Unofficial Portkey Archive

The Heights of Suspicion-Chapter 15

The return of Luna to the fold was a blessing to everyone. Even though Pappy had suffered greatly, he too was recovering quickly. Within three days and the help of Fawkes, Madame Pomfrey was able to use the powerful healing qualities of phoenix tears to heal Luna's external wounds. Pappy's burns and from the glancing curses he'd suffered were healed too, but the greater problem had been the minor heart attack he suffered from overexertion and stress.

Harry and Hermione stood next to a still groggy and slightly overwhelmed Pappy. But they could tell his spirits were being lifted by the sight to his left. Ron was holding Luna close. It was the first time that any of them had been allowed into the hospital wing since Luna's return and Pappy's heroic dash for freedom. Pappy said, "That was all that I hoped to see as I ran back toward the school."

Ron heard him. He walked over put his hand out to Pappy and then bent over his bed hugging him saying, "Thank you for her. I don't deserve either of you the way I behaved." He smiled but it was reserved.

Luna looked over, still unable to walk from weeks of malnutrition and the atrophy of the muscles in her legs. "I'll be walking in time for Christmas Pappy, make sure there is mistletoe available because I owe you one," she said bashfully.

Pappy laughed and looked at the two visitors. "Harry and Hermione, I am so glad you're here. The only other thing I thought when Mad-Eye conjured the cot and restarted my heart was that I wanted to see you two grow up to have kids. I know that sounds stupid. Strange things happen when death greets you face to face."

Harry and Hermione looked at each other and then at Pappy. "We looked at the watch and you faded away. Why?"

"Time has no meaning for the dead, my young friends. Your thoughts bring out the people you think of briefly but let you know who you should spend the most time loving. For an instant, I must have passed to the other side. That's all I can figure." Pappy said it as if he only figured that's what it meant; it was in fact exactly how the watch worked.

"It scared us so to see you fade like his parents had in the past." Hermione said.

"Kids, I'm tired. Can we talk later this evening? I need some rest." Pappy requested softly.

"Certainly, Pappy. I almost want to call you Grandpa," said Hermione. Hermione's eyes were filled with tears of joy that his old face was less grayish and death-like than she'd been prepared for.

"Me too, Pappy." Harry said with the exact same expression.

"I'd be honored but I am not for either of you. But the thought strengthens this old ticker of mine." Pappy seemed like the man Harry had known in Little Whinging at that moment.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Meanwhile, Ron had spent the past hour before she'd awakened looking at her sleeping face. His heart was filled with both sadness and happiness. He'd never be able to share his first experiences with her as he'd thought that night. He'd allowed the evil of Bella to steal the sweetness of being faithful to Luna. It filled his heart with regret as he looked at her.

When her eyes opened, Luna saw Ron's thoughtful expression. She had been forced to watch from the floor that night as Ron and Bella made love on that stone table. It had haunted her for hours, until Ron was gone and she heard the first scream from the other room as Nagini was fed. She'd heard Ron's voice. "Ronnie, I love you."

Ron was surprised. Even though he had been looking directly at her, he had been in his emotions of regret and didn't see her open her eyes. She'd been sleeping for just a hour or two Madame Pomfrey had told him. "I love you, Luna. We had played at being more than friends, but now I know how much I would have missed." He maintained his composure to only allow his lip to quiver for just a few seconds before the tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Ron, I don't want to think about anything but us…and right here…right now."

It was at this point that Ron had walked over to Pappy and Luna had thanked him. Only a few minutes had passed since then. Harry and Hermione had left and Pappy was sleeping again.

Ron looked around the room and no one else was there. "Luna, may I kiss you properly?"

She looked at him with a smile. To this point they'd smooched not truly kissed in all the time they'd spent together. "Yes, Ronnie, I think I'd like that." Ron kissed her and realized immediately the difference between what had been Bella and now Luna. Luna was timid and soft. She was exciting in a different way-sexy, but not lusty.

