Chapter 15 The new department and last support

2nd September 1993, misuse of muggle artefacts, level 2 Ministry of Magic (MoM)

Arthur walked into his office and greeted Perkins like he always does. Arthur took a seat at his desk and started working. If he didn't get an urgent floo call or do a raid Arthur would discuss muggle object and their use with Perkins.

Arthur loved his job. He loved his job most when he could discuss muggle objects, he could never get enough of it. Suddenly a paper aeroplane landed on his desk. Memos and messages were sent as a paper aeroplane inside of the ministry if it wasn't urgent.

He opened and read

Dear Arthur,

I would like for you to come to my office today around 11:15 am. We have a few things to talk about and got a message from Hogwarts and something happened on the train. None of your children is seriously injured but I want to at least let you know.

I got Professor McGonagall's letter last night and want to let you know and talk it over with you.

If you can't be at my office please let me know so we can reschedule. If you don't respond I expect you to be at my office around 11:15 am.

Kind regards,

Amelia Bones
Director of the DMLE, Ministry of Magic
Regent of house Bones

He wondered what happened on the train but he was glad professor McGonagall send a message when it happened, he wondered why Amelia got it though.

2nd September 1993, director's office of the DMLE, level 2 MoM

Amelia was working on some paperwork but was looking at the clock. It was 11:09 am. Arthur will arrive in a few minutes. Amelia needed to discuss the attack on the train, the plan that would be in use as soon as possible at least the start of October and the repayment of the stay at the Leaky Cauldron as she had promised. She had all documents ready she needed to go over them with Arthur over the plan for his department and Arthur needed to sign two documents.

At 11:14 AM she heard a knock and said "enter."

Emily opened the door and said that Arthur was waiting outside and Amelia said to send him in. Arthur walked in and took a seat when she offered.

Amelia said, "Arthur should we first talk about the incident on the train or do you want to keep that to last and first do the work-related things?"

"I just have one question before I will decide. Do any of my children got hurt that needed a stay at the hospital wing or something that could injure them later on."

"No Arthur as I understand it Madam Pomfrey examined Ginny and there was nothing wrong and your other children didn't need to be examined."

Arthur sighed heavy "okay then we can start with the work-related things."

Amelia smiled and said "great" while she grabbed a few documents out of a desk drawer and placed them in front of her on her desk.

Amelia said "these are the documents we need. The first one is about the ministry paying you back for your stay at the Leaky Cauldron at my request including everything and a little extra besides your salary for leaving your home for a few days."

"The second is my plan for your department and the third is what the changes are and the fourth document is what your new responsibilities are and also for Perkins including what you need to do and your new salary. The new salary needs to wait because our budget is less than last year but I will file a budget raise with an eye on your new department. The reason is mostly because of the diary but your responsibilities will be more than just muggle artefacts, but I will come to that later."

Arthur nodded at everything. He understands that the new department would still be under the DMLE but will be more important and probably better staffed than the misuse of muggle artefacts now was. He wondered if the department will get a new name and if so, what it would be.

Amelia said after a minute to let the new information sink in 'let's start with the financial document about getting repaid by the ministry for your stay at the Leaky Cauldron by me and the minister's request."

Arthur looked shocked at that. Amelia decided to say with a smile "don't worry Cornelius will not know what you did the only thing he will know is that I provided Harry Potter, his friends and my niece extra protection. He will not know how or what I did as you can see."

Amelia stopped talking and showed Arthur the document and continued after it "Cornelius already signed it, only I need to sign it and you need to sign as recipient and your vault number so the ministry can repay you."

Arthur looked over the document and it looked like what Amelia said. He was lucky the document was easy to understand and signed it. Arthur hoped Bill would get to be back in England soon because of Bill's work in Gringotts Bill was not only good in his job as a curse breaker but also got some experience with ('magical') contracts as Gringotts employee and knew some tricks that were used.

After signing Amelia changed the conversation to expanding Arthur's department. "Okay, Arthur now that we made sure that you get repaid let's start with your department."

Arthur nodded and wondered what Amelia's plan was.

Amelia started with "the first thing is we need to get more employees for your department and I have some candidates. Secondly, we need to rename the department that shows its new purpose. Thirdly the new responsibilities, then what the job entails and lastly the new salary if I don't get more budget cuts but even the opposite and get more budget, but you would, of course, be able to ask things at the end and your thoughts. I hope you can agree with it. "

Arthur was hoping that the new department would still mainly focus on the misuse of magical artefacts and was not happy that the name would change but decided to wait until she was done.

