The Order of the Pheonix
Chapter Fifteen
Granger House
England
Mr. and Mrs. Granger sat nervously with Hermoine in between them as Roy Mustang and Minerva McGonagall calmly explained the situation. Hermoine would need to be moved to Amestris, for her safety and the safety of other targets. Fuhrer Mustang, who they had met previously, though not as often as Lt. Fuhrer Elric, had explained calmly that this war between wizarding factions would in fact deeply impact their daughter, and possibly the general populace should it carry on for any length of time.
"What about our jobs though? Our house too?" Mr. Granger asked fretfully after Roy extended the invitation to them as well as their daughter.
"I understand that this situation is far from ideal; that a great deal of faith in our word is being asked from you, I cannot assure you that the outcome will not impact either your careers or your home. However, I can assure you that we will do everything in our power to keep your family safe within our borders, and that you will have no trouble finding work or housing while you are there." Roy calmly explained, resisting the urge to glance at his watch. This was taking longer than he would like. The list of tasks before he could even consider retiring for the night grew as they spoke. It was far from the first time he had gone without sleep, but he would rather be rested when facing battle. He also was not getting any younger and frankly going without proper rest and food was a great deal easier a decade ago when he was facing thirty rather than passing forty.
"You're certain these people will come after us and our daughter?" Mrs. Granger sounded frightened as she tightened her hold around her daughter. "How can we be safe behind your borders with what you have said of them?"
"No one can enter the borders. Shortly, the border will seal completely as it has been for weeks and will remain that way until this threat has passed." Roy assured. "Our reason for sending the children home previously, so that we could find the breech and seal the border was resolved completely. Even before the alterations, these ones would not have been able to get beyond the boundaries easily, now even I would not be able to cross without someone on the inside letting me cross. Only a small handful of people inside can lower it, even with permission to do so. It is the safest place on Earth to hide at the moment." Both Grangers nodded, understanding that he was not promising absolute safety but as close as he possibly could. There were a few quiet moments where the family whispered back and forth between themselves, before the family agreed to go.
Roy sighed in relief as they gathered some of their things. He then pulled out the portkey he would need to send them to Amestris. This was the last one, and Lupin was given instructions to remove the charm as soon as he retrieved it from the Grangers. There would be no further transports into the country until the word arrived that this threat was over.
Alphonse and the children, along with Lupin and the Amestrian soldiers had returned to Amestris earlier, leaving just Edward and Roy there. The others had protested this as well, not liking the idea of leaving both the Fuhrer and the Lt. Fuhrer without guards, Edward had been quick to point out that they were the two strongest alchemists in the country, and the others would be needed to keep the borders and people safe as the enemy would inevitably turn their attention to Amestris in the near future.
Weasley's House
Roy was transported by Minerva back to the Weasley's house where the rest of the Order was waiting for Roy and Minerva, as well as Edward and Severus who had gone to Edward's vault. Presently, they were awaiting word of a meeting with the Minister of Magic. After some consideration, Roy had also made an appointment with the Prime Minister, which he originally intended to invite the other Minister to as well, but the man was being difficult.
Molly and Arthur were good hosts, but it was clear to Roy that the strain of being separated from their children was already bothering them. Arthur was scheduled to leave for work soon, as was Kingsley and a girl who honestly looked fairly young to Roy introduced as NymphadoraTonks. She was apparently still in the later stages of training but had been recruited into the Order. She also was apparently somehow related to the Blacks (though as far as Roy could determine most could trace their families back far enough to be related distantly in the Order)
He had spent no more than a handful of weeks here over the years and felt that his son's original assessment of group was correct: They were all strange and Amestris was better off not interacting with them as often as possible. In fact, after the last couple of days he was currently of the opinion that they should cut ties to the leadership of the magical community altogether until they found someone competent to be in charge…and considering how long Dumbledore had remained in charge of their school that may just be overly hopeful. He truly hoped that the other leader was sane and practical.
