Chapter 32: "Evidence"

After days of discreet investigation, Mad-Eye Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, and Kingsley Shacklebolt uncovered some evidence. The team gathered in a small, dimly lit room within the Ministry of Magic, ready to report their findings to Director Amelia Bones.

Bones sat behind a desk, her expression expectant as she looked at her team. "Report."

Moody cleared his throat, his magical eye fixed on the evidence he had compiled. "Director, we've found a connection between Harry Potter's disappearance and the sale of the basilisk carcass. Potter filed a Slayer's Right application for the basilisk." But "he filed the slayer's rights at the ICW, not the Ministry."

Tonks leaned forward, her hair a vibrant shade of blue. "And the carcass was sold to none other than Lord Cyrus Greengrass of the neutral faction. The sale transaction is confirmed in the Ministry's records."

Bones raised an eyebrow. "Greengrass?

Kingsley nodded. "The question is, how is this related to Potter's disappearance?"

Moody continued. "We believe that Potter sold the carcass to Lord Greengrass for a substantial amount. The exact sum is unclear, but it's significant."

Tonks interjected, her voice thoughtful. "Perhaps Potter was in some danger. Maybe he needed the funds urgently."

Kingsley added, "And that danger might be related to his disappearance. We need to keep searching to understand the motivations behind these actions."

Bones nodded, her gaze focused. "Agreed. We need to know if Lord Greengrass has any information about Potter's whereabouts."

"Shacklebolt, I want you to talk with Lord Greengrass and see if he knows anything important." Bones ordered.

Moody folded his arms, "I agree Shacklebolt is the right person to talk to the Lord and ladies; I might upset their sensibilities."

Bones nodded once more. "Good work so far. Keep me updated, and remember – this operation must remain low-key. We can't afford to draw attention to this matter."

Chapter 33 "A new path"

Neville sat in his room, his father's wand held delicately in his hand. His thoughts were a swirl of uncertainty as he recalled the conversation he had with Harry Potter. "The wand chooses the wizard, Neville," Harry's words echoed in his mind. "Not the other way around."

He turned the wand over, feeling the smooth wood beneath his fingertips. It was a wand that had once belonged to his father and was supposed to be passed to him as the next Lord Longbottom. But now, Neville couldn't shake off the feeling that it wasn't his.

His mind wandered to the story Harry had shared about the wand that chose the wizard. Neville's brow furrowed as he considered his situation. Could it be that his struggles with magic were due to using a wand that wasn't meant for him?

Neville set the wand down on his desk with newfound determination and stood up. He left his room and down the hall to find his grandmother, Augusta Longbottom. She was in her study, surrounded by old books and magical artifacts.

Neville cleared his throat, and his grandmother looked up from the book she was reading. "Neville, dear, what brings you here?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Grandma, I've been thinking a lot about what Harry said. About the wand choosing the wizard."

Augusta peered at him, her eyes keen. "What did Harry Potter tell you, Neville?"

Neville hesitated for a moment before answering, his voice steady. "He told me that a wizard doesn't choose a wand; the wand chooses the wizard." "I think he's right. I think I've been holding myself back, relying on a wand that might not be right for me."

Augusta looked at him with a mixture of surprise and pride. "Neville, your father's wand has a long history in our family. It's a powerful and meaningful heirloom."

Neville nodded, "I know, Grandma, but a wand doesn't make a wizard great. It's the wizard who makes the wand great. Like my dad – he was a great man, with or without his wand."

Augusta's eyes glistened with tears as she looked at her grandson. She had always seen potential in Neville, but to hear him speak with such conviction moved her deeply. "You've grown into a fine young man, Neville."

Neville's voice was determined as he spoke. "I want to find my wand, Grandma. One that's truly meant for me."

Augusta's stern exterior softened, and she reached to place a hand on his cheek. "Neville, I've always believed in you. If you feel this is the right path, I support you."

Tears welled up in Neville's eyes as he looked at his grandmother. "Thank you, Grandma."

She smiled gently. "Let's go and visit Ollivanders, then. I believe it's time for you to find your wand."

