Bill's Bill

Chapter 17: Tea and Bribery

All HP and characters belong to JK Rowling. Hi, I am hoping to get back to weekly updates and then follow that with resuming Madeline. The storyline for Madeline is coming along but for some reason, I started writing the next half of the story backward.

Thank you for your continued support! It means the world to me!

-C

Grimmauld Place Tuesday 7 PM

Hermione was standing in front of her wall of mysteries with Ron. "But I don't understand. Things don't add up. Why would Death Eaters leak information to the Prophet and then kidnap Senior Auror Snaphorn? It doesn't add up!"

Ron nodded sympathetically whilst massaging her shoulders. He had been trying to convince her to come to lie down in bed for the last twenty minutes. Hermione was pretty sure he had no interest in resting and she wasn't about to start shagging in middle of-

A large spotted barn owl swooped through the window. Hermione groaned. There was only so much bad news one could take in a day.

Ron pulled the letter off the bird's leg after feeding it a bit of leftover turkey from the dinner table. He scanned the contents of the letter before cursing. Hermione reached her hand out for the letter but Ron was already running to the doorway of the room shouting, "Oi! Harry! All Aurors in the house fall in! Harry, get off my bloody sister and pull your trousers on! We gotta go!"

Hermione felt the blood drain from her face. "What happened?"

Bill and Fleur stood in the hallway side by side, with Draco holding Victoire protectively behind them.

Bill's jaw was clenched, "Ron?"

Ron opened his mouth and then clamped it shut just as Harry came barreling down the stairs, fully clothed. "That was quick."

"Ginny's not here you prat. I was getting some shut-eye. What the bloody hell is going on?"

"Snaphorn's been abducted by Death Eaters. Apparently, the Lestranges are alive, as well as Greyback. Auror Flint made a run for it, while everyone was on their way to Snaphorn's flat. The Minister is calling a mass manhunt for all five of them, Kingsley himself is joining."

A stream of colorful and impressive cursing filled the room as Harry and Ron grabbed their Auror robes and ran through the Floo.

Charles Snaphorn's Flat in Wizarding Mantucky 8 PM

The residents of Wizarding Mantucky were terrified, that was to be sure. Aurors were physically kicking in doors if no one answered, and stunning anyone under the recreational or suspicious use of potions. Everyone was being questioned and Kingsley's Aurors were making children cry.

Ian begged Kingsley to return to the Ministry and let him be the face of this operation. He vehemently refused. Families were terrified and Kingsley felt as if he was failing as the Minister, the least he could do is comfort them when they were terrified. He was going to need to hire a team of PR people just to do damage control within this community. That and they were going to need to replace a lot of doors.

Auror Thompson apparated behind him, not a wise move considering he was an extremely dangerous Auror that served in two wars. "Minister?"

"It is unwise to apparate behind an Auror, even if they are retired from field work, Auror Thompson."

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. I checked Miss Sitnick's flat and her roommate said she had not arrived home yet." Thompson reported as Kingsley's stomach dropped. Not Pam. Not Pam. Please Merlin, not Pam. "She called her on a muggle box thing, apparently she's working late at the Ministry. I've instructed her to stay at the office until she is told otherwise."

Kingsley exhaled loudly rubbing his eyes, "Thank you, Thompson. I can't even begin to articulate my gratitude."

"No problem, the kid also said I should remind you to eat supper." Thompson chuckled. "Reminds me of my mum, that one."

Kingsley was about to retort when Ian came down the stairs. "There was an attack at Saint Mungos."

"Another one?"

"Yes, the Healers were scared to react after the last debacle. They hesitated and somehow, Rabastan Lestrange managed to make it all the way into the Janus Thickey ward."

Kingsley paled. "Fuck."

"Merlin help us, Neville Longbottom incapacitated him. Potter, Weasley, and Gabby were re-directed from the Auror department to Saint Mungos. They were told to transport Lestrange directly back to Azkaban. Pam has already started filing the paperwork. She called an emergency Wizengamot session on your behalf and they granted approval for the transport."

"How did he get into Saint Mungos?"

"He disguised himself as a Healer, walked straight through the front doors as they were changing shifts. He was recognized halfway to the Janus Thickey ward and stopped by a newly transferred Healer only once he was inside."

Kingsley raised an inquisitive eyebrow, "Who was the Healer?"

