Angel on Campus Keeperoliver Chapter 18
Teddy's stay with Harry was the friendliest weekend he ever had. He loved James and Lillian. Dobby and Sirius were funny. Ginny was very nice, and Hedwig put on quite a show. But, his favorites were Harry and Luna. He laughed as Harry and Luna would dance while making dinner, or lunch, or breakfast. The radio in the window, was always turned on when ever anyone was in the kitchen. Ginny would join in on the dance, whether with Harry or Luna.
In Sunday morning, Richard paid a visit to the Potter clan, with a weird request. "Harry, it is time for you to meet some one, and you might be surprised at who it is. The meeting is set up for Wednesday at 10 AM. It will not do, to be late, and please, dress accordingly."
"According to what, Richard? Who is it I'm meeting? Is it some one very important? Do I need to rent a Tux? It would help if I knew who it was?"
"Sorry, Harry, but this is meant to be a surprise. A Tux isn't necessary for the initial meeting, but, if all goes well, you might want to buy one, as it would be cheaper in the long run. You might want to get the young ladies, and the kids some fancy dresses, and a junior Tux, for James. I can say, you will be meeting some very important people."
"Alright, I get it. Is it just me, or can I be accompanied? Can the kids come?"
"I will have to check up on the party bit. I can't promise anything. I know you're upset about the hush hush, thing, but, once you meet this person, you will understand it. I may be able to get you and Ginny in, but, I think for the time being, the kids should stay home."
"Alright Richard, Wednesday at 10 AM. Let me know Monday after work about Ginny, and maybe Luna. If this is a VIP, then Luna and I need to make treats as a peace offering, and I would like her there to help present them."
"Whoa, Harry, you may be biting off more than you can chew there buddy. There will be more than one person there to see you, quite a few more. Maybe you should wait for a more personal meeting. On second thought, maybe you should bring an assortment of your goodies. It's good for your image, if they are pleased with them, as every one else is. You might want to start earlier, though, as there will be over 100 people there."
"Is this a party we are going to, Richard?"
"Initially, yes. But, it will break off fast. Whether it will end there is another question. Hopefully not, as this will mean things can get started much faster."
"You're scaring me there Rich. What are you getting me into, here?"
"It may be nothing, Harry, or it may be very complicated. And seeing as how it happened five years ago, it may be very hard to follow up on."
"You mean When I disappeared for a year, with my friends?"
"I believe, that was just a coincidence, but, may be related. That's all I can say right now. Let's just say, this person you are about to meet, has been watching you for four years, since you have been here. You had to be in the right frame of mind, in order to meet, and I believe you are there, what with all the things going right for you recently."
Richard stayed for about an hour after this, and joined Luna in a dance while Harry and Ginny shared a much more intimate one. Then he had to leave, reluctantly.
Harry brought Teddy home that evening, after promising he would have him back, as soon as he was able.
Monday afternoon, found Harry in Richard's office, with his customary plate and box of treats. Harry sat across from Richard, and listened to him while he explained what was to be expected, "Harry, it was as I expected, Ginny and Luna will be allowed to accompany you on this trip, but, the kids will be able to go, in the future, if there is one. For right now, this meeting is sort of a test to see if you are the right person needed for what will be a most difficult, and possibly dangerous assignment."
"Dangerous?"
"Yes, Harry, Dangerous. Please let it go for now, as you have to be accepted first. Wednesday, could be a very meaningful meeting for you and your girls."
"I'll let them know. Ginny has to get authorization to take off."
"Already taken care of Harry. She will be on the job. I think Hermione may be going as well, but, maybe she will be accepted later. I don't know for sure. Just don't be surprised if she is joining you."
"Thanks Richard, and give my love to Audrey and the Kids."
"Right Harry, and thanks for the treats." he said as he took a bite off of the danish he selected.
Harry met Luna in the cafeteria, and they walked home. The air was brisk and clear, but, it looked like it could rain. The wind was starting to pick up.
