Unofficial Portkey Archive

Title: Harry Potter and the Unbreakable Link (7/20)

Author: Silvestria

E-mail: [email protected]

Category: Mystery

Keywords: Hermione Estella Harry Voldemort Aphrados

Rating: PG

Spoilers: All books

Summary: Harry loses his invisibilty cloak in a mysterious manner before his seventh year starts. Dumbledore has a past, Hermione has a dangerous secret and Voldemort is looking for someone (not Harry). Slight H/H. Rated PG. I hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 7- Crisis at the Ministery

The days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, and before you could say, 'The boy who lived' the term had slipped away. The only thing of interest or importance that happened was an owl from Mrs. Granger saying that a rather rude man fitting Wormtail's description had called from the Ministry and wanted all sorts of details about Hermione. It was clear now that Voldemort had no more idea of who his daughter was than Dumbledore had.

The term ended and the holidays started. Hermione used the time to revise for her NEWTs which were fast approaching at Easter. Harry practised quidditch and Ron played chess.

One thing that Hermione had kept up from her fourth year was reading The Daily Prophet, and indeed, only one day after the holidays had started there was some real news to see...

Marisa Goldfinger was the clever, responsible and trusted deputy to Cornelius Fudge. She was Professor McGonagall's niece and was probably one of the most respected members of the Ministry. She influenced Fudge in most matters and was liked by everyone who wasn't a dark wizard. However, arguments were common.

"Fudge?" asked Marisa coming into Fudge's office.

"What is it?"

"Another death."

"What? You-Know-Who?"

"No. It seems she was killed by Pettigrew."

"Same thing. Who was it?" Fudge asked, looking up.

"A witch called Mrs. Chang."

"Never heard of her."

"She lives in Sheffield. Witnesses say that Pettigrew was asking questions about her daughter that she didn't want to answer."

"What sort of questions?" Fudge looked interested.

"Wanted to see her birth certificate and other things like that. But this isn't the first," Marisa continued before Fudge could interrupt, "A muggle called Mr. Granger wrote to me last week about a person answering Pettigrew's description who had asked him and his wife questions about his daughter, a witch at Hogwarts, which he thought were offensive. Pettigrew said he came from the Ministry, but the Grangers were suspicious and wrote to me. There are other examples as well."

"Marisa," said Fudge, taking off his glasses, "I don't understand why you think so much of this. Mrs. Chang's death was coincidental, and so what if You-Know-Who wants the birth certificates of some girls?"

"You-Know-Who isn't mad. He must have a reason."

"Of course he's mad, Marisa! He can't be held responsible for his actions. He probably doesn't have a clue himself. Madmen are like this, you know. Monomania, I think it's called." Fudge added importantly.

"I think you're the mad one here, Cornelius Fudge." Breathed Marisa angrily.

Fudge stood up, his face going purple. He pointed a trembling finger at her, "You've gone one step too far this time, Goldfinger. I've put up with you for three years- with your attempted bullying and your cutting insults, and you'll go no further. You're discharged, Goldfinger. I never want to see you here again."

Marisa pursed her lips and turned towards the door.

"Goodbye, Fudge. I hope you find a good replacement- perhaps Pettigrew would be an excellent choice in your opinion." And with this comment she swept from the room.

After this things started to happen rather quickly. The next day, Wednesday, The Daily Prophet published an article announcing the dismissal of Marisa Goldfinger.

Thursday's Daily Prophet mentioned in passing that a member of the Department of International Magical Co-operation and ten members of the twelve governing cabinet members had all resigned in protest.

By Friday morning, three departments had nearly all been lost due to voluntary resignation. A special edition Daily Prophet announced Friday evening that Gringotts had gone on strike until Fudge put Marisa back in office.

On Saturday Death Eaters were seen patrolling unchecked the streets of muggle London and Professor Dumbledore left for the Ministry leaving Hogwarts in McGonagall's hands.

On Sunday the number of officials who had left the Ministry was over half and the Prime Minister had got involved.

On Monday Teen Witch started following the news in between make-up advertisements, and three muggles were killed in a Death Eater riot in Bond Street.

On Monday evening a special edition Daily Prophet announced on the front page that Fudge had offered Marisa her job back.

That week more people read the newspaper than ever before. Even at Hogwarts you could always here Marisa's name mentioned in the corridors.

On Tuesday morning the Bond Street riot hit the headlines of The Sun and The Times. There were no wizards in the Department of Muggle Deception left, so other less well-trained wizards had to be sent to modify everyone's memory.

On Tuesday evening the Ministry hit the headlines of the Daily Prophet again. Backed by three-quarters of the Ministry, Marisa Goldfinger had refused to take her job back unless Fudge himself resigned!

At Hogwarts everyone watched the papers with bated breath. Would Fudge resign?

"I hope he does," said Harry, "then we might get someone who can actually do something about Voldemort."

"Just what I think," said Ron and Hermione.

"It's a pity Dumbledore is determined not to be Minister. I can't think who else would be good enough," Hermione added thoughtfully.

