Chapter 32
Appointments And Meetings

Warning: Discussion of sexual situations involving minors, and medical topics.


Sunday, January 3rd, 1993 – Morning

During breakfast on Sunday morning, Headmistress McGonagall's House-Elf, Sasha, delivered the Daily Prophet as well as a letter.

The Daily Prophet had three separate articles about all three trials that had taken place on Saturday – the trials of Sirius, Dumbledore and Snape. Once again, Albus Dumbledore had much of the front page, though the article about Sirius' trial was on the bottom half of the front page. The only mention Harry found about him was that Sirius Black was his godfather. Also, there was an article about Minerva McGonagall being named the new Hogwarts Headmistress. What McGonagall had not informed them, but was seen in the Daily Prophet was that Albus Dumbledore had tried to reclaim his role of Headmaster, and had failed.

The letter was addressed to both Harry and Hermione from the Hogwarts Healer, Madam Pomfrey, asking them to come to the Hospital Wing at ten-o-clock that morning.

Harry and Hermione arrived at the Hospital Wing with five minutes to spare. They were using the Marauder's Map to make sure that they didn't meet anyone they weren't expecting. Madam Pomfrey met them when they walked in. Harry noticed almost immediately that there weren't any other patients.

"Mr. Creevey and Mr. Finch-Fletchley are in tip-top shape, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, when Harry asked her about them, "they're back in their respective Common Rooms. Mrs. Norris has been awakened and is reunited with Mr. Filch. And Nearly-Headless Nick has been revived. I'm sure he's roaming around Hogwarts as we speak, though he may be doing so with a bit more caution now."

"Congratulations on curing them all, Madam Pomfrey," Hermione said.

"Thank you, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said, "But I can't take all the credit. If it wasn't for the Unspeakables, and the Department of Mysteries, the patients wouldn't have been revived until later this year. Now, let's focus on the two of you. Miss Granger, I asked you here because I wanted to check up on how you were coping with your new lifestyle."

"There are still some expected issues," Hermione said, "Getting dressed is still odd due my tail, but not uncomfortable. But I refuse to hide my tail and cat-ears, at least from anyone inside Hogwarts. I could wear a witches' hat and hide my ears, and keep my cloak on with my school robes, so nobody sees my tail. But it is so awkward and uncomfortable. So I decided not to hide."

"Very brave of you, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said. "Are you still comfortable with your fangs?"

"I sometimes forget I have them, and bite my lip," Hermione said, "But it is a force of habit, and I'll stop doing that eventually. I'm okay with them."

"What about your eyesight, hearing and sense of smell?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"All improved," Hermione said, "I've noticed I can see much better at night. I've always had good eyesight, but it just seems... better. And I can hear so much more. But nothing is too loud. As for sense of smell... I can usually tell when Sasha brings us meals if I'm not in our sitting room. I can just smell it, and know exactly what she brought us. It will be interesting to see how it is for other stuff."

"I'm sure it will," Madam Pomfrey commented, "Any fur growing where it shouldn't?"

"The only fur is on my cat-ears and tail," Hermione said, grinning.

"Excellent," Madam Pomfrey said, "Are there any issues about your lifestyle you need to discuss?"

"I'm still learning a few new surprises," Hermione said, "Just yesterday, I met Professor Lupin, and Harry's Godfather, Sirius Black. Sirius is an Animagus, a dog, and Professor Lupin is a -"

"A werewolf," Madam Pomfrey said, "Yes. When he was a student, I was very much involved with his care during the Full Moon. He was here many times during his schooldays. And I was also responsible for bringing him to his place of transformation. So I'm well aware."

"Well," Hermione said, "Because they're both canines in a way, it appears the Neko in me is rather uncomfortable around them. I unconsciously hissed at them when I met them. It shocked even me."

"I'm sure it did," Madam Pomfrey commented, "I'm also sure there could be more surprises."

"I've been reading up on Nekos," Hermione said, "I finished the book last night. So I'm prepared for much of it."

"I'm always here to discuss anything about it, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said, "Now for that embarrassing topic. Are the pair of you still participating in a sexual relationship even though you're no longer in heat at the moment, Miss Granger?"

"Yes, ma'am," Hermione said, "As recently as this morning, when we woke up."

"Any discomforts?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"None, really," Hermione said, "It feels really good."

"Mmhmm," Madam Pomfrey said, "And how is your performance, Mr. Potter? Are you able to perform well during sex?"

