Thanks for your comments/reviews since my last update, and also, a shout-out to those who have added the story to your alert list, c2, or favourite list, it's almost as good as a review, 'ya know!
Posted July 12, 2012.
18: A DARK BEGINNING TO THE NEW YEAR
New Year's Eve was upon them in what seemed like the blink of an eye, passed in the haze of visitors, food, drink, and merriment. At this point Jason was silently thanking everything holy that this was the last night of such celebrations. He'd ended up pissed at least three times, and the morning-after effects were most unpleasant. His boyfriend's mirth at his misfortune was also starting to grate on him a little. Jason made a silent promise to repay the guy in kind somehow.
That afternoon, Jason was once again shocked, as the floo fired, and the face of his former potions professor appeared in the flames.
"Potter... or Black, should I say?"
"Professor. Happy Christmas, sir," Jason greeted, deciding to be polite.
"If I might come through," said Snape. Jason looked around at Auror Morgan, who gave a nod.
"Of course. Give me a moment to adjust the wards."
Snape gave a curt nod, and vanished out of the fire. Jason quickly modified the wards, and only seconds later, the surly potions master stepped out of the grate, dusting the ashes off his clothes.
"You have received the two text books I sent with Weasley?"
"Yes sir," answered Jason, "And thank you, they've been very helpful. I should also say thanks for your testimony at both of my hearings."
"Indeed. Dumbledore violated your mothers memory locking you away in Azkaban."
"My dad's too-"
"You have your mother's eyes."
Jason blinked. "Who are you and what have you done with Professor Snape?"
"The headmaster is guilty of many things, Black. Things I myself am still coming to terms with. I need not say how truly powerful he was."
"He put memory charms on you too?"
"Indeed, if only part of the equation. His actions have caused me to sully your mother's memory with my treatment toward you."
"Ah. And the picture becomes clearer. Apology accepted, professor. The depravity of the former headmaster seems to know no end."
Jason thought for a moment.
"Professor McGonagall is headmistress now?"
"She is. She wishes me to become deputy."
"Good, good. Though I can't believe I'm saying that," said Jason, with a smirk, "All I know, is the school's in good hands now."
"The headmistress also passes on the message that, should you wish to return for your sixth year in September-"
"I'm probably half-way to my NEWT exams, professor. Unlikely I'll ever return as a student, if at all," Jason answered.
"I do admit, I did miss having you in my class. You were a fair student, I can now freely tell you."
"Why couldn't you before?" Mace dared enter the conversation.
"He couldn't," answered Jason, already understanding what had happened. "Just like Ron and Hermione had compulsion and memory charms. With Professor Snape, it was likely much sooner." He thought for a moment. "Professor, my partner, James Mace. Mace... Professor Severus Snape." The pair briefly shook hands.
"Jason's told me about you. But... guess I really can't be pissed at you considering," said Mace, with a shrug.
"As you are likely very much aware at this point, magic can be used in many ways, not all of them good."
"Yeah, I've seen that much."
"Which brings me back to one of the points of my visit. You have been visited by Ministry instructors who have been teaching you Occlumency?"
"Yes sir."
"How far along?"
"I can keep him out indefinitely at this point. But sir... there's something else. I don't think Occlumency would have helped against Voldemort."
"Don't say his name, Mr. Black. And why not?" Snape questioned.
"My link back to him... to Tom... it was a Horcrux."
Snape closed his eyes a moment.
"The Dark Lord has created Horcruxes." It was not a question.
"At least three of them, likely more."
Snape looked furious. "That meddling bastard. Occlumency would only further strengthen such a connection, rather than close it. You have my deepest apologies."
"It means a lot from you, sir," said Jason, with an incline of the head. "Thing is, he's gone, the Horcrux is gone, thanks to my mate, and I've learned enough on how to protect my thoughts and memories."
"If I might test you."
"Sure."
Snape drew his wand, and pointed it at Jason. "Legilimens."