Amelia was waiting for a few minutes. She took a deep breath and started "I plan to add Aurors that have experience in the muggle world like muggleborns or half-bloods also purebloods who like you are interested in the muggle world and things about it. Because Sirius Black is on the loose, I can't give you trained Aurors or Auror trainees in their second or third year."

"However today the new Auror trainees will come in and like I said there are a couple of candidates I would like you to look over and if you think it can work talk with them and then give your opinion. You can choose six Auror trainees, but they will be able for me to use them for Auror duty without asking because Sirius Black is on the loose. After Sirius Black is caught or fled then I need to ask you if I can use them if I need them."

"The Auror trainees will work for you but will still follow the Auror training like the other Aurors. I advise you to follow some Auror training however Perkins will probably not keep up because of his old age but I guess he will be your deputy so it isn't needed directly."

Arthur was happy so far and couldn't wait for the other changes.

Amelia continued with the second point "I was thinking about how should we name the new department and couldn't think of anything. I think it would be best to keep it the same for now as your main job is still looking for muggle artefacts that are enchanted or dangerous and regulating the use of magic on muggle items but I want to expand your responsibilities. The Aurors are to help work in the muggle world without raising suspicion but also when you are planning to raid somewhere if you got evidence. "

"The new responsibilities will be first to arrive if something happened in the muggle world that could break the Statute of Secrecy and you will need to contain it until the squad(s) arrived that will be needed to fix it. You could also be needed if there is something that impacts many muggles or if there are squad or departments that are unsure what muggle artefacts do or if the muggle artefact is enchantment or not."

Arthur was happy that the name would stay the same for now and was excited to wait for the rest of the conversation.

Amelia decided to take a little break and offered tea which Arthur happily accepted. They both didn't say anything and after a few minutes, Amelia was planning to continue.

"The last new responsibility for your new department is to investigate the attacks of (dark) wizards and witches on muggles or in a muggle-inhabited area and crimes against family members of witches and wizards be it muggle or magical perpetrators. That includes murder, torture, kidnapping, etc. You need to investigate why they did it and of course what they did."

"After the investigation, your job is to capture them unless the perpetrators are also attacking the wizarding world or are part of a large group in that way the Auror office will help you and you will help them."

"Your department will work closely with the Improper Use of Magic Office and the Muggle Liaison Office. I expect that in most cases your department will lead but depends on what happened."

What Amelia didn't tell Arthur was that the new department would probably get one or both offices inside his department but that was for another time. Amelia first needed to see if her new plan will work.

"Okay the last thing is a salary raise of 10% and Perkins will get a raise of 5% as your deputy. Is this all agreeable?"

Arthur thought for a moment and ask "do I need to go with my Aurors to capture dangerous witches and wizards?"

Amelia said "it is not required. Why?" Amelia was confused Arthur was not the cowardly type, after all, he married Molly Prewett.

Arthur said "if I always need to capture dangerous witches and wizards Molly will have a fit. I remembered when I first wanted to join the Aurors office in my youth Molly and I had a big fight about it and I don't want to have that fight again."

Amelia smiled at that trying her best to not laugh at Arthur's explanation. Amelia said "ah okay I understand Arthur. I am sure that you don't always need to capture dangerous witches and wizards you got a small Auror force and I am sure I can lend you a squad leader or senior Auror for a couple of hours to lead the Auror trainee and if needed I can also send a couple of Aurors."

"Although now I would be impossible so now you would have needed to lead because the Aurors are protecting public places and are looking for Sirius Black. You are the director so the most time you will be in your office and the Aurors will do the capture. "

Arthur let out a deep breath happy to see that he would rarely do anything too dangerous. He didn't mind because Molly did enough for both of them. Arthur thought 'merlin I love Molly still after all those years and it only seems to grow, my love for her.'

Arthur said "I think it is a good plan and I like it but I need to discuss it with Perkins. I got two more questions though. Can Perkins and I still concentrate on muggle artefacts and the Aurors for the other things?"

Amelia smiled, Arthur loves the muggle world and muggle items. Amelia said "yes Arthur you can but as director, you and Perkins cannot only concentrate on muggle artefacts it can be your main focus but as department head even inside of the DMLE. As department head and Perkins as your deputy, you need to lead your department on all its responsibilities."

"You can concentrate on one thing but need to also know about the other things or you can't be a department head and Perkins can't be your deputy, but I need you to be department head and Perkins as your deputy because I think you are the best to lead it."

