The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Albus Dumbledore calmly got off the lift at Level Nine. The Department of Mysteries had one single black door as its entrance and what lay beyond was the purview of the Unspeakables.

Calm as could be, he walked up to the door and knocked loudly. He then stood back.

As expected, it was a matter of minutes for the door to open and a figure appeared, wrapped in robes concealing everything. "The Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot comes to visit the Department of Mysteries. Of what purpose is your visit?"

"I need to speak to speak to Professor Saul Croaker on a matter of arcane macicks that threaten the Magical world."

The figure looked at the visitor for a few moments and then nodded. "Wait here."

Albus calmly waited as directed until the door opened again and the man himself was present, his face visible above his robes. At the inviting motion, Albus walked forward. As the door closed behind him, the room he entered reordered itself and now twelve unmarked doors appeared.

Albus was led to one and the two walked through. A set of offices appeared, looking much like other areas of the Ministry.

Once they were in a private room Saul "Algernon" Croaker asked, "What is all of this about, Professor Dumbledore?"

Albus started explaining, placing the wrapped item he brought onto the desk before them.

It was a more congenial Albus Dumbledore who welcomed the students back after the Yule break.

"Now that we have all been fed and watered, I would like to make a few announcements. First of all, as you all were told last term, the wards protecting Hogwarts have been strengthened over the break. Items that are questionable will be confiscated and, once deemed legal otherwise, shall be returned to their owners at the end of the year. Any item deemed illegal shall be reported to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and the student who brought it shall, as they say, spend time 'assisting in the investigation' as it were." With that Albus had an amused smirk, far different than his innocent smile of the past.

Those who were planning on testing the wards during later returns were suddenly more cautious. They didn't like that rather Slytherin look.

"That being said, there are items on the Proscribed Items list that are not particularly likely to trip the wards. And those being found in possession shall enjoy the normal penalties which could include permanent loss of the items. If you have questions, once again, feel free to peruse the list which Mr. Filch maintains at his office."

He took a drink from his goblet.

"As announced last term, all students … ALL students … may visit with their guardians on any Sunday within Hogsmeade. They only have to notify us that they are coming directly or through a written letter delivered by any student to their Head of House. This is quite in addition to scheduled Hogsmeade weekends that are open to students Third Year and above with the permission of their guardian." He took on a serious look. "These visits to Hogsmeade, as perhaps has not been made clear, are a privilege and not a right. Whereas your Guardians have a right to visit and review your progress, the normal Hogsmeade visits may be forbidden due to detention or poor academic progress as determined by your Heads of House. This is not a prison, but the tuition paid to Hogwarts is for a quality education, not for your personal enjoyment per se. We do try to ensure it is enjoyable – but that is of secondary concern and not of primary importance."

He quickly thought through any other information and finally said, "That being said, I hope that all have enjoyed their holiday break. Classes will begin again on Monday morning. Have a good night." He then dismissed the students.

The school year progressed as normal save the additional visits of guardians. It proved to be very successful. Those who came from non-magical families were the biggest change as they quite enjoyed the chance to demonstrate their spellwork for their guardians.

Sirius Black had bought a location in Hogsmeade and made it into a Magical game house. For a nominal price, students could play games which used simple spells. There were places for spectators to stand or sit and watch games of Magical Dodgeball (the ball had to be banished at the opponents magically and it was charmed with a spell to make the hits less painful), Magical Paintball (students wore special robes and engaged in mock battles using a spell which spit out a blob of paint which was removed when the student left or wore off three hours later), Magical versions of carnival games which included filling a balloon at a distance with water to make it burst, shooting games using wands instead of toy rifles, and many others.

And just like carnival games, students could win small prizes or tickets that were charmed to not being able to be duplicated. Sirius had partnered with other Hogsmeade businesses and students could cash in these tickets for different items sold in Hogsmeade. Twenty tickets for a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, thirty tickets for a bottle of ink at Scrivenshaft's, etc. etc.

Hogwarts saw a plethora of students who started trading tickets for such things as chocolate frog cards and other such things. Albus could have forbidden it but he instead instituted limits on when students could engage in such things.

It would not do for it to become a distraction away from classes.

