Vedros
patreon
On The Hunt: Chapter 31
🕑 Added 2024-07-14 16:30:01 +0000 UTCRufus Scrimgeour strode purposefully through the halls of Hogwarts, his team of Aurors following close behind. Their footsteps echoed off the stone walls as they made their way to Dolores Umbridge's office and classroom.
As they walked, Rufus couldn't help but reflect on his feelings about Umbridge. He had always found her simpering manner and obvious thirst for power distasteful. Yet, as a fellow Ministry official, he had worked alongside her on numerous occasions.
"Right," Rufus addressed his team as they paused outside the History of Magic classroom. "We're here to investigate the circumstances that led to Madam Umbridge's current state in St. Mungo's. Leave no stone unturned. We need to understand what happened in her final hours at Hogwarts."
An auror unlocked the door and as he pushed it open, they were greeted by a sea of pink.
"Merlin's beard," one of the younger Aurors exclaimed, taken aback by the decor.
Rufus suppressed a grimace at the hideous sight. "Focus, everyone. We're looking for any signs of a struggle, unusual magic, or anything out of place that might explain her condition."
The team spread out, carefully examining the office. Rufus himself approached Umbridge's desk, his trained eyes scanning for anything unusual.
As he rifled through the papers on her desk, a particular parchment caught his eye. It appeared to be a list of students, with various notations next to their names. Frowning, he set it aside for closer examination later.
"Sir," one of the Aurors called from across the room. "I've found something odd concealed inside this wall."
Rufus moved to join her, eyeing the ornate box she had discovered. The wall she had pulled it out from was hollow, which implied it had been created to hide something.
With a wave of his wand, he carefully opened the box, revealing a collection of black quills.
"Blood Quills," he muttered, his frown deepening as he spotted a few had been used. A cursory scrying spell told him no one apart from Umbridge and the one whose blood was in the quill had touched the box and he had a bad feeling about it.
As the search continued, they uncovered more disturbing items hidden throughout the classroom ─ drafts of oppressive educational decrees, more lists of targeted students, and even propaganda against Dumbledore and Harry Potter. While these discoveries were troubling, they didn't seem to explain Umbridge's current state.
Hours passed as they meticulously combed through the office and adjoining classroom. They found traces of various spells, but nothing that could account for the severe magical shock Umbridge had experienced.
Rufus reviewed what they knew about Umbridge’s situation. She had been found on the floor of her office, unconscious and unresponsive apart from the random shaking and jerking of her body. The issue was most certainly mental and it gave credence to the healer’s findings but the Minister was adamant of foul play. However, the lack of any evidence supporting the Minister’s assertion was apparent. Instead, there was a lot of evidence that painted a different picture instead, and not one the minister would like.
"Dawlish,” he said firmly. “I want you all to discretely gather all the evidence we've found regarding Umbridge's... extracurricular activities. We'll need to bring this to Madam Bones' attention."
The auror nodded as they kept searching. Rufus made his way toward the exit, resolving to discuss this with Madam Bones. He knew what she would ask him to do, and it was indeed the most logical step.
Umbridge’s office in the Ministry was up next.
XXXXX
The study of Greengrass Manor hummed with quiet anticipation as Cyrus Greengrass welcomed Sirius Black in. The black sheep of the Blacks gazed around in appreciation, taking in the magical tomes that lined the walls, the opulent decorations around him, and the enchanted fire that crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm glow all over the room.
Sirius walked in and his gaze fell on a blonde man standing by the window, his posture relaxed as he gazed out at the well-kept gardens. The man turned around as they approached, and Cyrus smiled.
“Gentlemen, I believe introductions are in order,” he began. “Sirius, this is my cousin, Antoine Delacour. Antoine, meet Sirius Black.”
“Such lapse of formality, Cyrus?” Sirius chuckled as he extended his hand, smiling. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Monsieur Delacour. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about your family from Harry.”
Cyrus shook his head in amusement as Antoine clasped Sirius’ hand warmly. “The pleasure is mine, Lord Black. And I believe I can say the same about you.”