As they walked out of the study together, Neville felt excitement and nervousness. With his grandmother's support and Harry's words guiding him, he was determined to discover his magic, identity, and the wand that would choose him – just as he was.

Neville stood before Ollivanders, the wand shop that promised a new beginning. His heart pounded with anticipation and nervousness as he pushed open the door. The familiar scent of wood and magic enveloped him as he entered.

Mr. Ollivander, a tall and thin man with piercing blue eyes, looked up from behind the counter. "Ah, Mr. Longbottom, a pleasure to see you. How can I assist you today?"

Neville cleared his throat, his nerves still evident. "I need a new wand, sir."

Ollivander's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Oh? And what brings you to seek a new wand?"

Neville hesitated before answering, his voice determined. "I've realized that the wand I've been using might not fit me. I want to find a wand that truly chooses me."

Ollivander nodded as he understood the deeper meaning behind Neville's words. "Wand lore is a complex and mysterious thing, Mr. Longbottom. Let's see what the wands have to say about you."

He disappeared into the rows of shelves, returning moments later with an array of wands. Neville felt excitement and trepidation as Ollivander began to hand him wands. Each attempt ended in sparks, fizzles, or minor mishaps. Neville's frustration grew, but Ollivander remained unfazed.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ollivander handed Neville a wand made of Applewood, and the core was made up of a unicorn hair inlay. Neville's fingers closed around it, and a warmth spread through his hand. A soft glow enveloped the wand, and a small vase of flowers on the counter burst into full bloom.

Ollivander's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Ten and three-quarters inches, Applewood, and unicorn hair for a core. A combination of determination and purity with a feel for herbology and a touch of resilience. This wand seems to have chosen you, Mr. Longbottom."

Neville looked at the wand in awe, a mixture of relief and wonder washing over him. "It's... It's perfect."

As Neville left Ollivanders with his new wand, he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. He had his wand now, which seemed to resonate with his magic.

When he returned home, he found his grandmother Augusta waiting for him in the sitting room. Her stern expression softened as she saw the wand in his hand.

He nodded with pride in his eyes. "I feel it, Grandma. This wand... It's different."

Augusta smiled warmly. "I have something for you, Neville." She handed him an envelope. Neville opened the envelope, and inside was a permission slip granting him the right to practice magic over the summer under her guidance. "I believe it's time for you to catch up on your studies, to hone your skills. I will teach you personally."

Neville's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. "You... you'd do that for me?"

Augusta's tone was firm but kind. "You are a Longbottom, Neville. And Longbottom does not shy away from challenges. "With your new wand and my guidance, you will surprise many this year."

As the summer days unfolded, Neville embarked on a journey of magical discovery. Under his grandmother's watchful eye, he delved into spells, potions, and incantations. Augusta was a strict teacher, demanding precision and dedication, but she was also patient, encouraging him every step of the way.

Under Augusta's guidance, Neville's magical abilities began flourishing with his new wand. He felt a deep connection to his magic, a sense of purpose he had never experienced. As the summer ended, he realized he had grown more substantial and confident in his abilities. Neville knew he had one person to thank for this change: his friend Harry Potter, his Godbrother."

Chapter 34 The Eclipse of the Malfoys' Dynasty

Lord Malfoy sat in his study, the dim candlelight casting eerie shadows on the dark wooden walls, as he carefully read the letter delivered by Gringotts. The parchment felt colder than usual beneath his fingertips, and as he read the contents, the words weighed heavily upon him. His heart quickened, and a storm of emotions churned within his chest.

Elegant and poised as always, Narcissa entered the room, her silver-blonde hair cascading in waves. She noticed her husband's tense posture and the crumpled parchment in his hand. "Lucius, what is it?"

Lord Malfoy looked up, his eyes harboring a mix of disbelief and dismay. "It's a letter from Gringotts, Narcissa. They've informed me that I am not the regent of the ancient House of Black, and Draco is not the heir."

Narcissa's eyes widened, her usually serene expression betraying her shock. "But that's impossible! We have held that position since Lord Arcturus Black passed away. What does this mean for our family's standing in the wizarding world?"

