CHAPTER 33
29 March 1994 - Ministry of Magic, 3:56AM
Taking one final drag out of her cigarette before Vanishing the remnants, a glassy-eyed yet very alert Yvette Dubois ambled down a rather narrow alleyway that directly led to one of the few-known back entrances to the Ministry of Magic. She was comfortably covered by a Notice-Me-Not ensuring that neither she nor the beautifully-embroidered rucksack she carried would be seen by any unfortunate passerby.
Said entrance was the tiniest culvert that led to the holding cells in the DMLE, a consequence of the expansion of the Ministry's plumbing system with that of their muggle counterparts in 1858.
Unbeknownst to the witch, this was the last of a series of rather strange tasks she'd been compelled to commit within the past 24 hours for her employer Obediah Prewett. One such strange undertaking had been to hand off a rat and its well-kept terrarium to a striking blonde named Ariana McFlossy, who'd gazed at the creature with a surprising amount of reverence before flouncing off to Merlin-knew-where.
With a deft swish-and-flick of her 11 inch hazel wand, the rucksack rose and tipped itself over, emptying the entirety of its wizardspace contents. A lengthy succession of splashes sounded as…whatever was contained…landed in the sewer water below.
"EVANESCO."
The empty bag vanished into non-existence. With a soft POP!, she apparated back into her bedroom.
Preparing to get back into bed, she suddenly stiffened as her wand flew out of her hand, whirling around in horrified shock.
"Mon dieu!" exclaimed Yvette in her native tongue, eyes wide in startled horror. "Tu portes mon visage!"
The stranger laughed in girlish delight. "Exactement ma chérie!" The smile dropped from the intruder's face, further horrifying Yvette at seeing the calculated malice glittering from an identical facsimile of her own golden-brown orbs.
"S'il-te-plait je t'en prie, tu-"
"SILENCIO. PETRIFICUS TOTALUS."
The spells washed over Seneschal Potter's secretary with expert precision, rendering her completely at her attacker's mercy.
"LEGILIMENS."
Yvette's unguarded mind became an open book to the intruder, who leisurely flicked through its contents as one would a magazine.
"Hm…" murmured the imposter after some moments. "A rather ingenious application of the Imperius. Good thing that was activated after the Aurors interrogated you. Would have been rather awkward, non? Certainly ensured you did as you were told chérie." She snorted at the incredulous look on her captive's face as she continued to sort through the memories practically swimming in Yvette's unguarded mind. The other witch frowned at the appearance of Ariana McFlossy, feeling a strange tug of familiarity at her appearance.
'Wonder what's with the rat?' Shaking off her thoughts, the witch continued her task to her satisfaction.
"Awww, don't cry chérie," she said, mockingly tutting at the sight of Yvette's tears. "You've been exceedingly helpful, much more than most are in your position. Lucky for you, you won't be making any unnecessary…messes." She smiled with all of her teeth, before her 12¼ inch ebony wand blurred in "OBLIVIATE!"
Recasting Legilimens, not-Yvette smiled in satisfaction at seeing her captive's mind completely clear of the memories she'd targeted. "CORPUS ORCHIDEOUS." Focusing her magic, she transformed the secretary into a beautiful yellow rose she encased in a glass case.
"By any other name…" Smirking, she gently levitated the flower to the bedroom windowsill.
Reaching into her bosom, she retrieved a charmed locket she tapped thrice with her wand.
A face appeared in the mirrored surface, at once bored and intensely penetrating.
"I'm in."
"Bravo Villanelle," was the curt response. "Keep me apprised of all progress pertaining to your 'employer's' established network, Death Eater or otherwise. Whatever…correspondence you may find with Augustus Rookwood will be of great import."
Villanelle blinked. "Do you still suspect Prewett's involvement with the Azkaban breakout?"
Her handler's brow quirked sardonically. "I didn't expect Le Sénéchal of House Potter to be a Death Eater in league with the filth that is Fenrir Greyback, but alas, here we are."
"And what of my other assignment? 'Marta Morel' is not one to keep the White Widow waiting, given the nature of the task she requires my alias complete."
"You can walk and chew gum at the same time, non?" The witch wisely swallowed back the first three retorts that sprung on her tongue. "Complete your assignments as are required," he continued. "And please, do try to keep one of La Paillaise's victim's sensate enough for an interrogation. Touch base at 22:00."
The mirror went inert, causing the witch to lightly sneer before tucking it back down her blouse.
Le Garde-Chiourme was rather testy in the mornings before a spot of his favorite café.
In a blink, the form of Not-Yvette was replaced by a buzzing coffin fly, whose form was somehow imbued with a bevy of Notice-Me-Nots and other such obscuring charms. She flew out of the open window into that of her upper-level neighbors to establish additional surveillance contingencies before her pending rendez-vous with Le Milieu's notoriously mercurial enforcer.
Never let it be said that La Mouche of L'Inconnu was anything but efficient.
Headmaster's Office - Hogwarts, 7:06AM
Tensions ran rather high as the members of PAC and SPAAM glared at each other with varying levels of intensity. Though the copious wizardspace charms more than accommodated the thirty-plus students present, the high tensions between the two factions made the office feel considerably smaller. Each faction was sat across from the other, with Professors Evans and Scrimgeour serving as a barrier.
Overseeing the would-be showoff was the Headmaster, his Deputy, and the remaining three Heads of Houses, all of whom bore expressions ranging from strongly disapproving to utter disbelief. Huddled in a corner closest to the entrance were the Weasley Twins, who both looked as though they'd rather be anywhere else.
"I may sound like a broken record, but I cannot stress the severity of this situation. Almost each one of you were poisoned with a myriad of experimental concoctions that saw you all recovering in the Hospital Wing. Messrs. Malfoy, Zabini, Smith, and Montague incurred very serious reactions, similar to that of Misses Weasley, Edgecombe, and Crabbe. Enough to be placed in a healing coma for the duration of their stay in the Infirmary." Dumbledore turned and leveled a disapproving stare in the direction of the twins, who gulped in unison. Ron frowned on reflex, hoping that his brothers hadn't gone back on their word to not cruelly bully people with the pranks. Ginny also frowned, not wanting to believe the Twins had regressed back to this.
Fred rubbed his hands nervously but pressed on. "It's like we said Professor Dumbledore, our Seriously Skiving Snackbox prototypes weren't for sale for anyone who was affected by them. Only person we sold some too was Cedric here, and we only sold him three of our prototypes. All of which were used to poison everyone." He paused to glare fiercely at the side of Cedric's head, who winced but otherwise didn't speak. He looked notably exhausted, features withdrawn and pale with dark smudges under his eyes.
"That's right Professor," continued George. "Diggory bought quite a few of our regular snackboxes and cajoled us into selling away three of our boxes. Thought them so bloody ingenious." He sneered at the Hufflepuff, whose jaw ticked but otherwise didn't respond.
Professor Sprout's eyes widened. "Cedric?" she asked in disbelief. "Is this true?"
The boy winced again, expression wrinkling. He then shot a rather withering glare at Cho, whose eyes briefly widened at the kindly boyfriend's uncharacteristic viciousness, doubly so with it being directed at her.