"I've had no issues," Harry said, slightly embarrassed to discuss this, but he knew it was necessary discussion with the Healer.

"How active are you?" Madam Pomfrey asked, "Average number of sexual experiences per day?"

"Three or four times per day," Hermione said, "Morning, once or twice during the day, and once at night."

"At least three times a day," Madam Pomfrey said. "That's... well, it is impressive for your age. I suppose I can't be too surprised. Excuse the term, but you're in that honeymoon stage of a sexual relationship. Even though you're so young. Though I assume that will lessen during the week when classes resume?"

"Maybe," Hermione said, "Morning if we're awake early enough. Probably once either during the evening or before we go to sleep. And... maybe between the end of classes, and dinner?"

Hermione looked at Harry. He simply shrugged.

"Up to you, Hermione," he said.

"So one to three times per day during the week," Madam Pomfrey said, nodding and looking thoughtful.

"If I may ask, do you disapprove, ma'am?" Hermione asked.

"I can't say I approve one-hundred percent, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said. "You're both still very young. But you're also in special circumstances. Your casual sexual schedule ensures that you'll be safe and experienced in the future when you're in heat, so you're ready if the Neko decides to be feisty. However, I do have another theory as to why you're so... active."

"Oh?" Hermione asked.

"The bond between a Neko and their Mate is a special, and mysterious, thing," Madam Pomfrey said, "A lot is unknown about such things. The reason you're so active, especially for your age, could be due to the bond between the two of you."

"A bond?" Hermione asked, "Is there more to this bond than just sexual activity? I read nothing like that in my book!"

"I'm not too surprised," Madam Pomfrey replied, "As I said, a lot is unknown, Miss Granger. I would suggest reading up on bonds, though I doubt you'll find anything pertaining to such a subject in the Hogwarts library. You'd have to find the books at shops such as Flourish and Blott's."

"Not exactly something I can write up in a request via letter," Hermione said, frowning. "Might have to wait for that until the summer holidays."

"You're probably right," Madam Pomfrey agreed. "I would just be vigilant about your behavior, regarding yourself, as well as the relationship between the two of you. If you discover anything else about yourselves – anything at all, no matter how small – please come to me or the Headmistress."

"We will," Hermione promised, and Harry echoed her.

"Alright," Madam Pomfrey said, "Well, aside from those curiosities, as long as you take your Contraceptive Draught each month, Miss Granger, I have no complaints. However, Mr. Potter, I'm going to give you a batch of Potency Potion – a dozen vials in a case with Cooling Charms, so they'll last for a while. If you ever feel you need it, if you're not satisfied with performance, take one before the next experience. Also if you believe you're going to have more than your usual limit of sexual activity in a small amount of time, take a Potency Potion."

"Alright," Harry said.

"I'll give it to you before you leave here," Madam Pomfrey said, "Your turn, Mr. Potter. I asked you to meet with me, because I think it is time to release another percentage of the magical bindings around your core. Seventy-five percent of the bindings will be released."

"What side-effects will there be?" Harry asked.

"Well," Madam Pomfrey said, "I believe you'll find you no longer need your glasses. As a Metamorphmagus, you shouldn't be having difficulty with your eyesight. I think it is the bindings affecting more than your magic. You should have perfect eyesight due to your Metamorph talents."

"That would be brilliant," Harry said.

"Have you used magic since the last unbinding?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

Harry shook his head. "No, actually. I haven't really needed to."

"Hmm," Madam Pomfrey asked, "I may ask you to perform basic Charms to see how your magic acts after the Unbinding."

"There's something else that will happen, Harry," Hermione said, "Remember your Blood Test. It said you'll regain your ability as a Natural Occlumens when your Core is at seventy-five percent unbound."

"Oh, yeah," Harry said, nodding.

"A very handy talent," Madam Pomfrey said. "But as I am not a Legilimens, I can't check that out. But Blood Tests are very accurate, so I assume it is correct. Before I begin the Unbinding, I have other questions. Have you Morphed into your feminine form since your last visit here?"

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said, "Yesterday, I was in my feminine form for three or four hours. I was training with Dora Tonks."

"Hmm," Madam Pomfrey said, "I see."

"Is something wrong?" Hermione asked. "Harry kept his dominant personality. Rose didn't show herself."

