Immortal's Influence

Minister Millicent Bagnold stared at the report on her desk, the words blurring as she read them for the fourth time. Her fingers brushed against the large blue gemstone of her necklace, a nervous habit she'd developed over decades in politics.

"Peter Pettigrew found alive." The words refused to make sense. She pushed back from her desk and walked to the charmed window overlooking London. Seven years of peace built on decisions made during wartime, and now...

The door to her office opened. "Minister?" Her secretary poked his head in. "Auror Robards requests an urgent meeting. He says-"

"Send him in, Marcus." Bagnold straightened her red houndstooth jacket, adjusting one of the gold buttons.

Robards entered with quick steps, jaw clenched and shoulders rigid. "Minister, I assume you've received my preliminary report?"

"Sit down, Gawain." Bagnold returned to her desk. "Tell me exactly what happened at Hogwarts."

"Albus Dumbledore contacted our office directly. When we arrived, they had Pettigrew restrained and under Veritaserum." Robards pulled out a small notebook. "He confessed to everything - being the Secret Keeper, framing Black, living as an Animagus for seven years..."

"And the boy? Harry Potter?"

Robards shifted in his chair. "Present for the questioning. He..." A pause. "There was a moment when Pettigrew confessed to betraying the Potters. The temperature in the room..." He cleared his throat. "The boy has significant magical power, Minister. And control beyond his years."

Bagnold pressed her fingers against her temples. "Seven years. We sent Sirius Black to Azkaban without a trial, while Death Eaters like Karkaroff received full hearings." She looked up sharply. "Who else knows?"

"Dumbledore, obviously. The Aurors present - myself, Williamson, and Dawlish. The Weasley family, since Pettigrew was living as their son's pet. And..." Robards hesitated.

"Speak freely, Gawain."

"Dawlish spotted Rita Skeeter near the Ministry holding cells when we brought Pettigrew in. She didn't see the prisoner, but she definitely noticed the extra security measures."

"Wonderful." Bagnold stood again, pacing behind her desk. "So we have hours, at most, before this explodes across the Prophet's front page. Sirius Black, heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Black, thrown into Azkaban without trial while his supposed victim lived as a child's pet rat." She stopped at the window. "And Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, discovering his godfather's innocence right as Dumbledore becomes Supreme Mugwump."

"What are your orders, Minister?"

Before she could answer, green flames erupted in her office fireplace. Bartemius Crouch stepped out, brushing ash from his robes. His mustache twitched as he spotted Robards.

"Ah, Barty." Bagnold smiled without warmth. "I was about to call you."

"Minister." Crouch nodded stiffly. "I've reviewed Auror Robards' report. This situation requires immediate-"

"Damage control?" Bagnold's voice could have frozen flame. "Like seven years ago, when you decided proper trials were an unnecessary burden?"

Crouch's face reddened. "We were at war, Minister. Decisions had to be made quickly to maintain order-"

"And now we're at peace, with the most politically powerful eight-year-old in Britain discovering his godfather's wrongful imprisonment." Bagnold turned to Robards. "Has anyone spoken to Black yet?"

"No, Minister. We're awaiting authorization to-"

The fireplace flared green again. Amelia Bones stepped through, her monocle glinting in the office light. She carried a thick folder stamped with the DMLE seal.

"Minister." Bones nodded to everyone present. "I have the complete files on both the Black and Pettigrew cases." She placed the folder on Bagnold's desk. "Including documentation of why no trial was ever held."

Bagnold opened the folder and spread several documents across her desk. The silence stretched as she scanned the pages, each one revealing the hasty decisions made during those dark days.

"This is worse than I expected," Bagnold looked up at Crouch. "No interrogation transcript. No evidence log. Not even basic processing documentation." She held up a single sheet of parchment. "Just an emergency detention order with your signature, Barty."

Crouch squared his shoulders. "The evidence at the scene was overwhelming. Black was laughing when we found him, surrounded by dead Muggles and Pettigrew's finger."