The professor was taken aback at what he found. Rather than the stream of memories he'd been able to pluck out of the young wizard's head last time he'd been able to do this, he found himself being pressured from all sides, by a most oppressive haze of sorts. The temperature seemed to fall by the second... and a sense of dread was becoming nearly too much to bear. It was as if...
Snape withdrew at once, his usual mask of indifference almost slipping from the shock.
"Most unpleasant?"
"Indeed. If I didn't know different, I would say I just experienced a Dementor."
"Good. Exactly what I'd wanted. My instructor suggested I use that technique, given my personal experience around them."
"Yes. You have been taught well. I do regret I wasn't able to teach you in the same manner."
"I know who to blame for that one, professor."
"I do need to get back to the castle. Unusual amount of students remained over the holidays."
"Of course. Thanks for dropping by, sir."
"Indeed. And Black. Your mother would be very proud of you."
"I already know, sir."
Snape arched an eyebrow, but activated the floo. He was gone moments later.
"Well. That was interesting."
"Thought you said he was an asshole," said Mace.
"Because of Dumbledore, though. So I don't blame him for anything now, really. My dad didn't make things easy, but Merlin's pants! Still amazes me how much Dumbledore fucked things up. My time as a student at Hogwarts would have been so much easier without him being a git, y'know."
That evening, they held a party to welcome the new year, this time held outside, behind the house. The snow had been cleared away from the patio area, with a broad heating charm applied against the chilly winter air. The past couple of weeks had been bone-chilling to say the least—Mace had been extra appreciative of the warm sweater Mrs. Weasley had made for him.
Once again, Kreacher had come through in a big way, providing enough snacks and party favours to feed an army. A large table had been set up against the house, and the stereo had been brought out to provide the music. There had been debate about bringing out a Wizarding wireless, but Jason nixed the idea. The programming on the Muggle radio was fine.
The evening wore on, and Jason slowly lost track of the time, indulging in more than a few of Mace's beers. This time, however, he'd remembered to adequately stock the potions cabinet with a decent number of anti-hangover remedies, along with a few sobriety draughts for good measure. In fact, he barely registered anything as Mace collected him and kissed him softly, whispering, "Happy new year."
Early hours of January 1, 2001
Jason awoke with a start. Something had just pinged off the wards. Something unfriendly.
"Jason?"
"Accio anti-hangover draught," Jason whispered, his wand already pointed toward the general area of the potions cabinet. His head was pounding.
"What's wrong?"
"Dunno. Something just pinged off the wards... doesn't feel-"
BANG! "Jason! Lock down the house, NOW!" came Bill's alarmed voice.
"Got it. Floo as well," Jason answered, as the potion he'd called for sailed into his hand.
He popped the cork, and downed the nasty concoction.
"Tempus," he whispered, and '3:25a' wafted from the tip of his wand. "Someone's trying to break through the wards. Bill! Send a Patronus to the Ministry, just in case."
"Already did."
Bill was then standing at the doorway to the room, wand already drawn.
"Jesus Christ," Mace muttered, looking out the window. Colourful flashes of light could be seen to the southwest.
"What?"
"Look." Mace pointed out the colourful light display.
"Magical fight. They haven't breached the wards, but they're trying—ow." Jason winced, as another virtual blast was recorded in his mind's eye.
"Security chamber. Now," Mace decided. Jason went to protest, but his partner was right.
"Sonorus," Jason whispered, touching his wand to his throat, "Everyone to the cellar straight away, please. Quietus."
Taking his wand away from his throat, he then intoned, "Expecto Patronum." To his Patronus, he spoke, "House in lock down. Gone into security chamber. Summon Fawkes to send all clear." Then, "To Sandra Fraser." The silvery stag bounded out the window, and vanished. "Let's go."
In the cellar, they found everyone gathered, most having grabbed some clothes beforehand. Mace touched several of the bricks in one corner, opening the passage. "C'mon, in here." Lamps were already coming to life, illuminating a downward-sloping tunnel, built not long before the start of the holidays by a goblin excavation team.