"They're right, Professor." Pomona gasped in horror, an action mirrored by most of the room's occupants.
"But," he continued, halting everyone in their tracks. "I was not the one who dosed everyone's food as some cheap and cruel prank. My darling girlfriend Miss Chang convinced me to hand over the snackboxes to her for 'research purposes', citing her House's notorious desire for knowledge as the reason." His ambery eyes narrowed. "Who was I to deny my beloved?" The sneer was tangible in his tone, impressing the Slytherins who'd never thought the easygoing boy capable of such a thing.
Professor Flitwick gawked. "Miss Chang!" he exclaimed in horror. "Is Mr. Diggory correct?"
The Ravenclaw Fifth Year sputtered in outrage as her cheeks pinked in embarrassment. "I most certainly did not! It was the Outcast!" Cho pointed an accusatory finger at the boy, who stared blankly in response. "Stole the snackboxes just to poison all of us! To turn each of us against each other so we'd all end up in this exact situation!" The irony of her assigning her plan to Theo was definitely not lost on Harry, who lightly scowled at the Ravenclaw's gall. Luna wasn't far behind as her eyes narrowed at the sight of the girl's Clabbert-like nargles, which were wiggling in increasing frequency at the witch's lies.
"That's hardly possible," snorted Miranda. She blushed as almost everyone turned to stare.
"How so, Miss Bonnevie?" asked the Headmaster encouragingly.
"Um…well…Cho has always made it a point to share the Anti-Theft Charms she uses on her knapsack when our OWL study group would meet up last year. She even joins us in our NEWT study group, citing her own prowess with the source material." Her brow quirked in challenge at Cho's rapidly reddening face as a wave of murmuring grew. "Anywho, the nature of the charms she uses would prevent her bag from being summoned by the Outcast, pickpocketed, burgled, Switched, Geminio'ed, etc. And while I am sure there is an applicable counterspell, I imagine it's quite close to NEWT-level and thus beyond the Outcast's current academic reach."
"Astutely said, Miss Bonnevie." The Slytherin blushed at Scrimgeour's praise.
Cho grew visibly agitated. "He's-he's the Outcast! Who knows the type of nefarious magic he's capable of!" Her expression twisted cruelly. "Magic decided with good reason that he's not to be trusted; it would be all too easy for him to learn the spells needed to steal from me!"
"Here here!" cried Zacharias, who failed to notice the myriad of scathing glares directed at him from both sides.
"Oh, stick a fork in it, Zachy." Amy sneered at the boy, whose face grew puce at the use of his hated nickname. "This isn't a tribunal and you're no one's bloody emperor!"
"Miss Wilkes…" interjected McGonagall warningly. The witchling blushed as she mumbled an apology, causing Smith to smirk victoriously. He had to quickly turn away at the look the Gryffindor Head of House sent his way. Draco snickered under his breath, quickly clearing his throat when Ginny lightly nudged him.
"Honestly Cho," said Hermione tightly. "You're accusing Theo - who's a Third Year - of somehow acquiring the magical skills and ability of a NEWT-level student to specifically target you of all people, bypass the security measures of your belongings, all to acquire prank items he had no way of knowing you even possessed, all to poison your club?" She rolled her eyes for effect. "Please, don't make me laugh."
The Ravenclaw actually growled. "If I recall, Granger, the Outcast has already mastered one NEWT-level spell in the form of his Patronus."
"Surely you jest!" Penelope exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief as quite a few stared at the Ravenclaw Fifth Year as though she'd gone mad. "You're attempting to use his mastery of the Patronus charm - a corporeal form at that - as proof of him being a dark wizard?! The very antithesis of one who is capable of casting such a spell?! That is the most asinine thing I've heard all week! Blimey, how did you end up in Ravenclaw?!"
Cho glowered and made to snarl to the Head Girl, but froze as Harry interjected:
"She's right, you know. And as we all know, the Patronus - especially a corporeal one - is mighty handy in rebuffing a horde of Dementors dead set on sucking out a would-be victim's soul. Some of us know that better than anyone, wouldn't we Miss Chang? Mr. Diggory?" He turned to each of them and smiled, unconsciously evoking the Life Debt they more than likely incurred when Theo had summoned Tina and saved their lives. The Hufflepuff noticeably flinched, seeing the moment appear in his mind's eye of the ex-Nott's massive magical protector screeching bloody murder as her mighty wings mercifully buffeted the wraiths away.
Snape and Scrimgeour's gaze grew more contemplative as Dumbledore and Flitwick's eyes twinkled behind their respective frames. Lily merely smirked as she watched her son work his magic.
Realizing a losing argument, Chang decided to change tactics. "But you said you found it, didn't you Professor?!" Her tone was noticeably more hysterical as she whirled to face the Headmaster. "You found his bag with the snackbox wrappers in them?! That's all the proof that you need!"
Dumbledore gazed unblinkingly before a sharp swish of his wand produced Theo's rucksack.
His original rucksack.
"See?!" Cho exclaimed, eyes viciously alight. "I was right all along!"
Loud murmuring arose as several of the purebloods and halfbloods afflicted by the Ultimate Sanction hatefully glared at the Outcast, whose unblinking expression had yet to change. Neville's heir ring had started to thrum as the boy angrily glowered at the ex-Nott. He quickly looked away at Hermione's responding scowl, not really in the mood to get in another screaming row with the best friend he missed dearly.
"Not quite, Miss Chang." She froze at the Headmaster's tone. "Further examination of this evidence by myself and Professor Flitwick revealed a unique discrepancy."
Pansy and Cormac audibly gulped, as did Marietta. The four Legilimens in the room noticed their reactions quite readily.
"It seems," continued Albus, "that this rucksack has been subjected to a Geminio, an OWL-level charm that would also be beyond young Theo's current curricular abilities. Mr. Theo, would you mind terribly presenting your rucksack?" The ex-Nott did just that, once more stepping behind Lily when his task was complete. Nodding, Dumbledore turned to Flitwick. "If you may confirm my findings, Professor?"
Nodding, Flitwick unholstered his wand - 15½ inch cedar with unicorn hair - and deftly cast "DUPLICATIO REVELIO" whilst swinging his wand like a clock pendulum between the identical objects. Suddenly, the bag Theo had presented glowed a deep cerulean blue. Flitwick frowned.
"It would seem Headmaster, that young Mr. Theo's bag has in fact been duplicated. The copy was left in his possession whilst the origins was placed in the storage closet. Which I find incredibly strange, considering it would be more prudent - if one were being devious - to hold on to the original whilst leaving the copy behind."
"That doesn't prove anything!" Several gawked at the Prefect's vehement response, her Head of House included. "He's more than likely been plotting this little scheme for weeks! It would be too easy to duplicate his own bag, pilfer the snackboxes, store them away, and then use them when no one was looking!"
