(A/N: Since FF Net is "touchy" about author's notes in the chapters, I've been posting replies to questions as a signed review.)
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For copyright and disclaimers, please see chapter 1
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20 – Interlude Four, Second year
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Monday, February 28, 2000:
London, Ministry of Magic, Minister's office: 08:20
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The new blonde secretary stood as Mackrack, head of the goblins, strolled past her desk, two of his security goblins taking up position outside the door.
"Mister Mackrack, what can I do for you?" Fudge asked, swallowing nervously.
"As you're an important client, I've come to deliver a friendly warning, Minister Fudge," Mackrack said, taking a seat and showing a mouthful of pointed teeth. "When Vice-minister Hansen signed a note for the Ministry, he was agreeing to regular payments, which have not been made since November."
"I... I knew nothing of this," Fudge sputtered.
"Perhaps," Mackrack said. "Perhaps," He snapped his fingers, and a goblin came forward, offering a briefcase. Mackrack extracted a document, dropping it on Fudge's desk as he stood to leave. "Normally, we would send a note at ninety days past due, however, given your status, I have decided to give you a personal call. If I were you, I would inquire as to why you were not informed at the thirty and sixty day points, as Mr. Hansen's death does not void the obligation. I've taken the liberty of doing up a copy of the note for you. I would like to remind you that you are liable for the note, foreknowledge or not. If you persist in non-payment, we shall have to foreclose on the collateral."
"We're a government!" Fudge shouted, standing. "You can't foreclose!"
"We have a contractual relationship, Minister. Of course we can, just like we did with the French in 1805," Mackrack said coolly. He nodded politely, adding, "Good day."
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Monday, February 28, 2000:
Hogwarts, Greenhouse One: 12:03
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Lee Fook was puzzled. She dawdled after class, as the rest of the firsties filed quietly out into the snow. Professor Sprout looked up at her, asking, "What can I do for you, dear?"
"Well... I'm not quite sure how to ask this, so..." Lee hugged her robes around her (the greenhouses were chilly), "Have you noticed everyone seems to be, well, off?"
Pomona regarded her, then said, "Come into my office, dear. You could use some tea." Closing the door, the Professor asked, "Why didn't you ask Professor Snape about this?"
"Well, he... he seems affected too. He almost made a mistake in class last Thursday, but Koslowski stopped him." She sat back, and said, "She normally wouldn't have, but it was her cauldron, and she would have been injured." Lee took a sip of tea, "Koslowski seems to be the only other normal person, besides you and I, Professor."
"Hagrid also, but you don't have him until third year," Pomona mused. "He's half-giant, so he's a special case. However, even the house elves are affected, and they're a separate species. A wizarding disease, or even a muggle one, wouldn't affect them, and vice-versa." She sighed, "We can't approach the Ministry, they'd use this as an excuse to close the school and save gold. It looks like it's up to you and I and Miss Koslowski to solve this."
"You and I, professor. I don't trust Koslowski at all, she's, well, I can't tell you why, but I don't trust her," Lee said emphatically. "What about the ghosts?"
"Any knowledge they might have about 'live-un's' is years out of date, and they tend to forget that information," the professor answered. She sipped her tea; then put it down with a click. "I'm going to give you a pass for the restricted section of the library." She started to write, adding, "Be careful, some of those books are physically dangerous, but I think we're dealing with a Dark charm or spell of some kind. If you're not sure about something, ask Hagrid or myself before you proceed." She tore off the parchment, adding, "Keep this to yourself, dear. I'll see what I can do about getting some unofficial help."
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Monday, February 28, 2000:
Gotham City, Wayne Manor: 19:07 (GMT-5)
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Selina Wayne's laptop 'dinged', and she paused in changing clothes.
To: Selina Wayne, Maria Cortez, Julie Fook
From: Magdalena Morton
Date: February 28, 2000 19:08:01 (GMT-5)
Subject: Our children at Hogwarts
Selina, Maria, Julie:
I hope I'm being silly, but with recent events at Hogwarts and that fool of a Minister, well... While Arthur isn't the most verbal of sons, lately he's become positively monosyllabic in his very infrequent emails. Before I start to panic, I'm wondering what your girls are like – is it just Arthur?