"Vot is this place?" Viktor dared ask, as the group began to make their way through the tunnel.
"Just wait 'till we get inside," Mace answered.
"Kreacher, come here," Jason called. The elf popped into view, still wearing the smart little uniform he'd been given for Christmas. "Master Jason call for Kreacher?"
"Stay close to me, we're going somewhere you can't apparate," Jason explained, as they too stepped through the opening. Being the last ones through, Jason tapped a second set of bricks with his wand, and the hole closed itself up, looking as if the wall had not been disturbed.
The security chamber, as Mace called it, was his own pet project he'd been working on since the attack in November. Bill had certainly helped out with the layering of wards and protections, agreeing fully with the idea. It was still not entirely complete, as far as final amenities were concerned, but the structure itself was done, as was its function. For now, there was enough room for twenty people, and rations to last about a week. Those supplies were still being worked on, as Mace thought it would be better to have a six months' supply at a minimum.
The chamber had been layered with a number of impervious charms, anti-magic charms, heat-shield charms, anti-apparition wards, anti-port key wards, and a special ward that prevented house elf apparition as well. Kreacher would have to enter or leave the chamber like everyone else.
The central chamber was a bit higher than the cellar was, with the floor, walls, and ceiling made of stone. Three rooms led off of it—a small kitchen, and two bathrooms. The rest of the chamber was set up somewhat like a dormitory, with beds for twenty people, namely, ten single bunk beds.
"Sorry it's not the most comfortable," Mace apologized, "Didn't think we'd be using it this soon."
"Don't worry about it," said Jason, "Good thing we have it. Dunno if they could get through the wards or not, but... better safe than not. Rather not have a repeat of November."
"Yeah, agreed."
"You're sure we'll be safe here?" Mrs. Weasley asked. Her husband was already transfiguring one of the bunk beds into a larger double sized bed for them.
"Perfectly, mum," answered Bill, "The wall where we came in is warded to mask the fact any sort of construction happened there. Unless the intruders know what they're looking for, they won't find the entrance." He gestured with his wand, also changing a bunk bed into a double for him and his wife. Another was converted into a much smaller bed for their daughter.
"How will we do for food, then?"
"Enough for a week," answered Mace, "I'd hoped to have more, but... shit... didn't expect us to need this so soon."
"Good job all the same," Mr. Weasley said, "Though we might have been safe to go to the ministry here..."
"We can't be sure though," Mace countered, "I haven't been in your world long enough, but God... the shit that's going on, who's to say the Ministry isn't compromised?"
"It's why I sent a Patronus message to my attorney before we came in here. Once it's all clear, she'll summon Fawkes and pass word."
"Let's just get some sleep, it's still the wee hours of the morning," Hermione suggested, "Nothing else we can do now."
"Agreed." Jason had also transfigured a bunk into a more appropriate bed for him and his partner, and sat on the edge of it. "Fuck, what a way to start off the new year..." he muttered."
Mace shook his head. "Magnet for trouble."
Hours later, Jason was awakened by something sitting on his chest, and rubbing his face. He opened his eyes to find Fawkes to be the culprit. He'd brought a paper, by the looks of it.
"'lo, Fawkes." His greeting was answered by a happy trill.
"Fawkes... that means-" Mace began, but Jason only shook his head. "Dunno yet." Fawkes left the paper on his chest, and fluttered over to rest on a vacant bunk. Jason sat up, and looked at the paper. There was a page of parchment rolled up with it. "Stay where you are. Canadian borders shut tight, floo network for official business only. Will send further word as we get it. S.F.," he read.
"Sounds bad," Mace guessed.
"Repeat of November by the sound of it," Jason guessed, "No apparition, no port keys, no floo network... they mean business."
"That today's paper?"
"No. Yesterday's," said Jason, tossing the paper aside.
"My parents... I have no way of telling them vot has happened," said Viktor, concerned.
"It probably won't take long to reach across the pond, mate," said Ron, sleepily, "It's probably Voldemort, my guess."