Arthur understands and nodded okay and said "you said we get a raise but you can't do it right now. I don't care but maybe Perkins or Molly want to know."

Amelia said "ah I understand. I don't think it would be a problem to get an extra budget with the new department especially if the new department works. But to answer your question the raise will be no later than January or February. The new budget for all the departments will be shown to the wizengamot in December and need to be discussed and agreed on and that can last until January if there are problems."

"I will try to get funds for the new department in the next wizengamot meeting but I don't know if it is possible, but I will let you know."

Arthur nodded and said "okay I will discuss it with Perkins and Molly. I was planning to have lunch but I will first discuss it with Perkins and I would go home and talk it over with Molly and then I will have your answer this afternoon."

Amelia nodded; she understands Arthur had a large family. She only had Susan she needed to think about but Arthur had his wife Molly and his children, especially the five that still lived at home.

Arthur was planning to stand up and walk towards his office but Amelia interrupted him "Arthur your children?"

Arthur said, "oh yes they were attacked on the Hogwarts Express what happened?"

Amelia understands that Arthur forget it for a moment but immediately remembered when she said, children. "Well like it said before they aren't hurt and only Ginny was examined by Madam Pomfrey, but she is alright."

Arthur sighed "okay but what happened Amelia?"

"I don't know everything but what Professor McGonagall said was that the train was stopped and a dementor entered the train. It happened that Ron and Ginny were in one of the last compartments with Harry, Hermione, and Neville Longbottom."

"The dementor entered the train at the back close to the compartment with your children and their friends. We think the dementor was looking for Sirius Black but it went after Harry trying to kiss him making him and the people around him relieve their worst nightmare."

"Ron felt the effect but was not very affected. Hermione was also almost not affected. Neville was having a hard time he wasn't with his parents when they were tortured into insanity so I don't know what he saw or heard. Ginny was probably relieving the chamber but was surprisingly okay after the dementor, but Harry passed out and heard a woman screaming. I am afraid he heard his mother being killed by Vo-Vold-Voldemort."

Arthur said, "are you sure?"

Amelia only nodded.

Arthur said "you said the dementor tried to kiss him so they did not succeed the only way a dementor can be defeated is by the Patronus charm but surely a third-year can't cast one let stand a corporeal one that can drive a dementor off. Some witches and wizards can't even cast it when they are adults. A third-year can't be capable of it, most seven-year students only can produce a weak misty shield that can barely protect the caster for more than half a minute if you are lucky if they can cast the Patronus charm at all. So how did they 'survive' and unhurt?"

"Apparently they chose a compartment with one other occupant because all other compartment was almost full and didn't have enough space. The other occupant was the new defence against the dark arts professor."

"His name is …. wait for a second, I got it here. Ah yes, Remus Lupin had a good grade for NEWT defence against the dark arts. I see that he wanted to be an Auror but was rejected, but it didn't say why. But he cast a successful Patronus charm and made sure the dementor fled. He thinks they went after Harry because of his bad memories if not the worst on the train."

"After the dementor, he gave them chocolate and went to the driver to make sure the train started again and was heading towards Hogwarts. Fortunately, only as far as you can say that was fortunate only Harry was severely affected by the dementor. Partly because the dementor inside the train didn't get far only three compartments in but the other two compartments got some chocolate from professor Lupin but were nowhere as affected as Harry was according to Professor Lupin."

Arthur was thinking 'Lupin, Lupin, Lupin I am also certain I heard that somewhere before but from where?' Arthur stands up and said, "thank you, Amelia, for telling me."

Arthur was turned but said "one question." Amelia nodded from going on. Arthur continued "why did professor McGonagall send you a message and not to me and Molly ... oh and Augusta."

Amelia said, "Dumbledore didn't want to let parents know as long as the dementors are there but Professor McGonagall could send one message to me without Professor Dumbledore intervening because I am the director of the DMLE and normally I decide over dementor placing and my Aurors will need to keep an eye out for Sirius Black and make sure the dementors don't go out of control."

"I alerted the Aurors placed by Hogwarts to be extra vigilant but I can't do anything more about the dementors, unfortunately, the minister placed them thereby invoking an ancient law where he doesn't need my approval and I can't remove them according to the law. Dumbledore tried to 'reason' with the minister but the minister wouldn't bulge so that is one reason why Dumbledore doesn't want to let the parents of guardians know."

