Chapter 13: The Minister's Woes
The mid-June heat had lasted into the small hours, a gentle breeze doing little to cool the muggy night. The village was deep in slumber as a gentle pop sounded the arrival of a first-time visitor. The creatures fell silent and a large bird took flight as the man drew his wand, his steely grey eyes scanning the area for any awareness of his presence. After a moment, his posture relaxed and he began walking amongst the dwellings, seemingly searching for something.
It had not been difficult to locate this place, not for his sister who had managed to locate Harry's muggle home all those years passed. For him, he wouldn't have known where to begin. He had maintained his distance from muggles, neither willing nor caring to understand these strange people. It was however, one of the reasons he found himself here this night. The Riddles, the bane of his existence for some time had lived here once, as had the Gaunts'. His search for the identity of the Dark Lord had led him here, though it was only by a nagging feeling. He knew who the man was or had been once upon a time but that feeling this place held something of import had plagued him, and thus, he had made the decision to journey here to sate his unrest.
He could grudgingly admit the village was rather beautiful; well-kept, quaint with a touch of the classic. The houses were equally attractive, though none were the manor he sought.
Frowning, he huffed as he continued his way, a sudden wave of magic washing over him setting him on edge and his wand raised in anticipation. The magic was strong and completely unfamiliar to him. Warily, he took another step forward and the urge to walk away was almost overwhelming as the next set of wards activated.
"Interesting," he mused aloud as he took a step back.
He couldn't be certain if anyone was hiding within but he did not want to risk being discovered prematurely. It could prove a boon if Tom was inside and unaware his location was known. Quickly, and as quietly as he could, he disappeared with a pop once more and returned to the edge of the village he had arrived at to seek out the other home he intended on finding.
The Gaunts', he had learnt, lived somewhere just off the main path leading away from the village. Checking once more that he had not alerted any unwanted attention, he proceeded to follow the path, leaving behind the sleepy village.
His frustration grew as no other houses presented themselves along the winding trail, the muscles in his legs protesting the excursion he had undertaken. Turning, he could still see a vague outline of the village in the distance, though it felt as if he had walked miles. Shaking his head, he continued and the urge to head home faded as he felt a slight tingle of magic off to his left amongst a severely overgrown thicket, contrary to the rest of the well-kept bushes.
Edging closer, the magic he felt became almost suffocating, much stronger than the last presence, much more deadly in nature. Had he never met Harry, this kind of magic would be unfamiliar, but it was like what he would experience when the boy cast anything in parseltongue. Against his better judgement and warily, he began casting diagnostic spells on the bush causing them to shimmer slightly and become momentarily transparent.
What he saw on the other side could only be described as a dilapidated shack, neglected and in disrepair. For most, it would be unassuming but the skeleton of the serpent nailed to the door sent a shiver down his spine, almost a warning of what happened next.
As quickly as the shack appeared, his spell-work came undone and a loud hissing sounded as he felt himself gripped and rooted to the spot by the magic protecting this land. A presence made itself known in his mind and it took all his ability in the mind arts to keep it at bay, though whatever it was did not leave without a fight. The pressure in his head became overwhelming and he felt blood begin to pour from his nose as he fought back, unwilling to fall victim to the attack.
After what seemed like an eternity, the presence left with a final furious hiss and the man fell to his knees, shaking and gulping in large mouthfuls of air. The blood continued to flow and fatigue set in as he desperately crawled away from the magic he could still sense around and on him.
Using the remainder of the energy he had, he managed to pull away and shuddered in relief as he left it all behind and pulled himself up, on to trembling legs, a satisfied yet weak smile forming.
It had been some time since he'd been challenged in such a way and despite his advanced years, he had overcome it, just. In his younger years, he would not have fallen, he would not have the need to crawl away on his hands and knees and he would have fought back with everything he had, even if it would have meant death. Now however, he was an old man, his magic was weaker and his sense of self-preservation had pulled him away. Not from fear mind, but from the need to share what he had found with his heir.
The magic around that shack was protecting something and Arcturus Black had a very good idea of what that was. He may not be able to retrieve it, but he knew the one person that could. Someone who he had no doubt was much stronger than him; the boy that would soon take his place as head of the family.
With another smile, he wiped away the now congealing blood as he apparated away from the village, thoughts of said young man filling him with hope that the Blacks' would continue to persevere under his leadership. But first, this damned tournament had to be completed.
(BREAK)
Albus Dumbledore paced slowly around his office, pausing only to offer his feathered companion a stroke of his plumage. The final task of the tournament was less than a week away and there had been no progress in finding who had been responsible for submitting Harry's name let alone what had happened during the first two tasks. Alastor Moody himself had been tasked with investigating the incidences, a man Albus trusted implicitly to do everything he could to shine some light on what was happening. The aged Headmaster had his suspicions, was even certain of them, but there was nothing to prove his thoughts.
With a tired sigh, he sunk into his chair as the tell-tale sound of a wooden leg clunked its' way up the stairs outside the door.
"Come in, Alastor," he called.
The grizzled auror entered and took a seat opposite the older man, groaning as he stretched, his already unflattering scars marring his features further.
"Have you found anything?" Dumbledore asked eagerly.
Moody shook his head.
"There's nothing to find, Albus," he growled. "I've searched this castle from top to bottom, followed anyone that could be involved and even been in the forest to check with the centaurs."
Albus sighed.
