Book II: Age of the Phoenix
Chapter XXVI: The Contenders
Music Theme: You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones
Hogwarts - June 1975...
Gideon hunched over his test manual in the Hogwarts Library and skimmed through a P-N.E.W.T. test sheet while Angus scratched away with his quill on some spare paper. "Oh, here's a good one," he held his finger to the question and read, "You're attempting to catch a dark wizard with bystanders present. You only have time for one action. What can you do to to keep the bystanders safe while not letting the criminal get away?"
"Mhmm..." Angus muttered as he scribbled on his paper, not lifting his eyes.
"Ang?" Gideon looked up. "You're not paying attention." He reached forward an pulled the paper from Angus' hand causing the boy to look up. The page was covered in X's and O's with arrows drawn across a sketch of the Quidditch pitch. "You're drafting Quidditch plays?"
Angus smirked, "Well it's our final match this weekend."
"Yes and our N.E.W.T.s are Friday. They come before a-" but Gideon's eyes became distracted by the enchanted ink on the paper that acted out the play. "This is good."
"I know," Angus said proudly.
Gideon looked up at him and closed the practice tests. "Why bother with N.E.W.T.s, Ang. You want to go pro with Quidditch. I know you do."
"Dad's got this dream for all his sons to be Aurors or Monster Hunters or Dragon wranglers. Atticus Óg's been working with Scammander's brother on Beast studies. I'm sure Dad will expect me to jump into something like that."
"Marvin isn't an Auror."
"Yea and it crushed Dad when he quit the program." Angus slumped onto his crossed arms and leans on the desk. "I don't want him to be disappointed or embarrassed in me."
"Oh..." Gideon nodded. "But you have a right to be happy too, Angus. To do what you want to do freely without the judgment or approval of your father."
Angus asked, "Are you still talking about Quiddtich?" Gideon just gave him a clever grin and Angus turned red. "Don't give me that look. This is why I can't study with you. You're so bloody distracting."
"Well you're the one not paying attention," Gideon leaned forward on the desk.
"Well maybe you should do something to capture my attention," Angus leaned in so their faces were almost nose-to-nose.
"Oh, I've no shortage of ideas on how to do that," Gideon whispered in response.
Their faces inched closer and closer to one another until they were startled by a "Hey blokes," and flew apart as if they were shoved backward. Gideon picked the book of practice tests up once more and Angus quickly said, "Well let's think here. I think I'd attack the leader of the dark wizards by using a blasting charm." He looked up at the student who had entered and found it to be Ravenclaw's Headboy. "Oh, hi Lester. Just practicing for N.E.W.T.s"
Ravenclaw's head boy, Lester Thomas, was shy and plain. He didn't have many friends and was really only recognized by the other Head Boys and Girls of his class. Other than that, he kept to himself. He clutched a few books and shoved his glasses up the brim of his nose and shyly said, "Oh... what's the question then?" Gideon repeated it and Lester pondered before saying, "A blasting charm could hurt the bystandards. You should grab the criminal and disaparate with them to remove the bystandards from the mix."
"That's how you get your ass captured Thomas," Angus chuckled. "I swear you Ravenclaws have no survival instincts."
"It's not a bad thought ethically, though. Aurors are supposed to risk themselves for others," Gideon shrugged and looked at Lester. "You want to be an Auror?"
"I... never thought about it really. Honestly I'm just trying to think of my headboy recommendation for Flitwick right now."
"I understand that," Angus sighed. "Need to sort out my contenders too."
"I thought it's going to be Fabian," Gideon asked.
"Oh I don't mean next year. I'm giving my recommendations to McGonnigal for the next few years. See, we Gryffindors like to plan in advance. I've been pegged as Head boy since my fifth year. We've known Fabian is up next for a while now. Then it's Longbottom's turn, but I don't know who to pick after that."
Lester blinked. "You mean to tell me you sort out who you want over the next few years and every year when Head boy recommends his replacement to McGonnigal they just reinforce the same list?"
"That's it," Angus winked.
"No wonder you bloody Gryffindors are so clicky," Lester sighed.
"How about Potter?" Gideon recommended.
"Potter is the best fit I know, but he's also going to be Captain of the Quidditch team when I graduate, and I'm moving him up to Seeker. Head boy just seems a bit much to manage."
"Haven't... you been captain of the team while being head boy?" Lester asked.
"Not everyone is me," he flashed an arrogant smile.
"What about Lupin? He's got good grades," Gideon suggested.
"He'd be good, but there's something about him. I can't put my finger on it. Still I pegged him for Prefect."
"Well then who else is a contender?" Gideon asked.
"You're going to laugh...," Angus said. "I'm thinking of Sirius Black."
"You're right. We're laughing," Lester said bluntly.
"Oh come on. He's a good kid. He has top marks in most of his classes," Angus defended.
"But he's lazy," Lester said.
"Only because he isn't being challenged. You're an only child, Thomas, and a muggle-born. No offense, but you don't understand what these Pureblood families are like, especially for the boys. It's not easy to find yourself."
"I guess," Lester shrugged. "But still, I think it would be a bad choice."
"Well you're one to talk. Bones has already picked his recommendations for Hufflepuff and Slytherin is almost done. You haven't even started."
"I've been studying and..."
