Previously: Lily runs into Hagrid. Realizing that Lily's worried about something, he takes her to see the Thestrals. When he does, Lily is relieved to know that she's not going crazy. Hagrid admits that he knows Lily witnessed Stoughton's murder, and after talking with Hagrid, Lily feels a weight lift. The Marauders finally get the Cloak back from the Slytherins.


Chapter 39: Ulterior Motives

James had never felt as thrilled as he did now, silently gliding through the castle corridors, invisible to anyone and everyone. First off, Snape and his friends had already been caught by McGonagall, receiving two weeks' worth of detention for attempting to exit the school grounds in the dead of night, and secondly, the feeling of freedom that he had always felt whenever donning the Potter family heirloom was back, and once again there was no place in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that off-limits to him. It may have possibly been one of the wonderful things in his life.

However, none of the other Marauders were with him as he explored the castle corridors under the Invisibility Cloak. Unfortunately, it was a full moon for Remus, which meant that he would be out of pranking for the next couple of days to recover from his monthly transformation, and since there was no fourth Marauder to join them that night, Sirius and Peter took a rain check while they finished a rather violent game of Exploding Snap up in their dormitory.

But James did not mind. In reality, he did not have a specific goal or destination in mind – he was just rejoicing having the Invisibility Cloak safely back in his hands.

Without even realizing it, he had ended up wandering towards Dumbledore's office. James was about to duck into a shortcut – it would certainly spoil the moment to get caught right outside the headmaster's office – when the gargoyle leaped aside, and James froze on the spot as he watched several figures come out from behind the gargoyle.

It was not a large group by any means, but they were certainly intimidating. At the front of the group strode a rather wiry woman with iron grey hair that hung in a short, perfectly straight curtain around her face, and she was dressed in expensive-looking robes of a dark blue color. The way she carried herself was dignified, but there was something else behind her gait, something that suggested a kind frailty hidden behind the gritty façade. A couple others wearing similar robes followed her, whispering amongst themselves while the last two people were dressed in what James immediately recognized as Auror robes and acted as silent bodyguards – one of them looked vaguely familiar, but James could not figure out where he had seen the Auror before.

Eavesdropping on a mysterious group from the Ministry would certainly result in some form of punishment if he was ever caught, but as James watched the group move further and further away from Dumbledore's office and the front gate, the temptation was overwhelming. Against his own reasoning, James made the split-second decision to tag along behind them.

"… for our constituents, Eugenia," whispered one of the men to the woman at the front, and with a start, James realized he must be looking at Eugenia Jenkins, the Minister for Magic.

"And I told you," hissed Jenkins, "We need to focus on ways to stay ahead of You-Know-Who – or have you forgotten about the explosion last year that killed more than enough of my employees? If Dumbledore's not going to agree with us on how to do things, then we need to at least make sure he stays out of our way. Now, where was her office again?"

"This way. Follow me," said another one of Jenkins's advisers. "I sent an owl on ahead, so she should be waiting for us in her office."

"She better," growled Jenkins. Glancing back at the Auror that James was sure he had seen before, Jenkins added, "If your assurances are anything to go by, Prewett."

James received a second shock that day when he suddenly realized that he had seen the Auror before – Fabian Prewett, one of Alice Prewett's cousins. The last he had seen Fabian was back when James was eight years old and was staying with the Prewett family while his parents attended their usual New Year's Eve Ball. That was five years ago, and Fabian looked much older than he had when he and his brother, Gideon, were tasked with babysitting James on New Year's Eve, though the flaming red hair was still as bright as the last time James saw it – which in and of itself should have been a giveaway from the start.

"We were in the Auror Academy together," said Fabian, his voice deeper than James remembered. "Sage is about as tough as she looks."

James felt resentment flare up within him at that comment. Despite his original misjudgment of Rawlings during his first DADA class with her, she had swiftly gained James and the other Marauders' respect when she proved to be one of the best teachers he had ever had, and even though he had liked Fabian before, James still felt the urge to kick him for his disparaging remark about Rawlings – he and Sirius had themselves learned the hard way that when it came to Professor Rawlings, appearances could be very, very deceiving.

"Whether or not she's actually any good, are you sure about sharing sensitive information with her? I mean, I've heard that she's very loyal to Dumbledore – dumb bimbo or not," said one incredibly tall, sinewy man dressed in dark green robes that were a little on the small side, showing a bit more wrists and ankles than James would have if he were in the man's shoes.

"Didn't you just hear what I said, Grant?" hissed Jenkins. "If Dumbledore's not going to help us, then I need to make sure he's staying out of our way – and getting a fellow teacher to keep an eye on Dumbledore is the best chance we have. Young Sage will serve our purposes for now – unless, of course, you'd like to try turning Minerva McGonagall."