As they deepened their kiss, Ron realized that he nearly had missed the best part. Growing to know someone intimately was much more satisfying than just starting in the middle. He let his thoughts disappear and focus on the only person who mattered…Luna.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dumbledore was troubled the day before classes were to let out for Christmas break. He heard rumors of unflattering stories in the wizarding press about the hunt beginning again for non-existent Death Eaters since they'd all been put in prison or found innocent of the charges. It was as if the press had forgotten its stance of just six months previous and that many of the Death Eaters had escaped Azkaban.

Particularly upsetting this morning was that he was to meet with one of the exonerated Death Eaters at lunch today. Gregory Doyle's father had requested to visit because of these reports and the fear that his son would be unduly affected by people's attitude toward the unfounded allegations printed in the papers when they returned from the holiday.

"Professor Dumbledore, thank you for seeing me, Sir. I'm not the brightest wizard Hogwarts ever produced and I'm sure Gregory isn't the brightest in his class either, but I want to hear what you have to say about the reports in both The Quibbler and the Daily Prophet. I am fearful that an integrated school such as Hogwarts might be dangerous for Gregory." Goyle's reference to integrated reeked of prejudice toward non-magical people, but it was common place among even those people who were not radical to the point of joining the Death Eaters.

"I am concerned myself, Mr. Goyle. Please join me as I have lunch here in my quarters today." Dumbledore had Dobby set a table for them in his quarters rather than disturb the students in the Great Hall.

"The presence of some kind of enchanted Map that you are using to identify intruders and the death of Bellatrix Lestrange Black in your Gryffindor common room was something of a mystery to me as well. The reports of Peter Pettigrew being held here but not turned over to the Ministry seemed odd as well." Goyle said without any sense of panic.

"It shocks me how such information gets to the press, quite frankly, Mr. Goyle. I am not above releasing information to the wizarding public, but some of the details published were to be `for official use only' by the Ministry in the investigation." Dumbledore explained.

"My concern is for my son and others like him, for example: Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, and the Crabbe boy. Their fathers would automatically send the Aurors you have assigned to Hogwarts into a wild frenzy about Death Eaters if their parents were to visit like I am today." Goyle protested.

"I sent an owl last night to avoid such a confrontation." Goyle added.

"Let me assure you, Mr. Goyle. Measures are being taken to ensure that safety of all students is paramount and that no student is unfairly treated. As for the existence of such a Map, I will have to leave that up to your imagination and the very fine writers who combine fact with fiction at both newspapers. It will in fact end up hurting everyone if responsible people forget their jobs at those two papers." Dumbledore replied.

"So you do not deny its existence. How interesting?" Goyle had just finished his open-faced roast beef sandwich, boiled potatoes and green beans. "I don't find that I am offended by your attitude Professor. I expected you to be rather short with me."

Dumbledore looked at Goyle for a moment trying to read his eyes. "Mr. Goyle, did you see Gregory already, today?"

"Yes, I did as a matter of fact he will be finished with his classes in about half-past the hour. I did have one thing I wanted to share with you. Or rather, I have a favor that I need to ask of you." Goyle went on.

"How may I help?" Dumbledore asked warily.

"I want to prove to you that my ways have changed. I want to improve Gregory's chances of getting more than one O.W.L in his studies here. I want you too know that he, his mother and I are against the entire Death Eater clan now. But as I am sure you are aware, you don't just leave." Goyle had a tremendous look of pain on his face.

"If something were to happen to me or the wife, would you be his guardian if something happened to the missus or me?" Goyle asked totally out of the blue.

"I'd never leave a child uncared for," said Dumbledore.

"Thanks," said Goyle. "I must be getting along. Gregory will be ready shortly. May I walk around the castle for a few minutes while I wait?"

Dumbledore was still leery of Goyle, yet he said, "If you would kindly stay on the main floor, I see no reason why not."

Goyle got to his feet and, oddly it seemed to Dumbledore, shook his hand. "Thank you again for your hospitality." He walked to the doorway and let himself out. Dumbledore walked to the Marauder's Map and looked at it again.