"And you never pick your nose up out of your studies to make friends and get to know people so you don't know who to recommend," Angus said softly, not wanting to come across too strong.
"Yes," Lester looked mildly hurt at the truth. "Not sure why Flitwick picked me as Head Boy. People don't even know I exist. Even Emmeline forgets my name half the time and we're head boy and girl together."
"How does she forget your name?" Gideon asked. "Lance is pretty basic."
"It's Lester," Angus whispered harshly across the table to Gideon who just stared at his notes embarrased.
"Who has Slytherin picked?" Lester asked quickly to move on with the conversation.
"Mulciber and Rosier..."
"Mulciber? He's not got the grades for it and he's a bloody creep," Lester said then instantly checked over his shoulder as if the Scottish Slytherin was right behind him. "Did Snape get Prefect?
"Snape? Not likely. He's not a pureblood," Angus said.
"Really? I didn't know that."
"Well he's never admitted it, but those of us in Pureblood families can spot another one."
"But Slughorn doesn't buy into all that propaganda," Lester shrugged.
"I know, but he's got to pick someone the students will listen to. That would never be Snape."
Just then a stack of books tumbled down behind them. The boys turned to see Snape, having run into one of the reading tables, already running out.
"Shit." Angus sighed and chased after Snape.
He abandoned Gideon at the reading table who awkwardly looked up at Lester and said, "So... how've I not met you before now Lester?" He took care to get the name right this time but Lester's face just scrunched awkwardly as he admitted, "Um... we've met a few times."
"Damn, Sorry." Gideon grunted.
Near the door to the Library, Angus was chasing down Severus. "Snape hold on!"
"Didn't mean to interrupt your important conversation about me," he snapped over his shoulder.
"Will you just hold on, it's not like that." He grabbed Snape to stop him. "Look if it's any consolation, I'd think you'd be a fine Prefect, but Slytherin isn't my house. I don't have say over that."
"To be perfectly honest, I don't think I trust your discretion anyway."
"What does that mean?" Angus stiffened.
"Sirius Black?" Snape huffed. "Sirius Black for Head Boy on day?"
"Why not? His cousin was Head Girl last year."
"Narcissa wasn't a criminal."
"What are you going on about?"
"You heard me," Snape pivoted to fully face Angus, "I caught him a couple weeks ago transforming into an animagi at night in the woods. It's illegal for minors to practice magic like that, especially outside of classes."
"Why haven't you told Dumbledore?" Angus lowered his voice.
"Because I'm not entirely convinced Dumbledore is unaware. No, there's a reason he's changing into that stupid black dog and I'm going to find out. Also, I'd bet Dumbledore is in on it."
"Why?"
"Why should I tell you? After all, I'm not a pureblood. Don't want to dirty you up with my endless chatter."
"Snape-"
But the young Slytherin turned on his heel and left Angus standing in the library alone.
While we know our Marauder's whereabouts and the test Remus faces... let's look into the other events of the day as they happened...
Dublin March 29, 1980... 9:01AM
A lock of hair. That and her ring is all they'd taken before abandoning Tabitha and Glenn in the alley. Now the two hid in an abandoned factory just south of Dublin. Tabitha paced anxiously and peered out the door while Glenn sat, still stunned, nervously looking at her.
"Will you please stop looking at me like that?" She begged.
"Tabitha what the bloody hell... who was that?"
"They were bad news. We have to get my wand from them. I don't know how I can do it and survive but I have to try."
"Survive?!What-"
"Or maybe I can get a message to Dumbledore. He can warn everyone."
"Who?"
"If they took my hair then they are making Polyjuice. Godric knows the lengths they will go to on some innocent soul to get Remus to cave. What do they want from him?"
"Tabitha stop!" Glenn finally stood and stopped her pacing.
"I can't stop! They're going to do something terrible! Don't you see? They were done with me. I was out of their way, but now they are getting desperate to use me to manipulate my friends."
"I don't see!" He shouted. "I did however see two men with what appeared to be magical wands throwing us about like rag-dolls, threatening you and talking about werewolves as if they actually exist. Now earlier you said you were worried about me being shocked, well too late for that. Now just tell me what I need to know to help you?"
"Help me?" She asked, dumbfounded. "After that you still want to help me?"
"I saw them, Tabitha. That one man looked ready to devour you. It was sick. And the other guy, he seems to terrify you."
She stared at him unsure of what to say. Magic had already been expose. She knew she wouldn't shake off Glenn that easily now that he thought she was in harms way. With a sigh, she shut her eyes and composed herself. "Ok." She looked up at him. "I'm a witch... when I told you I went home, I didn't mean Ireland. I meant the Wizarding World. And we are at war."
Glenn took a small step back but his expression didn't waiver. "And um... those men?"
"Are after my friends. And trust me, there are plenty more where that came from."
"I don't need to just trust you," he said pointing behind her. "I can see that for myself." Tabitha turned and through the crack of the old factory door, saw some men in dark trench coats approaching, eyes trained on the two of them. Glenn took her hand. "Let's go." He pulled her to the back of the large space and attempted to use the other exit but stopped at the sight more men of similar attire approaching them on the other side.
"Glenn just run. It's me they want," she whispered to him.
"Since when do you give up so easily?" He asked.