"That isn't what I'm thinking about, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said, "You need to be careful morphing into your feminine form, Mr. Potter. Especially for long periods of time. If you're in the form for too long, you may start your feminine cycles. I remember discussing that on the day you woke up as a girl. Do you remember what I said about that?"

"If Harry's feminine form begins his – er – her cycles," Hermione said, "He won't be able to change back into a male until it ends. Which could be a few days."

"Indeed," Madam Pomfrey said, "I believe it would be quite awkward for you, Mr. Potter. After all, I have never once excused a young lady from classes simply because she's on her period. It would be the same for you."

Harry winced. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Yes," Madam Pomfrey said, "Well, if it ever does happen, please come and see me."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.

"Alright," Madam Pomfrey said, "Now, please lay down on one of the beds so we can begin."

Harry gave Hermione his wand, then walked over to the closest bed and laid down comfortably. Hermione sat down in a nearby chair. She moved to place her hand on Harry's closest hand, but Madam Pomfrey advised her that wasn't a good idea, and that it might interfere with the process.

"Are you going to give me a Numbing Potion like last time?" Harry asked.

"Unfortunately we can't risk it this time, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said. "However, there is only a small chance that magic will be expelled from your extremities during the unbinding this time."

"A small chance, huh?" Harry muttered, "Great."

"Remove your glasses and close your eyes, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, "If I am correct, you won't need them anymore."

Harry did as was instructed. The Healer instructed him to relax ,and Harry did his best to do so. He inhaled and exhaled. Madam Pomfrey informed him that she was ready to begin. He then heard her speaking a long, complex incantation in Latin. He tried to concentrate on the incantation, but he couldn't. His body was feeling really strange. He could feel something coursing through his body, and realized it was his magic. It was as if his magic was racing through every bloodstream in his body. Was this what he would have felt the first time if he hadn't taken a Numbing Potion. Was the magic about to race from his fingers and toes?

Just as he thought that was about to happen, the strange feeling began to lessen more and more each second until it finally calmed down. However, if he concentrated, he found he could still feel the magic coursing through his veins, though it wasn't as obvious as it had been moments before.

"I believe it is done, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, "You may open your eyes."

Harry did so, then frowned. "Who put my glasses back on me? I didn't notice."

"Your glasses are still on the table, Harry," Hermione said.

Harry turned to the table, and saw his glasses sitting there. He could see them clearly.

"I can see without them!" he exclaimed. "My eyesight is as good as it was with glasses. Maybe better!"

"As I had assumed," Madam Pomfrey said, "How do you feel, Mr. Potter?"

"I think I can feel my magic," Harry said, "During the ritual, I could really feel it running through my veins. But now if I concentrate... yeah, it is like it is racing through my body."

"Really?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," Harry said, "Is that normal?"

"No, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, "It is not. It is, however, not unheard of. There were a few witches and wizards documented who said they felt the same thing."

"Have we heard of them?" Hermione asked.

"Of course," Madam Pomfrey said, "Merlin, Morgan Le Fay, Gellert Grindelwald, Albus Dumbledore, and... You-Know-Who himself, among others."

"They're all powerful witches and wizards," Hermione said, her eyes wide, "Does that mean Harry –?"

"It is quite possible that you'll be a very powerful wizard, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said. "Give him back his wand, Miss Granger. I'd like you to test some normal Charms, Mr. Potter."

Harry took back his wand from Hermione.

"Perform the Light Charm," Madam Pomfrey said.

"Lumos!" Harry said.

Harry closed his eyes immediately as a blinding light erupted from his wand.

"Nox! Nox!" Harry said, immediately.

He opened one eyebrow and sighed in relief when the light was gone from his wand.

"That was... incredible, Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Interesting," Madam Pomfrey commenting, "Very, very interesting."

"That was quite blinding," Harry said, "What does that mean?"

"It could mean one of several things," Madam Pomfrey said.

Harry thought she'd clarify. Instead she asked him to perform more charms. He levitated his glasses. Instead of simply hovering in air, they lifted up to the ceiling where they crashed into. The glasses were completely obliterated, miniscule pieces of his glasses showering around them. Madam Pomfrey merely nodded, and said "Hmm..."

"Oculus Reparo!" Harry said, pointing to a piece of his glasses.

He was quite surprised when nothing happened.

"That probably doesn't mean anything, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, "They're too damaged to repair. It happens. Let's continue."

As Harry continued to perform various charms, he noticed – as did Hermione and the Healer – that the charms started to lessen in power.