“Please, call me Sirius,” the dark-haired man insisted, gesturing for Antoine to sit. "We're all friends here, after all."
Cyrus, as the host, nodded approvingly. “Indeed, we are. Now, before we discuss the potential betrothal, I believe we have some pressing political matters to address. Antoine, perhaps you could start by updating us on your recent... interactions with Fudge?"
Antoine nodded, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Sure. As planned, I arrived with the Minister, and to say Fudge was way out of his depths would be an understatement. The poor man had no explanation to offer, and it is quite clear that he has no allies either. The news of Malfoy’s death is also a welcome one. My condolences on your cousin’s death, Sirius.”
Sirius let out a small sigh and nodded. “It’s unfortunate that it had to happen in this way,” he remarked. “Fudge’s days are numbered anyway, and with international pressure now, we can accelerate our plans.”
“The man lacks conviction. All the while, he kept getting increasingly nervous,” Antoine continued with slight amusement. “The Minister and I insinuated that there could be a severe impact on Britain’s relations with France if things did not improve, and it seems to have had the desired effect.”
“Excellent work, cousin,” Cyrus nodded approvingly. “With Fudge refusing to see reason, it’s better that he’s out of the office soon. He’s been actively working against us all this while, planting that vile woman at Hogwarts… Only Merlin knows what he was thinking.”
The mention of Umbridge made their expressions darken. Sirius growled, “I heard the things she said about her… it’s no wonder she lost her cool. Anyone would’ve. Even though I understand why it was important, I wouldn’t have minded if that fireball really hit that toad.”
Antoine gritted his teeth in rage. He knew it was only because of Harry and Daphne that his Gabrielle was entirely out of harm’s way right now.
“Umbridge has always been a problem,” Cyrus remarked, his face hardening into a mask of disgust. “Such blatant discrimination and racist behavior in front of all the students… I can’t wait to have her kicked out of Hogwarts.”
“She’s someone who deserves to rot in Azkaban for everything she’s been doing at the Ministry over the years,” Sirius growled. “She sent those dementors to frame Harry and that boy died because of it. Once Fudge is out, we can get started on prosecuting her as well.”
“You know you’ll have my full support,” Cyrus declared firmly.
Antoine raised his glass in a toast. “To bringing down Fudge’s administration and all his vile lackeys.”
“And then a victory in this war as well,” Sirius nodded as they all toasted, cementing their alliance.
As they set down their glasses, Cyrus began in a lighter tone. “Now, shall we move on to more pleasant topics? I believe we have a potential betrothal to discuss.”
Sirius straightened in his chair. "Indeed, we do. Antoine, I want you to know that I have nothing but respect for your family. The way Gabrielle has handled herself in the face of Umbridge's bigotry is truly admirable."
Antoine inclined his head graciously. "Merci, Sirius. Your godson has also impressed us greatly. His bravery and loyalty are beyond question. I believe this match will be most advantageous for all our families and the three of them themselves."
“Harry gave Daphne full power to decide the lady for the Black line. That was already more than I’d expected. Gabrielle being that lady is indeed the best choice, I believe,” Cyrus smiled.
“Their happiness is the primary concern for all of us,” Sirius agreed. “And it’s best that they’re not being forced to do anything and this decision has been made mutually.”
“Exactly,” Antoine smiled. “Should we discuss the terms now?”
They spent the next few minutes hashing out the details, their conversation punctuated by the occasional chuckle or murmur of agreement. As their discussion wound down, Sirius summarized the main points.
“So, we’re agreed then. The wedding to take place within a year from the date on which both Harry and Gabrielle turn 23. Just like it is with Harry and Daphne.”
Antoine nodded. “With the same dowry of 500,000 galleons to be placed in a joint vault for the couple’s use after marriage.”
“I’m sure Gabrielle would be the perfect Lady Black and she will bear all the responsibilities and privileges the title comes with.”
Antoine smiled. “It seems we have covered all the essentials. I must say, this has been the most pleasant negotiation I’ve ever been part of.”
