Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter Four
Dissention and Distrust
Ministry boats, created after the Battle of Earth, patrolled around the island where the lab was situated. The Order apparated onto the island, wands drawn. The entire Order was there, yet another showing of how loyal they were to Harry, willing to fight for his life, when he wasn't even there to watch them doing it. Ginny was furious. Nobody got away with trying to kill her husband. Look what happened to Voldemort, Bella and Snape. Hermione and Ron were going with her to deal with Sirius, while the fifty nine other Order members engaged the security forces at various points throughout the facility. Ginny, Mr Weasley, Sirius and Kale all had warrants to legalise their presence there. A large gate barred their way.
"No gate's going to stop us." Fred said.
"My feelings exactly brother mine." George said.
Angelina produced a box of fireworks.
"This do?"
"Thank you my dear." Fred said, and he lit the fuse on six.
"I like the way she thinks brother dear." George agreed, lighting six of his own.
The fireworks blasted open the gates with a bang, and they all stormed through the debris, an enraged Weasley clan, plus Hermione, at the fore. Security wizards came running to meet them.
"We'll handle this." Daraala said.
Daraala, Susan, Anthony, Oliver, Cho and Colin broke off, and started to duel with the guards. The others pressed ahead, coming towards the white lab, and the massive doors that separated them from Akryt. Ginny, fury in her eyes, levelled her wand at the doors.
"Bombarda Maxima!"
The doors were disintegrated with the force of the spell, and the loving fury behind tit. They wouldn't get away with poisoning Harry. More guards came rushing at them.
"Our turn." Ernie said.
He, Hannah, Seamus, Parvati, Justin and Padma rushed forward to duel with the guards, as Mrs Weasley forced her way through into the reception area. The woman who had shown the foursome around before was sitting at her desk, looking terrified, but angry. Ginny and Ron turned smiling to each other, as they had seen the murderous look on Mrs Weasley's face.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Ron asked.
"That woman was incredibly annoying last time we came through here." Ginny said.
"Do mine ears deceive me? My dear siblings aren't goping to do something nasty are they?" Fred asked innocently.
"Darling if you will." Ron said to Hermione.
"With pleasure. Confundo."
The charm hit the woman, and she looked up, under Hermione's control.
"Who are these pigs?"
Mrs Weasley looked like a wild beast.
"Oh, they make us so proud." Charlie said happily.
"Didn't know they had it in them." Bill agreed.
"Oh brother mine, I have tears in my eyes, we taught them so well!" Fred said in glee.
"I agree bro. Taught them properly. See, I told you we were right to let Harry and Hermione into the family. Hermione fits right in." George said.
"A complete Weasley bitch." They said in unison.
Hermione blushed with pleasure.
"What did you say to me?" Mrs Weasley demanded.
"That wasn't wise." Mr Weasley said in a sing song voice.
"What did you say to me?"
"Shouldn't have done that!" Ekria yelled.
"What did you say to me?"
"Now you're in for it!" Ron shouted happily.
"Then call me Miss Piggy! AHHHH!"
Mrs Weasley sprang over the desk and attacked the witch.
"I love watching her when she does that." Mr Weasley said wistfully.
More security guards came running at them.
"Our turn." McGonagall said.
She, and the rest of the Hogwarts staff broke off and engaged the guards, allowing the others to proceed. They had just crossed the reception area, Mrs Weasley's fist and the teacher's spells flying behind them, when a door opened, revealing Dawlish, and two guards.
"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded.
"Go on!" Mr Weasley shouted, as he, Lupin, Grawp, Dobby and Firenze surged forward to deal with the intrusion.
"Dawlish, this is a Ministry operation. Stand down, or be fired upon." Mr Weasley shouted.
"To hell with you!"
The two men started to duel, spells flaring between them. Ginny blasted open the next door, and headed for the first set of labs. Scientists were very determined to protect their work, as they saw when they entered. Spells flew from their wands, and combined with the security guards in here, they made quite a force to be reckoned with.
"Don't stop! Keep going on!" Sirius shouted, as he led the remaining Aurors, along with Rita, Luna, Rosmerta and Bagman against them.
"Just what we need, mad scientists." Hermione complained as she hexed one off the stairs.
Spells were flying back and forth, and they were surrounded by screams of pain, loss and terror, as the Order attacked the scientists. Ginny, Ron and Hermione slowly led the way up the stairs, their spells blasting scientists and guards out of the way as they tried to stop them. They had reached the second floor at last, but the hardest part was yet to come. Hearing what was happening, they had time to formulate a defence. Tables and workbenches had been set up to create barriers, from which the scientists and their guards could attack the Order with ease.
"Damn." Ginny snapped, as they appeared over their barriers and started firing.
"Protego Maxima!" Zacharias yelled.
The shield knocked the spells away from the Order, and shattered windows, some going further in and smashing apart vials, or setting alight complicated charts. The scientists roared in fury, and rushed over the top of the barriers to attack them, the guards looking vaguely put out as they followed.
"Good charm Smith." George said appreciatively, as he fired at the horde.
"Thanks!" Zacharias said.