Lucius's voice quivered with suppressed emotions as he set the letter aside, the implications of this revelation settling like a heavy shroud upon him. "I don't know, Narcissa. The Black family has always been a cornerstone of our influence. Without their legacy, our power diminishes considerably."

Narcissa reached out and gently touched her husband's arm, her concern evident in her sapphire eyes. "We must find out the truth behind this. Perhaps it's a mistake or a sinister plot against us."

Lucius nodded, his jaw set with determination. "You're right, my love. We cannot allow this to stand unchallenged. I will contact the Gringotts' representatives and demand an explanation."

As the night deepened and their conversation shifted to strategy and possible courses of action, the future of the Malfoy family hung in the balance. Once unassailable, their status in the wizarding world now faced a formidable challenge, and the ramifications of this information were yet to be fullyunderstood. The Malfoys would not let this matter rest until the truth was uncovered and their family's honor restored.

Chapter 35 "Discussions"

Meanwhile, Mad-eye Moody and Cadet Tonks were pouring over the reports they had just finished in the Ministry.

Tonk looks up and asks Mad-eye, "Where is Shacklebolt? Shouldn't he be here?" Moody just grunted, "he's off to interview Lord Greengrass." "Let's review what we have discovered so far and ensure it's reflected in the report."

Moody's magical eye swiveled, examining the documents on the table, while Tonks twirled a lock of her vibrant hair absentmindedly.

Tonks finally broke the silence. "Mad-Eye, I can't believe Potter was allowed to fight a basilisk."

Moody grunted in agreement, his grizzled features twisted in a scowl. "I don't understand why Albus did not stop the monster even if he did not know what it was at the time."

Tonks sighed, her brow furrowing in concern. "And what's even more disturbing is that the other students seem to think Potter was behind those attacks. They believed he was setting the Slytherin monster on the student population."

Moody's magical eye widened. "Setting the monster loose? That's a load of nonsense."

Tonks nodded, her expression serious. "I agree, but rumors can spread like wildfire, especially at Hogwarts."

Moody leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "So, Potter was found near several of the attack sites?"

Tonks nodded again. "Yes, he was. And to make matters worse– he's a Parseltongue."

Moody's eyebrow shot up. "A Parseltongue? That's the ability to speak to snakes, and the Dark Lord also had that ability, as did a few more dark wizards!"

Tonks nodded once more. "Exactly. It's a rare skill associated with dark magic."

Moody's gaze narrowed, his thoughts churning. "This whole situation reeks of secrets and hidden agendas. The headmaster, the students, there's more going on than meets the eye."

Tonks shifted in her seat, her eyes focused. "Speaking of the headmaster, I've got some news. The board of governors fired Dumbledore."

Moody's eyes widened in surprise. "Fired him? Why?"

Tonks lowered her voice, leaning in as if sharing a secret. "Malfoy had something to do with it. He threatened the board of governors. They reinstated Dumbledore when they found out a student was missing."

Moody's expression darkened. "Malfoy's been pulling strings. That's not good."

"There is also this announcement from Hogwarts: Every member of the Board of Governors has been removed." "That's not all; the magic of Hogwarts removed them." They violated the magical oath they swore when they assumed the duties as a board member."

Moody shook his head and laughed, "This has never happened before; I wonder how the new board members will be picked."

"The article already answers that question." Tonks informed Moody, "If you are an alumnus of Hogwarts, all you have to do is raise your wand and say you want to be considered for the Board of Governors for Hogwarts." "That means you went all seven years and graduated; the magic of Hogwarts will weigh your request and judge you." "It's the ancient way of picking the board."

Moody laughs, "The Traditionalists will love this, the Dark faction will be in an uproar, and the light side will be happy, as will Albus."

Chapter 36 "The Fortunes Unveiled"

Cyrus Greengrass returned home with a smile that lit the room. His wife, Roxanne Greengrass, watched him with concern until he pulled her close and planted a kiss on her lips. She chuckled as they parted. "Well, I must say, that's quite the greeting. Not that I mind."

Cyrus chuckled back, his eyes still twinkling. "I've had a productive day, my love."