`Yes,' he thought. `Goyle's son is in his dorm most likely collecting his things.' Dumbledore called to the Auror's station through the back entrance. "Shacklebolt, please disillusion yourself and follow Mr. Goyle. See if he seems too interested in anything in particular." Dumbledore had an uneasy feeling but he couldn't find a good reason. He decided to err on the side of caution.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Harry and Hermione were extremely happy that Pappy was recovering. Even though it was a slow process, they felt better than that awful moment last Sunday when it appeared that he'd died. The happiness about Luna and Pappy was slowly giving way to the sadness that Hermione's parents refused to let her stay at Hogwarts this year over the Christmas holiday.

"I can't believe it Harry! This is our first Christmas as a couple and we can't enjoy the holiday together. You know, how nice it would be going shopping together and hiding the presents from one another." Hermione looked sad.

"Well, it's no better for me. At least, your parents are going to allow you to bring your friend Tonks." He laughed. Dumbledore had arranged for Tonks to go as a protector for Hermione since she'd be away from school with the threat of Voldemort coming to find her while unable to get Harry. Dumbledore didn't want to demand she stay because of the implications of danger to the Granger family.

"Yeah great, you know I love Tonks. But seriously Harry, we'll be lucky to have anything left at the end of the holiday as ungainly and clumsy she can be." Hermione said as she looked out the window. She saw Goyle and his father leaving.

"Harry, it was Mr. Goyle that was going to meet with Professor Dumbledore today, right?" Hermione asked.

"Yes?" Harry said questioningly.

"There they are. They're leaving already." Hermione said sadly. "We leave in two hours from Hogsmeade station on the Express."

"Hermione, let's get our coats and go out side for a while. It's not cold. Maybe we could take a walk down toward Hagrid's?" Harry said trying to brighten her mood. He was sad, but he had Ron, Ginny and Luna. The Weasley's were going to leave Ron behind to be with Luna and Ginny. `Thank Merlin that Malfoy's going home for the holidays,' he thought.

"Sure, alright, that would be a nice way to take my mind off things. We can stop by and say good-bye to Ron, Luna and Ginny when we get back." Hermione's spirits leapt for the first time since she thought of leaving after seeing Pappy.

With their coats on they walked out of the castle and through the courtyard. Harry put his arm around Hermione when they both realized that the sun was hot even if it was only five degrees centigrade. The snow was melting and it was unusually warm for late December. They found a tree, took their coats off and used them to sit on in a reasonably dry area. Each of them was wearing a sweater; and, besides, what they were going to be doing would keep them warm enough.

"So much for Hagrid's on a day like today, huh, Hermione?" Harry smiled fiendishly as she smiled back.

Their two coats, while muddy and in desperate need of cleaning, were perfect for a makeshift blanket. Harry propped himself up against the tree and Hermione nestled into his chest. For the first time since she cut her head she thought about it.

"Harry, thank goodness, Mrs. Pomfrey fixed up the cuts on my head. My parents would freak out if I came home with scars on my forehead." She laughed as she put her hand to the spot. Harry laughed too and tilted her head back and kissed the spot she'd put her hand to."

"The battle scars of being associated with Harry Potter." He smiled and held her close again.

"Harry, remember when we were coming back from Hogsmeade? I asked you about whether you'd thought of doing something besides a magical career?" Hermione asked.

"Sure I do. Why?" Harry answered.

"I'm thinking about how important Madame Pomfrey was. It just inspires me to do something like she did." Hermione said.

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Harry held her closer and realized that she was one of a kind.

An hour of silence, cuddling and snogging later the time had come. Hermione picked the jackets when they stood up cleaning them of saying, "Scourgify." Harry looked at her and smiled.

"I was going to keep it as souvenir while you were gone." He smiled at her broadly.

Hermione looked at him and thought, `I am going to miss that most of all.' She kissed him again. He could taste the unseen tears.

"I didn't hear you crying. Don't think I won't miss you. I mean a week and a half is as long as we didn't speak civilly at the Weasley's. We'll see each other soon. Don't make me cry, please." Harry felt almost as emotional as he had that night before leaving for school. He was going to miss her.

