicing at night in the greenhouses. Additionally, as my team is the last line of defense, both candidates have exhibited remarkable offensive talents. They were the last two standing during Spell Tag and they both used their companions as additional offensive players. I suspect that they would have finished each other off had we not stopped."
"Approved and I heartily agree with your assessments of both of them, Cera." Dumbledore smiled at the Head of Hufflepuff then turned to address Snape. "Severus, who are your seconds?"
Snape composed himself before saying, "For my tactical seconds I choose Vector and Neville Longbottom."
He did not have to wait long for a reaction. The laughter and giggling started immediately and went on for some time but did not cross over the line to hysteria.
"You disparage his fashion sense in one breath and with the other make him your second. And Longbottom is ... is ..." McGonagall could not finish as she started laughing again.
Snape rolled his eyes. He had expected this reaction. Nothing to do but proceed. "In his recent activities, Vector has learned and demonstrated the ability to act as someone else, to behave as someone else and to be perceived as someone else all the while utilizing his sharp intellect to misdirect and mislead. On the surface he is a mildly tolerable Lockhart impersonator but underneath is the real weapon - his mind - which he employs so effectively. He has adapted to unfamiliar situations and muggles in particular. His growing familiarity with muggle life is an asset. Vector can be a bombastic buffoon or an innocent bystander, blatant or subtle as the need arises and he is quick-witted enough to get out of trouble. I need him as a field agent."
By this time, the others had stopped laughing and were catching their breaths. They looked at him waiting for further explanation. "As for Mr. Longbottom, he is easy to overlook, I know, both because of his demeanor and his lack of artifice. His potions essays caught my attention at the beginning of term because their quality was so unlike his previous work. His essays were superb examples of creativity, intelligence and logical clarity and in absolute contrast to his actual potions work. I spoke with his grandmother. She told me that last summer Mr. Longbottom studied potions with a vengeance. Using herbology as a starting point, he traced potions ingredients and their resultant potions. Very impressively, he started with year one work and ended with fifth year material all in one summer break. He is quiet, affable but keenly observant. It would not do to underestimate him. Being a student, it would allow me access to that quarter through him. He would make an ideal analyst."
"If you wanted a student, I would think that Draco Malfoy is a better choice," Cera Sprout pointed out.
"Malfoy is not to be trusted. He is a dedicated fence sitter hiding behind Lucius - a simpering follower with the potential of leadership. Right now, all this is a power game to him. I need someone with the heart to commit for the right reasons not his own agenda. Malfoy may yet change and I have not entirely written him off. But he is of no account in this."
"Have you approached Mr. Longbottom?" Dumbledore asked.
"No, I have asked his grandmother to attend my meeting with her grandson, Albus," said Snape. "I know that Longbottom is more than what he seems. His magical energy is so strong and he seems to shy away from drawing on that power. He does not seem to have learned adequate control which accounts for his potions and spells going awry. I also believe that his personal stake in Voldemort's defeat will prove beneficial."
"Both choices are surprising, Severus. I applaud the choice of Vector. I have reservations about Mr. Longbottom but they are not what you may think. He is the last of his line, Severus. Coming from an old family of the Tradition yourself you understand. Have you consulted his grandmother?" Dumbledore looked sharply at Snape.
"No, I wanted to make my case in person to her first before even talking with Longbottom," Snape replied evenly. "She will be arriving later today."
"Very well, Severus, do so and good luck." Dumbledore stood up. "I believe that concludes our meeting. Let us get what rest we can in the next four hours. The aurors will be arriving by seven this morning. I leave it to you all to speak to your new seconds. I would like to have a full briefing with everyone tomorrow evening at eight."
While the companions were returning to their hosts, McGonagall dissolved the circle, removed the recorder and the rest walked to their quarters to get a few hours of sleep. The fire had long since died out and the room was left cold.