It was true. Tabitha had become so united with Remus that being apart made her feel at half strength. They were now surrounded by the men as they were pushed back into the abandoned building, encircled by figures she didn't recognize. They didn't have the mark of Death Eaters, but they didn't seem warm and friendly either. One stepped forward.
"Tabitha Leigh Delaney."
"What," she grunted and tried to cover Glenn.
"On the 29th of March, 1980 at exactly 8:31AM you exposed Magic to a Muggle. You must now report to the ministry for questioning. We are here to ensure you do."
"Aurors." She muttered to herself, not sure if she was anxious or relieved to see them given the circumstances.
"What are those?" Glen whispered from behind her.
"Dark Wizard catchers." She responded.
"Dark? Tabitha isn't Dark!" he defended.
"You will stay out of this, Muggle," One Auror quipped.
Tabitha said, "I'm not the one who exposed magic to Glenn. He was exposed to it by Fenrir Greyback and Max Forrestor."
"Interesting company to keep," the Auror replied.
"They aren't my company!" She snapped.
"They attacked us," Glenn added, "It's those other two you need to be arresting."
Despite his protests though, Glenn and Tabitha were seized and Tabitha anxiously said, "Wait no, you can't. I can't go back into our world. There's a vow-"
"There's also a statute of secrecy that you've broken."
"Send for Alastor Moody. He'll vouch for me."
"We don't report to Madeye," the man grunted and Tabitha grew concerned. There was something different about these Aurors. Something darker and more reckless.
"Glenn," she whispered as she saw his Irish temper rising and his cheeks turning red. "Stay close to me and keep your mouth shut."
He gave her a reluctant but anxious nod and the two where whisked away.
London... 9:26am
Mulciber hadn't released Mary's arm from his clutches since they departed the Ministry together. She held her breath the closer they got to his flat, snaking their way along the busy London streets. From the outside, his apartment looked pristine and wealthy. Nobody would ever suspect that a flesh-hungry creep resided there.
Mulciber opened the door so quickly his house elf nearly flew across the room. "Leave us!" He barked and the elf quickly complied, racing away and covering his ears as if he still wasn't used to Mary's cries.
"Padrig. I-" Mary tried to defend herself as the door slammed shut behind them but Mulciber interrupted.
"You think you can recruit one of Dumbledore's little Pheonix kids to help you? Like it will make a difference?" He flung her across the hall and she collapsed on top of the steps.
"No! That isn't what he was doing there," she insisted as she pushed her self up.
"Oh yes, I heard your convincing tale you spun so quickly." He spat out as he towered over her. "Wonderful story telling abilities, MacDonald. Remind me to add roleplay to some of the things we try tonight. I've already got our characters. You'll be the bitch and I'm your master. Or is that a bit too on the nose?" He reached down and pulled her up by the hair then pressed her against the wall with such force that the Mulciber family portrait fell off the wall in the adjoining room with a crash. "What did you tell him?"
"Nothing!" She gasped.
"I've got to be honest, MacDonald, you've made a horrid selection in your advocate. If you'd picked anyone else to fight your battles for you, I may have been a bit more understanding. But Gryffindor's head boy? Ooooooo that really grinds. my. gears." He snarled.
"I'm not asking anyone to fight for me-" she stopped as he backhanded her and sent her sprawling.
Mary recovered and ran up the steps into her bedroom, locked the door behind her then pressed her back against it, but knew it would do no good in the end. She summoned all the courage she could as she heard the slow and steady footsteps of Mulciber as he made his way up the stairs. The steps drew closer when finally she heard him tap gently on the door. "Mary," he called in a sickly sweet tone. "Let me in."
Mary felt the tug of the vow, knowing she couldn't defy him. She took a breath and held her head high then turned, unlocked the door and opened it, stepping back to allow him to enter.
"Good girl," he said drawing his wand. He stepped in and flicked the wand at the window to slam it shut, immediately bringing a stuffiness to the dark, dusty room. He closed the door behind him and circled her. She stood as still as she could as he came up behind her, pushing her hair away from her neck to gently kiss it then grabbing her shoulders and violently pulling her back towards him so he could hiss in her ear. "You tried to find a loophole with him, didn't you?"
"No, Mulciber." She muttered, knowing when he shifted to this state of dominance that trying to humanize him with his first name was only met with more anger.
"But you told him about the vow?" When she didn't answer she felt him lift his hands from her. Before she knew it, his arm was around her neck in a chokehold, "Answer me bitch!"
"Yes!" She said as she clutched at the arm around her neck. "Please-" But he tightened his grip and she gasped for air.
Mulciber watched with a sick, twisted gaze as she struggled as if he was a spider watching it's prey squirm in the tangled web. When he saw her weaken he lowered his arm.
"Mulciber, please-" she choked out and began to panic following the confession about Fabian. "Please don't hurt him. "
"Hurt him?" He spun her around to face him. "I'm going to do a hell a lot more than that. I'm going to kill him. Head boy thinks he can come ruin my fun?"
"No! He's not going to do anything. We have a deal right?" She trembled a bit as he pressed his wand into her neck. "I'm not going anywhere. I had to tell him to keep him from getting the order involved. That's all!"
"Because, don't forget what landed you in this position, MacDonald. You were careless and I caught you. I know your little double-agent secret. I don't have to keep letting you go to Death Eater meetings. I do it because I know Voldemort would discover your treason and kill you, robbing me of all my fun."
