Hey everyone,
With this chapter we are actually leaving Hogwarts for a bit. We are going to give Amelia Bones a bit of a chance to be in the spotlight and are going to give the three sides – the Ministry, the Death Eaters and the Light Wizards – a chance to work together, with each of them getting something out of it that will make it well worth it. This might make them seem a little OC, but I don't really care. That's why this is called fanfiction.
Sorry, not sorry,
Venquine1990
Chapter 07
Deals Between Parties
27th of September 1995
Ministry For Magic, London
Amelia Bones' POV
Percy Weasley can consider himself incredibly lucky. While the lad will definitely get a paid leave for several weeks if not a few months for being so foolish as to buy a dark item for someone who was going to work with Minors, will he not have to share in Dolores' fate. And the fact that Dolores is finally going to Azkaban for her crimes is causing for a huge wave of excitement to go through the entire underground building.
All over I just know that various members of different or similar Departments are coming together, whispering among each other and discussing whether or not this might be their chance to press charges against the woman. And, if so, which charges they should or should not try to press against the woman and if they will stick. Needless to say, I feel sure that Umbridge will be getting life for much more than just the Unforgivable. I also feel sure that other waves will be going through the Ministry soon.
And the conversation I am currently having, with Remus Lupin through a Two-Way mirror that is in the possession of my own latest assistant, Andrew Johnson, proves this as I cannot believe what I just heard. "There has been definitive evidence of Sirius' innocence right under our noses this entire time and I didn't even know it." I think, my inner Auror rearing up at this and I sternly ask the man: "Lupin, why is this knowledge not public? How, why and when did you find out?"
The man sighs and answers: "After I resigned, a few days after I myself found out myself that Sirius was innocent, something you seem to have known for years." I sigh at this and mutter: "I did. And no offense to the dead, but curse Crouch. One of his last actions before he was forced out of office as Head of the DMLE was to forbid later Heads to re-open his old cases unless definitive evidence was brought against the verdict. I never had that."
The man nods and says: "That makes sense. Anyway, I got a letter from James a few days after I resigned. He had enchanted it before his death to make sure it wouldn't reach me unless I realized, as he called it, the prank that he pulled on the nation. I guess he wanted to be sneaky and cunning, but I don't believe he thought it would take this long before the charm would activate. He probably expected me to realize it in '81, '82 at the latest."
I nod, understanding why someone as loyal and trusting as James Potter used to be would think something like that. Lupin then seems to share a glance with someone out of sight of the mirror and hold a silent conversation with this person before he says: "Amelia, Crouch did much more to keep Sirius from getting his innocence than just keeping you and your predecessor from reopening his case. He actually had an illegal motive for it all.
According to a source of mine, Crouch knew that Lucius Malfoy was lying about the whole Imperius Curse thing and had evidence to prove this. He just struck a deal with Malfoy that would keep the man out of Azkaban in return for the whole reason Crouch wanted Sirius in Azkaban; easy access to the Black Vaults, which he had no rights to due to Sirius and, after him, Harry. He just further buttered Lucius to the deal by promising Lord Black rights to Draco."
This news astounds me and I turn from the mirror as I say: "Andrew, get to Records. Get that birth file and the Will and take it to Minister Fudge's office. I will meet you there and see if I can get in contact with Lucius. In fact, if I know Cornelius, he is probably already there. Cornelius probably called on him now that Dolores is awaiting trial and Percy is on paid leave. And Lupin, if you're in contact with him, tell Black I'll arrange his trial alongside Umbridge's."
The man nods and then says: "Sirius promises Lucius 50/50 share of the vaults, 50% for him and 50% for Lucius. He only asks that Lucius uses his half of the vaults for Draco, not to hurt Harry." I nod at this and then the screen turns back to glass before I grab my official robe and head out of my office, Andrew following behind me and then turning a different corner, heading for a different elevator from my own.
And while I wonder if Sirius himself might have been in the room with Lupin, which amazes me as it means that Sirius Black is actually inside Hogwarts and might have been there at the same time as Dolores, do I then realize that he must have been the source that told Lupin about the whole deal with Crouch and the vault thing. And while it goes against protocol, do I again find myself cursing Crouch for being a selfish, greedy bastard.
