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For copyright and disclaimers, please see chapter 1
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18 – Classes, Week Twenty-one, Second Year
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Sunday, January 16, 2000:
Ireland, Howth Rd., Dublin, Weasley flat: 07:13
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The laptop 'dinged', announcing "You've got mail!" Arthur Weasley poked at the email icon, calling, "We've got a letter from Ginny!"
Molly Weasley dried her hands on a dishtowel, pausing while the roar of a jet taking off from the nearby airport rattled the windows. "Does she say when we can come home?" she asked, standing behind her husband.
"Um... I'm reading it..." he mumbled, reaching up to hold her hand. "She's included snaps of the babes, and mentions Fred and George transferred another 2500 galleons into our account here. Licensing fees from December sales of the transformer; they mention the 150 and 300 watt models sold especially well over the hols, and ask if there's some adapter for receiving muggle telly signals."
"I needn't ask what you'll be doing today," Molly said fondly. "Then I can go off to work."
"I don't know why no one thought of a catering shop in London," Arthur said. "Once we get back, would you be interested in opening one in London?"
"We'd have to be disguised," Molly said, brushing her once-flaming hair. "We couldn't use the Weasley or Prewitt names, as we're still 'dead'. Still, it's something to think on." She leaned forward, resting her head on her husband's, "Now, let's see those piccies!"
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Monday, January 17, 2000:
London, Ministry of Magic: 07:17
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"Good morning, Betty," Percy said, popping his hat on the coat tree; then unwinding his muffler from his neck.
"Good morning, Minister," his secretary said, as she fixed his tea. "You've got your meeting with Ministers Fudge and Umbridge at eight," she reminded him.
"Drat, that's right," he said, accepting his cuppa. "Please remind me ten minutes before; I've got quite a bit of correspondence to get out. I'm not to be disturbed."
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Monday, January 17, 2000:
London, Gringott's bank, conference room: 08:00
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"Mister Weasley, and Mister Weasley!" Griplink said, shaking Fred & George's hands. "Please, have a seat. Tea?"
"Thank you, please," George replied as they took their seats. The tea set was floated about, and the meeting got underway. "I understand you've come to a decision regarding our application?"
"A line of credit?" Griplink asked. "Yes, although we did have a few questions."
"Fire away," Fred said.
"Yes, the Knockturn alley property you would be leasing instead of buying, why?"
"The property has been in the Bones family for quite a number of generations," Fred explained. "There is apparently a family codicil that prohibits selling property unless the male head of the line approves. Since the Dark Tosser killed Susan's parents several years ago, they have to wait for Susan to find a bloke, marry, and produce a son, who will then be the male head upon his majority." He shrugged, "Therefore, a 99 year lease with renewal option, which does give them a revenue stream."
"Hmm, I see," Griplink said, making a note. "The Knockturn property would be connected to the London power grid, what about the Hogsmeade property? Why not use one of your father's transformers for power there?"
"We don't have one with the capacity yet," George replied. "There are technical problems, and we can't hook into the muggle power grid there. We've decided to do what Hogwarts does, so we'll use multiple transformers."
"I see..." Griplink mused. "You would be getting Internet connections through WayneTech. What about local service?"
"We've contacted several recent muggle-born graduates of Hogwarts," Fred replied. "We're fortunate to have a few that want to work with us as designers for these Intraweb..."
"...Internet," Griplink corrected.
"Right, Internet. Internet web sites. We're also offering hosting for companies on the Maginet part of the Internet, a package deal."
"What about wizard-born?" Griplink asked.
"We're certainly open to them, but, well, the muggle-born have grown up with it."
"I see..." Griplink mused. "The conversion of Hogwarts' connection from British Telecom to WayneTech."
"A rough timeline is in Appendix C, with copies of letters of understanding from Headmaster Dumbledore to WayneTech and to us." Fred shrugged. "We can't be more precise, as it depends on BT's scheduling. The agreement is that Hogwart's equipment is getting free rent and power in one of our back rooms, with the understanding that we can take no more than 20 percent of their bandwidth." He raised his hands, "Beyond that, you'll have to ask WayneTech. They tried to explain it, but it's beyond me."