As Richard said, Hermione had been contacted by her boss that she was expected to be going with Harry and his ladies, for this little trip. None of them had the foggiest idea of what to expect.
Rolf's first day was better than he expected. He had a bigger showing than he had been led to believe. It seemed that there were more people becoming interested in this class. The extra students were there to see what the course would be like, and what it involved. Tuesday had even more. Rolf's class was one of the hottest classes this school year. He had to take on an evening class to handle all the students. Luna was happy for Rolf, but, she was sad, as she was seeing less and less of him. It was then that she thought of a way to clear some time for him. He needed an assistant. Adam to be exact. Rolf loved the idea, and he would run it by Richard in the morning, and then get in touch with Adam if it was approved.
Richard looked at the class load, and felt Rolf did indeed need an assistant, and Rolf got hold of Adam, and he agreed. It took a bit, to get him to agree, but, eventually, with Luna's help, was able to persuade him.
Wednesday was going to be a long day for Harry and Luna, as they had to get up an hour and a half earlier than usual, in order to finish everything for the day. It didn't take away from their dance though. Luna wasn't right if Harry didn't dance at least one dance with her. Then there was the four or five dances with the students. There would be a lot more, if Harry wasn't such a slave driver. He insisted she at least try to look like she was working.
This morning though, all she got was the one dance with Harry, as they still had to make pastries for about one hundred people, beyond what they normally make. Luckily, the kitchen offered to clean up for them, so that they could get ready for their meeting. Ginny and Hermione joined them in the Cafeteria, and together, they walked to Richard's office. Each one carried five boxes into the office, and Richard took one from each, as he helped with the goodies. He led them down to the main entrance, where a huge Limo was parked there waiting for them.
The trip took longer than was expected, and Harry thought they might be late. It was taking place in London. Buckingham Palace to be exact. All four were at a loss for words, as the Limo was allowed through the gates. When they arrived at the main entrance, they were greeted by a huge staff, who took all the boxes from them, and showed them in. They had to wait for about fifteen minutes, and then were escorted in. The five approached the Queen, who was sitting on her throne. Harry and Richard bowed, and the ladies curtsied, as they were announced. Her Majesty asked them to approach, as a group.
"Mr. Potter, it has come to my attention, of the many deeds you have accomplished in you career, as short as it has been. We are most pleased that you have agreed to join us this day. I would have you join in the festivities, for now, but, I wish to talk to you and your friends before the day is finished. We are also pleased that you have honored us with these delightful treats, although the kitchen staff was quite put out by them. It seems their fair was ignored, when yours were presented, and sampled. Good show on that, as they thought that their presentation was beyond reproach. It rather put them in their place, if you know what I mean."
Harry had to stifle a laugh, at her Majesty's sticking it to her own personal help.
The lunch only lasted about an hour, and then they were asked to leave. Harry and his entourage were led to a large room behind the greeting room, where they settled down for their talk.
"Mr. Potter, may I be allowed to call you Harry?"
"I would be honored for you to do so, Your Majesty. And if you have a need to address my friends, I thyink they would also be honored if you called them by their first names as well. This young lady to my right is Ginevra Weasley. To my left, is Luna Lovegood, and to her left, is Hermione Granger. I believe you already know Richard."
"Indeed I do know Richard, or as I like to call him, as it infuriates him so much, DICK."
Richard turned a bright purple color. Her Majesty was the only one who could get away with calling him that, ant get verbally course, he had his nickname for her as well. "You are the only one that gets away with calling me that BUNNY."
"Ahem, yes well, shall we get on with it." Her Majesty blushed out. Holding back their laugh, the five, along with the Queen sat at a small table, just large enough for them to sit and talk, with out raising their voice.
"Harry, that year of your disappearance with your friends, I believe Hermione being one of them, was one that will not be long forgotten. Many citizens died that year, and many came up missing, presumed dead. There was one, however, that hit very close to home. The death had to appear to be an accident, but, the truth of the matter is, I believe it was murder. I believe you all have heard of Princess Diane, or Princess Di. It is our belief that she may have been a part of the killing spree of this Lord Voldemort, you defeated. I know it has been five years since it happened, but, I was hoping that You and your friends would look into this for us."