Arthur said "thank you I need to tell Molly though and tell her that it is the minister that decided. The minister must watch out if Augusta hears that her grandson was attacked by a dementor because of the minister's decision. I need to go now otherwise I don't have an answer today. Good day Amelia" and he opened the door and closed it behind him.

Amelia slumped in her chair it was the first day of the school year and there had already been an attack from the dementors. She hoped it was just a mistake but she dreaded the year that was ahead. She couldn't remember Remus Lupin but she remembered Sirius talking about a Lupin sometimes and was a good friend according to Sirius and James, she wondered if this Lupin was that Lupin. They sometimes said another name instead of Remus but she didn't remember what exactly.

2nd September 1993, Atrium, Ministry of Magic

Arthur was walking towards a free floo. Perkins was directly on board and was happy with being the deputy and him as director. Perkins was also happy that he didn't need to do Auror training even if it was a little less than the Aurors normally get.

Arthur grabbed a floo and stepped into the fireplace and said "The Burrow." Arthur stepped out of the fireplace in his living room.

2nd September 1993, The Burrow, outskirts of Ottery St Catchpole, Devon

Molly walks into the living room hearing the floo arrival and said "oh Arthur dear what a nice surprise. If you wait a few minutes I could make some sandwiches for you and would you like some tea?"

Arthur smiled and said, "that would be great Molly."

After a few minutes, Arthur took a seat at the kitchen table. He got a plate with a couple of sandwiches and a cup of tea. Arthur knows he needed to tell his chance to improve his department and the attack on the train. Without a moment of thought, he knew that he first needed to talk about work. The children weren't hurt so that could wait, so before Molly would have a fit about the children he could talk about the improvement of his department and her thoughts about it.

If he started with the children and the attack he couldn't get into the question about his work after that. Molly would be having a fit and would be worrying about the children too much. Arthur was afraid that Molly would be madder that he had a question even though the children were attacked or that Molly would be mad at him because he could get hurt if he accepted the changes Amelia 'suggested'.

Arthur was almost done with his lunch and decided it was now or never. "Molly" Arthur started "I didn't say anything before but Amelia wanted to expand my department with me as department head and Perkins as deputy."

Molly was listening to Arthur explaining what there was happening. An angry Molly wanted to interrupt when Arthur talked about capturing potential dark wizards and witches but Arthur holds up his hand to make sure he could finish his story because he was telling the discussion he had this morning with Amelia.

After telling the story Molly's anger was almost gone. Arthur ended with "I will get extra training so I can lead the new Aurors I choose and to dust my ability to protect myself, I didn't keep it up even though I was a department head after you-know-who's downfall."

Molly said, "Arthur are you sure it is safe?"

Arthur nodded but also said "yes Molly but there are sometimes that may be dangerous but Amelia wanted to give my department more importance and power. Some of the muggle artefacts that Perkins and I discovered were sometimes dangerous too as you know. I think this would be a wonderful opportunity for me, Perkins and the department not to mention protecting the people so not something that happened to Ginny will happen again. Even the muggles can benefit from this."

Molly thought for a moment and said, "okay Arthur if you are mostly safe and want this, I support you."

Arthur walked around the table to Molly hugged her and gave her a long kiss that almost went further when Arthur said "I want to stay Molly but I need to return to the ministry so I can give Amelia my answer. There is a big chance that the next months I spend more time at the ministry because of the extra training I get from the Auror office."

Arthur stands up "Molly there is one more thing, but everything is okay before you react."

"What is it, Arthur?"

"The Hogwarts Express was attacked by dementors."

Molly looked shocked and said, "how, why and why dementors?"

Arthur sighed and said "a dementor entered the train at the back searching for Sirius Black. Unfortunately, Ron and Ginny were almost at the back with Harry, Hermione and Neville Longbottom when the dementor entered."

"Fortunately, they choose a compartment with one other occupant and that is the new DADA teacher Remus Lupin when the dementor was entering the compartment Lupin used a Patronus charm which is the only defence against a dementor."

Arthur continued "Professor McGonagall got them to be examined by Madam Pomfrey. Ron was almost not affected, Hermione was the same, Neville was having a hard time Amelia doesn't know why. Ginny was also having a hard time Amelia guess because of the chamber but was surprisingly okay after the dementor but Harry wasn't. Harry passed out and the dementor was trying to kiss him."

When Molly heard Harry passed out, she was more shocked and said: "what happened with Harry?"

