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(Alys) Secret Lives
Author: Ellis
Date: 07-27-19 17:20
Like last summer, Alys worked at Dominic Maestro's in Hogsmeade. She was glad for the job, because not only did it give her experience in a field she liked, it also kept her mind off of other, less-pleasant things.
A few weeks ago, Alys received a letter from Arielle Kent. The note was brief, stating only that Asher was indisposed and wouldn't make it to Emrys Fest. Asher and Alys had agreed to go together. In fact, Alys had made time to help Asher practice for his band's debut at the annual music festival.
At first, Alys thought that Asher had taken the coward's way out and broken up with her through a letter written by his twin sister. She knew that the two had never formally become a couple, but they'd definitely been leaning in that direction. The abruptness and vagueness of the letter upset Alys deeply. She wrote back to Arielle, but never got an answer. Alys also wrote to Asher, but she didn't get a response from him either.
It was a few days later when things really changed. Alys was at work when an auror named Brent Trentson came in and asked to speak with her. He wanted her to come back with him to the Ministry of Magic to give a statement, but Alys balked because she didn't know what it was even about. She was 17, a legal adult in the wizarding world, and Brent could have hauled her in whether she liked it or not, but since she was young and only a student, he kindly suggested they meet in a private room in the music shop instead.
The room was one used for music lessons with private instructors. There was a piano crammed against one wall, a couple of chairs and music stands. Brent's line of questioning included asking how long Alys knew Asher, what the nature of their relationship was, did she know what his hobbies were or if he had any disturbing or suspicious interests? He asked if Asher was secretive, if she knew him to go off with others, and who else he might have associated with.
Brent then started asking her probing questions about her own associations and interests. Had she ever met a dark wizard? Did she think purebloods were more superior than muggle-borns?
Finally Alys asked him what was going on. She was surprised by his honesty, though he told her she could under no circumstances reveal the details of their conversation to anyone else or face potential obstruction of justice. And then he told her that Asher had joined the Death Eaters but defected when his sister's life was put at risk. He was under arrest.
Brent told Alys to contact him immediately if someone other than law enforcement approached her about Asher's whereabouts. He also warned her about Malden McGonagall, though he didn't say what Malden had done. Alys could only guess that he had joined the Death Eaters too.
Alys had not heard anything else or had any other visits from law enforcement since then. She was definitely upset and couldn't imagine how Asher could be so stupid, but a small part of her was also glad that he'd come to his senses before it was too late. She wondered if he would spend some time in Azkaban. She wondered if he was safe. But that's all she would do, wonder. She had no plans to write him. Their relationship would go nowhere now.
She threw herself into her work and looked forward to a couple of weeks from now, when she would be tasked with taking Gavin and Haley to Diagon Alley for school supply shopping. Gavin's birthday had passed already, but Haley would be 11 soon and technically hadn't gotten her Hogwarts letter yet. Gavin taunted her and said she wouldn't get one because she was probably a squib. Then again, maybe the shopping trip wasn't something to look forward to. Gavin was a big twerp!
Observation
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 07-28-19 09:01
After signing off on a shipment of books, Lysander thanked the delivery wizard and used his wand to move the boxes to the display window. It was the time of year again where Hogwarts students were conducting back to school shopping. Twice Told Tales didn't carry new books but did sell second-hand copies of textbooks used at Hogwarts.
Lysander climbed onto the ledge of the window and began setting up some of the newly received books, when he saw his brother walk by with Noah and Sophia. They entered the shop, the children heading for the seating area to greet Dexter, who was sprawled out on one of the armchairs.
Lysander climbed off the ledge and turned to his younger brother. "What are you doing here?"
"Hello to you too," Liam replied without a smile. "We decided to avoid the crowds in Diagon Alley, but I'm afraid we'll have to go there for some of the supplies the kids need for school. Hogsmeade doesn't have everything."
"I just got a shipment of Hogwarts school books. Care to see if any are on the supply lists?"
Liam nodded. "Might as well." Then he called out to Noah and Sophia. They came over with their lists and found some, though not all of the books they needed.