"The Ministry is not going to be happy with you speaking to the Muggle Prime Minister. They will say it violates the Statue of Secrecy." Kingsley informed him as they sat in the kitchen and watched Molly's dishes wash themselves as the woman herself cleaned the counters. "They will try to stop you."
"I would like to see them try." Roy frowned at the other man, should he be preparing for work instead of offering unwanted advice. "I am not governed by Wizarding laws, and as the leader of a foreign nation I am free to engage in the leadership of any governing body I choose to open a dialogue with without having to consult with said wizarding community. I am informing your Minister as a courtesy nothing more."
"The Statue of Secrecy is international law, which according to record, Amestris is protected under as a whole instead of a small community within its borders." Kingsley sniffed, as if Roy was ignorant. Roy was very familiar with the laws of other nations, including the ones Kingsley was worried about. "No one can violate it without repercussions. Sir I implore you to reconsider."
"Sir, I believe you may need to refresh your knowledge of international laws, especially in your role as law enforcement. I, as a leader of Amestris, am free to speak to and reveal the nature of my country to another leader without violating said law. Your own Minister speaks to the Prime Minister whenever he deems it necessary." Roy frowned at the surprise that certain people around the room showed, including several older members. "You all need to read your laws better. How many of you have ever actually read them instead of assuming everything they told you in school was accurate. I have had the misfortune of meeting the one who was in charge of the school and the one in charge of your Ministry. Neither seem like reliable sources of information."
"Be that as it may, the Ministry WILL attempt to use your meeting as a reason to arrest you. They have decided they do not wish for your interference." Kingsley tried again. Roy nodded, now feeling a bit better about the conversation if he was not speaking to a simple 'yes man' as had previously filled the ranks of Amestris and seemed to fill the ranks of the Ministry of Magic.
"They can certainly try. There is after all a reason that alchemists are considered to be a group you should avoid altercations with according to your laws and histories."
"Before the battle at Hogwarts a few years ago, the only well-known alchemist we knew of was a man named Flamel. He is said to be a great friend of Dumbledore." Molly offered from the other side of the room. "We had heard of powerful alchemists, but mostly they are considered to be scholars."
"Friend…that is indeed an interesting way of describing it." Roy said quietly, deciding to leave the matter alone for Edward's sake if nothing else. It had come up far too often over the years as it was. "Flamel is far from the only powerful alchemist. We have, as has been mentioned repeatedly at this point, an army of powerful alchemists. Of which, I and my son are the most powerful. My son could easily outmatch Flamel himself if the man still lived."
"Flamel only died a short time ago, but I never heard of him dueling anyone?" Molly asked.
"Flamel was dead for years before his death was reported by Dumbledore. He died on Promised Day, sacrificing himself to save his son. Possibly the only heroic thing the man had ever done in his life." Roy said, "Dumbledore became unhinged following word of Flamel's passing. An event that should you trace his history carefully you should be able to pinpoint. Enough gossip. The Minister will meet us now or not at all."
"Why is he so angry, he wasn't earlier." Molly asked Severus quietly as Kingley, Arthur, and Tonks followed Roy out of the house.
"It is a long story, easily summarized as simply he is going to now have to meet with people who have been difficult to his son several times in the past." Severus said. "I believe his response was more parental than anything at the moment. Though he is not fond of the laws of the magical community either."
Gringrotts
Hoheinhiem/Elric Vault
Edward waited until he had been left alone by the guide before he risked removing his wand from where it was hidden. Normally he would avoid using magic altogether as it was their best kept secret, but he wanted to find the books his Dad was hoping for and return as quickly as possible. Hopefully he would time it correctly to meet them at the Ministry of Magic and not have to hear about the meeting second hand. If not, he intended to meet his Dad outside the Prime Minister's office in an hour and a half. They had agreed, should his father be delayed, he was to continue off to the meeting without him. Edward quickly summoned the required books and stuffed them into his bag, followed by his wand before heading back out to the main tunnel to head back to the surface.
He then pressed himself against the wall to keep to the shadows when he noticed a second cart with a couple of Death Eaters racing by. He knew already they may be heading to the Lestrange vault. Which no longer contained a horcrux. If Voldemort had sent them to retrieve it, and discovered its absence, he may have noticed others had also gone missing.