"Try a Light Charm again," Madam Pomfrey said, after he performed a series of charms.

Harry squinted his eyes as he said the incantation. The light on the tip of his wand was bright, but not as blinding as it had been.

"Does that mean his magic is going back to normal?" Hermione asked, "Or is it going to lessen more and more until nothing?"

"I highly doubt it will be the latter, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said. "I believe Mr. Potter will find that during a continuation of performing charms and spells, they'll go from very powerful to normal. Then after a bit of rest, the pattern will begin again."

"So my charms and spells will weaken each time I use it in a short period of time," Harry said.

"Precisely," Madam Pomfrey said, "But fear not. I think your magic is trying to find a happy medium. Soon enough I believe your magic will be a bit more powerful than what it was, but it won't be too powerful unless you put a bit of 'oomph' into it. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said. "I'd be happy with a bit of 'oomph' in my spells, but not too much. That original Light Charm was too much!"

"I will discuss these new findings with Headmistress McGonagall," Madam Pomfrey said, "I will suggest that she lets your Professors know what is going on with your magic, so they can be prepared for it. If you have any complications you cannot handle, please come see me, Mr. Potter."

"I will," Harry promised.

"Good," Madam Pomfrey said, "With that, I believe we are finished. Let me get the case of Potency Potion, and then you two will be excused."

Harry stood from his bed, and he and Hermione followed Madam Pomfrey to her office. The Healer gave him a small box which felt chilled to the touch. She reminded him of when he should use the Potions, and also that the Potions would keep fresh due to the Cooling Charms. She also told him to come back for more once he used them all up. After that, she excused the young couple.

When Harry and Hermione left the Hospital Wing, Harry pocketed the small box, and opened the Marauder's Map. He kept an eye on it, as they started off through the castle.

"There's something Madam Pomfrey didn't say about your magic, Harry," Hermione said.

"Oh?" Harry asked.

"You need to be careful about finding yourself in duels with someone," Hermione said, "Your spells could be really powerful, and you could unintentionally really hurt someone. Even Malfoy, Harry. Imagine what it could have been like during the duel that day. Your spell could have really hurt him."

Harry grimaced. "Right. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."

"There's also something I didn't mention to Madam Pomfrey," Hermione said. "I think you should write to Keeper Ragnok. Maybe he can find some more advanced books on Nekos than the one I own, and maybe some books on Bonds. Even if there isn't anything in a book about the bond between a Neko and their mate, it has to be similar to other type of magical Bonds!"

Harry nodded. "Good idea. "How about we go up to the Hospital Wing, and I can write a letter to Ragnok there, and send it with Hedwig."

"As long as we keep away from everyone," Hermione said, timidly, "I don't want anyone to see me like this until tonight."

"That's what we have the Map for," Harry said, waving the Marauder's Map in front of him. "Is there anything else you want to do after we go to the Owlery?"

"I know Madam Bones has plans to meet with you about the restraining order," Hermione said, "But she probably won't be here until closer to the Start-of-Term Feast. We could visit Dora. Even if she doesn't have things to teach you, I'm sure we can find something to do. And I would like to meet her mother, the new Potions Mistress."

Harry agreed, and the pair continued through the castle. Once again, the Marauder's Map helped them to avoid unwanted visitors.


Sunday, January 3rd, 1993 – Late Afternoon
(T-Minus 1 Hour, 30 minutes until Start-of-Term Feast)

Madam Amelia Bones was currently making her way down to the Entrance Hall in Hogwarts. She had just met with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, and gotten their permission to place a restraining order on Dumbledore. If Dumbledore approached them, there would be a warrant out for his arrest.

She had thought about also bringing up Ron and Molly Weasley and possible restraining orders against them, but decided against it. Minerva McGonagall and the rest of the Hogwarts staff would make sure Ron kept his distance from Harry and Hermione. As for Molly... all she did was simply warn Harry and Hermione of Molly's history with Love Potions, and to watch out for any letters from the Weasley Matriarch.

She wasn't too worried about Molly Weasley, however. As a Neko, Hermione was immune to Love Potions, and she'd likely notice if something weird happened to Harry when it came to that threat. Also, there was minimal chance Harry and Hermione would get anywhere near Molly Weasley, aside from perhaps Platform Nine and Three Quarters. But now that they know of Molly's association with Dumbledore, they would do everything they could to avoid her.

