A Coded Parchment

Chapter 9: The Truth comes Out

About a few hours later, a large crowd of people gathered around an unconscious Natalie Robyns in the Hogwarts headmaster's office. The people were as follows: Unspeakable Harry Potter, Journalist Hermione Granger, Auror Ron Weasley, Deputy Head of Magical Law Enforcement Sirius Black, Hogwarts Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, Defense against the Dark Arts Professor Remus Lupin, and Potions Professor Severus Snape.

"Severus, will you do the honors?" said McGonagall. Snape stepped forward and poured three drops of Veritaserum down Natalie's throat. He pulled out his wand and said "Enervate." Natalie woke up, her eyes dull.

"Say your name and occupation," said McGonagall.

"Robyns, Natalie. Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Are you a Dark Witch?"

"Yes." Ron visibly stiffened.

"How did you kill Phoebe Tomans? You were with me and Ron when she was killed," said Harry.

"That was one of the members of the organization who was with you using polyjuice potion. I switched with him when I went to the bathroom to establish an alibi. I was hiding in the bathroom under an invisibility cloak until she and Granger came. I stunned Granger and killed Tomans."

"Who heads your organization?" asked McGonagall.

"Jason McNeil."

"WHAT?!" both Ron and Sirius bolted out of their seats, horrified by the fact that their boss was the leader of the conspiracy. Harry also looked agitated but kept his cool.

"Who else is part of your group?" continued McGonagall. Natalie gave about twenty names of witches and wizards, the vast majority of them working in the Ministry.

"Bloody Hell!" muttered Ron. "This is a whole blasted conspiracy! With that many dark wizards in the ministry, why do they need to get Malfoy as Minister?"

"None of them aside from McNeil are in positions that could get them true power," said Remus.

"So what are they planning to do?!" shouted Ron.

Snape looked up at the red haired auror. "I would of thought that would be quite obvious," he said.

Ron shuddered. "They're going to kill Percy."

"Right," said Snape. "The plan was that the opposing candidate was to be assassinated while he was giving his campaign speech."

"So where do the Candidate Talks take place?" said Sirius. Neither Snape nor Natalie knew.

Harry however, seemed to have thought up something. He made his way over to the fireplace and said "Incendio." Flames roared in the fireplace. Harry pulled out a jar of glittering powder from his cloak. He threw some of the powder into the fire and said "Albus, could I have a word?" The remainder of the company was shocked when the supposedly dead Albus Dumbledore tumbled out of the fireplace!

"Dear me," said Dumbledore. "It is nice to be back in Hogwarts again. But what's all this? I was hoping to enjoy my retirement in peace." Harry hastily explained while the rest of the company stared in disbelief. Dumbledore noticed.

"If you are wondering why I am alive, I must mention that the rumors that I simply retired and secluded myself from society are true. I wanted some peace and quiet after Voldemort's defeat but I am willing to come by in case of an emergency as is the current case." He turned to Harry. "The Candidate Talks are held in the Magical Politicians Auditorium in Liverpool. And I believe Percy Weasley's speech is at 10 AM."

"10AM! That's three hours from now!" shouted Ron. Harry nodded.

"If we fly off now, we can make it just in time," he said. He, Hermione, Ron, Sirius, and Remus decided that they would fly to Liverpool immediately, taking Natalie with them.

"Good Luck," said Dumbledore. "And remember, that fact that I am alive is a secret." He winked at them. Harry winked back before the company kicked off into the morning air.

* * * * *

"How are you feeling, Ron?" asked Hermione after they had been flying for about two hours. They were nearing Manchester.

Ron glanced back at the unconscious Natalie who was tied up on the back of Sirius's broom.

"Well, considering I've just been betrayed and backstabbed by the woman I've been steadily dating, quite peachy. How do you think I feel?!" he yelled.

Hermione remained quiet before she asked, "Did you love her?"

"No. But it wouldn't have been surprising if I eventually did. I thought we were going so well together. And then, low and behold, my girlfriend turns out to be a Dark Witch!"

Harry flew up to Ron. "You'll get over her, Ron. You'll eventually find the woman just right for you."

"Just like you have?" grinned Ron. "Well I suppose I'll have to prepare myself to playing baby sitter for all those little Harrys and Hermiones that'll be running around." Harry and Hermione turned beet red as Ron burst out laughing.