Though it was possible they were headed to a completely different vault altogether, he decided to stand and listen for a few minutes to ensure they were not going to be an issue. Relief, temporary as it was, filled him when he noted that they had not stopped at the vault he was concerned about. They did, however, stop at the Malfoy vault which could also be an issue for the same reason. It was unlikely, however. He hoped at least. They needed more time to arrange everything before that particular cat was out of the bag. They had to rid themselves of the locket currently sitting in his Dad's pocket after all.
Riddle House
Lucius had sent Rookwood to retrieve money from his vault a bit ago. He hated having to pass off the key to anyone, but it was unavoidable. After all, he had to assume by now they had a warrant out for his arrest and even with the breakout, they would still arrest anyone they could find. Lucius, however, was not about to live in squaller longer than he had to. He was not a rat. He would pay for better temporary housing and then the others could pay him back once they had successfully overthrown the Ministry.
Voldemort had called them all into a meeting shortly after Rookwood had left, so he wasn't worried too much about the man snooping around for he would want to return as quickly as possible to avoid angering their master. Of course, it was likely if He was angered by the delay Rookwood would simply blame Lucius. It seemed, however, that He was already aware of Rookwood's absence when they all arrived in the warmed sitting room.
"We must retrieve the prophesy. There is something missing. Something I believe the traitor Snape withheld. I must hear the entirety myself." Voldemort began as soon as everyone arrived. "These men who appeared. They are not from here. Malfoy knows them, they have crossed him before I believe."
Everyone turned to Lucius then expectantly. He nodded in agreement as he stood. "Yes Sire. These men come from the hidden continent. They are the ones who hid Harry Potter from all magical view for a time, and we believe where he is currently hidden. As they have taken Neville Longbottom from us it is likely they have taken him as well. They have no respect for the natural order of things, choosing to openly mix magical and mundane. We have in the past encountered wizards from there, they admit to living side by side with muggles without concern. It is alarming an unnatural that they believe it is their right to interfere in our ways."
"One of them we saw at the graveyard, the one who dared yell at you my lord, is one of their leaders. From what I have learned in my time as a spy of the Weasley household, he is directly raising the Potter child and is a powerful Alchemist who may or may not be related to the great Nicolas Flamel." Pettigrew supplied eagerly. "He also has captured Albus Dumbledore if rumors are correct."
"That is interesting. Where is Rookwood? He may know what the Ministry knows of this capture." Bellatrix LeStrange asked, looking around as if she was completely unaware of the errand Lucius had begged off the other man. Luckily Rookwood came in a moment later before Lucius had been forced to admit to asking a favor. "Ah, there you are finally. Do you know anything of Dumbledore's capture?"
"He, along with Sirius Black were captured one in Amestris the other in Drachma as far as has been reported. They are refusing to surrender either prisoner and have shut down any attempt to negotiate." Rookwood replied flatly as he made his way across the room toward Lucius. "Lucius, here is your gold and key. I will not grant you any further favors. That was tedious, the bank has been alerted to your crimes and others are seeking you."
"That was expected yes. How did they manage to capture Dumbledore easily?" Lucius replied, trying to redirect the focus before the Dark Lord decided to be angry with him. After all Rookwood had not been captured, so no harm had befallen them.
"Well, if rumors are to be believed Dumbledore does spend a great deal of his time intoxicated these days." Rookwood replied. Voldemort nodded at this, having observed the same when he had hidden in the castle not long ago.
"We will enter the Ministry after midnight and retrieve the prophesy. Then I will send some of you to collect certain items trusted in your care. Once we have secured these items, we will be free to move to the next part of the plan."
"My Lord. There may be difficulties in collecting the prophesy. It may only be removed from the shelves by the ones who have been addressed. You will have to go yourself, or perhaps trick the Longbottom and Potter brats into collecting it." Rookwood said, trying very hard not to show his fear at contradicting their leader. Voldemort was known for taking bad news out on the one who delivered it.