During the meeting, Harry and Hermione had made one very good point, however. The restraining order was a piece of parchment. What good did a restraining order do if it didn't actually repel Dumbledore from them? Amelia promised them she would research a way to make this actually happen. Perhaps it was something she needed to discuss with Unspeakable Croaker.

An hour before, Amelia had arrived at the castle with Aurors Shacklebolt and Moody, Unspeakable Croaker, and a few other Aurors and Unspeakables. Her niece, Susan, had chosen to ride the Hogwarts Express, because she wanted to hang out with her friends. Amelia didn't mind at all. This had given her the opportunity to work on things in her office for much of the afternoon before she went to Hogwarts.

Amelia stepped into the Entrance Hall, and found Headmistress Minerva McGonagall standing outside an adjoining room.

"There you are, Amelia," McGonagall said, "Everyone else is inside. Finished with Mr. Potter and Miss Granger?"

"Yes, ma'am," Amelia said. "They agreed to the restraining order against Dumbledore."

Amelia had explained her intentions with the restraining order to Minerva before her meeting with Harry and Hermione.

"Is it something we need to discuss during the staff meeting?" Minerva asked.

"Only if it is brought up by another staff member," Amelia said, "Even then. If Dumbledore steps foot on the Hogwarts Grounds, I think someone here will discover it long before he reaches Potter and Granger."

"There is one good thing about the security and spying system he created with the portraits, ghosts and suits of armor," Minerva said, "They're very good, and loyal to the Head of Hogwarts – which is no longer Albus. I believe they'll warn me if Albus steps onto Hogwarts Grounds."

"If he is foolish enough to step onto the Grounds," Amelia said, "Feel free to contact me immediately. I'll be here faster than you can say 'Azkaban'."

"I'll keep that in mind," Minerva said, "Shall we go inside?"

Amelia agreed and followed the Headmistress inside. Standing around the room were the representatives of the Ministry that had accompanied Amelia. Amelia joined Aurors Moody and Shacklebolt, and Unspeakable Croaker. She looked around at the various staff seated at the table. She noticed the three new staff members, Remus Lupin, and Andromeda and Nymphadora Tonks. Minerva had informed her earlier that they had been hired.

She was rather surprised and slightly upset that Nymphadora had been taken on as an Apprentice Professor. She knew that Nymphadora had hopes of becoming an Auror, and was looking forward to her being a part of the force. There hadn't been a Metamorphmagus on the Auror Force in several years. Nymphadora would have been a fantastic Auror, especially in Undercover work.

"Thank you, everyone, for attending," Minerva said, "I will begin this meeting with a few announcements before we get into the main reason for being here. First of all, I'm sure you have all heard, so this is not exactly news. Yesterday the School Governors voted me as the new Headmistress of Hogwarts."

Amelia smiled and joined in the applause that rang out around the staff table.

"Thank you all," Minerva said. "Next, we have three new staff members, as well as another change in position. Filius Flitwick has accepted the role of Deputy Headmaster in addition to his roles as Charms Professor, and Head of Ravenclaw."

More applause rang out as the tiny Professor Flitwick smiled and thanked everyone.

"Andromeda Tonks," Minerva said, "has been hired on as the new Potions Mistress. She was a Healer at St. Mungo's for several years, but also has experience in teaching – she was a Potions Mistress in Brighton Auror Academy."

The staff welcomed Andromeda, who thanked them.

"Remus Lupin has been hired on as my successor to the Transfiguration post," Minerva said, "He has extensive history in teaching, though mostly in the Muggle world. But I have faith that he'll do well in the role of Transfiguration Professor. I have also given him the role of Head of Gryffindor."

Remus smiled when everyone welcomed him.

"Last but not least," Minerva said, "I'm sure most of you will recognize the last new staff member. She was a student here as recently as last year. Nymphadora Tonks has been hired on as Apprentice Professor to the Transfiguration post. She will assist Professor Lupin and take over as substitute when necessary."

Her hair turned several colors, and she blushed and waved as everyone welcomed her.

"For the next piece of news," Minerva said, "I would like to congratulate Poppy Pomfrey for successfully reviving the two Petrified students, Justin Finch-Fletchley, and Colin Creevey, as well as Mrs. Norris and Nearly-Headless Nick."

The Hogwarts Healer blushed as everyone applauded and congratulated her.