"That is what concerns me," he muttered as he stood and walked over to the large cabinet behind his desk, Opening the door, he drew his wand and swirled the contents within the large basin. An iridescent skull with a serpent protruding from its mouth hovered in front of him, almost hypnotising the man into a stupor. He shook himself and dissipated it with a wave of his pale wand before turning back to his companion. "It will not be the same as last time," he said sadly.
Moody frowned.
"You're certain it's him. aren't you?"
Dumbledore nodded.
"It is the only thing I am certain of."
"So, what will be different? You seem scared, Albus. Even last time at its worst, you were the one that insisted it would get better."
"Was I not right, my friend?" Dumbledore asked with a sad smile.
Moody chuckled.
"Aye, it's not often you're wrong," he allowed.
Dumbledore's face fell.
"No, but when I am, it is in something that proves to have severe consequences. I fear I have made such a mistake."
"With what?" Moody probed.
"Just the ramblings of an old man," Dumbledore replied dismissively, his thoughts shifting to the older of the Potter boys.
Moody shot him a disbelieving look but shrugged in response.
"So, what now, Albus?"
"We prepare, Alastor, as best we can. I fear we have little time before the inevitable happens."
Moody nodded as he stood.
"I'll keep looking, Albus. Oh, I would have a word with the Malfoy boy. The bloody idiot is planning on ambushing the Whelan kid. I can't see that ending well."
Dumbledore sighed.
"Thank you for telling me, Alastor. I will inform Severus."
"About him…" Moody began but was cut off.
"I trust Severus as much as I do you," Dumbledore insisted firmly.
"You're the only one, Albus. I just hope that this isn't one of your mistakes."
The auror exited the office, his final words ringing in the Headmaster's ears. He had no doubt in his potions master. The one person he did doubt was the one person the wizarding world would need soon. He couldn't blame the teen for the apathy he showed and he didn't believe he would join Tom. He simply doubted the boy cared enough to do the right thing and help wizarding Britain.
After all, although Tom would be keen to eliminate the threat the prophecy posed, there was nothing stopping Harry from walking away and spending the remainder of his days hiding from his destiny, undoubtedly dooming the rest of them.
(BREAK)
Charlie watched in awe as Leo and Harry traded spells, few of which he recognised, neither of the pair uttering a syllable as they danced around the room to avoid being hit. He himself had to duck to avoid the occasional, errant magic, wincing as he did so at the sensations that passed over him at being so close to the deadly creations.
The pair continued until Harry managed to land a powerful Disarming Charm, sending Leo soaring through the air. Thinking that the match was over, Charlie stepped forward and began to clap, only to be taken aback as Leo used the momentum to roll nimbly backwards to his feet. He immediately charged at the other boy, jumping and twisting through the air to avoid the follow-up attack that was sent his way. Without breaking his stride, he rolled underneath another barrage of spells, seized Harry round the waist and tackled him to the hard ground.
Harry grunted in discomfort as the weight of his friend drove the air from his lungs. Before he could fully aim his wand, it was ripped from his grasp and heard it clatter some distance away a second later. Unfazed, he put a guard up to block the impending blows from above only to hiss in pain as Leo's meaty fist collided with his ribs, breaking a couple in the process. Sucking in a deep breath, he braced himself for the next blow and managed to move enough to avoid it and catch the limb between his own arm and tender rib cage. Taking advantage of his fortune, he pushed hard with his feet and rolled the pair so that he was now on top. Ignoring the taste of iron that had filled his mouth, he smirked as he returned the favour and began raining punches and elbows from above, only to find himself shoved forcefully away by Leo who had used both of his feet on Harry's hips to put some space between the two.
Both sprung to their feet and began circling the other, hands up in a boxer's stance and breathing heavily.
"You sure you want to do this?" Leo asked, sporting a grin.
Harry returned the gesture and threw a fast kick to Leo's lead leg, who managed to avoid the strike. It had been some time since the two had trained this way. Leo was good with a wand, the best that Harry had trained with but he had never lost to the other boy when it came to a magical fight. When neither had a wand in their hands, they were very evenly matched, though Harry won more often. The only thing that could be certain when to duo squared off this way was that neither would quit and both would be walking away much worse for wear.
Leo went on the attack with a flurry of punches only for Harry to slip underneath them. Bobbing and weaving to close the distance, he threw a barrage of his own, his fists crashing against Leo's forearms and shoulders as he kept his guard up. Realising he was having no success with this tact, he lowered himself and aimed for the body, his knuckles throbbing painfully as he pounded away at his friends' torso. Again, he found the air forced out of him as a knee smashed into his solar plexus and a follow up punch obliterated his nose. Stepping away for a reprieve, what was left of the protrusion pulsed uncomfortably and stars danced in front of his eyes as he attempted to steady his vision. Wiping away the flowing blood with the back of his hand and spitting a mouthful on the ground between them, the smirk returned, his teeth stained a vivid red.
"You've gotten better," he commented as he put his hands up once more.
"Aye," Leo replied, breathing heavily.
Seeing his opponent was starting to tire, Harry closed the distance and aimed a front kick between the guard of his friend, taking glee in the sound of a bone breaking beneath his foot as it hit true. Continuing his onslaught, he threw another combination of punches, alternating between the head and body. Leo managed to avoid the majority but the ones that did land were damaging. When he caught a glimpse of his face, his left eye had swollen shut, he was bleeding from his right ear and nose and his breathing had become much more laboured, though the grin never left his face as he offered a respectful nod.