Cyrus refilled their glasses with a flick of his wand. “Indeed, it has. And let’s not forget the clause about encouraging inter-family cooperation in business and political ventures. With all four families together, this alliance has the potential to reshape the landscape of wizarding Britain.”
Sirius smirked as he raised his glass in a toast. “To new friendships and a brighter future for the kids!”
Antoine and Cyrus smiled as they echoed the sentiment, their glasses clinking together in the warm light of the study.
As they sipped their drinks, Antoine turned to Sirius with a small smile on his face. “I must admit, even though I’d heard it all, I was somewhat… apprehensive about meeting you, given the reputation of the Black family. But you have been much different that I’d thought.”
“Like what? Come on, I like to hear people praise me,” Sirius replied, earning a chuckle from both men.
“Gracious and reasonable, I’d say.”
Sirius’ eyes twinkled with amusement. “Ah, well, I’ve always been the black sheep of the Black family, if you pardon the pun. All the blood purity and superiority stuff just never appealed to me.”
Cyrus chuckled. “And we’re all the better for it, my friend. Now, shall we adjourn to the dining room? I believe Evelyn’s waiting for us with a magnificent feast to celebrate our children’s betrothal and this alliance.”
The three men stood and made their way out of the study, their familial alliance solidified.
XXXXX
A couple of days had passed since then and Umbridge was rotting in the Janus Thickey Ward of St. Mungo’s, still unresponsive. The healers remained mostly clueless as to what had truly happened to her, although the analysis of Madam Pomfrey did seem accurate.
Cornelius Fudge had paid the woman multiple visits, requesting and even shouting at the healers to do something, only to be forced to return to the Ministry with nothing to show for it. His behavior earned him little more than pity and no small amount of scorn from the healers he kept shouting at.
It was morning and Fudge had arrived in the Ministry mere minutes ago, looking as haggard as he had been for the past couple of days ever since Dolores’ situation had been revealed to him. Things had not been great with him since then, and barely anyone paid him any visit nowadays, his involvement in ministerial affairs almost negligible. No missives or letters came in or went out of his office, and he could not be bothered to go out and enquire himself, unable to find the motivation.
Perhaps that was the reason why he did not get it, or perhaps the lack of a secretary was the reason why the letter was not made available to him promptly. Cornelius Fudge remained oblivious to the Wizengamot meeting that was scheduled to be held in an hour, the missive having arrived over twenty-four hours ago. It was perhaps his dumb luck that he stumbled on it, and his eyes, red-rimmed and showing a severe lack of sleep, widened as he read through it.
Hastily and shakily, he got out of his office, slamming the door behind him, and ignoring the curious yet surprised stares of the employees directed at him, he made his way to the chambers.
The ancient stone walls of the Wizengamot chamber seemed to pulse with anticipation as members filed in, their hushed whispers echoing off the enchanted ceiling. Ornate chandeliers cast a flickering light across faces etched with concern and determination. The tiered seats slowly filled with a sea of robed figures rustling as witches and wizards settled in for the emergency meeting.
Amelia Bones sat at the center of the chamber, her crimson hair gleaming in the torchlight. She exchanged a meaningful glance with Sirius Black, who nodded almost imperceptibly from his position in the Black family seat. Nearby, Augusta Longbottom's vulture-topped hat bobbed as she leaned over to whisper to Tiberius Ogden.
"It's time we put an end to this farce," Augusta muttered, her eyes narrowing as none other than Cornelius Fudge bustled in, looking flustered.
Ogden nodded gravely with his eyes fixated on the haggard-looking man as he stumbled on his way to the Minister’s seat at the center. "Indeed. The Ministry has been a ship without a rudder for far too long."
He had heard that it was a legislative session, which meant his presence as the interim Chief Warlock was not required today since Amelia Bones would hold the session as the one who had summoned the emergency meeting.
As Fudge took his seat, his black bowler hat clutched nervously in his hands, Cyrus Greengrass caught Amelia's eye and gave a slight nod. The pieces were in place.