Fabian's face twitched at that, almost as if he was trying to hide a knowing smile, but it was gone in a flash, replaced by the stern, emotionless expression echoed in the other Auror's face.

"Even so, some of those Gryffindors can be a stubborn lot," said the wiry man unpleasantly as the group approached the door that James immediately recognized as the one that lead to Rawlings's office.

Jenkins stepped forward and knocked against the wood loudly and purposefully. There was a small scrapping sound from behind the door and footsteps before the door opened, and James's jaw dropped to the floor when he got his first good look at the person standing before them.

It was Rawlings, but at the same time it was not Rawlings. The tough-as-nails professor James had come to admire could demand a room's attention no matter the size and take on any Death Eater within a five-mile radius armed with only her fists, wand, and a whole lot of attitude, but the Rawlings in front of James at that moment looked like she could barely put her shoes on the right feet. For the first time since James met her, Rawlings played up her doll-like features, complete with a pale pink frock.

And she was also giggling.

That part, more than anything else, was what unnerved James the most. Her face slightly pink from exertion, Rawlings was giggling – actually giggling, like those silly schoolgirls that he had caught eyeing himself and Sirius several times. If he had not known better, James would have thought she was a student here rather than a teacher.

"Oh, Minister Jenkins! You made it – thank Merlin!" said Rawlings in a breathy, soprano voice that did not sound at all like her usual no-nonsense tone. "I was really worried that I wouldn't have anything else to do. I mean, I didn't even realize that Dumbledore wasn't joking when he said I would have to actually grade essays – and risk my new nails at the same time!"

Looking positively horrified at the mere thought, Rawlings – rather rudely – shoved her hands right into Jenkins's face to show her bright magenta nails that James was certain she had not had yesterday.

"Imagine that," said Jenkins, and though James was confident that Rawlings could detect the cynicism hidden in Jenkins's voice, she only giggled some more.

Some of Jenkins's advisers, such as Grant, were regarding Rawlings with skepticism while a couple showed an emotion that fell just shy of infatuation – and James was pretty sure some of those looks Rawlings was receiving should have sent the relevant men rolling around on the ground with a nasty curse and kick where the sun did not shine – but for some reason, Rawlings missed them. Fabian and the other Auror were the only ones to retain stalwart expressions.

Grant stepped forward, clearing his throat before he said, "Ms. Rawlings –"

"Oh, you don't have to refer to me so formally, Mr. Adviser," said Rawlings with a tinkling laugh and a fluttering wave, batting her eyelashes as she did so. "Just call me Sage."

"Uh …" stammered Grant, "Okay – Sage, could we perhaps continue this conversation in your office?"

"Oh, of course! Right in here," said Rawlings standing aside to let Jenkins and her entourage pass, and for the briefest moment, a flash of the old grittiness James had come to associate with his professor flashed in Rawlings's eyes as she sent a discrete wink Fabian's way that nobody else caught.

Fabian was the last one to enter, prompting Rawlings to close the door. James just managed to squeeze in behind Fabian, but not before he accidentally brushed against the Auror. Fabian paused at the brief contact and glanced backwards, suspicion clear in his eyes, but when he just shrugged and followed the other Auror, James let out an inaudible sigh of relief – it would be just he luck that the one time he was caught was the one time he really, really did not want to get caught.

Even Rawlings's office had changed. All the interesting things, such as several Dark creatures and odd instruments, were hidden, replaced by many of the stereotypical things James had expected to see when he first walked into Rawlings's classroom: motivational posters, a couple of lone Sneakoscopes, and plenty of useless decorations. He also noticed that there were several pictures there as well, all from Rawlings's school days – from the looks of the crest she wore in a couple of them, Rawlings had been a Gryffindor, same as him.

"What can I do for you, Minister? If this is about the ticket I got for leaving my broom unattended outside the Three Broomsticks, I can explain – my date was –"

Whatever Rawlings's date was, James did not get to hear it because just then, Jenkins held up a hand, and with a smile so fake even Lockhart could have seen through it, she said, "No, no, my dear Sage. I'm afraid that's not why we're here. I was actually hoping to discuss some business with you – a business proposition, if you may."

Rawlings's face was one of childish confusion.

"Huh?"

James could tell it took a great amount of effort for Jenkins not to roll her eyes.

"You would be the Ministry's spokesperson for any matters pertaining to Hogwarts – reporting directly to me obviously."

"Oh, Minister! I'm so honored that you feel that way!" squealed Rawlings. She even added in a happy clap as she said, "So, like, would Dumbledore get somebody else to grade these essays for me? Because I really don't want to risk my nails, and I –"

"Actually, as my representative, I'd be the one who would pitch in and return the favor every once in a while – which I would do gladly, of course. I'm sure Dumbledore has enough to worry about without us disturbing him with our … offer," laughed Jenkins, though her smile hardly reached her eyes. "I was just wondering if you could tell us if something is in the best interests of Hogwarts when those kinds of matters come up."