"Bruce – it's not just Mattie that's acting strangely," Selina called. He walked over and zipped her dress without asking, as he read the email over her shoulder. He grunted, and walked over to the phone as another email came in.
To: Selina Wayne, Julie Fook, Magdalena Morton
From: Maria Cortez
Date: February 28, 2000 19:08:42 (GMT-5)
Subject: Re: Our children at Hogwarts
We thought it was just the twins. What do we do?
Maria
To: Selina Wayne, Maria Cortez, Magdalena Morton
From: Julie Fook
Date: February 28, 2000 19:09:13 (GMT-5)
Subject: Re: Re: Our children at Hogwarts
Everyone:
I haven't noticed that in Lee, although she hasn't written as often as when it was all new to her. She did mention that people seemed a bit 'slower' (to use her term), but it was an offhand comment, which I attributed to post-holiday blues and the horrible Scottish weather.
You may know that I got her a laptop (secondhand from the Times), and a digital camera. Her first emails back had so many photos attached, I thought the server would explode! Now, she still writes, but once a week at most, and photos? Fuhgetaboutit!
Julie
PS: Maggie – see if you can do a favor or two to the computer guys at the University. They'll know about upcoming disposals, and unlike underpaid journalists such as moi, they DO take bribes – especially if they're fresh-baked!
To: Maria Cortez, Julie Fook, Magdalena Morton
From: Selina Wayne
Date: February 28, 2000 19:10:58 (GMT-5)
Subject: RE: Re: Re: Our children at Hogwarts
All right, we've got a bigger problem. Bruce is on the phone now with Dr. Phillips, our family physician. We'll email Sheila, Lois and the Weasleys in London, see if there's anything going on that we're not aware of. Remember, they're five hours ahead of us, so we might not get a reply until tomorrow. Of course, we'll keep you informed.
I'm going to clear our calendars for this weekend, you might want to do the same. If it's nothing, we can fly over to "watch a Quidditch game". If not, we'll be there.
We've got to be out tonight for a social thing we can't get out of. We'll escape as soon as possible and update you. Please keep us informed as well.
Selina
To: Sheila Hawking (London), Lois Lane (London Paper), Fred and George Weasley (London)
CC: Maria Cortez, Julie Fook, Magdalena Morton
From: Selina Wayne
Date: February 28, 2000 19:11:22 (GMT-5)
Subject: Family at Hogwarts
Lois, Sheila, Fred & George:
We've noticed that our children haven't been behaving normally in their correspondence. Is there something going on we should be aware of?
We're clearing our calendars for this weekend. If it's nothing, we'll enjoy a Quidditch game with our children. If not, well, let us know, would you?
Selina Wayne
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Tuesday, February 29, 2000:
London, 93 Diagon Alley, Weasley Wizarding Wheezes: 06:07 (GMT)
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George Weasley stumbled down the stairs from the loft he shared with Fred and Ron, and headed for the automatic teakettle. 'A simple timer' he marveled again at the muggle contraption, pouring, and looking in the battered 'fridge for milk. 'What would it take for magic?' he mused, still somewhat bleary. Flipping on their new compulator, he started to sort out the till for the morning routine.
"Oy, George, take a look at this, got a letter from Mrs. Wayne," Fred said, tea in hand as he leaned over the machine.
"What's it say?" Ron asked, sniffing the lemon juice before adding it to his cup.
"Um, asks if there's something going on at Hogwarts," Fred paraphrased. "How have Ginny and Harry been?"
The three looked at each other. "Ginny... she seemed a little off to me," George said slowly. "I thought it was just being a new mum. Harry, well, I haven't seen him in a month or so."
"I thought he was still a bit depressed," Ron offered, "The whole 'didn't protect my wife' guilt thing he had around New Years."
"Why, Ronniekins! That's almost observant of you!" Fred teased. He sobered, "Do we have anything scheduled to go up to Hogsmeade?"
