Scrambling

*Dumbledore pov* 

My old bones ached as I dragged myself out of my bed. I caught my reflection in the mirror across my room my eyes looked tired, and my beard dull. 

Fawkes tried to sing me songs to lift my spirits but they were hopeless. I found myself seeing that young man sacrificing his life for me over and over again. 

I don't know why it's sticking to me like so. I have witnessed death, and yet I have not seen something so selfless. 

He saved me because he believed I could help the future. It was a heavy thought to have bear on the soul. 

A heavy sigh left my lips as I eased myself off of my bed and began to dawn my robes. Choosing to go with a loud turquoise today. With a chuckle, I passed Fawkes and entered my office, "Morpheus was supposed to show me what changed his mind." I noted to the air 

Fawkes hummed in agreement, "I will bring it up to him next time we meet. Before that, I want to find something about him I can use." Fawkes chortled in clear amusement 

"I know I know." I tsked, "He is practically a ghost, but I think I found something." I didn't find it per se but something Morpheus mentioned had gotten me to thinking about possibilities I already crossed off 

Sighing once more I put my thoughts over Morpheus to the back of my mind and began to comb through the budget. 

*Morpheus pov* 

I walked silently through the corridors it was still early in the morning meaning the students weren't awake to break the peaceful silence of this castle. 

Stopping in my tracks I softly knocked on the door to my right, "Come in." Abara's voice reached my ears 

Letting the door open with I click I was met with the sight of Abara and Yowie hunched over a plethora of papers strewn about like a bad ritual, "What happened?" I asked trying to contain my laughter at their unordinary dissaray 

Abara laughed it was a pained laugh that broke my amusement, "What didn't happen?" he said with a groan his hands pulling at his hair, "We thought things were going to change this year but, we didn't expect to be kicked from the dueling leagues completely. Suddenly we have large gaps in our teaching schedule that we planned for the tournament days." 

Yowie grunted before cursing, "Doesn't even begin to explain our problems, the kids will complain about this for weeks." ah yes the ire of children I face it every day 

But they weren't wrong this was an issue. A large reason I pushed for this club was to have the students gain experience dueling. 

A sudden thought entered my mind and I could feel my smile creep up, "What part of we are bloody screwed do you think is funny Morpheus." Yowie sniped 

I chuckled letting it roll off my back, "I think I have thought of a solution to your issues. Why don't you host a tournament here?" my suggestion seemed to bring a sparkle to their eyes 

"That's brilliant!" Abara exclaimed standing from his seat with a sudden jerk, "That way we can get everyone to participate too. And offer house points as a reward for winning Brilliant Morpheus!" oh no he's coming in for a hug 

Like a tiger he pounced locking me in an iron-clad grip, "Glad I could help." I said with a weak smile patting him on his back to let me go 

Abara laughed, "I know I know, sorry" he quickly let go, "Im just glad you're still here, you always seem to have an answer for everything." 

A cough broke our happiness, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, I don't think pitting the houses against each other would be the best move." 

Abara seemed to freeze at Yowie's words, "Ahh bollocks, I think your right. We will be adding to the anger that's already there. Might as well be casting Incendio on a pile of logs." 

Yowie nodded solemnly before his head jerked, "What do you think about drafting?" he asked

Abara took his seat again, "Yes drafting could work, we would have to split up the kids already in the team. Rotate on tournament days, yes I think this could work." 

I nodded at them both, "Well seems you to need to start planning, hope everything goes well." 

Now what about breakfast? 

***

I wondered how my clone was doing at the school briefly while I walked through the streets of Diagon Alley I was cloaked properly so no one could spot me as I traveled. 

My eyes scanned the streets as I looked for my target, this time I wasn't here to kill but to have a conversation. 

Dipping into one of the lesser-known streets I scanned the sparsely decorated storefronts looking for my target. From what I saw I was looking for a building with a silver moose head in the window. 

As the thought entered my mind my legs stopped and I turned to see the very building was looking for. 

Stepping inside I couldn't help but be a little impressed at the layout of the place. It was a true bar, a gentlemen's bar. 

The wizard at the front looked alarmed as I entered but when I stepped out of view he quickly forgot I existed. 

As long as I didn't do anything exuberant no one would notice I was here. 

Walking around the bar I saw many men who shouldn't be here getting dances. I'm sure Cassiopeia knows some employees here that provide blackmail. 

I'm not looking for the normal rooms though. 

Entering the back I saw several closed-door rooms as I stalked down the hall I awaited the sign. 

My legs stopped suddenly at a blank door, no different than the rest. 

I paused at the door, listening intently. A soft murmur of voices came through, low and muffled, but unmistakably intimate. My lips curved slightly; this was, indeed, what I'd been looking for.

Without hesitation, I let my form phase through the door, crossing from the shadowy hallway into a lavishly appointed room. The atmosphere was dense with incense, a thick veil of perfumed smoke swirling through candlelight, casting hazy shadows on the crimson walls.

And there he was—the Minister of Magic, draped in silken robes, reclining against a mountain of plush pillows. His face was flushed with mirth, and beside him lounged a woman with painted lips and an air of practiced elegance. She laughed, her voice sweetly hollow, as she leaned in closer, drawing his attention entirely to herself.

My presence was unnoticed as I studied them, taking in the tableau with detached curiosity. To think that this man held the reins of our world, even as his own morals slipped so easily in the dark.

I cleared my throat, just loud enough for the Minister to hear. He startled, a rush of panic flashing across his face as he tore his gaze from the woman. She looked around as well, confusion and unease clouding her expression as she tried to understand where I'd come from.

The Minister's face paled, the lively flush draining away in a heartbeat as he recognized me. "M-Morpheus… What are you doing here?"

I gave him a slow, measured smile, folding my hands behind my back. "Minister," I said calmly, ignoring the frantic glances he cast toward the door, "I thought it was time we had a little… conversation."