"After midnight, you will clear the way, and we will collect it." Voldemort replied simply. "Pettigrew, I have returned to you the use of your hand in exchange I expect usefulness. I want to know where the Order is hiding and if the outsiders are hidden among them. You lived among them long enough that I assume you can locate them easily." Pettigrew looked alarmed at the idea of going back among the Order but agreed before disappearing from the room to prepare. The others were all dismissed shortly thereafter.
Ministry of Magic
Minister's Office
Edward had managed to arrive in time to meet Roy and Minerva outside the Ministry. They quickly made their way inside and were sent to the waiting room in front of Fudge's office where they had been left to wait long enough for both Ed and Roy to assume it was a clear power play. One that was meant to intimidate, as one was meant to believe they were taking time from a very busy person and therefore should be grateful they were able to fit a meeting in. It did not work on either man; it was used often enough in the past both on them and by them.
Fudge, and his second in command they assumed, Umbridge were waiting together in Fudge's office fifteen minutes later. Roy and Edward introduced themselves again politely, though neither moved to shake the hand of either host. The meeting was frosty already and had not yet truly begun. "Have you come to update us on when you will be releasing Albus Dumbledore?" Fudge asked as he waved for everyone to sit. Minerva, Umbridge and Fudge sat on an uncomfortable looking couch, but Roy and Edward chose to stand.
"The Tsar of Drachma has issued his decree on the matter, Albus Dumbledore is their prisoner not ours." Roy Mustang said simply with a shrug. "We did advise given what we have observed in our interactions over here, that he not allow the transfer. You seem to be under the impression he was somehow framed, which he was not. He kidnapped the Tsar's daughter in an attempt to force my son into giving him my grandson. It was not Dumbledore's first attempt at this, but it was his worst. I believe the man will benefit from the program Drachma has arranged to combat his drinking issues."
"We are here to inform you that Tom Riddle, also known as Voldemort, has used a spell of his own making to restore himself to full health. He has already aided his followers in breaking out of Azkaban, as well as kidnapping several children we managed to retrieve from where they had been held in Lucius Malfoy's cellar." Roy continued, and ignored the annoying throat clearing Umbridge had began shortly after he mentioned the kidnapped children. "I know you have been informed of the events at the Manor, and that we were too late to save one of the children. Rest assured, the remaining children are now safe and secure. We have come to offer our help in capturing these dangerous criminals."
"What help could YOU possibly be? We have the best magic users available to recapture those who escaped. Aided, I'm sure by Sirius Black who we have heard you are harboring." Umbridge said coldly.
"Sirius Black was captured attempting to kidnap a child from our country after violating our borders and began a battle that cost the lives of several soldiers. He was charged with his crime and sentenced long before anyone broke our so he could not have been involved in the breakout. At least not directly." Edward assured the annoying woman. "As far as the aide we can offer, have you all already forgotten the last battle at Hogwarts and our ability to avoid losses of life or property?"
"Return Dumbledore to us to receive a fair trial, as well as Black and we will consider your offer." Fudge replied. He was not in the mood to deal with these outsiders, no matter how impressive they had been in the past, if they weren't going to help him regain control over the situation. If he had Dumbledore on his side and Black in custody, then public opinion would sway once more in his favor. The idea that Voldemort had actually somehow returned was still ridicules of course, the man had died years ago. He didn't know what this group was playing at, but he had to assume they were somehow trying to gain power within the Ministry.
"We have an appointment with the Prime Minister this afternoon to discuss the threat to the public. We would also invite you to join us, Minister. "Roy said without responding to the demand. He had already made it clear that he would not be releasing any prisoners to them.
"That would violate the Statue of Secrecy!" Umbridge shrilled.
"No. It wouldn't Fudge himself has informed the Prime Minister of issues previously when it could threaten the public, haven't you Minister." Roy said, Umbridge frowned while Fudge agreed before Roy added, "Regardless, I do not have to inform or invite you. We will show ourselves out, when you decide you do in fact need our aide, an owl will find us."