"They've been having a run on Blood Pops," George said, finishing the deposit. "I'll poke my head in Blaise' shop on the way back from Gringotts, see what she and Hermione think. Fred, why don't you plan to take Ian out to lunch, and bring a few cases of Blood Pops with you? He's still got his brother there, doesn't he?"
"Frank," Fred nodded. "Let me reply to Mrs. Wayne, then, while Ronniekins opens up."
To: Selina Wayne
CC: Maria Cortez, Julie Fook, Magdalena Morton, Sheila Hawking, Lois Lane
From: Weasley's Wheeze, London
Date: 29 February, 2000 06:22:57 (GMT)
Subject: Re: Family at Hogwarts
Mrs. Wayne:
Now that you mention it, Ginny has been a bit off. We though it was simply her being a new mum. Harry we haven't seen for a month or so, but at the time he seemed to be a bit depressed.
One of our mates in Hogsmeade, Ian MacDonald, has a younger brother still at Hogwarts. I'll take him out to lunch; see if he's noticed anything unusual and let you know. This morning, George will pop by the apothecary to talk to Hermione Granger, our resident Potion Mistress, to see if she has any thoughts.
Hopefully there's nothing wrong except the weather (they had another ten centimeters of snow last night in Inverness, according to the wireless). That can be a bit depressing, even more so in the Hufflepuff and Slytherin dorms, which are underground.
Hopefully this is much ado about nothing, and you'll have a bit of holiday with us this weekend in Scotland watching a Quidditch match.
Fred Weasley
To: Magdalena Morton
From: Robert Adams
Date: 29 February, 2000 07:05:22 (GMT)
Subject: Our sons
Mrs. Morton:
Please forgive the intrusion, but I was hoping you had heard from your son Arthur recently. My son Charles was such a regular correspondent, you could set your watch by his e-mails. Recently, nothing.
Have you heard from your son or any of his friends recently? I grow concerned.
To: Robert Adams
CC: Maria Cortez, Julie Fook, Selina Wayne, Sheila Hawking (London), Fred and George Weasley (London), Lois Lane (London)
From: Magdalena Morton
Date: February 29, 2000 12:14:44 (GMT-5)
Subject: Our family members at Hogwarts
Mr. Adams:
As you can see from the CC line, you're not alone. Our children's correspondence has changed character and dropped off recently.
We have been discussing a visit to Hogwarts this coming weekend, allegedly to watch a Quidditch match. We can then investigate and determine the truth.
To: Robert Adams
CC: Maria Cortez, Julie Fook, Lois Lane (London Paper), Sheila Hawking (London), Magdalena Morton, Fred and George Weasley (London) From: Selina Wayne
Date: February 29, 2000 12:20:06 (GMT-5)
Subject: Re: Our family members at Hogwarts
Mr. Adams:
Our flight will arrive at London Gatwick's private terminals Friday the third about 14:00 London time, and we will then fly up to Inverness. If you can meet Lois, Sheila, and the Weasleys there, it would be appreciated.
The headmaster has not replied to my email regarding accommodations. If necessary, we'll camp out in the snow!
To: Selina Wayne
CC: Robert Adams, Maria Cortez, Julie Fook, Lois Lane, Sheila Hawking, Magdalena Morton
From: Weasley's Wheeze, London
Date: 29 February, 2000 14:26:02 (GMT)
Subject: Re: Re: Our family members at Hogwarts
Mrs. Wayne:
I discussed this with my mate Ian, his brother Frank has been, well, indifferent is the best I can phrase it. Not at all like him. I think our worry is justified, as they would normally be full of plans regarding the upcoming match with Hufflepuff. (Frank is one of Slytherin's Beaters. They're both enormous fellows, if you haven't met them.)
You will certainly NOT camp in the snow! While accommodations might be a bit cramped, if worst comes to it, you are welcome to doss down at our Hogsmeade shop, and while the town inspector hasn't yet licensed our cafe next door, we do have the keys and the heater does work!
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Wednesday, March 1, 2000:
Hogwarts, staff room: 07:29
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Pomona pulled Hagrid aside just before he entered. "Hagrid," she whispered, "During the meeting, very casually, I'm going to ask everyone to sing the school song. What would normally happen?"