Lysander rang them up with a family discount and then figured they would leave, but then Sophia asked after Charlotte. Charlotte had gone to Sweden with Astrid, Dylan, and August, who had just turned four years old. They were set to return in mid-August.
After brief small talk, Liam left with Noah and Sophia to continue shopping. Lysander returned to the window display to set up the rest of the books, but then he noticed a raven staring at him from where it perched on top of a newspaper dispenser. Lysander had seen it several times since that day in early May. He suspected it was Gaius, his auntie's raven, but he wasn't entirely sure either.
He pressed his face closer to the window to look for Liam, but his brother was no where to be seen. Either he had entered another shop or had left High Street entirely.
Lysander thought back to what Liam had said the first time the raven was noticed lurking outside the bookshop. Let the cats out to kill it. Lysander climbed off of the ledge and looked at Dexter, who was curled up on the armchair with his paws covering his face. Scarlet, meanwhile, sat sphinx-like on the front counter. Her tail twitched.
Lysander crossed over to the front door and opened it. Dexter's ears perked when the doorbell tinkled, but he remained still otherwise. Lysander looked at Scarlet and then indicated with his head to the open door. As if she understood, she hopped off the counter and trotted out the door.
Lysander stood in the doorway and watched. Scarlet's nose sniffed the fresh, summer air and then her eyes lit on the raven. The two animals stared at each other for a long moment, and then Scarlet trotted over and jumped up on the newspaper dispenser. The raven never moved.
Lysander was shocked when Scarlet dipped her head to look at the raven. The raven looked up at the cat with beady eyes. Neither made a sound, but Lysander had the very distinct feeling that they were communicating with each other. It was creepy and weird. At last, they both turned their heads to look at him, and then Scarlet sprang down and the raven took flight.
Scarlet trotted back over, entered the shop, and went straight to her water bowl to get a drink. Lysander looked for Liam again but didn't see him or the kids. He closed the door to the bookshop and looked at Scarlet as she lapped at the water. As much as he didn't want to do it, maybe he ought to consider visiting his aunt. It would seem she had some explaining to do.
Meeting
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-29-19 18:50
Bronwyn sat in a conference room at the WWN station at St. Emrys University. Although she hadn't worked there since graduating from the university, she was still considered an integral part of the planning committee for each Emrys Fest. Others in the room included Dylan Cornfoot from the university, a few students from the broadcasting program, Bryce Monroe, the host of the Morning Show at the WWN, and the man Bronwyn had nicknamed 'the Radio Wizard', Ryan Roswell. The Radio Wizard was a top producer at the WWN.
The group had come together to discuss the last Emrys Fest. Most of the performers had been there before; in fact, the only debut had been Team Delta Echo. The Hogwarts student-led band had made quite the impression. While the band was obviously still learning how to play their instruments, the lead singer had been phenomenal. Both Bryce and the Radio Wizard thought the girl should get a recording contract.
They also discussed whether an effort should be made to get other new talent onto the stage next year. Bronwyn wondered what the attendance level might be at the next Emrys Fest, since she thought the Quidditch World Cup matches might be happening around the same time. This had everybody debating if it would be easier booking up and coming bands over established ones, since some of the bands (like the Quidditch inspired ones) might be performing at the matches, or at the very least attending them.
There was also the possibility that if England made it to the finals and Kody Reese-Emerson of Dynamic Duo got on the team or Drake Bennett ended up one of the coaches, then they wouldn't be able to perform at the concert at all. Then again, Anthony had told her he wasn't sure if the band would play again next year, since it had been very difficult getting everyone in the same room together for practice. The band had performed every year except for one since the festival's inaugural year. The only band equally regular to the festival was Dragon. It would definitely be weird if neither was on the roster next year.
Bronwyn's guess was ultimately proved wrong when Dylan produced a calendar and observed that the final world cup matches were slated to occur weeks before Emrys Fest. Assuming the matches didn't go on for a ridiculously long time, then there shouldn't be any conflict at all.
Talk swiveled back to searching for new talent. Bryce didn't want the rosters to be stale. Bronwyn and the Radio Wizard thought this year's roster was just fine. Dylan volunteered to scout out some student bands at the university. Apparently nowadays, the Wyrding Way scheduled a band or singer every Saturday night. Bronwyn wondered if it would be weird to show up and watch. She didn't want to be singled out as the old lady hanging out with college students.