"A finger which apparently didn't stop Pettigrew from living quite comfortably as the Weasleys' pet rat." Bones adjusted her monocle. "While an heir to a Noble House spent seven years in Azkaban without so much as a statement taken."

"The Veritaserum confession-" Robards began.

"Won't stand up alone in court," Bones cut him off. "We need corroborating evidence. Wand analysis, memories, testimony under oath. This has to be handled properly."

Crouch's mustache twitched. "Surely we can resolve this internally? A quiet review, some compensation to Black-"

"Have you lost your mind?" Bagnold slammed the folder shut. "Harry Potter's godfather was wrongfully imprisoned while Death Eaters received full trials. The moment this reaches the papers-"

A knock at the door interrupted her. Marcus stepped in, face pale. "Minister, I have Rita Skeeter's latest draft for tomorrow's Prophet." He placed a parchment on her desk. "She's requesting comment within the hour."

Bagnold read the headline and cursed under her breath. "'Boy-Who-Lived Discovers Godfather's Innocence: Ministry Corruption Exposed?' Well, that answers that question." She looked at Bones. "How quickly can you arrange a proper hearing?"

"The full Wizengamot would take weeks to convene," Bones glanced at Crouch. "The Council of Magical Law could meet sooner, but given the circumstances..."

"No." Crouch stepped forward. "The Council's authority might be questioned. This needs to be beyond reproach."

"Now you care about proper procedure?" Bones raised an eyebrow.

"Enough." Bagnold raised a hand. "Amelia, begin gathering evidence immediately. I want every detail documented. Gawain, increase security on Pettigrew - no chances of him disappearing again." She turned to Crouch. "Barty, prepare a full report on why standard procedures were ignored. I need to know exactly what we're dealing with."

"And Black?" Robards asked.

"I'll speak with Dumbledore about arranging a preliminary interview." Bones made a note in her portfolio. "We should have a Healer examine him as well. Seven years of Dementor exposure..."

Marcus knocked again, carrying a stack of letters. "Minister, urgent correspondence from several Wizengamot members." He placed them on her desk. "Lord Arcturus Black has also requested an immediate meeting."

Bagnold rubbed her temples. "Of course he has." She picked up the first letter, recognizing Tiberius Ogden's seal. "The old guard is mobilizing already."

"Tiberius Ogden?" Bones leaned forward. "He hasn't involved himself in Ministry matters for years."

"Not just him." Bagnold spread out more letters. "Griselda Marchbanks, Elphias Doge, even Bathilda Bagshot has written expressing 'grave concerns' about this situation." She looked at Crouch. "These are all respected members of the magical community, Barty. People who remember when your grandfather was just starting at the Ministry."

Crouch's face tightened. "The war required decisive action-"

"The war ended seven years ago," Bones cut in. "And now we have Lord Black himself taking an interest in his heir's imprisonment." She turned to Bagnold. "We can't ignore Arcturus Black. He may be reclusive, but he still holds considerable influence."

"Especially with the older families," Robards added. "If he decides to make this public..."

Another knock. Marcus entered with more letters. "From Gerald Greengrass and Cuthbert Mockridge, Minister. Both expressing support for a full investigation."

Bagnold frowned at the growing pile of correspondence. Someone was coordinating this response - too many influential voices speaking up too quickly for it to be coincidence. She looked up at her assembled officials. "This isn't going away with a quiet internal review anymore. We need to act before…"

"…before this becomes a full political crisis." Bagnold stood up and walked to the window. "Amelia, draft an official statement announcing a full Wizengamot investigation. Make it clear we're taking immediate action now that new evidence has come to light."

"And Skeeter's article?" Robards asked.

"Let it run." Bagnold turned back to face them. "Better to appear responsive to public concerns than trying to suppress the story. Merlin knows she'd find a way to make it worse."

Marcus appeared at the door again. "Minister? Lord Black's representative is insisting on an answer regarding the meeting."