"Well, P'fessor Snape would snort, make a sarcastic comment, and refuse to participate, P'fessor Flitwick would try to jolly him into it, and P'fessor Dumbledore would lead us." He eyed her, "Summat to do with what's g'in on about here?"
"I think so. I think there's some Dark spell that makes everyone very suggestible. Not quite the Imperious, but close. By the by, Miss Fook is with us, I've got her seeing what she can find in the Restricted Section. Don't trust Miss Koslowski, though."
"Aye," he rumbled as he opened the door, "After you, P'fessor."
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After only a few minutes, Albus stood to dismiss the meeting, when Pomona said, "I had a request. I'd like everyone to sing the school song, right now."
Severus Snape smiled, and in a pleasant baritone, followed by the others in a fair chorus, sang a capella:
Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,
Teach us something, please,
Whether we be old and bald
Or young with scabby knees,
Our heads could do with filling
With some interesting stuff,
For now they're bare and full of air,
Dead flies and bits of fluff,
So teach us things worth knowing,
Bring back what we've forgot,
Just do your best, we'll do the rest,
And learn until our brains all rot.
Pomona glanced at Hagrid, and said, "Severus, I think a nice green shirt would look good on you, and please wash your hair."
Severus smiled, and nodded, "Of course, my friend. Right away."
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"Interestin'," Hagrid rumbled outside the staff room. "Now what d' we do?"
"I'm not sure," Pomona mused, as she walked with him. "I think it's something in the castle, so I think I'll stay out of it as much as possible. After that, I don't know." She sighed, "I've got some people I can write to, maybe they have an idea."
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To: Selina Wayne
From: Pomona Sprout
Date: 1 March, 2000 07:56:20 (GMT)
Subject: Mystery at Hogwarts
Mrs. Wayne:
Severus has informed Filius Flitwick and I of your acquaintance with a detective. We find ourselves in need of their services, and cannot refer this to the Ministry.
Hogwarts seems to be in the grip of a strange lassitude, which crosses species lines – the House Elves are affected by it as well. It is characterized by a suggestibility that is out of character. As an example, in the staff meeting this morning, quite out of the blue, I suggested we sing the school song. Severus would have normally scoffed at this, refusing to participate. Instead, he immediately started, in a very pleasant baritone, followed almost immediately and in chorus by the entire staff present.
Currently, the only persons not affected by this seems to be myself, Mr. Hagrid, Miss Lee Fook, and Miss Constance Koslowski. As we do not trust Miss Koslowski (she has been a 'difficult' student), I have asked and authorized Miss Fook to research any type of Dark spell or charm, but she is a first-year student, and lacks experience.
We are open to suggestions as to lines of research. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Pomona Sprout
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Wednesday, March 1, 2000:
London, The Wizarding Reporter, Managing editor's office: 08:20
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"Got a minute, chief?" the CFO asked, knocking on Lois' doorframe.
"Don't call me 'chief'," Lois snapped, looking away from her email, then shook herself; smiled, and said, "Sorry, Jack. There's a problem with my god-daughter Mattie at Hogwarts, it has me pre-occupied. What can I do for you?"
"I've got the monthly budget figures, and I thought I'd give a bit of warning," he said, closing the door. "Revenues from adverts are not quite covering expenses. I know we've got a reserve fund, but I'm hesitant to tap that." Lois nodded, "I've come up with different options, but they will cause pain. Our per-issue costs per copy average five knuts," he said as he took a seat. "Advert income is three and a bit. We can either institute higher advert rates, which will affect our advertisers like the Weasleys, or implement subscription rates. If we do subscriptions, we can do a monthly rate of seven sickles, which would also cover the odd special edition."
"God love the Weasleys," Lois said with a smile. "What would you prefer?"
"I'd raise rates on display adverts fifteen percent, keeping the classifieds at a sickle a day, and have subscriptions for the month at seven sickles for daily delivery. We can also do a 'weekend only' rate at five sickles. This will give a small but healthy profit margin," the accountant suggested. "The classifieds are actually one of our moneymakers; their cost per advert is only six knuts."