At last, the meeting ended. The group agreed to keep an eye out for potential additions for next year's music festival and promised to start meeting again in the spring to start with the planning. Bronwyn navigated the still familiar corridors to the lifts, and then flooed home, where she found Toby and Clarissa working in the yard. Toby was actually working in the yard, but Clarissa was just sitting in the dirt, shoveling more dirt into her lap. Shadow lounged nearby.
"How was your meeting?" Toby asked.
"Typical in that everyone had opinions and few were agreed upon," Bronwyn answered. "I think we've sprouted a child."
Toby grinned and looked over at Clarissa, who was beaming as she continued to cover her legs in dirt.
"I think it's a sign we should get another one."
Bronwyn smiled. "I think you might be right."
Press Conference
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 07-30-19 19:05
A crowd of journalists and photographers gathered near the Fountain of Magical Brethren, having learned that the Minister of Magic was expected to make an important announcement about dark activity in wizarding Britain. Ministry workers on break also gathered around to see what Minister Shacklebolt had to say.
He arrived shortly with his entourage, which included various assistants, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, along with the Head of the Auror Office and the Head of the Hit Wizards, and Michael MacMillan from the Department of International Magical Cooperation. Hermione, as liaison to the Muggle government, was also present.
"Good morning," Kingsley greeted the assembled crowd. "Over the last several weeks, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has been working diligently to investigate a very serious situation. It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Magic that the Death Eaters are actively recruiting minors––"
"How do you know?" interrupted a reporter from The Daily Prophet.
"We have a recruit in custody and have uncovered the identity of another," Kingsley answered.
"What has the prisoner revealed about the Death Eaters?" someone else questioned.
"How many more children have been indoctrinated by He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?" shouted another.
Kingsley held up his hands to still the crowd. "The young wizard in our custody is under the same or similar spells as the Death Eaters arrested during the raid on Killeevan Abbey. He is cooperating to the best of his ability, but I'm afraid we have learned very little from him about the Death Eaters and the program to recruit younger wizards to the cause."
"Will you reveal his identity?" asked Rita Skeeter. She had a bad dye job, showing gray roots. The make-up on her face did little to hide the lines she had acquired with age. "I wouldn't be surprised to find out it's Harry Potter's boy."
Hermione couldn't hide the look on her face. Jamie wasn't even seven years old! Albus was even younger.
Kingsley, keeping his cool as always, explained, "The wizard in our custody is Asher Kent, 18."
There was some murmuring about how they expected the prisoner to be an actual child, not a legal adult.
"Mr. Kent could tell investigators that his involvement in the program started at Hogwarts. He estimates he was recruited over two years ago."
Kingsley held up his hands again to cut off the questions rising on the journalists' lips. He wanted to stay on track and did not want to talk about Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall, or anything else, though he knew it would all inevitably come up with what he was about to reveal next.
He turned to an assistant, who handed him a rolled up poster. Turning back to the crowd, Kingsley announced while unfurling the poster, "The whereabouts of the other known recruit are unknown. His name is Malden McGonagall and he is wanted for attempted murder. Do not approach or try to apprehend him. Contact law enforcement immediately."
The wanted poster had a candid photograph of Malden supplied by his family. He had never been under arrest before, so the image wasn't a mugshot. He looked like an ordinary boy, not a criminal. In the photograph, he tried not to smile, but something someone off camera must had said drew a grin out of him, only for him to turn his head so he could hide it.
Hermione looked at Skeeter and saw that her quill was scribbling something fast and furiously while its owner had a knowing grin on her face. No doubt she had put two and two together. There weren't many McGonagalls in the wizarding world. Hermione fully expected a sensational story about how Minerva was the ring leader for this underage Death Eater recruitment program at Hogwarts.
Kingsley stated a few more facts and then asked for questions. He did his best to field them, occasionally deferring to the representatives from law enforcement at the press conference with him. Hermione paid close attention while also starring daggers at Skeeter the entire time. Naturally, the first question out of the woman's mouth was who would take over as Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts in the fall, since Minerva McGonagall was unfit and not to be trusted in the position.