Sensing he could end the fight; Harry closed the distance between them and aimed a haymaker to the injured boy. Frowning when all his closed fist hit was air, the counter came in the form of an uppercut that sent him tumbling to the ground, the back of his head impacting against the stone floor with a loud crunch that echoed around the room. His already hazy vision swam more so, nauseating him. It slowly began to clear after an inordinate amount of time and he could make out the silhouette of his friend approaching, seemingly concerned about him. Seizing the advantage, he rammed his heel upwards between the legs of Leo and then into his face as he instinctively bent over from the pain he had induced.
He attempted to pull himself to his feet but his equilibrium wouldn't allow it and he vomited from the effort. He felt rotten but he knew Leo was in the same condition.
Eventually he managed to sit up without another bout of sickness and saw Leo gingerly pulling himself to a standing position. Harry followed suit against the protestations of his body and put his hands up, ready to defend himself.
"Stop it, please," the voice of Charlie interrupted.
Harry turned to see his little brother ashen and shaking in fear as he stared between the two of them incredulously.
"That's enough," the younger boy added, attempting to sound commanding.
With a sigh and a look at Leo, Harry nodded his agreement and took a seat to rest his trembling legs, joined shortly by his friend who put an arm around his shoulders.
"Too far?" he asked as he winced in pain.
"Probably," Harry agreed as he wandlessly summoned his own wand and Leo's that had been discarded earlier. "Why are you using your spare?" he questioned, noticing that Leo's wand was not the one he usually wielded.
"Just making sure I can use both just as well," he answered with a dismissive shrug.
Harry narrowed his eyes at his friend and shook his head. He had an inkling that there was more to it but wasn't going to push the boy on the matter. He handed back the wand and groaned as he firstly fixed his nose and then his ribs, the more pressing of his injuries.
"Want me to do yours?" he offered with a chuckle.
Leo shook his head frantically.
"Not after you nearly strangled me with that bandage."
"I said I was sorry," Harry huffed.
"And I said I'd sooner be under the Cruciatus than have you heal me again."
The pair burst into laughter as they went to work on their own injuries, exchanging verbal jabs as though nothing had happened.
"You're both bloody mad," Charlie broke in as he shook his head in disbelief. "How the hell can you be kicking the shit out of each other one minute and then act like nothing happened the next?"
Both Leo and Harry shrugged as they laughed at the dumbfounded boy.
"It's just part of our training. You want to have a go?" Leo returned.
"No chance," Charlie answered. "I'd rather keep all of my teeth where they are, thank you very much."
Harry snorted as he stood and offered Leo a hand up.
"Don't worry, Charlie. You'll only train like this when you're ready," he assured his brother.
Charlie breathed a sigh of relief.
"How's your preparation going for the task?"
Harry's expression darkened.
"I've done all I can," he shrugged. "What will happen, will happen. I just want this over with."
"Then you can go home," Charlie said with a sad smile.
Harry nodded.
"You know, you can come and visit me," Harry offered as he ruffled the boys' hair.
Charlie's smile brightened.
"Really?" he asked.
Harry returned the smile.
"I'd be very offended if you didn't."
Charlie threw his arms around his older brother as Leo patted him on the back.
"Aye, I suppose I'd miss you if you didn't," the older boy conceded with a sigh.
Charlie chuckled as he pulled himself away and looked at the pair. He'd always wondered what kind of person his brother would have been. To most, he was cold, aloof and unapproachable. But not to Charlie. To Charlie, he was everything he could have asked for in a big brother and more. He only wished that he hadn't missed out on so many years of having him around. Leo was quite similar, though warmer to others than Harry. He'd grown to care for the Irish boy more than he thought he would. There were times he wanted to curse him for working him as hard as he did, but he understood why and Leo had been there for him when he'd been struggling. Even Katie had spent more time with him. She had always been nice but she always checked on him to make sure he was fine or escorted him to lunch. And there was Tonks. The metamorph entertained him to no end and she brought out a side to Harry he only ever saw when they were together.
"What about Tonks?" he asked, worried about what would happen between them when he left.
Harry dragged a hand through his hair and released a deep breath.
"We've not really spoken about it," he admitted frustratedly. "She's agreed to come visit but that's it."
Charlie frowned and punched his brother on the arm.
"Don't you think it's something you should talk about? I'm no expert, obviously, but isn't talking about things like this important?"
Leo snorted as he ruffled Charlie's hair affectionately.
"Aye, why haven't you spoken about it?" he asked.
Harry shrugged.
"I don't know. I just want to enjoy the time we have. I don't want to ruin it by bringing it up."
Leo nodded his understanding.
"I get it. I don't know what to say to Katie."
Charlie punched him on the arm also and gave the pair a disapproving look as Leo glared at him threateningly.
"You're both idiots," he declared. "You should do it sooner rather than later."
Harry raised an eyebrow at his brother whilst Leo shook his head in amusement.
"Did we just get relationship advice from him?" he asked, jerking a thumb in the younger boys' direction.
"You know, I think we did," Harry confirmed, scratching his chin.
"And did the same boy just punch me?"
"He definitely did," Harry confirmed seriously.
"Aye? Well, we can't be having that now, can we?"
Harry shook his head as they both to turned towards a pale Charlie, each grinning manically.
"What are you doing?" Charlie questioned frantically as he began backing away.