Roxanne raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what kind of business could put such a smile on your face?"

Cyrus leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Let's just say it's the kind of business that changes everything."

Roxanne looked intrigued. "Do tell."

Cyrus held her hand as they moved to a more comfortable spot. "You remember how our house elf said I was busy with business?"

Roxanne nodded. "Yes, I do. You seemed rather occupied."

Cyrus grinned. "I was. I was at Gringotts."

Roxanne's eyes widened. "Gringotts? What were you doing there?"

Cyrus's smile widened. "Making a once-in-a-generation deal. I reached out to all the lords of the neutral faction, including Lord Davis, and proposed something that would change the fortunes of our faction."

Roxanne looked puzzled. "And what was this deal?"

Cyrus leaned in, his voice full of excitement. "I bought a 2000-year-old basilisk carcass."

Roxanne's eyebrows shot up. "A basilisk carcass? That's... quite unexpected. Would somebody be able to have a basilisk? They are outlawed to own or breed one."

Cyrus smiles. "Exactly the last basilisk carcass recovered was by the goblins in the 1920s when the Pharaoh's tomb was uncovered." "One of the tomb guardians was a 20-foot basilisk, and it killed over 20 of the discovery team." "The body was sold for an undetermined amount."

Cyrus nodded. "Indeed. But here's the catch – I couldn't afford it alone. So, I asked all the lords of our faction to contribute. It took a significant portion of their bank accounts, around 90 to 98 percent for most, to raise the 170 million galleons needed."

Roxanne's eyes widened in shock. " One hundred and Seventy million galleons? That's an astronomical amount!"

Cyrus's grin turned into a proud smile. "Yes, but here's where it gets interesting. We sold the basilisk's parts for 550 million galleons."

Roxanne's jaw dropped. "Five hundred and fifty million? That's... unbelievable."

Cyrus nodded, his eyes gleaming. "After all the expenses and fees, our Family is now sitting at around 158 million galleons in the bank."

Roxanne was speechless for a moment, then finally found her voice. "Cyrus. With this kind of wealth, we'll be on par with the likes of the Malfoys."

Cyrus nodded, "Not Exactly." 'Davis and us now have more gold in our bank accounts than the Malfoys."

Cyrus leaned back, his smile turning more affectionate. "Oh, and there's one more surprise. You'll never guess who sold the basilisk carcass in the first place."

Roxanne looked at him quizzically. "Who?"

Cyrus met her gaze, his eyes shining with excitement. "Harry Potter."

Roxanne's expression shifted from surprise to amazement. "Harry Potter? The boy who lived?"

Cyrus nodded. "Yes, that very one."

Roxanne couldn't help but feel something was wrong. "How is that even possible? How did he have time to kill the monster and be at Hogwarts."

Cyrus frowned, "You are right. He would not have unless the beast were already at Hogwarts." their daughter was at the school with Tracy, who was like a daughter to them.

Chapter 37 "Veiled Revelations"

Roxanne Greengrass sat beside her in the opulent study of her family's manor. Her husband, Cyrus, exhaled as he gazed into the flickering fire. Roxanne's curiosity got the better of her,

Roxanne nodded slowly, her expression a mixture of astonishment and puzzlement. "I agree, but what surprises me even more is that no one else seems to have mentioned that a monster was loose at Hogwarts. Why did Daphne not write to us and let us know."

Cyrus took a drink and agreed with his wife, "Daphne and Tracy are smart girls. They would have written home about attacks in the school."

The door to the study creaked open, revealing Roxanne and Cyrus's daughter, Daphne; her expression was unreadable. "You requested my presence, Mother?"

Roxanne smiled warmly and gestured for Daphne to sit across from them. "Yes, my dear. Sit, won't you? Your father and I were discussing some rather disturbing developments."

Daphne's curiosity flared, and she settled into the chair, focusing on her parents. "Developments? What's going on?"

Cyrus leaned forward, his tone measured as he shared the remarkable events. " Mr. Potter has killed a basilisk but has also provided documentation substantiating his claim."

Daphne's eyes widened in astonishment. "He wasn't lying. He did kill the basilisk!"