Crouch stepped forward. "Minister, perhaps I should-"

"No." Bagnold cut him off. "You've done enough damage, Barty. Tell Lord Black I'll meet with him tomorrow morning." She glanced at the growing pile of letters. "Nine o'clock."

"What about the Wizengamot members who've written in?" Bones gestured at the correspondence. "Some of these names haven't been active in decades."

Bagnold picked up Griselda Marchbanks' letter, scanning the elegant script. "Someone's been reaching out to the old families. Not through official channels - these responses are too personal, too pointed." She set down the letter. "Each one mentions different concerns, but they all lead to the same conclusion."

"A coordinated effort?" Robards frowned. "Dumbledore?"

"No." Bagnold shook her head. "This isn't his style. Albus prefers direct action, not..." She gestured at the letters. "Not pulling strings from the shadows through personal connections like this."

Crouch picked up one of the letters. "Some of these seals... I haven't seen them used in decades. My father mentioned dealing with a few of these families, but they withdrew from public life long ago."

"Precisely." Bones adjusted her monocle. "Whoever orchestrated this has relationships that predate most of our careers. They're calling in favors from people who haven't involved themselves in Ministry politics since Grindelwald's war."

Marcus entered again, this time carrying a single letter sealed with dark blue wax. "From Madam Bagshot, Minister. She says it's private."

Bagnold broke the seal and read quickly, her eyebrows rising. "Well. It seems our mysterious coordinator has been quite busy." She folded the letter carefully. "Bathilda mentions discussing this situation over tea with an 'old friend' who expressed concerns about the precedent of imprisoning heirs of Noble Houses without trial."

"Just an old friend?" Bones asked.

"She doesn't name names." Bagnold tucked the letter into her desk. "But whoever it is has enough influence to make Bathilda Bagshot break decades of self-imposed isolation from Ministry matters."

"Minister," Robards straightened. "Should we investigate these connections?"

"And risk offending half the oldest families in Britain?" Bagnold snorted. "No. Whoever's behind this knows exactly what they're doing. Each letter comes from someone above reproach, someone whose age and reputation demand respect." She smiled grimly. "We've been outmaneuvered by a master of the long game."

"What do you mean?" Crouch asked, mustache twitching nervously.

Bagnold stared at the stack of letters. "We were all concerned when Dumbledore arranged for the Flamels to help raise Harry Potter." She met Bones' eyes. "Do you know how old Nicolas Flamel is?"

"The alchemist?" Robards frowned. "Six hundred something?"

"Six hundred and sixty-two." Bones sat straighter. "And his wife Perenelle is six hundred and fifty-nine."

Crouch paled. "Centuries of connections. Favors owed, friendships maintained, influence built up over generations..."

"Now we know why Dumbledore was so insistent about the arrangement." Bagnold picked up Marchbanks' letter again. "The Flamels don't just have immense amounts of gold - they have relationships spanning centuries. How many of these letter writers owe them for past kindnesses? How many have shared meals with them since before our grandparents were born?"

"And they're using that influence for Harry Potter." Bones smiled slightly. "For his godfather."

"Of course they are." Bagnold leaned back in her chair. "We thought they'd stay uninvolved in politics, like they have for centuries. But this isn't politics to them - this is about their ward's family."

Marcus appeared with another letter. "Another letter from Lord Greengrass, Minister. He mentions discussing the Black case with an old family friend from many years ago..."

"Merlin's beard." Robards wiped his brow. "How deep does this web go?"

"Six centuries deep." Bagnold stood up. "Every favor, every friendship, every connection they've built since before the Ministry existed." She faced her assembled officials. "We're not dealing with normal political pressure. The Flamels have watched Ministers come and go for hundreds of years. They've advised many, taught generations of the world's finest minds..."

"And now they want justice for Sirius Black," Bones finished.

Crouch cleared his throat. "Perhaps I should handle the initial review personally. Given my... involvement in the original case, it would show accountability."

"You want to lead the investigation into your own mistakes?" Bones raised an eyebrow.