"So what, he dosed your snacks in the Old Slug Club Room, ran clear across the castle to the Muggle Studies Classroom, dosed our snacks, then ran clear back to the Quidditch Pitch in a handful of minutes with none of us the wiser?" Anthony scoffed before turning to the Outcast, whose lips were faintly turned upward. "I didn't realize you were an Olympian Theo, you'll have to teach me your tricks some time." He winked cheekily, dispelling a slight bit of the tension in the room.
"You're right Anthony," continued Harry genially. "I can imagine if Theo here is an Olympian, quite a fair few of the Hogwarts portraits would have noticed that miraculous feat of athleticism."
Neville's eyes widened just a touch, suddenly remembering the stately portrait of Aesop Sharp guarding the corridor just before Slug Club's Room entrance. A portrait he was certain the Headmaster could easily ask to reveal what he saw.
'Merlin's beard, I pray he was out of his frame.' Somehow, the Lion doubted that was the case.
"Doesn't Potter have an invisibility cloak?" sneered Cho.
"My Death Eater godfather stole it then used it to kidnap me, my brother, and my father," was Jim's wooden reply, causing most of the room's occupants to flinch as Ron squeezed his shoulder sympathetically. "So no, I can't imagine Theo stole it to poison our club snacks." Prefect Chang at least had the decency to look abashed.
"And besides, when would Theo have the time to have done all of this?" asked Harry sarcastically. "During the Quidditch match?" The Ravenclaw's eyes widened a touch as the Slytherin heard the same three students gulp again. Cormac sounded as though he'd swallowed his own tongue.
'Bingo.'
Scrimgeour and Dumbledore noticed as well, the former staring rather intently at the guilty parties who'd unintentionally revealed their guilt.
"Well, I can comfortably vouch for Theo; he was with me in the Slytherin faction with plenty of witnesses." Lily's expression seemed genial enough, but those who knew her knew better.
"I second that," added Eurus brightly.
"Third that!" exclaimed a smiling Luna.
"Fourth," said Miranda quietly.
"And I imagine they'd all be willing to submit Pensieve memories, mine included." Lily's expression looked entirely too innocent to be anything other than facetious. "Would you be amenable to that Miss Chang?" The younger witch's jaw clenched repeatedly.
"Well what do you say Cho?" asked the younger Potter genially. "We can provide plenty of eyewitness Pensieve testimony that will discount your claim of Theo's dastardly plot against our respective club, including from a member of Hogwarts' own staff."
Marietta Edgecombe's heart rate ratcheted in frequency as Cormac broke out in a visible sweat. Pansy tried her hardest not to scream as Neville began fidgeting.
"I imagine the portraits that reside in the areas Theo purportedly visited in his dastardly scheme would be happy to corroborate whether or not they saw him, as none can lie to the Headmaster."
Marietta was fairly certain her eyes were bulging.
"And if push comes to shove, I am sure any one of the Professors would be able to cast Prior Incantato to demonstrate if any of our wands cast Geminio, and if so, in what context the spell was used and-"
"ENOUGH! ENOUGH!"
The room's occupants turned to stare at Marietta, who looked at once panicked and ready to vomit with visible sweat dotting her brow.
"It was us! All of us!"
All the club members gaped in varying degrees of shock at her sudden admission. Professor Flitwick's mouth dropped at his charge's admission.
"Edgecombe what in Merlin's-"
"SHUT UP, SMITH!" she screamed hysterically, before turning to address the startled Headmaster. "It was us!" Edgecombe repeated as she began sobbing. "Me, Druscilla, Zacharias, Longbottom, McLaggen, Cho, and Pansy, we dosed the food! We snuck off to the kitchens and told the elves we just wanted to sample the snacks and we dosed all the food they had prepped! They-they probably mixed it up and gave it to both our groups and-" She was properly hysterical at this point, shoulders shaking as she wept piteously.
Hermione and the Twins visibly gaped, as did most of the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Cedric looked pointedly disgusted as Amy wondered if she could sneak in a Boils Hex at the back of Smith's stupid poncy head. The Ravenclaws and Slytherins were a mixed bunch, though the barely noticeable tension in Theo's shoulders visibly drained as Lily gave him a reassuring squeeze. Draco leveled a vicious glare in Neville and Parkinson's direction, making direct eye contact with the latter who turned pale at the look on Heir Malfoy's face.
"My father will hear about this." He flashed his Heir's ring a touch, the implication more than clear.
Ginny couldn't help but snicker in response.
From his vantage, Harry succeeded in suppressing the victorious smile that threatened to break across his face. He'd tipped off Tweak regarding the renegade PAC's intentions, and through some Slytherin scheming, convinced the elf to ensure that the kitchens would be clear to allow the six to pull off their scheme, before asking the elf to mix up some of PAC's tainted food with that of SPAAM's. As such, both sides had partaken of the contaminated food and ensured that they would all end up in the Hospital Wing. While the newly ascended Prince's efforts had been to ensure that none of his friends would come after him in the Forbidden Forest as they'd done in the previous timeline, he'd also wanted to dash the renegade PAC's schemes to falsely implicate Theo in some absurd poisoning plot to get the ex-Nott expelled.
He'd hoped to taunt Chang in a manner that would lead to a humiliating confession; based on his observations of the witch, she was prone to crumbling under a direct and upfront confrontation, preferring the comforts and cover of a well-planned scheme under the succor of like-minded peers, a touch of theatrics, and plenty of dramatic misdirection.
A part of him wondered if the Hat had offered the witch Slytherin.
The Headmaster's expression hardened at Marietta's confession, frowning at her tears as her co-conspirators (save Cormac who looked ready to vomit) stared at her in varying degrees of outrage and betrayal. "Messrs. Longbottom, Smith, McLaggen, and Misses Chang, Crabbe, Parkinson, and Edgecombe, kindly remain. Your Heads of Houses will remain as is standard with this matter. The rest of you are dismissed."
One Hour Later…
A furious Cho stormed out of the Headmaster's office, closely followed by an equally irate Zacharias. They were followed by the ashen-faced pair of McLaggen and Pansy, both of whom verged on the cusp of being ill. A stone-faced Cedric and Neville followed, the latter practically stomping his way down the steps as he pondered his foolish decision to involve himself in this utter nonsense. The final was a sobbing Marietta raced past all of them off to the Ravenclaw Tower, soundly ignoring the angry snarls of "Traitor!" cast at her back by Cho and Zacharias. Druscilla remained in the Headmaster's office, unable to keep from sobbing as her parents were summoned to retrieve her.
The remaining five walked until they reached an abandoned classroom, venturing in as Cedric cast a bevy of privacy charms at the door to ensure they wouldn't be interrupted.
"Un-bloody-believable!"
Zacharias was furious, face scarlet at the force of his anger. "We've all got bloody detention every single bloody day until the end of this bloody school year! All because we tried to do the right thing by getting that filthy Outcast out of this castle! Blimey, I thought it paid to be a good Samaritan around these parts, but I guess Hogwarts' gone further down the drain than I realized! And to think, we-
"Oh do kindly stick a fork in it this time, Zachy." He sputtered in outrage at Pansy's sneering retort. "Our goose was properly cooked, and knowing the little I know about the Headmaster, it's better to own up to your mistake than let it…fester and get him properly mad. At least all we got was detention; can you imagine if we'd ended up like Cassius Warrington?! We'd be expelled, which is far worse than death in my book." Tauria Parkinson's outraged visage sprung in her mind, already expecting the fury of her Ravenclaw mother at getting in so much trouble to begin with and disrupting her studies. Again.
