Ch 12: Summons

Ministry Of magic, Present day (Day 4)

For the second time in four days, Ron had been summoned by the Minister of Magic. However, this time he was alone. The heavy rain lashing against the windows was in complete contrast to the quiet inside the almost deserted premises of the Ministry. It was unusual that not a soul was in sight; especially at a time like this.

But Ron couldn't help but ponder about what Hermione had found in Harry's memories. Having been called to see the Minister, he hadn't been able to go with her to Hogwarts. Lost amidst all the questions in his mind, he didn't notice that the door had opened until a tiny squeak hailed him;

"Mr. Weasley, the Minister will see you now."

Startled; he looked around to find a house-elf scuttling off with a tray. Through the now open door to the Minister's chambers, he could see two figures. Kingsley Shacklebolt was listening attentively to another man who was sitting with his back to Ron. But as Ron entered the room; the man went silent and tilted his head up with visible discomfort. The sharp, beady eyes on his vulture-like face made Ron's gut tighten up.

"Good afternoon Mr. Weasley." Harper hissed.

Ron's throat dried up.

"Harper, I hope you are….um…doing well?"

"Could be better." The latter croaked, massaging his neck.

"Please take a seat, Mr. Weasley." The Minister's voice somewhat dissipated the tension between the other two men.

Ron nodded and took the chair next to Harper. Kingsley turned to Harper;

"I will address your concerns as soon as possible Mr. Harper. You may leave for now."

Harper rose reluctantly and shot an angry glance at Ron before proceeding to limp out of the room. He was about halfway through when Kingsley's voice stopped him;

"I believe you are forgetting something."

Harper tensed up a little. Without waiting for his response, The Minister pointed his wand at the chair previously occupied by Harper. A tiny black object immediately materialized on it. A casual flick of his wand sent it flying into Harper's hands. The latter looked astonished; but covered up his emotions quickly with an apologetic smile;

"I must have accidentally dropped it there."

"Yes, of course. I too have a habit of accidentally dropping invisible spying devices."

The smile vanished from Harper's eyes. For the first time, Ron saw the calm disappear from Kingsley Shacklebolt's eyes. In a split second, it was replaced by a piercing gaze that would have terrified any man subjected to it. Harper looked visibly shaken.

"You may be my senior as an Auror Leonard, but you were never my superior. The next time you try to spy on my activities, you will find out why. Leave."

Harper didn't need to be told twice. He staggered out as if he was being chased by a pack of ravenous werewolves.

"Can't blame him." Ron thought once Harper was gone.

He had known Kingsley for years but had never witnessed this side of him until today. And he never wanted to see it ever again.

Kingsley closed his eyes and exhaled loudly. His usual composure had returned when he opened them again. He looked like he was about to say something to Ron but was stopped by the fireplace bursting into emerald flames.

To Ron's surprise; Hermione stepped out of it, carrying the Pensieve in her hands. The Minister nodded to acknowledge her;

"Right on time Hermione, please take a seat. I have something very important to discuss with the both of you. The contents of this discussion will remain between the three of us. Understood?"

The duo nodded.

"I see Headmistress McGonagall has been kind enough to lend us the Pensieve at such short notice. We shall need it." He said, looking at the basin in Hermione's hands.

Looking as baffled as Ron, Hermione sat down and set the Pensieve on the table. Meanwhile, Kingsley produced a vial with blue misty forms swirling in it.

"Let's get started then."