"I know!" She shouted, closing her eyes in anger.
Mulciber smiled. He reached up and grabbed her silk sleeve, ripping it off and exposing the scars on her arm where she'd attempted to remove the vow. "Cheap fabric. Just like you MacDonald. Bloody cheap tramp. Always have been. Always will be."
"I'd rather be cheap than have to force someone to be intimate with me. You couldn't get a girl with those ugly looks so you had to settle for this way?"
"Why you little?" He lifted his hand to strike her and she braced herself but no hit came. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. He grinned. He reached down and grabbed her chin. "What if I said not to go back to The Order?"
"That's not part of our deal. You've got some conditions to stick to yourself."
"Ok then... what if I commanded you to kill Fabian?"
Mary shivered at the thought but muttered, "Then I'll defy it and the vow will kill me first."
"So you'd sooner die than kill him?" He sighed. "Have I taught you nothing in all these months about self-preservation? Well don't worry. We will strike the fear of death in you." He released her face from his grasp. "Fine. Then I'll do it. And I want you to remember something. When I kill, Fabian Prewett, there will be nobody to blame but you."
"You son of a-"
"Crucio." He hissed at her and sat back to watch the curse surged through her.
The elf downstairs trembled as Mary's screams rang through the old home's walls and the town bustled by outside, unaware.
Spinner's End... 11:01AM
"What time is Lupin's test?" Snape asked Narcissa who had just knocked upon his door unexpectedly. He helped her off with her coat and let her in quickly.
"Any moment now, but that's not why I'm here," she said and anxiously wrung her hands but examined his potion station like a school mistress searching for discrepancies. "Lucious said you're searching for a spy?"
"Yes, he paid me a call earlier and I told him. The spy is suspected as another contender to the Guardian test."
"You're sure they are a contender? They're a half blood?"
"No. I already tried to get Lucious to understand the insistence the Guardian is half blood came from Lord Voldemort himself, but he swears there is another contender needing to be tested."
"What are you to do?" She asked softly.
"He wants me to kill the spy."
"And will you?"
"I don't understand why? Lord Voldemort wanted me to bring the spy to him. Lucious now says I'm supposed to kill them? How is killing them putting them to the Guardian test?"
"Oh for goodness sake, Severus!" Narcissa finally snapped and spun to face him. "Are you seriously so naive?"
Snape raised his nose in the air to hide his embarrassment at still being unsure what she suggested but said nothing.
"Do you intend to kill the spy?"
"I don't see the point of killing her if she-"
"Yes or no?" She asked impatiently.
"No!" he said quickly. "Not yet."
Narcissa just shook her head an clicked her tongue, unsurprised, then whispered, "Then you've failed... and betrayed the Dark Lord."
"No, all I mean to say is..." Snape stopped and looked in her eyes a long while. "Lucious thinks I'm the Guardian?"
"Not Lucious, Severus..."
Snape simply went, "hmmm" and drew his wand. He waved it to the decanter on the mantle which then poured scotch to the single glass beside it then levitated towards him as he took a seat and crossed his legs, Narcissa sitting across from him on the long chaise. "So the Dark Lord thinks me to be a traitor?"
"You conceal your thoughts from him. What else is he to think?"
"Is this Lucious' desperate attempt to over-prove his loyalty? Is he concerned your child may be at risk?"
"Don't worry about our child. He has the protection he needs. Voldemort has other options to choose from on that front."
"He?" Snape looked over the brim of his glass and Narcissa nodded, though he couldn't help but see her sad expression as she stroked her stomach that now was showing her expectancy.
"What other options? The Longbottoms... who else is pregnant?"
"What reason do you have for not killing the spy, Severus?" Narcissa asked to change the subject.
"Because I think they can be useful. Killing them would be a waste. Can't he pick something else to test my loyalty?"
"He wouldn't have to test you if you'd reveal your mind. What are you hiding in there Severus?"
"What did you do to your hand, Narcissa?" He asked cooly and nodded to a scar on her palm. When she refused to answer he just finished his scotch and said, "So quick to pry into my private life but refuse to share what's going on in yours."
"This scar is nothing compared to the damage you'll face if you fail the test."
"I won't be taking a bloody test," Snape huffed as he stood and returned to the workbench of potions that covered his sitting room wall. "Because I'll show the Dark Lord just how dedicated I am." He pulled a bowl of soot towards him, poured it into different jars, then started adding mixtures of his potion. "It will take time to perfect, but I need that spy alive first to get my trap into place for Potter's little minions."
"And if we're lucky, we will find the true Guardian?"
"Luck has nothing to do with this, Narcissa," he stopped his work momentarily to glance back at her. "Why did you come warn me? Why do you care?"
"Because you did what you could for Regulus. You put your neck out for him, kept him away from Forrestor, and at the end of the day, I suppose I still feel it's my responsibility as your Head girl," she added with a small laugh and stood. She picked up her coat from where Snape had set it on the hook and opened the door. "I'll leave you to it, but just be careful."
"I always am," he crossed his arms and leaned against his workbench.
Narcissa began to close the door but stopped to add, "Don't tell Lucious I'm having a boy... please." She then closed the door and left him in his home alone.
McKinnon Castle... 12:16PM...