Then she thought of her father, who undoubtedly would be getting an earful from Lord Malfoy about the effect of Pansy's actions against his Heir. Bile rose at recalling the younger Malfoy's threat.
"Pansy's right," muttered McLaggen miserably. "We're damned lucky we only got detention, even if it is with Professor Snape." He visibly shuddered, paling at the prospect of punishment of the strict and notoriously prank-hating Potions Master would cook up. He'd volunteered to handle the bulk of the detentions, citing a storage closet chock-full of filthy cauldrons and spare toothbrushes.
"Are you both daft?!" exclaimed Cho angrily. "I lost my Prefect's position and am completely ineligible to ever get it back! I'll never be Head Girl, ever!" Angry tears sprung to her eyes that she furiously rubbed away.
"Well, I imagine you did it to yourself!" She jerked at Cedric's cold tone.
"Beg your pardon?!"
His jaw ticked angrily though he looked even more exhausted as he heavily settled into a seat.
"What you did was completely unnecessary. Your actions - and those of you nitwits who followed along with her - completely ruined any credibility we'd worked hard to get! We wanted to demonstrate wizarding culture, especially those stemming from pureblood traditions, had merit and value and deserved to be celebrated. How in Circe's name do you show that with a stupid half-cocked prank?!" Eyes widened at the usually genial boy's language, who looked properly outraged as he glared a hole through each of their heads. "Malfoy was right; our entire club was not some…childish grudge against the Outcast. Whom, might I add, had absolutely nothing to do with this complete fiasco! We'll be lucky if the Headmaster allows us to continue on, and now, our reputations have been dashed as pathetic and stupid bullies-"
"Stupid?!" his girlfriend angrily interjected.
"Yes," he sneered. "Stupid!" Cho gaped in horror. "Doubly so because you're a bloody Ravenclaw, you're supposed to be the smart one!" He snorted contemptuously as leaned back in the chair, an expression of uncommon tiredness overcoming his paler-than-normal features. The others exchanged tense glances, wondering if they should have left before the couple's row.
"...You're supposed to defend me Cedric. I'm your bloody girlfriend, and you practically hung me out to dry!"
The Hufflepuff snarled. "You did that to yourself when you lied to me. I'm your bloody boyfriend, and you practically hung me out to dry!" He was mocking her, Cho realized in horror. He never mocked her!
"What the hell is the matter with you?! You've been an utter arse to me since the holidays, and you're always blowing me off-"
"I told you," he replied with noticeable asperity, "that my mother has been ill. You know her health hasn't always been the strongest since that brush with Cerebrumous Spattergroit when I was five."
"I know but-"
"And last I checked, the entire world doesn't revolve around you!"
"I never said it did!"
Diggory scowled as several cutting statements ran through his mind, before taking a deep breath to calm down. "I really do not have the time for this nonsense. I'll see you all later." with that, Diggory swept from the room as his girlfriend despairingly called his name.
With a snort of utter contempt, Heir Longbottom followed in his stead. He froze at the sound of his name, before turning to glare at his compatriots. While seething anger at the Outcast still persisted, it was no longer the foremost emotion he felt. All the disgraced Lion could see in his mind's eye was the disgusted and disappointed visage of Hermione Granger as she realized the extent of his involvement in the failed cabal, and Harry Potter's lingering disappointment of the same.
Neville stared at each of them long enough to make it uncomfortable, before angrily storming off.
As he made his way to the Gryffindor Common Room, Heir Longbottom was suddenly struck by the terrifying thought of his Gran's reaction at the news of his failed schemes and subsequent detentions as a result of said failed schemes.
'Wonder if there are any anti-exploding Howler charms I can use,' he thought miserably.
Ancient Runes Classroom, 10:51AM
Retreating behind her shields, Hermione steeled herself as the modified broom she sat on slowly rose to hover in the air. With a deep breath, the Gryffindor guided the broom to slowly circle the room under the amazed eyes of her classmates.
Successfully completing her lap, the witch returned to her starting point and braced herself as Harry, Draco, and Theo gathered below.
As one, they cast "FLIPENDO!" at the witch. There was a soft humming sound from all around her accompanied by a faint glow as the spells were seemingly dissipated. They cast a few more jinxes and hexes, incurring a similar effect. Gesturing to his best friend, Hermione took a deep breath before once more doing a lap around the room, shocking their classmates as she and the broom turned invisible.
"Blimey!" exclaimed Tracey, her expression of wonder mirrored on almost everyone's face. Hermione once more became visible as she lowered the boom and disembarked, beaming at the applause from Professor Babbling and most of the students. In truth, she was moreso pleased to be back on solid ground.
"Most impressive Ms. Granger, Messrs. Potter, Malfoy, Theo. An ingenious use of runes. Can you explain your process to the class?"
Hermione spoke first: "Certainly Professor. As demonstrated in your first class, we utilized upward Eihwaz, Raido, Ehwaz, and Sowilo to symbolize wood, journey, horse, and power respectively, inscribing alternating sunward patterns of the runes across the underside of the broom's shaft as is standard. We even made a little room to incorporate a Cushioning Charm, utilizing Mannaz upward anchored by upward Algiz placed over sunward Gebo. Together, the three invoke an area of sustained comfort, which would be mirrored in the wand movement for the spell Molliare."
Babbling nodded and smiled approvingly at her thorough explanation.
It was Draco's turn. "The wood we chose was maple, symbolizing strength, endurance, and protection, which are qualities you want in that which you're meant to travel long distances on. Maple wands are often known to choose those who are travelers and explorers by nature, so the symbology holds true. Interestingly enough, broom wood can be customized to match the wand wood of its user."
"Oh?" replied Babbling enthusiastically. "Please continue!"
Malfoy preened, much to classmates' varying amusement. "The magic of the broom, which allows all of the charms to function properly, is drawn from its user's core. Not a significant amount to be noticeable or make the flier tired, but just the tiniest bit to make the broom work. When the wood matches that of the flier's wand, it allows for a more seamless flying experience and maximizes the charms' functionalities. My great-great grandfather Brutus Malfoy had a Second Edition Air Wave Gold made with a walnut handle and walnut tail twigs, granting him the fastest and most stable flight time on record. While it wasn't the most accessible, it was the best."
Babbling smiled delightedly.
Theo stepped up. "And for the Protego Orbis, we inscribed the runic equivalents of the spell on the upper half of the handle and the stirrups to allow the most encompassing experience, especially with spellfire coming from multiple directions. An Orbis modifier is no good if it only protects the front of the rider and not their back."
"Right you are!" exclaimed the Professor. "And for the invisibility?" she continued. " I'm curious to know how you incorporated such an expansive invisibility matrix into the myriad of other runes you have without compromising its threshold integrity."