"Aww, don't worry, lad, we won't hurt you," Leo cooed.
"Not much," Harry added as he grabbed the now panicking boy.
(BREAK)
Charlie entered the rooms occupied by his parents, swearing under his breath and vowing revenge on his brother and mentor. The pair had been relentless in their efforts to humiliate him and as a result, he'd been escorted here by the duo sporting the aftermath of their work, both refusing to undo what they'd done.
"What on earth happened?" Lily asked as she stood from the breakfast table and cupped his cheeks in her hands.
"Leo and Harry," Charlie answered sulkily.
"Why would they do this?"
"I only gave them some advice."
"And?" Lily pressed.
Before Charlie could answer, the pair were interrupted by a burst of laughter as James entered the room. Having spotted the state of his son, he couldn't control the impulse as a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He'd seen work like this before, it had Sirius Black written all over it.
"What did you do?" he asked as he drew his wand and began scanning the spell work to ensure there wasn't any delayed magic that could be triggered by undoing it.
"I only gave Leo and Harry some relationship advice," Charlie huffed.
"Did they ask for it?" James returned.
Charlie shook his head.
"Young boys are full of pride, son. If you pointed out something obvious, they wouldn't like that."
"Uh," Charlie muttered. "I guess punching them for being idiots didn't help."
James snickered as Lily looked stricken.
"You punched your brother?"
"Only on the arm," Charlie defended.
"And they did this to you?"
"I suppose I deserved it," the boy mumbled.
"No," James denied, "but it could have been worse."
"Look at me," Charlie yelped.
James snickered again and offered a half-hearted apology as his wife glared at him.
Leo and Charlie had enlarged both his ears and nose. He almost looked as though he was turning into an elephant. The warning they gave afterwards made sense however though it seemed almost lazy; "If you want to stick your nose into problems you've heard, we'll give you the tools for the job, you smarmy git."
Charlie knew there was no malice in what they did and even he could see the funny side of what they had done. For many years he'd heard the stories of the pranks the Marauders used to play on one another and wished he could have been involved in some of their escapades. He'd experienced that now, just not quite the way he had envisioned. That wouldn't stop him from getting them back, something he vocalised quite profusely to the two as they frogmarched him here.
"Will you help me prank them?" he asked hopefully.
His father was surprised by the question but nodded enthusiastically as his mother shook his head.
In only a few moments, James had undone the work of his other son and friend and Charlie breathed a sigh of relief as he felt his now normal nose and ears, grateful that it had been able to be fixed.
"We will put our heads together tonight when I finish work," James assured him with a wink before kissing his wife and the cheek and disappearing in a flair of green flames into the fireplace.
Lily tutted as she sat back down to finish her breakfast.
"This will not end well," she warned. "I lived through the idiots at school and it never did, not for anyone."
Charlie smirked slightly as he entered the room that he slept in. He didn't care if he fell victim to another prank or two, he was just glad that he had the brother he'd always craved in his life, among other people he had truly come to care for.
(BREAK)
Nymphadora Tonks nodded in approval as she took in her appearance. Today she had decided on electric-blue as her choice of colour, even if it did take more time to achieve than it usually would. Her transformations had again become increasingly harder as the date of the third task drew nearer. It wasn't only task that was worrying her but the thought of Harry leaving after. That was what left the unpleasant sinking feeling in her stomach.
Pushing those thoughts aside, she exited her room and made her way through the castle and exited onto the grounds. The only person up at this hour was Hagrid and she could see him walking Fang by the edge of the Forbidden Forest in the distance. She herself was loath to be awake at this time but she had been called in to meet with Madame Bones, no doubt for an update on the happenings here at the school.
She apparated away from Hogwarts and appeared in the alley that was a short walk from the entrance to the Ministry. Stepping into the toilet and pulling the chain always amused her for some reason. It reminded her of her very first trip here as a child with her father. Ted Tonks had been very animated about how one got into the Ministry, something that had stuck with his daughter.
Ensuring her grin of amusement was gone, she navigated her way through the packed atrium and caught the lift to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement where her colleagues were bustling around the office, some completing paperwork, others preparing to head into the field.
"You remembered you're an auror then?" the deep voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt broke in as she passed his cubicle.
"Wotcher, Shack," she greeted him warmly.
"How're things at the school?" he asked.
Tonks shrugged.
"Same old, really," she answered.
Kingsley chuckled.
"The place never changes, Tonks. You here to see Bones?"
"Yeah, I suppose she wants to see if anything has developed."
"To see if you're needed there still, more like," Kingsley muttered.
"What do you mean?" Tonks asked with a frown.
Kingsley leaned in closer and gave a furtive glance to ensure the coast is clear.
"Cut-backs," he whispered. "Fudge had another ten sent packing yesterday."
"Why?"
Kingsley shrugged.
"We apparently can't afford them anymore. Bollocks if you ask me. Bones has already requested the department funding scripts but she won't get them for as long as he can hold out."
"Prat," Tonks grumbled.
"Best stay out of it," Kingsley advised. "Keep your head down and tell Moody to do the same. There's a rumour that Fudge wants him gone."
"Moody is the best we have," Tonks bit back hotly.
"I know," Kingsley comforted. "I don't put too much in rumours. You know what this place is like."
Tonks nodded.
"I suppose I'd best get this over with then," she sighed.
"I'll keep you informed of anything I hear."
Tonks gave him a weak smile as she approached the closed door of her boss, checking that her robes were immaculate before knocking.
