For copyright and disclaimers, please see chapter 1

9 – Classes, Week Nine, Second Year
Monday, October 25, 1999:
London, Ministry of Magic, Minister's office: 07:00
"There you are, Weasley!" Minister Fudge asked, "Where have you been?"

"The goblins held me on fraud charges. Apparently the wand and moneybag you passed on to me were reported stolen." Percy settled his robes, "Whose were they, anyway?"

"No one you need worry about," Fudge sipped his tea; asking, "You didn't tell them where you got it, did you?"

Insulted, Percy replied, "Of course not, Minister! I know where my loyalties lie!"

"Humph," Fudge said, "In any case, Edward here can bring you up to speed on your Ministry. Dolores here has a wonderful plan for additional funding."

Dolores Umbridge gazed warily at Percy; then said, "It's a very simple two part plan, a play on the public's fears. We simply pass a decree with the usual two line notice buried in the Prophet that all inmate property is now subject to confiscation. If the inmate tragically dies in our custody, their estate is now forfeit to the Ministry."

"What if the estate is probated?" Edward Hansen asked.

Umbridge dismissed that. "They will be encouraged to sign full title over to the Ministry, or risk being charged with theft of government property. The law would supersede any existing liens on the property. Once we have it, we can then sell it, develop it, or whatever we wish. I believe this will give us a more stable, long-term source of funding."

Edward mulled this over, asking, "What's the second part?"

Umbridge smiled nastily, "Ah, this generates good publicity, which this Ministry can always use. Simply put, we already have a list of the subjects of this legislation, from the Dangerous Creatures office. We publicly urge our vampires and werewolves, for the sake of public safety, to report themselves to Ministry custody. Once there, we can charge and convict them of some minor crime, which allows us to confiscate their property. We can then hold them as long as necessary."

"There are some very young children that are werewolves," Percy said. "Some as young as five, and there are three at Hogwarts. Would this apply to them? I don't see how their property could make much difference."

"Of course it would! There can be no exceptions!" Fudge declared. "They can bite someone just as easily as an adult werewolf!"

"This is actually aimed at the vampires," Dolores said. "While there hasn't been a reported vampire bite in several years, they are all immensely wealthy. By making this a criminal statute, we can enforce it on overseas property. However, the werewolves, while poor, are more numerous, and better-known."

"We can make an example of Hogwarts, and that fool Dumbledore," Edward said. "Put those three werewolves in cages during a full moon; let the press and the public see what a danger they are. Once the plan is in place, the werewolves can be quietly killed off."

"Excellent idea!" Fudge said. "We'll set it up for next month. Take care of it, Edward. Now, Dolores, you had an idea for emptying out cells in Azkaban to house the werewolves…"

Monday, October 25, 1999:
Hogwarts, Potions classroom: 09:00
The door slammed and locked on the tick of nine, the class falling silent. Arthur leaned over, asking Mattie in a whisper, "Where's Sprink?"

"Full moon last night," she replied in a whisper.

"Mr. Morton. Miss Wayne. I believe that you are to be silent when the door closes, signaling the start of class," the Potion Master said from behind them. They jumped, and he added, "Two points from Hufflepuff, Mr. Morton, for speaking, and two more from Slytherin, Miss Wayne, for replying." He swept past, adding, "I am pleased you are concerned for a classmate, Mr. Morton, especially one from another house. You have, however, one hundred sixty two hours in a week when you are not in my class. You may gossip then."

"Git," Andrew muttered.

"Five points from Gryffindor for insulting a teacher, Mr. Kirke. Not that it makes much difference at this point." He spun, robes flaring dramatically. "The burn healing paste is daubed on the site of the injury, however, should we wish that burn to remain open for other treatment, what would we use?" He paced; then said, "Mr. Kirke, you can make up a bit of Gryffindor's deficit with a correct answer."