The corridor exploded into spell fire as spells criss crossed back and forth as the guards and their charges leapt at the Order.
"Oh for heaven's sake! We don't have time for this!" Ginny snarled as she fired a round of stunners at the enemy.
"Then do something about it then!" Fleur yelled.
She was firing fireballs from one hand, and spells from another. The fight was quickly going to turn into a brawl.
"Don't just stand there Ginny!" Hermione snarled, shoving her.
"What do you want her to do?" Charlie asked.
"For god's sake! They're Animagi! Transform!" Ronan yelled as he kicked a man flying.
"Of course!" Ron and Ginny said together, the dog and owl then taking their place.
Hermione shook her head and transformed into a cat and leapt over the fray, swiping at a man's leg as she did so. Ron leapt over, biting a man where it counted, and knocking several others over, and Ginny pecked those who got in her way. They turned back at the other side of the barriers, and Ginny pointed her wand at the bollards.
"Reducto!"
Four men were blown out of the way, and the bollards were reduced to dust. Without cover, the group opposing the Order had to ban together to try and delay the Order. The Weasley boys surged through, along with Kale, Togga and Ronan. Zacharias was commanding the others as they duelled their opposition.
"Keep going!" he yelled.
Michael corner fired a stunner at someone who was targeting Ginny. He flashed her a smile before going after another guard.
"Come on." Ronan said, galloping for the stairs.
More guards came rushing down to meet them, their wands at the ready.
"Damn!" Togga cursed, blowing one out of the way.
"We'll deal with them!" Kale yelled as he fired at two at once.
Now it was only the Weasley boys, Ginny, Hermione and Fleur left. The fight behind them was getting vicious, as doctors started to use Unforgivables.
"Oh blast!" Fleur yelled as one came near her.
She snarled angrily and let loose. Two thin jets of flame burst from her hands, blasting several attackers away, allowing them to get to the stairs.
"I love you." Bill said as he tugged her away.
They dashed up the stairs. More guards awaited them. They all raised their wands when a massive explosion blew holes out of the floor, knocking people down to the floor below. Ginny grabbed onto the wall, and the others all steadied themselves, as they watched bodies fly everywhere beneath them. Bill swore as he tugged Fleur up, and then tried to clear the air so they could see what was happening, as spells were still being fired by someone.
"What the?" Charlie demanded as stone and dust settled everywhere.
The floor of the third floor was a crumbling ruin, but the guards who were still up with them were firing spells at them all.
"Our turn. Bill said, leading Charlie and fleur against them.
As they three opened up with spells, Hermione picked her way across the ruins, getting to the other side then blasting open the door. She blasted open the door in a fury, and she entered, with the twins, Ron and Ginny following. Fred held out an arm to restrain Ginny from blasting open the door to Akryt's lab.
"What?" Ginny demanded.
"Them!" George shouted, as two more guards entered, a bunch of five others behind them.
"We'll take them! Go and get the cure!" Fred shouted.
Ginny didn't need telling twice. She blasted the door apart, throwing over the room and it crashed through the wall, flying out to sea.
"Wow Ginny!" Hermione said in awe.
Akryt came out from behind a cabinet.
"So, you're the ones making all the noise are you?"
Ginny, Ron and Hermione all pointed their wands at Akryt's face at the same time.
"You foul, murdering little swine. You've tried to murder my husband." Ginny spat.
Akryt smiled patronisingly.
"Please my dear, what do I have against your husband?"
Ginny was about to respond when Ron's foot hit Akryt where it hurt. The man groaned in pain, and he sunk a few centimetres.
"No one tries to murder my best friend and gets away with it." He snarled.
Hermione looked appraisingly at her husband. He was incredibly powerful when someone threatened those he loved, just like Harry. He was brilliant when he was furious.
Akryt staggered upwards.
"So, what's the meaning of all this?"
Hermione soured.
"You know full well. You injected that Sorocine into Harry on purpose, and we want the cure for it."
"But why would I poison Harry Potter?"
"Because Harry is the one who got Dawlish's boss killed, ruining your chance to make a name for yourself. Harry is the one who got you stuck in this job, making poisons to 'cure' the problems of our society. You always wanted to make things, but you didn't want to be ordered to do it. You wanted to purge the society, just like Dawlish and Umbridge, but you wanted it to be on your terms. So the stuff you fed us on our last visit was a load of crap. You want to get rid of half breeds and muggle borns, and you poisoned Harry because he ruined your chances of doing it." Hermione said venomously.
"What could I have against other people?" Akryt scoffed.
"The fact that they're different. That's all. Nothing else. A typical racist. Mr Weasley can try to purge you people from society all he likes, but he never will. Not when there's still resentment from the war left over." Hermione said.
"Enough talking Hermione!" Ginny snapped, her eyes narrowed in the most intense hatred she had ever displayed.
Akryt cowered under her glare.
"Where is the cure for Sorocine?" she asked, stepping forward menacingly.
Akryt pressed his hands against a wall.
"I'm not saying anything."
Ginny snarled.
"Wrong answer."
She kicked him where it counted once again.
"Where is it?"
Akryt smiled.
"Got you."