~ * ~
The next morning a large contingent of Aurors and Unspeakables, accompanied by the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, was greeted in the Main Hall by the headmaster. All four of the house heads were introduced. McGonagall, Sprout and Snape escorted their visitors to their assigned classrooms for the day while Fudge and Dumbledore retreated to the headmaster's office with Flitwick in tow ostensibly sitting in for Professor McGonagall.
"Thank you for sending them, Cornelius. It was quite a good idea on your part to want to broaden the students' horizons," Dumbledore poured himself and Flitwick some pumpkin juice.
"You're very welcome, Albus," Fudge took a sip of his gilly water. "Compared to the foreign schools of magic, Hogwarts is lagging behind on elective classes. This should at least give the impression that we are trying to remedy that situation."
"Of course, Cornelius, appearances must be maintained," Albus responded quietly leaning back in his chair looking very much at ease.
Flitwick piped up from one of the side chairs "They do seem quite a young group of aurors, minister. Hardly over thirty most of them and I expected more than 2 Unspeakables."
"Well, yes, most of the more seasoned aurors are on duty and could not be scheduled to come. This group comes highly recommended." Fudge replied. "Besides, I thought the students would respond better to those closer to their own age. Shall we proceed on to Ministry business then?"
"By all means, Cornelius," Albus dutifully looked attentive.
"I have to start with the bad news I'm afraid, Albus. The Finance Department has reviewed your latest budget and made further reductions. Now, before you say anything, the funds were transferred to the Muggle Intervention Fund. There have been more and more interactions with muggles and it's costing us a pretty penny, I dare say, to cover up our activities," Fudge explained watching Dumbledore closely. "I tried to argue your case. I really did but the reductions stand. And I can see the department's point with enrollment staying at the same levels overall your expenditure should also stay the same."
Dumbledore nodded and a relieved Fudge continued as he presented a scroll each to Dumbledore and Flitwick. "Here are a few bylaws to be voted upon as amendments at the next trustees meeting. Please review beforehand. They are all minor in nature more to do with governance and finances. Now, tell me have you made any progress on the Blessing of Benevolence problem?"
"I am afraid not, Cornelius. The blessing is slowly wearing off becoming less and less effective. I am surprised that it has lasted as long as it has." Albus explained stroking his long white beard.
"How long before it completely dissolves," Fudge leaned on the edge of his seat. Flitwick was surreptitiously watching him from the side.
"It is hard to tell. If it continues at its current rate then I estimate complete dissolution in one year from now. We have found no replacement for it. I do not even know how the charm was cast nor do I have any more detail than what the Ministry is in possession of. I will have more information at the trustees meeting next month. When it is gone, it will be gone."
"That is too bad. Perhaps, the timing is right. The world is much safer than it used to be. There is little need for a blessing of benevolence any more." Fudge stood up and straightening his robes self importantly. "I must be off then. I have several meetings to attend to. Flitwick, a pleasure as always."
With those parting words, the minister swept out smartly out of the headmaster's office and Hogwarts castle.
"Well, we have our answer," said Flitwick quietly.
"Yes but no proof," pointed out Dumbledore. "But proof would help us not at all."
"Keep the Ministry away from me for six months, Albus, and we will be ready, I promise you," Flitwick pleaded.
At a quick knock at the door, Mr. Ollivander stepped in, closed the door and automatically took a seat by the fire. "I have to commend you on your armory, Filius. The storage and retrieval methods are unique. They should prove most effective. Certainly solves your supply problems."
"I will have no supply problems. However, credit must also be given to Madam Pince. She tied the armory to the new transport system. No more trunks being hauled from one location to another. Ingenious woman!" Flitwick supplied.
"The same Madam Pince as the librarian?" asked Ollivander.
"Yes, yes. A woman of unusual talents." said Albus.
"Apparently," said Ollivander dryly. He clapped his hands together and grinned. "So, where's my volunteer, Albus?"
"Minerva should be here shortly as will Severus. She had a short meeting this morning. In the meantime, tell us your news," Albus was now finally truly at ease.