"Enter," the voice of Amelia Bones bid curtly.
Tonks entered the room and closed the door behind her. Turning, she was faced with the stern visage of the head of department who appeared to hold the weight of the world on her shoulders.
"Take a seat, Tonks," she commanded.
She did so and waited for Amelia to finish reading over a missive she had been pouring over when she arrived. When she was done, she scratched out a swift reply and sent the paper on its' way.
"I'm going to be frank with you, Tonks," Bones began with a huff. "I need to know the nature of your relationship with the Blacks."
Tonks frowned.
"I don't think my relationship with my family is anything to do with the department," she defended irritably.
Amelia sighed and offered a sympathetic smile.
"Usually, it wouldn't be. I remember myself encouraging you to do what makes you happy, and I stand by that. Cornelius, however, has taken an interest in the Blacks and I don't want you to get caught in the crossfire.
"Fudge would be an idiot to try anything else. Didn't he learn from the last time?"
"Evidently not," Amelia replied. "Ever since Malfoy lost his fortune to the Whelan boy, he's decided that they are public enemy number one. He is trying to find a way to get Lucius's money back and the Blacks gone for good."
Tonks snorted.
"He can't do that," she pointed out. "And they will be leaving in less than a week," she added sadly.
Again, Amelia shot her a sympathetic smile.
"You'll miss him," she stated.
Tonks swallowed deeply and shook her head as she stood. This was not a conversation she wanted to have.
"We both knew this was going to happen."
"But you don't want it to?"
Tonks sunk back into the chair and shrugged.
"There's not anything I can do about it."
"There's always something you can do about it, Tonks," Amelia retorted. "I once found myself in your position and it didn't end well."
"What did you do?"
"Nothing," Bones answered. "We parted ways without even discussing it and he moved on. I never did. He is now married with children and I'm still here even if my position has changed."
"Is it someone I know?" Tonks probed.
"Don't push it, Auror Tonks," Amelia warned sternly.
Tonks mumbled an apology and noticed her hair had dulled considerably.
"You think I should talk to him?"
"I think you should do what will make you happy," Amelia advised. "You should know; however, Fudge wants me to have you spy on them."
Tonks was horrified by that revelation.
"I won't do it," she denied immediately.
"I know but he is insistent. If you refuse, there's nothing stopping him from firing you. I'm sorry, Tonks, but there will be little I can do."
"So, I either lose my job or betray Harry and my family."
"I never said that," Amelia replied with a smirk. "I can always tell Cornelius that you are on board and you could fudge a few reports," she explained with a chuckle at her own humour. "Though, as I'm sure you are aware, such a thing would only work temporarily. You will have to decide where your loyalties lie."
"I don't like it; it will still feel like I'm betraying them."
"I'm trying to help you, Tonks," Amelia sighed. "Believe me, I understand your position but you said yourself, Harry is leaving. Do you want to throw away everything you've worked for, for someone who has been in your life such a short time?"
A small part of Tonks wanted to deny she would let that happen, but she couldn't. She cared for Harry more than she'd ever cared for anyone else, her job included.
"I need to think," she whispered. "I can't just make a decision like that."
"I understand," Amelia replied. "Fudge will come to you. I don't know when but he will and soon."
Tonks nodded as she stood to leave. She never thought that she would lose respect for Amelia Bones but she had. She'd always seen the woman as one who would always do the right thing, no matter what. And as for Fudge, he would find himself mightily disappointed with his efforts in recruiting her to his cause. She loved her job and put everything into this career. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to it but she couldn't bring herself to go against Harry, even if he was leaving.
She knew that if she told him, nothing would stop him from murdering the Minister of Magic, but they needed to talk, that she knew. She couldn't just let him leave without knowing what could be for them, if there would be a 'them' when this tournament was all said and done.
(BREAK)
Cornelius Fudge arrived into Dumbledore's office along with his under-secretary and a couple of aurors for his own protection. He had been busier in recent months than he had ever been, even when he first took office after the fall of the Dark Lord.
The Blacks were to blame for much of his worries but they were only part of the reason he had come here today. He needed to ensure that the debacle of the second task did not see a repeat in the third, and under the guidance of his closest advisors, he had come up with an excellent plan to make sure it went as smoothly as possible.
"Ahh, Dumbledore," he greeted the older man as he removed his bowler hat and twirled it in his hand.
"Cornelius," the headmaster greeted him with a slight bow. "How can I be of service to you today?"
"It is I that am here to offer the services of the Ministry," Cornelius replied, taking a seat on the opposite side of the desk.
Dumbledore frowned at the man.
"So, how may you of be service to me, Cornelius?"
"I have discussed it with many people, Albus, and they agree that security for the third task is of paramount importance," Fudge began diplomatically. "As the Minister of Magic, I believe I am entitled to be made aware of the measures in place."
"That is your prerogative," Dumbledore agreed. "The other judges and I, along with all the professors at the school will be patrolling during the task. Alastor and Argus are both patrolling here and Hogsmeade at night and security around the school is working at its full potential. No one can enter without myself knowing about it."
Fudge nodded.
"Very good, but not good enough, Dumbledore. I insist you allow some of my aurors here to oversee the event."
"Of course," Dumbledore agreed inclining his head. "Their help will be appreciated."
"I will also be sending a score of Dementors in the next day to patrol the school and Hogsmeade. We cannot be too cautious, especially with what has happened so far."