Two burly guards burst into the room, firing their wands. Hermione sprang out of the way, and Ron transformed, before they both turned to face their opponents and started to engage them in a duel. Akryt soon saw that the two guards were no match for two enraged friend's of Harry. He looked up at Ginny fearfully.
"Where is the cure?" she said in a murderous voice.
He pointed and she grabbed a vial of red liquid. She then glared at Akryt with such intensity that his head hurt.
"Thank you. My Legilimens isn't as good as Harry and Hermione's, but its not far from it."
The two guards suddenly dropped, Hermione having taken Ron's and Ron having taken Hermione's. They both turned their wands to Akryt.
"We're going to tie you up and you're going to sit here until you're arrested for crimes against humanity."
Akryt nodded meekly, but Ginny and Hermione remained suspicious. Ron suddenly saw what he was going to do.
"Hermione!"
He shoved her out of the way when a Bludgeoning Hex blasted him over the room.
"Ron!"
Hermione went to her husband. Ginny pointed her wand at Akryt, but was to late. Hermione got hit by a Bludgeoning Hex too, crashing her on top of her husband.
"Bad move." Ginny snarled, as she whipped her wand around to face Akryt.
Akryt smiled as he leapt to his feet. His wand was like a blur, but he was full of magical bluster, not of real wizarding power. However, his other hand kept twitching, like it longed for another weapon to be in it. Then, she realised she had been conned. He had convinced her he wasn't that good. And now she would pay.
"Crucio!"
She hit the ground, cursing in pain. Krayt wasn't as powerful as the curses she had been subject to during the war. He was a cupcake compared to Voldemort and Bellatrix.
"Protego!" she breathed.
The pain stopped and she sprang to her feet. She was quite alone, without back up, but that didn't bother her in the slightest. This man had tried to kill her husband, had tried to kill her brother and best friend, and would have gladly seen everyone else she cared about die for his own idea of perfection. She snarled with more venom than she had ever managed, and drew on the vast amounts for love she felt for Harry before pointing her wand directly at Akryt's chest.
"Avada Kedavra!"
The green spell hit the man with such force that he was blown over the room, crashed into the wall and slumped down to the floor.
"Never try to murder my husband again." Ginny snarled.
She then rushed over to Ron and Hermione. A little care from Madam Pomfrey would be needed, but otherwise they were fine.
"Enervate."
The two groaned as they woke up, wincing in pain.
"Where's Akryt?" Hermione asked, wincing as she pulled herself up.
"Dead."
"Best thing for him." Ron said happily, then regretted it as he moved too quickly.
"Stay here. I'll be back soon."
Ginny got to her feet. Her priority was to find out that everyone else was alright, but above and beyond that, getting the cure to Harry. She entered the out chamber, to see Fred and George smiling at her. They both looked rather frazzled. Fred's robes were smoking, and there were large cuts in George's arms, but aside from that they were fine.
"How did you do that?" Ginny asked in amazement.
"Skill sis." Fred said cheerfully, kicking a down guard.
"They thought they could take us." George said.
"How wrong they were."
Ginny smiled at her two brothers.
"What now?" Fred asked.
"Akryt's dead, and I need to get the cure to Harry. Go and help Ron and Hermione. Akryt got them."
She left the twins, waving to Bill, Fleur and Charlie, who had easily overpowered the remaining guards on the third floor. Going down the stairs, she saw Kale, Ronan and Togga try to move some of the rubble that had been dislodged by the explosion.
"What happened?" Ginny asked.
"Zacharias. He used a massive Blasting Hex. Ricocheted all around the place, and blasted apart the floor above. It was some impressive spell work. Who would have thought he had it in him?" Kale said musingly.
Ginny spotted Zacharias, talking to Michael Corner. Ginny smiled at him, which made a change, then headed down the stairs once more, to the first floor. Sirius ran up to her.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah. And we got the cure as well. Akryt's dead, and probably a few on the second floor since Smith got through with them."
Sirius looked at her in surprise.
"Was he the one who wrecked the joint?"
"Yeah. The others are fine, but Ron and Hermione are a bit beat up, but that's all."
Sirius smiled at her, and she headed down to the reception area. Her father had his wand pointed at Dawlish, who was screaming about abuses of rights and illegal activities. Her mother was sitting cheerfully on top of the receptionist.
"Ginny dear, are you alright?" Mrs Weasley asked, hugging her.
"I'm fine mum. The receptionist in any fit state?"
"Nope. And your father was wonderful. Outduelled Dawlish easily."
"So were Fred and George. They beat seven guards all by themselves."
Mrs Weasley smiled in pleasure.
"Looks like joining the DA when they were at school wasn't such a bad idea after all."
"Hello dear." Mr Weasley said as Tonks took over with Dawlish.
"I need to get out of here." Ginny said, showing him the cure.
"Of course. Any injuries?"
"Ron and Hermione are a bit beat up, but apart from that, we're all fine, as far as I know."
"Good. Well on you go dear. Go and save Harry." Mrs Weasley said affectionately.
Ginny smiled at her mother and Disapparated.
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Atris and Madam Pomfrey looked up.