"Well…that part took a bit of finagling," said Harry coyly. Draco snorted, recalling when they'd done exactly that and succeeded in turning a broom handle into a block of ice that subsequently exploded in a shower of hail on all of their faces.
In truth, it'd taken quite a few failed efforts combined with a fair bit of yelling, exploded broom shafts, and even a broken window as one of their prototypes had gone utterly haywire and went sailing right out of a library window, leaving nothing but shattered glass and four horrified students in its wake. Thankfully, they'd taken to thoroughly warding their study area and thus had time to fix their mess lest they spend the remainder of their days toiling in detention under Madam Pince's gimlet eye.
"If you see here," Harry pointed at the juncture between the side and the top of the broom's staff where the two sides met at an angle. "We incorporated Hagalaz merkstave all along this point, framed by sunward Isa at the bottom and widdershins Laguz at the top serving as a bracket to widdershins Eihwaz. Doing so invoked the 'delay' aspect of the primary rune, with Isa serving as a containment to store any energy not dispelled upon spell impact. Laguz in this aspect acts as a conduit for the stored energy, like water carrying a spark of electrical energy. That energy is fed into Eihwaz which in this aspect invokes 'death of appearance', a rough translation of invisibility."
Babbling nodded approvingly, eyes aglow. "Most impressive you four, exceptionally well done! Not only did you succeed in your primary task, you demonstrated a highly advanced understanding and application of Elder Futhark rune-working, especially regarding rune bracketing and energy transference . My only points of note would be to consider the rune matrix's threshold for higher impact spells which account for explosive effects, as well as potential working for refractive purposes as a less energy-consuming alternative to invisibility. As it stands, excellent job and an 'Outstanding' for your project grade!" She led the class in applause as the four friends high-fived each other.
"Alright, onward to our next group! Misses Greengrass, Davis, Bulstrode!"
The three witches exchanged tense glances before coming to the front of the class with their broom, and a Slytherin green parrot-handle umbrella.
DMLE Detention Center - Ministry of Magic, 1:45PM
The mocking sound of Obediah's laughter echoed throughout the hallway of the high-security holding cells as James Potter practically raced out of the prisoner center. Their conversation hadn't been heard by anyone else including the Auror guard on duty, but it must have been very bad given the deathly pale look on Potter Senior's face.
Two doors down sat Thorfinn Rowle in the center of his cell in lotus position, eyes closed with bound hands laid on his crossed ankles. Though his cell was laden with enough security wards to prevent his escape, the arresting Aurors Black and Montague had maintained his hand restraints when ushering the captured Death Eater into temporary prison.
He'd been caught red-handed right outside Citadel Rowle, intending to apprehend and murder a select number of civilians as one of many steps in the Fifth Contingency. Mr Justinian, sensibly, had evacuated before the Aurors could capture him.
Fitting really, considering the Bane of the Dark Lord's enemies held far too much value in the Great Contingency to be arrested now.
Continuing his meditation, Thorfinn employed a bit of the auditory mirroring technique taught to him by Augustus Rookwood. He synced the thump-thump-thump of his heartbeat to align with the drip-drip-drip of water leaking into the cell from Merlin-knew-where.
About half an hour passed in relative peace before his hyperacute senses picked up a light-footed pace with a unique fragrance of lilac, juniper, and lavender soap. The footsteps stopped directly in front of his cell, before a slew of privacy charms were cast to ensure their conversation would not be heard.
"Lia dear," rasped the Death Eater. "It has been far too long since you graced me with your presence.
"Don't call me that," she hissed, hazel eyes flashing in contempt.
In one fluid movement Thorfinn rose and approached the cell's bars, mere inches away from the seething witch. He eyed her wand gripped tightly in her left hand, before turning to stare in her flashing hazel orbs. She noted a distinct palsy-like tick on the left-side of his face, the flesh gnarled. It was the most prominent scar he'd escaped with during his confrontation with that blasted Knight of Walpurgis when he'd been nearly electrocuted to death, before barely escaping with his life as the ancient manse crumbled all around him.
"Why not, Lia?" HIs tone was surprisingly gentle. "You told me only I could call you that. Just like I told you only you could call me Finn." He couldn't help but chuckle at the snarl that escaped her pretty red lips.
Their relationship was…complicated to say the least.
The two had been very close during their Hogwarts years, their Houses quite close since the inception of the Knights of Albion and their families' subsequent involvement in The Silver Spears. Their grandfathers had been best friends in their Hogwarts years and beyond, and seeing the camaraderie and genuine affection between their favorite grandchildren (Clancy Rowle's only grandchild in that case), had established a betrothal contract between the Hufflepuff and Slytherin.
Both had desires to be in law enforcement; Amelia had her sights set on the DMLE Director's office since her First Year, whilst Thorfinn wished to pursue a DADA Mastery to eventually become a Hogwarts Professor. The pair were already quite skilled in defense upon their Sorting, well-versed in subject matter approaching OWL-level.
Both were also quite skilled in varying dueling techniques taught to them by their grandfathers, enough to make waves on the European Student League Dueling Circuit. Thorfinn was an especially skilled swordsman in line with the tradition of his forefathers. Upon their 11th birthday, each Rowle was matched with a wand at Ollivanders, before presented with a magical sword in the Grand Chamber that lay at the heart in the underground crypts of their ancestral home. In line with his ancestors, Thorfinn named his sword Hrod once the bonding ceremony (led by his father and observed by his grandfather and portraits in the crypt) was complete.
So connected was the blade to its wielder that it could be summoned at any time, anywhere, regardless of whatever wards were in place.
The two had grown only closer during their Hogwarts years, fully intending to marry upon their Auror Academy and Mastery graduations.
Unfortunately, misfortune had struck sometime during the first year of the Slytherin's Mastery in the winter of 1972. His father and grandfather died, leaving the grief-stricken young man susceptible to any and all sorts of things.
Especially the ideologies of a rising Dark Lord.
The following year he broke the betrothal with a devastated Amelia. Some months later, Mr. Tyrfing was born.
"May I ask why you're here?"
Amelia's eyes narrowed. "Just wanted to see for myself, I suppose. To confirm the depths to which you'd sunk and ruined your sorry life." She tilted her head mockingly. "It's funny; you escaped Azkaban's clutches but you're not flush with the beauty of your youth. Though I'm sure the eight concurrent Stupefys by my Aurors lessoned that."
He chuckled at her snide tone. He had been overwhelmed by intense magical force, almost falling into a coma as a result. And while he had been lucky to avoid the Dementors' wrath, spending the past 13 years' hidden in the catacombs of his ancestral home hadn't been an absolute picnic. The fortress' house elves had ensured he was properly nourished, the stress of being a wanted Death Eater had taken its mental toll, having to lurk in the shadows as he trained his body and mind in kind, using what little moments he could afford to search for his Lord to no avail.
"As it stands my dear, I am in tip-top shape."
"Well I hope you enjoyed it, Death Eater." She leaned in close, expression mockingly cruel. "I will personally ensure the Dementors rob you of every shred of sanity and vitality you possess."
"Tut-tut Lia, you wound me with your cruel words."