Dumbledore shook his head.
"I implore you to reconsider this, Cornelius. It is far too dangerous for Dementors to be here, as I have explained before."
"Oh pish, Dumbledore. The Dementors are firmly under control, or are you implying that the Ministry is incompetent?" Dolores Umbridge interjected.
"My dear Dolores, I am implying no such thing, merely pointing out the nature of a Dementor is not to obey. The atmosphere and amount of people may prove to be too much for them to resist their most carnal of desires."
"This is not up for debate, Dumbledore," Cornelius said firmly. "Many others and I are in agreement; this is a necessary measure."
Dumbledore sighed.
"I see. I shall ensure the students and staff are prepared for their arrival. They will not however enter the grounds. I will not allow it and will personally remove them if they do."
"Are you threatening the Minister?" Umbridge asked disbelievingly.
"I am simply setting boundaries, Dolores. You seem to forget that I am, without being too modest, quite the capable wizard and will do as I see fit to protect my students. For the sake of cooperation between the school and ministry, I will allow this caveat but the Dementors will not enter this school so long as I am headmaster."
"Agreed," Fudge broke in before Dolores could argue further. "I am also here on another matter in my capacity. Could you please point me in the direction of where I can find Auror Tonks?"
"It just so happens that I was going to go to the kitchens. It is on the way if you wouldn't mind an extra escort?" Dumbledore replied, clearly unhappy with having the man and his colleagues roaming the school unchecked.
"Of course, lead the way," Cornelius replied cordially, though the smile he wore was forced.
(BREAK)
The two days since she'd had her meeting with the head of the DMLE had only made her transformations that more difficult. Instead of the vibrant red she had been aiming for, her hair had barely turned a coppery colour. Turning away from her reflection, she took a deep breath to calm herself using her meagre occlumency skills, something that Harry had begun teaching her. She'd never taken much interest in the Mind Arts even though her mother had insisted she learnt it when she was younger. She'd even spent hour upon hour under her tutelage and made very little progress. Working with Harry had improved her skill somewhat, though she would never be proficient. She was just not inclined towards that branch of magic.
She'd barely seen Harry over the past couple of days. He'd been busy with his preparation for the final task and had been working on a blood ritual he planned to carry out on the very same morning. He'd explained about it being the summer solstice and it was the best day to carry out this particular practice, whatever that meant. She herself had never experimented with blood magic. Her experience was limited to a stern warning from her father that it was dangerous and incorporated magic that was very complex. If mistakes were made, it could prove to be fatal, or worse, one could damage their magic beyond repair.
Harry had laughed when she pointed this out and explained he was aware of the risks and the limitations. According to him, he had been carrying out these rituals for years and knew what he was doing. This did very little to settle her nerves. This practice was banned in England for a reason.
For the past couple of nights, he'd came in very late, pale and exhausted. He'd barely managed a greeting before he was sleeping soundly, leaving Tonks to the thoughts that plagued her. She wanted to desperately speak to him, but he would be gone as soon as he rose in the early hours of the morning before she had the chance.
She didn't blame him. He had the tournament to focus on after all and he'd been very vocal with his intentions of winning the thing, something she had no doubt of. The other competitors were simply not a match for Harry and what he was capable of.
Having managed to calm herself, she turned back to face the mirror, and with considerable effort, changed her hair to the colour she'd intended a few minutes prior. Giving herself a relieved nod, she pulled on her auror robes over her clothes and was about to head to the kitchens to get breakfast when a knock sounded at the door. Frowning and wondering who it could be, she opened it to find herself face to face with Dumbledore, the Minister himself and three others.
Her stomach sank at their appearance. She knew where this conversation was going and she was not at all ready for it.
"Headmaster, Minister," she greeted cautiously. "What can I do for you?"
"It is the Minister that wishes to speak with you, Nymphadora, I was simply escorting him here," Dumbledore explained, inclining his head in her direction. "I shall return in a few moments, Cornelius, I trust that this will be ample time for you to discuss what needs be," he finished, leaving without waiting for a reply.
Tonks watched him leave with trepidation. After what the man had done to Harry, she didn't care much for him but his presence would have been a comfort in this situation and she found herself wishing he'd stayed. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the Minister clearing his throat.
"Could we possibly come in? This is not a conversation I wish to be overheard."
Tonks nodded and stood aside to allow the man and his entourage to enter. She noticed the squat woman wrinkle her nose in distaste at the lived-in space. It was by no means unclean but Tonks was not fussy about things being cluttered.
"Can I offer you a drink, Minister?" she asked, not forgetting the manners her mother had instilled in her over the years.
"That won't be necessary," the woman broke in, her nostrils flaring slightly. "The Minister has something important to discuss with you, girl, so you'd better listen."
Tonks raised an eyebrow at the woman whom she immediately detested. The two present aurors were not ones she was familiar with. She had seen them around the office a few times, but they, like most of the others, did not bother themselves with rookies so their names escaped her.
"Yes, well, Dolores is right. I do have something important to discuss with you," Fudge interjected uncomfortably. "First, how are you finding your time in the department?"
Tonks cringed internally at the man's interpersonal skills. He had no charisma and came across as a buffoon. She could not help but wonder how he ever made it to the lofty position he'd acquired.
"It would be better if the funding wasn't cut and we weren't losing more of us," she answered honestly. "Other than that, I love my job."