Gideon had returned to his room after breakfast which used to be Atticus Óg McKinnon's. The shelves were filled with monster hunter stories, maps of the uncharted magical lands, Auror manuals and defense against the dark arts books. Most items were where Atticus had left them two years ago and now they had Gideon's things sorted amongst them. He sat on the bed, scratching through his list of new recruits and making to-do's on follow up meetings and check-ins as if he was a salesman sorting through leads.
Gideon was brought out of his thoughts when he heard Angus enter and say, "Wow. Haven't been in here in some time."
"I'm aware," Gideon grumbled, not removing his eyes from his notebook as Angus flopped on the foot of the bed. "Haven't seen your room in some time lately either." He now peeked over the top of the book at Angus who seemed speechless. "Well haven't I?"
"I've just been tired lately," Anugs explained.
"You didn't seem tired this morning when you dashed away from me."
Angus winced at the memory of the rejected kiss, feeling instant guilt, and said, "Well it wasn't easy. You make it hard to dash away with that morning grin of yours."
"Don't try to flirt with me now, Angus," Gideon slammed his book shut and jumping off the bed. "Now that we're alone."
"What are you suggesting?" Angus asked sitting up and watching the Prewett boy pace.
"Look at this place. Your brother was a carbon copy of your old man. So I understand being nervous about being a little different. But if Marvin can fall for a damn Death Eater then you should be allowed to fall for someone a bit unconventional too."
"It's not that we're unconventional, Gid..."
"Then what?" He shrugged being more defeated than angry. "Are you embarrassed of us?"
"What? No!" Angus stood up. "Gideon I love-"
Gideon just shook his head when Angus stopped himself. "See? Can't even say it aloud."
"I'm just trying to keep things together."
"It's not your responsibility to keep things together, Angus. You're the bloody youngest son. It's never the job of the youngest to take care of things."
"Well the oldest abandoned us!" Angus snapped.
"So now you have to be the man of the house? And that requires... what... rejecting me?"
"It's not that I'm rejecting you."
"Oh yea? Well your version of acceptance could use a little tweaking." He shoved his hands in his pockets and gazed out the smoke damaged stain glass window silently as Angus shuffled to the door.
"I'll just leave you alone."
Gideon thought for a moment before turning and rushing towards Angus and grabbing his arm to pull him back. He wrapped one arm around his waist and set a gentle hand behind his head. Their lips were almost touching when Angus pulled back and said, "Don't..." Gideon's eyes widened. They both were alone, nobody to watch, and yet Angus still pushed him away. "I... I'm sorry..." he sighed and left Gideon alone in the room.
At the Ministry... 12:45pm...
In a small windowless waiting room, Tabitha shared everything. It had already taken time for Glenn take in his surroundings. Tabitha had to let the sights and sounds of the ministry wear off in Glenn's memory before she was able to share why she left, where she had been, and who Max and Greyback were. She did her best to recount all the details he needed to know while still trying to remain vague for his safety.
"So that guy Max was Dennis' brother? And Dennis was a bad wizard? He's dead?"
She nodded, "And Max holds me responsible."
"And the big guy?"
"Greyback."
"Why does he want you?" Glenn asked.
"He doesn't. It looks that way but he's after... a friend of mine. Someone important to me. They have a history."
"Just a friend?" He watched her face. She looked broken at the question. "Ah... you love him."
"He allegedly said he didn't love me. That it was an act to make him feel more human. But I think it's a lie - given the source. Why else would Max feel so confident that leveraging my safety would be able to manipulate him?" The thought brought her back to the moment at hand. "And now they're going to trick him into Godric knows what because of me."
"Hey... I will get you back to your world."
"Technically we're in it. I forgot the vow included I could only come here 'against my will'. Must have been Max forseeing needing me for something like this. Never expected a Ministry arrest to be an option to get be back."
"We will find a way to get you home. In the meantime I will be here. You're not alone, Tabby."
Just then, the door to the room opened.
Glenn stood beside Tabitha and whispered "Just to make sure I know what I'm up against. These sticks everyone has..."
"They can kill you with two words," she replied.
"Right. Just checking.
Both of them waited to be escorted out and Tabitha hoped to cross path's with someone she knew like Arthur Weasley or The Longbottoms, but the woman who entered was a total stranger, dressed all in pink, and her hair slicked back in a bun which made her seem much older. "Tabitha Delaney," the woman said. "I'm your case worker. You are here under suspicion of the following: Exposing magic to a muggle. Treason to the ministry for conspiring with death eaters and secretly-"
"What?!" She stopped her. "I never conspired-"
"Please!" The woman raised her hand. You'll get your chance. She started again: "Exposing Magic to a muggle. Treason to the ministry for conspiring with death eaters. Secretly providing unregistered wand cores to wizards. How do you plead?"
Tabitha said, "First of all, I was attacked by two death eaters and Glenn was a bystander. I didn't expose magic to him. The other accusations are complete folly."
"Folly? Then why are you constantly being seen with Max Forrester?"
"Oh great," she scoffed, "So not only is Max stalking me but the Ministry is too?"
"We keep an eye on you vigilantes. Nobody is to be trusted. We've long suspected that some of you may be spies playing both sides," she giggled as if it was funny. "So when we saw you leave the wizarding world under the pretense of a phony unbreakable vow... well that raised our suspicions that you may just have needed an alibi to hide your dark endeavors."