"If he did, it wouldn't be all that bright. The Canadian Ministry would love to have a go at him, I think," said Jason, darkly, "But Ron's right. Although, you could send a message with Fawkes."
"I vould like that."
"Did you bring down any parchment?"
"Yeah, I think... that cabinet... should be some, if I remember," said Mace. Jason simply gestured at the cabinet. "Accio parchment and quill."
The items floated across the room to land in Jason's hand, and he passed them over to Viktor. The foreign wizard scratched out a quick missive, and folded the parchment over, before handing it back. Fawkes had already fluttered over, and Jason let him take the letter in his outstretched claw. "To Viktor's mum and dad, wait for a response if they have one." The bird flashed away.
"The Dark Lord has been sending missives," said Viktor, his features darkening, "Vonts us all to join his army. Fleur sending her invitation... vos most timely."
"So there were ulterior motives to you coming," said Capa, from a bunk across the room.
"Yes, there vos. To avoid another note from him. There is a vor coming, I vont no part of it."
"Stay here then. We've got loads of room," Jason decided, "I mean... I guess it goes part and parcel to something I was gonna ask all of you anyway. Viktor's right. There is a war coming. I dunno how Fudge has managed to hold him off this long... but really... it's just a matter of time before Voldemort takes over the Ministry. That said, I would feel a whole lot better if those I care about were here rather than there, in harm's way. I'm willing to foot the bill to make sure you're all safe."
"Harry—Jason, as much as we appreciate the offer—"
"No, Molly. He's right," said Mr. Weasley, "There comes a time when we have to take care of our own rather than fight the good fight. Even Fred and George realize this." He looked at Jason. "We'll be glad to accept."
"Likewise," said Bill, "Particularly now we have this little wonder to think about." He gestured toward Victoire, still sound asleep in her small bed.
"And vot about my family?" questioned Viktor.
"I can make sure they're safe as well. I'll need to get in touch with my attorney again, but... my fame has some use here with the Ministry and all."
"You don't plan on fighting the Dark Lord, then."
"I dunno, Viktor. I just... the English Wizarding world wants a hero and a martyr, not a leader. They worship the ground I walk on one moment, then brand me an attention-seeker, liar, murderer, dark wizard, the next."
Viktor seemed to think on this a moment, then gave a slow nod, although he furrowed his brows. "It is not right, vot they have done to you. I suppose it is only a fair expectation, your reaction. I can not fault you for that decision."
"Thanks. Though I haven't made a firm decision yet. Still waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"The other shoe?" Viktor was confused.
"I have a gut feeling... Wizarding Britain isn't done with me yet. They'll have one more crack at me before they learn... even after whatever this—going on outside—is."
"Oh."
"Of course, if whatever going on outside IS caused by British witches and wizards, I really pity them. Canada was about ready to go to war with them LAST time they pulled a stunt like this."
Jason blew out a breath, then laid back down.
"Thing is, we need a list of anyone who is an ally. In a nutshell, anyone who spoke out FOR me during my original trial, or anyone who can prove they were coerced by the meddling old headmaster to speak out against me. Luna and her father, for example. I'll help them relocate their press and all, if necessary. Neville and his gran. That's five of the Ministry six."
"We'll send a letter to Charlie," said Mrs. Weasley, "He might be okay in Romania, but, better safe than sorry."
"Hermione, do you still have the list we made for the D.A.?"
"I think so. I'll have to look for it. What for?"
"The D.A. A number of them did speak up for me, right? Would you remember who?"
"If I can find the list, yes."
"Good. The D.A. Stood up to the Ministry, and equally, to Voldemort. They stood beside me, not behind me, looking for a leader and not a martyr or a hero. Those are the kind of people I'm willing to save."
He exhaled loudly, then folded his hands across his chest.
"Really wonderful way to start the new year," he said sarcastically.
"Meh, you had a good time last night though," said Capa. He didn't have to see him to know he was smirking.
"Too much beer, maybe."
