Of course I do not own anyone of these characters. All persons, places, items…etc are property of WB and her Majesty, JK Rowling. I also like to say to anyone who still is reading this I apologize for the lack of updates. Life is hectic. I'm also pushing forward the storyline cause frankly…writers block has been with me ever since I wrote the last chapter. I also know that online translators are horrible, but you get the point :-P.
Chapter 16: Will you or Will you not?
I knew him well. I am totally sure he was ready for a resounding and defiant "yes" to the Minister for Magic's question. However…it would not be the best of ideas. As I heard him form his words I moved my head ever so slightly to both sides. "Yeh-no." "I beg your pardon?" said the Minister in obvious astonishment. "No," the boy repeated. I listened quietly to the back and forth until I noticed Cornelius stare at me. "Nothing like a good witness, is there, Dumbledore?" Nothing at all, Cornelius," I said in a grave tone.
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March 1945
Minister for Magic Edward Darling sat across from Deputy Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the latter's office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Six others wizards crowded around the room behind the Minister. Albus refused to look at any of them. For the last two years this has become a common occurrence. Dumbledore knew what the Minister would say. But it gave him no pleasure. How he yearned to take action, to fight back on behalf of all those who had been harmed in the past years…but he couldn't…and they couldn't understand why he has refused…again and again they have had the same response.
"Albus…the French Ministry fell six weeks ago…the mere fact they lasted that long is nothing short of astounding. We have also confirmed that Grindelwald himself executed Minister for Magic Philippe Thierun…all for 'the greater good'," the Minister finished, not hiding his contempt for the now well known catchphrase of the dictator. The Minister drew himself up to his full height, "Albus…we very well could be on the eve on an invasion of the country itself. It is imperative you do something, Albus! No one else is capable of even giving Grindelwald a run for his money…except you." Albus sighed in a defeated way and shook his head. Still looking down at his clasped hands he was barley audible as he murmured, "I can not face Grindelwald." Albus did not have to look to know what the people would look like. Anger at another refusal…disbelief that he would just sit in the school when everyone knew only he could defeat the greatest Dark Lord of all time…
The Minister's face flushed in anger. "Albus…I want to introduce you to Marie-Dominique Mignon…she lost her husband and children to Grindelwald. Maybe she can persuade you. The women approached Albus's desk timidly and in barley a whisper she spoke, her words quite…tired…"Mon mari. ..he était un muggle. Mais après qu'il a découvert que j'étais, il m'a embrassé même plus alors avant. nous avons eu deux enfants. Mon mari a été placé chargé d'un département de Ministère qui a aidé muggles apprend le monde de sorcellerie doit ils épousent un sorcier ou une sorcière. Il l'a aimé. ..but avec Grindlwald prend le pouvoir il a commencé à faire qu'il peut pour aider le faire baisser. ..Grindelwald l'a ciblé personnellement. ..I est parti un jour pour aller à une réunion. ..when je suis rentré je l'ai vu. ..he avait été lié à une poste. ..he a paru horrible. ..blood était partout. ..he était mort. ..I pourrait dire cela tout de suite. ..above lui il y avait un signe. ..it a dit . Pour Mes enfants. .."
The women started to stumble over her words and break down crying. The Minister tried to wrap his arms around her but she shrugged him off. Pursing her lips in an effort to restrain the sobs she slowly pulled out of her cloak a picture. Two smiling adults in front of a large home with them a young boy and a young girl. The women slide the photograph of the happy family on Albus's desk until it rested right under his nose. Before he could look away Albus saw the family…the girl…she had blond hair…blue eyes…and looked so vaguely like…Ariana. Before he could stop himself Albus let out a whimper of agony…then he broke down completely. The people in the room looked at each other questioningly. After a moment the Minister asked "Albus…will you help us bring down Grindelwald?" All Albus could do was nod.
"My husband...he was a muggle. But after he found out what I was, he embraced me even more then before. we had two children. My husband was placed in charge of a Ministry department that helped muggles learn the wizarding world should they marry a wizard or witch. He loved it...but with Grindelwald coming to power he started to do what he could to help bring him down...Grindelwald targeted him personally...I left one day to go to a meeting...when I got home I saw him...he had been tied to a post...he looked horrible...blood was everywhere...he was dead...I could tell that right away...above him there was a sign...it said 'For the Greater Good'...I ran inside and that's where I found my children..."