"I believe that's all the questions I had," Griplink said. "I will recommend approval, and we should be able to conclude this by the end of the week."
"Brill!" Fred whooped, while George shook Griplink's hand.
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Monday, January 17, 2000:
London, Ministry of Magic: 08:02
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"Good morning, Minister," Percy said, nodding "Minister Umbridge. How are you all today?"
Dolores accepted the floating tea set, and fixed her cup. "Better, Weasley, better. Azkaban is almost cleaned out. We need to fill it up with our enemies." She passed the tea set over, "I want to see Wayne, Potter and Dumbledore in there. How can we arrange it?"
"Difficult," Percy mused as he sipped his tea. "Potter and Dumbledore are both too powerful to ambush in someplace like Diagon Alley. Edward, may he rest in peace, tried to kill Wayne (Fudge snorted), and she's not allowed on trips to Hogsmeade. She's only a second-year," he reminded Dolores. "What about her Aunt Lois? Could we arrest her and throw her in Azkaban? Possibly set a trap for Wayne?"
"With her newspaper? I can't remember the last nice thing she wrote about me," Fudge said.
"Re-opening the floo connections," Dolores said, Percy adding, "She regretted the 'breakdown in civil discourse' that caused poor Edward's death. How are we in finding the killer?"
"Not very far," Cornelius said. "DMLE and the Aurors don't have experience with snipers or muggle guns, the only real evidence we had was the bullet we took out of your shoulder, Dolores, and that seems to be misplaced."
"Why can't we pin it on Wayne?"
"Aside from three professors and several students placing her at Hogwarts at the time? She's too much of a public figure, like her Aunt," Percy said. "By the by, I've heard rumors that Ms. Lane has asked you for an interview."
"She did," Cornelius admitted. "I'm tempted, that will prove once and for all that I'm a simple, humble servant of wizard kind." Dolores and Percy looked at each other as Fudge continued, "I want Wayne made an example of. Arrange the arrest of the Aunt. I want it done at Hogwarts."
"What charge?" Percy asked.
"Defamation of a government official," Umbridge suggested. "She can't deny she's said nasty things about us."
"True. I want it done at Hogwarts. I want to prove that no place in Great Britain is beyond my grasp," Fudge declared. "Now then, after that dratted Pimpernel person interfered, do we have any vampires or werewolves?"
Dolores sighed, "We had a family of vampires in our clutches, but the bloody Pimpernel whisked them from our grasp, and now the Germans are upset with us. They don't seem to understand what a service we're doing."
"Weasley, I want you on a broom to Germany. Get this sorted out, and if you can't bring those vampires back, at least bring back their gold."
"Yes, Minister."
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Monday, January 17, 2000:
Hogwarts, Hufflepuff gym: 13:05
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"Before we begin... Miss Wayne, you are excused from this class and I see no reason for you to ever return," Leftenant Martin said stiffly.
"You're kicking me out?" Mattie asked. "Why?"
"There are several reasons Miss Wayne. The simplest is that this is a class for beginners and with your skill, as much as I am loathe to admit it, there is nothing I can teach you." Mattie opened her mouth, and he raised his hand, "While I certainly could have used a skilled assistant, after the events of two weeks ago, I do not believe I can trust you with that responsibility. Your actions were not those of a martial artist, but those of a bully. I will not put the other students at hazard of your temper."
Mattie's face burned red, whether in anger or embarrassment being debatable. "Finally, your continued presence would be extremely disruptive. I noticed two weeks ago that every time I gave an order, people would look to you for confirmation before following it. There can only be one person in charge and in this class... that will be me. It will be difficult to overcome the damage you've already done and impossible if you remain. So regretfully Miss Wayne, you are dismissed. I suggest you go to the Library and bone up on your Transfiguration skills, I understand that you have some difficulties there."
Mattie glared at the leftenant with narrowed eyes, spun on her heel and marched out of the gym without saying a word.
