Cornelius Fudge
Celestia was no stranger to the love someone could have when it came to Magical creatures. After all, she came from a family that housed not only a strong connection to them, but also held a variety of familiars that ranged from crows to a Swooping Evil.
But Hagrid, who couldn't see or realized wvat the difference between a dangerous creature and a Niffler was, became an all too easy target for Tom to push the blame onto....
A half-giant, that was known to stir up trouble with his creatures. Tom truly couldn't have found a better scapegoat.
By now it had been nearly four months since Justin and Nearly Headless Nick had been Petrified, and nearly everybody seemed to think that the attacker, whoever it was, had retired for good. Peeves had finally got bored of his "Oh, Potter, you rotter" song, Ernie Macmillan even asked Harry Potter quite politely to pass a bucket of leaping toadstools in Herbology one day, and in March several of the Mandrakes threw a loud and raucous party in greenhouse three. This made Professor Sprout very happy.
"The moment they start trying to move into each other's pots, we'll know they're fully mature," she told Celestia, quite happily. "Then we'll be able to revive those poor people in the hospital wing."
The second years were given something new to think about during their Easter holidays. The time had come to choose their subjects for the third year, and Narcissa was quick to write Celestia, Regulus, and Draco to choose them carefully for these subjects may carve a new path towards their future.
Celestia fell out of that certain Department since as the sole Heir to the throne she would be made to rule starting from her seventeenth birthday on, but she would never go against her Godmother's advice.
Even if they hadn't had much physical contact over their time of reconnecting with one another, Narcissa made sure to write her Goddaughter at least twice a week, making sure that she was all right and healthy, and stayed out of trouble.
The woman was also Celestia's go-to when it came to certain emotions she couldn't quite grasp yet......
Bellatrix may be her mother in all but blood, but she herself knew that she was not in any kind of way stable enough to give her daughter advice when it came to such things.
Rodolphus, Xavier, and Rabastan were out of the question entirely, not because they chose to do so, but because Celestia felt greatly embarrassed about the idea of asking her father, Grandfather, and Uncle for advice concerning her love life.
Also, Rodolphus would probably skin Regulus alive when he learned about the fact that a betrothal contract was planned to be set up without anyone asking for his permission.
,, 'Tia, what did you pick ?" Blaise asked, peeking at her list with the new subjects, wanting to know what the girl chose.
She merely turned the list around shooting him a smile. ,, You'll see when the time comes."
He pouted, leaning back in his chair as he stared at his own, Theo and Regulus reading through the list before checking the ones they wanted to take.
,, How come you two find this so easy ?" Blaise asked, looking at his two fellow Slytherins who seemed the least bit of troubled.
Theo rolled his eyes, petting Chrome with one hand as he used the other as a lean. ,, These subjects all have the same purpose, Blaise. To help us find Careers we might find to pursue in the future..... For us, the choice is rather easy, since we've already begun to pursue ours."
,, Oh?-" The Italian rose a delicate eyebrow at that. ,, And what do you want to do ?"
,, Take on my family's seat in the Wizengamot and help out Celestia and Regulus when they eventually get crowned King and Queen..." Was Theo's answer, making the pair turn towards him with slightly surprised looks on their faces.
,, What ?-" asked Theo, giving them a smirk. ,, You didn't think I'd let you guys handle all the Royal duties by yourselves, did you? After all, we're friends and our families have worked together for Generations."
Regulus and Celestia blinked at that.....
Sure, the Notts had once worked together with the Grindelwald family and were still in an alliance with the Blacks, but it still came as a surprise to them that Theo would willingly continue said alliance just because of them...
,, Also-" Blaise said, grinning mischievously. ,, You two will be busy with making sure your family Lines don't die out soon anyways, am I right ?"
Regulus' eyes had turned pink, some curls of black hair bearing the same color, as the Heir of the House of Black stared both boys down, even though he felt like wanting the ground to swallow him up whole.
Celestia blushed slightly, hiding her face in Regulus' shoulder.........
She had forgotten about that little factor............
Then she remembered just how many family names she actually carried and went crimson...
,, Ooh~ Now that I think about it, how many Lines are you Lady or Heiress to again, 'Tia ?" Theo asked, both he and Blaise looking highly amused by the entire thing.
An embarrassed Celestia tried to hide her face further into Regulus' shoulder, not wanting to even think about it.