"Hmm. What about a 'classified-only' type magazine?" Lois asked. "I've seen them around, they're popular. Give them away for free; offer our current classified advertisers the option to extend the circulation with it for only a bit more, and publish them once a week or so." She steepled her hands, "Can you run some numbers for me; have them by the board meeting?"
"Certainly," Jack said, wandering out in a daze as Lois chuckled to herself.
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Wednesday, March 1, 2000:
London, The Wizarding Reporter, Boardroom: 08:43
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"Thank you, Rita," Lois said politely to the 'Lifestyles' editor. Personally, she wondered at the witch's taste. "I had Jack look into an idea for me. Our classified advertising section is one of our more profitable departments. With our excess printing capacity, I was thinking we could produce a weekly flyer of classifieds, giving them away for free while increasing our circulation. Jack?"
"Ahem. Yes, chief. As you're all aware, our classifieds cost us six knuts to produce, while we charge a sickle a day. If we implement the chief's plan, our costs will rise to nine knuts, and we can charge one and fifteen for the wider-circulation adverts. This will maintain roughly the same profit margin as we've seen before with the classifieds. I'm sure that the usual places that have the Reporter available will also carry them, especially if we offer them a discount on their own adverts."
"Will that cover our increased costs for the paper in general?" Lois asked.
"No, however, if we move to a subscription plan, we can do so," Jack said, taking a sip of tea. "The Prophet charges eight knuts a day for their subscription. With the additional advert revenue, we can undercut them at a daily rate of seven knuts, or a monthly rate of six and fifteen."
"Comments? Suggestions?" Lois asked. "All right, Jack. Get together with Winnie in operations and come up with a detailed plan and some drafts for us in..." she flipped through her day-timer, "two weeks." She made a note, adding, "Now, one of the things that muggle newspaper readers get passionate about are comics. People like to start the day with a chuckle. While we've got our editorial cartoons, I'd like to see what people think about a page of comics, which are traditionally placed on the back of the lifestyle section." She took a sip of coffee, asking, "Thoughts?"
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Wednesday, March 1, 2000:
Gotham City, Wayne Manor: 13:07 (GMT-5)
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"Well, now, this is interesting," Selina said, looking at the message. She sipped her coffee and replied:
To: Pomona Sprout
CC: Robert Adams, Maria Cortez, Julie Fook, Lois Lane (London Paper), Sheila Hawking (London), Magdalena Morton, Fred and George Weasley (London)
BCC: Bruce Wayne (Corp), Babs
From: Selina Wayne
Date: March 1, 2000 13:12:06 (GMT-5)
Subject: Our family members at Hogwarts
Ms. Sprout:
Thank you for your message. We have similar theories, based on the change in communication patterns with our family members at Hogwarts. Currently, our plans are to arrive by jet in London about 14:00 on Friday the 3rd, when we will pick up the London contingent, then fly everyone to Inverness, and thence to Hogsmeade.
Our research includes the possibility of a biological or chemical attack vector of some sort, either water or airborne. We will be bringing equipment to test for this contaminant. The Weasleys will include Ms. Granger, a Potion Mistress, to test for a potion contaminant.
Mr. West will be joining us from the Grosvenor Square embassy. He will be flooing directly to the Weasley shop in Hogsmeade, and he indicated other interested parties would meet him there.
Please let us know of any developments,
Selina Wayne
Pomona Sprout let out the breath she was holding. 'Merlin, I hadn't thought of that,' she thought, as she forwarded the email:
To: Lee Fook, Rubeus Hagrid
From: Pomona Sprout
Date: March 1, 2000 18:17:02 (GMT)
Subject: FW: Our family members at Hogwarts
Miss Fook,
The original message I received was copied to a 'Julie Fook', presumably your mum, so we should see her on Friday afternoon. I don't know how long this 'jet' Mrs. Wayne mentions will take to go from London to Hogwarts, its several hours by broom.