Rawlings bobbed her head enthusiastically at that, looking a lot like a ten-year-old girl always eager to please her parents.

"Of course, Minister. Anything that will help, I'm your girl."

The last part was said with a flirtatious wink.

Irritation flashed in Jenkins's eyes as she regarded Rawlings and her girlish attitude, even going so far as wrinkling her nose. Forcing a painful smile, Jenkins finally managed to get out, "Right … well … Sage, I suppose this is where we say our good-byes then – remember, just think of it as your representing the people's best interests."

"Of course, Minister," twittered Rawlings. She gave a parting curtsey, but as she did, James noticed a glint of triumph briefly flickered in her mesmerizingly crystal blue eyes, and when none of Jenkins's entourage was looking, Fabian winked at Rawlings.

It did not take long for the Minister and her associates to leave. Rawlings eventually opened the door for all of them, grinning like a total dud as she ushered them out the door one by one. James hurried towards the door, intending to sneak out with them – however, before he could do anything, Rawlings's suddenly slammed the door shut behind Fabian much more quickly than the situation called for, and James skidded to an abrupt halt.

Closing her eyes, Rawlings exhaled heavily and rested her head against the wood, and James could almost feel the relief radiating off his teacher. He was still mystified as to what exactly the meeting he had just eavesdropped on meant, but from what he was witnessing at that moment, there was little doubt in his mind that Rawlings had hated every single second of it – he himself found Rawlings's impersonation a little disconcerting, mostly because she had played the part so convincingly.

"I know you're there."

James froze at Rawlings's unexpected words – she had not moved a muscle either it would seem, but then again, James could only see her back from this angle.

"There's no use hiding anymore," said Rawlings after another minute of silence, finally opening her eyes and turning to face her otherwise empty office.

In response, James slowly pulled the Invisibility Cloak to reveal himself. He found it hard to meet Rawlings's eyes as he mumbled, "How did you know?"

Rawlings gave James a kind smile.

"Just because people can't see you doesn't mean that they can't touch you – I saw someone brush against Fabian's cloak when he came in. If it makes you feel better, I had no idea it was you who was eavesdropping."

"You're not mad?" asked James hesitantly.

Chuckling, Rawlings hopped up on her desk much like she usually did in class – did she ever just sit in a regular chair? – and gave a long sigh before answering James.

"As your teacher, I must tell you that I am disappointed one of my students has the audacity to eavesdrop on what was clearly a private conversation," – Here, James had the decency to look ashamed and glanced down at his feet – "But to be honest with you, there are much more important things to worry about in the world, and it's not like you're going to be getting chummy with the Death Eaters anytime soon."

James snapped his head up at that. Rawlings was giving him a smile that was completely different from the smiles she had continuously shot Jenkins and her entourage minutes earlier. It was not coy or calculating. It was kind and sad – very, very sad.

"Is that … is that what it was really all about? The Death Eaters? Is Minister Jenkins getting chummy with them?"

Rawlings sighed.

"It's complicated, Potter."

Leaning back on her hands, she added in an exasperated voice, "Jenkins thinks that if she can appease Voldemort and his followers that they'll be more open to negotiation, just like how she resolved the Squibs Rights Marches a couple years ago – that's why the Ministry's been adopting new laws to make life more difficult for people Voldemort doesn't like."

A sickening feeling started to settle in James at those words.

"Such as Muggle-borns and werewolves?" he asked.

His teachers face looked as disgusted as James felt, and Rawlings said, "Right now, she's mostly been focusing on Muggle-borns since Voldemort has been trying to gain the loyalties of werewolves – if Muggle-borns can no longer hold positions of authority, then Jenkins believes that might tide the Death Eaters over for a time since nobody wants a repeat of the attack at the Ministry last year."

"That's just …"

James simply had no words to describe how he felt at that.

"I know," said Rawlings sadly. She slid off her desk before adding, "Which is why Dumbledore's been doing all he can to oppose Jenkins. Now get going, Potter. Tomorrow's a school day if I'm not mistaken."

Recognizing the dismissal, James sighed and headed for the door, but before he could leave, Rawlings had one more thing to say.

"Oh, and Potter?"

James stopped and turned to face his teacher, whose expression was unreadable as she said, "I hope I don't have to tell you how important it is that this doesn't get out – that includes your friends."

"No, Professor. You don't."

"Good. Now get going – I doubt Peeves will make life fun if he happens to see you when you're breaking curfew."

James felt a ghost of a smile on his lips as he flung the cloak over his head and hurried out the door.


Since the event at the Ministry that Jenkins referenced is pretty big, I will give you all a reminder in case any you lovelies forgot: the event occurred in Chapter 27 ("Murder at the Ministry").