"How dare you?" the woman named Dolores screeched, only to fall silent when Fudge held up a hand to stem her outburst.
"It is unfortunate but necessary. We just don't have the spare funds at this time to invest in the department," Fudge responded.
Tonks shrugged in response. She had no interest in his excuses but it felt good to rattle him slightly.
"You are fortunate to have landed your position, Tonks," Fudge continued in what she gathered was a rehearsed speech. "There are many who would savour the opportunity you have been given."
"Worked for," Tonks cut in. "I worked very hard to get my position, Minister."
"Of course," Fudge dismissed with a wave. "I have my concerns, however. It has been brought to my attention that a conflict of interest is in play."
Tonks raised a questioning brow causing the man to sigh almost disappointedly.
"The Blacks', they are your family are they not?"
"You mean the family that I was expelled from even before I was born?" she returned evenly.
"The very same," Fudge acknowledged. "However, it seems that your relationship with them, seems to have improved. Believe me when I say, it is not the practice of the Ministry to involve themselves in our employee's personal lives, but the Blacks' have proven themselves a threat and we fear that you have been placed in a very precarious position, not one of your own fault, of course."
Tonks looked between the man and woman in disbelief. Clearly, they believed she was a fool if they thought she would swallow what they were trying to force down her throat. By nature, she was rather impulsive and quite hot-headed, a rather volatile mix of both her parents. But she had learnt from her time with Harry. She witnessed how he handled people along with the Lord Black and had picked up a few tricks.
"You might be right," she sighed sadly.
Fudge gave her what she assumed was a sympathetic smile though he looked like a bloated fish.
"Fear not, I have a way that this can be remedied. A way that will allow you to remove yourself from the situation and prove your loyalty to the Ministry."
"How?" Tonks asked.
"I would like you to be an informant on my behalf. The Blacks' have proved themselves an immeasurable threat to us. I'd like you to report anything you find about them to me and I assure you that you will have the full backing of myself and all the protection the Ministry can offer when this is all over," the Minister offered.
Before Tonks could reply, a firm knock on the door sounded and the minister growled irritably.
"Tell Dumbledore we are not done," Fudge instructed Dolores who waddled to carry out the command.
She returned a moment later, pale, and was followed into the room by Arcturus Black who did not appear to be at all accommodating. Fudge swallowed deeply as his steely, grey gaze swept across those present and settled on him.
"Fudge," the man greeted him coldly. "I thought even you wold have enough intelligence to heed the warning I gave you all those months ago. You have proven yourself even more of a shit-for-brains than I believed."
Fudge's visage immediately purpled in rage at the insult.
"Tell me, Gentleman, do you have families at home? A wife and children perhaps?" Arcturus continued, addressing the aurors present.
Both men nodded dumbly.
"Then I suggest you stop reaching for those wands or you will not be making it home to see them," he warned.
"You dare threaten aurors of the Ministry?" Umbridge whispered in disbelief. "ARREST HIM!"
Neither of the men moved and Arcturus glared at the woman coldly causing her to tremble before him.
"I do not threaten. I would advise you tighten the lead on your dog, Fudge, before I put her down."
"Dolores be quiet," the man hissed, his purpling now a ghostly white.
"Now," Arcturus spoke again as he paced back and forth, "I heard every part of your little plot, you suited weasel and now you truly have provoked my ire."
"You can't prove anything. No one will believe the likes of you over the minister," Umbridge broke in.
Arcturus chuckled.
"You're under the impression that I give a toss about anyone believing me? That means nothing. I know that you have wronged me and that is all that matters."
In the blink of an eye, his wand was in his hand and he banished Umbridge across the room. The woman hit the wall with a sickening crunch and was splayed unmoving on the ground.
"I warned you to keep her in check," he pointed out. "As for you, you miserable excuse for a man. I am going to allow you to walk away, isn't that generous?"
Fudge again swallowed deeply as he stared at the crumpled form of his undersecretary.
"A younger me would have killed you where you stood. Had my heir heard your proposition, I have no doubt that no trace of you or your comrades would be found. Count yourself lucky it is me here."
"I'll have you for this," Fudge sputtered. "I'll have you in Azkaban for the rest of your days."
Arcturus smirked as he stepped within an inch of the Minister, leaned in and whispered something in his ear. Fudge's eyes widened and he whimpered.
"How do you know that?" he asked.
"I am the Lord Black. Let's just say I have ways of finding anything I want about anyone. I could even find out the last time you emptied your bowels if I so wished."
Fudge shook his head.
"Now, you're going to leave here and forget any notion you have of coming after my family. If you do not listen to me, then you will experience an insurmountable amount of pain and suffering; more than you could even begin to comprehend. You will not approach any member of my family; you will not even look in our direction. If you do, so help me I will destroy your life in every conceivable way to where you will beg me for the sweet release of death. Is that understood?"
Fudge nodded.
"Do not make me come for you," Arcturus reiterated. "And ensure you take that thing with you," he added, jerking his thumb at the still form of the woman he'd dealt with.
Fudge gestured for his two aurors to assist Dolores and practically sprinted from the room.
Arcturus and Tonks stood in silence for a moment until the metamorph broke it.
"I wouldn't have done it. I couldn't ever do that to Harry," she said shakily.
"If I believed for one second you would have, Nymphadora, you would already be dead."
Tonks saw the severe look in the man's eyes and nodded her understanding.