"At last! Hurry, give it here!" Madam Pomfrey said.
"What's happened?" Ginny asked fearfully.
"He's…taken a turn for the worst. He started to have hallucinations a while ago." Atris gasped.
Ginny rushed through into her and Harry's bedroom. He was still on the bed, deathly pale, sweating, and tossing and turning. His nightmares had lessened since the war ended, but he still had some occasionally.
She looked at him, his body, scrunched up in pain, when he started to moan. He forced open his eyes, his green eyes that she was so fond of, and he screamed out in pain.
"No, don't hurt her!" he yelled.
"Sweetheart, no one's hurting anyone. I promise. Well, except for me and Akryt."
Atris shot her a funny look, but ignored it.
Harry screamed in pain and terror.
"No, leave her alone! Don't hurt her!"
Ginny looked at the mask of fear that was on his face, and knew what he must be seeing. He was seeing someone hurt her.
"Oh Harry."
She kissed his forehead, and got out the cure.
"How do I give it to him?" she asked tearfully.
Harry suddenly screamed in terror again.
"Leave her alone!"
Ginny was on the verge of tears. He was scared, more scared than she had ever seen him.
"Put it in his mouth." Madam Pomfrey ordered.
She slowly opened his mouth, and he let out a low groan. He was dying, and if she didn't move quickly, he would die. She couldn't imagine life without him. Blinking tears from her eyes, she emptied the cure into his mouth. He moaned in pain, and lay still.
"Now all we can do is wait." Madam Pomfrey said.
She and Atris left Ginny alone to watch Harry. Snuggling up beside him, she spoke into his ear.
"Don't you dare die on me now. I love you, and I always will. If you die I don't know what I'll do. You just cant die Harry. I love you too much."
He was terribly still, but breathing. Hugging him, she drifted off into an uneasy sleep.
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Ginny woke up slowly. Harry was still lying beside her, still terribly pale and unmoving.
"Harry, please don't die. I love you. I need you. Don't die, whatever you do, don't die." She pleaded tearfully.
After all they had been through together, he couldn't die now. They had both fought, bled, and lost friends during the Second War, but had come out of it alright. He couldn't die. She stroked his cold cheek, looking at him tenderly.
"Don't you dare die on me." She pleaded.
He did not stir, and she held his face in her hands and kissed him. Still nothing happened.
"Wake up." She moaned, afraid that she had failed after all.
Had she been too late in getting the cure to him? Had it taken affect and had it slowly killed her husband?
"Please. Wake up!" she urged him, on the verge of tears.
"Five more minutes." He answered groggily.
"You!" Ginny yelled angrily, but then bent down and kissed him.
"Hi." Harry said happily.
"How long were you awake?" she demanded.
"Since you told me you loved me. I just liked hearing what you were saying." He said mischievously.
She hit him on the chest, then kissed him again.
"I love you too." Harry said, hugging her.
"Don't you ever do that to me again. Next time its your turn to worry. Agreed?" Ginny asked ecstatically.
"Agreed." Harry said, kissing her again.
Ginny hugged him.
"I've missed you." She whispered.
"I've missed you too. It's boring being ill. Mind you, if I get this good treatment every time it happens, I might do it more often."
Ginny shot him a look that could have melted a glacier and he laughed.
"Cant I just stay here with you?" he whined at her.
Ginny pouted.
"Unfortunately not. Everyone's been really worried about you, and they'll want to see you're alright. But, if all goes well, Ron and Hermione should be getting treated in hospital tonight, so we can hopefully have the house to ourselves."
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Why are they at hospital?"
"Long story. So, do you fancy having your wicked way with me tonight?"
Harry grinned and whispered something in her ear. She went scarlet.
"Harry!"
"Well?"
"Alright. But dirty jobs come first I'm afraid. Enjoyable stuff later."
Harry sighed.
"If that's the best I'm going to get."
He got up and stretched. Ginny admired his body.
"I saw that." Harry said, adventure in his green eyes.
"Good. Come on Chosen One. Your public awaits."
Harry kissed her again and allowed her to lead him from the room.
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"Harry dear!" Mrs Weasley cried, hugging him.
"Good to see you up and about Harry." Mr Weasley said jovially, clapping his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"You gave us a right good scare mate. Don't do that." Fred said ruffling Harry's hair.
"And stop making a mess of our sister." Bill said warningly.
Harry grinned at them.
"Sorry." He said meekly.
"So you should be." George said, winking at him.
"The other's are all dying to see you Harry. They all thought you were going to die." Charlie said.
"And Sirius apologised." Fleur said.
Harry smiled.
"However, you'll need to wait. You can go and attend to Ron and Hermione however, while I get the joint back to normal." Mr Weasley said.
"And we daresay Ginny will need to fill you in." George said patronisingly.
Harry stuck out his tongue, and the others all Disapparated, with promises that they would all come and see him later.
"Christ, you would think I've been dying." Harry said innocently.
Ginny glared at him and he laughed.
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"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, hugging him from her bed.
"Good to see you." Ron said, giving him a hug, and then hitting him in the head.
"What was that for?" Harry demanded angrily.
"Worrying us." Ron answered.