Arthur said, "according to Professor McGonagall Harry passed out and heard a woman screaming, Amelia is afraid Harry heard his mother scream when she was killed by You-Know-Who."

Molly couldn't say anything for almost a minute and then said "poor, poor Harry. How is he doing?"

"What I understand is that he was okay after the dementor, but I am afraid this is much worse for Harry than anything else that happened until now. The dementors are patrolling Hogwarts because they think Sirius Black is after Harry and the minister put them there. However, the dementors are not allowed to enter Hogwarts grounds or castle. Amelia almost can't do anything because Fudge invoked an old law. She can't even remove them; however, she can refuse more dementors to be placed at Hogwarts and she did refuse."

Arthur sighed and said "Harry didn't need to stay in the hospital wing, well Amelia didn't say he did. Madam Pomfrey probably wanted to but Harry managed to avoid it, I guess. Madam Pomfrey always tells everyone that is her patients that they must rest so she probably told Harry that he at least needs to rest."

"Oh, Molly look at the time I need to go." Arthur hugged Molly and was heading towards the living room when Molly said "I understand Arthur but now go and I see you tonight" and gave Arthur a big kiss again needing a bit of comfort.

2nd September 1993, level 2 DMLE Office, Ministry of Magic

Arthur was just back from lunch when he stepped out of the elevator when he saw that the whole office was in chaos. He asked the first person he knew what was happening. Arthur said, "Kingsley what is happening?"

Kingsley said, "Arthur I don't have time to talk, we have a clue where Black is."

Arthur said, "where?"

Kingsley said, "sorry Arthur I don't have time to explain only that it is Scotland."

Arthur paled and walked towards Amelia's office. He needed to tell her his answer and needed to ask about Sirius Black. When Arthur was approaching Amelia's office, he heard screaming coming from Amelia's office that was Amelia.

"Minister I again request that you remove the kiss on sight order. Sirius Black can give us information on how he escaped and supporters of he-who-must-not-be-named that we didn't catch."

Arthur didn't hear the minister's answer but he heard Amelia's response.

"You can't be serious. I won't let you put more dementors near Hogwarts, there are already too many dementors" Amelia screamed.

Arthur was much closure to the door but Emily said he couldn't enter. He heard the minister saying "yes we put more dementors near Hogwarts we need to secure the students."

Amelia replied "putting more dementors there would not protect the students more. I will not support this."

Minster Fudge said, "I don't need you to support it, I just wanted to let you know."

Amelia said "no this isn't in your authority you can order kiss on sight order and place dementors to a certain amount. Because we aren't in a state of (civil) war if you want to place more you need to get approval from me the director of the DMLE, the head of the Aurors office and a third department head that could encounter dementors in their job. You can take it to the wizengamot at the next meeting but I think that is a waste of time."

Arthur was waiting when the door suddenly opened and a mad minister Fudge walks out of Amelia's office. Emily said "I guess you could in now Arthur. Good Luck."

Arthur stood at the door opening and said: "Madam Bones is it okay to come in and discuss what we talked about earlier?"

Amelia looks up and said, "sure Arthur come on in and close the door behind you." Arthur closed the door and Amelia said: "don't forget it is Amelia Arthur."

"Of course, sorry Amelia."

"It doesn't matter Arthur. So, what is your answer?"

"I talked it over with Perkins and Molly. Even though Molly was not happy about the dangerous part that could happen, I told her that it wouldn't happen very often and that I will get extra training to help me and mentioned that what happened to Ginny I would try to stop that for everyone, making sure that Molly supports me. So, my answer is yes. I agree with your conditions and keep my role as a department head with Perkins as deputy."

Amelia said "great, I am happy that you agree. I was planning to do something like this for a few years but was uncertain how to approach it until earlier this summer. When I heard what happened with Ginny, I just knew that you would be the perfect new department head because you were on my list as a possible department head. It is just lucky that your department can handle the new responsibilities by expanding your department and also that your department is the best choice.

Arthur smiled at the compliment. Arthur noticed Amelia grabbed something from her desk drawer. She grabbed about 20 files. She said this is the new Auror applications from this year that got in and last year that we were uncertain of. Choose six from this year and I decided on four from last year that you think will qualify for your new department and its responsibilities."

"If you got more than the amount, we will discuss it, if you have less, we look if there are any persons that could improve to an acceptable standard so you will have 10 new 'Aurors' Amelia ended.

Arthur said "okay. Can you give me to Monday?"