Amelia raised her wand, sealing the chamber once everyone was seated and sending up a shower of red sparks that immediately silenced the chamber.
"Members of the Wizengamot," she began, her authoritative voice carrying effortlessly across the room, "I call this emergency session to order. Today, we gather to address a matter of utmost importance to the future of our society."
Fudge shifted uncomfortably in his seat, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
"We are here to introduce a motion of no confidence against Minister Cornelius Fudge," Amelia continued, her words causing a ripple of murmurs through the assembly. Fudge’s eyes widened in shock as he whirled around to stare at the woman who gazed back at him dispassionately. His red-rimmed eyes narrowed in a glare.
"Preposterous!" he sputtered, half-rising from his chair. "On what grounds?"
Amelia's gaze hardened. "On multiple grounds, Minister. Each more damning than the other. Let us begin with the lawsuit filed by Harry Potter against the Ministry for character assassination and malicious prosecution." She turned to Sirius. "Lord Black, as proxy for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, would you care to add any further details?"
Sirius rose, his dark robes swirling around him as he stepped forward. The years in Azkaban had left their mark, but there was no mistaking the fierce intelligence in his eyes. "Certainly, Madam Bones. Over the past few months, the Ministry, under Fudge's direction, has waged a relentless smear campaign against my godson and heir, Harry James Potter."
"Now see here," Fudge interrupted, his face reddening, "we were merely reporting-"
"You were reporting lies, Minister," Sirius cut in, his voice sharp. "Deliberate, malicious lies that put my godson and heir at risk and undermined public trust in our institutions. The Prophet was turned into your personal propaganda machine, all to avoid facing the truth about Voldemort's return."
A collective shudder ran through the chamber at the name, but Sirius pressed on, undeterred. "This lawsuit isn't just about Harry. It's about the integrity of our government and the trust of our people. Both of which you've squandered, Minister Fudge."
“He has not returned!” Fudge blustered, his eyes bulging and his breathing erratic.
“That is not the point of discussion here,” Sirius replied dismissively. “In addition to the smear campaign, the ministry wrongly prosecuted my godson and heir, Harry James Potter, of murder without any evidence. The lawsuit had been filed and accepted to be put to trial by our interim Chief Warlock at the time, Lord Tiberius Ogden.”
From his chair, Ogden nodded as Sirius took his seat.
Amelia nodded gravely. “Thank you, Lord Black. Now, we move to the second point of concern. An Auror raid on the office of Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge has uncovered evidence of numerous crimes."
The chamber erupted in shocked whispers as Fudge's eyes widened in panic. He eyed Amelia who pointedly ignored him.
"Madam Bones," called out a voice from the back, "what sort of crimes are we talking about?"
Amelia's expression darkened. "Bribery, corruption, and abuse of power, to start. However, that is not the end of her crimes. We have discovered conclusive evidence that proves that it was Umbridge who sent the Dementors to Privet Drive this past summer, resulting in the death of Piers Polkiss. This action was a thinly veiled attempt to silence Harry Potter permanently, but when Potter was discovered to be missing from the scene of the crime, this murder was used to maliciously incriminate Harry Potter."
Gasps of horror echoed through the chamber as everyone read through the DMLE report and the evidence thus obtained. It seemed Umbridge had indeed left some paper trail that had been enough to connect her to the crime.
Fudge realized he could not let this be associated with himself and he leapt to his feet, his face ashen. "I-I had no knowledge of this! Surely you can't hold me responsible for the actions of─"
"Silence!" thundered Augusta Longbottom, rising from her seat. "You appointed her, Fudge. The buck stops with you. And we're far from done with the list of Umbridge's crimes committed under your nose."
Fudge fell silent, cowering under the woman’s strict gaze. His disbelief at the situation grew.
Cyrus Greengrass got to his feet; his aristocratic features set in a mask of disgust. "Indeed. Let us not forget the Blood Quill incident at Hogwarts that my daughter wrote to me about. Madam Bones, if you would?"