"Yes, about that, Mr. Black," Viktor scowled, "You don't remember?"
"Remember what?"
"Vell..."
"Oh, THAT," Hermione let out a giggle. She remembered it quite well, as did just about everyone else in the room. Jason looked over at Mace, who was also smirking.
"I am rather possessive, y'know. I'm just not brave enough to cross wands with him." Mace cast a glance over at Viktor, who was still scowling.
Jason had a horrible sinking feeling in his gut. "But... okay, seriously guys... what... what did I do?"
"What do we do on a regular basis?" Mace questioned, still smirking.
"But... Oh Merlin..." Jason felt his face get very hot, as the final pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
"At least there were no cameras present," Ron pointed out. That earned a rude gesture from Jason, and another scowl from Viktor.
"Yeah. Last thing either of us need. Fucking scandal that would cause—though I'd just let Sandra have at them."
He rolled over to face the Bulgarian.
"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to act like an ass. Merlin, I must've been really out of it then."
"But you two looked adorable together," Ron teased, "I mean, I think Mace was about ready to join in at one point."
"Could show them a pensieve memory later," said George, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Indeed, brother of mine," Fred threw in, "Patronus-worthy memory indeed!"
"Vell... let's not even begin to talk about vot you two vos doing," Viktor scowled, "Vill pay someone to memory charm that avay." That had both Fred and George looking mortified, while Mr. And Mrs. Weasley were looking oddly at their twin sons. Did they really want to know? Viktor, meanwhile, flopped back over so he was facing away, and huffed.
Jason, of course, quickly added things up. Fred and George... snogging? He burst out laughing.
"What?" Mace asked.
"Just... oh, that's right twisted, guys! Oh Merlin..." He roared with laughter again. Leave it to the twins to continuously find ways to apply shock-value.
"To their credit, there was a lot of alcohol last night," said Capa.
"Still... just... oh my God... wow."
"Well, you did have a good snogging session with Viktor," Fred rebutted, the smirk back on his face.
"He's not my brother though," Jason smirked right back.
Both Mr. And Mrs. Weasley looked mortified, as it finally sunk in.
"Though I do have to ask, what would Angelina and Katie have to say?"
"We proclaim ignorance!" George mock-protested, "It was a moment of weakness!"
"Yeah, we were overcome by lust!" Fred threw in.
"But..."
"Mrs. Weasley, I strongly doubt Fred and George are in any sort of relationship with each other," said Jason, with a scowl of his own, "Think about it."
"He's right, mum. C'mon, they do have girlfriends," said Bill, seeing his mother about to get up a head of steam.
Last thing they needed was for her to unload on her sons for something that was rather comical in a way. Although, Viktor did have a point. Even Bill had to agree... he'd seen his brothers' escapades the previous evening, something he could do without. It was a good thing Victoire was too young to remember such things... she would have been scarred for life.
It was almost noon hour before Fawkes reappeared bringing another note. "All clear. Fire-call soon as you can, we'll meet. S.F." Jason at once reopened the hidden gateway back into the house, and the large group recollected in the dining room. The house had not been damaged in any way, and a quick mental probe of the wards indicated everything was still solidly intact. Whoever it was trying to break through had failed spectacularly.
Jason quickly reopened the floo connection, then fire-called Sandra. She came back through less than a minute later.
"Happy New Year, Jason. Though I wish it were on better terms," said Sandra, as she and Ty followed Jason into the dining room.
"So do I. Bloody hell... not the way to start off the new year. Sorry you got dragged into the office when it should be your holiday."
"No worries. First question, is everyone all right?"
"They didn't get into the house," answered Jason. Kreacher had already vanished into the kitchen, to no doubt prepare an extra large lunch.
"Good, good. Good to hear."
Pop. Auror Morgan appeared, looking a little out of sorts. His robes were tattered in several places, and his face was scratched, blood oozing out of a small cut on his neck.
"Merlin. Let me-" Jason began to stand, worried about the guy, but he was waved off.