They walked through the hospital wing and said good-bye to everyone. Harry went with her to Gryffindor tower to help her with her bags to carriage. That done, he looked her in the eyes and said, "I can see you in my watch anytime I need to see you. Just listen to the music box; you'll know I'm there with you." They kissed each other good-bye just as Tonks dressed similarly to Hermione with raven black hair and a small suitcase.

"I have to look the part don't I," she said. "I'll take care of her Harry. She'll be okay and so will you." They both appreciated Tonks bringing them back to reality.

"Bye, bye Sweetheart," Harry said.

"You too, Wizard Boy," Hermione said with a smile.

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Harry returned to the Great Hall for dinner. Ron was there and had brought Ginny with him. She was able to get around more now and the shadows were getting crisper. "Hi, guys, can I join you?" Harry asked.

"Sure, mate. She's gone, huh?" Ron asked.

"Yeah." Harry didn't want to say anymore about it. "Ginny, you're looking better."

"Thanks, Harry. I'd agree but the mirror isn't helping me much these days. Hermione was helping me with makeup every couple of days, remember? Oops, I'm sorry Harry." Ginny said.

"That's okay. Maybe in a few days you and Luna can help each other." Ginny looked toward Harry with a funny look on her face. She couldn't tell whether Ron was looking or not so she looked away quickly.

Harry got the message. For all her good qualities, Luna was not a makeup person. He hoped Ron hadn't heard.

"Hey, you don't have to pretend. I know that wouldn't be Luna's thing," Ron smiled as he took another mouthful of the delicious sweet potato pie. Even though Ginny couldn't see Harry, they shared a smile. Ron chuckled when he smiled. "She's a little bit too much of a naturalist, if you know what I mean." He laughed. They all laughed.

"So, what are you going to do with all the time on your hands, Harry?" Ron asked.

"I think I'll spend a lot of time with Pappy. He can teach me a lot of stuff for the DA." Harry said.

"Well, that'll be good for you then. You can come sit with us in the hospital wing too. We can play Exploding Snaps in the hall and wizard chess too." Ron said. Ginny nodded her head.

"You're always welcome. Besides, Draco had to go home so, you can do my makeup." She laughed. Harry turned red.

The tone was set; he'd be okay with his friends at Hogwarts. He hoped Hermione would have a good time too.

Christmas morning came. Harry woke up and first thing grabbed his watch. There was his beautiful Hermione smiling at him as they'd met that day this summer. It seemed like such a long time ago. He smiled and said aloud, "Merry Christmas, Hermione."

Ron looked over from his four-poster and smiled. He knew things had worked out for the best. He was happy to just have Luna down in the hospital wing. She'd be walking out of there today.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

At nearly the same moment as Harry awoke, so did Hermione. In her heart, she heard him. "Merry Christmas, Harry," she said aloud.

Christmas was wonderful for everyone. Tonks loved seeing a truly muggle Christmas for the first time in many years and Hermione had a wonderful time singing carols with her parents as they opened gifts and ate enormous amounts of food both she and Tonks said they'd regret.

The day after Christmas was Boxing Day so Tonks and Hermione headed out to the shops. Hermione had decided that Harry would never know the difference when she bought his Christmas present. She felt sort of guilty but got over it when she realized the deals she could get. Witch or not, she knew how to get a bargain and she was determined to teach Tonks.

"So, do you miss being back at the Ministry Tonks?" Hermione asked as they walked through the market.

"No, actually, it's nice to make spend time with someone who can actually talk about something other than You-Know-Who." Tonks smiled.

"Really? Do you ever wish you had a family?" Hermione asked.

"Yesterday, I did for the first time since I became an Auror. I had forgotten the feelings associated with family. My parents are both disappointed that I became an Auror, so I don't see them much." Tonks said.

"Well, maybe we both learned something this year. What do you think I should get Harry?" Hermione asked seriously. Tonks looked at her with a flattered look.

"You actually want to know what I think you should get a guy. If it were me I'd buy him condoms." She laughed. Hermione's jaw dropped and she didn't know whether to look surprised or pretend to be disgusted. She laughed.

