Chapter Fourteen – A Morning's Entertainment

Elder Sinclair wore his formal robes. Unlike many of his peers he preferred a simple black robe for formal sessions of Wizengamot. One very much like those worn by muggle judges. One that radiated a certain dignity he felt should attend to any meeting of Wizengamot.

Of course nothing about this joke of a session was dignified. Cornelius had called a full session of Wizengamot to hear a case of underage magic use. Was he so stupid as to assume this action portrayed him as strong rather than a weak-minded fool? Even if he succeeded all he would accomplish was to demonstrate his fear of the Potter boy and by extension Albus.

He watched Cornelius with care. He looked pleased that the accused was late. Of course he was making noise about how he had informed everyone of the last minute change in plans. Something the Elder knew was a lie. Not that Cornelius' obvious attempts at subterfuge would matter.

The chamber door opened and Elder Sinclair took the opportunity to study the Potter boy. His messy hair obscured the scar on his forehead. What about the child would cause Albus to be so interested in him? Perhaps it was time to revisit his studies on the curses of Vada Koreesh.

The doors opened again and Albus Dumbledore strode into the room. He always did enjoy making an entrance. From the first it was obvious who really controlled this session. Cornelius could barely manage a coherent sentence. The Elder leaned back and watched as Albus played with the Minister.

Learning that Dementors had attacked Potter was a surprise. He turned his attention to Dolores Umbridge. Idiot woman. Of course she did not know the dangers of allowing such creatures to roam outside the enclaves. But the action itself was still inexcusable. The Elder made a mental note to deal with her later.

Summoning a fully formed Patronous was impressive. Although it spoke as much for the teacher as the student. Forcing Lupin to resign was a mistake although one typical of his people's more silly prejudices. Still the Potter boy had talent. But not enough to justify Albus' interest. He even kept the boy monitored outside of school.

The Potter clan was an old one among wizarding kind but not linked to the key bloodlines. The mother was muggle born however. There was no information in the Ministry about her background. The Elder decided to ask his allies to do some research into the Evan's family.

The session came to a close and the Elder voted to acquit. He made his way out the chamber, leaning heavily on his cane and moving slowly. He received the same hostile look from Cornelius as everyone else who voted with Albus. He chose to ignore the insult.

After he left the chamber the Elder went to one of the small side rooms. He found Albus Dumbledore waiting for him. After closing the door and setting a quick charm to prevent eavesdropping turned and let out a slight chuckle.

"Waited here for three hours. Cornelius is just idiot enough to believe that."

"I could hardly tell him of your warning. Though I must admit Edgar, I was surprised to receive your owl regarding the change of time and venue," Albus replied.

"Cornelius was trying to deny me a good morning's entertainment. Watching you make the fool of him is one of the few pleasures still remaining to me," the Elder moved slowly into the room.

"Why do you insist on using that cane Edgar?"

"You took the role of kindly grandfather. I decided to take the role of bitter old man," he stood up to his full height and tossed the cane into air, catching it at the mid-point and giving it a twirl. "The cane makes a wonderful prop. Wouldn't you agree Albus?"

"Yes it does. My offer still stands Edgar," Albus changed the subject. "You know I am telling the truth. Voldemort has returned. We must stand united if we are to defeat him."

"I already gave you my answer Albus," the Elder's voice grew bitter. "I will not bind myself to your Fidelous."

"It is the only way Edgar."

"Yes I suppose it is. Unite with the great Albus Dumbledore. The one man Voldemort fears. Everyone knows that while he was at Hogwarts Voldemort never dared attack the school," the Elder began to walk the perimeter of the room. "It's odd that no one seems to realize that young Tom never actually had a reason to attack Hogwarts. So perhaps it wasn't fear on his part but rather simple prudence."

Albus began circling the room keeping a fixed distance between himself and the Elder. "You know the true danger we face. The balance must be maintained."

"Yes of course. Your precious balance. Tell me Albus; do your followers know the truth about what they are fighting and soon to be dying for?"

"Thing are never that simple Edgar."

"Meaning no. We no longer teach our people the truth. They actually believe the fanciful tales from 'Hogwarts a History.' No one asks questions. Not that they are able to."

"There is no reason for them to know the full truth Edgar. We protect them and the world."

"We protect ourselves Albus. I rather think the world can take care of itself. But we are getting distracted by old arguments. We should be focusing on current events," he stopped circling and stared directly into Dumbledore's eyes. "Tell me Albus, why is the boy so important to you?"

"I will not say until you agree to work with us to end Voldemort's threat," Albus replied matching the Elder's stare.

"As I said Albus. I will not be bound by your Fidelous."

"Your skills and knowledge would be invaluable in aiding our people Edgar. Have you grown so bitter over the past that you're willing to see them destroyed?"

"Just because I choose not to bind myself to you Albus, does not mean I choose to do nothing. It is possible for others to fight evil without you pulling the strings. Although I know why you want my aid so badly," he let out a smile. "Yes, I suspect you could use someone of intelligence and insight to shore up your ranks. Most of your followers likely believe that the only reason Voldemort has not yet struck is because the great Dumbledore has learned of his return."

The Elder resumed his pacing around the room. "Yes, they believe he botched his plan and with Potter's escape you learned of his restoration early. Again, it does not occur to people that you've known of young Tom's eventual revival for some time and had already begun planning. And they don't realize that Tom is intelligent enough to know that the moment Potter disappeared you would implement those plans. Tom is a gifted strategist. He planned on you learning of his return. If he was as cowardly and foolish as they believe he would not be a threat."

"Tell me Albus, have you already re-inserted Severus back into the Death Eater ranks?" again the Elder smiled. "I would advise taking any information you get from him with a grain of salt. Tom will use him to feed you false information."

"I am not that much the fool Edgar. I know the limitations of trying to infiltrate the Death Eaters."

"My apologies Albus."

"Edgar I will ask you one last time. For the sake of our old friendship. You must join with us. It is the only way to protect our people. Voldemort must not be allowed to destroyed the balance."

"A balance that never existed Albus. Voldemort is the product of the cage we created for our people. Even if you destroy him another will take his place."

"Now who is revisiting old arguments? Keeping the magics separate is the only way Edgar. You know that is true. No other solution is possible."

Edgar smiled again. "Someone recently reminded me that it is time to stop clinging to our old truths."

"You can not accomplish anything without allies Edgar. You need us."

"Perhaps Albus. But I will not be bound to you," with that the Elder turned back towards to door and made to leave. He paused briefly.

"For the sake of our old friendship Albus I will leave you with one thing. A muggle phrase I have learned. One you would do well to ponder. 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'"

The Elder opened door and leaning back on his cane, slowly left the room.

Albus Dumbledore shook his head in sadness, took out a portkey and returned to his school.