Roxanne and Cyrus were surprised their daughter knew about the beast at Hogwarts, "how did you know Daphne!"

Daphne was surprised; "Tracy and I were leaving the Healing wing, and we saw Potter stumbling down the hall." "He was covered in blood and had black ooze from his scar running down his face, his robes were ripped, and he had a sword in his belt."

I asked him what happened, and he told us he fought and killed a basilisk; Tracy and I did not believe him. He told us, "The school and us could sleep peacefully tonight because the beast was dead." He entered the healing wing, and we continued to the Common room.

Daphne stood up. She was angry; that boy was an idiot. Who would go and fight a basilisk with a freaking sword? Doesn't he know he's a freaking wizard but a second-year wizard? Who should not be facing off with a freaking creature of that magnitude?

As Daphne was talking loudly, which would be considered yelling for her, the door opened, and in Walked Lord Davis, his wife Grace, and their daughter Tracy.

Tracy looks at Daphne and asks out loud, "What has Daphne's panties in a twist."

Daphne stops yelling and looks at Tracy. "No one has my panties in a twist, but it's true what Potter told us."

Tracy looks confused. 'What about Potter? What's true."

"He did kill the Basilisk at Hogwarts, and he wasn't lying," Daphne told Tracy.

"OH MY GOD!" Tracy yells. "Potter did fight and kill the basilisk. It must be small, or he would not have survived the confrontation."

"That's not correct." Cyrus informs Tracy, "It measures to be 200 feet long."

Daphne's eyes were wide open, and her face turned red as she listened to Tracy and her father's conversation."

Roxanne knew she had to get this under control before her daughter went looking for Mr. Potter and hexed him. Roxanne stands up. Okay, that's enough. Everyone needs to calm down, and please sit down.

"Elm," Roxanne calls out loud. Crack and a well-dressed house elf appear. What can Elm do for you, Lady Greengrass? Could you please get two hot chocolates and put a shot of calming potion in them, and a bottle of wine also with some finger food would be lovely.

"Of course, lady Greengrass," Crack and Elm vanishes, and Crack is back with the drinks.

Roxanne sips her wine, "Once we have some refreshments, we will continue our discussion like civilized adults." As Roxanne says this, she looks at Daphne, who turns red and looks down at her drink, Causing Roxanne to smile.

Chapter 38: Unveiling Truths

Lord Davis and his wife, Grace, were in the Greengrass's Sitting room, seated across from them, where Cyrus and Roxanne Greengrass, with them, sat Tracy and Daphne, the daughters of the couples.

Daphne continued to recount the events that had developed at Hogwarts. "Yes, Dad, I did tell you everything in my last letter. There were attacks on students, and everyone blamed Harry Potter for them," Daphne began, her voice carrying a mixture of frustration and bewilderment.

Tracy chimed in, confirming her friend's account. "That's right, Potter was found near the locations of the attacks, and he can speak Parseltongue, which only added to the suspicion."

A collective gasp of shock rippled through the room. Cyrus and Lord Davis exchanged a meaningful look, both disturbed by this revelation.

Daphne's gaze lowered as she continued to explain, her voice tinged with frustration. "It seems that after the last attack, which left two students turned to stone, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor fled the school. And then... then one student was taken into the Chamber of Secrets to be killed."

She paused, "The headmaster decided to send us home on the train."

Tracy picked up where Daphne stopped, "It struck me as odd that both Ron and Harry had initially boarded the train, yet somehow they disembarked before it departed from the station. Curiously, Ginny, the younger Weasley sibling, wasn't aboard the train. It wasn't long into the journey home that the train abruptly changed its course."

"The official word was that the threat, this mysterious monster, had been effectively handled." life at the school resumed as if nothing untoward had occurred. Students roamed the campus freely, the corridors and grounds regaining their normalcy. That's how we met Potter when he arrived at the Healing wing."

A stunned silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the soft crackling of the fireplace. The parents exchanged worried glances, their concern growing with each detail provided by their daughters.

"This is deeply concerning," Lord Davis said.

Cyrus nodded in agreement, his eyes on his wife.