,, Gah!" Thankfully Fred and George had decided to appear at that very moment.
,, Stop talking about that!" Fred exclaimed, covering his ears in horror.
,, Must you talk about our little sister like that! Just-! Gah-! Get that image out of my mind!" George said, gripping his head and dramatically sinking down to his knees.
,, Georgie! No!" Fred followed his brother's antics and held him in his arms, a few tears appearing in the corners of his eyes.
,, Aahh! He was so handsome and young!"
Blaise started laughing, Theo following after his example but trying to hide it behind the sleeve of his Robes.
Celestia turned her head slightly so that instead of hiding in Regulus' shoulder, she was leaning against it, eyeing the two redheads with a small smile on her face.
When she was younger and some of the others were still alive at St. Peter's she had always enjoyed listening to their stories about their families....
Niamh had six older brothers while growing up, and always talked about the times they had gotten in trouble together with a bright grin on her face..
The woman wasn't all that saddened about the fact that she wouldn't be able to say goodbye to them, before her death..
,, It's for the best if I'm being honest........... After all, who would like to see their little sister looking like skin and bones with Scars from torture all over her body? If I have to die in this facility then I'd rather have them believe that I'm alive somewhere, enjoying my life with a handsome fella and a few kids at my side."
Celestia at that time had been confused, unable to understand why Niamh wouldn't want her family to know about her final moments....
But now that she had a family of her own, she could understand why Niamh wouldn't have wanted it.
It was a mixture of fear to their reactions and the knowledge that you would be treated differently from now on.
Would they be angry? Sad? Sympathic?
Or would they start treating her like a fragile Porcelain doll, now that they knew of what they'd been through?
Celestia knew she was being slightly selfish by wanting to keep what has happened at St. Peter's to herself.....
Her fallout with Aiden had proved as much...
But she wanted to remain in this world of peace and quiet for just a little bit longer, where she joked with her friends and brothers while being close to the most important people in her life.
Regulus noticed her somber mood, and even though he did not know what was saddening her, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and let her lean more comfortably against him, making sure that she knew that he was here for her if she needed him.
And with a thankful smile send his way Celestia leaned against him, watching as Fred and George performed their tragic play of being fated to watch their little sister be romanticly involved with one of their friends.
---------------
"Perfect Quidditch conditions!" said Wood enthusiastically at the Gryffindor table, a few days later, loading the team's plates with scrambled eggs. "Harry, buck up there, you need a decent breakfast."
Celestia was silently watching them from her seat next to Regulus, observing that her dear cousin looked very much stressed and worried.
She sighed, shaking her head in disappointment.
, I knew Tom would find a way.....' She thought, knowing fairly well that Tom must have gotten back his diary..
And from what she could tell, that damned Horcrux found her irritation more than just a little satisfying.
,, 'Tia!" Fred and George brought her out of her thoughts by hugging her from behind, both already dressed in full Quidditch Gear.
,, Fred, George, what are you two doing here ?" Marcus Flint asked, spotting the two red-heads with no trouble whatsoever, their loud and bubbly personalities becoming a trademark of recognition at the Slytherin table.
,, Oh!-"
,, We-"
,, Just wanted to-"
,, See our little sister-"
,, Before swiping the floor with the Hufflepuffs!" They chimed, smirking in challenge.
,, I heard that Weasleys!" The boys offered unapologetic grins towards Cedric Diggory, the Hufflepuff Seeker shaking his head in amusement at their behavior.
,, You were supposed to, Diggory!" They called back, making some of the Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins laugh at their antics.
Professor Sprout was chuckling from her seat at the high table, the Weasley twins never disappointing in letting her grow amused.
Professor Flitwick also looked highly amused, a small grin curving up his face, while Professor Snape rolled his eyes, having gotten used to seeing the two red-heads walking around his House's table and causing mischief.
Honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if he'd one day woke up and see them wearing Slytherin green ties...
Quickly shaking himself out of that nightmare he continued his breakfast, trying to ignore the shiver that had run down his spine at that thought.
Celestia let the twins hug her, continuing petting Fenris, whose tail thumped against the stones of the ground.
Chrome was currently somewhere along the table with the fifth years, as always basking in the attention he received from the older Slytherins.
"Kill this time... let me rip... tear..."