"Tonks?" I can't believe you said that.

"I was joking. It's okay isn't it?" Tonks said.

"Of course it's okay to joke." Hermione said. "It's just that I would have expected you to say a Hippogriff before you said that. I haven't exactly spent a lot of time with my girlfriends since Harry and I got together."

"He's cute, Hermione. You guys haven't…?" Tonks asked. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry. I had one boyfriend during my time and Hogwarts It didn't turn out. I kind of made a fool out of myself. You know what I mean."

"I'm sorry Tonks. You'll laugh but we're both pretty old-fashioned." Hermione wasn't embarrassed at all. "We wanted to several times, but we agreed that we'd wait."

"Good for you." Tonks looked at Hermione and thought, `Never thought my best friend would end up being a sixteen year old witch at Hogwarts.'

"So what's next?" Hermione said.

"We ought to get back." Tonks said looking around at the fading sun.

"Okay. Maybe I'll just get him something at Diagon Alley on the way back." She said.

Tonks spent the entire holiday with Hermione with the exception of the night before their return to Hogwarts. She went to get her orders from Dumbledore and found out about the newspaper articles in the magical press. Dumbledore was now in trouble again. This time it was for putting students in the line of fire with Dumbledore's army. She had to prepare Hermione for the news when she returned.

"Good morning Tonks," Hermione said gleefully. One look at her friend told her that there was trouble. "What's wrong?"

"The Ministry's gone crazy again over some articles in The Quibbler and the Daily Prophet. The articles are charging Dumbledore with endangering the students and with being mentally unstable. Someone also reported that he was letting Death Eaters walk around the castle unsupervised." Tonks said.

"Are they referring to the day we left when Mr. Goyle visited?" Hermione asked.

"They don't say when, but the charges are pretty serious again. You and I both know that the reason he organized the DA the way he did was to avoid controversy for Firenze. Well, when he was asked, Firenze had no choice but to say he knew nothing. He was accused of covering for Dumbledore and removed from his position." Tonks looked sad.

"So who will teach Defense against the Dark Arts?" asked Hermione.

"The class has been suspended until a hearing can be held, but tentatively, it will be Snape." Tonks said.

"You have to be kidding me?" Hermione said with surprise.

"No, I'm afraid I'm not." Tonks continued. "Shacklebolt and I along with all of the other Aurors are being recalled to the Ministry. They won't allow Dumbledore to assign us anymore." Tonks said.

"Why, that's crazy," said Hermione. "I have to see this for myself."

"Well, once you're on the Hogwarts Express, I won't see you for a while." Tonks said sadly. "You've become like a sister Hermione."

Hermione was shocked at the outpour of emotion as Tonks let a tear fall. She'd never seen Tonks show emotions like that. She thought it was the Auror training. "I feel the same way Tonks." Hermione was sad.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Goyle stood in the Minister of Magic's office telling the Minister Fudge his opinion of Hogwarts. "Minister, my son says that he's constantly in fear. The Aurors are monitoring every door, watching as they eat, and questioning students like criminals. Even the teachers are treating the students like criminals, to hear him tell it." Mr. Goyle said.

"Is that right, son?" Minister Fudge asked Gregory Goyle.

"That's right--especially the students from Slytherin. We have to turn out our book bags for no reason just because Professor McGonagall misplaced her hat and someone had a bit of fun with it." Gregory said.

"Minister, with all due respect, I think Professor Dumbledore is beginning to show signs of paranoia." Goyle said.

"Well, you said that there were reports that Luna Lovegood had gone missing for a couple of weeks." Minister Fudge asked.

"Yes. Gregory said that he hadn't seen her for some time, but he hadn't heard she was missing." Goyle said.

"Ask Mr. Lovegood? You'd think he'd know. He said he visited his daughter at Hogwarts several times and she was fine. He said she'd come down with something over Christmas so she stayed at Hogwarts under the care of the Medi-Witch there, Mrs. Pomfrey." Goyle said.