"Wait, Mattie!" Sprink called, slinging her bag. She shot a glare at the Leftenant, "I want to learn this. She's better qualified to teach it, and this isn't the Army."
The twins traded a look; saying in unison, "We agree."
"They're right. Cheerio," Charlie said, asking, "You coming, mate?"
Arthur shook his head, "I think I'll see what happens."
"At least the Gryffindors have some sense," Leftenant Martin smirked.
"We do. We know who's better qualified," Andrew said, as Amanda joined him. Felicia hesitated, then slung her bag over her shoulder and ran after them as the Leftenant blinked in shock.
------------------------
"Where to, oh fearless leader?" Charlie asked.
"Guys, you'll get in trouble for skipping class," Mattie said.
"Bugger Leftenant Prat, I wanna learn this," Sprink said.
"Besides, we're dressed for it this week," one of the twins said.
"What about the Room of Requirement?" Amanda asked.
"That works for me," Mattie said.
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To: Leftenant Martin
CC: Severus Snape
From: Mattie Wayne
Date: 17 January, 2000 18:44:38
Subject: Detentions
Leftenant:
I still owe you two detentions. Please let me know when you would like me to serve them with you.
To: Mattie Wayne
From: Leftenant Martin
Date: 17 January, 2000 20:25:16
Subject: Re: Detentions
Miss Wayne:
Not only do you owe detentions, I want you expelled for being a disruptive influence!
> I still owe you two detentions. Please let me know when you would like me to serve them with you.
To: Severus Snape
From: Mattie Wayne
Date: 17 January, 2000 20:44:23
Subject: Re2: Detentions
Professor, what's this about? I showed up for class this afternoon, and the Leftenant not only threw me out, he told me not to return, calling me a 'disruptive influence'. It's not my fault that several people followed me out – I didn't ask them to, and warned them they'd get in trouble if they didn't.
> Miss Wayne:
> Not only do you owe detentions, I want you expelled for being a disruptive influence!
>> I still owe you two detentions. Please let me know when you would like me to serve them with you.
To: Albus Dumbledore
CC: Minerva McGonagall
From: Severus Snape
Date: 17 January, 2000 21:03:11
Subject: Fw: Re2: Detentions
Please find below an email exchange between Miss Wayne and Leftenant Martin. I know of no reason for the Leftenant to demand her expulsion. In speaking to both Miss Wayne and Miss Tonks, the members of her study group followed her out, saying she was better qualified to teach this course. As she has done so since part way through her first year, and is higher ranked, I would tend to agree.
> Professor, what's this about? I showed up for class this afternoon, and the Leftenant not only threw me out, he told me > not to return, calling me a 'disruptive influence'. It's not my fault that several people followed me out – I didn't ask them > to, and warned them they'd get in trouble if they didn't.
>> Miss Wayne:
>> Not only do you owe detentions, I want you expelled for being a disruptive influence!
>>> I still owe you two detentions. Please let me know when you would like me to serve them with you.
To: Severus Snape
CC: Albus Dumbledore, Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout
From: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 17 January, 2000 21:44:22
Subject: Re: Fw: Re2: Detentions
I have spoken to Mr. Kirke, Miss Leeds, and Miss Hansen. They are in agreement that they followed Miss Wayne out because she is not only more qualified, and they are friends, but the Leftenant is a 'major prat'.
From what I can discover, the Leftenant is coming across as a 'know-it-all arse', which would be one thing if he DID 'know-it-all', but he does not. By banning Miss Wayne, he is depriving the students (and himself) of her knowledge.
While I doubt she would cancel the Bats' contract with the school in a fit of pique, she may decide not to return next year.
> Please find below an email exchange between Miss Wayne and Leftenant Martin. I know of no reason for the Leftenant > to demand her expulsion. In speaking to both Miss Wayne and Miss Tonks, the members of her study group followed her > out, saying she was better qualified to teach this course. As she has done so since part way through her first year, and is > higher ranked, I would tend to agree.
>> Professor, what's this about? I showed up for class this afternoon, and the Leftenant not only threw me out, he told me >> not to return, calling me a 'disruptive influence'. It's not my fault that several people followed me out – I didn't ask >> them to, and warned them they'd get in trouble if they didn't.