She replied, "Sounds like you're the one with the spies.
"Enough!" The woman shouted. "This is a simple solution. We place you under house arrest. That way we keep you under careful watch. As for the Muggle. We obliviate him now."
"W-what does that mean?" Glenn asked.
"Take him away," the woman commanded of the guards standing in the doorway.
"Tabitha, what does that mean!" Glenn shouted franticly as he was seized.
"It's going to be ok Glenn. You just won't remember Magic. We will be fine."
"Not 'we' Miss Delaney." The woman said. "I'm sorry but until we know of your intentions, we can't have any of your connections engaging with you. We can't be sure what bewitchments you've used on him. Wipe his mind clean."
Tabitha paled as Glenn shouted, "You can't do that!"
"I'm sorry. But the only exception to the statute of secrecy is within family and you are not her family," The woman chuckled.
"I... I... am though! We... We're getting married!" He shouted and Tabitha looked stunned.
"Tabby and I traveled the world together and she came back to be with me! Those Dark Eaters just won't accept that she's chosen love over their evil... whatever they want her for. Right Tabby?"
"Um.." she just blinked at his quick thinking but mentally was still processing it all.
The woman looked at them a while but wasn't convinced. "No. I'm sorry. You'll learn to love again." She waved him off with a giggle.
"Please you can't do that!" He insisted. "How can you let a man forget his love? Or... Or his child!"
Suddenly everyone froze. Glenn repeated, "Our child." The grip the aurors had on his armed loosened a bit so they could stand up straight. "She's pregnant. We just found out. It's why we are getting married."
The room was stunned, the woman in pink just gazing at the muggle.
"Delores," whispered one of the guards harshly to her. "This complicates things."
The woman sounded a high-pitched 'hump' before allowing Glenn to be released and summoning her goons to the hallway for a discussion, leaving Glenn and Tabitha alone once more.
"What are you thinking?" Tabitha harshly whispered.
"I'm thinking that you're alone," he clapped back as he fixed his hair and clothes from the scuffle. "And you're about to be facing all... whatever this is... alone as well. Without me to protect you."
"I don't need protecting!" She snapped. She covered her face and leaned against the opposite wall. "Bloody hell..." She said calmly. "You say things long enough and you would hope you can believe them."
"So... you mean you do need protecting?" He softened his tone.
"I mean, I'm broken, Glenn. I spent my whole life trying to not let anyone see my emotions or fears. But Remus and I... We became one person. We knew each other's mind and soul and Max just ripped us apart. I'm not whole. And I tell myself I am just as strong and self confident as when you met me but it isn't true. Without him, I'll never be whole."
"Then let me help you get back to being whole. Even if it isn't with him, we will find a way to piece you back together." He moved towards her. "I promise you Tabitha, your life has only just begun. I won't let these crazies stop it."
"It's not that simple, Glenn."
"This plan of mine will buy us some time. I'll be with you and we will prove to them you aren't some dark wizard. I wasn't a totally lying, after all. I do care about you. You're my dear friend. We can fake a pregnancy for a few months and then we will come up with plan B, to get you home. Ok?"
"Glenn," she said sadly, "We don't need a plan B..."
"What?" Glen tilted his head, confused.
"I'm... I'm really pregnant."
Meanwhile - Upstairs in the Ministry...
"They're being idiots…" Emeline Vance muttered as she watched Amelia Bones pack some items into her briefcase. "I'm literally having to babysit my old HeadGirl while she visits her own office, that's how fragile this Ministry is, but the Longbottoms want to strut up and down its halls as if there's no issue."
"You sound almost protective of them Emmie," Amelia grinned. "Don't give yourself away. People will start to think you have a personality."
She earned a quirky smirk from the young woman who struggled it off and said, "Still. Temperature of this place is bad. I don't blame you for working from home. If Longbottom was smart he'd-"
"What would I do?" Frank asked as he entered the room.
"Nothing, Frank," Amelia sighed.
"You'd keep your wife and yourself safe at home until she pops out that kid," Emeline grunted.
Suddenly the door slammed shut and Frank and Emeline glanced to Amelia who'd used her wand to close it. "Keep your voices down about that," she said.
"She can't hide the baby bump forever," Emeline said. "You'd already told so many people."
"Well excuse me for being a proud father. I wasn't planning on some Seer declaring all Cancers are a threat to you-know-who," Frank quipped.
"Leos," Emeline grunted and Frank just stared at her so she clarified. "End of July is Leo."
"Do you Ravenclaws ever get it a rest?"
"Do you Gryffindors ever get anything right?"
"Frank,' Amelia sighed. "What are you doing here other than trying to get under Emmie's skin?"
"I was coming to ask if you knew anything about the new squad of Aurors that just started. I heard they made an arrest today. They didn't go through the Auror program."
"The Umbitches," she whispered to herself as she closed her brief case. "They're a special task force that Crouch assembled, much to Madeye's protest." She covered her eye with her hand and used a raspy voice to say, "In my day ye'd be tossed out for even claiming to be an Auror without a days worth of training. Fishy I call it. Never woulda happened under Ogden's watch."
"Is that your Madeye impression?"