> Ms. Sprout:
> Thank you for your message. We have similar theories, based on the change in communication patterns with our family members at Hogwarts. Currently, our plans are to arrive by jet in London about 14:00 on Friday the 3rd, when we will pick up the London contingent, then fly everyone to Inverness, and thence to Hogsmeade.
> Our research includes the possibility of a biological or chemical attack vector of some sort, either water or airborne. We will be bringing equipment to test for this contaminant. The Weasleys will include Ms. Granger, a Potion Mistress, to test for a potion contaminant.
> Mr. West will be joining us from the Grosvenor Square embassy. He will be flooing directly to the Weasley shop in Hogsmeade, and he indicated other interested parties would meet him there.
> Please let us know of any developments,
> Selina Wayne
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Friday, March 3, 2000:
Hogsmeade, Weasley Wizarding Wheezes: 18:08
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"Well, now, are we all here?" George asked as the tea set floated about. "Why don't we go 'round the room, give our names and relationships? I'll start, my name is George Weasley, this is my brothers Fred and Ron, and we've got relatives at Hogwarts."
"Ian MacDonald and my parents, my brother Frank's at Hogwarts," he rumbled.
"Dr. Phillips, family physician to the Waynes, my god-daughter's at Hogwarts."
"Clark Kent of the Daily Planet, my god-daughter's at Hogwarts."
"Lois Lane of the Planet and managing editor of the Reporter, my god-daughter Mattie's at Hogwarts."
"Julie Fook of the New York Times, my daughter's right here!" She hugged Lee.
"My name is Beth, I'm Julie's neighbor, and I work for the Central Intelligence Agency." This quiet announcement caused a ripple. "I feel somewhat responsible, I recommended Hogwarts to Julie," Beth added.
"Robert Adams, and my son's at Hogwarts," he said, still a bit shocked over who he was seated next to.
"Most interesting," the thin, dark haired woman said. "Bellatrix Black, mediwitch, and my niece..."
"Bellatrix?" Ron shouted, drawing his wand, only to have it snatched by Sheila. "Ms. Black is here at our invitation, Mr. Weasley. If you cannot control your temper, perhaps you should leave."
"I'll talk to him," George said, taking Ron's wand from Sheila. He frog-marched his brother out the door.
"Interesting indeed," the ancient man said. "I am Mr. West, the chief counsel of the US Embassy, and I am here at the request of the Ambassador."
"Ambassadors and spies... I'm Maggie Morton, and my son is at Hogwarts!"
"You took th' Dark Tosser's Mark," Ian accused Bella. "Slytherin is still payin' for your acts."
"Yes, I did," Bella said, undoing her left sleeve and pushing it up. "Can anyone here say they have not made a mistake in their life? I was fourteen and in love, for Merlin's sake!"
"I made a mistake," Maria Cortez said. "I corrected it when I had two wonderful daughters." She sat next to Bella, and gave her a brief hug. She told the witch, "They told me you were not involved in the trouble last year, that you came to rescue your niece. I do not want your blood; I want the blood of the one named Malfoy that tortured them."
"He's dead," Ian rumbled.
"He was a racist misogynist bastard," Bella said. "He was just as bad as the 'Dark Lord'. I regret I didn't get the chance to give back a little torture myself."
"So, what do we do?" the young, frizzy haired brunette asked. "Oh, I'm Hermione Granger, with the Weasleys, and I'm your Potion Mistress."
"You don't look old enough," Mr. MacDonald rumbled.
"Oh, she's qualified!" Bella said with a dry chuckle. "Severus taught her well."
"Thank you, Ms. Black," Hermione said politely. "I have samples of the water, but I didn't have anything to sample the air."
"When I asked for help, I never quite expected..." Pomona said.
"That's what we do," Julie said. "We figure things out; the end result is just a bit different. Reporters like Mr. Kent, Ms. Lane and myself report the news,"
"Physicians heal the sick," Dr. Phillips said with a nod to Bella,
"And spies like me overthrow governments," Beth said with a laugh. "Although the Pimpernel seems to be doing just fine."