The parents turned to Daphne and Tracy, "Thank you both for sharing this with us," Roxanne said, her voice warm yet tinged with worry.

Lord Greengrass took a deep breath, "I think I know what happened and why we were unaware of this situation." "Hogwarts is its own Kingdom; not even the ministry has authority at Hogwarts." "The Headmaster has to request the Ministry of Magic to help Hogwarts." "That's not to say the Board of Governors can't step in and overrule the Headmaster with a majority vote and ask for assistance."

Daphne and Tracy looked at each other. The shock was evident, and they turned and watched and listened to their parents.

Cyrus continued all parents must sign a magical contract when their children start at Hogwarts, waiving parents' right to know everything that occurs there. The children who were attacked at Hogwarts, their parents, were informed but could not share that information with others due to signing the magical contract. The letters you wrote to us about the incident. When they went through the wards of Hogwarts, they either removed that part of the content or rewrote it, making it sound less threatening; in this case, all information about the attacks was removed.

Chapter 39: Escaping the Shadows

Sirius Black's heart pounded as he clutched the paper that had revealed Pettigrew's hiding place. His eyes were fixed on the image of the Weasley family, and the sight of the young red-haired boy holding his pet rat sent a chill down his spine. There was no doubt in his mind that Peter Pettigrew was still alive, hiding in plain sight.

Sirius knew he had to escape Azkaban to have his revenge on Peter. As he stared out of his cell, his thoughts raced, formulating a plan to escape.

In his animagus form as a grim, Sirius's senses were heightened. He felt the coldness of the Dementors' presence, but unlike the other prisoners, he was not weakened by it. Instead, he was a messenger of death, a being that the Dementors left alone. His magical abilities were diminished but not completely drained like the others; this was his advantage. He had been biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to escape.

The time he had come. Sirius transformed into the grim, his form imposing. He approached the lone guard stationed at the low level. The guard turned a look of surprise on his face. Before he could react, a swift strike from the grim's massive paw knocked him unconscious.

Quickly, Sirius removed the guard's uniform and grabbed the wand from his belt. Sirius moved through the dark corridors with his disguise in place, blending in seamlessly with the shadows. His heart raced, his every step fraught with tension as he made his way to the medical bay.

Inside, a healer was attending to a patient. Sirius's grip tightened on the stolen wand, and with a swift motion, he stunned the healer before he could react. The room fell into a chilling silence as Sirius's heavy breathing filled the air. He searched the healer's pockets, finding another wand and several vials of Pepper up potion.

His heart pounding, Sirius gathered the potions and the wand before slipping back into the hallway. He was racing against time; every second counted. He went to the cliff overlooking the water, the sea breeze tugging his stolen robes.

The Wards of Azkaban surrounded him, a barrier to keep the prisoners trapped. Sirius took a deep breath, his pulse quickening as he prepared for what would come. With a final surge of determination, he jumped off the cliff.

As he fell, the wards seemed to close around him, their chilling grasp attempting to pull him back. He felt the wards' grasp weaken as he fell, and just as Sirius sensed their grip slipping, Sirius channeled his magic into the wand, and in an instant, he was gone. He reappeared in a secluded alley, far from the reach of the Dementors' influence. Sirius breath came in ragged gasps as he looked around, realizing he had finally broken free. Quickly drinking one of the potions he had stolen from the healing bay.

Sirius's heart raced with a mixture of exhilaration and relief. He had escaped Azkaban's clutches and now had a mission to fulfill. He would get his revenge on Pettigrew.

Chapter 40 Midnight's Escape

Amelia Bones lay in bed. The gentle flickering of the moonlight cast a silvery glow across her room. It was a rare moment of respite for the head of magical law Enforcement, a chance for her to recharge amidst the ever-present demands of her position.

Yet, her rest was abruptly shattered by the shrill sound of her fireplace roaring to life. With a jolt, Amelia sat up, wand in hand, her heart pounding against her chest. The face of the Warden of Azkaban appeared within the flames, his expression one of disbelief and panic.