Amelia nodded and said "sure. Now on to the training. I was thinking Monday in the afternoon, Wednesday in the afternoon and Friday morning and Saturday here or at Bones Manor, but that would be decided on Friday morning. You will be trained to match at least third-year Aurors trainees in their first six months just like we try to get Perkins to that point. If it is possible, we will train you to the Auror standard that all trainees need to achieve to become a junior Auror. If you exceed expectations, we will train you to normal Auror or even senior Auror standards. "

Amelia smiled and added, "maybe you still get the Auror license that you wanted in your youth."

Arthur's smile widened. He loved his wife and family and would make the same choice again to not become an Auror so he could have a family with the love of his life and a big family at that. Now was there a chance that he still could get the Auror license he wanted before making the choice and choosing Molly?

Arthur suddenly remembered the chaos outside "Amelia do you know that there is a clue about Sirius Black's whereabouts?"

"Yes, Arthur I heard he was spotted two nights ago north of Glasgow in Scotland I send Aurors to see if they can find a trail and to determine if it is was Sirius Black."

"So, there is a chance he I after Harry."

Amelia just nodded and said "yes. I guess you heard my discussion with the minister?" Arthur only nodded. Amelia continued "he wants to add more dementors I am grateful that the old law he invoked isn't unlimited."

Arthur said "yes. I think everyone with family at Hogwarts is happy about that."

Amelia just nodded. After a few minutes, Arthur asks "I got training in duelling/ fighting. Could you help me with the planning of the raids and work schedules? I never need to do that before."

Amelia said "sure Arthur. I already wanted to do that probably some Saturdays or Friday morning depending on how the training goes. Talking about training even though Perkins is quite old he still needs some training. He will join you at least two times a week and will follow a bit different and less intensive training than you. However, if one of the training sessions is training in planning, he will also attend that one as deputy."

Arthur nodded and stand up. Arthur said "okay Amelia I will tell him. Perkins and I will look over the files and will have a selection this Monday. I need to take my leave, there are still things I need to do."

"Okay, good day Arthur."

Arthur opened the door and said, "the same to you madam Bones." Arthur gave Emily a good day and went to his office to tell Perkins that he agreed with what Perkins was okay with after hearing that he could still work with muggle items even if the department would be expanded. Arthur smiled saying what Perkins will say and the look on his face when he heard that he will also follow some training.

3rd September 1993, Greengrass Manor, Wales

Lord (Jacob Cyrus) Greengrass and Lady (Isabel Anne) Greengrass were sitting in the living room when an owl flew in and dropped a letter in front of Lord Greengrass and his wife asked: "Jacob who send that letter?"

Jacob said, "it looks like Daphne's handwriting but why would she already write?"

Isabel sighed and said, "I hope it isn't about the dementors."

Jacob's face paled. He remembered it well, he was listening in the Wizengamot when minister Fudge let them know that dementors would be placed by Hogwarts as protection from Sirius Black. For the first time in history, more than 90% of the Wizengamot was outraged and wanted to remove the dementors in that very instance.

However, minister Fudge outplayed the Wizengamot by invoking an old law. The law stated that in a cause of a (national) emergency the minister can take decisions that normally he couldn't take. The minister would gain a certain amount of authority regarding countering the emergency. Sirius Black escaping Azkaban was a serious emergency and minister Fudge gained the authority.

Jacob was happy that even though he gained the authority he could not place every dementor that he wanted near Hogwarts. The law gave him the power to draft 25%-30% of the dementors to be replaced, by a war he could draft at least 50%-60% up to 95% of all dementors.

Jacob quickly opened the letter and read

Father,

You always taught Astoria and me to never owe someone a favour certainly someone you can't trust (or dislike in that matter). I owe someone a favour because he saved me from harm but as the primary heiress of house Greengrass, our house also owns him a favour.

By saving me and someone else from harm, he got hurt. He hasn't woken up yet because Madam Pomfrey gave him a dreamless sleep potion. After all, he needed to rest. So, I don't know how I can repay the favour even though you taught Astoria and me that if we own a favour, try to repay it as fast as we can.

However, the other one he saved was Susan Bones the niece of Amelia Bones the director of the DMLE. Susan doesn't know if he going to collect the favour or not. I didn't acknowledge it. Susan had an idea if he requests the favour, what that favour would be. Susan didn't say what but that you needed to ask Amelia Bones about it.

Amelia is working on reviewing a case that is all Susan said if you ask Amelia Bones about it, she could tell you. Amelia needs support in the Wizengamot and Susan thinks that to repay the favour from our house if you support Amelia it would be repaid.