"Good isn't it?" She grinned. "New Minister means business on finding Death Eaters. But any change in leadership creates vulnerability in the fortress."
"You think Death Eaters snuck their own ranks in here during the transition?"
"All I know is the Wizengamot hasn't met to discuss Goyle's incarceration. He's just sitting pretty in holding awaiting trial. Between you and me, Frank, I don't think he'll get one."
"No trial?" Emeline asked. "Is that legal?"
"Crouch is scared. The Minister is impatient. Aurors are refusing to abide by some of the new quarter laws because it goes against our code of ethics so Crouch is approving new tasks forces that haven't even gone through the training. Now who do you think will take advantage of infiltrating an opportunity like that?"
"Death Eaters."
"Or something just shy of a Death Eater. Believe it or not, Longbottom. There are people out there that do bad things just for the money."
"So where did the name Umbitches come from?"
"Heard that did ya?" She grinned. "It's Umbridge. They bow and scrape to the woman. She's the one paying them to do her bidding."
"And she's loyal to Voldemort?" Emeline clarified.
"I don't know if it's him she's loyal to or just obsessed with keeping blood purity. But she's all about that cause. You said you saw a string of those Aurors arrive?"
"Yes just a while ago. Someone said Madeye OKed their arrest."
"Well he didn't. Madeye is on his way to Benjy's," Emeline said. "That's why I'm playing bodyguard to Amy while she's here." Frank pondered a moment before his wife appeared in the doorway and Emeline said, "Now it's a party..."
"Mary's gone," Alice said upon entry looking only at Frank.
"Hello to you too, Alice," Emeline grunted.
Alice just continued, "Last I saw, Mulciber was heading to Barty's office and now Mary's gone. I've got a bad feeling about this, Frank."
"So... suspicious Aurors making arrests and now a missing Hufflepuff?" Emeline asked.
"Suspicious arrests?" Alice said.
"Ignore her," Frank said and tried to shuffle Alice away from the conversation.
"Yea, Frank says some Aurors arrested someone without proper training," Emeline said bluntly.
"Did he?" Alice glared at him and crossed her arms.
"Alice, please go back up to our office," Frank whispered.
"You're not Head Boy anymore, Franklin." She marched in front of him up the hall.
"Alice!" He snapped through gritted teeth as his defiant wife moved away from him. He turned back to Emeline and snapped, "Thanks a lot..."
"You can't protect her forever, Longbottom," the Ravenclaw said with a smirk as Frank chased his wife down.
He caught up to her but lost his attempt to coax her back upstairs, so they pressed on towards the holding rooms. Once in the corridors, they recognized the voice of Delores Umbridge and Frank pulled Alice back. They both listened carefully as the voice echoed through the halls.
"What do you mean this complicates things?" Umbridge's voice echoed.
"A child, Delores. You-know-who is seeking a child."
"There's a perfectly good unborn child sitting in the magical law enforcement office that I've already told you about."
"But what if it isn't the right one?" The Auror's voice came.
"This is getting out of hand!" Umbridge snapped. "Nobody ever wants to listen to me! I was running things in perfect order and Forrestor cluttered it up for his foolish games! Now I'm having to clean up his mess and restore order to this Ministry."
"I'm only suggesting not to mess with their minds until-"
"Fine!" She shrieked. "Get these two out of here and somewhere they can't get in the way again!"
Alice drew her wand at the sound of the foot steps but felt Frank grabbed her arm and pulled her towards a cell door. He quickly unlocked it and pulled her in, slamming it shut."
"What are you-"
"Silencio," he waived his wand at his wife who gave him a startled expression as her jaw tightened. He kept a firm grip on her arm as they waited for Umbridge to pass, then he winced in preparation for a verbal thrashing as he lifted the charm.
"Franklin Cornelius Job Longbottom!" She whispered harshly.
"She's got her own task force of Aurors now, Alice. We have proof now she's with You-Know-Who. She can do a hell of a lot more than just suspend us..."
"You can say that again," came a weak voice from the darkness.
Alice and Frank jumped and lit their wands to illuminate the room. As their eyes adjusted, they spotted a figure handcuffed on the floor.
"Lester?" Frank was shocked as he peered into the shadows. "Lester Thomas, what are you doing here?!"
"Tampering with memory," he sighed as Frank used his wand to free him. "I altered the memory of my wife to protect her from the war. Guess I thought the Wizengamot would understand that."
"That's just the thing, Lester. All trials are suspended. Now everyone is assigned a case-work who basically get's to play God with people's lives. Bitch of a woman too. We're Aurors now though. We can get you sprung."
Lester looked up at Alice as Frank helped him up. "Hey Crouch."
"Um... Hi... Lester was it?"
"Ah, you don't remember me. I was a few years ahead of you in Ravenclaw."
"Ravenclaw!" Frank realized. "Alice, Emmie can help us. She and Amy should still be upstairs."
"There's someone else down here," Lester said. "A few rooms over... I couldn't see who it was."
"I can go find them," Alice offered, "Umbridge said something about a child."
"She also mentioned our child," Frank warned. "So I don't want you going after anyone alone."
"You're expecting?" Lester blinked. "You hide it well, Alice."
"Thank the designer of the oversized jumper for that," she quipped. "Frank I..."