>>> Miss Wayne:
>>> Not only do you owe detentions, I want you expelled for being a disruptive influence!
>>>> I still owe you two detentions. Please let me know when you would like me to serve them with you.
To: Severus Snape
CC: Minerva McGonagall, Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout
From: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 17 January, 2000 22:16:33
Subject: Leftenant Martin (Was: Re: Fw: Re2: Detentions )
As I have a Legilmancy lesson with Miss Wayne tomorrow morning, I will reassure her that I have no intention of expelling her. In the interim, please monitor the Leftenant's classes when you have a moment, and advise me.
Albus
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Tuesday, January 18, 2000:
Hogwarts, Headmaster's office: 09:02
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"Good morning, Professor," Mattie said as she knocked and entered. She scrubbed the frost from a windowpane, asking, "Still snowing? How do you stand it with the window open for the owls?"
"There is a modified warming charm on the window, and a good cuppa helps," he said, offering her a cup.
She chuckled and accepted, passing over an envelope. "Putting on my Ballycastle hat, that's a copy of the report I received on the December gate receipts, and a transfer receipt for Gringotts. A somewhat belated Christmas present, but the thought's there."
"Indeed it is," Albus said as he scanned the report. "Miss Vector will be most pleased to see this." He looked over his glasses, "She took over the budgeting for Miss McGonagall, who has a bit too much on her plate." He sighed, "I shouldn't tell tales, but one particular student is giving her fits."
"Miss Koslowski, I presume," Mattie said, and the Headmaster looked over his half-moon spectacles at her, "Like I haven't given Professor Snape an ulcer or two."
"I have no doubt he has a selection of potions for that eventuality. By the by," he added, putting the report down, "Please don't be concerned about the Leftenant. Had you done something wrong, we would have addressed it with you."
"I thought so, but..."
"You were still nervous about it. Also, please don't be concerned about your friends; they are not in trouble either. I will ask Professor Potter to join you on the 31st in the Room of Requirement."
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Tuesday, January 18, 2000:
Hogwarts, Potter flat: 17:52
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Harry looked up as his wife entered the flat, rushing to help her with her coat. With a 'pop', Dobby appeared to take the coat, giving her a mug of hot tea. She sighed, asking, "How was your day?"
"A bit of paperwork, and Percy sent a letter, I sent his owl on." He gently blocked her from moving, adding, "Hot bath and a meal, young lady. It's supposed to snow all night."
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"Hmm," Ginny said, "Percy is off to Germany to steal some vampire gold, while Fudge plans to kidnap Ms. Lane during an interview, and blame it on Miss Wayne, who will be tragically killed." She looked at her husband, "He declares that no place in Britain is beyond him. Perhaps we should let Miss Wayne know?"
"Let's accommodate our good friend Cornelius, and suggest that Ms. Lane use the staff room on Friday afternoon. I'm off then, I can be available for backup," Harry said.
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"Ah, Miss Wayne, a moment of your time?" Professor Harry asked as the DA entered the Room of Requirement. She nodded, and he cast a privacy spell, "We've heard from some of our spies in the Ministry," he told her. "Fudge wants to prove that there is no place in Britain he cannot reach. He is planning to grant your Aunt Lois' request for an interview. He will then kidnap her and throw her into Azkaban, which Umbridge has been emptying of other inmates. You will be blamed for another assassination attempt, where you will be killed." He took a sip of tea, "We thought that if this was arranged for this coming Friday afternoon, I can be available as a backup. We also ask that in order to preserve our spies' identities, we'd like to ask that he has a partial success."
"That I die?" she asked disbelievingly.
"No, that they succeed in carrying off your aunt," he replied with a crooked grin. "You could possibly have a broken leg or something that will prevent you from pursuit. Of course, I'm sure that there is some bit of kit that will let you track her any place on the planet." He nodded at her Ring, "Will it block an AK? I don't think Fudge knows about it."
"Possibly," she mused. "It depends on the wearer's willpower."