"I'll get looked after soon enough. Just makin' sure the lot of you are safe."
"We're okay. The wards held, and we went into the security chamber," Jason answered. "Did you guys learn who it was?"
"No, afraid not. We had one guy in custody, he suddenly died. Found traces of basilisk venom in his system."
"Cowards, the lot of them," Jason snorted, "Didn't Dumbledore have something like that hidden in his mouth?"
"They're using poison caplets then. Something out of a James Bond movie," said Capa.
"James Bond? Who's that?" Ron dared ask.
"Fictional spy character," said Capa, "Sometimes the bad guys would put poison pills or caplets under their tongue, right... so if they were captured, they couldn't be questioned."
"We'll keep that in mind for next time. Though I would've thought stunning hexes would've done sufficient."
"Did anyone have the Dark Mark?"
"No. Only caught two, neither of them did."
"Could be unmarked sympathizers," Mace guessed, to which Jason gave a nod. "True enough. Not all his followers are marked. This still feels like a Death Eater attack."
"Interesting that this happened only hours after he showed up," said Ron, gesturing to Viktor.
"And vot are you suggesting?"
"You had to know where Jason lives. How do we know-"
"Guys. Enough. Viktor is not working for Voldemort," said Jason, firmly.
"I take exception to that!" Viktor snapped, "My grandfather was murdered by a dark vizard! I vold die rather than join him!"
"All the answer I need, though again... I already knew. Ron, c'mon. Don't be so thick. And besides. If he meant us any harm, he wouldn't have been able to get into the house. So drop it."
Ron looked rather sheepish. "Sorry."
"Very vell," said Viktor, gruffly, still scowling. He stood up, and his features softened. "It is time for me to return home. It was kind of you to invite me."
"Good of you to come, Viktor. You're welcome anytime," said Jason, also standing. "I'll get your cloak, since I suspect Kreacher is cooking up a storm again. Sure you won't stay for dinner?"
"No, it best I get back."
"All right then." Jason cast a dark look at Ron, then stepped through the kitchen and retrieved Viktor's cloak. "Um... you're of course on that list we were talking about earlier."
"I know."
"Thanks for coming, Viktor." Fleur had also got up, and joined them at the fireplace. She gripped the wizard's hand, and kissed it. He then activated the fire, and called out some place in his own language. Only, the floo did nothing.
"You are sure this is vorking?"
"Something's wrong?" Sandra was standing at the archway leading into the dining room.
"Floo didn't work. Did they reopen the international connection?"
"Positive they did, Jason. The all-clear was across the board."
"Try it again."
"I vill try someplace else," Viktor decided, and activated the floo again, this time calling, "Bulgaria, Ministry of Magic." This time, the fire roared to life, and he stepped through.
"Right. C'mon, still have things to go over I think," said Jason.
"Didn't mean to, y'know..." said Ron, looking a little sheepish.
"I know... but God... just... try and think before you engage your mouth."
Jason went to sit down, when there came another WHOOSH from the fireplace.
"Shit. Now what?" Jason expected Aurors or something of the like, all considering.
Instead, Viktor appeared, looking dishevelled, like he'd just been in a duel.
"Shit," was all Jason could say.
"The Dark Lord... attacking the ministry," he muttered, practically collapsing into a chair.
"This is bad..." Ron muttered.
"We knew it would come to this eventually." The floo fired again. "Hello?" Professor McGonagall's voice echoed in the room. Jason got up, and stepped into the living room. "Professor?"
"You need to know, Black. The Ministry's under siege."
"We sort of guessed. The Bulgarian Ministry's under attack as well," said Jason.
"Where did you hear that?"
"Viktor Krum's been staying with us. He just tried to get home."
"I see."
"We were also attacked here this morning... still sorting through what happened."
"Were you injured?"
"No, professor. The wards held." Jason stepped back a moment. "Sandra!"
"Something happened?" Sandra questioned, then, "Good afternoon, Professor."
"Wish it was, Miss Fraser."
"We're gonna need to get moving quickly on that list, I think," said Jason.