"Not lead," Crouch straightened his tie. "Merely assist. My experience with the Death Eater trials could prove valuable. I still have contacts in the Department of International Magical Cooperation who could expedite certain processes."

Bagnold studied him carefully. "What processes exactly?"

"Documentation verification, witness statements from abroad." Crouch swiped at his forehead, gesturing quickly. "Several Death Eaters claimed Black was in You-Know-Who's inner circle. We should review those testimonies, cross-reference them with Pettigrew's confession..."

"A thorough investigation." Robards nodded. "Going beyond just the street explosion."

"Exactly, exactly!" Crouch scribbled something in his notebook. "We need to examine every angle. I could coordinate with our European counterparts, ensure we have a complete picture before proceeding. To do otherwise would be irresponsible."

Bagnold exchanged a look with Bones. "How long would such a review take?"

"A few weeks, perhaps months to be thorough. We wouldn't want to rush and miss anything crucial." Crouch closed his notebook. "I can begin making inquiries immediately."

"No." Bagnold's voice cut through the room. "This needs to move quickly. The Wizengamot will convene next week, no matter what." She turned to Bones. "Amelia, you'll lead the investigation. Focus on the immediate evidence - Pettigrew's capture, the lack of trial documentation, witness statements from the arrest."

"…Minister," Crouch stepped forward, nearly tugging his tie loose. "The international angle-"

"Can wait." Bagnold picked up a letter from her desk. "Lord Greengrass makes an excellent point about the dangers of delayed justice." She met Crouch's eyes. "We won't compound our mistakes by adding more delays."

Crouch sank into a chair, staring dully at a wall.

"About the Prophet," Robards spoke up. "We could pressure Barnabas Cuffe to delay-"

"No." Bones took the article from Marcus. "'Ministry Takes Swift Action: New Evidence Prompts Full Investigation into Black Case.'" She looked up. "That should be our headline."

Bagnold nodded. "Better to control the narrative than fight it. We acknowledge past mistakes while emphasizing current action."

"The public will still question why Black never received a trial." Robards glanced at Crouch, who sat unnaturally still.

"We blame the chaos of war," Bagnold picked up a quill. "Emphasize how different things are now. Peace has given us the opportunity to review old cases, ensure justice prevails..."

"And Harry Potter?" Bones asked.

"Credit him for bringing new evidence to light," Bagnold wrote quickly. "Show the Ministry values truth no matter the source. It makes us look responsive rather than negligent."

Crouch stood abruptly. "If you'll excuse me, Minister. I should... prepare my department's records."

"Of course." Bagnold didn't look up from her writing. "Have everything ready for Amelia by tomorrow morning."

The door clicked shut behind him. Bones waited a moment before speaking. "He's planning something."

"Let him." Bagnold finished writing and handed the parchment to Marcus. "Send this to Cuffe immediately. Tell him it's an exclusive Ministry statement to run alongside Skeeter's article."

"What about the international press?" Robards asked. "Once this breaks-"

"We focus on action, not excuses." Bagnold straightened her jacket. "The Ministry discovers evidence, launches immediate investigation, takes steps to correct past oversights. It's not perfect, but it's better than looking like we're hiding something."

"One more thing." Bones pulled out a file from her robes. "The guard rotation for Pettigrew. I've assigned our most experienced Aurors, plus additional security measures."

"Good." Bagnold rubbed her temples. "We can't afford any... accidents."

"Speaking of which." Robards moved toward the door. "I should check on our guest. Make sure everything's secure."

After both officials left, Bagnold walked to her window. The sun had set during their meeting, leaving London's muggle lights twinkling below. She touched the blue gemstone at her throat, remembering another crisis, years ago, when she'd first taken this office.

Marcus knocked softly. "Minister? Lord Arcturus Black's representative asked me to remind you about tomorrow's meeting. Nine o'clock."

"Yes, thank you Marcus." Bagnold turned from the window. "And send a message to Dumbledore. Tell him..." She paused. "Tell him I know what the Flamels are doing. And that the Ministry will ensure justice is done properly this time."