"You can thank Dumbledore for making me aware of this. The wrinkled old git certainly won't let me forget about it when he needs a favour," Arcturus grumbled.
"I'm sorry," Tonks sighed. "I wanted to speak to Harry about it but didn't get the chance."
Arcturus snorted.
"Had you have told him, he would have not taken it well and it is best he does not find out. The boy will one day be a great lord and I couldn't ask for a better man to replace me when I am done. Now, he is just as hot-headed as I once was. Perhaps old age has mellowed me," he added thoughtfully.
Tonks smirked at his musings.
"You should have come to me," Arcturus continued. "Had you of done, this situation could have been avoided."
"Would you have listened?" Tonks returned more heatedly than she'd intended. "Fixing my problems is not your job."
"It is when they concern my family," Arcturus bit back and sighed as he shook his head. "Despite what you think of me or what you have been told, I am not a monster, Nymphadora. My blood flows through your veins just as it does your mother's. I would have helped simply for that reason alone."
"Like you did when my mother was thrown out of the family?"
Tonks flinched under the glare of the older man. She felt for a second she had crossed a line before he chuckled humourlessly.
"You certainly have our spirit," he observed. "What happened with your mother was unfortunate. I was angry and acted rashly, I will concede that, but I had no choice but to act. I could not allow the other families see me spit on the tradition and laurels of my family."
"But you did that when you named Harry your heir," Tonks pointed out.
"No, Harry has more Black blood in him than anything else, more than any of us I imagine. Has he told you about what happened when he visited Egypt?"
Tonks shook her head.
"Ask him about it and you'll understand. I doubt even he has considered it but he carries the blood of myself, Sirius and Cassie. It has affected him much more than even he realises."
"What do you mean?" Tonks asked worriedly.
"He has inherited the best of us all and though I loath to admit it, the best of his birth parents. The Potters' themselves are known for their enviable magical prowess."
Tonks frowned in confusion.
"Surely you have noticed the talent he has with his magic?"
Tonks nodded.
"It's like nothing I've ever seen before," she admitted.
"Indeed. Well, my belief is that what happened to him that day has affected him considerably. I have no doubt that he would have been a fine wizard, exemplary even just based on his desire to be the best at everything he does but what happened gifted him much. Probably useless for the most part had he not worked so hard since he could use a wand, but I'm certain it gives him an edge," Arcturus mused aloud.
"What, he's like a super wizard?"
Arcturus barked out a laugh.
"He's more than exceptional due to the work he puts in. No, I believe because of what flows through his veins and the nature of his magic simply gave him the potential to be as good as he is."
"I don't understand," Tonks sighed.
"Neither do I," Arcturus shrugged. "All I am saying is that he is rather gifted in the branches of magic that I, Cassie, Sirius and both Potter parents are. He will never admit it but he gets the creativity from his birth mother and his transfiguration ability is all Potter. His grandfather was spectacular as I believe is James."
"So, he gets the rest from the Blacks'?" Tonks questioned with a chuckle.
Arcturus shook his head.
"He gets his ability in curses, blood magic and the dark arts from myself and Cassie. The Mind Arts is all Cassie and his defence against the dark arts from Sirius."
"What about the rest?" Tonks asked. She had seen Harry do much more with magic than what Arcturus had explained.
"That comes from a much more worrying place. If I am right, he will be more of a force to be reckoned with than any would believe. He certainly has the best of us all but he equally has the worst. It will be your job to rein him in when needed,"
"In case you forgot, you are leaving next week, Harry too," Tonks replied unhappily.
Arcturus barked in laughter again.
"If you think for one moment that boy would leave you behind or just walk away from you, you don't know him at all. You might find this hard to believe girl, but there is no one in this world as important to him than you. Why do you think I've given you my blessing? If I hadn't, he would have left the family behind in a heartbeat and he has been raised knowing his position and what that means. He cares for you more than you could ever imagine."
Tonks felt the sinking feeling she'd had in her stomach these past weeks lift at his words.
"You've given me your blessing?" she asked disbelievingly.
Arcturus nodded.
"Not because that is what Harry would want but you have proven yourself worthy. You are a Black through and through and there is no one I would approve of more."
"Thank you," Tonks said sincerely.
"No, thank you," Arcturus returned. "I thought that Harry would never allow anyone in. He may seem as though he is fine to most but what he's been through has affected him greatly and will continue to do so. Inside that man is still that little abandoned boy that suffered things none should."
Tonks listened to his words, heard the concern he held for the boy in his voice. She never expected to see such a side to the man that he outwardly showed care and affection for someone but it was welcome. It warmed her to see how much he cared for Harry.
"He's important to me too," she whispered, "more important than I ever thought anyone could be."
Arcturus smiled.
"Don't forget that, Nymphadora and he won't either. One thing I have learnt about Harry is to be honest with him and he will be the same. Show him care and he will return it."
"I will," Tonks promised.
"Good, and remember, not a word about today. He would move the bloody earth if he thought you had been upset or threatened in any way and nothing would stop him."
"I won't say anything, yet. Not until the tournament is over with."
Arcturus chuckled.
"I don't suppose I could ask for more from you," he muttered as he made his way to the door. "I am here for you also, just remember that."
Tonks nodded gratefully, surprised by the turn of events she had experienced. For the first time in weeks, she felt lighter. She still needed to talk to Harry, however. Although she didn't doubt what Arcturus had told her, she needed to hear it from him. She needed him to tell her he wanted her in his life.