"They still want complete eradication, but they are pulling out the deadline." Hermione had used the Floo Network to join them for the meeting called by Professor McGonagall. "Unless we can provide reasonable proof that complete eradication is detrimental to the health of the forest, they won't budge."
"Why won't they accept the redacto charm?" Hagrid asked. It was still obvious that he was against eradication.
"There's nothing to prove one way or the other that it will carry into the next generation. And we are only eighty percent sure that it is permanent." Hermione answered before Amethyst could.
"Dead of winter is the best time to start. They aren't as active and will generally stay close to their den." Amethyst explained. "This is going to be a large scale operation. The more people we have helping, the better it will be."
"Members of the Department for the Regulation of Magical Creatures will be taking shifts to help." Hermione said.
"Professors and staff will be doing the same." McGonagall added.
"What if we used students that are of age?" Amethyst suggested. "No exceptions."
"Only students who are 17 will be given the choice. No exceptions." McGonagall nodded. "We will work together to get as many acromantulas as we can. I anticipate a long process but hopefully with enough help it won't take too long."
"The sooner we can start the sooner we can resolve this." Hermione stood and stretched. "However, let's focus on the Hogsmeade weekend and the Halloween Feast right now."
"Agreed." McGonagall said and dismissed everyone. "Amethyst, Draco, just a moment more of your time." Draco and Amethyst waited. "Saturday, at the Feast." They knew what she was referring to. "Start of next term, Professor Malfoy."
"That's going to take some getting used to." Draco smiled awkwardly. "Thank you, Professor."
"You're welcome, Professor." McGonagall knew what he meant. She smiled and squeezed his shoulder as she walked past them. Draco took Amethyst's hand in his and they headed into the courtyard.
"…" Amethyst took a deep breath. The cool night air was refreshing. She looked up at the clear sky and sighed.
"What's up?" Draco stood behind here and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned against him and rested her arms on his.
"A lot has happened in such a short amount of time." She spun around to face him and wrapped her hands around the back of his neck. "So much…"
"Yeah, it had been a lot of information. And now the acromantula situation seems to be jumping into high gear. But like Hermione said, let's just focus on this weekend. Some Hogwarts alumni have been invited.
"I know. Something tells me whatever Pansy and them are planning will more than likely happen this weekend. Pansy could invite Kyle or Dimitri and Goyle could invited the other." Amethyst shook her head. "Kyle has nothing to lose now. I think his job at the Ministry was the only thing keeping him in check."
"He won't touch you. Maybe Dimitri will know more by Saturday." Draco kissed her forehead. Part of him hope that whatever they were planning would happen soon. Then Kyle could end up in Azkaban sooner and be one less threat to Amethyst.
"Whatever your father was plotting has been thwarted." Harry and Ginny approached them. "My Aurors went to Malfoy Manor today and he admitted everything. It wasn't anything too serious but he's been warned now. Any more plotting could land him in Azkaban."
"That's enough to scare him. He hated his time in Azkaban." Draco nodded.
"Roberts is currently in Azkaban for the misuse of magic against wizards… and muggles." Harry added.
"Not surprised." Amethyst said. "Now if only Kyle can join his father…"
"If he's planning something illegal, it will only be a matter of time." Ginny said. They talked about the Halloween Feast for a little while before deciding it was time to head to bed. The rest of the week was pretty much the usual. Amethyst spent the evenings with Draco and Flitwick practicing wandless magic. She had gotten a lot better and even the aracnis charm worked occasionally.