Amelia nodded, producing a familiar black quill from her robes. "This, members of the Wizengamot, is a Blood Quill. A Dark artifact, the use of which is strictly regulated. And yet, we have testimony from dozens of Hogwarts students that Dolores Umbridge used this very quill to torture them during detentions."
There was an oppressive silence in the chamber for a few seconds before it erupted in outrage. Parents in the gallery started crying out obscenities and shouted for justice, while several members of the Wizengamot leapt to their feet, demanding explanations.
Fudge, his face now ghostly pale, stammered, "I-I never authorized… How was I to know─"
"That's precisely the point, isn't it, Minister?" Tiberius Ogden cut in, his voice dripping with disdain. "You didn't know. You didn't want to know. You were too busy clinging to power to notice the rot spreading through your own Ministry."
Amelia raised her hand for silence. "We're not finished. Our investigation has also uncovered Umbridge's involvement in a criminal trafficking operation, operating right under the Minister's nose. And she wasn't alone. The late Lucius Malfoy, known to be Fudge's biggest financial backer, was deeply implicated in this network."
“What kind of trafficking operation are we talking about here, Madam Bones?”
A grimace came over Amelia’s face as she replied in as clear and firm voice as she could muster, “Children.”
The chamber fell silent, eyes bugging out, as the weight of the accusation pressed down on them. Several members of the Wizengamot shifted in their seats, keeping their expressions as normal as they could, lest they give their involvement away somehow.
Sirius stood once more, his eyes blazing. "Let's be clear about what this means. The Minister of Magic was either complicit in or criminally negligent of a major child trafficking operation run by his right-hand woman and his chief political donor. Either way, it's an unforgivable betrayal of the public trust."
Fudge, looking utterly defeated, slumped in his chair. To his misfortune, however, Amelia wasn't done.
"Lastly," she said, her voice filled with quiet fury, "we must address the international ramifications of Umbridge's actions, left unchecked by Minister Fudge. Her racial targeting of Gabrielle Delacour, a French national, the sister of a Triwizard champion, and the daughter of a French dignitary, has led to a severe deterioration of relations with the French magical government."
Cyrus Greengrass nodded grimly. "I've spoken with Antoine Delacour who is my cousin as well as the French ambassador. They're considering severing diplomatic ties entirely. This is a disaster for international magical cooperation, at a time when we can least afford it."
A heavy silence fell over the chamber as the full weight of the accusations sank in. There was barely any face in the chamber that did not look concerned in the face of this development.
Fudge, his face a mask of desperation, did the only thing he could do anymore. He stumbled to his feet.
"Th-this is preposterous!" he shouted, his voice cracking. "A conspiracy to undermine me! I've always acted in the best interests of─"
"Enough!" Amelia's voice rang out like a whip crack. "The evidence is clear, the testimonies are damning, and the cases are open and shut. Cornelius Fudge, you have failed in your duty to protect and serve the magical community of Britain. It's time for a vote. All in favor of the motion of no confidence?"
A sea of wands lit up, filling the chamber. Fudge's eyes darted frantically around the room, desperately searching for allies. To his utter dismay, he found not one wand unlit.
"No!" he bellowed, his composure finally shattering completely. "You can't do this! I am the Minister of Magic! I alone─"
"Not anymore," Augusta Longbottom said firmly, rising to her feet. "The motion passes. Cornelius Fudge, you are hereby removed from office, effective immediately."
“N-No!” Fudge blustered. “You can’t do this to me! I-I did everything for you! I DID EVERYTHING FOR YOU!”
As a pair of grim-faced aurors moved to escort the now ex-Minister from the chamber, Fudge’s face contorted with a mix of rage and desperation. “This is a mistake!” He cried out, spittle flying everywhere. He struggled violently in the aurors’ grip. “I’ve given everything to this office! You can’t just throw me out like this!”