I hope to hear from you soon and give mother my love.

Your daughter,

Daphne

Jacob said what he read to his wife and said: "it seems that I need to talk to Amelia Bones."

Isabella said, "you could better do that; I know you hate owning somebody a favour except a few houses that you trust but the chance is slim that it is one from them."

Jacob nodded and sighed. "Isabella I am going to the ministry now if I am lucky, I can see Amelia Bones in her office."

"Okay honey, will you be home for dinner?"

"I don't know yet but I will let you know as soon as possible."

"Okay see you soon."

Jacob walks towards the entrance hall where he can floo travel. He calls for Siri and an elf pops in.

"What can Siri do for master?"

"Siri can you get me the Wizengamot cloak I got an important meeting."

Siri popped away and a few seconds later Siri returns with the Wizengamot cloak. Jacob said "thank you, Siri. I will let Isabel know if I will be home for dinner and she will let you know."

'Of course, master" Siri said and popped away.

Jacob grabs a hand of floo powder steps into the fireplace and said "Ministry of Magic."

3rd September 1993, Atrium, Ministry of Magic

Jacob steps out of one of the fireplaces and walks towards the elevator while greeting some people but not starting a conversation. After a few minutes, he steps out of the elevator at level 2 on the DMLE floor.

3rd September 1993, level 2 DMLE Office, Ministry of Magic

Jacob sees that there are only a couple of Aurors left while normally there will be at least twice as many Aurors then that are present now, but he wasn't here for that. He walks towards Amelia's office. He sees Amelia's secretary, walks towards her and said: "hello is there a chance I can see director Bones?"

Emily looks up and said, "I can ask if I may know your name, sir?"

"I am Lord Greengrass."

Emily nodded and walks towards the door he heard "enter" and Emily enter the office. After two minutes Emily leaves the office and said: "she is busy right now but if you can wait, she will try to see you as soon as possible."

Jacob nodded and took a seat. Emily offered him a cup of tea that he accepted. After almost 30 minutes Amelia leaves her office and greets Lord Greengrass.

"Lord Greengrass what can I do for you today?"

"I assume you didn't get a letter from your niece yet?"

Amelia looks confused at Jacob Greengrass, why would Susan send her a letter? She asks "Emily did a message come for me?"

Emily said "no director Bones."

"Lord Greengrass as you heard I didn't get a letter from Susan here. I was planning to go home why don't you join me with Lady Greengrass for dinner and if there is a letter in Bones Manor, we can continue our conversation otherwise you can tell me what I can do for you."

Jacob nodded and said "director Bones that is a great idea. I will go home and tell my wife and from there we will floo to Bones Manor or would you prefer something else?"

Amelia thought for a moment and then said: "Lord Greengrass you can floo home but please return here and we can leave from my floo if you don't mind?"

"That is alright director Bones if you can give me 10 minutes I will return with my wife."

Amelia just nodded. When Jacob turned around for the atrium to take the floo home Amelia starts talking with Emily about tomorrow and whether there are pressing things she needed to handle.

After 15 minutes Jacob returns with Isabel and says "director Bones this is my wife and Lady Isabel Greengrass."

"Yes, we talked a few times before. Now if you could join me" Amelia turned around and walked back into her office while she said "Emily go home we are done for today and you don't have to come in tomorrow. I will see you on Monday."

Emily replied, "thank you director Bones I will see you Monday."

3rd September 1993, Bones Manor

Amelia was the first that came through the floo in the Bones Manor entrance hall followed by Jacob and then Isabell. Amelia called for Kimmy and Kimmy popped in.

"Yes, mistress what can Kimmy do for Mistress?"

"Kimmy, did Susan send a letter to me?"

"Yes, mistress the letter arrived with Victoria's mistress Susan's owl about an hour ago Victoria is still here waiting for a response Kimmy thinks. The letter and mistress Susan's owl are in mistress' study mistress."

Amelia smiled and said "thank you, Kimmy. Lord and Lady Greengrass, would you like some tea?"

Jacob and Isabel nodded and Amelia asked Kimmy to make tea and put it in her study. Amelia said, "Lord and Lady Greengrass please follow me to the study."

Jacob said, "of course Madam Bones but before we go you can call me Jacob and I think my wife doesn't mind her calling her by her first name Isabel right dear?" Isabel nodded at her husband.

Amelia said, "okay you can call me Amelia then." Jacob and Isabel nodded while following Amelia to her study.