Minister Fudge looked surprised. Dumbledore had asked for Aurors to be assigned to Hogwarts because of the return of Wormtail and the battle at the Ministry the previous June, but he had no idea that they were being used to lockdown the school. "I will look into this, Goyle. I am glad to see that you have become more tolerant and support our objectives at Hogwarts." Minister Fudge called for the Chief Auror as Goyle and his son left his office.

"Father, what use is it to lie to the Minister like that?" Gregory Goyle said to his father as the walked into the back door of their family home.

"Did we lie?" Mr. Goyle asked him. "Did you actually hear that Luna Lovegood was missing? Did you see Peter Pettigrew's body or Pettigrew himself? Did you actually see Bellatrix Lestrange? I don't like rumors being spread that can ruin our family name since I once belonged to that extremist group. I left that life to give you a better one once I saw their intent." Goyle said.

"You're right, father, you told me that before we went to the Ministry today." Gregory Goyle went and packed his belongings. He'd be going back to school in two days.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Voldemort lay motionless on the bed fifty meters from where the decaying body of Wormtail lay. Goyle approached. As he walked into the room, he stumbled and grabbed for the chair close to the bed where Voldemort lay.

Slowly, Voldemort arose from the bed as a dizzy and unaware Goyle sat motionless now in the chair next to him.

"Goyle, you have done well. My plan worked. We have proven we can beat the Map." Voldemort said in a victorious tone.

"We have, Master?" he said without feeling or expression.

"Yes, my plan to assume your identity through mind control without the Imperious Curse worked perfectly. All you had to due was surrender to me willingly. You shall be compensated well, Goyle. I don't think your son will notice the difference. I altered his memory before I came back." Voldemort gloated over his victory.

"Do you need me again soon, Lord Voldemort?" asked Goyle.

"Yes tomorrow if I know how Dumbledore thinks. He will be called to the Minister's office to account for his actions, but now that I have confounded the Minister of Magic, the editors of both magical papers and much of the public with disinformation. Hogwarts will be an easy target." Voldemort laughed. "Dumbledore won't be removed, but he will be spending most of his time explaining his actions to the Minister and me as I stand in your place at that meeting. I am sure it will happen. This will be our chance, Goyle. We will defeat them at their own game."

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Harry woke the morning before everyone returned from holiday to the excruciating burning of his scar. He vaguely remembered part of a dream, but it was only of the scene Pappy had described of the dungeons near where Nagini had cornered Wormtail as Pappy had fled with Luna.

Harry rushed to use the loo and then to Dumbledore's quarters to tell him of his condition. When he arrived, Dumbledore and Pappy came down to the library to listen. They asked him many questions. Pappy could see no more in his dream than could Harry, but they decided they would send an owl to the Minister early this morning to inform him. Dumbledore still had not made a great deal of Pappy's presence since officially the Ministry never confirmed nor admitted any knowledge of Pappy's presence at the cottage. He would not inform the Minister today either.

At eleven o'clock, Dumbledore received an owl from the Minister requesting his presence in his office at three o'clock and he was to bring every Auror currently assigned to Hogwarts. Dumbledore saw this as a good sign that Minister might finally be taking the situation seriously.

When he arrived at the Ministry, he quickly saw that he'd been mistaken. Somehow, Voldemort had turned the tide. In the Minister's office sat Mr. Lovegood, Rita Skeeter, the Chief Auror, Mr. Goyle, and the Minister behind his great oak desk.

"Good afternoon, Albus. Thank you for coming. Have a seat." Minister Fudge began.

"Well, I am surprised to see such a turnout for the private meeting I'd asked for Minister," said Dumbledore.

"That's what has me concerned Albus. You are certainly the best man for the job at Hogwarts for the moment, but based on the stories we hear from some students during the holiday break and the information gathered by the wizarding press, I have to say that your judgment has come under scrutiny." Fudge said.

"May I remind the Minister that he came to Hogwarts the day after Wormtail and Bellatrix LeStrange broke into to our school and threatened Harry Potter and Hermione Granger? You saw her body and authorized the Aurors to use the Unforgivable Curses." Dumbledore recalled clearly those events.