"What sort of list?" McGonagall questioned.
"A safe list. A bunch of people I plan to protect."
"Do you have the list compiled?" Sandra asked.
"No. We were discussing it this morning while we were in the security chamber."
"You plan to bring people over here," Sandra guessed, to which Jason nodded.
"And you plan to just-" The fire suddenly returned to its normal state.
"Professor?"
"The international connection was likely severed again." Auror Morgan was then standing at the archway into the dining room. "I've sent a Patronus to the Ministry asking what's going on."
"Let's get back into the dining room so we can sort this out."
There, Jason was not surprised to find Mrs. Weasley looking after Viktor, an empty vial sitting in front of him. Did Jason truly want to know what happened? Viktor of course, told them anyway. "Dark vizards... attacked me as soon as I stepped out of the fire. Could barely get back through."
"Death Eaters," Jason guessed, to which Viktor nodded grimly.
"Why would they attack Bulgaria, though?" came Mace's question.
"I dunno," said Jason, frustrated, "Voldemort has never really made a lot of sense, right?"
"Unless he knew."
"Knew what, Mace?"
"Unless he knew somehow, that Viktor was here. Strike out at your allies, that sort of thing."
"He's right," Hermione agreed, "It would scare people thinking of siding with Jason."
"Really need that list, Hermione."
"I'll see if it's upstairs." Hermione pushed her chair back and got up. Ron was quick to follow her out of the room.
"Can the Ministry provide an extra Auror or two? One for Capa while he's at the university, and a pair for Ron at the school."
"Won't be needed at Upper Canada Academy. Minister's already ordered a detachment to take up security positions there. Jason, the government is moving into a wartime posture," Morgan explained.
"Politically, Tom Riddle may have just made a catastrophic blunder as it is," Sandra spoke up, "Opening up aggressive actions on foreign soil. The ICW will not react well."
"No, they won't. And considering this morning. The government is still in discussion about how to respond. We still haven't determined exactly who it was who attacked this morning. I don't need to say, the government will react harshly."
"What about the non-magical government? How much do they know about what's going on?" Capa dared ask.
"The Prime Minister is certainly aware, as are a few others," answered Morgan, "The head of the RCMP for instance. We're in regular contact with our Muggle counterparts."
"But the statute..."
"Is perfectly sound, Mrs. Weasley," answered Sandra, "Anyone non-magical who is told about the magical world have secrecy charms placed on them."
"Molly. Their world works slightly differently than ours," said Mr. Weasley, "And perhaps for the better."
"Which is why I'm more than happy to live out the rest of my life here, rather than back in Britain," said Jason, with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "The immediate issue. Viktor, you're quite welcome to stay here long as you need."
"Further arrangements can be made if necessary," said Sandra, "Given you're a friend of Jason's, along with your status as it is."
Viktor inclined his head. "Thank you."
Hermione returned nearly twenty minutes later, with the aforementioned parchment containing the original membership of Dumbledore's Army. Hermione had already drawn a line through several names, one of which being Ginny. The rest, however, required a lengthy discussion which continued through dinner and well into the evening. In the end, it was decided everyone would be invited, save for the few who were unquestionably disloyal. They would be questioned under Veritaserum, and those found to be untrustworthy would have their memories modified and that would be the end of it. Those found to be trustworthy would be offered sanctuary away from England, no matter what Jason decided to do concerning Voldemort.
The dessert had at last been finished, and Auror Morgan was saying his good-byes for the night, when there came a tapping at the dining room window. Ron was closest, and so he opened the window to let the bird in. It swooped overhead a moment, then fluttered down in front of Viktor, and dropped a letter into his lap, then took off from whence it came. Viktor quickly opened the parchment, and his face seemed to lose its colour as he read the contents.
"What is it?" Jason dared ask. Viktor said nothing, but he was actually shaking. He slammed a fist down on the table, then thrust his chair back, practically flew out of it, and stormed out of the room. Seconds later, the back door slammed.