3rd September 1993, Amelia Bones office, Bones Manor

Amelia said, "let us wait until Kimmy got the tea before starting."

Amelia opens Susan's letter and reads it. Amelia's face paled when she read it. She wanted to immediately leave and head towards Hogwarts but remembered that Jacob and Isabel were here for helping her with Hagrid's case.

Jacob and Isabel nod and only a few minutes later Kimmy enters with the tea on a tray floating behind her. Kimmy leaves the tray with tea on Amelia's desk. Amelia thanks, Kimmy. Kimmy bowed and left.

Amelia gave Jacob and Isabel their tea before grabbing her own and asking "so Jacob what do you want to talk about?"

"To be honest I don't know Amelia. Our oldest daughter Daphne owns someone a favour, we don't who and your niece thought that we should talk to you about repaying the favour our house owns this person" Jacob said.

Amelia thought about it 'with house Greengrass repaying the favour Harry obviously gained by saving Daphne and Susan from getting hurt by the hippogriff. Even though Susan didn't say it was Harry there would be no other possibility. If house Greengrass supported her she could have enough votes this Sunday.'

Amelia said, "I have a strong suspicion who your house owns a favour, but you don't have to worry he would maybe acknowledge but never collect it."

Jacob said "be that as it may. I want to be sure and neither you nor your niece gave any evidence that he wouldn't collect the favour so I want to already repay it if there is a chance that he is going to collect later."

"Okay, I understand" Amelia responded.

"Daphne mentioned something about an old case you wanted to be reviewed. I guess you want my vote to not get in thrown out of the Wizengamot am I right? Jacob asked.

Amelia said "yes I wanted to do that as soon as possible. The person is suspect you own a favour has requested it and wants it done as soon as possible."

Jacob said, "I have no say if I need to repay a favour but I want some more information."

Isabel nodded 'she guessed Susan convinced Daphne that there was nothing wrong or dangerous about the case but because the favour wasn't acknowledged yet house Greengrass doesn't need to repay the favour on this case and maybe when he collects, they could offer something else.'

Amelia handed Jacob the file with all the information so he and Isabel can look it over before they would decide. Amelia heard the things she also heard from Augusta and Lord Perkins first Rubeus Hagrid the keeper of keys lost his wand privilege, that never happened before to a wizard even death eaters kept their wand privileges although their wands were taken from them.

After a few minutes, she heard the yell THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, you can't be serious. Jacob wanted to immediately refuse but he was curious why Amelia would even agree to try and let this case be reviewed in the Wizengamot. Isabel noticed that the evidence didn't add up with the crime and Isabel said that out loud.

Jacob said, "if we decided to support this case with only us as support you, it could still be thrown out of the Wizengamot."

Amelia nodded and said "there are a few other people that will support me and I am almost certain that I almost have enough support to not have it thrown out.

Jacob knew to make sure to repay the favour and said: "I can at least secure one or two more votes to make sure that it wouldn't be thrown out."

Amelia asked, "really that would be wonderful."

Jacob said, "there is one catch though, I want to know who we own a favour with."

Amelia thought and said "I don't know if I should say this but I thought about going to Hogwarts and seeing Susan, to be sure she is okay if you want you can come with me and you can ask your daughter that question. It is almost dinner time how about we have dinner and then go to Hogwarts."

Jacob looked at Isabel and she nodded. Jacob said, "that is agreeable we just need to let my house-elf know that we would not eat at home." Amelia asked Kenny to let Siri know after Jacob asked if he could use a house-elf to let his house-elf know.

The next hour and a half before dinner time Amelia and Jacob were discussing the Wizengamot and Fudge's recent decision and certain (dark) members. Isabel was listening and commenting on the certain (dark) members and what she heard from the wives she talked to.

Let's end it here. I would like to hear your thoughts about this chapter and the story in general. Please read and review.

In the next chapter if the word count allows it, we learn more about Harry's injuries, what madam Pomfrey discovered after the dementor attack and Susan and Daphne will tell their family what happened.

Any ideas for my story or want to know my opinion on your own story (idea) PM me. Do you have any questions about my story, for your own story (idea) or if I have something else planned to PM me?

Do you want a story written by me let me know the story idea and I will look into it but I will not do crossovers, Draco romance stories or Draco centric stories? Also, no Ron-Hermione romance/ centric stories aren't right for each other. No Hermione, Ginny or Luna bashing. For any more information about my do and don'ts check my profile.