(Azaelia) Run-in after the News
Author: Isolde
Date: 07-31-19 17:49
Azaelia happened to be in her quarters listening to the WWN while doing some summer cleaning when the Minister's press conference was broadcast live. She went from multitasking to listening with rapt attention while seated on her couch in a matter of minutes. So it was true. The Death Eaters had recruited Hogwarts students. She could hardly believe that Asher Kent and Malden McGonagall were among them. And Malden, wanted for attempted murder!
She listened to the entire press conference, including the questions at the end, and then decided to go talk to Minerva. Azaelia had confided in her often ever since her mother became friends with the mysterious Ally, who may have been a Death Eater in disguise trying to recruit the Brambles to the cause.
The fact that Malden was kin and that the recruitment had happened under her nose was discouraging. Azaelia wanted to offer her reassurance, as she, too, had been duped by a Death Eater not all that long ago.
Minerva was not in her quarters or her office, so Azaelia retreated back to hers and decided to write to her mother. When she finished, she thought it might be nicer to walk to the Owl Post Office in the village instead of to the Owlery at Hogwarts. She had been indoors all morning and wanted to stretch her legs and breathe in fresh air.
Her plan was a big mistake because the minute she rounded the corner onto High Street, she ran into none other than Rita Skeeter.
"Mrs. Blackheart! Not the witch I intended on interviewing, but while I have you, was it your errant husband who initiated Kent and McGonagall and no doubt countless other students? Is this school really a school for Death Eaters and not one for good little witches and wizards?"
"Bramble," Azaelia mumbled, "and I honestly don't know about Robert. Why don't you go to Azkaban and ask him?" She decided to ignore the other comments and pressed on to the post office.
Rita fell into step beside her. "I just had to come to town as soon as I heard the news. The Headmistress is either blind and senile or she knew about her great nephew all along. What do you know, Mrs. Black––"
"It's Bramble," Azaelia spat. "And Professor McGonagall is none of the things you claim. She got blindsided just like the rest of us."
Rita grinned evilly. "Oh, we'll see about that." She turned on her spiked heel, nearly getting it lodged in a cobblestone, and then headed for the castle. Azaelia had half a mind to sprint past her to reach the castle first, but then she remembered that Minerva wasn't even there.
She arrived at the Owl Post, sent off the letter to her mother, and then hastily borrowed a quill and purchased parchment to scrawl a quick note to Minerva, warning her of the headache eventually heading her way.
Lunch Break
Author: Jared
Date: 07-31-19 19:59
Jared has been coming by Alanna's room on his lunch break, always worried about running into one of her family members. He's been asked several times by several others why he is so bent on avoiding the Becks, he hasn't been able to give a truly rationale, cogent response beyond he figures he is the last person any of them want to see.
Thinking Jared's wish to be alone with Alanna is sweet and somewhat romantic, one of the nurses has taken to checking the room and giving him a nod that all is clear. He doesn't know it but she also keeps a watch for anyone who might be visiting Alanna while he's there. So far she's not had to run interference or give him a heads up but she thinks maybe that's because he tends to take his lunch later than most.
Today, after giving Alanna's hand a pat and her cheek a quick peck Jared settles in next to the bed. Unfolding the day's Daily Prophet he begins reading to her, eyes constantly darting from page to prone figure searching for any sign of movement. After reading a follow-up to the recent story of students being recruited at Hogwarts to become Death Eaters Jared remarks, "Still can't believe one of McGonagall's relatives is involved. I should send her a card or something in support. I'll let her know if you were able, you'd be in support of her too."
Aware of how quickly his lunch break passes, Jared rapidly skims over other news highlights then pulls a letter from one pocket. "Remember Gaia Goyle? She was a Gryffindor. She's written you and sent the owl to me. Not sure why me instead of Ariella or Anthony or Toby. Or Katherine or Gillian for that matter. Maybe because she saw me at that class reunion that Sage dragged me to. Anyway, here's what she has to say."