"I wound you?! After all of the innocents you've murdered in cold blood gallivanting about as a filthy Death Eater?!"
"Innocents?! Is that what you call them?! No…no my dear. I merely cleansed our world of the filthy lessers. Those who have defiled Magic herself and don't deserve the worth of her gift running through their veins. Filthy mudbloods encroaching on our world from theirs and expecting to be treated like equals whilst we wither away in secrecy! Verminous blood-traitors who encourage this madness, and the remaining loathsome purebloods who stand content in their indolence as they wield unearned power and authority to do absolutely nothing with it to keep our world safe from them!"
Amelia choked in horror. "HAVE YOU LOST THE BLOODY PLOT?!" Thankfully her wards prevented her shout from being heard. "You betrayed your family's very oaths and purpose in our society; to protect us from the very dangers that you willingly gave yourself to! And last I checked, it isn't a guardian's responsibility to pick and choose whom they want to protect in a given society. And yes, that includes the muggleborns and so-called 'blood-traitors'!"
He sneered. "I did my duty."
She sneered back. "You did your master's duty, Death Eater! You're nothing more than a glorified flunky for a murderous, delusional, lying, piece of excrement!"
"Take care with how you speak of my Master." His eyes became disturbingly onyx as though his pupils had grown to overcome his irises. "He is the greatest amongst us. The best amongst us. The Only One with the power and foresight to do what is necessary to save this wretched Merlin-forsaken world from itself and restore the True Balance." He'd unknowingly echoed Obediah's recent sentiments in his confrontation with Harry Potter.
Director Bones reared back at the ferocity of her once-beloved's expression, pacing some much needed distance between the two. She took a few calming breaths as she retreated behind her Occlumency shields, grateful to have mastered enough of the skill to be a comfortable Level 3. It would do her no good to lose herself to an endless screaming rage and heartbreak.
"Just one last thing before I leave, Death Eater."
Her voice dropped to a whisper as though her body wished for her to remain silent.
"The McKinnons…that night in their manor…by brother Edgar…his wife Antonia…their whole family…tell me the truth…was that you?"
Thorfinn merely glared at the woman he'd once hoped to vow before Magic herself to love and protect for all the days of their life. Flashes of their shared memories swam to the surface of his mind accompanied by the joy he felt within those moments.
But then Tyrfing's memories emerged and asserted their dominance as he couldn't help but reminisce on the events on that fateful 5th of November in 1976.
A bloodied and broken Malcolm begging for his family to be spared…
An almost lifeless Lena begging for the same…
Patricia and the McKinnon house elves lying in pieces as chunks of their organs splattered down from the chandelier…
Harmon's screams as Farmer, Bellator, and Praestes took turns gleefully casting Cruciatus at his damaged form…
Edgar, flayed and near unrecognizable after putting up an insurmountable fight, using his body as a shield against a barely breathing and terribly battered Antonia…
Hrod flashing through the air as Edgar and Antonia's heads were separated from their bodies to finally put them out of their misery…
She must have seen the truth written on his face, because Amelia recoiled in absolute horror.
"You're a monster!"
And without waiting for a response she dispelled the wards and fled.
6:44PM
Slamming the crossword section of The Prophet down angrily, Auror Hansel Thistlewood (Gryffindor, Class of 1989) glared in the direction of Prewett's cell.
The man had been blubbering all manner of nonsense since the bloody crack of dawn, making suspicious buzz-click-purr sounds that sounded like an insect talking. There were intermittent breaks, before the Death Eater would start up again. Hansel hadn't a clue what any of the chittering gibberish meant, and to be quite frank, he really didn't want to know about any eccentricities unique to a filthy Death Eater.
'And the bloody Unspeakables haven't even gotten to him yet!'
Thorfinn, on the other hand, knew exactly what those sounds entailed as it pertained to Mr. Arachne. Naturally, he wouldn't be sharing.
The infernal sounds continued for almost 15 more minutes, before mercifully sighing at the sight of Aurors Thicknesse, Dawlish, Black, and Montague appeared.
"How's it hanging Thistlewood?"
"A lot better now that you're here to take the trash out," Hansel responded, sneering in the direction of the Death Eaters. Snorting in agreement, Sirius used his wand to sign for the temporary release forms for Thorfinn as Thicknesse did the same for Obediah.
In order to maintain chain of custody, the arresting aurors would be the ones to sign off on the prisoners' temporary transfer to the Unspeakables' custody for their unique brand of interrogation. Once complete, the aurors would return them to the detention center where they would remain until their official trial that would occur in a week.
Task complete, Black and Montague made their way to Thorfinn, the former sneering viciously at Prewett as the man inappropriately chortled whilst being handcuffed with Animagus-suppressant cuffs. Though he and James still weren't on speaking terms, it was the principle of the thing! A bloody Death Eater served as the Seneschal for his godson's birth House, and thus had contributed to Harry's life being in danger since the Dark Lord's attack in 1981.
Shaking off those thoughts, he and Rodney entered Thorfinn's cell and cuffed the man with no issue.
As one, the six-member group made their way out of the high security level of the detention center, taking a lift to reach the main reception area of the facility.
"Senior Auror Black and Auror Trainee Montague escorting Prisoner #994-327-A to the Department of Mysteries for special interrogation." He touched his spruce wand to Auror Savage's clipboard, registering his magical signature. Thicknesse repeated his actions for Prisoner #994-327-B, who looked entirely too chipper at the proceedings. From there, the four aurors jostled their prisoners to the Express Lifts reserved for DMLE personnel use. The two freight-style elevators sat on the outermost 'edge' of the entire Ministry's structure, parallel to the path of the Main Lifts that sat near the dead-center of the Ministry proper. Like their counterparts, they allowed unfettered access to the entryways of every level of the Ministry.
The levels of the Ministry of Magic were numbered numerical order, with Level 1 (The Chamber of the Wizengamot and its related facilities) at the top, ironically just below the basement that constituted the lowest level of Whitehall. Level 2 (Offices for the Minister and Administrative Staff) proceeded, followed by the DMLE and all its associated law enforcement agencies (as well as the Auror Corps, despite its independent status) on Level 3. The Department of Mysteries was on Level 9 but could only be accessed by outsiders with special permission. Level 10 also fell under the purview of the DoM, but its status was Level 13 Classified and thus its general existence and access was only known to the Minister of Magic, Control, and Number 13.
Separating, Sirius, Rodney, and Thorfinn entered Lift 1 as Thicknesse, Dawlish, and Obediah entered Lift 2.
Once inside Lift 1, Sirius pressed his wand to the downward button and said aloud "Senior Auror Sirius Black and Auror Trainee Rodney Montague, escorting prisoner Thorfinn Rowle ID# 994-327-A to the Department of Mysteries." Registering his wand signature, the lift began its downward descent.
DING. "Level 4: Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures." The softly lilting magical voice of the Elevator Operator sounded.
The prisoner was surprisingly quiet, eyes closed as though he were feigning sleep.
On the contrary, he was slowing down his heartbeat and dialing up all of his senses in order to sustain the six heartbeats of dilated perception he'd require to sustain the advanced close-combat techniques to escape the clutches of the aurors and the Ministry.