I reach the floor that houses the Minister's office and those of his closest coworkers as well as a conference room for the Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot to have meetings between their Alliances before official Wizengamot meetings or trials and I head all the way down to the end, where Cornelius' office is stationed. I cast a small spell as I arrive and smile at the fact that there are, indeed, two presences inside.
"Cornelius and Malfoy. Oh Fudge, you are just ever so predictable." I think to myself as I knock on the door, opening it as Cornelius allows me entry. "Ah Amelia, what did you find out?" The man asks and I courteously answer: "Percy was nothing more than a scapegoat. I haven't questioned Umbridge yet, but I'm sure she planned to use the other Blood Quills on more inconspicuous students and Weasley's one on Potter. She just forgot which one was his."
"And what is his opinion of the fact that he had to buy this object so soon before the start of the school year?" Cornelius asks and I roll my eyes as the answer to that question almost made me break my control over my temper. "He blamed Potter on it. He said that, if Potter would just not lie, Umbridge wouldn't have needed to use the quills or feel the need to buy them. And when I reminded him that the two only met once, he ignored me."
The man cringes at this and I state: "Cornelius, that lad may have gotten some of the highest NEWTs scores of his year, but when it comes to anything other than writing reports, that level of intelligence seems to fail him. He has no ability of thinking his actions through, foreseeing consequences or taking responsibility for things he did wrong. He's just in the ridiculous belief that his status and title make him inhuman and incapable of making mistakes.
Like Umbridge, he seems to think himself above the law. I even used a recording spell. He used his title as your assistant against me a total of 3 dozen times. Cornelius, I questioned him for only 20 minutes and I talked for a good 8 myself. He is that arrogant and needs a serious dose of humility. And the worst of it all, I was present when his younger brother shouted his hide full, actually giving him the lecture he deserved – and it did nothing."
"What – what do you suggest I do, Amelia?" The man asks and I sigh as I answer: "I already put the lad on paid leave. I suggest you get Arthur Weasley and tell him his son can come back from it – when he's ready to start acting like a human instead of some living god or something. And tell him not to give Percy the chance to fend off of their money in case he wastes his own payments while he's on leave. That kid needs a reality check, find out what life's really like."
The man nods and says: "I'll go talk to him. Sorry, Lucius." But while the man shakes his head and says: "I'll go take my leave. I want to go to Hogwarts, check to make sure that Draco didn't suffer under the torture of these horrible quills." Do I say: "Actually Lord Malfoy, I'd like a personal quick word with you before you leave, if you don't mind. I swear on my title as Regent it will be worth your time." And this intrigues the man.
Cornelius also looks interested, but leaves nonetheless and while I flick my wand, ready to cast another recording charm when necessary, does Lucius frown at me, his hand tightening over the cane by his side. I shake my head and say: "I have no reason to attack you, Lucius. I'm here to make a deal. My wand is simply out so I can record the deal itself. So that we will have a contract we can both sign once we've had our talk."
This turns the frown into an eyebrow raised in interest and I get straight down to business. "I know about Crouch. I know he knew about your lies in regards to the Imperius and that he made a deal with you to keep Sirius Black in Azkaban. I know you're sour about not having access to the Black Vaults and that you were sweetened with the idea of Draco becoming the next Lord Black instead of Potter. And Sirius himself knows about this too.
No, I am not in contact with him, Potter is. And one of his friends is the sister of my newest assistant. That's how I found out about all this." The man nods, but I can easily see that his hand hasn't loosened its grip on his cane. "Lucius, this is the deal I – and Lord Black – want to make with you. You help me when I give Sirius his trial and you will get 50% control over the vaults. You will be allowed to use it to further spoil Draco, but not to hurt Harry.
Draco will also become Third in line for Lord Black, behind Potter and apparently someone else. Neither Black nor anyone else would tell me. And just for your own reassurance, the whole thing with your lie about the Imperius curse will not be involved in any of this, it will remain as secret as it was. I don't even know what evidence Crouch had to prove that this was a lie. And I don't care either, Lucius, I just want this injustice fixed."