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To: The Clan (encrypted)
From: Mattie Wayne
Date: 18 January, 2000 20:18:03 (GMT)
Subject: Fudge coming to visit
Minister Fudge will accept Aunt Lois' request for an interview, accompanied as usual by several of his DMLE thugs. He plans to kidnap her, spiriting her off to Azkaban Island, thus 'proving' that no place is beyond his reach.
The source suggests she use the staff room on the ground floor for her interview on the afternoon of Friday the 21st. The arrest charge will be defamation of a public official. Tragically, I will be killed trying to assassinate Minister Fudge.
In order to protect the source, it has been suggested that we take a fall, and he succeed in spiriting Aunt Lois off. I can arrange a non-fatal injury to prohibit my 'pursuit'.
To: The Clan (encrypted)
From: Lois Lane
Date: 18 January, 2000 20:24:26 (GMT)
Subject: Re: Fudge coming to visit
He doesn't give up, does he?
Babs, can we wire that room for sight and sound? Fudge will probably destroy my pocket recorder.
Clark's with me, can you come up with a watch or other gizmo that Mattie can use to trace my signal watch? He can pop by the Clock Tower tomorrow if necessary.
I can swing by Bangkok or Seoul if Mattie doesn't mind wearing a Rolex knockoff for a few days – Clark.
To: The Clan (encrypted)
From: Babs
Date: January 18, 2000 15:43:08 (GMT-5)
Subject: Re2: Fudge coming to visit
I have a design for a circuit board. If people don't mind giving up their watches for a day or two, we can have Rolex install them, with directional LED's under the numbers on the faceplate. It's only 30 mm or so in diameter. You can use that farmboy charm on the Rolex folks, Clark. (grin)
That room, the entrance hall and the great hall already have wireless access points. I can connect Lois' signal to the transport tube on the seventh floor, piggybacking on the sync signal to and from the moon. Clark, I can meet you at Hogwarts about 17:30 tomorrow, we can install cameras with both local and remote recording. Technicolor Lois!
To: The Clan (encrypted)
From: Mattie Wayne
Date: 18 January, 2000 21:22:13 (GMT)
Subject: Re3: Fudge coming to visit
Aunt Lois, when I see you Friday, I'm going to slip you the Ring and Battery. This will give you a bit of additional protection while you're a guest of the DMLE. While you're wearing them, only you or I can remove them from your body.
Don't worry about me, I'm a "bloody snitch" according to the late (un)lamented Edward Hansen. I've dueled these DMLE twerps before, and Professor Harry is available for backup.
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Wednesday, January 19, 2000:
Hogwarts, Staff room: 08:38
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"One other thing," Albus said, accepting the floating tea service. "Cornelius will be accepting Ms. Lane's request for an interview this Friday afternoon. His intention is to declare no place in Britain is beyond him. His plan is to arrest Ms. Lane on a charge of defamation of a public figure, and when Miss Wayne attempts to interfere, she will unfortunately be killed by the DMLE, the mastermind of an assassination plot."
"You can't be serious, Albus!" Minerva protested.
"Unfortunately, he is," Harry interjected. "I believe Miss Wayne and her clan have some plans in place, and I intend to loiter in the area, to help out if I might."
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Wednesday, January 19, 2000:
Switzerland, Rolex factory: 13:28 (GMT+1)
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"Guter Nachmittag" (Good afternoon), Superman politely told the startled secretary in German. (May I have a few minutes of the Chairman's time?)
(Superman? Ah, one moment, please.) She desperately hit the intercom, (Chairman, Superman requests a few minutes of your time.)
(Superman? Are you joking? Or drinking?)
(I wish. It's HIM!)
Superman smiled, adding, (If the Chairman's too busy, I can come back later.)
The secretary reached for her intercom, but the chairman came puffing around the corner, calling, (Superman! Please, what can we do for you?)
(Just a small favor. I was hoping you could modify a few of your excellent watches to include a circuit board. My friends and my daughter run the risk of kidnapping, and...)
(Your daughter? Say no more...) The chairman said, holding up his hand. (We shall see to this immediately. Miss Weber, if you would call...)