Ian shuffled through the tiny scribbles in his notebook. "Healer... Samson O'Brien. He was apparently put there after an embarrassing scuffling in the spell damage ward."

"The scuffle was with Molly Weasley, Hermione convinced the solicitors at Saint Mungos not to fire Healer O'Brien but remove him from an extremely stressful ward until he got help. Remind me to send Hermione a bloody basket filled with books and those raspberry chocolates she likes."

Ian jotted several things down in his notes. "It is assumed Lestrange was after Alice and Frank Longbottom. After he incapacitated Healer O'Brien the hospital was put in emergency lockdown. According to a short note I received from Neville himself, Neville was not present during Healer O'Brien's duel with Lestrange. He heard the lockdown notice while he was in the lavatory and rushed back to protect his parents. His girlfriend, a Miss Hannah Abbott was involved in the scuffle as well but mostly as taking defensive measures on behalf of her fiance's parents."

Kingsley blinked in surprise. "Neville's engaged?"

Ian smile wryly. "Just. Potter and Weasley wouldn't stop talking about it. They're excited for their friend."

Kingsley thought for several moments. He was very happy for the happiness that Neville and Hannah found together. He would have to remember to have Pam send them a gift. He hated to spoil their newly engaged status, but the two were at risk while the other two Death Eater's were at large.

"I want Neville and Hannah in protective custody." Kingsley's told Ian. The two began to discuss details of exactly where they were going to place Neville and Hannah. Kingsley ran out of space in his house, what with it overrun with redheads. Ian offered his home, as did two other supervising Aurors.

They were ironing out the final details when Kingsley's wand vibrated in his pocket. Had he set a timer for something? There was so much going on, he really hoped not. It was probably his dinner that he had started making when he was at home. Ignoring his still vibrating wand, he continued issuing orders.

Grimmauld Place Tuesday 9 PM

Hermione had just finished consoling Hannah Abbott and forcing her to lay down with some tea and biscuits when two Aurors wheeled a horrified Alice and Frank Longbottom into one of the bedrooms on the first floor. One of the Lestrange brothers attacked Neville's parents shortly after Harry and Ron left. It had put a damper on Neville and Hannah's engagement that Neville had spent the last six months working up the courage to do.

Hannah had found the ring three months ago, on her way to brunch with Hermione and several other Hogwarts Gryffindor female alumni. Needless to say, it was a high pitched meal filled with talk or more accurately squeals of, dress colors, and flowers. Basically, all things Hermione had no interest in. God, Mrs. Weasley was going to be ecstatic when she and Ron got married. Hermione planned on just showing up on the day of. I mean honestly, who cared if the floral arrangements matched the napkins especially when there were more important things going on like abused house elves and escaped criminals?

When they got the news about the assault, Hermione immediately packed her things to call for an emergency Wizengamot meeting so they could send Lestrange directly back to Azkaban. She was pleasantly surprised when she received a Patronus from Ian that Pam had already called the meeting and was finishing up the paperwork before filing it. She sent her gratitude in the form of an owl with a piece of Fleur's cherry pie.

Thankfully, Neville had been in the hospital at the time or the elderly couple would not have survived the night. Neville was currently overseeing his parents relocation under the watchful eyes of an infuriated Healer Samson O'Brien. The Healer was sporting even more scrapes and bumps than the last time she saw him. Hermione wondered if the man should take a holiday.

The Longbottoms were finished being settled and Healer O'Brien was standing awkwardly in the hallway. Hermione cleared her throat as she walked up behind him.

"You know," Hermione said as she handed the Healer a bright blue mug filled with a mix of chamomile, lemongrass, and mint tea, "You would have made an impressive Auror."

He nodded to Hermione in thanks before taking a sip. "I hear the same could be said about you. My old school mate said you dueled Dolohov."

"Do I know them?"

"Bathy Babbling, we were in the same year at Hogwarts." Healer O'Brien smiled as Hermione's entire face lit up.

"She taught Ancient Runes at school! I loved her classes!"

Samson chuckled, "So, I've heard. She owled me several months ago, to ask if you had gone into the Auror track."

"I fought through one war and that was enough for me. I'd prefer to spend my life fighting the smaller battles for the smaller people." He seemed content with her answer. After contemplation, Hermione asked a follow-up question. "Why would you know if I was an Auror?"

