MAGICAL MAFIA
CHAPTER FIVE
September 7th 2001 Hogwarts lawns, Scotland
Harry eyed his newly created schedule as he followed Maggie and Neville down to the Greenhouses for their double Herbology lesson. They had been at Hogwarts for almost a week now and it wasn't what they'd expected at all. The first and second years only had the core subjects such as Transfiguration, Potions, Defence against the Dark arts often known as DADA, History of Magic and Herbology, these lessons were set as singles or doubles depending on the day of the week and what week it was, since Hogwarts operated on a bi-weekly cycle. Week one of first years contained a Transfiguration and a Herbology double whilst their second week included a DADA and Potions Doubles. History of Magic seamed to slot in before or after Transfiguration or DADA.
Their first lesson on the third had been Charms which was up on the seventh floor which led to the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw towers. Harry Maggie and Neville had trotted up the stairs with several Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs following them the first day making them a little uncomfortable. Charms was taught by the only half Goblin in the staff Professor Filius Flitwick who was also the head of house for the Ravenclaws. Both Maggie and Neville agreed with Harry that he looked the most interesting to learn from even after he squeaked at Harry' s name and fell from his chair in the process. At the moment they had only covered the beginnings of theory work and as such Harry, Neville and Maggie had agreed that they would compile a full notebook for the class purely on theory work and copy it for the tests at the end of the year.
History of Magic was the second lesson on the third, it was on the fourth floor so the three of them didn't have very far to climb. The stairs in the halls tended to move and could often send you the long way round according to Tonks. There were however several side stairs which were specifically between floors which were safer but they took time to find. Thankfully Tonks led them to History of magic due to having Transfiguration on the same floor. The lesson was taught by a ghost called Professor Bones who droned on and on in the lesson about the goblin wars. The three of them along with Gryffindor Hermione Granger were the only ones to stay awake in their class they made a note to use the class for research, note making or even for team meetings.
Transfiguration was run by the Gryffindor Head of house and Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagoll. She was rather pretty with her auburn hair greying gracefully but held a stern glance every now and then when someone messed up, usually at the Weasley twins form her own house. The three of them agreed there would be no messing around under this witches watch. Thankfully it was on the fourth floor usually after History of magic so they didn't need to lug themselves across the school to get to class that often. Professor McGonagoll had pulled the three aside after the first lesson and told them that both Professors Sprout and Flitwick along with herself was aware of events outside of Hogwarts and the one of the three of them would accompany them when they were required to be elsewhere.
Their first Potions lesson was on Wednesday and was held in the dungeons just like the Hufflepuff and Slytherin common rooms and was run by the Slytherins head of house Severus Snape. Hearing about Professor Snape's treatment of students not Slytherins from Jordan had sent both Harry and Maggie into researching the man, they found out he'd not only become the youngest Potions master in the UK but he had gone to Hogwarts the same time as Harry's parents and had decided to ask about them when they'd settled but suspected some form of backlash. Luckily Hufflepuffs had Potions with the Ravenclaws and as such the lesson went smoothly and without an accident despite Professor Snape calling Harry "...Our new Celebrity" and eyeing Harry with a stink eye all lesson. The three of them agreed later on in the letter sent back to Jordan and Madam Longbottom and after hearing several first years in the Gryffindor/Slytherin class got hurt that whilst Snape was an excellent Potions master...he was a shite teacher.
Defence against the dark arts or DADA was on the first floor usually after lunch or before dinner. The theory presented to them had been sound but Professor Quirrill's delivery had been in Maggie's eloquent words complete gobshite. Maggie headed straight to the library with seventh year Sylvia Blightwit and took as many DADA books as she could carry for first years and the three of them to begin going over what was needed for a DADA learning guide.
The lesson they were heading to now was Herbology...with the Gryffindors, It was held outside in the greenhouses and was run by their own head of house Pomona Sprout. Their first Herbology lesson had been Tuesday afternoon and had been rather pleasant. Despite several students from both houses eyeing them from their own tables. As they reached the greenhouse where they were having their lesson, Harry made a mental note to find as many shortcuts as possible around this castle both inside and out.
"I'll tell you now" Maggie said breathlessly as they reached the greenhouse "With the moving staircases and lugging bags around and coming down that hill to here if we eat healthy do track and do this every day we are gonna be buff by seventh year"
Both Harry and Neville chuckled at that as they waited patiently with the six or seven other students until the Professor and rest of the students arrived
"I have to ask what are the twin towers?" Neville asked as Granger arrived with several other Gryffindors behind her
"They are or were the tallest buildings in both the US and the world at large" Harry replied scrolling through his memory of the buildings "I believe that they were part of..."
"The twin towers were part of New Yorks financial district their real name is the world trade centre"Hermione Granger said all knowingly throwing herself into the conversation and into the firing line of Harry and Maggie
"I'm sorry did we ask you anything?" Harry asked with a frown and crossed arms "You're not included in this conversation"
"I'm sorry I was only trying to..." Hermione began a little surprised at his sharpness
"I'm sorry Miss...Granger was it?" Maggie asked cold toned with a raised eyebrow "What gives you the right to interrupt this conversation?"