She was already on the phone, (Waiting for you, gentlemen,) she said with a smile.
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Fräulein Weber's call had the repair shop waiting with baited breath. Superman shook hands; then conferred with the techs while the chairman beamed. (The circuit emits an ultrasonic signal that I can hear if my wife or daughter are in trouble. The lights show direction. Can they be placed under the numbers on the faceplate?)
(Mr. Superman, we shall make it work for you.) The shop supervisor asked the chairman, (Sir, do you wish us to record the serial numbers?)
(No! Mr. Superman trusts the safety of his friends and relatives to our products. We shall not abuse that trust!) The chairman saw Superman with a wallet, and said, (No, Herr Superman. Your money is no good here.)
(There must be something I can do to show my appreciation...) Superman saw a steel plate, and bent it, gazing at it while steam wisped. He smiled, then reached into his cape, drawing out a dirty bit of rock. The chairman watched, fascinated, as Superman flexed his muscles, producing a diamond the size of a golf ball. As Superman gazed at it, a thin wisp arose from it. He asked the chairman, (Can you find a suitable display case for this, so the workers here can see it?)
(Of course, it will stay here,) the chairman promised.
(Mr. Superman, ready for the first test,) the technician said. Superman nodded; then winced. (It works,) he said.
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Thursday, January 20, 2000:
Hogwarts, Transfiguration class: 13:07
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"...And Miss Wayne," Professor McGonagall said, making a note on her attendance. Looking up, she added, "Miss Tonks, Miss Wayne, Miss Leeds, and Miss Hansen, you are excused to Professor Snape. Each of you please take one of these sheets, I expect to see it next week." Felicia accepted the handouts as the Professor continued, "Now then, we will start on transfiguring living beings, specifically these jellyfish. Each of you please take one..."
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Professor Snape had his first-year class preparing ingredients, while a series of cauldrons bubbled. He stalked among them, waving the four second-years to seats. Amy Johnson came in from her Charms class and joined them, while Frank and Jeremy tended a larger cauldron.
"So, what's the handout from McGonagall?" Sprink asked, primarily to get her mind off the potion bubbling a few yards away.
"Um, transfiguring invertebrates," Amanda said, passing copies over.
"Simple enough," Amy said, and Mattie winced. Amy grinned crookedly, massaging her left calf ("Where I was bitten," she whispered), then asked, "Wayne, know where I can earn some gold over the summer? The economy..."
"Why, Minister Fudge says things are wonderful," Mattie deadpanned. "Sure, get me your CV and I'll pass it on. Got some good interviewing clothing?"
Amy nodded, adding, "Let me help you out with that Transfig. Unfortunately, the Minister isn't here to practice on..."
------------------------
"Miss Fook and Miss Koslowski, cauldron three," Professor Snape called. "Fifteen grams of lacewing legs, finely chopped." Sprink's head snapped up, 'That's in my potion!' she thought, as she leaned forward, as Connie Koslowski put the legs on a scale, she saw Professor Snape flick a glance at Lee Fook, who shook her head minutely. "Poorly cut, Miss Koslowski, two points from Gryffindor. Miss Fook, dispose of these and start fresh." Beside Sprink, Felicia groaned at the point loss.
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Friday, January 21, 2000:
Hogwarts, Staff room: 13:22
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Lois sat in one of the chairs, portable recorder on the table next to her, and looked over her notes. Throwing down her pen, she idly turned the ordinary grey ring on her right hand, and with a small smile recalled how Mattie had given her an exuberant hug, somehow clipping the Lantern to the waistband of her skirt while slipping the Ring on her finger. As a test, she commanded the ring to move her pen, and a hair-thin tendril of green energy snaked over the table's lip. Lois grinned, the energy vanishing.
The door banged open, a scowling DMLE thug inspecting the room while another guarded the door. Lois wore a slight smile as Cornelius Fudge strolled through the door. Standing, she offered her hand, saying, "Minister Fudge, a pleasure to meet you at last."