"You don't know who he is?" Fred asked, Beth shook her head. "I've got a theory, but I don't have any interest in jogging his hand." She changed focus, "You said you've got water samples? Well, why don't the sneaky ones like me go get air and food samples while the scientific types check the water and blood?"
"That sounds good," Dr. Phillips said. "We'll need a control group, people that have not been in Hogwarts in, say, the last month. Bella, let's get started drawing blood. Clark, can you and the MacDonalds bring in the equipment?"
------------------------
Beth paused outside the gates, and said, "If this is an environmental contaminant, we obviously don't drink the water. Now, Pomona and I will cast a bubble-head charm on everyone, which will filter your air."
"Albus didn't change the staff password at the beginning of February," Pomona said. "It's still 'rainbow', which will get you into every place but private offices and staff quarters. If Mrs. Wayne will go with Miss Fook to Slytherin, I'll go with Mr. Kent to Gryffindor..."
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Friday, March 3, 2000:
Hogwarts, staff quarters, Potter flat: 18:38
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Knowing the location and the master passwords of the staff's flats from when she, or rather, Lucius, had been on the school's board of Governors, Lucille entered the Potter flat. Pausing at the infant boy's crib, she whispered, "Soon, boy, soon."
"Soon for what?" a squeaky voice asked. The girl jumped; saying, "Dobby."
"I is Dobby," the elf said. "I is watching the Potter babes."
"Yes, Dobby, you is, err, you are. I need to see Professor Harry."
"Master Harry through there," the elf said.
Lucille nodded, thinking 'Stupid elf,' as she closed the bedroom door behind her. 'It's taken long enough for the bloody candles to work. I almost despaired of my plan!' she thought. Smirking, she said, "Potter, you need to answer a few questions. Write for me the location of the Dark Lord's body, his charms, and the dagger you've imprisoned him in." Lucille watched the slow handwriting, adding, "What spells and curses are on them, and what are the counter-curses?" Lucille almost danced in anticipation; then snatched the document. Scanning it, she cursed under her breath, "Potter, pronounce, very slowly, the counter-curse on the dagger in Parseltongue. Say it again."
Lucille thought a minute. Owl access worked for some things at Gringotts, but this had to be in person. "Excellent, Potter. I want you to write out permission for Narcissa and Lucille Malfoy to have access to these locations at any time. Where are the keys?"
Harry wrote, then spoke slowly, "Top left hand drawer, in a small purple bag."
"Excellent, Potter. One more thing, then you will sleep and not recall any of this. If questioned, you have given Miss Lee Fook permission to access your quarters, and your password." Harry nodded dumbly, Lucille adding, "Now strip down, Potter, climb into bed, and do not wake until Monday." Lucille backed into a corner, clutching her parchment and the bag of keys, and watched as the young man stripped naked and crawled into bed. 'I've been female too long, I actually enjoyed that,' she thought, closing the door behind her.
------------------------
'Now, what spell to use?' Lucille mused as she walked down the corridor. 'I can use the Potter brat's body for the Dark Lord, so we needn't resurrect his old one. I think he'll enjoy having a young, fresh powerful body to use. How delightful to have the son kill the parents, and we can keep the sister as a reserve. She's only a female, so the Dark Lord won't want her body, but best to be prepared. I forsee a bit of research ahead.' She slid down a banister, 'I had almost forgotten the joys of youth. First things first, must get the charms and the dagger away from Potter.' Strolling into the Infirmary, she entered Narcissa's office, "Mother. We'll be taking a little trip to Gringotts today."
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Saturday, March 4, 2000:
Hogwarts, Great Hall, Gryffindor table: 07:18
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Lucille smirked to herself. Alone among the Gryffindors in wearing a Slytherin scarf, she viewed the upcoming game with mixed feelings. 'I wasn't a bad Chaser for Slytherin,' she remembered. 'I'll be damned if I play for McGonagall and her brood of sanctimonious do-gooders, no matter where the bloody Hat placed me.' Finishing her tea, she strolled down to the pitch, book bag over her shoulder filled with 'Dark' spell books from the restricted section of the library. 'Courtesy of a pass from Narcissa Black,' she chuckled to herself.
------------------------