"Director Bones, I'm sorry to disturb you," the Warden stammered, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Amelia's senses snapped into focus, the fog of sleep dissipating as she took in the urgency in his tone. "What's happened?" she demanded, her voice firm and authoritative.

"It's Black," the Warden replied, his words almost a whisper of fear. "He's not in his cell, he's escaped."

Amelia's eyes widened in disbelief. Sirius Black, the infamous prisoner, had somehow managed to escape the clutches of Azkaban. It was a revelation that sent a shiver down her spine. "How?" she demanded, her voice tight with concern.

"We don't know," the Warden confessed, his voice laden with frustration. "We've searched his cell, the corridors—everywhere. Black stunned a guard, and a healer took their wands. There's no trace of him."

Amelia's mind raced; how had he evaded Azkaban's formidable defenses? "Notify the entire magical law enforcement," she commanded, her tone firm. "Gather the Aurors, the hit wizards—everyone. We need to find him."

The Warden nodded. "We're already sounding the alarm. Every available resource is being mobilized."

"I'll join the efforts," Amelia said, her voice laced with resolve. "Make sure all necessary precautions are taken at Azkaban as well."

Amelia's thoughts were consumed by the task ahead as she dressed into her dragon armor and robes. She opened the door to Susan's room to check on her and see Susan sleeping. Amelia smiled and shut the door silently. Amelia closed her eyes, concentrated, connected to the Bones mansion wards, and raised them to full power.

Once this was completed, she walked to the fireplace and uttered her destination. The journey back to the heart of magical law enforcement was brief yet laden with a sense of urgency. She emerged from the flames, ready to rally her forces and apprehend the escapee.

.

Chapter 41: Unraveling Threads

Amelia Bones entered the Minister of Magic's office with a sense of urgency, her expression composed despite the turmoil gripping the wizarding world. Cornelius Fudge looked up from his desk, his brow furrowing as he saw the seriousness across her features.

"Director Bones," Fudge began, his voice carrying a hint of impatience. "What's the meaning of this intrusion?"

Amelia took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she spoke. "Minister Fudge, I regret to inform you that Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban."

Fudge's eyes widened in shock, his face paling considerably. "Escaped? How is that even possible?" he exclaimed, his tone tinged with panic.

Amelia's lips tightened into a thin smile, her eyes never leaving the flustered Minister. "That's what we intend to find out, Minister. We have every available resource mobilized to locate him."

Fudge's expression twisted into a mixture of frustration and concern, but his focus shifted quickly to self-preservation. "This is a disaster! How is this going to reflect on me? The public will surely demand answers!"

Amelia's smile remained fixed, though her eyes glinted with an inner resolve. "Speaking of the public, Minister, I believe it's a good time to discuss the recent budget cuts pushed through with your support."

Fudge's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Amelia's smile only grew wider. "You see, Minister, those budget cuts have left our department severely understaffed and ill-equipped to handle such situations."

Fudge's face reddened with anger. "I had to make tough decisions for the betterment of our society! And now you're using this situation to undermine me?"

Amelia's gaze never wavered, her voice calm yet cutting. "It seems those decisions are coming back to haunt you, Minister. And speaking of hauntings, do you remember Lord Malfoy's push for the regency of House Black?"

Fudge's expression shifted from anger to bewilderment. "Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"

Amelia's smile turned sly, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes. "Oh, Minister, I'm sure you'll find it quite interesting that Lord Malfoy's bid for regency was based on misinformation. It appears that his son was never the rightful heir of House Black."

Fudge's jaw dropped, his disbelief evident. "That can't be true!"

Amelia's smile remained unyielding. "I assure you, Minister, it is. The regency of House Black has been transferred to another individual, leaving Lord Malfoy with an embarrassing stain on his reputation."

Fudge's face flushed with anger. "This is preposterous! I won't stand for it!"

Amelia's tone turned cooler, her gaze piercing. "Minister, I suggest you take a moment to reflect on your actions and alliances. The fallout from these recent events may have consequences far beyond what you initially anticipated."

Fudge sputtered, his anger evident, but Amelia had made her point. With a composed nod, she turned on her heel and exited the room, leaving the flustered Minister grappling with his choices' ramifications.