"I'll see to him," said Mrs. Weasley, getting up.
Jason, meanwhile, easily put the pieces together. Even five years ago, Viktor was not one to wear his heart on his sleeve. Something to rattle the guy that much? And considering the Bulgarian Ministry had been attacked... someone close to him had been killed. Parents, maybe? He felt like banging his head on the table. "And this gets better and better," he snorted.
It was late the following morning before they saw Viktor again. The guy still looked in shock, but Jason did need to know what happened.
"It vos... a notice. Mother and father... killed at the ministry yesterday," Viktor answered, defeated, his accent even more prevalent.
"Whatever you need... just ask."
"Do not... change your plans... because of me." Viktor looked Jason in the eye. "It is... terrible thing, vot happened. But it is... expected. This is vot they do. My grandfather, you know."
"I..."
"See to yourself, Jason. That is more important."
Jason gave a nod, and gripped his slightly taller friend on the shoulder. "And those who matter." He thought for a moment. "Sandra can help you out with... y'know... getting your estate in order."
"I vold like that."
"My Occlumency instructor is also a mind healer. If you... need someone to listen—not that I wouldn't offer... sometimes it helps to talk to a pro, if you get what I mean."
"That... not ready for that just now."
"I know what it's like... with Cedric, y'know. Worst thing was, I had no one to talk to. Instead I was tormented by nightmares for half the summer... and even now, sometimes."
"Yes, the two of you vere close, I remember."
"Thing is, unlike me, you're not alone. I can't say I have all the answers... no one does, really, right? But to have someone to just listen... makes all the difference in the world. It's one of the things Cedric was good at... and now it's Mace... maybe even more so."
"He is good for you."
"A few years older than me, but so was Cedric. Thing is, like I said. When you need someone to talk to... come find me... or Hermione, or Mrs. Weasley even. And seriously. A mind-healer. Don't put it off."
"I... I know."
The National Wizard's Standard summed things up quite nicely. Several large photos took up the top part of the paper, showing the aftermath of a few locations: Diagon Alley, the Bulgarian Ministry of Magic, and the edge of Jason's property. The battle in Diagon Alley had been a stalemate, with both sides taking losses. The Dark side now effectively controlled the Bulgarian government. Only the battle near Jason's home had resulted in a light-side victory. And the exact origin of the attack was still in question. 'DARK BEGINNING TO NEW YEAR', the headline read, with a smaller line, 'Dark Lord flexes muscles, Bulgarian Ministry, Durmstrang fall under his control'
The Dark Lord Voldemort attacked several key locations yesterday, including Diagon Alley in London, the Bulgarian Ministry of Magic, as well as Durmstrang Institute (one of three European Magical schools), along with a half-dozen lesser targets. The offensive at the Bulgarian Ministry resulted in the deaths of numerous prominent Bulgarian witches and wizards, including their Minister for Magic, and most high-ranking department heads. Also included among the dead are Radko and Antonia Krum, notably the parents of international Quidditch player Viktor Krum. The young man's whereabouts is still unaccounted for at time of publication.
A further attack was also perpetrated against the Black estate in Southwestern Ontario, according to a spokeswitch from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This resulted in the disruption of most methods of magical travel yesterday morning for nearly seven hours, while the Ministry responded to the attack. At time of publication, the Ministry has not commented on the individuals responsible for the attack.
However, the Minister of Magic has released a short statement informing us there will be a press conference at noon hour today, wherein the events of yesterday morning will be addressed, as will the Ministry's intended response. Further... (continued on p.2)
Minister's brief message, p.3
Timeline of events, p.3
Are we at war? Editorial, p.10
AUTHOR NOTES: Awww, isn't alcohol fun at times? I think I establish, all the same, Fred and George love each other, just not in THAT way. And no, Harry/Jason will not be having a relationship with more than one person this time around. Viktor is most definitely straight, and will remain that way.
Up next... we find out what Ginny's been up to, and needless to say, Harry/Jason isn't gonna be happy about it.