Chapter 108: Eavesdropping

After spending the Christmas holiday at the Burrow with the Weasley family and her brother Jacob, Claire came into the Hogwarts Spring Semester with a refreshed mind and a plan in mind. She sent letters out to everyone in the Circle of Khanna and told them to meet in the Dark Arts Classroom at dawn before classes started. To her surprise, everyone made it on time including Corey and Victor.

"Okay, guys," Claire said, getting everyone's attention. "The reason I called you here is so I could give you all an update on the situation with 'R' and Jacob."

"Just say the word, and I'll smash the bad guys' heads in for you!" Barnaby said, pounding his fist into his other hand.

"I'll keep that in mind," Claire said, winking at Barnaby. Then she addressed the rest of the group. "With Mad-Eye Moody's help, I've been able to confirm 'R' did infiltrate the Ministry of Magic and St. Mungo's. This led to a series of recent incidents, such as the jinxed windows, the Wampus Cat that ran amok in Hogsmeade, Zenith Xeep's hair product scandal, and the laughing curse that affected Penny, my brother, Madam Strout, and Professor Flitwick. Among those responsible for these incidents was a Healer named Burke, who was actually an undercover agent of 'R''s, and a Metamorphmagus called the Director, who is apparently a high-ranking member in 'R.'"

Hearing the word 'Metamorphmagus,' Tonks looked nervous. "Do you know what this Metamorphmagus looks like?"

"She typically resembles an older lady with white hair, wears a black dress and a small pointed hat," Claire said. "I saw her in Knockturn Alley last year when Mundungus Fletcher told me someone was asking for different kinds of information about me."

Jae scratched his chin. "I might check with my sources in Knockturn Alley to see if they might know where this Metamorphmagus can be found, or what her real name is."

"I'll keep an eye on things from the Ministry of Magic, since I'm still working with them under Mad-Eye's tutelage, and let you know if I find anything out," Tonks offered.

"We should start dueling lessons again," Diego declared. "After all, we never know when 'R' will strike next."

Badeea sighed. "I just wish I could paint 'R' away with the stroke of my brush."

Talbott, who was sitting next to Badeea, held her hand. "We'll be fine, as long as we work together as one."

"Couldn't agree more," Claire said. "We also have two new members who have offered to join our group: Corey Hayden, and Victor Ketsueki."

"Hello!" Corey said excitedly. "I've always wanted to join a secret society, so it's an honor for me to be here."

"I only came for the action," Victor shrugged. "But I'm here if anyone wants help, or to listen to my cool stories."

"How is Jacob?" Chiara asked Claire. "A Healer told me he Apparated from St. Mungo's with you and Mad-Eye."

"He's fully recovered and been taken to a safe house," Claire answered. "I won't tell you where this safe house is for security reasons, but that's where he'll be until the Wizengamot trial for the White-Robed Wizard that attacked me and Beatrice."

Beatrice winced. "Thanks for reminding me."

"Sorry," Claire apologized. "But hopefully with me and my brother's testimony, this White-Robed Wizard will be locked away for good and that'll be one less 'R' member to deal with. In the meantime, I want us to keep our guard up and figure out how to confront the Director since she sounds quite formidable from my sources."

Near the back, Merula sighed with relief at Claire not revealing her status as a double agent.

"I'll keep in touch with new updates, and you should do the same," Claire finished. "That is all."

From there, the room broke up with everyone talking in their own smaller groups. While this was going on, Claire pulled Corey aside.

"I wanted to talk to you about Dai Ryusaki's Dark Scroll," Claire said quietly. "We need to keep our half safe."

"Like I said, it's hidden somewhere where no one will think to find it," Corey assured. "And no one else knows I have the scroll, except for you and Jacob."

"That's good," Claire said. "Jacob was worried about the scroll when Mad-Eye and I dropped him off at the safe house."

Merula then suddenly pushed past Corey and leaned in close to Claire.

"We need to talk," Merula whispered. "There's been an unexpected…issue."

Claire and Corey nodded, then with Merula they agreed to meet in the Artefact Room. But when Corey and Claire got there, Merula wasn't present.

"I wonder where Merula is?" Corey observed. "She made it sound like the issue was important."

"Maybe she got sidetracked or something," Claire guessed. "I don't think she would ditch us if the issue was as important as it sounded."

"Then do you think we could continue our earlier conversation?" Corey said. "About the — "

From a corner of the room, Merula suddenly appeared from beneath an Invisibility Cloak.

"Blimey, your conversations are dull," Merula commented.

"Were you here the whole time?" Claire demanded.

"Course I was," Merula stated. "I used your Invisibility Cloak to traverse the school without being seen."

"But I didn't give it to you," Claire recalled.

"Don't worry, I'll give it back when we're done here," assured Merula.

"Eavesdropping doesn't build trust, Merula," Corey said warily. "In fact, it makes you seem more suspicious."

Merula chuckled. "Relax, guys. I was just hoping you would say something interesting. Just a bit of fun, you know."

Corey didn't look convinced. "I don't know about that."

Sighing, Merula said, "The truth is, I've been feeling paranoid lately. I'm worried 'R' is watching my every move, and if I'm found out…."

"You decided eavesdropping would be a good way to relieve your paranoia," Claire guessed.

"Kind of," Merula said. "But I did have something important to tell you. It's about the upcoming Wizengamot trial, so listen up!"

To be continued…