Albus, upon being asked by several students, allowed a gaming room to be created. As requested by Madam Pince it was as far from the Library as he could make it. It was a space where students from different Houses could play games that they brought themselves or games that were donated such as Wizard's chess or Exploding Snap.

The Game Room was only open to students on the weekends (Friday night after classes until Sunday night at 8:00) and only until 8:00 pm. Friday and Saturday nights, however, older students (fourth years and above) could stay until 9:00. Any student who was under detention would be excluded from being able to enter and no student could spend more than ten hours a month (entrance and exit was magically recorded) if they were behind in their assignments being turned in.

Severus Snape had grudgingly agreed to abide by the spirit of its purpose and had agreed to not unduly hamper those who were not Slytherin from its use. Each Professor had a way of entering the name of any student who was behind in his work or who subject to detention.

It proved a remarkably effective method in curbing students who had a tendency to be late in their work from continuing that trend. Ron Weasley was quite embarrassed when he had stayed too long (he was behind in his Charms homework) and those other students present were both amused and warned when he was surrounded by a red flashing light and an alarm right in the middle of trouncing Terry Boot in a game of Wizard's chess.

Ron was never late on an assignment for the rest of the year.

It was a tense atmosphere as the gathered students watched the two combatants duel across the chosen field of contention.

The older made his move. "Attack. With that placement, I believe that is 24." He calmly gathered his replacement troops and sat back waiting for his opponent.

After a long moment, the younger combatant showed a small smile and made her own move. "Fluxgate. And with this, this, and this – 279."

The audience gasped and oohed.

The older calculated and said, "Challenge!"

With a growing smirk, the younger moved the large tome from its place and opened it. Rifling through she paused and then turned the book so the other combatant could see and pointed. The older combatant looked (using a magnifying charm) and then sighed. "Rats."

The audience, many of them, laughed and applauded.

The younger combatant said, "And since you lost the challenge you sacrificed your move. And with four left …" the younger moved the final four to the battlefield and said, "12 more. Taking the value of your remaining pieces off of your score … and you are defeated, 533 to 247."

The older man paused, the audience holding his breath for the reaction, and then (shocking some) the older combatant laughed. "This is quite the most delightful game I have ever encountered. I shall have to practice so that I will not be fleeced the next time we meet."

Hermione smiled a shy smile and said, "Scrabble can be a lot of fun."

The other first years watching as well as some older students started clapping and cheering. At Harry's suggestion, the Weasley twins hoisted her on their shoulders and started singing, "For she's a Jolly Good Fellow!"

Albus Dumbledore watched in amusement. The game was all in good fun and he quite enjoyed the time he was spending in the Game Room getting to know the various students in a way that was not based on previous experience.

With a casual wave of his wand, he moved all the pieces back to their small bag and returned the board to the reinforced box. It was close to 8:00 and Ms. Granger and the other first years would have to return to their dormitories.

As Albus stood up and moved over to the watching staff who were present Minerva said, "That should teach you to battle against Ms. Granger in a battle of words."

Albus had a small grin. "Until that move, we were fairly evenly balanced. I was certain I was going to come back and beat her."

"Better luck next time," was the amused reply.

Minerva checked the time and called out, "Okay, students. There are five minutes remaining. Time to clean up and start exiting the room."

The students present cheerfully did as directed and soon only the staff remained. "I quite believe that this has been quite the success," was Albus' comment.

Walking next to the Headmaster as they exited the room and locked it Minerva replied, "I was dubious when you allowed it. But instead of a burden upon good order and discipline it has actually helped. I see more and more interactions among the various houses and a decrease in tension. And the use of it as a carrot has been quite successful."

"It is good to see that even the most studious can still enjoy childish fun."

"Well, I have some Single Malt waiting for me before I make my way to my bed. Have a good night, Albus."

"Good night, Minerva."

Albus was preparing to leave the Great Hall after dinner when Hagrid pulled him aside. ""eadmaster?"

"Yes, Rubeus? What can I do for you?"

His long time friend looked worried. "I need t' show you sumthin' near me hut."