"Um, to counter the puffer-fish eyes, you'd put in," Andrew licked his lips, "shrivelfig scales, one teaspoon per eye, and … (Mattie had her fingers crossed) a third of a porcupine quill to moderate that."

Professor Snape looked surprised. "Very good, Mr. Kirke, you have your five points back. Now, Miss Leeds, to build on Mr. Kirke's answer, the effects of bubotuber pus on the injury in conjunction with burn healing paste would be?"

Amanda cleared her throat, "The injury would remain open, sir."

"Very good, Miss Leeds," Professor Snape said, "Five points to Gryffindor. Mr. Kirke, tell us about those quills."

The study group crept in the Infirmary, and was intercepted by Narcissa. One of the twins asked, "How are they?"

"All three are sleeping at the moment," she smiled fondly. "I'll tell them you stopped by. If you hurry, you can still get a bite to eat before afternoon classes."

Monday, October 25, 1999:
Hogwarts, staff quarters, Potter flat: 20:39
A screech owl flew in, landing on Ginny's writing table. She smiled, "Hello, Hermes, have you a letter for me?" The owl hooted, while Harry's owl Hedwig, clacked her beak disapprovingly.

25/10/1999

Dearest Ginevra,

I hope this letter finds you well. Today was my first day to return to work at the Ministry after our holiday. There are always so many things to do! Penelope sends her love, of course, and wishes that you and Harry might stop by upon your next visit to London. She is redecorating our flat, and…

"Oy, Harry love, we have a letter from Percy!" Ginny said, and Harry got up from the computer where he had been marking essays, stroking the owls' heads on the way. Picking up a few sheets of blank parchment, he passed them to his wife as she pulled her wand from her hair plait.

"What code did you work out with Percy?" Harry asked, joining her at the table.

"The date's underlined, which means there's something else he wrote," she said. "I'm glad you mentioned this way of coding, decryption charms can break just about anything."

"Muggle upbringing, with 007 and Her Majesty's Secret Service," he smirked. "It's known as a 'one time pad', and is supposed to be unbreakable without the key." He shrugged, "If it's good enough for MI-6 and the American CIA…"

Ginny tapped her wand on the letter, revealing pages of gibberish. She copied the gibberish onto fresh parchment, then set Percy's letter aside to summon a book. "Page 1999, paragraph ten, and letter twenty-five…" she mumbled. Looking up, she mentioned, "This will take a while. I'll give you a shout, love."

"Oh, my," Ginny breathed. "What do we do?" She passed the scribbled sheets to her husband.

"This affects our friends and students," he mused. "Let me transcribe it into the computer, so the syntax won't reveal Percy while you burn your notes." He rubbed his chin, asking, "What say you to a midweek dinner party, a casual affair?" Ginny nodded, adding, "Perhaps Remus can pop by sometime this week?"

Wednesday, October 27, 1999:
Hogwarts, staff room: 08:39
"If there is nothing else?" Albus asked, levitating the tea set about.

"Just a personal note," Harry said. "Ginny and I were planning a small party tonight at eight; we're inviting all of you." He glanced down the table, adding, "That includes you, Argus."

Sinistra covered her mouth and yawned, "Sorry, Harry. Got my fifth years tonight, can I get a raincheque?"

"Stop by for a drink at least, Ginny had something to ask you," Harry grinned, adding "Some sort of 'girl thing', she wouldn't tell me."

"We can't tell you poor males, what would be the fun in that?" Lara smirked. "I'll be there tonight, Harry. Should we bring anything?"

"Dobby is handling the refreshments, so you don't need to worry about Fred and George," Harry said.

"Unfortunately, I cannot attend," Severus said.

"Pity, Severus. I hope you can find the time," Albus said, "It sounds like a wonderful evening, Harry. I look forward to it."

"If I may have five minutes, Severus, I would appreciate it," Harry said, and the Potion Master nodded.