Professor Albus Dumbledore sat in the Leaky Cauldron talking to his muggle friend, Lord Eldir. Dumbledore had first met Lord Eldir when that man had inherited his title about three years ago. Eldir was a friend of the Prime Minister and Dumbledore knew the Prime Minister. Dumbledore had just told Eldir all the troubles of the wizarding world at the moment. He found it very useful talking to Eldir. He could get a reaction from someone impersonal. Eldir could advise without being too involved- being a muggle. It reminded Dumbledore of talking to- but that was all dead and buried. Literally.

They had just finished talking about Voldemort's daughter.

"Should I make it known to the Ministry, then?" asked Dumbledore.

Eldir frowned, "I should think not, Albus. It seems to me to be a lot of rumour if you ask me. I don't know how important dreams are in the wizarding world, but it does seem a little strange to me to be relying on this Harry Potter's dreams only, with no real evidence."

"I believe Harry, Tim. He often dreams about Voldemort, because of the connection with him through his scar. All of his dreams have been true so far."

Eldir shrugged, "I really cannot help you here, you know."

Dumbledore continued, "And we have all the evidence that Voldemort has been trying to find who his daughter really is as well."

"You mean he doesn't know who she is? There are things you haven't told me, Albus," he said, with a smile.

"True, true," replied Dumbledore, in the same way. "I think Estella Green is the only one who knows definitely."

"This Estella Green was really Voldemort's mistress, then? What a lot of wizards and witches there are who seem to be quite remarkable! I should really like to meet some more wizards apart from you, Albus. I'm very curious to see an ordinary wizard."

"I'm sure it could be arranged for you to meet someone. They'll be very eager to meet a muggle like you. No offence meant."

"I don't take offence, Albus. You could say that you lot is my new hobby," laughed Eldir.

They were silent a minute, and then Eldir took out a bag of pills, and, put one in his drink. He laughed ruefully, saying, "For my rheumatism. Us muggles don't have magical cures for such maladies, unfortunately."

Dumbledore smiled. After having drained his glass, pill and all, Eldir said thoughtfully, "You know your famous Harry Potter has his exams this year? The equivalent of Advanced Level."

"Ye-es," replied Dumbledore, unsure of where this conversation was going.

"Well, I wondered, I would have thought that after his exams he might like a holiday."

"The Easter holidays are straight after the NEWTs."

"Indeed? I was merely thinking that it would give me very great pleasure to receive Harry Potter at my castle in the Easter holidays, for a week perhaps. He could show me and my household some magic, if you gave him permission. I would find it fascinating."

Dumbledore hesitated. He was sure that Lord Eldir would take good care of Harry in the holidays. But surely if he left Hogwarts he would be very vulnerable to Voldemort? However, if Voldemort was involved in searching for his daughter then perhaps he wouldn't try to get at Harry. And then there were Ron and Hermione.

"What about his two friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger? He would find it lonely without them."

"Ron and Hermione are very welcome as well of course. I wouldn't dream of separating Harry from his friends. The more the merrier! But, Albus, surely you have told me all about the Weasleys? How loyal they are to you?"

"Indeed I must have done, if you remember the name so well," replied Dumbledore, smiling.

"And is Harry's friend really a Weasley?"

Dumbledore nodded.

"I do not remember the girl's name, however, and you have mentioned many wizarding names to me."

"Ah! Miss Granger's parents are muggles. That's why you haven't heard the name before."

"They are muggles? Are you sure?" asked Eldir with raised eyebrows

"I know what you are thinking, Tim."

There was a pause. Eventually Eldir asked, almost hesitantly, "You must have some idea who she is?"

Dumbledore looked at the Lord then said, "I do have suspicions, and I'll only be too glad to tell you what they are. This is a wizarding bar, however, and I wouldn't want to be overheard. They are only suspicions after all. Come, I'll get the bill and I'll tell you on the way to Westminster."

On a hot balcony somewhere foreign, a lady was sitting reading, La Nuova Strega. Suddenly with a leap she jumped up from her wickerwork chair and looked wildly around. She poked her head round the full length shutters that separated her hotel room from the balcony and shouted, "Susanna!"

There was no reply, and the lady repeated the call, adding on, "Vieni qui, subito!" (Come here, immediately!)

There was a scurrying of footsteps and presently a neatly dressed middle-aged woman appeared on the balcony. "Si, signora? Avete chiamato?" (Yes, Madam? Did you call?)

The lady rolled her eyes up to the blue sky. "Si, ho chiamato almeno mille volte, Susanna." (Yes, I called at least a thousand times.)

Susanna curtsied, "Mi scusi, signora." (I'm sorry, Madam.)

The lady threw the newspaper at Susanna, "Leggi questo. Cosa ne pensi?" (Read this. What do you think?)

Susanna read the article then said slowly, "Non capisco, signora. Mi dispiace, signora. Perché é importante?" (I don't understand, Madam. I'm sorry, Madam. Why is it important?)

The lady gestured to let Susanna sit down. "Ti spiego in inglese. So che capisci l'inglese benissimmo. Allora... This article is about what is happening now in England." (I'll explain in English. I know that you understand English perfectly. So...)