The man nods, his grip finally loosened and I wave my wand, causing for the full deal between us to be written down by an enchanted quill lying on Fudge's desk. It finishes up and we both walk over as I pull a quill out of my pocket. "An official Ancient Quill. To make sure that, when we sign this, we do it as Lord Malfoy and Regent Bones. That way, this deal will be between us and our families. Do you have anything against this, Lucius?"
And the man, to my relief, shakes his head and says: "Not at all, Regent Bones. After you. And may I just say, this is exactly why I never tried to work against you in your Role as Head of the DMLE." I smile at him, grateful for the man's vocal admittance to his respect for my role and put my signature on the contract before handing the quill over to him. The man also signs the document and I wave my wand again, making three copies.
"I will send one copy to Black, one to Records and the both of us can keep one for ourselves. I will keep the official one for myself until the trial and then we can switch the two around. Also, I will try to make the trial take place on the weekend. Can I count on your support when that happens?" The man nods and then startles me as he says: "I will. Narcissa will be happy. She has been wanting her Lord back in society for some time now."
This really intrigues me and then Andrew comes in, looking a little downtrodden when he notices that Cornelius isn't here. I nod at Lucius and say: "Thank you, Lucius and good day. When you're at Hogwarts, do you think you could visit the kitchens? There is a Bones Elf there. Could you ask that to check up on Susan and report back to me? I'm as concerned for her health as you are Draco's. I do hope they both managed to evade Umbridge's torture."
The man nods, a look of empathy and understanding in his grey-colored eyes and I turn and tell Andrew: "Come on, Andrew. Cornelius is talking with Arthur about his wayward son. And I know Arthur, so I know Cornelius is going to need help convincing him not to financially support his son if the brat wastes his money." The young lad nods and while Lucius leaves through the Floo, do we leave through the exit.
"How did it go, Ma'am?" The boy asks and I answer: "He was nervous when he saw my wand, but he apparently respects me for being Head of the DMLE and trusted that I wouldn't attack him unprovoked. He also believed me when I told him of my deal and was in full agreement to our terms. He'll be vouching for Black's innocence on the day of his trial. Apparently Narcissa wants him back as Lord Black, though I can't say for sure if he will."
This makes Andrew look at me and I softly mutter: "Sirius hates his family, with a passion. The only family he accepts when it comes to the Blacks are the Potters, who are related, but considered Blood Traitors and the Tonks', of which Andromeda is a disowned Black member. He might see some benefit in being a Head for his godson's sake, but I personally doubt it. I think it more likely that, like most Minor Lords, he'll call on someone else to be Proxy or something."
"Like I did." Andrew mumbles, making me turn to him. "I made my older cousin Proxy after I graduated, so I could focus on my job and increase the storage in my Trust Vault. Though I do plan to take Lordship at some point either before or after my wedding with Alicia. Though – ehm, she – eh – doesn't know that I plan to ask her, at least not yet. I – I've been trying to keep it secret, a surprise. I plan to ask her at her graduation party."
This makes me smile and I mutter: "Good luck with that. Aren't you two planning to spend Christmas together?" At which the young man smirks and says: "That's deliberate. It's to make sure she can't find my engagement ring. Mum hid it somewhere in her own bedroom. Plus, she still gets giddy every time I come over, so this makes sure that she doesn't accidentally give it away or make Alicia suspicious about anything. She never gets giddy when she visits me."
I roll my eyes as that does sound like something Amanda would do and then suddenly remember something. "Hmm, maybe Arthur might know what Albus wanted to talk to me about. If it's something big, he probably told his most trusted. If not I might make a return visit to Hogwarts to ask the man myself." And as I think this do we reach Arthur's office. I knock and, upon entrance, use my wand to expand the office's size to fit us all.