"I don't recall being at Hogwarts for some time Professor. Maybe the first week or two when we returned from summer break, when you told me of your plan to modify the castle to have an Auror at your immediate disposal to thwart any threat." The Minister was correct to this point. "According to sources provided to each of these people, you have used Aurors for purposes beyond the scope of their job description. Specifically, you are using them as personal body guards for students. The latest example is sending Nymphodora Tonks to spend Christmas with Hermione Granger."

"Minister, the threat to Miss Granger is as real as it is to Harry Potter. They have become `lovers' for want of a better word. Boyfriend and girlfriend are more accurate. Harry Potter is the prime target for Lord Voldemort." Dumbledore said without reservation.

Goyle spoke. "While that may be true with this Map everyone talks about there is no way that Voldemort himself or any of his followers could get inside Hogwarts without your knowledge. Hogwarts is a beautiful place when it doesn't represent the same environment as Azkaban like it did the day I visited."

"For once our sources are multiple. No single source has given us the information for our stories. We have had interviews with an Auror. We have spoken with Mr. Goyle, his son, Draco Malfoy, and Ronald Weasley-who if I am not mistaken is Harry Potter's best friend. He himself told Luna Lovegood of the existence of Dumbledore's Army and took her to meetings." Rita Skeeter said blushing. "I made a promise several years ago to watch what I wrote about Harry Potter, but when credible evidence is provided by reputable sources, we cannot allow it to go unreported.

Dumbledore listened carefully. No one to this point has said anything about Nathaniel which means that the real Luna made none of this information available to them. Somehow many of these people were suffering from memory charms or worse, the Imperious Curse. Dumbledore could not admit guilt, however decided to ask what it is he must do. "Respectfully Minister, what must I do to regain the public trust and ensure that my student's welfare is served?"

Everyone was shocked at Dumbledore's response. "We will most certainly recall all the Aurors except one of your choice. Firenze the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher must be replaced. He has become untrustworthy to the Ministry since his responses were that he knew nothing only to protect you. And finally, before you make any decision to restrict the movements of the students within the school, you will contact me. I am appointing Goyle as head of an oversight committee for a period of ninety days. You will give him access to any Maps or other magical means by which you monitor the school. He will report directly to me." Minister Fudge said. "If you have any questions about these restrictions placed on your powers, you can refer them to the Wizengamot for review as to their legality under wizarding law."

"Do you have any questions?" Fudge asked. "After last summer's unfortunate events I can understand a little paranoia but this has become too much in my estimation."

"Minister, I have not questions at this time, but I would like to reschedule a meeting with all the members present one month from today to discuss our progress." Dumbledore requested. He was sure that the power Voldemort was expending to make these people blind to the facts could not be maintained for that long of a period.

"Very well, the first Sunday in February we shall meet at three o'clock in the afternoon here. I believe that's reasonable. Are their any dissenters?" Goyle nearly raised his hand, but thought better of it.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Goyle's triumphant return to the dungeons under Hogwarts brought satisfaction to the Dark Lord's face as he arose from his trance. "I have destroyed Hogwarts defenses and I can make Dumbledore show me the map personally. Well, I can make him show it to you Goyle." He said with an evil grin.

"Are you able to use your full powers when you have taken my mind and used me? I hope that you can simply destroy those who would destroy us subtly while you are near them." Goyle suggested.

Voldemort would not answer his questions directly. "I can use many, many spells and curses, but my full power would give me away instantly, Goyle. Be patient. You and I can only remain in that state for a few days or a week at a time. I am slowly improving your stature within the ministry. Soon you will be a trusted source for the Minister. Then I can use my powers and you can claim you were possessed and had nothing to do with it. Your story will be credible based on your prove loyalty to the Ministry." Voldemort laughed harder than he had in many months.

"They all have succumbed to the greatest wizard of all time!" Voldemort gloated as he stood in the middle of the dungeon. "Here, take this Goyle." He kicked a trunk full of Galleons toward him. Goyle smiled, levitated the trunk outside. "Goyle, it is a portkey to your home. We will be in touch."

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