He struggled weakly against the aurors’ grip, his bowler hat tumbling to the floor. “Please, you must reconsider! I can explain everything! I can make it all right! I didn’t know Dolores and Lucius were doing─”
Fudge’s pleas fell on deaf ears as the members of the Wizengamot watched the struggling old man being escorted out of the chamber in stony silence.
Augusta Longbottom’s voice cut through Fudge’s protests, sharp as always, “It’s over, Cornelius. You’ve had your chances. It’s time to go.”
With a last, despairing look at the chamber that once used to hang onto his every word, Fudge slumped in defeat. The heavy doors slammed shut behind him, cutting off his final, incoherent mutterings.
As the shock of Fudge's removal began to settle, a tense silence fell over the Wizengamot chamber. Sirius caught Amelia's eye, giving her an almost imperceptible nod. The redhead returned the nod, her face impassive but her eyes glinting with determination.
Tiberius Ogden cleared his throat, his weathered voice cutting through the silence.
“It seems the winds of change are particularly fierce today,” he began, his eyes scanning the room. “Our ministry needs a steady leadership more than ever. Smoothing tensions with the French is of utmost priority at this hour.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the assembly. Augusta Longbottom stood, her vulture-topped hat bobbing as she nodded firmly. She exchanged a quick glance with Sirius who gave her a subtle signal to proceed.
"Indeed, Tiberius. We cannot afford a power vacuum, not with the threats we face." Her gaze swept across the chamber before settling on Amelia Bones, her words measured and deliberate. "I believe the answer is clear. We need someone of unimpeachable integrity, someone who has already demonstrated the courage to stand up against corruption and injustice, and someone with enough experience to weather the harsh currents in front of us today."
Cyrus Greengrass took that as his cue to stand up, his aristocratic features set in a determined expression. There was a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "I concur with Madam Longbottom. We need not look far for our interim Minister." He turned to face Amelia directly, his words flowing smoothly as if rehearsed. "Madam Bones, your actions today have shown us the kind of leadership we desperately need. I hereby nominate you for the position of interim Minister of Magic."
A buzz of whispers filled the air as Amelia's eyes widened slightly in a show of surprise. The woman maintained her composure and those who knew her well could detect the slightest of quirks on her lips.
Sirius Black stood as expected, a grin spreading across his face. "I second the nomination. She has the experience, the integrity, and the backbone to guide us through these troubled times."
"Here, here!" Several voices called out from around the chamber.
Amelia raised her hand, calling for quiet. "I am honored by your faith in me," she said, her voice steady. "But this is not a decision to be made lightly. Are there any other nominations to consider?"
There were none, and Tiberius Ogden, in his capacity as the interim Chief Warlock, raised his wand. "Very well. All those in favor of appointing Amelia Bones as interim Minister of Magic, raise your wands."
A sea of wand tips lit up across the chamber, casting a warm glow over the proceedings. The count was quick and decisive, just as Sirius and Cyrus had predicted. They had the massive majority with their alliance, after all.
"The ayes have it," Ogden announced. "Madam Bones, do you accept the position of interim Minister of Magic?"
All eyes turned to Amelia Bones who stood tall, her face a mask of determination that hid the sense of triumph she felt at the successful realization of their plan.
"I do," she said firmly. "I accept this responsibility with a full understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we will restore integrity to our Ministry and security to our world."
A massive round of applause rang throughout the chamber and in the visitors’ gallery above that continued for well over a minute. As it slowly subsided, Augusta Longbottom spoke up once more, setting the stage for the final act of their carefully orchestrated plan. “Minister Bones, what is your first act in office?”
Amelia's eyes flashed with purpose, her response ready and rehearsed. "My first act as Minister," she announced, her voice ringing through the chamber, "will be to address the grave threat that has been ignored for far too long."
With a flick of her wand, a large, shimmering screen appeared in the center of the chamber. Murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd as they stared ahead.
"What you are about to see," Amelia continued, her voice grave, "is a memory. A memory verified by the Unspeakables. A memory that proves, beyond any shadow of doubt, the return of the Dark Lord Voldemort."