Albus nodded, a bit concerned. He left with Hagrid and, walking past the hut, followed him a bit further into the woods. Upon coming to the first clearing, he gasped.

Laid out before him was am adult unicorn. What had caused him to gasp, however, was the jagged wound it had which had, from what he could tell, killed it. "Where did you find it?"

"I was searching fer Bowtruckles fer Professer Kettleburn. As I went through the woods, I came upon this. I noticed that it's been bled dry."

Albus looked at Rubeus with alarm. "That is a crime against nature."

Rubeus nodded. "It mus' o been powerful dark magic to kill a unicorn. Nothin' in the forest shou' ha' been fas' enough to catch one. This reeks of somethin' new."

Albus thought quickly. For this to be near Hogwarts, there were dire things afoot. "Have you seen anything which could have done this in your travels within the forest?"

"I ain' seen nothin' which woulda' done this."

"Thank you, Rubeus. I will retrieve Professors Kettleburn and … actually, I have another idea. Carefully wrap the unicorn and keep it outside of your hut. Tomorrow I will have help."

The Headmaster went back to his office and made a floo call. There was some opposition to his solution, but eventually – after he personally visited those who argued – there was agreement.

The next morning saw Albus Dumbledore entering Gringotts along with Dirk Cresswell of the Goblin Liaison Office.

When they reached a teller Albus said, "Hello. I would like to speak to someone who can speak of possible services for hire."

"What type of services?" the teller asked gruffly.

With a vicious smirk Albus replied, "Pest control."

The teller looked at the two wizard for a long moment and said, "Wait here." The teller turned his sign to 'Closed' and dropped down to enter one of the many doors behind the counters.

After a short time, the teller returned and led the two to a senior goblin. "I was told that you were enquiring about Gringotts' services. Explain."

"Honored Manager. As you are aware, I am Headmaster at Hogwarts. Recently, my Gamekeeper brought my attention to a great issue within the Forbidden Forest next to the school: A unicorn killed and drained of its blood."

The older Goblin took on a hard look. "That is a true travesty. Such an act goes against all that is good and decent."

"I quite agree. If this was a case of simple poaching, the Aurors and the Department of Magical Creatures could handle it. But this reeks of Dark magic. And the Aurors do not have the resources to place enough people long enough to ensure that whoever and whatever caused this is caught. And so I demanded permission to come to you."

The Goblin considered that. "And what would you ask of Gringotts?"

"I would like to hire a squad of Warriors to spend up to two weeks within the Forest, specifically overnight, to watch and to try to catch, kill, or defeat whatever this is causing it. Your people are without peer when it comes to combat in the Dark – and this must be prevented."

The Goblin considered that. "And how, exactly, would this be paid for?" he asked.

"While not exhorbitantly wealthy, I do believe that my vaults are fairly well stocked. I believe I have as much as 25,000 Galleons that could be earmarked toward the necessary price. And the body of the unicorn that showed this could also be retrieved, cleansed, and used appropriately. Otherwise, it needs to be destroyed."

The Goblin asked Cresswell, "And your Ministry does not object?"

"Although the Ministry and Gringotts have treaties, Hogwarts has been traditionally controlled by its Headmaster. And according to precedent, the Forbidden Forest is considered under the Headmaster's purview. Although he cannot use Ministry funds to secure such services by treaty, he has a right to personally decide what is appropriate."

He looked back to the Headmaster. "And why are you willing to spend your own Gold on this?"

"My students' safety is paramount. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that they are kept safe. I will not be stopped by petty arguments over jurisdiction, tradition, or propriety. I have a sacred charge and I will exercise it as I deem necessary." His utter confidence in his position was obvious.

The Goblin gave him a long look. Finally, he nodded. He then addressed Cresswell. "This is no longer a matter between the Ministry and Gringotts. This is between Hogwarts and Gringotts. Your presence is no longer required. You shall receive a report when the matter is settled."

Cresswell nodded and stood up. After a suitable farewell, he left.

"I will speak to my superiors. Wait here."

And thus the beginning of a quietly historic agreement was made. Rather than an agreement that was two weeks long and several thousand Galleons, the Goblins were given permission to use the Forbidden Forest for training for a period of ten years, subject to renewal, and there was a thousand Galleon reward for the capture of whatever it was that was killing the unicorns.