Wednesday, October 27, 1999:
Hogwarts, staff quarters, Potter flat: 18:39
Professor Sinistra knocked on the Potter's door, Harry inviting her in. Offering her tea, Harry said, "I'm sorry, but I needed a ruse. We received information from our spies in the Ministry that will affect our students and our friends."

Ginny entered, putting up her hair, adding, "The Ministry is planning to confiscate property, but it's also planning on jailing and killing off vampires and werewolves, including some of our students. You mentioned once you had a cousin?"

"Yes, my first cousin is a vampire in Bucharest," Sinistra said. "What do you have?"

Harry stepped to his computer, and the printer hummed, "For security, I've paraphrased the original reports into this summary. That's the real reason for the party tonight, and why I wanted at least one Slytherin professor."

"Miss Tonks," Sinistra breathed, looking over the information.

Harry nodded, "Miss Tonks."

"Severus!" Filius called, "Do join us!"

The tall Potions Master inclined his head, accepting a glass of wine from Ginny. He sniffed the bouquet, then glanced at his hostess; murmuring, "Loire Riesling, 1955. I do confess, Ginevra, I am surprised."

She smiled enigmatically, then tapped her wineglass, "If I might have everyone's attention, our spies in the Ministry have informed us of a new problem …"

Thursday, October 28, 1999:
London, Ministry of Magic, Minister's office: 09:05
"Cornelius, I'm concerned about Weasley," Dolores said.

"How so?" he asked.

"He seemed to brush off his two weeks with the goblins," she said. "I'm concerned that someone may have gotten to him. It's not like Potter to casually pay out almost half a million galleons to someone who's on the outs with his family, especially a family like the Weasleys."

"Hmm," the Minister said. "Arrange whatever loyalty test you want for Weasley, Dolores. However, if he passes, that is the end of it."

Friday, October 29, 1999:
Hogwarts, Slytherin potions lab: 14:09
"Right-o, mate, you saw the tests with the rats. You watched us blind them Wednesday afternoon; then they got a dose of potion," Sprink said. "Snape's signed off on our brewing, and you watched the rats run the maze after. It's time, mate."

"They did kind of wobble a bit at first," Arthur said. "One ran into a wall in the maze."

"A slight period of disorientation," Mattie quoted from their manual, adding, "The monkshood will do that, and we couldn't give the rats a chair."

"True," Arthur admitted. "The antigen's ready?" Sprink waved the small bottle of white potion, and he took a seat. "Let's do this before I lose my nerve."

"'Kay, here we go…" Mattie passed him a goblet of honey-gold potion, Arthur toasting them before draining it. "Bleargh, doesn't taste very good," he said, a shaking hand dropping the goblet to the table. He spat air, adding, "Better than the werewolf stuff, though."

"Too right, mate," Sprink added as Arthur fumbled with his tie, which Mattie loosened for him. "Thanks," he mumbled, then said, "Yeow! My eyes hurt!"

Sprink dipped a rag in cold water, placing it over his eyes. Arthur stopped panting after a minute, took a final deep breath; and then removed the rag. He removed his glasses from his shirt pocket, then wincing, "I wore those?"

"Feeling better?" Mattie asked, and Arthur nodded. "Testing time!" Sprink chirped, and dashed about fifteen feet across the lab, opening a book at a random place. "She borrowed that from Narcissa," Mattie said, "It's got the finest type we could find."

"'Kay, it's a book on human anatomy, dealing with the pelvic region of the human female." Arthur blushed, "I won't read all of it, but it says the transverse pelvic gap in the female averages four and three-quarter inches (1)." Mattie waved Sprink in, as Arthur added quietly, "Um, I think I inherited something from your Uncle Clark. I can see Sprink's underwear."

"What, through my blouse?" Sprink asked, having removed her school jumper and robes.

"Er, no, through your body. Your bra tag reads (he whispered)…32A?"

Sprink eeped, and pulled her jumper back on, and Mattie looked skeptical, while pulling her robes tighter, "No way. What color are mine?"