"I was merely offering extra information Margery..." Hermione began looking a little taken aback
"I have not given you permission of the familiar use of my name Miss Granger" Maggie replied "Until you can learn not to interrupt a private conversation you cannot use my first name...are we in agreement Miss Granger?"
"Yes...Yes Miss Blacksmith...though I was only trying to..." Hermione began again before wilting slightly under Maggie's glare she was saved by the arrival of Professor Sprout who promptly opened the Greenhouse door and ushered them inside with a very bright and very cheerful
"Good Morning students come on in, three to a table"
Everyone filed in and took a seat with Gryffindors on one side and the Hufflepuffs on the other. It didn't take long to get into the flow of Herbology but Harry had a feeling that Granger was going to be causing more trouble for them than she was worth.
# # # LINE BREAK# # # LINE BREAK # # #
"Do you reckon the founders made the castle this way so that if invaders attacked even if they were previous students that the invaders would be confused?" Maggie asked with a thoughtful look on her face as they entered the Hufflepuff Common room from an afternoon with Hagrid then a decent dinner. Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise not that was a thought to think on
"That's something worth thinking about Blacksmith" came the voice of Susan Bones who had walked down with them with her friend Hannah Abbot. "The castle was built in the middle ages and despite being built over intercepting Ley lines the Wards took time to create and weave together"
"Thanks Miss Bones" Harry said kindly "That titbit was good to know...Let me know by tomorrow what random Titbit what you want to know and we can be even"
Susan nodded and blushed under Harry's gaze before turning back to Hannah. Hannah remained quiet the three found out at lunch the previous day she was shy and as such gave her the space to either speak or not, they wouldn't force her.
"I have to admit Maggie what you did with Granger earlier was both scary and inspiring" Harry said changing the subject
"I agree" Neville added "Whilst Granger overstepped herself I think you were a little harsh"
Maggie pondered what they said as they approached the set of tables they used daily for homework before nodding to herself
"If we cross Granger again I'll try to be more polite" she said with determination "But if she interrupts again I'm not responsible for my tone"
"Maggie hates interruption" Harry told Neville at his confused glance as Professor Sprout appeared "Good afternoon Professor Sprout"
"Good afternoon Mr Potter have you seen Miss Blightswit?" Professor
Sprout asked holding three books in her arms "She left some books in the Greenhouses"
Seventh year Sylvia Blightswit had been on friendly terms with the three first years at Tonks's recommendation, she was both pretty and nice but rather ditty and prone to fits of forgetfulness, especially at the start of the year.
"She went to the library Professor Sprout" Maggie replied thinking back to their conversation at dinner about the library "At least I think she said something about the library"
"Well when she returns could you..." Professor Sprout began only to be interrupted by said Sylvia Blightswit as she flew through the door to the common room "Five points Miss Blightswit for causing a commotion"
"Hello Professor Sprout, I'm sorry Professor Sprout" she said breathlessly "I have to ask you something Professor, could I be let back into the greenhouse I've left some books on the table I...was...using"
Professor Sprout held out the books in question causing Sylvia to shrink slightly under her gaze before nodding and taking them.
"I'm sorry for leaving them in the greenhouse Professor and thank you for returning them" Sylvia said hugging the books to her chest
"You are forgiven Miss Blightswit" Professor Sprout replied with a smile "I hope not to hear you've left anything behind for another few days"
"Yes Professor" Sylvia said smiling in return "I promise Professor"
"Have a good day Miss Blightswit, Miss Blacksmith, Mr Potter Mr Longbottom" Professor Sprout said to each student before leaving the common room.
# # # LINEBREAK # # # LINEBREAK # # #
September 8th 2001 Potter House, London. 17:30
Jordan sat at the table in the Potter house in London reading over some details of his own account. Being the new guardian of two magical children with ties to the muggle world had improved Jordan's bank accounts. On the muggle side child support and child tax credits that were once Petunia Dursley's and the Blacksmith's had flooded in giving him a decent nest egg to use during the summer, the magical money from being a noble heirs guardian was highly useful too. Thankfully out of the upcoming trials in early December, the Dursleys would be the easier to deal with. Petunia Dursley and Dudley had co-operated with the police giving honest testimonies whilst Vernon had dug his own grave in an attempt to lie. Dudley showed signs of warped parenting thanks to Vernon and Petunia teaching him different things. It was probably a good thing that Dudley had been placed with a foster family during school holidays when he wasn't attending Smeltings Jordan thought. He would be removed enough from the situation to start correcting his behaviour, out of all the Dursleys however Jordan felt most sorry for Petunia. She'd tried her hardest and brutally failed, he was surprised she was willing to pay for her failings, he hoped the jury would see her willingness to pay for her mistakes and wanting to change and not charge her with a long jail term.