He trusted that Obediah would be more than capable of doing the same.
DING. "Level 5 - International Magical Cooperation."
Any lingering tension drained out of Thorfinn's body, causing Sirius to lightly frown as his Padfoot senses registered the change. Rowle's cuffed hands were facing the front, fingers interlocked. Taking a deep breath and further drawing Auror Black's suspicion, the prisoner allowed Thorfinn to fade to the background as Mr Tyrfing assumed control.
THUMP.
Tyrfing immediately dislocated his thumbs to slide them out of his cuffs before relocating them back into their natural position. A mental command in Old Norse saw Hrod - in its minor dagger form - appear in his hand. Before either Aurors could contemplate exactly how that happened, the Death Eater headbutted Black and broke his nose, causing him to recoil backwards in pained alarm.
THUMP.
Hrod slashed through the air, its harpē'-style tip landing in the side of Rodney's neck and slashing a blood-soaked path through the upper half of his chest, eliciting a pain-filled gurgle. Tyrfing viciously kicked the auror into a corner of the lift as his wand skittered away.
"RODNEY, NOOOO!" exclaimed a horrified Sirius as the younger wizard began choking on his own blood. It was only thanks to his Padfoot senses that he was able to sense Rowle's nearly superhuman redirect to swipe his chest, crying out in pain as the Death Eater landed three slashes on his torso.
DING. "Level 6: Magical Transportation."
THUMP.
Thinking fast, Sirius initiated an elementary Aikido armbar lock to prevent a grunting Tyfring from stabbing his heart. Unlike his ex-partner James, Sirius had heeded Mad-Eye's suggestion to learn at least three means of non-wanded escape. While he'd never mastered a non-verbal Accio, he had mastered a handful of evasive Aikido and offensive Judo techniques he'd learned from a gorgeous modelesque brunette who ran a dojo a few miles from the Black Hideaway in Knightsbridge.
'Good thing I never skipped any classes.'
Still, the Death Eater was considerably stronger than Sirius would have thought possible as he applied more pressure to his dagger which had come out of nowhere. The two continued to struggle for a few moments, before Sirius succeeded in striking the dagger from his attacker's grasp and using his non-wand arm to strike the Death Eater's throat to send him reeling in a choke.
DING. "Level 7 - Magical Games and Sports."
THUMP.
It wasn't enough as Rowle almost immediately regained his bearing, striking Auror Black's chest with a vicious yet precise side kick that sent him sailing into the opposite corner of the lift with a loud clang as his wand dropped from his grip. Hrod reappeared in his hand as Tyrfing swept down to deliver the killing blow.
In a pique of desperation Sirius tapped into his Padfoot aspect, causing his teeth to lengthen into sharp fangs and his fingernails to extend into wicked sharp black claws. Tyrfing's eyes widened at the sight before he recoiled in a scream as Black succeeded in scratching the flesh of his chest and biting clean through the man's shoulder.
"AAAAAH!"
Auror Black attempted to press his advantage but the Death Eater was still inhumanely fast as he struck his chest with a series of torso kicks that once more sent Sirius sailing into the lift's wall.
DING. "Level 8 - Atrium."
THUMP.
Snatching Black's wand off the floor (now sticky-red with Rodney's blood), Tyrfing touched the spruce apparatus - which felt like trying to restrain a squirming child throwing a tantrum - to the elevator button as he growled: "Override initial ask. Redirect to Level 6."
Naturally, the lift registered wand signatures and not vocal magical signatures, thus causing the freight to reorient itself upward to the Department of Magical Transportation, home to the Floo Network Authority and thus the Emergency Floos that could be used to escape the Ministry even in the midst of a lockdown.
THU-.
With a beastly roar a partially transformed Sirius tackled the Death Eater to the ground, using his greater advantage to slash at his prisoner's chest. He roared in pain but somehow managed to flip Sirius over, throat-striking him as he re-summoned Hrod to impale the choking Auror.
DING. "Level 7 - Magical Games and Sports."
Using another Aikido-based restraint move Black locked Rowle's hand, halting his would-be lethal strike in its path. The two men struggled in a tense battle of upper body strength and sheer force of will. Exhaustion was creeping up and Sirius didn't know how long he would have before his imminent death.
Applying more pressure than he thought possible Sirius succeeded reorienting the dagger just to the right. Unfortunately, that allowed Rowle just enough give to send Hrod right through Black's right shoulder eliciting a bloodcurdling scream as the magic of the blade rendered his shoulder completely useless.
DING. "Level 6 - Magical Transportation."
'Go time.'
Allowing Tyrfing to retreat Thorfinn came to the fore, he viciously kicked Sirius away before snatching up Rodney's wand. The second the doors opened he exited in a tucked roll, effortlessly standing upright before racing to the Emergency Floos.
Snatching his wand from the sticky red floor Sirius crawled to the buttons, using his still functioning hand to slam the emergency button that would ensure the freight remained on Floor 6. Task complete, he crawled over to Rodney and began emergency triage, pouring every phial of Blood Replenisher and Murtlap Essence he had in his Auror-issued mokeskin pouch down Rodney's throat. The younger wizard had enough mind to place his hand over his neck to stymie the bleeding, but it wasn't helping much as he suffered through severe hemorrhaging.
At this point, Sirius realized that he'd also lost a considerable amount of blood, feeling as though his veins were on fire as whatever curse was on Rowle's dagger coursed through his body.
But he had to persevere.
"MUSCULO EMENDO. CUTIS EMENDO. EPISKEY." To his horror none of the spells work, prompting him to try thrice more to no avail.
"SHITE!" he exclaimed. "Buggering orichalchum blade with some kind of curse to prevent healing!" Almost on cue Sirius began to seize as Rodney did the same, flopping around in his own blood as he grew considerably paler, breath audibly shortening.
"S-S-Stay with me, R-R-R-Rodney! C-C-C'mon, s-stay with m-me!"
Seeing double Auror Black shakingly raised his wand and incanted "E-E-EXPECT-TO P-P-PATRON-NUM!" The glowing form of his Irish Wolfhound coalesced and began panting as he awaited command.
"T-t-this is S-Senior Auror B-B-Black, p-p-pass-c-code Sphinx-Indigo-R-Regus-Iris-U-Umberland-Seneca. P-Prisoner escaped. On the 6th floor l-lift. R-Rodney grievously injured. S-S-Send back-up." Snuffles raced off to deliver his message.
It was perfect timing too, as his spruce wand cluttered from nerveless fingers as his world faded to black.
In a beat, Sirius knew no more.
Minister's Fundraiser Gala - Grand Fête Hall, 7:26PM
Cornelius was soundly in his element, schmoozing with the wizarding elite in his annual ministerial gala. While he would typically be sequestering donors and other similar political favors from the wizarding British elite, that was not the case today.
Today's purpose was setting the stage for Amelia to take the mantle for the Minister of Magic. While many tended to dismiss him as overly unctious, jovial, and a touch inexperienced, Fudge was clever enough to realize he'd experienced a great boon as a peacetime Minister.