Two sets of tea sat unsipped and ignored on the table in Professor McGonagall's office. Two young women were reeling from shock at the sheer volume of information that had just been thrown at them. The pell mell pace of the schedule left them queasy. Their eyes remained on the parchments on their laps which read:
Strategy and External Recruitment - Dumbledore
Intelligence - Snape (seconds Vector and Longbottom)
Planning and Logistics - McGonagall (seconds Trelawney and Granger)
Arms and Armor - Flitwick (seconds Pince and Hooch)
Siege and Defense - Sprout (seconds Sinistra and Filch)
Specialties
Pomfrey - Infirmary, medical supply procurement, medical research
Binns - Research and analysis
Hagrid - Combat medic and corp services
Ollivander - External arms supplier
Figg - External funding and investment handler
Bloody Baron - Grounds monitoring and security
The Gray Lady - Castle communications
Sir Nicholas - Gate and portal monitoring
The Fat Friar - Intra-personnel communications
Hermione had been honored when Professor McGonagall had explained the special project. She had accepted readily enough. This is unbelievable. A part of her stood up and cheered herself on after she realized that she wouldn't be stuck in the library very often. Finally, someone thought of her as more than a walking library. She glanced obliquely at Professor Trelawney - Sibyl - who was peering at her parchment and making notes on another. She didn't know what it was, but the divination professor was different, almost normal. Keeping this from Harry and Ron would be easy after all they were used to her special projects by now. She turned her attention back to Professor McGonagall.
"There will be a mandatory full briefing this evening at 8pm in one of the dungeon meeting rooms. Please think carefully of what I have told you. Bring any questions you may have to the meeting tonight." McGonagall instructed. "I expect the two of you to coordinate on the tasks that I have assigned. We, three, will have twice weekly progress meetings."
McGonagall began to dissolve the Cirquo Anomi and deactivated the recorded.
"One question, Professor," said Hermione.
"Yes, Ms Granger?"
"Um, Neville working with Professor Snape. That is a really bad idea," Hermione pointed out.
"Professor Snape personally selected him," McGonagall barely kept her amusement from showing.
"But, but ... they can't stand each other," Hermione kept on. "Intelligence work?"
"His reasons were valid. And, Ms Granger, I have learned to trust Severus Snape's judgment almost more than my own,"
Trelawney looked knowingly at the deputy headmistress and with a slight grin added "With Severus the proof is always in the pudding." This earned a laugh from the senior professor.
"Well, all right," Hermione acceded reluctantly. She was going to speak with Neville as soon as possible. "I guess."
As if McGonagall had read her mind "Oh, please do not discuss this matter with Mr. Longbottom just yet. Wait until the meeting tonight."
The two younger ladies nodded and left one to go to her seminars and the other to return to her tower which didn't seem all that lonely anymore. Trelawney planned to reestablish the mentoring relationship that she had once had with Professor McGonagall and get to know Hermione Granger as well. It was time to start living again. Hermione headed off to her first seminar. Thoughts swirled in her head. Mr. Ollivander an arms dealer who would have thought. Well, this does explain a few things.
Severus Snape had been none too impressed with the batch of Aurors he had escorted about this morning. After a brief stop in the staff room, he was headed towards Professor McGonagall's office and together go they would proceed to Albus' office to perform the partner bond. He was absentmindedly wondering who her partner was going to be when he saw Hermione Granger heading his way at a fast clip. As she passed, he murmured "Welcome to a most exclusive club, Ms Granger."
"Thank you, sir." she replied. "About Neville, I don't -"
"Ah, no, Ms Granger. The first thing you must remember is that no discussion of any kind on this topic is ever done by anyone outside of a Circle of Anomi unless you happen to be in the headmaster's office," Snape instructed in a firm tone. "As for that particular student, I will only say that I expect him to surprise a lot of people, especially those who believe they know him best. Enjoy your seminars."
Snape walked on leaving a puzzled but determined Hermione Granger. She decided that she was going to give Neville whatever help she could even if it killed her. She didn't know what to think of Snape or Trelawney for that matter. She'd list down her questions with invisible ink as she thought of them. It was going to be a long wait until the meeting tonight.