Dear Alanna,
I hope you are improving. I have visited a few times. Some of the nurses seem to frown at any non-relatives staying for more than five minutes. Others have told me to stay as long as I like as long as I don't overstay official visiting hours. I never know what to say to you when I do visit but just sitting and saying nothing feels awkward. I thought writing a letter might help but then thought how strange it might seem if someone walked in and found me reading you my own letter. I decided to enlist Jared's help for the reading aloud portion. Sage Porter told me he regularly visits.
Jared pauses, reading out loud about himself in the third person sounding odd to his ears. Shaking his head he continues.
You were missed at the reunion. When you are well again we'll have to have a big party and get everyone back for it. I'd hate to wait for the year fifteen or year twenty reunion so hurry up and get better so you can get your year ten reunion in while it's still year ten.
The hospital room door cracks open and the nurse tells Jared in a low voice, "One of the fam is just down the hall, stopped for a moment to speak with someone."
"Thank you," he nods at her. Looking to the bed he tells Alanna, "I'll finish reading Gaia's letter to you when I come back this evening." Another peck on the cheek and pat on the hand and Jared bustles from the room, newspaper and letter in hand. He turns in the direction the nurse indicates to help him avoid seeing whichever family member it is.
As there's still a little time on his lunch and aware he's not eaten since gulping a sandwich yesterday at his desk before his leaving for lunch, which actually meant leaving for St. Mungo's, Jared goes to the tearoom. He's not that hungry but he did promise he'd eat regularly. Eating the half a sandwich as he walks to a nearby Floo, he pockets the bag of crisps and orange for later, probably to eat for supper.
Son Of A Biscuit
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 08-01-19 20:18
Dante's sister-in-law looks through a photo album, one of several from the vault. "Who is this woman?" Angel asks of close-up of a smiling woman whose hairstyle looks to be from the 1940s.
As he's closest to her Dante leans to peer at the photograph. "Um, Mum's Aunt Nettie, her father's sister. Or I think that's who it is."
Tamara comes up behind, bending over the back of the couch. "Yes, Aunt Nettie."
"I don't know why I've never asked before. What became of your parents' families?"
"When first suspected of crimes, Mum's family stood by her, saying it was all a misunderstanding. When faced with the fact that she had done all she was suspected of and who knew then what else, they cut all ties. Dad's family had been on the outs with him over some of his beliefs and views even before he was suspected of anything," Tamara tells her, coming around the couch to take a seat next to Angel.
"No contact since?"
"Not really," Peter says walking from the kitchen where he'd gone to help Logan pick out a snack. He nods at Tamara, "Sunny wrote to a few of them two or three times but none replied."
"I sent some letters as well," Dante tells them. "I got no responses either so didn't see the point in mentioning the effort."
Logan skips around his father's legs and then plops into an armchair of the overstuffed variety. In one hand he holds a bowl with apple slices, grapes, and honeydew melon cubes. In the other he holds the locket he'd taken from the vault. "This broke," he announces, holding it up for the adults to see.
"Let me have a look." As Peter reaches for the locket he says, "Looks like the clasp. Should be an easy fix." He closes his hand around the locket only to immediately open his hand again while sharply inhaling. "Son of a," eyes go to Logan's upturned face. "Biscuit. Son of a biscuit. Stupid thing cut me."
Before anything more can be said or done, the locket pops open on its own accord. Coins, jewelry, and gemstones begin cascading out in a glittering waterfall of color. Angel, Peter, Tamara, and Dante stare opened mouthed at the mound forming on the floor as the flow of treasure continues unabated.
(Paton) Nice, France
Author: Griet
Date: 08-02-19 12:03
Paton sat at table at a sidewalk café at the Place Massena in Nice. The weather was lovely. A cloudless, blue sky stretched overhead to match the pretty water of the nearby Cote d'Azur. It was sunny and warm, yet pleasantly breezy. If only the company he kept was just as nice. His mother was with him, but so was Flavius, Fulvia, and Festus Flaversham.
The group had arrived in France yesterday evening. Paton had been surprised to find out that he had to room with Fulvia and Festus. The two had their own beds, while Paton had to sleep on the tiny sofa. He was so sure he'd wake up with his head shaved or writing all over his face, but the Flavershams hadn't done anything to him as far as he could tell.