The white-haired Ravenclaw rose an eyebrow, once again hearing a certain unwelcomed visitor, that liked to remind her that her life was anything but normal...
She tried hearing for another sign, but people were now beginning to leave the Great Hall, talking loudly, exiting through the front doors on their way to the Quidditch pitch.
,, 'Tia, let's go. Your future husband and brothers look like they're about to bolt through the door." Blaise said, pointing at the three boys accusingly.
Celestia turned to look, noticing how Fred and George were balancing their weight on their feet, something they liked to do whenever they got impatient or nervous.....
And Regulus may have fooled anyone else that he was his calm, collected self, but the small fidgeting of his fingers told her he wanted to leave the Great Hall and go watch the match.
Chuckling she stood up and let herself be dragged away, making sure to wish the twins good luck as they left for the field.
The teams walked onto the field to tumultuous applause. Oliver Wood took off for a warm-up flight around the goalposts; Madam Hooch released the balls. The Hufflepuffs, who played in canary yellow, were standing in a huddle, having a last-minute discussion of tactics.
Harry Potter was just mounting his broom when Professor McGonagall came half marching, half running across the pitch, carrying an enormous purple megaphone.
It looked incredibly weird and Celestia wondered if the woman had finally lost her mind.
"This match has been canceled," Professor McGonagall called through the megaphone, addressing the packed stadium. There were boos and shouts. Oliver Wood, looking devastated, landed and ran toward Professor McGonagall without getting off his broomstick.
"But, Professor!" he shouted. "We've got to play - the cup - Gryffindor--"
Professor McGonagall ignored him and continued to shout through her megaphone:
"All students are to make their way back to the House common rooms, where their Heads of Houses will give them further information. As quickly as you can, please!"
Then she lowered the megaphone and beckoned Harry over to her, unable to hear anything else Celestia turned to her friends and Regulus, the three boys turning to her with frowns on their faces.
,, You don't think........" Theo began, hinting at his worries.
Celestia glanced at the field, spotting Harry and Ronald as they hastily made their way back inside the castle......
,, ...It seems like Tom has decided to strike again..." Was her only answer, the Quartet sharing a concerned look............
Unbeknownst to them, two Hufflepuffs and two Ravenclaws were watching them, worried about their friends' involvement in this whole thing.....
---------------
"All students will return to their House common rooms by six o'clock in the evening. No student is to leave the dormitories after that time. You will be escorted to each lesson by a teacher. No student is to use the bathroom unaccompanied by a teacher. All further Quidditch training and matches are to be postponed. There will be no more evening activities."
The Gryffindors packed inside the common room and listened to Professor McGonagall in silence. She rolled up the parchment from which she had been reading and said in a somewhat choked voice, "I need hardly add that I have rarely been so distressed. It is likely that the school will be closed unless the culprit behind these attacks is caught. I would urge anyone who thinks they might know anything about them to come forward."
She climbed somewhat awkwardly out of the portrait hole, and the Gryffindors began talking immediately.
"That's two Gryffindors down, not counting a Gryffindor ghost, one Ravenclaw, and one Hufflepuff, " said Fred and Georges' friend Lee Jordan, counting on his fingers. "Haven't any of the teachers noticed that the Slytherins are all safe? Isn't it obvious all this stuff's coming from Slytherin? The Heir of Slytherin, the monster of Slytherin - why don't they just chuck all the Slytherins out?" he roared, to nods and scattered applause.
Fred and George shot their friend a look of betrayal and anger.
He knew they befriended some Slytherins, even being on friendly terms with Marcus Flint.........
Yet he had spouted such things, most of their House of course agreeing, since it was no secret that Slytherin and Gryffindor hated each other to the core.
Alicia Spinnet was glaring as well, but otherwise kept quiet, balling her hands into fists.
At the same time, Professor Flitwick had just left the Ravenclaw common room, most of the students quietly talking to each other about the recent events.....
One of their own had been Petrified and was found in the library..............
It came as a great shock, making all the Ravenclaws once again aware that no one was safe from the attacks.......
Celestia observed her Housemates, finding them to be shaken yet their minds were calm and working..........
, Good............ We must stay focused in times like these.. even if it proves to be difficult, with one of our own now in the Hospital Wing.' She thought, making her way back towards her own Chambers.
On her way, she noticed Aiden and Hunter watching her, but she didn't mind them, closing the doors after herself.