"Ms. Lane, so glad we could meet to clear up these misunderstandings," the Minister said, taking his seat. "I don't think we'll need that," he added, pointing his wand at Lois' recorder and blasting it.
"I'll be sending the Ministry a bill for 15 galleons," Lois said, feigning shock. "I hope you don't mind if I take notes."
"Not at all, so will I," Fudge said, taking out what had been described as a 'Quick-quotes quill' and parchment. "Now then, let's start with the basics. I was born of humble wizarding stock..."
------------------------
Lois let him go on, then interrupted the Minister's polemic about 'children who interfere in things they oughtn't'. "Minister, are you referring to Mr. Potter's repeated warnings in 1996 that the Dark Lord had returned? The return you consistently denied, until you personally came face-to-face with Voldemort?"
Fudge flinched at the name; saying, "Well, there was no supporting evidence, and the boy was a known liar and criminal. Why, his claim to have seen dementors when he was in the play park with his muggle cousin was ludicrous on the face of it! Then he compounds the situation by using magic in front of muggles! He's much too puffed-up, in my opinion. Why, any member of the DMLE could have taken out You-Know-Who, they never had a chance!"
The Minister's DMLE guards were giving him incredulous looks behind his back. Lois continued, "That's interesting, Minister. What of the prophecy, which claimed that either Potter or Voldemort had to kill the other? The Death Eaters certainly tried to kill Potter, including your friend Lucius Malfoy."
"Lucius was never a Death Eater! He told me so himself, he was simply a civic-minded citizen!"
"Yet he was arrested several times as a Death Eater, and he wore Voldemort's mark on his arm until the Dark Lord's death." Lois leaned closer, "Could your fondness for Mr. Malfoy be connected to the 4.3 million galleons he contributed every year since 1975, on average, to the Ministry and your campaign accounts? Since his sudden death, you've had to operate the Ministry with severely reduced tax revenue? With a great many wizarding businesses sending taxes to Inland Revenue, my sources tell me your monthly receipts are down to an average of 800,000 galleons. Of that, approximately two-thirds are going to law enforcement." She motioned, adding, "The DMLE and the Aurors, while most of the rest is going to the Wizengamot. By the by, Minister, I'm sure you're drawing two paychecks, one for the Wizengamot and one as Minister, is a simple oversight."
Fudge stood; his face purple with rage, roaring, "Take her!"
------------------------
"Take her!" the image of Fudge roared, and Harry clamped a hand on Mattie's shoulder. "Give them a chance to get her out the door," he advised, watching as the two DMLE thugs wrestled a screaming, fighting Lois. "Someone stun her!" one guard called, Fudge waving his wand and stunning all three. Two other DMLE guards entered, reviving their colleagues and floating Lois toward the door as Mattie took off at a run, Harry following closely behind.
------------------------
Mattie glanced at her watch as she ran up the corridor, the numbers on the Rolex were glowing, which meant Aunt Lois had managed to activate her signal watch before being stunned. Bursting out into the Entrance hall, she called, "Aunt Lois!" and fired off a stunner at the thug who floated her at the tip of his wand. She crashed to the ground as the thug was stunned, while another returned fire. Mattie flipped out of the way, the stunner catching Professor Harry. Some students screamed and ran, while others put the DMLE under fire from their wands.
Cornelius Fudge strolled out of the staff room, smiling victoriously. A hex knocked his lime green bowler off, he eep'd and dove to the ground. The DMLE was hexing back, one called, "Minister! Use your wand!"
Mattie was advancing, intent on her 'rescue', when Fudge stood and saw her. He bellowed "Wayne!" then pointed his wand and screamed 'Crucio!' She let loose a bloodcurdling scream, dropping to the floor and writhing. Fudge chuckled, she flipped to her stomach and opened her eyes, then started to crawl toward him, blood trickling down her face. Fudge blinked, keeping the spell on her as she continued to crawl slowly toward him. She stopped, and Fudge smirked, until she sat up, hate in her eyes, and drew a knife from her sleeve. Fudge swallowed nervously, keeping the Cruciatus spell on Mattie, until someone called, 'Everte Statum', Fudge flying backward to slam into the wall.