"Your Majesty, what you ask, may be impossible. The bodies being buried, the vehicle disposed of, and all the damage repaired. We don't have anything to work with."
"No, Harry, The vehicle has not been destroyed. It sits the way it was taken from the scene. As for the bodies, all information concerning their deaths is at your disposal, as well as all photos, articles, and eye witness statements. There are thousands of photos taken at the scene. There are also a few videos, including one where the crash took place, although, I never found out who the source of it was."
"Well it is a start. I believe we will start with the vehicle. Would it be alright to start tomorrow morning your Majesty. I don't relish the idea of ruining our dress clothes."
"I'm sorry Harry, but, it must start today. Time has already been wasted."
Harry and the girls looked puzzled. Five years have gone by, and all of a sudden, their in a hurry?
Richard saw the look on their faces, and couldn't hold it back any more. He broke out laughing, as did Bunny. The four young ones looked at each other and understood, they had just been pranked. Ginny felt that since it was done to them, then it was only polite to return the favor. "Well since it is vital to begin this now, I suggest we change. " Ginny waved her wand, and all four were in filthy, greasy clothes that reeked of oil and sweat. Even the guards across the room could smell them. Beefeater's were known for their staunch stance, however, the smell coming from these clothes was enough to make them gag. Her Majesty was between laughing, and gagging, as was Richard.
"Enough, please. Tomorrow will be on earth did you come up with those foul smelling outfits. , remind me to never prank Ginevra again. Her rebuttal is brutal."
Ginny changed them back to their original attire, plus some air freshener, and body spray, to which every one was pleased.
Her Majesty agreed to let James and Lillian stay while the four made their investigation. Richard gave them a paid leave of absence, and Harry asked Ginny to floo Molly to see if she could fill in for him and Luna.
Molly agreed, and Harry had Richard pay Molly his pay, equal to a month to start. 10,000 pounds, or 400 galleons. Molly didn't know this yet.
The Ministry put Hermione and Ginny on special duty to her Majesty.
Upon arrival, Harry asked Her Majesty if any other witch or wizard had looked into the accident, and she answered, "Yes Harry, a Ministry Official."
"Do you remember his or her name?"
"Not off hand, but, it should be in the report. Why is it important for who did the investigation, Harry?"
"Because your Majesty, at the time, the Ministry was under the control of Lord Voldemort. It may have been one of his men who made the investigation. A cover up, may have been made."
"Thank you Harry, you have made my trust in you justifiable. Kingsley told me of you and your friends deductive reasoning prowess. Please look into this. You don't know how much this will relieve my mind of Diane's death. If you need anything at all, just let me know."
The group went to the garage where the wreckage was kept. Hermione and Ginny used their knowledge of spell awareness, and Luna used her power of insight. She could look at an object, and tell if there was any wrong doing associated with the object. She did see a gray area in and around the steering mechanism. "Harry, I believe you may be right. There has definitely been something done to the steering."
Hermione and Ginny made the same assessment. "Luna's right Harry. it has been tampered with. But that is not all. We felt there has been another magical presence here just recently."
"How recent Hermione?"
Ginny waved her wand around the garage, and Saw an image of a person on he other side of the vehicle. "In the last twenty four hours, Harry. He left his signature. I think we can trace it, since it is fresh."
"OK listen up. I know I can't keep you all away from this, but, No one is to go off on their own. We don't know if this person is working alone, or, with some one. We are safer if we are , Hermione I'm going to tell the Queen what we found, and I be right back. Please don't go off alone. I* just got you back into my life. I don't want to lose you again." And Harry took off to tell Her Majesty. He returned, and Ginny had found the trail used by the witch or wizard.