Gasps and cries of fear echoed through the chamber at the mention of the name as Sirius stepped forward, producing a vial of swirling, silvery substance.
"This memory," Sirius explained, his voice tight, "was provided by my godson and heir Harry James Potter himself. It shows the events in the graveyard on the night of the Triwizard Tournament's final task."
As Sirius poured the memory into the projector, the shimmering screen came to life. The Wizengamot watched in horrified silence as the scene unfolded before them: Harry finding Fleur being tortured by Krum and the departure of both, Moody jumping him as he reached the Triwizard Cup, his return to consciousness and sight of Death Eaters garbed in their regalia standing around him with the unmistakable figure of Lord Voldemort gloating.
Screams of terror and shock filled the air. Several members collapsed in their seats, while others leapt to their feet in panic.
"It can't be!"
"Merlin help us all!"
As the memory showed Voldemort mocking and torturing Harry who was surrounded by his Death Eaters, several members of the Wizengamot shifted uncomfortably, their eyes darting nervously around the room.
The final duel between Harry and Voldemort played out, leaving the chamber in stunned silence as they realized he had survived the Killing Curse for the second time.
As the memory faded, Amelia's voice cut through the shocked silence. "We can no longer hide from the truth. Voldemort has returned, and we must act now to protect our society from his terror."
Cyrus Greengrass stood, his face grim but determined. "Minister Bones is right. Fudge’s administration tried its hardest to keep us in blind for too long. It's time to prepare for war."
“I believe apologies are in order for both Heir Potter and Headmaster Dumbledore, and our gratitude as well for never faltering even when they were unfairly persecuted,” Ogden said solemnly.
Sirius’ voice rang out, filled with pride. “My godson and heir has shown incredible bravery in face of unimaginable horror. It’s time for everyone to stand up and do the same. You all saw what he said and did, right? Tell me you can’t do it as well!”
"This is the reality we face," Amelia said as the chamber quietened, her voice steady and resolute. "But if we are together, united and prepared, we can overcome this threat. Our first steps will be to reinforce our defenses, work on fixing the internal deficiencies left by the previous administration, and begin immediate training programs for all capable witches and wizards."
Their allies all nodded in agreement, shifting the atmosphere from shock to grim determination.
Sirius leaned over to whisper to Cyrus, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “Checkmate?”
Cyrus nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. “To phase one? Yes. It’s complete. Now, the real work begins. For us, and for you two as well.”
“I guess,” Sirius replied, his mirthful eyes fixated on the interim Minister who shook hands with one person after the other. It had not been planned, but it had somehow happened, and now that it had, no one could find anything to complain about it.
As if feeling his eyes on her, Amelia turned around and raised an eyebrow. Cyrus chuckled as Sirius took that as his cue to approach the redhead, taking her hand and planting a soft kiss on her knuckles.
“Congratulations, Minister,” he said with his trademark grin that did little to impress Amelia, although it did amuse her.
“My thanks, Lord Black,” she replied.
“About what we discussed…” Sirius continued without missing a beat. “Our task today is done, which means it’s time for us to get on with that discussion. So… Bones Manor, I guess?”
Amelia gazed up at Sirius amusedly as she nodded. “I believe I don’t have any prior arrangements at 6 this evening. I’ll be punctual if I were you, Lord Black.”
“Certainly,” Sirius smirked, and with a final bow, he walked back over to where Cyrus stood, staring mirthfully at him.
“You sure look like a young lad taking a piss here,” he remarked as he reached the man, making him chuckle.
“As if you weren’t acting as if you were asking out a girl for Hogsmeade out there,” Cyrus replied. “That cocky grin? Really?”
“Bite me,” Sirius muttered.
“I won’t,” Cyrus quipped instantly. “But I believe you just went to arrange for someone who will.”
“Merlin, Cyrus!” Sirius could not help but chuckle at that.
To be continued...
Comments
Erinnyes
Great chapter!
jp9901
Damn, now people are waking up to face the reality of the situation, maybe they have more of a fighting chance
