The Apothecary Ⅲ

The minute the door to the Minister of Magic's door closes, Minister Jenkins rubs her already aching head and tiredly mutters, "The Daily Prophet is going to have a field day with this especially that wretched Rita Skeeter of theirs."

Ogden's eyes spark with anger and most dangerously as he says, "Minister Jenkins, please give me leave, we already know who is responsible. Who else could it be but one of Sanderson's people?"

"We know nothing at this time, Ogden," Minister Jenkins answered as she sat back in her chair. "And though yes, I am more inclined to believe that it is a matter related to the Potentate of London, we cannot be certain of that fact as there is a dark wizard faction running around in the dark at present, who have yet to be caught might I add."

"Very well, then give me leave to raid known locations of Sanderson's people," Ogden requested. "I am confident that we will find something!"

Minister Jenkins turns to carefully study Ogden, before slowing saying, "I understand your enthusiasm for the subject and your desire for justice, Ogden, but I will not cause panic among the general populace without out good reason. That being said, I will permit that the A.P.D. and the Auror conduct daily surprise patrols within the confines of Diagon Alley and may apprehend any unlicensed sellers or suspected criminal."

"Very well, Minister Jenkins," Ogden muttered, "but if should kidnappers result in belonging to Sanderson's people, I have your word that I may begin knocking down doors?"

Minister Jenkins furrows her brows in thought, before reluctantly saying, "You will be permitted to act within the confines of the law, Ogden. Do not think for a moment that I will allow you to go unchecked nor directly head for Sanderson himself. You will be limited only to known associates, Ogden."

"Fair enough," Ogden said with a stiff expression at the Minister of Magic's reply, but at least it was a start. He would start by hitting Sanderson where it hurt most at his supply chain.

Ogden marches out of the Minister of Magic's office leaving Eugenia Jenkins rubbing her aching head. Mrs. Prim strides quickly into the Minister of Magic's office and says, "Minister Jenkins is this something I should be on top of?"

"For the time being silence any news on an attack in Diagon Alley and anything related to Damocles Belby, Mrs. Prim. Buy our officer's and the Ministry time, Mrs. Prim," Minister Jenkins instructed.

Mrs. Prim's eyes widen slightly at the instructions but being a competent undersecretary that she is, she confidently answered, "It shall be done, Minister Jenkins. And your next appointment is here, the French Ambassador Felix Auroli."

Minister Jenkins composes herself, before finally replying, "Very well, have him come in."

"Of course, Minister," Mrs. Prim steadily said, before turning around to retrieve the French Wizarding Ambassador. And all the while vowing herself to stun Elphinstone Urquart next time. She would diligently practice from now on, because there would be no next time!

*

Having received orders from the Head of the Auror's the figures of Sturgis Podmore and that of Dorcas Meadows can be seen accompanied by the forms Banks, and that of Twizzle in still wolf form. The four of them make their way to the home of Asclepius Belby, the younger brother of Damocles Belby. Rumor had it that the two brothers had a falling out and rarely spoke to each other.

The four of them make their way up a neat little path in the countryside to a large cottage home with a neatly tended garden. The two younger Auror's glanced at the older figure of Banks, who knocks on the door and waits. The door swings open to reveal a dark brown-haired figure with pale skin dark eyes, and a hard expression resembling that of his older brother, Asclepius Belby.

Asclepius purses his lips in a very familiar family gesture, and stiffly says, "I suppose you are all here for this," and threw the ransom letter at them.

Banks easily catches the rolled-up parchment and begins to quickly read the note, before glancing up and saying, "Mr. Belby, if we may ask, how long ago did you receive this?"

Asclepius folds his arms defensively over his chest and says, "This afternoon, but I thought it was simply a joke in terrible taste. However, lo and behold I was cleaning up after myself and saw the four of you strolling up the path to my home."

Asclepius paused, before sharply staring at them. "So, is it true? Has my brother been kidnapped?"

"You have our sincerest grievances, Mr. Belby, but your brother has been taken hostage," Banks sincerely said, but not before allowing Twizzle to smell the parchment letter and receiving a confirming bark in reply.

Asclepius is quiet for a moment, before roughly saying, "Well, I can't pay the ransom. After our mother and father's death, what was little left of the family fortune went into paying father's outstanding gambling debts. All that was left was this house and a small education fund for me, and a bit of mother's dowry to pay for Damocles studies. And though my brother and I do not see eye to eye, I do not wish him any harm. So, what can be done to remedy the situation?"

"If we may come in, Mr. Belby, I believe that we can find a solution," Banks confidently declared as Asclepius took a step back to allow them to enter his bachelor home. (Though not for long, he was presently courting a certain witch, and if luck would have it, they'd marry within the year or the upcoming year.)

The four of them step into the Belby home as Dorcas Meadows politely says, "What a lovely home, Mr. Belby. Did you decorate it yourself or did you have help?"

Asclepius is a bit flustered by the question as he shuts the door behind. "Er, it's mostly myself, though I have had some help as of late."

"A woman's touch, I see," Dorcas said in a warm teasing tone causing poor Asclepius to flush in embarrassment.

Sturgis Podmore is a bit in shock at Dorcas' actions, but she was known to be a bit of a tease in a good way. But that was her job usually being the icebreaker and allowing the Auror teams to connect with witnesses and others. And she was mighty good at her job.

All four of them take a seat including Twizzle, who has returned to human form. Asclepius returns with five shot glasses and a glass bottle filled with Firewhiskey. Pouring everyone a bit of Firewhiskey, Asclepius downs his in a single shot, before pouring himself another one. "So, shall we get started?" He bluntly asked as he fortified himself with another sip of alcohol.

"Of course," All four of them answered in unison, before pouring out ideas on how to catch the criminal fiends. Because if they had their way, they certainly would achieve their goal.