"Si signora, quello giá lo so. The Minister of Magic has been forced to resign." (Yes, Madam, I already know that.)

"Brava! Well, you took something in. Now listen, Susannah. If you had just been forced to abandon your position-"

"La mia signora non farebbe mai una cosa cosi!" replied Susanna, sounding shocked. (My mistress would never do a thing of the kind!)

The lady pursed her lips, "Vediamo... Now listen and don't interrupt. If you had been forced to abandon your position, you would not like the people who had made you, would you?"

"No, signora."

"Exactly. And if someone offered revenge against them, would you join them?"

"Forse." (Perhaps.)

"Of course you would. You know my dear friend, Tom Riddle? I believe he will have thought of this as well as I have. He will try to get Fudge on his side. We must get there first. Fudge will be an invaluable spy. Tom will not win. Capisci adesso?" (Do you understand now?)

Susanna nodded, her mouth hanging open. The two women sat there for a second. Then the lady spoke again to herself, her mouth twisted into a smile, "Tom may have the support of half of England, but I have the support of half Europe. You'll never win, my Lord."

Susanna did not reply and presently her ladyship spoke again with more energy, "Allora, Susanna, vai e comprami un Daily Prophet. Devo leggere tutti i dettagli." (Well, Susanna, go and buy me a Daily Prophet. I must read all the details.)

Susanna bowed her head, "Vado, vado. Lei vuole qualcos' altro?" (I'm going, I'm going. Do you want anything else?)

"No, grazie. Adesso vai!" (No thanks. Now go!)

Susanna left the room quickly. The lady leaned over the balcony rails, and presently saw her hurry down the cobbled street. She stood there a minute soaking up the winter sun and gazing into space when she saw an owl flying towards her. It was a magnificent owl, golden and gleaming, but she saw none of it.

Who knows where I am? she thought, then remembered that owls could find anyone anywhere, even without an address.

As the owl swooped down onto La Nuova Strega she grabbed the parchment from the its feet. It preened a little and then sat looking important.

The letter was addressed in a neat hand to 'Miss Estella Green, wherever she may be'. Estella opened in eagerly. She had a good idea who it was from.

'My dear Estella,

Long time no see? I hope you miss me as much as I miss you.'

Estella raised her eyebrows.

'We parted in quite bad humour, I remember. I hope you forgive me now, my dear, for I am sure it must have been my fault.'

"Laying it on a bit, aren't you?" muttered Estella.

'I seem to remember that soon after we parted I was actually defeated by young Harry Potter. Your caution was right. How can I ever forgive myself for not being guided by you?'

"How indeed?"

'We were quarrelling over our daughter, I remember. How like other parents we then were! I always thought it was a shame that we parted as we did. I was never told the name of my own daughter after she was transformed. Now she is eighteen and alone in the world, not knowing her own past or future. You must know how much I wish to see my dear Elvira again, but how can I have that pleasure if I do not know the name she passes under?'

"I thought we'd get there eventually," thought Estella, a wide grin on her lips.

'I am writing to you, dear Estella, to ask for your collaboration in this business. If I only knew who Elvira thought she was, then my plans would be complete. Harry Potter is already in the palm of my hand, I think.'

"You only think?"

'I long to see you again, dearest Stella. Maybe, if you return to me, we could have a family reunion!?

All my love, your Lord Voldemort'

When she had read the letter, Estella stared at it in surprise, before collapsing on her chair in a laughing fit. When she had sufficiently recovered she coughed and fixed the owl with a sharp stare, reminiscent of Professor McGonagall. She sat up straighter her eyes dancing merrily.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I suppose? Poor Tom, he must really think me very stupid, if I am to be taken in by that! I see what he's up to. He must be really desperate."

She narrowed her eyes, and pulling out her wand muttered, "Accio Quill!"

Her quill flew towards her out of the room. She caught it deftly and turning the letter over, tapped her quill against the parchment. "Two can play this game."

She sucked her quill a bit, then wrote,

'Dear Tom,

How nice of you to remember me! I too am very sorry we parted on such bad terms. I really was very angry with you then, but all that has now evaporated. 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' and all that. I understand, I really do. Your idea of a family reunion sounds splendid. I can't wait to see you and Elvira again. How she must have grown! I'm so proud of my little daughter! As you say, she must be eighteen now. I really am a proud parent. Who wouldn't be, with you as the father? I hope you see her soon. I was really sorry to hear of Harry Potter's victory over you. Still, you're back in power now. What do you mean, he's in the palm of your hand? It seems that you've thought out a nice little plan without my help! I daresay I'll see you soon.

All my love,

E.G.'

She folded up the parchment and put it in the envelope, erased the address to herself with her wand, and wrote, 'Lord Voldemort, wherever he may be', sealed it and tied it to the owl's foot. Then she took up her wand and said, "Concelio Indrum!" and let the owl fly off towards the sun as she waved her hand after it.

She watched it disappear then threw back her head and laughed merrily.

"You bluff, and I double bluff."

This chapter has now ended.