Arthur leaned forward, and whispered, "Pink, and frilly. Very frilly." He gulped, backing away from Mattie's darkening expression, and groped for the antigen.

"Wait," Sprink said. "Professor Snape's in class. We need confirmation Arthur's sight is, um, improved. Let's go see Aunt Narcissa; otherwise we won't get credit for the potion."

"It's 'Dusty Rose', not 'pink', and you, mister, will keep your eyes front at all times," Mattie ordered.

"Hey, four sisters, remember?"

Narcissa smiled at her niece; asking, "What can I do for you three?"

"Err, Aunt Narcissa, you remember our potion? Eye improvement for Arthur here?"

"It didn't work? Is that why he's blindfolded?"

"No, he can read your book across the room, but he can also, um, see through things."

Narcissa raised her eyebrow. "What is Madame Pomfrey doing now?"

"She's on the computer, with a bunch of folders around her. It looks like she was updating things, and took a quick Solitaire break," Arthur said. "She needs to play the red ten on the black jack." He turned; then said, "Professor Flitwick is wearing a blue sweater with a crest in gold under his robes." He found a scrap of parchment, scribbling a number. "That's how much cash he's got on him, and (he scribbled again) the second figure's how much cash you've got, Ms. Black."

"Miss Tonks, go ask Professor Flitwick how much cash he's got on him at the moment. Sprink turned to go, Arthur calling, "Don't forget the knut in his pant cuff!"

Friday, October 29, 1999:
London, Ministry of Magic, Minister's office: 16:49
The two DMLE thugs pushed Arthur Weasley into the Minister's office, where a sobbing Molly rushed to hug him. He comforted her, asking, "Minister, what's this about? Why is my wife here? I was told my presence was (he glared at the thugs), desired."

"In a moment, Weasley, all will be revealed," Percy entered the room, followed by a smirking Dolores Umbridge.

She dismissed the guards, telling Percy, "I'm not sure you're fully with us, Weasley. This is a loyalty test, so I want you to cast Cruciatus on your parents."

"What? Cast an Unforgivable?" Percy spluttered, while Molly advanced on Umbridge, who casually waved her wand, 'Petrificus Totalus'. Both parents thumped to the floor, frozen stiff and silent, where they glared at Umbridge.

"You're either with us, or against us, Weasley," Umbridge said. "Choose."

"You really thought I'd work against you, Minister?" Percy asked, insulted. He waved his wand, saying 'Crucio', and Arthur Weasley stiffened in agony.

"I don't hear any screaming," Dolores said, and Percy snorted. Flicking his wand at Dolores, he repeated, 'Crucio', over her screams, he added, "They can't speak with the full body bind, Minister Umbridge. You scream prettily enough."

"Enough!" Fudge called. Percy lifted his wand, and Fudge said, "Good. One more thing, Weasley. Kill one of them. One of your parents."

"K… kill?"

"Yes, Weasley," Fudge said. "Kill one of your parents, or we won't know if we can trust you. Within the next minute, or I'll kill you, followed by your parents. You know Edward is eager to take your place…"

"Yes…" Percy said. He mumbled a quick prayer, then pointed his wand, "'Avada Kedavra'" and a green light flashed.

Friday, October 29, 1999:
London, Weasley flat: 17:39
"Percy! You look horrible," Penelope said as he stepped through the floo.

"I feel horrible," Percy told his wife. He crossed to the sideboard, and opened a bottle of Ogden's old Firewhiskey. Drinking from the bottle, he fumbled in his pocket, extracting a small matchbox and expanding it to a coffin. Corking the bottle, he stumbled to the bedroom, as his wife looked on in horror.

He returned to the living room, opening the coffin and putting a pendant around the neck of the corpse. "I dropped Father off at the twin's shop. I'll be at Hogwarts."

"Percy, is that…"

He nodded, saying just before he touched the portkey, "Yes, Penelope. Today, I had to kill my mother."

(1) Gray's anatomy, pg. 181.