They followed it to the Ministry of Magic, and lost it in all the other trails left by the other people working there. They walked around to try and find it, and were rewarded, when they found it by the elevators. They got on the elevator that the person used, and picked up the trail on the fourth level. They followed it to the Magical Games, Sports, and Events Dept. It led to an office of Theodore Nott. He wasn't on at the time. Harry looked at the time, and saw it was lunch time, so they decided to notify Kingsley, about there discovery. "Harry, I don't know about you, but, I don't think Nott is smart enough to be behind all this. I think there may be more involved. With the Royal Family involved,maybe we should bring in Nott, and use Veritaserum."
"No, Kingsley, because if the real brains behind the conspiracy sees you taking him, he or she might run. I can't see you having Nott up here very often."
"Of course your right Harry, but, I can't have him running loose, especially if he has access to the Castle like he does. What do you suppose he was doing there?"
"I believe that there is a spy in the castle, who is also in on this. He or she may be Muggle born, or a squib. Probably a squib. I think we need to visit the Queen. Would you care to join us Kingsley?"
"Thank you Harry, I would. I miss my days as an Auror. All the sneaking around, and trying to find clues."
The group Apparated to the one spot in the castle, that was open to magical transportation. The guards on duty saw who it was, and allowed them entry. Harry walked to the Steward, and asked to be announced. A minute later, they were led into the large room behind the Greeting Room. Bunny was sitting at a desk, going over some paperwork. She looked up at Harry, "Well young sir, and Ladies. Kingsley, it is good to see you again. It has been a while. Seven months, if my memory serves me correct."
"As it always does your Majesty. And as always, it is a pleasure to see you again." He bowed to her. Harry joined him, and the girls did their curtsy.
"You all realize that when we are alone, all of this is not necessary. I believe we can all call ourselves friends. Now, Harry, what can I help you with?"
"Your Majesty, I believe we found a lead in this case. A man named Nott works in the Ministry. We found a trace of his magic in the garage where the vehicle is kept. He has been there as recently as yesterday. We don't know if he took anything though. We also don't think he was working alone. I believe there is a spy working here in the castle."
"Harry, you said this man's name is Nott. We have a lady who works the kitchen, that's named Nott, spelled N O T T ."
"That's the name your Majesty. She must be a squib.. But, that still does not tell us who is the brains behind this. Who ever it is, must have been in touch with the Death Eaters, when they were in control. Do you know How long she has worked here?"
"Quite a while. At least 25 years. Do you still suspect her?"
"More so then ever, your Majesty. That would put it at the time when the height of Voldemort's reign, before his vacation, was the strongest. What do you think Hermione. Does that sound reasonable?"
"Well it would explain how Nott was able to Apparate into the garage. She must have been waiting there for him, to give him an Apparating spot to hone in on. There are disrupting charms covering the castle, to keep unwanted people out. That would be the only way in, with out an invitation. Harry, I think we need to make a call on the Angel. I think we may be in need of his assistance."
"Hermione, You do realize that I know who this Angel is don't you?" the Queen asked?
"No, your Majesty, I wasn't aware of it. But, I suppose if there was anyone who would know, it would be you."
"Thank you for that I think, Hermione. Now what do you plan on doing ANGEL?"
"I believe, that I am going to leak out some information, and set a trap. And I believe, Theodore Nott will be our messenger, through Miss Nott.
Harry and Ginny purposely walked by the kitchen, whispering, trying to get the attention of the informant. Miss Nott, indeed saw the two, and notice them stop outside the door. She could barely make out what they were saying. Something about finding a lead in the garage that would take them to the person, or people behind the Princess Murder.
The information had been transmitted, and received, as Luna and Hermione saw Miss Nott leave the Castle not 10 minutes after Harry and Ginny left to spill the beans.
Kingsley loved watching the young adults work. Hermione and Ginny were two of the top Unspeakables in the Department, and Harry and Luna would be right there with them. But if he asked, and they accepted,there would be no more Pastries. OH the the harsh reality of being the Minister of Magic. The decisions were so hard to make.