"For once, Alice will you listen to me. That woman is corrupt. You heard what Amelia said. We don't know how big Umbridge's ranks are. We need to get Lester out of here. He's the muggle-born. We've got to get him to Tonks for relocation."
"Fine. But then we find out who is stashed next door."
Down the hall 1:50pm...
"What's with the muggle?" The Dark Auror asked upon re-entry to the room where Tabitha and a shocked Glenn still sat.
Tabitha said, "His name is Glenn F-"
"I don't care," the Dark Auror shrugged.
"He's just had a bit of nasty shock... the ministry I mean. It's a lot to take in first time seeing it. So what now?"
"You and Mr.-" he looked at Glenn who cleared his throat and muttered his name, "Finnigan. Glenn Finnigan."
"You and Mr. Finnigan are to be detained in a magic-free space under supervision of the ministry until we can get this cleared up."
"Let's hope it doesn't take nine months," Glenn grumbled.
"Yes... how very exciting for you. Children are such blessings. Espcially when one has such... unique parents." He gave Tabitha a long stare. "One of them a muggle I mean." He turned to exit. "We will send someone to escort you to your new quarters shortly. Oh!" He turned "One more thing for the paperwork. The name of your child?"
"I don't wish to say it. These days a dark wizard can do just about anything with a name."
"We aren't Rumplestitlzken, my dear. You may pick a name or we will pick one for your child. Now then, his or her name?
"How could she possibly know what it is already. She's barely showing."
"Strange how little you know the so-called love of your life," The Dark Auror snapped. "You'll come to find, Mr. Finnigan, that Tabitha here possess quite a keen intuition. So tell me... Tabby... What's it's name?"
"... Seamus. After my little brother. His name will be Seamus."
The moments to follow would move quickly as Tabitha and Glenn were relocated, leaving no trace they'd ever been there and missing the rescue from the Longbottoms only by a few minutes as the couple returned to find the holding room empty with no sign of who'd been there only moments before.
Later at the Safe House... 2pm...
After Remus' vanishing act in Dumbledore's office, the Marauders hastily attempted to seek him out, but Dumbledore insisted they return to the Safe House and await instructions. There wasn't a sound in the house as James paced nervously like a father and Peter curled up with nothing but his thoughts, wondering if he wasn't incredibly lucky that his attempt to come forward with the prophecy had been thwarted.
Finally the door burst open with such force that the house shook. Everyone drew their wands, ready for whatever had arrived but lowered them in relief as Remus stormed in.
"Moony!" James called.
"It was a trap," Remus said with no context.
"What was?"
"It was Bellatrix!" He shouted.
"Moony what are you talking about?" James attempted to steady him.
"They took her ring and left her somewhere. She could be dead for all I know!"
"Who!?" Sirius interjected.
"Tabitha!" Remus faced him with fury. "The girl you sent away because you were oh-so-certain it was safer for her. They still managed to use her as bait, Sirius! She's alone with Greyback's leash choking her because of you!"
"So we're back to blaming me now?" Sirius snapped.
"Remus," James stepped forward and calmed him. "Back up and explain."
"They used Polyjuice potion to make me think Tabitha was there. They said they were setting up loyalty tests for the lot of us as they search for the Guardian. They wanted information from me on our whereabouts in exchange for her life."
"And... did you give it to them?" Sirius asked.
"Of course I fucking didn't!" He clapped back, "And apparently you missed the most important part of my sentence. They're still looking for the Guardian which means it never was Tabitha!"
"Well, we couldn't have known that, Remus," James muttered. "Even Delaney wasn't certain herself at the time."
"Well I'm certain now! While we are here convinced the Guardian is a Death Eater, they think it's one of us. They're going to start putting us to the test and one of us is going to cave."
"We won't that," Peter said nervously.
"By the way, where were you lot when this was happening?" Remus asked but only looked Sirius in the eye.
"Given the context, I think I resent that questions," Sirius responded for the group.
"Remus," a calming voice came. The young werewolf instantly relaxed at the soothing tough from Lily as she'd come up behind him. "Slow down."
"They know more about us than we think," Remus said to her as he took calming breaths. "And if they're having to pull stunts like this it means they're growing impatient at finding The Guardian."
"Well we were about to talk to Dumbledore about the Guardian when you dove for that witch's ring like an idiot," Sirius grumbled.
"Don't talk about her!" Remus shouted as his anger rose again. "I tried, Sirius. I tried to let it out of my mind. Earlier I was ready to put it in the past but seeing her again... or who I thought was her... just reminded me what exactly you'd done to me."
"Moony..." Sirius calmed his voice as he recognized Remus was slipping away once more.
"I'm sorry. I just... I have to go."
"Remus," James stepped forward. "Don't leave like this. Let's go back to Dumbledore, Peter still has to tell him what he knows of the Prophecy. We will sort through this together like we always do."
"Angus was right about you," Remus said solemnly, ignoring James and only addressing Sirius. "You're reckless. You only protect yourself."
"Remus," Marlene called from where she'd been listening in the doorway. "No... Angus was wrong. Sirius thought he was doing the right thing because he cares about-"
"The right thing for who?' He asked over his shoulder. When he looked back at Sirius he just said, "I better get back to my mission at the camp. Thanks to you... that's all I have now."
"Remus!" Lily called as the young man stormed out, taking the crate of potions as he left.