"I can't take all the credit," she said, when the applause was done; she motioned to Unspeakable Croaker, and the various other robed individuals from the Department of Mysteries, "The Unspeakables in the Department of Mysteries donated the Mandrake Draught. Without it, I couldn't have revived the victims until the middle of the year at the very earliest."

"Think nothing of it, Healer Pomfrey," Croaker said, "We will always be available if our talents are needed. Especially when it concerns the lives and well-being of innocent children."

"Still, you have our thanks, Unspeakable," Minerva said, "Thank you. Are there any questions regarding Hogwarts concerns before we move onto the main reason we're here?"

"What is being done about the previously Petrified students' education?" Pomona Sprout asked. "Mr. Creevey has been out of classes over a month and a half, and Mr. Finch-Fletchley, for about a month. They both missed their end-of-term exams."

"I have already spoken to both students on these matters," Minerva said, "They will be meeting with various student tutors every night until they can catch up. After they're caught up, I'm sure you can give them the exams they missed at some point in time. Any other questions?"

"What about Professor Dumbledore?" Rubeus Hagrid asked, "Will he be coming to Hogwarts anytime soon?"

"Albus Dumbledore is no longer employed here," Minerva said, "All of his belongings were packed up by House-Elves, and were given to him yesterday. I'm afraid he's no longer welcomed back at Hogwarts."

There were several comments about this voiced around the table. Minerva cleared her throat loudly, silencing everyone. Then she looked at Amelia, who nodded.

"Albus Dumbledore was indeed cleared of all charges," Amelia said, "However, I am still investigating him. There is reason to believe he is a danger to some students. For the safety of the investigation, and the students, I cannot divulge this information. However, I can tell you that a restraining order will be set against Dumbledore by evening's end involving two students here. If Albus Dumbledore steps onto the Grounds of Hogwarts, or in Hogsmeade, while the students are there, he will be charged with breaking the restraining order. If you see him here, or in Hogsmeade, inform myself, the DMLE, or the Auror Department immediately. Our Floo Networks will be opened at all hours of the day and night if you need to contact us about this."

"Any more questions?" Minerva asked.

There were none, so Minerva cleared her throat.

"I'm sure most of you have guessed why the DMLE, Aurors, and Unspeakables are here," she said, "For those who do not know, they are here to aide us in attempting to end the Chamber of Secrets investigation once and for all. I now hand the floor over to Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

"Thank you, Minerva," Amelia said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am going to be blunt here. Even though the beast behind the Chamber of Secrets fiasco has been discovered and destroyed, there is evidence that leads us to believe that there is a human element responsible for all of this. Somebody wrote the message on the wall on Halloween evening. All staff here has been cleared of the crime, so we can only assume it was a student."

There were several grim looks amongst those seated at the table.

"That student will likely be seated in the Great Hall during the feast tonight," Amelia said, "The Aurors and Unspeakables are here because they are trained to detect emotional reactions in people. Tonight, during the feast, Minerva will announce that the beast has been destroyed, and the Chamber of Secrets investigation is over. This should cause the guilty party to betray their emotions. The Aurors and Unspeakables will be able to detect that.

"If we're unsuccessful, obviously that isn't good news. Fortunately, we have Legilimens amongst the Aurors and Unspeakables. If we have to, we'll interrogate the students and use Legilimency on them to find out who is the culprit. Of course that isn't foolproof either. The culprit could be a Natural Occlumens. We're ready for that. I have faith we will find the culprit tonight."

"And what will happen to the culprit?" Pomona Sprout asked, "Most of the students are minors."

"It will depend on what we discover," Moody said, "It is possible they're being forced to do it by someone else, possibly their parents or an outside source."

"That is correct," Amelia said, "Are there any questions?"

"Won't the culprit be suspicious when they realize there are Aurors and Unspeakables in Hogwarts?" Nymphadora said, "You could scare the culprit into doing something."

"Aye," Moody said, "Which is why we'll be keeping an eye on all the students at all times. Several Aurors here will be escorting the students from Hogsmeade Station to the castle. Any student who complains about them being here will be suspect. We'll be talking to them before the end of the night. Once everyone is inside, there will be Aurors stationed at the exits to the Great Hall. Unless they're escorted elsewhere, everyone will be ordered to stay inside the Great Hall until we're done."

"As for those students who remained here over the holidays," Minerva said, "The Heads of Houses will make sure they're in the Great Hall before the Feast begins. Because none of the students know you yet, Professor Lupin, someone will help you. Any volunteers?"

Dora and Hagrid raised their hands.