At breakfast, they both moaned that they'd not gotten any sleep last night because Paton snored too much and too loudly. Nobody had ever accused him of snoring while at Hogwarts, so Paton figured they were lying, but Flavius naturally believed his children. He advised Paton to pull a cot onto the balcony and sleep there tonight.
After breakfast, the family walked through Old Town until Fulvia and Festus complained historic buildings were boring. They stepped into some of the boutiques there before venturing over to Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya to look at the flea markets. They had a second breakfast while wandering consisting of pastries and espressos or hot cocoa.
Next, they walked along the Promenade des Anglais to reach the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire at the Palais Massena. They looked at the ornately decorated rooms and walked through the lovely gardens before finally reaching their current location to have lunch.
Fulvia was presently telling Festus all about what he could expect during his first few weeks at Hogwarts. He was set to start there in the fall. Paton had no doubt in his mind that he would end up in Slytherin just like his older sister. They were definitely two of a kind.
Family Gathering
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 08-03-19 03:31
"I don't think it's safe," Jenny said, glancing at Nolan and Francis. They were both on a double baby stroller, ready to leave.
"I can assure you there will be aurors patrolling the area. We will be fine," Nate replied. "We will probably be in one of the most guarded places on England."
Jenny and Nate's niece, Hannah, was going to attend Hogwarts in the fall. She was the eldest child of Jenny's older sister, Emilia. She had gone shopping with her daughter at Diagon Alley and she had invited the family to have lunch there. Jenny however was afraid to go. The most recent news about You Know Who and his network of Death Eaters made her feel insecure.
"I will owl my sister, tell her we can all have lunch here."
"Jenny, please. We cannot live the rest of our lives in fear. Everyone is going. Nolan and Francis are only a year old, yes, but you don't expect them to spend the rest of their childhood locked at Harebells for safety reasons.."
"Of course not. But let me tell you that if things continue as they are, they will not be attending Hogwarts for sure. You've read the news: minors are being recruited! Our children will not be safe at Hogwarts."
"We will raise them well enough for them to distinguish the good from the bad."
"What if that is not enough?" Her eyes fell on Francis, as if she considered he might become a Death Eater one day.
Jenny still strongly believed Tiberius Nott was the child's father. Whenever Nate thought she had forgotten about her suspicions on the matter, she would mention it. He thought that it was a possibility that Francis was indeed Tiberius' son, since he and Phyllida had some history together and she did live on his home. But they were Francis' parents now and Phyllida had given up all her rights. They even had legal documentation. Jenny however lived in fear of the day when Tiberius Nott, or some other wizard, would storm into their home wanting to take Francis.
"We will think of that when the time comes," he told her, checking his watch. "We need to go before we get late."
*
The Gabbles, the Rosses and the Powells, met at the Leaky Cauldron. Jenny sat next to her sister, Emilia, with Nolan and Francis close, while Nate sat between his wife and Tim. Hannah, Emilia and her husband's George first child, was showing her grandparents her brand new wand, purchased at Ollivander's, while her father was watching over their other grandchildren. Jenny meanwhile couldn't help to ask Emilia if she wasn't afraid to let Hannah go to Hogwarts.
"George and I talked about it. It's hard enough that she will be away for long periods of time, but at least she is still close. If something does happen, we can quickly come for her. I wouldn't feel comfortable sending her to a foreign school. She will feel more at home at Hogwarts."
"Everything will be fine," Nate assured his sister in law. "The Ministry has taken all possible security measures to protect the students. "
Emilia nodded and then she started to talk with Jenny about the robes she had bought for Hannah and the other school supplies. They couldn't afford to buy Hannah everything brand new, so they had arranged some second handed robes, cauldron and books. They saved all the money they could to buy a wand at Ollivander's because they believed that having a good quality wand was the most important thing.
"I still remember when she used to pull my beard," Tim told Nate, looking at his niece.
"You looked terrible with that beard. I am glad you took it off," he joked.
Tim laughed.
"I've done it to impress a girl."
"Speaking of girls, when are you going to present us to your new girlfriend?"
"Not yet. I've told you, she is shy." Tim replied and he changed the subject right away.