Jordan took a gulp of strong coffee and thought about the blacksmiths , he knew something was wrong with John Blacksmith ever since he was six when he turned up at a family party as his aunts fiancée not long after Maggie's birth. Whilst Marin had only given the police one word answers she remained quiet otherwise, John however was a bully and a narcissist and as such was digging his won grave. Jordan shook his head and rubbed his eyes, the trials would be happening during the winter holidays and he hoped the kids initial questioning with the police was all that was needed from the pre-teens. The door well rang pulling him out of his thoughts. Jordan shuffled everything out of sight before getting to his feet and walking to the door, the bell rang again as he entered the hallway
"Alright, Alright I'm coming" He called out before opening the door to see a pretty blonde alongside a pretty brunette dressed in smart clothes at his door. "Hi may I help you?"
"Yes I am Morgan Chester and this is Lucille Delacour" the brunette replied sounding admittedly tired "Is this the Lewis, Blacksmith and Potter residence?"
"It is" Jordan replied holding out his hand for handshakes "I am Jordan Lewis, may I ask what this is about?"
"This is about the trials of the Dursleys and the Blacksmiths" Lucille the blonde answered causing Jordan to feel a tug on his magic. "May we come in and discuss?"
"Of course come in" Jordan replied stepping back and opening the door fully to let them in.
Jordan led the two women to the kitchen and let them sit down at the table before offering and making tea for them all.
"Now what is required of either myself or the children I have under my care?" Jordan asked getting to the point of the women's' visit.
"We are lawyers designated as children's counsel in this cases" Morgan Chester answered pulling out four tags of paperwork, obviously for Harry Maggie and Jordan. "Since the Dursleys and the blacksmiths cases differ there are to be separate trials for them and as such we are required for either child"
"OK I can understand that" Jordan said thumbing through the two paperwork bundles with his name on "I don't see however you both coming here when a letter could have surfaced"
"Both Lucille and I have to talk with the children and confer what they know with the police reports and several other details tied to the cases" Morgan added with a faint smirk "as such it is best we talk with the children as quickly and as early as possible"
"What my Colleuge wants is for the pair of us to talk with Miss Blacksmith and Mr Potter today Mr Lewis" Lucille replied Jordan felt the strange tug against his magic again "as so we know what the children want to come out of the trials and to confer the details of the police report"
"The earlier we start the better we can help" Morgan added with an almost shark like smile
"Whilst I understand the need for Children's council and I'm holey for it we have a problem" Jordan began shifting in his seat uncomfortably "Both my cousin the afore mentioned Miss Blacksmith and Mr Potter are not here"
"May we ask where they are? Mr Lewis" Morgan asked her smile and air of superiority dropping a few notches
"You can and I'll tell you now that they're not here" Jordan replied feeling a little smug "They are at a private boarding school in Scotland, very selective and elite you must understand and as such very hard to pull them out for specific days unless it's for..."
"Then how can we do our jobs" Morgan interrupted with an almost full whine "think of the children and what these trials..."
"Miss Chester please let me finish" Jordan's aid with a raised hand "The deputy headmistress and their head of house is fully aware of what is happening and have agreed to allowing both Miss Blacksmith and Mr Potter to be out of school from Friday afternoons to Sunday evenings for appropriate appointments due tot he trials"
"OK so they can come home tomorrow...?" Morgan interrupted again trying to force her way onto the situation
"Morgan...please" Lucille said in an annoyed tone pinching the bridge of her nose as Jordan fixed the brunette with an Icy stare.
"The deputy Headmistress however requires at least a few days notice so she can have the pair of them ready to come home accompanied by a teacher at least" Jordan said coolly "they are in school to learn not slack off as such I can call tomorrow morning and set up a meeting for next weekend Miss Chester Is hat alright with you Miss Chester?"
Jordan felt his magic rise and crackle at the anger he felt, Miss Morgan Chester shrank under his gaze as Lucille seamed to be unfazed almost empowered by it.
"Yes Mr Lewis" Morgan replied shakily getting to her feet and grabbing her bag "Perfectly alright we will return at this time next Friday good day Mr Lewis"
Jordan followed the pair of them to the door and watched as Morgan Chester scurried tot he car like a frightened mouse, Lucille stopped at the stairs before turning back to him
"I appologise Mr Lewis My partner is...over sure of herself and her position especially when i'm around" she said kindly Jordan felt the tug of his magic again
"I assumed she was over enthusiastic of her job miss Delacour no harm was done" Jordan replied "Have a good evening and I'll see you next week"
"Thank you and you too Mr Lewis" Lucille replied before crossing to her colleagues car and getting in the car leaving not long afterwards.
Jordan watched them drive off before sighing and running his hand over his face
"I need a beer" he muttered to himself wandlessly summoning his keys to him, grabbing his jacket and heading out the door and to the pub.
# # # # END OF CHAPTER ONE# # # # END OF CHAPTER ONE# # # #
Thank you for reading chapter five of The Magical Mafia
Please leave a review.