"Ah Amelia, good. Please talk with Arthur. I'm trying to convince him, but he just won't listen. He keeps saying that his wife would never accept it." Cornelius tells me and I sigh as I think: "Arthur, why must you be so predictable?" As I say: "Arthur, I'm sorry, but everything Fudge said is true. Percy is on paid leave and it will be for an indefinite time. That boy of yours needs to grow up, Arthur, and you and your wife need to stop covering for him.
He was perfectly fine with a dark item being taken into Hogwarts, just because of that stupid problem with Potter. He is putting the full responsibility of his own actions on the shoulders of someone else, someone who, I know, your family owes a Life Debt to. Yes Arthur, I know about the Life Debt between your daughter and the Potter lad. Such files go by me before they enter records in case they concern someone with a criminal nature or history."
The man sighs and mutters: "I – I'm sorry, Amelia, but – but Molly and I – we're just – we're sure that, in time, Percy will come to his senses. That he'll come back to us, that he'll apologize." Yet to this I shake my head and say: "He won't, Arthur. I saw it. When Dolores got taken, Percy blamed Potter and his brother, the Prefect, exploded on him. He yelled for a good solid ten minutes, maybe even longer, and it did nothing.
I then took the boy to my office, questioned him for 20 minutes and he used his title for a solid 12 of them. He believes his title makes him invincible, untouchable by law. He believes himself someone who can do no wrong. He needs to realize that he can, in a way that he won't be able to talk his way out of and where he won't have his role to fall back on. I'm not saying not to support him, I'm saying not to support him until he's hit rock-bottom."
"I know him, Mr. Weasley. I've been working with him several times since I took my job as Madam Bones' assistant. And almost every time – and I mean every single time – that he talks with me about nonsense and things I just don't care about, he keeps repeating the same thing. Soon my parents will realize how stupid they are, acknowledge that they are idiots who don't know any better. They'll try to apologize, but I'll probably make them beg before I forgive them. I will make an example out of them in front of the entire Ministry, if I can.
I worked with him 36 times in this past month, Mr. Weasley, and he said it 34 times. I've also noticed him actually criticizing people who are, in reality, when you take Lordship titles into account, way above his rank and paygrade and he criticizes them even when they do their job perfectly. Half the upper ring of the Ministry wants him gone, Mr. Weasley. I even passed four parties when I wanted to deliver these papers to the Minister."
Andrew tells the gentle and kind-hearted man, who is looking absolutely devastated and hopeless, proving he really has been holding onto the desperate hope that his son might see the light and come back at some point. He then turns to Fudge and hands the man, who is rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, the file and Andrew says: "There's a file that Lord Potter hid behind the birth certificate just before he went down under. A source told us."
I make sure to quickly glance and wink at Arthur as Andrew mentions the source and the man's eyes widen for a split second, proving he is also in contact with Black. The Minister takes the file and flips the folder open on the second page before he gasps: "James – James – James Potter's – Final Will and Testament? What is this doing in Black's file?""Just read it, sir. The explanation is within the text." Damian encourages the man.
Andrew hesitates and then does as said. He mumbles a few of the lines and his eyes widen from time to time before he yells: "DECLARE PETER PETTIGREW AS OUR SECRET KEEPER? THE BETRAYAL'S PAYMENT! How is this possible? What about Black?" To which I instantly state: "Black's innocent, Fudge, and the Alliance has been wishing and dying for this kind of evidence for years, to finally give him the trial he deserves.
Cornelius, Barty Crouch Senior, for all his great work as my predecessor, actually committed crimes before he was booted out. He sent Sirius Black to Azkaban and struck a deal with someone within the Black line – sorry, I don't know who – to keep this quiet in return for early access to the Black Lordship. He then covered his tracks by, upon leaving office, making it so that old cases can't be reopened without evidence fighting the verdict.
That's why no one in the Alliance said or did anything when you started hunting Black down with the Dementors. We had no foot to stand on other than the friendship between Potter and Black and in court, that means nothing. And we won't need to mention Crouch directly when we report this, Cornelius, we can just call it the previous administration." At this Cornelius nods and then he makes me smile as he says:
"That sounds good. And maybe this is just what Percy needs. Maybe hearing that his old boss made such a horrible mistake and actually did it with an illegal motive to boot will wake him up, make him realize that, even with our jobs, we really are just human. Still Arthur, I am going to keep him on paid leave and I must insist on Amelia's terms. That boy needs it, he needs to learn. He can't take a position like my Assistant and not take responsibilities for his mistakes."