Two weeks later, he was contacted by Gringotts.

As he exited Hogwarts, he was confronted by the arrival of several others: Madam Amelia Bones, Dirk Cresswell, and shockingly, Minister Fudge. Unfortunately, he had his chief toady with him. Each had two guards with them.

Fudge asked, "Why were we summoned here?"

The Headmaster sighed. "I contracted Gringotts to help find and catch what it was that was killing unicorns within the Forbidden Forest. We are going to speak to the one in charge of the contingent."

With that, he started walking quickly. The others were forced to follow. When they arrived at the tree line, there was a Goblin who was armed waiting. "As per the agreement, we have captured the creature responsible. Due to its nature, we have called for the Ministry to send representatives as well."

"Show me,"Albus said.

The Goblin led the group into the forest. They encountered a group of warriors surrounding a figure covered by robes. The figure appeared to be trussed up and sleeping.

"This is the creature that was caught in the act of attempting to capture and kill a unicorn."

Umbridge was incensed. "Hmm Hmm." When everyone looked at her she said, "It appears to be a wizard. He needs to be turned over to the Ministry for proper action."

The Goblin in charge sneered. "You are all present to decide. We captured it according to the contract. First, let us identify it."

One of the Warriors near the figure pulled the hood down and Albus gasped. "That's Quirinus Quirrel, our Defense Professor."

"Not quite correct. Come around the back and look."

The wizards walked as directed and they were horrified to discover a face on the back of Quirrel's head. The Warrior poked the figure and the face opened its eyes.

The witnesses were horrified when the face took on an angry look. "DUMBLEDORE!"

With a grim look Albus said, "Hello, Tom."

"DON'T CALL ME THAT! MY NAME IS LORD VOLDEMORT!" the angry face said.

Albus replied calmly, "I see that you have fallen on hard times. I see you're limited to possession. And murdering unicorns to keep your cursed life."

"It is the fault of that damn Boy! Do you see what I have been reduced to? That talentless Potter should never have defeated me. But I have cheated death. And I shall cheat if further! I will return and repay all of those who oppose me!"

Albus replied with some heat, "You will do no such thing! I will stand opposed to you and I will see you utterly defeated. Consider this … a down payment." He motioned to the Goblin guard and the head was covered once more.

It was obvious that there was a silencing charm on the hood because the figure was obviously screaming.

Fudge was protesting. "No! It cannot be!"

Albus looked at him. "You would deny it when proof sits before you? Are you mad?"

The Goblin in charge said, "For a suitable fee, we will take steps to capture the spirit though the body it inhabits is dying as we speak."

Fudge, backed by Umbridge, immediately protested. "Lord … thingy … is a wizard and we shall take care of it ourselves."

The Goblins shrugged. "We then turn it over to you for handling. The fee will be deducted as per the agreement. Your Guards can take care of it." He handed a device over to Albus. "This is the key on the bindings. As long as it is kept, the bindings will stay."

With that, the Goblins left the figure and moved together. As a single unit, all left by Portkey.

Albus created quickly cast a portkey charm on the bindings which held Quirrel. "The activation phrase is 'Base'. Take it quickly. I suggest consulting the Unspeakables." He handed the master lock to Amelia. Take a hold of the excess rope which the Goblins left for those who were to control the prisoner."

Dumbledore watched as the group portkeyed to a room at the DMLE which was for prisoners being sent there.

Albus would be completely incensed when he learned later that day that Voldemort had escaped by killing the host body and exiting it. This was due to Madam Umbridge demanding that the bindings were to be controlled by the Minister's Office and grabbing the master lock. Amelia had not been expecting that and was horrified when it dropped and broke – freeing the prisoner.

Unfortunately for Fudge and Umbridge, there were many witnesses who saw exactly what happened. Umbridge was quickly arrested for interfering with a DMLE operation. Fudge could not protest as several Ministry staff and members of the public (including one Prophet reporter) saw exactly what had occurred.

After the headlines the next day, Magical Britain felt the sudden decrease of their sense of security and safety. Even if nothing was heard of Voldemort in the next several months.