Oh no, Aberforth, what'll Albus do?
Disclaimer: HP isn't mine at all
Chapter IV
Albus hated the media. Always asking questions, sticking their noses in where they were not welcome, flashing their cameras carelessly as a family grieved. This ones name was Edward Stickleback. He was the muggle leader of a communist party in Britain. The Nazi witches or wizards who had been committing these murders had begun killing far more high profile targets. Caradoc was outside the house Stickleback was murdered in, patrolling the area, ensuring that the perception charm that had been placed over the countryside villa remained active. "Ok, Caradoc", Ida said, authoritatively, "Albus has been asking for you inside. I'll take over for you". Caradoc nodded and walked inside the house. "Are the Prophet still outside, Caradoc"? Albus asked, standing up from the dead body he had been analyzing. "They are, Albus", Caradoc replied, "but most of the rat's have gone. They probably think they've got enough for an article. Most of the reporters left are freelance".
Albus walked over to a door and beckoned Caradoc to follow. He opened it to see a portly old Auror sitting across a dining room table interrogating, a young, pretty blonde girl, mascara running down her eyes. "Right", said the old portly Auror, "please, Sharon, focus. This is of the utmost importance". "What's he doing", Albus asked a tall, dark witch with stringy hair. "She says she's seen the murderer, but she's a bit shaken up", the tall witch said, "we're finding it difficult to get anything out of her. The Minister says the deadline's midnight to interrogate them before the obliviators come in". Albus frowned, harshening the wrinkles of his face. He put his hand on the shoulder of the interrogator and said, "I'll take over". The portly Auror didn't argue, he just stood up and let Albus take his place. "Hello, Sharon", Albus said, putting his elbows on the desk and linking his fingers, "my name is Albus Dumbledore". "Are you one of these Aurors too"? She asked in a panic. "Oh, no no", he said, chuckling, "I'm a teacher". Sharon looked at him, confused. "I teach young witches and wizards how to use magic, specifically how to turn things into other things. I help them to prepare for the world of wizardry". Sharon looked at him surprised and still confused. "Well why are you here then"? she asked, her eyebrows low. "Because, so I am told, I am a very wise man. Now, Sharon", Albus lent closer to her, "I'm going to tell you something. Recently my brother was attacked. He was attacked by the same people who did this, tonight. It would really help if you could give us a description, Sharon. Calm down, calm down. Everything is fine now we're here, I promise". Albus smiled a fatherly smile and Sharon smiled back. "Ok", she said, slightly stuttering in her fear. At those words a young, aspiring witch walked in with a parchment and a quill. The room's inhabitants all turned to look at her. She nodded at the portly old Auror, then at Albus. Then she sat down next to Albus and said to Sharon, "I'll be drawing the murderer you describe, miss".
Albus entered the great hall happily that night. He strode in between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables proudly beneath the enchanted ceiling. Some students whispered and pointed at Dumbledore. The Owl Post News had published a story about the attack on Aberforth, making it overtly clear that he was Albus' brother. He was about to sit down at the staff table when the groundskeeper, Ogg, tapped his shoulder and said, "Professor Dippet has asked to see you in his office, Professor Dumbledore". Albus sighed and replied, "Thank you, Ogg". He made his way up to Dippet's office, slightly disgruntled at being denied his meal. He reached the stone gargoyle that protected the Headmaster's office. "Fire-crabs", he exclaimed and the gargoyle leapt to one side, revealing a spiral staircase leading to the sturdy wooden door of Dippet's office. Albus climbed the staircase and knocked on the door. "Oh, do come in", Dippet called and Albus followed this suggestion. Dippet sat behind his desk talking to the head of the Aurors office, Wiglaf Paddock. "Ah, Professor", Paddock said. "Wiglaf", Albus said, with a higher tone, "what a pleasant surprise". He took a seat next to Paddock, facing the nearly bald Professor. "So, how's Aberforth at the moment", Wiglaf asked. Albus felt his head explode at this question, but he contently replied, "fine thank you. He's doing better than the healer's had expected". "Yes well, he's always been a fighter", Dippet interjected, "anyway, the reason I requested you". Both Albus and Paddock turned to face the chirpy old man, "I've been talking to Mr. Paddock. It seems that a suspect has finally been discovered". Albus' eyebrows shot up and he said, boyishly, "who, do you have him yet"? "Sadly we don't have him in custody", Paddock said, "of course we are making efforts". "Who is it then"? "It's an Austrian wizard", Paddock continued, "his name is, Fleicher, Peter Fleicher". "Peter Fleicher"? Albus replied, shocked and appalled, "the former German Minister for Magic". "Yes I know", Paddock said. "Listen, Albus", Dippet began, "we all know your history with Wiglaf. You must to get over your differences and work together again to catch Fleicher". "Don't worry about me, Armando", Albus said, then he delivered a piercing glare into Paddock's eyes, "it all depends on whether the heroic head of the Aurors office keeps his wand in his pocket".
Edlyn was combing her hair with a large round brush when Albus entered his office that night. Valerie Marney, a Slytherin sixth year, sat opposite Albus' chair. "Valerie", Albus said as he walked over to his chair, "what brings you to my office so late at night. It's almost after hours". "Yes sir", the grey, bony faced girl replied, as Albus took a seat and lifted a quill to his mouth, "I'm sorry to come so late, Professor. But I have something I must ask you". "Yes well go on", Albus said. "Well sir, I'd like to sit my O.W.Ls again". Albus smiled and politely said, "Valerie, as touching as your request is, the rules set by the Ministry clearly states that what's done is done, even if all a student can take is one subject". "But, sir", Valerie screamed, slamming her hands on the desk, forcing Edlyn's brush out of her hand, "you don't understand". Valerie slunk back into the wooden chair. She covered her eyes with a single, haggard hand and said, "I need Transfiguration". "Why is that"? Albus asked, still politely and unfazed by her sudden outburst. "Because, professor, my employer requires it". Albus went over the last sentence in his head and said, inquisitively, "who is your employer"? "Like I'd tell you". Albus suddenly felt smaller. "In that case, Valerie, please leave", he looked at the clock on the mantel place, "it appears you have little time left to get to your common room". Valerie stood up without looking at Albus. She stormed over to the front door of his office, flung it open, looked back at Albus maliciously and said, "I hope Aberforth gets better soon". She walked across the threshold and slammed the door shut loudly. Albus sneered at her last spiteful remark. "How dare that insolent little girl". Edlyn, who had been observing the conversation vigilantly, stopped brushing her hair and for the first time that evening said, "don't take it too seriously, Albus. She's young, she's going through a difficult time at the moment". Albus stood and litigiously said, "Wiglaf spoke to me the same way tonight". "Wiglaf"? Edlyn said, "Wiglaf Paddock you mean". "Yes", said Albus, "apparently he'll be my partner for the rest of the investigation. I'd much rather work with Caradoc". "Don't let your anger cloud your mind, Albus", Edlyn said. "You're right, Edlyn", Albus said, "but still, I am only human". Albus made his way to his bedroom and turned back as he took hold of the door handle. "I do appreciate you helping me Edlyn, every step of the way". "I know you do, Albus", Edlyn said, "goodnight". "Goodnight, Edlyn", Albus replied, shutting the door behind him to enter the land of slumber.
Good? Tell me.