Harry laughed.
"So, are you alright now?" Hermione asked in concern.
"Good as new. So, what's the full story?"
So, the three recounted how the entire Order had been summoned, all determined to stop a war and save Harry.
"So, we were just outside the door, when more guards attacked. Fred and George stayed to hold them off while we went inside to deal with Akryt." Ron said.
"The twins were brilliant. In fact, everyone was. That bloody receptionist called mum a pig, so she got her comeuppance, Dawlish got out duelled by dad, the twins went against all those guards and Smith dismantled most of the second floor." Ginny recited.
"But Ginny was fabulous. Kicked Akryt where it counted, threatened him until he gave us the cure. Then he let loose with two of his guards. We outduelled them, but Akryt got us both with the hex. Ginny went mad."
Harry looked at her.
"Can you blame me? He had tried to murder you, then tried to murder Ron and Hermione. Of course I was mad."
Harry grinned at her.
"You are brilliant."
Ginny blushed.
"I do try."
Ron looked at his friend indignantly.
"Hey! We helped!"
"And got the marks to prove it." Hermione moaned, wincing as she moved.
Harry laughed.
"Thanks guys." He said humbly.
"Anytime." Hermione said with a smile.
"And keep your hands off my sister while we're in here!" Ron ordered.
The three others shot him a disbelieving look and erupted into laughter.
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After exchanging all their thanks and voicing their relief that Harry was alive, everyone had to go back to face what they had done. Harry and Ginny were allowed by Sirius, who apologised to Harry, to have the rest of the day off, and the next day as well. However, the trouble was just beginning.
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"The CDR., what's this rubbish?" Mr Weasley asked.
"The Commission for Disabled Rights. The leader is called Inhl. Thinks that disabled wizards are looked down upon by the Ministry and wants to do something about it." Brisha explained.
Atris moaned in pain.
"Go home Atris!" Brisha said.
"No! I don't want to go home! I'm not an invalid!"
Mr Weasley looked at her in sympathy, then turned to Brisha.
"Brisha, are you capable of taking over Intelligence?"
"Yes." Brisha said, as if insulted that he thought she wasn't up to it.
"Atris, is there anyone better to take over in your stead?"
Atris sighed.
"No."
"There you have it then. Atris, I know you don't want to, but you need to go and get some rest."
Atris started to cry.
"Arthur, I don't know what I have. It's killing me. I know it is. I've been wanting to ask to get away, so I can go and heal, but I've been too damn proud. I'm going to go away and heal."
Brisha patted Atris on the arm.
"I'll look after the place."
Atris smiled.
"But not until we finish here."
Mr Weasley rolled his yes. He focused for a second on how dead Atris looked. It was as if her body had already died. It was really quite frightening.
"Brisha, how many pressure groups have sprung up in the last three years?"
Brisha sighed.
"Loads. Most are relatively small, but Centaurs for Justice, the Board for Werewolf Equality and the House Elf Liberation Front are gaining a lot of members. People aren't happy with the way things are being done, and are joining these groups to show it."
"Give me a rough estimate. How many?"
Brisha frowned.
"About thirty, at least."
Mr Weasley sighed.
"We're losing control. I thought after the war ended, we would all be fine. But now politics are ripping us apart."
Brisha moaned.
"And now we have a press conference."
Mr Weasley sighed in futility.
"Bugger."
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As predicted, the press were not happy with the way things had been handled.
"Do you deny the claims that your attack on the lab was illegal?" a reporter asked.
Mr Weasley sighed in frustration.
"Our presence there wasn't entirely legal, we admit that, however, we were averting a war."
A woman came to the front of the crowd. She was about medium height, had curly purple hair, and a sour expression. She had piercing yellow eyes, and had long, thin fingers, which had blue finger nails.
"And what proof is there of that?" she asked in a sickly voice.
Kale looked at the woman in distaste.
"And who are you?"
The woman smiled. She had several pointed teeth. If they hadn't known that Lupin had wiped them all out during the war, they would have thought she was a vampire.
"Ethel Thornside."
Mr Weasley's, Brisha's, Atris' and Kale's eyes all narrowed in immediate dislike.
"So where is your evidence that Dawlish was preparing for war?"
Mr Weasley glared at the woman.
"The creation of Sorocine is all the proof needed. Sorocine has not been seen since the Second War and the creation of it never ends well."
Thornside smiled. It reminded Mr Weasley of a snake getting ready to strike. And then she did.
"Oh really? Well, it just so happens that the Sorocine the late, mark the word, Doctor Akryt was experimenting with Sorocine to try and modify it so it could help to completely cure the world of spattergroit."
Silence met these words.
"Cure spattergroit with Sorocine?" Atris scoffed weakly.
However, she looked apprehensive, and her illness was showing. This little escapade could cause more than a week's worth of headlines.
"Well not Sorocine in its proper form, but something within it could be tampered with and made to halt the progress of spattergroit."
Mr Weasley looked in disgust at the woman.