Nate and Jenny had noticed an alteration on Tim's behavior. His visits to Harebells had decreased and he mentioned he was seeing someone, but he did not give them any details. Jenny and Nate tried to make him talk but he refused. Jenny was starting to think that Tim was involved with a dark witch because he used to boast about his love life and the women he dated, but this time he was being very secretive. Nate wanted to know the truth as soon as possible because he knew is wife, and he knew if they were kept in ignorance soon Jenny would truly believe her brother was seeing someone working for You Know Who and that he would appear at their house carrying a Dark Mark.
The Inquiry
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 08-03-19 07:42
"Thank you for coming, Mrs. Pole. Please, have a seat."
Sophie was still getting used to be called by her husband's name. After the wedding and a honeymoon to Italy, Sophie returned with Jasper to the Pole manor. She had received a letter with her NEWTs results and the confirmation she entered the Astronomy course at St. Emrys. She wanted to organize things to move out with Jasper to near the campus, but he insisted they should spend the rest of the summer at his family's house. He would start working for a prestigious law firm in the fall and he argued that after her mother had renovated an aisle of the Pole manor just for them to live at, it would sound rude not to stay there for a while. Sophie had given in.
Her mother in law seemed to take quite an interest on her. When the newlyweds arrived she decided Sophie needed a new wardrobe. She would drag Sophie to tall sorts of shops and tailors, making sure she had all the right robes, accessories and clothings she considered fit to a member of the Pole family. She also took her daughter in law to a hair salon to change her hairstyle, and do her nails. Sophie endured the makeover only because Jasper had liked it. For the next days, Wilhelmina would take Sophie to social charity events to present her to her friends. Sometimes in the evening she would go to formal dinner parties with Jasper and her in laws. She was eager for the summer to end and to start her studies at St. Emrys. Her only peaceful moments were when she went for a morning walk in the grounds of the manor. She would walk to the place where the Threstals were, and watched Wren feeding and brushing them. She couldn't see the animals but she could feel their presence.
Today she was relieved from accompanying her mother in law, because she had been summoned to the Ministry of Magic. Her mother in law found it outraging that she had been summoned to an inquiry by letter. She thought that if the law enforcement wished to speak to Sophie they should come to her. But Sophie agreed to go. She guessed she had been summoned because of Malden McGonagall and Asher Kent. Malden's photograph was all over the press and there were rumors that Rita Skeeter was trying to interview Asher while he was still in custody.
"As you know, we are trying to locate Malden McGonagall," the wizard that would be questioning her said.
Sophie had been sent to a small office to be interrogated. She had been offered some coffee and cauldron cakes. It was clear they did not believe she had anything to do with Voldemort or Malden, but they just hoped she might say something that would help them. They told her they were trying to question everyone who had a connection with Malden or Asher. It was a standard procedure. Their conversation was magically being recorded on a typewriter that with its clicking sound typed every sentenced they exchanged.
"He is believed to be very danger. How well did you know Malden McGonagall? Have you seen him hanging around with anyone else but Asher?"
"We weren't friends," she said. "We had some classes together, and as prefects we had patrolled the corridors together, once or twice. And we played Quidditch against each other. But that was it."
"During those patrols…do you recall if his behavior was odd? Did he say anything strange or suspicious?"
"Not that I can think of. Just that he was upset when things didn't work out between him and his ex-girlfriend. But that's it. I'm sorry but I didn't notice anything."
She had been focused on Jasper and her wedding to even think about Malden, or Asher. She didn't notice who he hang out with or his daily routines. Her inquiry was short and at the end of it she apologized for not being able to give the law enforcement agent any useful information. He thanked her for her testimony, and walked Sophie out of his office.
She started to stroll down the corridors, thinking how strange it was that not even a few months ago they were all having classes together, living a carefree life, where Quidditch and homework was their main concerns. Now Sophie was married, Asher was in custody, and Malden was a wanted wizard. These thoughts must have shaken her a little bit because she felt sick. She rushed to the bathroom as the nausea caught up with her, and she threw up. Perhaps it had been the coffee that did not settle well in her stomach, she concluded, after flushing the toilet and washed her hands and face. She was eager to go back home and have some rest.