Chapter 20

Chapter 20

APOLLINE DELACOUR

Apolline Delacour loved her daughters. They were her pride and joy. Fleur and Gabrielle were her greatest pride. She still remembered the days when Fleur was young and would start going to Beauxbatons and face society for the first time.

How her little princess would slowly lose her smile and confidence when she faced all the challenges that came with her special heritage. Fleur had lost her cheeriness and had formed a shell around herself to protect herself from the harsh world.

So, Apolline had been especially surprised when during her fourth year, she had come home talking about a boy. AA boy from Britain whom she had met in a dueling competition. At that moment, Apolline had made a small prayer for her daughter. And then the mutterings in their home about this young wizard from Britain had increased.

A young prodigy, much like her daughter, with similar interests. A boy that her daughter liked and perhaps loved. Yet the world had made her insecure. It had filled her with doubt.

So, Apolline had been surprised when her daughter had written to her about her newly confirmed boyfriend. And so Apolline had rushed to Britain to see this boy for herself. And she was not disappointed.

Edward Wright was smart and studious evident from his reputation and performance. But the biggest thing for Apolline was that he made Fleur happy. And Apolline smiled as she saw Fleur's features light up as the same boy rushed towards them.

The boy had changed from his special robes and was wearing black trousers with a plain white shirt, topping it all off with a black coat.

"I am sorry for being late, but the whole dorm was quite erratic, and I had to sort out the situation," he apologized, and before she had spoken up, Fleur had already shifted to his side.

"It's fine; we just got here anyway," her daughter waved away the boy's concern. Apolline had noticed the elevation of her daughter's mood since she had decided to invite the kid. Well, perhaps she would get to know more about him during this.

"Alright, let's go," she said as she held Gabrielle's hand. Fleur joined in and held her other hand, and then they all vanished with a crack.

Now, all of them were sitting at a table, and Apolline finally got her opportunity.

"So, Edward, have you thought about your future? From what I recall, the seventh year in Hogwarts is the last year, unlike back in Beauxbatons, right?" and the boy nodded as he placed down his fork.

"Yes, Hogwarts is only seven years. As for what the future holds, I have a couple of prospects lined up, and we will have to see where it goes," the boy and Apolline noticed the slight frown on her daughter's face, and before she could ask any further, Fleur cut in.

"He is being modest, and he even got a job offer from our Headmistress to become an assistant professor at Beauxbaton. Professor Delbren has proposed him to be his replacement and offered him an apprenticeship," Fleur had a huge smile on her face as she mentioned all this, and Apolline was impressed.

She had studied under Delbren as well, and the man was amongst the best duelists from France and for him to nominate the kid and give him such an offer. It was incredible.

"Is this true? Then will you be moving to France?" she asked, and the boy nodded as he gave her daughter a smile,

"I have told the Professor about my willingness though the details will be hashed out after my NEWTS. But yes, moving to France is the plan."

And somehow, Apolline felt relief as she heard that. A great part of her had been concerned about Fleur, for if she were right, then it would mean that Fleur would have to move to Britain and while there was discrimination in France. Things in Britain were much worse.

"So, you are going to become a professor at Fleur's school?" Gabrielle asked from her seat, and Apolline shook her head as she spotted chocolate spots on her cheeks.

"Yes, I will be a professor at Beauxbaton," the boy replied to her daughter. Gabrielle did not seem to appreciate the idea like her eldest daughter and seemed quite horrified.

"NO! and Apolline could feel a small headache grow as she saw the look on Gabrielle's face. Fleur also seemed amusedly distraught at Gabrielle's antics. Though, the boy in question seemed to be having fun as he just bickered with Gabrielle.

0000

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

Albus Dumbledore walked through the halls of the ministry once more. People seemed to part way as he moved past them, looking at him with awe. Dumbledore just smiled and continued towards the elevator and got on it.

"Level two," and the door closed, and life moved up. Stopping after moments.

And right in front of him were the offices of the DMLE. Though just as he had stepped out, he was greeted by an old student.

Kingsley Shacklebolt, one of the best students to come out of Hogwarts, came to greet him wearing his iconic purple robes. He was now an established Auror and was a leader of a team, from what he had heard.

"It is nice to see you, Headmaster," the man said, and Dumbledore smiled as he shook the offered hand.

"It is nice to see you as well, Kingsley, and congratulations on your recent promotion," Dumbledore said as he congratulated his alumni.

"Thank you,u professor, and how is Tonks doing as a professor," and Dumbledore smiled as Hogwarts newest professor hire was mentioned.

"Miss Tonks seems to be doing quite well. She has settled quite well in her role as a professor for DADA," and this was true. While her start had been a bit rocky, her more practical approach had been quite successful, and, it seemed that he had made the right call in putting his faith in her.

"Good, good. Any chance she might be looking to extend her stay in that role," Kingsley asked, and Dumbledore could only shake his head at that.

"I am afraid not. Her heart is still set on becoming an Auror though there is still time for her view to change," and Kingsley just chuckled at that.

"Well, I don't think that will be happening. Tonks was downright stubborn, if not dedicated. But still, what brings you here? Aren't you busy with that Tri-wizard tournament?"