"Very well," Minerva said, "You may assist Professor Lupin, Hagrid. Miss Tonks, I want you to collect the students in the Lord's Quarters."

"Yes, ma'am," Nymphadora said.

"Any other questions for Madam Bones or her fellow Ministry representatives?" Minerva asked; there were none, so Minerva continued, "Madam Bones, you and your team are excused. Now we will move onto the other important issue of the evening. The new rule changes, approved by the School Governors."

Minerva began talking about the rule changes, as Amelia led the Ministry representatives out of the staff room.

"Aurors Moody and Shacklebolt," Amelia said, "Put two groups of Aurors and Unspeakables together. One team is for the escort job. The other team will be using Secrecy Sensors on student belongings to detect anything that may be untrustworthy, suspicious or dangerous. Unspeakable Croaker and I will remain here to finalize other details. Better get going. The train will be here shortly."

Moody and Shacklebolt began picking out various members of the Aurors and Unspeakables. Meanwhile, Amelia spoke to Unspeakable Croaker.

"Be honest, Algie," she said, "What do you think our chances are?"

"It depends," Croaker said, "If the student is under the Imperius Curse, my men are capable of detecting that. It is possible that they were being Imperiused by an outside source, perhaps even their parents. Possibly even Compelled with Compulsion Draughts, which could be delivered by post and put in food or candies. If the student is being forced to do it without being a victim of the Imperius Curse, it could go either way. The favorable way would be that they're wanting to get caught, and want to be free of their parent's abuse. Then they would do everything to get deliberately caught. However, there is the unfavorable option. They're supporting their parent's beliefs, and are willingly doing this. It is possible their parent taught them how not to be caught so easily. Then it is possible that there was no outside involvement, and the student is simply guilty."

"Any chances this is a prank gone wrong?" Amelia asked.

"I highly doubt it," Croaker said.

"What about a copycat, copying the past crime?" Amelia asked.

"Possible," Croaker said, nodding. "I suppose we'll find out."

"If we catch the culprit," Amelia said.

"Exactly," Croaker agreed. "What worries me is this. Aside from Harry Potter, there is no evidence of another Parselmouth in this school. Minerva told me she looked through all the student medical histories and profiles, and there is no evidence of it. They'd have to be very good at keeping it a secret."

"And a Parselmouth is necessary," Amelia said, "Because they were able to get into the Chamber of Secrets, and control the Basilisk."

"Exactly," Croaker said.

Amelia nodded. By that time, Aurors Moody and Shacklebolt had finished picking their teams from Aurors and Unspeakables, and were now making their way onto the Grounds of Hogwarts.

"Algie," Amelia said, "I need a favor from the mind of an Unspeakable."

Croaker raised his eyebrows. "Name it, Amelia."

"During my meeting with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger," Amelia said, "As I discussed the restraining order, they said something to me I've never thought about. A restraining order is just a piece of parchment. It cannot stop the target of the restraining order from getting near those they're being restrained from. I wondered if the creative minds of the Unspeakables might be able to come up with an enchantment that could do exactly that."

Croaker rubbed his chin with one hand. "It is an interesting idea. I will discuss it with appropriate members of the Department of Mysteries, but even if they succeed, it could take a while."

"I understand," Amelia said, "Even if it can't be done, I thank you and your colleagues for the attempt. Now, let's figure out how to make this evening tasks easier, shall we? I'm thinking we place an age-line at the Entrance to the Great Hall after all the students are inside. It will stop the culprit from trying to escape if they realize why we're here."

"A good idea," Croaker said.

Amelia smiled. "I thought so too."

So Amelia and Croaker continued to plot out various plans for the evening – everything from detecting the culprit, to the interrogation and how to get the answers they needed. Even though she had told the Hogwarts staff that they may be unsuccessful that evening, she had a good feeling they would find the culprit and end the threat once and for all.


Chapter finished! Madam Pomfrey's theory of a "bond" between a Neko and Mate, the discussion involving that, and Hermione's idea to contact Keeper Ragnok about it, was a last-minute addition to the chapter. That will be a storyline that will span several chapters, but has a major part to do with the story. Even I'm not sure where it will lead. It could go anywhere.

Next chapter: In the hour leading up to the start-of-Term feast, several things happen from several points-of-view. If you caught something Amelia said during this chapter, then maybe you can predict exactly what will happen next chapter. Two chapters until the Start-of-Term Feast!

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!