"My brother was an Auror for the French Ministry, I have connections. He died during the Battle of Hogwarts. He was struck with a bombarda while he was assisting with the rescue and relief team to get the students out of the school."

Hermione winced, that was a terrible way to go. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Healer O'Brien."

Samson waved her away impatiently. "He died doing what he loved and protected the innocent. I'm proud of how he lived and died, as is his wife and daughter.

Hermione fidgeted with her fingers. "Healer O'Brien, I apologize about what happened in court. I know you love your job and I've been working with the Ministry and two Mind Healers to have your position reinstated post mental-"

"Miss Granger, please stop. I am a healer. I joined this profession to help people. In order to help people, one must help themselves first. In neglecting myself, I neglected my patients and almost harmed Mrs. Weasley. I am not too big of a Wizard to admit that."

Hermione stood quietly as Healer O'Brien took another sip of his tea.

"I have already sent an owl to Head Auror Proudfoot, but Mister Travers offered me money for my testimony. I have no doubt he offered the other witnesses as well."

"Did you take the money?" Hermione asked nervously. He could lose his Healership license if he was found taking a bribe for a medical testimony.

"I take offense," he scoffed.

"Sorry, just had to ask."

"I'm aware, but I'm not the enemy here. I heard what Mrs. Weasley said as clear as day. We both know if the Wizengamot finds out, they'll blame this entire situation with the Lestranges on the poor boy."

Hermione rubbed her eyes. "I know. The Weasley's already lost one son during the war. I don't think the family could survive to lose another. They're barely holding up as it is."

"I quite agree with you, Miss Granger. Answer me this, what drives a man to become the best at what he does?"

"Ambition?"

"Yes, but where does the ambition stem from? I have the ambition to be a Healer because I am carrying on my mother's legacy and I want to help people. How did Travers become one of the most cunning solicitors for the Ministry? He put away half of the Death Eaters after the war."

Hermione shook her head. "I'm not sure. I've been researching him, but he has no background. Nothing that stands out, anyway."

Healer O'Brien smiled. "Exactly that Miss Granger, he comes from nothing and nowhere. Now tell me, what are the three hardest professions to get into?"

"Wands, law, and Medicine."

"Why?"

"The schooling alone costs…" Hermione's mouth dropped in an O. "He borrowed money from someone and he needs to pay it back. Voldemort had loads of money, it's one of the ways he gained his following the first time around."

"I believe Mister Bill Weasley has friends in Gringotts, does he not?"

There was a shuffling noise behind Hermione as an exhausted Fleur exited the kitchen. Her eyes met Healer O'Brien's and they narrowed. Turning to Hermione, she spoke in her native tongue.

"What is he doing here?"

"He is the Healer that transported Neville's parents," Hermione responded in French, assuming Healer O'Brien spoke the language seeing as his brother lived there and his sister in law was probably a native. She was about to point this out to Fleur when the vivacious blonde started rapidly insulting the Healer in French.

When Fleur came up for air, Healer O'Brien spoke up in French. "I apologize if I have offended you, Miss. Delacour, your family is an honorable one with long memories."

"You testified against my husband." She accused.

Crossing his arms, Healer O'Brien took a defensive stance. "I was asked to say the truth and I did."

Seeing a fight brewing Hermione stepped in. "Actually Healer O'Brien came to give us information that will help us in our case. Travers offered him money to testify, which he declined. He believes that Travers owes Death Eaters money for schooling."

Fleur went silent as she processed the information. Turning on her heel, she stalked down the hallway. She turned her head back, as she reached the stairs. "Bill will owl the bank and ask if they know anything. We will keep it quiet."

She ascended the stairs without so much as a parting word to the two in the hallway. "That witch is a firecracker," he mused.

"You should see her when it comes to planning events. I dread the day she starts making birthday parties for Victoire." They shared a chuckle. "Here, let me take that mug from you. I'm going to the kitchen. Would you like a-"

The mug fell from Hermione's fingers and shattered on the floor as her wand vibrated in her pocket. Wands were drawn and the hallway was filled with over twenty concerned adults in mere seconds.

Words of concern were echoing off of her ears uselessly as she sent a Patronus to Kingsley and ran toward the Floo. "It was a setup Kings. Lestrange was a distraction! They're in your office!"