"And now we go onto what actually happened at that lab. The death of Doctor Akryt is terrible. And along with him, three security guards and two more doctors were killed, and three more heavily injured. They were only doing their jobs. And that doesn't even mention the fact that over a hundred thousand pounds worth of damages have been done to Dawlish Laboratories, or the fact that Mr Dawlish is now suing the Ministry of Magic."
There was a clamouring as the press fired questions at the Ministry officials. They were not happy about this. They knew there would be a backlash, but not this large.
"So, would you care explaining who killed Akryt, Minister?"
Mr Weasley did not like this woman at all. She was a mixture of Dolores Umbridge and Rita Skeeter. A truly ghastly thought.
"Was it not your daughter?" Thornside simpered.
"Yes. What of it?"
Atris and Brisha both shook their heads, but it was too late. Thornside had scented blood and was going in for the kill.
"Your daughter, killed a man, just because you suspected he was trying to start a war and kill her husband, when you had no proof of the matter?"
Allegations of corruption and puppet ruling were fired like machine gun bullets.
"Oh no." Brisha moaned.
"Consider this. The Order of the Phoenix, a relic of an organisation, totally unneeded now that the Dark Lord has been destroyed, has attacked a medical; facility, killing six people in the process, just because they suspected the lead doctor of having poisoned their leader?"
Now that fat was really in the fire.
"What do you have to say to those claims Minister?" Thornside asked sweetly.
"Nonsense."
She noted the wavering quality of his voice.
"Corruption, in the post war ministry. Such a pity."
With a slight wave, she Disapparated.
And the throng began, reporters claiming corruption, dictatorship, a demand for new government, inquiries and who knows what else.
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They got away an hour and a half later. Mr Weasley was fuming.
"What a vile woman."
"She's even worse than Rita, and that I saying something." Kale complained.
Atris was looking worse by the second.
"Arthur, I cant stay any more. I need to go." She gasped in pain.
They all looked at her.
"You're sure?" Mr Weasley asked.
"Positive."
"Then go. Come back when you're healed my dear. Keep in touch. Kale will keep an eye on you."
"Thank you."
She disappeared, off to heal herself at long last.
"Poor soul. Now, what are we going to do about that vile woman?" Brisha asked.
"Do my ears deceive me? A vile woman? You're not talking about me are you?" Rita asked as she appeared from around the corner.
"No, worse than you." Kale said.
Rita looked mortified.
"W-worse? Worse than me? Who is this woman? I'll have her locked up in Azkaban for taking my crown!"
Mr Weasley smiled.
"A she-devil by the name of Ethel Thornside. Know her?"
Rita's eyes narrowed in intense dislike.
"Yes. She was my competitor in the early days at the Prophet. So, she's back is she? What did she do?"
"She knew all about our little adventure, is calling my daughter a murderer, the Order a fanatical group and is accusing me of being a puppet ruler of a corrupt Ministry."
"Even do that all in one day." Rita said.
"what can you do about her?"
"Nothing. Just, stay away from the Prophet for a few days."
"Cant you stop her printing it?" Kale asked.
"Not if you want allegations of a police state and press censorship. She'll just print it somewhere else."
"Damn."
Rita smiled and vanished.
"Ever miss the good old days?" Mr Weasley asked.
"Yep. She makes Rita look tame. Hermione will not like this. Imagine that. Rita and Hermione, united in one cause."
Mr Weasley and Brisha shuddered, while Kale laughed.
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The next day dawned bright and breezy.
"Hello." Ginny said sleepily.
"Hi. You know, I think we should get agents inside the Dark Arts groups to hex Ron and Hermione every day of the week."
Ginny rolled on top of him and kissed him.
"So we can get the house to ourselves more often?"
"Definitely. It's so much easier to get my wicked way with you when your bloody brother isn't breathing down our necks."
Ginny kissed his neck. Harry smiled at her. The good thing about nearly dying for the who knows whatth time was that his wife doted on him, and he could do whatever he wanted with her. Not that she required much persuasion, as their goals and interests were much the same. He had to admit, when you had nearly died again, Ginny did look even better than usual. Not that there was much difference, as she always looked brilliant anyway. He kissed her again.
"Another day all to ourselves."
The door banged open, revealing Ron and a disgruntled Hermione.
"For heaven's sake Ron!" she scolded.
"Potter! Why is my sister…?"
"Lacking her clothing?" Hermione supplied in a bored voice.
"Because I'm his wife you great moron." Ginny snapped.
"Ginny!" Ron asked pointedly.
Ginny rolled her eyes and pulled the covers of herself and Harry.
"Leave us alone." Harry moaned.
"I bloody well will not! You were doing things to my sister!"
Hermione harrumphed.
"Don't be such a baby. For heaven's sake, grow up. She's her own woman! A fully grown, mature and married woman, who loves her husband. And he's doing, or done, the same thing to her as you were doing to me. That's why the Healer threw us out."
With an angry shaking of her head, she seized Ron and pulled him from the room.
Harry looked despairingly at Ginny.
"We definitely need people in the Dark Arts groups willing to do our bidding. Imagine the possibilities. They would only need to curse Ron."
Ginny sighed.
"I'm beginning to wish I hadn't killed Bella. If we had put her under the Imperius Curse, she could have attacked him any time we wanted, and we could have kept her locked up in the cupboard until we needed her next."