"Minister, we must leave now!" a DMLE guard told him, offering a portkey as Mattie slumped. Fudge looked from him to Mattie's still form; then activated the portkey.
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Friday, January 21, 2000:
Hogwarts, Infirmary: 14:09
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"Oooh," Mattie moaned, opening her eyes. "Uncle Clark! Did it work? Where's Aunt Lois?"
"With Mr. Fudge," he said. "I'm keeping an eye on them. Lois' watch is still functioning; I would guess Fudge wants to personally see them off to Azkaban." He turned, "A souvenir," handing her Fudge's somewhat scorched green bowler hat. Madame Pomfrey's shoes were heard, and he squeezed her hand, "Phase two begins shortly," he whispered, taking his leave.
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Friday, January 21, 2000:
Azkaban, Warden's office: 16:29
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'Enervate' and a soaking wet, bound Lois Lane woke. She shook her head, gazing about the expensively furnished office. "You must be Warden Trimble," she said.
"And you are the infamous muggle Lois Lane, managing editor of the Wizarding Reporter," he replied. "Here, you will do as you are told, and I would mention that there has never been an escape from Azkaban prison."
"I would argue that," Lois said. "There was Sirius Black, of course, and just a few months ago, two young children from Cornwall you were keeping for Mr. Fudge mysteriously vanished," she smirked.
"Sirius Black was executed, and those children never existed," the warden said. "You are charged with defamation of a public official, specifically Minister Fudge. You have been tried and convicted, Minister Fudge sentencing you to a term of fifty years. Have you anything to say?"
"Convenient of Minister Fudge to try and convict his enemies," she leaned forward, "I'll be sure to include this in my next editorial. Would you like to add anything?"
"Take her away," he waved to the guards.
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"You going to co-operate?" the guard asked Lois in the corridor. "If you do, I'll do a few drying an' warming charms on you."
"I would appreciate that, thank you." She gazed about, "How do the guards keep the Dementors from feeding on you?"
"Not like you'll use the information," he chuckled. "We've got a charm we wear, makes us invisible to the bloody Dementors. Ministry secret, you understand." He undid the ropes from her legs, "A bit o' walking will help to warm you up. That way, please."
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After locking her in a cell on the third level of block C, the guard whispered, "We loves yer paper, Ms. Lane. Government job, though..." and she grinned. Straightening, the guard told her, "A bloke will be by with yer food. Have a nice fifty years."
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Friday, January 21, 2000:
Hogwarts, Wayne suite: 17:31
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"Lois is in place, cell five on C-3, and Clark saw the warden lock his office." Babs said, looking at the 3-D model. She looked over at Minerva, Pomona and Harry, "Ready for your part in operation 'First Amendment'?"
"What is the 'First Amendment'?" Pomona asked.
"I'll explain on the flight," Clark said.
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"Good evening, Ms. Lane," Minerva said. "Are you ready to leave?" she asked, unlocking the chains.
"I certainly am, but how?"
"The same way Pomona and I got in, as cats. Shall we?" Minerva asked, leaving a red flower in the cell, and motioning to Pomona, who jumped through the bars of the cell.
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Friday, January 21, 2000:
Azkaban, air ducts: 18:49
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"Aren't you glad you insisted on coming?" Minerva the cat asked the transfigured Pomona, who sneezed. The similarly transformed Lois smiled as well as she could.
"I wanted to see what my flowers were being used for," the calico replied.
"Well, welcome to the newest Pimpernel," Minerva replied, before sneezing herself. "We've only a bit more to drop a present on the warden's desk."
"What's Harry doing?" Pomona wondered.
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Friday, January 21, 2000:
London, Ministry of Magic, Minister's office: 18:54
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Harry invisibly crept through the Ministry's first floor, arriving outside the Minister's office suite. Muttering a quick spell, he checked for anyone, picking the locks into the Minister's private office. Grinning, he pulled out a spare wand, muttering 'duplicus totalis' over the stacks of files. He quietly enlarged a single red flower, placing it dead center on the Minister's desk, then left, relocking the doors on the way.
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