The disastrous end to her second Ministerial term saw Minister Millicent Bagnold not only decline a third term run, but saw her retire before the completion of her final year.
The election of 1983 – a contest between the ruthless and unlikable authoritarian of Barty Crouch Sr. and an amiable 'dunce' who served as newly-minted Head of Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes was one of the closest in the history of Wizarding Britain, with unsupported accusations of vote-buying and other improprieties on both sides. It'd been close, damn near too close, but Fudge had ultimately won the vote of the wizarding populace. Crouch only conceded when Fudge agreed to appoint him Senior Minister for the Department of International Magical Cooperation and also Britain's chief delegate to the ICW, two titles that gave Barty Sr. international authority that trumped that of the Minister of Magic when dealing with international wizarding affairs.
Cornelius was Hufflepuff enough to realize a smart (albeit risky) gamble of influence peddling when he saw one.
Granted, such an act wasn't even illegal under wizarding law (he'd done his due diligence and checked). In fact, it's basically a tradition for an incoming Minister to reward whoever finished second with a prominent position of some sort. It was mutually beneficial as Crouch Sr. received a high-profile and cushy position he was more than qualified for, and couldn't do much harm to Fudge's domestic agenda or personal popularity.
The ultimate win-win.
Even better were the 'donations' to Fudge's pet causes. Not bribes in the true sense of the word, but rather influential families funneling considerable galleons in particular government projects and receiving some form of…largesse as recompense. House Brown pays for a new wing for St. Mungo's, they receive a position on Fudge's advisory board and that of the hospital proper. House Avery pays for new dragon-hide armor for the Auror Corps, the 'Avery Center' is granted in the Auror training facility.
As if on cue Daimon Lord Avery's delighted laugh sounded as Amelia worked her charm, albeit a touch grudgingly since she was certain the man had been involved with the Dark Lord in some capacity. The witch had been rather closed off when she'd first appeared at the event, but, as Fudge had come to expect, she smartly buried whatever personal issues she had and set about getting her job done and done well. It was the primary reason he'd chosen her as Praetor Maximus in lieu of appointing himself, knowing that the strength of her character coupled with her hardwon tactical expertise would serve as a fine catalyst to the inevitable war looming on the horizon.
Now while the looming Death Eater Menace had placed a bit of a damper on the mood, the capture of Thorfinn Rowle and his revelation as the notorious Death Eater Mr. Tyrfing did quite a bit to lift up everyone's spirits. That, and the shocking revelation of Obediah Prewett as a Death Eater. Acacia Lady Brown was practically effervescent as she discussed the "wonderful news!" with Florean Fortescue. Florean's son Dorian chatted amicably with Albert Runcorn and his wife Kelly. Horace Slughorn held court with Ladies Greengrass, Parkinson, and Goyle, both of whom had been members of the man's infamous 'Slug Club'.
Sighing in satisfaction at the success of his event, Minister Fudge made his way over to Lords Malfoy and Greengrass before rearing back in alarm as a massive glowing Irish Wolfhound bound in and spoke in Lord Black's urgent voice, fading away once the message was complete.
Amelia's eyes widened before they hardened immediately. "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" Her eagle Patronus coalesced. "Go to Shacklebolt, passcode Argentum-Maidstone-Ecru-Larimar-Iguana-August. Rally the troops to the 6th Floor, have an emergency squad on hand to assist Auror Black and Trainee Montague immediately. Until the prisoner Thorfinn Rowle is apprehended, I am instituting the Reichenbach Protocol."
With a caw Hippolyta flew off to deliver her message. She twirled her wand in her series of hypnotizing swirls, ceasing when she felt the entirety of the wards over Levels 2 and 3 settle over her form. Thorfinn, if by some miracle he wasn't able to utilize the emergency Floos on the 6th Floor, would not be escaping via the emergency escape route adjacent to the Ministry, DMLE, and Auror levels. Quite a few eyes widened as they understood the implications of the protocol she'd just invoked, recalling the last time it'd been used during the recent Dark Lord's invasion of the Ministry of Magic.
With a Sonorous, Amelia instructed all of the event's attendees to gather against the farthest wall of the hall and "brace yourselves!"
At the Same Time…
Number 18 smoothly reclined back in his chair as he completed yet another sudoku puzzle, enjoying the last 15 minutes of his shift in the DoM before he returned to the regular world. This particular numerical set had been gifted to him by Camembert, wagering a friendly bet to see who could complete the 5000 set booklet first.
Tom had completed a 789 sets, edging past Camembert by a respectable 50.
AH-OOH-GA! AH-OOH-GA! AH-OOH-GA! AH-OOH-GA!
BONG! (ding dong-ding dong!) BONG! (ding dong-ding dong!)
AH-OOH-GA! AH-OOH-GA! AH-OOH-GA! AH-OOH-GA!
BONG! (ding dong-ding dong!) BONG! (ding dong-ding dong!)
Setting aside his jasmine tea, Number 18 his unsheathed wand in one fluid movement as he approached the maze of chimes in the Early Warning Office. It took a few seconds to identify the source of the two infernally loud alarms.
Chime #10.
Chime #47.
Silencing the two alarms he retrieved his charmed communication mirror, attached to his right pant pocket in a pocket watch style on an Unbreakable chain. Eighteen tapped a rhythmic beat on its surface with his wand, speaking when Control's visage appeared.
"This is 018, reporting at twenty-eight minutes past the seventh night hour. Chime 10 has sounded, indicating the murder of Auror personnel within the Ministry. Chime #47 has also sounded, indicating that the DMLE Director has initiated the Reichenbach Protocol."
"Understood. 078 and 091 will be deployed as is required. Complete the remainder of your shift. 006 will relieve you of your Early Warning duty per the schedule. As is standard, you will remain within the Ministry until the Reichenbach Protocol is lifted."
"Understood."
The screen went blank before the mirror was placed back into his pocket. While 018 lacked the authority and means to intervene in the ongoing events in the Ministry, it was just the kind of situation suited to the intervention of a Knight of Walpurgis.
It was time for Galahad to make a much-needed appearance.
AN 1: Villanelle is obviously a refence to the Killing Eve character of the same name, as she also serves as the fancast (Jodie Comer) for the role. L'Inconnu will be featured quite a bit in Book 4 and Book 5, along with more references to Le Milieu and La Famille Delacour.
AN 2: I am entirely too amused at Marietta jumping the gun, doubly so considering I wrote it. As is stands, PAC, like its co-founders Cho and Cedric, will be going through a rough patch.
AN 3: Again, I am absolutely no expert on rune-working, a lot of what we see is what I cobbled together in the means that made the most sense to me. If it's complete gibberish, please do let me know!
AN 4: The role of Thorfinn Rowle/Mr. Tyrfing is played by Sean Harris (The Borgias/Mission Impossible: Fallout). While he's not the only Death Eater who will be shown to be skilled in hand-to-hand combat, he's probably the best, only second to one yet-to-be-named DE.
AN 5: Poor Sirius & Rodney. But, like Lady Serena once said: The Price of Destiny is paid for in blood. More to come! :)