Arthur sighs and mutters: "Molly will not like this. She won't agree." To which Andrew shrugs and says: "I doubt she agrees with the Ministry slandering Potter or her son aiding in that. It's just another thing she'll have to accept. Minister's Orders, supported by the Orders of the Head of the DMLE." And this seems to convince the man. I remember my earlier curiosity and turn to Andrew as I say: "Andrew, help the Minister set a schedule for Black's trial, will you?"
The boy nods and when he and Cornelius have left, do I wave my wand to resize the office before casting several privacy charms, feeling glad and grateful that his coworker isn't here today. "Arthur, a quick little something before I leave you to get back to work. I got contacted by Albus earlier today, though his visit was short and he told me he would contact me later on about something important. Do you know anything?"
But to my annoyance does the man look startled and say: "No, not unless you got this information about – Snuffles – from Albus." And while I suppress a snort at the nickname, do I shake my head and say: "I got it from Lupin. He was with Black and Potter in what appeared to be Private Chambers somewhere inside Hogwarts." Yet this seems to shock Arthur and he asks: "Snuffles isn't at London? Give me a moment, Amelia."
And the man actually disappears before my very eyes after this. Instantly I have my wand in hand and cast every detection spell I know, only to learn that the man is under a set of privacy and invisibility charm and seems to be using some kind of strange magic to communicate. Yet my magic can't tell me what magic is being used or who he is contacting. This really intrigues me and I decide to study this magic later – and maybe find out where Arthur learned this.
A few minutes later Arthur reappears and he sighs in relief as he says: "Albus is there as well. Sirius apparently followed him when he went to visit Harry after finding out what Private Chambers Harry was using." I nod, but still feel curious and ask: "Do you know why Potter is using Private Chambers." Yet to this the man says: "Albus wouldn't say. He told me it wasn't his place to tell. Though Harry, through him, invited me to visit him after I'm done working."
I nod and then smile as I ask: "How about a deal, Arthur? I'll arrange Sirius' trial, make sure it's done somewhere safe and secure and that Sirius will get there unharmed and untouched and you, in turn, keep me up to date on what happens inside Hogwarts. I recently learned that some kind of Dark Object might have been used against my niece and she didn't inform me. I fear that her mail may have been blocked, but you obviously have more secure communications methods."
The man nods, but then asks: "Do you know anything else? About the object? Do you know if – if my family – if my kids –?" I shake my head and say: "So far, I only know that the object was used on Potter, nothing more. I will learn more in the trial that will take place around next Saturday. And I am planning to hold Sirius' trial the same day, preferably after the first one so we can celebrate after learning the full, nasty truth about this object."
The man nods and then makes me sigh as he asks: "Will Percy be there?" But I shake my head and say: "He's on paid leave, Arthur. He's prohibited from his position and any role that might include or concern. And if he tries to get back in office, I will bar him entrance from the Ministry entirely. I am not going to let him get away or walk over me." The man nods, but sighs at the same time and I decide to cut him some slack.
"Was Molly with Albus, Arthur? If so, why don't I come along tonight when you go visit Arthur? That way you'll have someone backing you up when you tell her the news." The man smiles and nods at me gratefully. Yet as he does, do I think: "Plus, I want to know who else Sirius chose to be in line for Lord Black. I'm sure if I find out Lucius will be more willing to cooperate." And with that do I take my leave, ready to wait for Arthur in the Atrium.
Well done, Amelia.
And yes, Percy IS going to try and just return to his office on the next day; he's going to be in the belief that the whole thing was just one big misunderstanding and that he will find a Minister grateful to see him back in action and Madam Bones ready to apologize for costing him a day at work; yeah, I plan to make him THAT arrogant. Of course, this isn't going to happen, but that's not the point. Though I am not sure if I will make this a chapter or not.
We'll see,
Venquine1990