Slowly lifting her head she was met by the sight of Jade sitting on her desk, two very long packages next to her, bearing the Seal of the Goblin Nation and a simple sentence written down on both parcels......
,, Ein Kobold vergisst Nie, und eine Abmachung wird immer Eingehalten." ( A Goblin never forgets, and an agreement is always fulfilled. )
She quickly made her way to the desk, petting and praising her feathered Companion as her eyes flashed Golden....
, ...Just you wait Tom........The next time we meet you will be begging for mercy on your knees...'
----------------
Later that evening no other than Lucius Malfoy strode into Hagrid's hut, swathed in a long black traveling cloak, smiling a cold and satisfied smile. Fang started to growl.
"Already here, Fudge," he said approvingly. "Good, good..."
If the Minister was already here it meant less of a hassle....
"What're you doin' here?" said Hagrid furiously. "Get outta my house!"
"My dear man, please believe me, I have no pleasure at all in being inside your - er - d'you call this a house?" said Lucius, sneering as he looked around the small cabin. Filled with useless knick-nacks and filth. "I simply called the school and was told that the headmaster was here."
"And what exactly did you want with me, Lucius?" asked Dumbledore. He spoke politely, but the fire was still blazing in his blue eyes.
The hatred was equal.
"Dreadful thing, Dumbledore," said Lucius lazily, taking out a long roll of parchment, "but the governors feel it's time for you to step aside. This is an Order of Suspension - you'll find all twelve signatures on it. I'm afraid we feel you're losing your touch. How many attacks have there been now? Two more this afternoon, wasn't it? At this rate, there'll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts, and we all know what an awful loss that would be to the school."
"Oh, now, see here, Lucius," said Fudge, looking alarmed, "Dumbledore suspended - no, no - last thing we want just now."
Lucius wanted to roll his eyes at the poor excuse of a Minister..
Was he really that desperate to cling to Dumbledore's advice, that he would continue to risk the lives of the future Generation?
Actually now that he thought about it, he probably would without a second thought.
"The appointment - or suspension - of the headmaster is a matter for the governors, Fudge," said Lucius smoothly. "And as Dumbledore has failed to stop these attacks--"
"See here, Malfoy, if Dumbledore can't stop them," said Fudge, whose upper lip was sweating now, "I mean to say, who can?"
"That remains to be seen," said Lucius with a nasty smile, wanting nothing more than to rip the man's throat out for interrupting him. "But as all twelve of us have voted--"
Hagrid leaped to his feet, his shaggy black head grazing the ceiling.
,, An'how many did yeh have ter threaten an'blackmail before they agreed, Malfoy, eh?" he roared.
"Dear, dear, you know, that temper of yours will lead you into trouble one of these days, Hagrid," said Lucius. "I would advise you not to shout at the Azkaban guards like that. They won't like it at all."
"Yeh can'take Dumbledore!" yelled Hagrid, making Fang the boarhound cower and whimper in his basket. "Take him away, an'the Muggle-borns won'stand a chance! There'll be killin'next!"
"Calm yourself, Hagrid," said Dumbledore sharply. He looked at Lucius.
"If the governors want my removal, Lucius, I shall of course step aside--"
"But -" stuttered Fudge.
"No!" growled Hagrid.
Dumbledore had not taken his bright blue eyes off Lucius' cold gray ones.
"However," said Dumbledore, speaking very slowly and clearly so that none of them could miss a word, "you will find that I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me... Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."
Lucius was not fazed by the hidden meaning of the Headmaster's words.......
If the man really thought he could continue to do as he pleased he was wrong... very wrong..
"Admirable sentiments," said Lucius, bowing. "We shall all miss your - er - highly individual way of running things, Albus, and only hope your successor will manage to prevent any - ah - killings."
He strode to the cabin door, opened it, and bowed Dumbledore out. Fudge, fiddling with his bowler, waited for Hagrid to go ahead of him, but Hagrid stood his ground, took a deep breath, and said carefully, "If anyone wanted ter find out some stuff, all they'd have ter do would be ter follow the spiders. That'd lead em right. That's all I'm sayin'."
Fudge stared at him in amazement.
"All right, I'm comin', said Hagrid, pulling on his moleskin overcoat. But as he was about to follow Fudge through the door, he stopped again and said loudly, "An'someone'll need ter feed Fang while I'm away."