Harry kissed her.
"Well, Hermione is keeping him busy. Why don't we make the best of it?"
Ginny smiled.
"You know, we really need our own house."
"Or our own Death Eater."
They both laughed.
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Harry and Ginny joined the other two at the table. Hermione was scowling at the newspaper in front of her.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked, sitting down and receiving a dirty look from Ron.
Ginny rolled her eyes and looked at the paper.
"Who's Ethel Thornside when she's at home?"
Hermione frowned.
"A reporter who's even worse than Rita."
She threw the paper towards Harry, and Ginny read it over his shoulder. The main headline was:
Corruption in the Ministry!
There were small articles that lead to other reports.
Daughter of the Minister: Murderess or Saviour?
Next was:
Director of Intelligence: On Death's Door?
Another report was headed:
Dictatorship returns!
The last one:
Order of the Phoenix: Controlled or controlling?
"Christ, doesn't leave any hold barred does she?" Ron asked.
"Let's look at the first one. Corruption in the Ministry. The Ministry of Magic is controlled by the Minister for Magic. This is common fact. But can we trust a man who allows his daughter to run freely, murdering at will? Yesterday, the Order of the Phoenix attacked Dawlish Laboratories, the site of the Cure's creation. Thus far, the incident has gone unpunished, and has even been praised by some members of the Ministry with unacceptable muggle born leanings. The Ministry obviously is not interested in the well being of the people it commands and controls, and all they are interested in is their own affairs. The Ministry has yet to deliver on most of the promises that it made following the conclusion of the Second War. Can we really trust these people, who are plainly interested only in themselves, to lead us through these trying times?"
Harry stopped reading and looked at the others.
"Charming woman."
The article continued for two more pages. Ignoring this, he flicked to the report on Ginny.
"Ginny Weasley Potter, daughter of Minister for Magic Arthur Weasley and wife of celebrated hero Harry Potter, has killed once again. Mrs Potter was labelled the 'Mistress Murderer' after her defeat and killing of You-Know-Who's second in command, Bellatrix Lestrange. Mrs Potter was also the person who was responsible for the death of the entire Dementor species, after destroying their leader, Demagoth, at the Battle of Hogwarts. So, has Mrs Potter developed a taste for killing? Has she become like the one she ran through with the sword of Gryffindor at the Battle of Earth? For yesterday, the Prophet can exclusively reveal, that Ginny Potter killed yet again, this time the creator of the Cure, Doctor Luminius Akryt. Harry Potter, who was accidentally infected with Sorocine two days ago, was dying when the rogue Order of the Phoenix attacked the lab. Ginny Potter, enraged that someone had tried to murder her husband, or so she claims, killed Doctor Akryt But where was the proof that Akryt deliberately tried to murder Harry Potter? Was it not just a laboratory accident that infected Potter? Mrs Potter had no legal right to be anywhere near the lab, let alone lead an assault by a highly dangerous group of powerful wizards. So, should we allow ourselves to continue to let this possible threat to our security walk free? As the daughter of the Minister for Magic, and as the wife of hero Harry Potter, she could be a very dangerous threat to the security of the wizarding world. So, perhaps it is time the Minister stops reacting, and reacts before the 'Dementor Destroyer' does something that will cause more pain and suffering to the already troubled life of young Harry Potter."
Ginny glared at the paper, but Harry could see she was hurt.
"Hey. I know you, and you're not anything like this blasted woman has painted you out to be."
Ginny let herself by hugged to him.
"She's making me out to be a mad mass murderer like Bellatrix. Like I'm evil."
Harry kissed her cheek, and even Ron didn't complain this time.
"You aren't a mad mass murderer. And you are definitely not evil. In fact you are one of the purest people I know."
Ginny smiled and snuggled up to him, while Hermione took the paper and turned to the article about Atris.
"Director of Ministry Intelligence Atris, is reported to be on death's door. Since contracting a mysterious illness a year ago, Director Atris has been growing steadily weaker and more ill with each passing day. She has started to miss work, and has been seen making frequent visits to St Mungo's to try and find out what's wrong with her. Atris is clearly in a very frail state, yet the Minister for Magic refuses to allow her to go away to try and heal herself. In an interview with a Healer of St Mungo's Hospital, this was revealed by the head of the Poisons Ward.
'Director Atris has apparently contracted some sort of poison, and should be getting time off to heal herself. I am appalled that the Minister thinks that the Ministry is more important than the well being of one of it's highest placed members.'
Director Atris is also a member of the Order of the Phoenix, the antiquated group that has little real purpose now that the Dark Lord has been defeated. Should another member of this possibly dangerous secret society be allowed to hold a position of power in the Ministry that claims it is trying to rebuild the world? However, there is one good thing to come from Director Atris' illness. The poor woman, now visibly ailing and struggling to stay alive, has now been allowed to go and heal herself. So, in her absence, second in command of Intelligence, Brisha Eir, is taking over. A person in power who does not belong to the Order of the Phoenix. Maybe there is yet hope."
"You know, this woman makes Rita look like a nice person." Ron said in a dark tone.