And Dumbledore was quite busy, but today's task was quite important. More important than the tournament, for it involved the life of a man.

"Well, I am, but I just had to meet your Head of Department for a little something."

"Oh, you are here to meet Miss Bones. Sure let me take you to her office," and then he began to lead him to the office of the head of the DMLE as they made some small talk. Then they stopped in front of a dark mahogany wood door with a name engraved on a gold plate.

AMELIA SUSAN BONES

Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement

"Alright, headmaster, it was good to see you," and then the man left with a small goodbye, and Dumbledore entered the office of her former student.

Amelia Bones was pure-blood from an ancient house. The Bones had a history older than Malfoys but were more open-minded than most of the other pure-bloods. Her own brother had been a part of his order and had lost his life in one of the Death Eater raids. Something which weighed heavily on him.

Amelia had never been a part of the Order, for she considered it an illegal organization. Dumbledore respected her views and did not hold them against her. Her office was a representation of her personality. There was only a single table with a stack of documents on the side. A wooden frame with a picture of one Susan Bones, her niece, on the other corner, along with a quill and some other nick knacks.

"Ahh! I have been waiting for you, Professor Dumbledore, and I must say you have been quite insistent on having a meeting without even giving me a reason." Came the voice of his former student, and it was as serious as it had been in her time at Hogwarts. Even at her age, Amelia Bones cut an authoritative figure with her hawkish gaze and stoic face.

She had risen to this office after Voldemort's disappearance and had helped settle the chaos that had gripped the Auror department after the war.

"Well, first of all, I must thank you for accepting this meeting. And I can assure you that the issue I wish to discuss is of paramount importance and secrecy," and Amelia simply raised her brow at that as she motioned for him to sit down.

"We shall see about that."

Dumbledore took the seat with a small smile as a cup of tea appeared in front of him. Amelia took off her glasses and placed them on the table.

"Ok, now why don't you tell me why you have been almost harassing me for an urgent meeting? And before you begin, if you need Aurors for the tri-wizard tournament, I will have to decline. Fudge has been continuously cutting our funding, and I can not spare even a single Auror at this moment."

"Well, I can assure you I do need the Aurors for the tournament though I am in need of your services regarding a very specific case."

Amelia frowned at that.

"My services for a case, but you could have had Fudge take care of that for you. We all know how he operates," and that would have been the case if not for Mr. Malfoy. Hence, Dumbledore had to approach her.

"Well, our dear Minister has been very busy and is not interested in this, so I bring this to you." And Dumbledore took out the legal file that Sirius had gotten prepared for himself and handed it to her.

Amelia took it and opened it, her eyes going wide immediately as she read the name.

"SIRIUS BLACK! You bring me a file from a convicted Death eater!" she almost shouted. And Dumbledore could understand her rage, but he shook his head as he cut in calmly.

"Amelia! Please read the file, and if you want, you can shout at me after that. I won't mind," she frowned at that, and Dumbledore could feel her anger, but she listened to him and began to read the whole document.

And Dumbledore watched the color drain from her face as she turned the pages, her eyes skimming over all the details that he had put together. And finally, she looked up from the file, horrified as she questioned him.

"This cannot be true! Thirteen years in Azkaban without a trial! Thirteen Years!" and she was rightly horrified. Azkaban was a horrible place. A place which Dumbledore had often petitioned to be banned for its inhumane practices.

"I am afraid everything in this file is true. Sirius has even agreed to a trial under veritaserum to prove his innocence," and Amelia simply turned over the pages once more before she put it on the table and asked him once more.

"Why haven't you taken this up with Fudge?" and Dumbledore just shook his head in dismay at that. People really overestimated his influence over the Minister.

"I am afraid that the Minister has his mind set on the matter. Of course, you must understand he cannot harm the interests of his biggest donor," and Amelia understood the reference as her face adopted a disgusted look.

"Malfoy, I should have guessed his involvement. He must have some vested interest in keeping this quiet," and she began to tap her desk with her finger. Dumbledore could feel her mind racing as she thought of ways to accomplish this task.

"When can Sirius appear for a trial?" she suddenly questioned him.

"Sirius's appearance can be arranged within hours," and she smirked at that.

"So, he is in Britain. Good. This makes it easier," and Dumbledore smiled as she took out a piece of parchment and began writing something on it.

"Well, the Minister is supposed to go on Holiday in a couple of days. I am afraid it will be quite unfortunate that he will not be present to attend an emergency trial for a high-profile criminal," and she passed him the piece of parchment.

Dumbledore smiled as he read over the summons call.

"But I believe he will not be missed. After all, trials are under my purview as the head of DMLE."

And with a smile, Dumbledore put the summons call in his pocket.

"Indeed they are. Indeed they are."

0000

Alright, Sirius is getting freedom. Hopefully, Apolline got to meet Edward, and Gabrielle is still angry at him for being better than Harry Potter.

Amelia Bones is another one of my favorite characters. She was quite powerful and influential, evident by the fact that Voldemort himself eliminated her. She is like commissioner Gordon to batman.

Hopefully, you people like this. Love you all.

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