"Yeah she does. She's making it sound like we're controlling the Ministry, Ginny's a mass murderer and Atris is on her deathbed." Harry said angrily.
The last part of the statement was the only one that might have had a vestige of the truth in it.
"Read the one on the dictatorship Hermione." Ginny said.
"The Ministry of Magic is on the verge of becoming a dictatorship, experts claimed today. The Ministry reacts violently to any possible threat to its power, as evidenced in the terrorist crisis and the creation of the cure, both of which have led to deaths on the side opposing the Ministry. The terrorist Idalma had justified complaints, yet she was not offered a chance to bring them to public knowledge before a team of Aurors, led by Harry Potter, killed her. Doctor Akryt sought only to help the world, but was killed by Ginny Potter before he could make any difference. Both of these murderers are family of the Minister for Magic, and act violently on his behalf. Why are Aurors spending their time chasing down innocent doctors and scientists when people like Tyber Zann are running around unchecked? Because the Ministry is using the threat of the Dark Arts groups. They are using the Dark Arts groups to pass through laws that should not be passed. In other words: the Ministry is exploiting the attacks of the Dark Arts groups for their own ends, to establish a police state. Dictatorship is coming once again. It hasn't been seen since Dolores Umbridge was killed during the war, but it's coming once again on swift heels. I urge the public to stand fast and block the laws the ministry tries to pass."
"The stuff's about as convincing as Bella's psychiatrist saying she's quite sane." Harry said.
"Well lets get it over with. What do they say about us controlling the Ministry?" Ron asked.
"The Order of the Phoenix, the group responsible for the downfall of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, has a lot of power in this post war era. The group isn't really needed anymore. But, is the Order secretly in control of our affairs? The Minister for Magic, Director of Intelligence, Head of Military, Finance Minister and Head of Law Enforcement, all highly placed positions, are all controlled by the Order of the Phoenix. Many Undersecretary places are filled by members of the Order, as are some Wizengamot places. It is quite plain that the Ministry is in the grip of this fanatical sect, determined to cling on to a last bit of power now that the need for them has dried up. During the war, it was not an appointed commission, as it should have been, that appointed the new way of running things. After each defeat of Dolores Umbridge, it was Harry Potter who decided who should rule the magical world. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Arthur Weasley were both ordered to become the new Ministers by Harry Potter. This is plainly a ploy to gain control of the government. And, as his own father in law is in charge of the government, Harry Potter has a direct say in the shaping of our world. It is quite plain that the Order wants to retain the power it had during the war, and is obviously prepared to go to any lengths to keep it."
"What a load of old rubbish." Hermione snapped.
"Why did Rita let her print it?" Ron asked as he turned to the sports section.
"Because if not, she would have got more ammo for her dictatorship argument, saying that the press is being censored." Harry complained.
"And, because so many people are angry with the way the ministry, not us, the Ministry, handled the Cure affair, a lot of people are going to listen." Ginny moaned.
The fire blazed, and Sirius' head appeared.
"Hey guys. We've found Zann."
Harry grinned.
"Yeah, but I'm still off and so is Ginny. Ron and Hermione will have to go."
The two shot them a venomous glance and headed to the fire.
"See you." Sirius said, winking at Harry.
Ron and Hermione waved grumpily and followed.
"Now that we've got rid of them, what are we going to do today?" Harry asked mischievously.
Ginny grinned.
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The cottage was on the edge of a large cliff, overlooking the sea. It was a small affair, but adequate for the former Minister for Magic, as he now lived alone, as his wife had left three months previously. Now, he was content to spend time writing his memoirs. Cornelius Fudge wrote down another line. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Scrimgeour had fired him after he had blamed Fudge for the lack of cooperation from Harry Potter. That boy had lost him power, influence and everything he held dear. Without the means to support himself, his wife had given up and went away to live with a new man. Now, Fudge hoped to regain his prominence by writing his book and showing that Harry Potter was not all he cracked up to be. Treacherous little scumbag. The door opened, revealing Dimala. She had been a lucky find, and was quite willing to help him regain power.
"The people are furious with the Ministry." She said slowly.
"So?" Fudge asked.
Dimala looked unsure.
"We could use it to our advantage. The people are angry with the government, and will most likely only get angrier. Eventually they will cry out for better leadership."
Fudge smiled. A plan was beginning to form in her mind, and it was the same as his plan.
"An alternative?"
"Exactly."
Fudge looked at her and they both started to laugh.
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Brisha smiled as she signed another form. She was on top of the food chain. Everything was going as planned.
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The reports published had the desired effect. People started to doubt the Ministry, and people were worried that the government was losing it's grip. The pressure groups had a huge influx of new members, and the Dark Arts groups power was slowly increasing. Atris went away to heal, and was frequently visited by Kale. Ethel Thornside was still flitting around, pressing her campaign that the Ministry was corrupt. The foundations of the wizarding world were coming apart. Not noticeably. But enough. Things were happening once again. The time was coming.
So, things are on the move. A lot of stuff that's important later happens here, so watch carefully. One more small story then we're onto the big one. Hope you liked this one. Please read and review.