Chapter 70
End of January 1978
Benjy’s workload was quickly taking over his desk. Reports, maps, official documents on every single surface and he didn’t have a clue how to even get through it.
Being an Auror hadn’t been something he planned on doing, he had thought he would have some low paying office job that had equal reports and kept him in the dark, but great defense marks and a quick conversation with another auror had had him changing paths.
It had also had him joining the Order but that was another thing.
He wanted to help, it was the Hufflepuff within him, and if that meant going out and taking down some bad blokes then he would. And it was what he was doing with very little show for it, snakes often seemed to slip through their hands or get themselves free. He just hadn’t expected so much paperwork.
“Look alive, lad, Ministers on his way.” Fleamont mumbled as he walked past him, slapping a large hand against Benjy’s back and almost smiling as the younger boy winced, his strange eyes dancing with almost amusement.
His daughters eyes did the same thing, even when they were covered by another face. Benjy looked away, pushing all thoughts of Hermione and the strange box she had given him to the back of his mind, it would do no good to have that at the forefront.
Though he couldn’t doubt the pride that her trust had given him, even if it was for a few months or because she didn’t want many people on the outside knowing. He also couldn’t deny his curiosity, because what would Hermione Potter have to hide?
A small voice whispered that she probably had a lot she didn’t want people to know, but he refused to feed it. The box would remain where he had placed it, safe from her, from him and from anyone else who would want it.
A sigh left his mouth just as the Minister sauntered into the Aurors office, pompous and arrogant, like he had done much more than a few extra dementors at Azkaban.
Moody grumbled from where he stood near the door, narrowing his eyes and not giving a fuck about who was stood before him because it wasn’t exactly like Harold Minchum was going to scare Alastor Moody, even when he turned that haughty expression onto him.
“Ah, Moody I thought I might see you down here.” Minchum spoke haughtily, and a face that looked like it belonged on any other swarmy Minister surrounded by equally idiotic and rich idiots.
“Well it is my department.” Moody grumbled back, ugly face scrunched up in disgust.
“And what a fine department it is...we appreciate all the hard work you have put in.”
“Would be able to do a lot more if you’d let us.” Moody growled out as he limped away, shaking his head and sitting down at an open chair with a scowl.
“Nonsense, you’ve managed to bring in what - Four? Five? - in the last couple of months, all of which have had trial and all who have -”
“Been sent home with nothing more than a slap on the wrist.” Fleamont muttered next, another man able to stand up to the Minister without a care in the world, and judging by the look Minchum sent him, it was clear there would be no punishment.
For how could you punish a Pureblood who had a large amount of money that could fund your work? Though he could give a nervous expression and attempt to speak. “Well lack of evidence and -”
“Lack of decent people in the Wizengamot?”
“Now, Moody, we can’t go around accusing people of such things.” Minchum chuckled, wagging a finger and grinning like it was all a big joke. “Anyway, we didn’t come here to discuss this – inspection day at the Ministry.” He threw his arms in the air and looked around, the Aurors paid no mind, going on with their work or even leaving the office.
Benjy wished he could follow them, but Moody would have his head if he left everything on his desk like this, and his mood was already souring fast as he grumbled at the Minister. “Well get inspecting then.”
Minchum didn’t need to be told twice, hands clasped behind his back and shoes scrapping against the floor as he moved past the desks, turning his nose up slightly and pursing his lips. There would be nothing to get from the Aurors anyway, everything hidden and away from prying eyes.
Cases remained closed, maps hidden away and those who might have been working with Dumbledore kept that out of the office.
“And who is this? Little young to be here aren’t you?” Minchum’s voice asked from behind him, prompting an eye roll and the need to heave a deep sigh as he turned in his chair and put on his nicest smile, fake and making his cheeks ache as he held out his hand.
“Fenwick, Sir, Benjy Fenwick.”
Minchum didn’t take his hand but stared at it with worry, a frown taking over his face as he looked back to where Moody and Fleamont stood together. “Fenwick? Muggleborn?”
“Halfblood.” Benjy answered for them, tongue tucking into the side of his cheek. Some people were idiots, their Minister one of them, and his lackies even worse as they scrunched up their faces slightly. How horrible it must be to have someone with Muggle blood in their midst.
“Ah...well, are you new here?”
“He’s been working here for the past couple of years, Minister – he does his job and he does it well, not that it’s any of your business.” Fleamont spoke with a stern look, the Minister frowned slightly but didn’t turn his head to look at the elder Potter.
“I like to know who is employed in my Ministry.” He mumbled more to himself, before slapping a hand on Benjy’s shoulder as he sat down at the empty desk beside him. “So Mister Fenwick, why did you decide to become an Auror?” Benjy frowned, almost expecting there to be a quill and parchment to mark his answers as the Minister looked at him with narrowed eyes.
“I like helping people.” Benjy answered slowly, sending a quick looked to Moody and Fleamont who were both frowning.
“I’m sure you could do that in any other job.” Minchum chuckled as though they had shared a joke while Benjy frowned, shaking his head, and willing his mouth to listen to his brain for once but it seemed to ignore him.
“Not really, Sir – it’s kind of the basis of this job.”
Minchum frowned, clasping his hands on his lap and leaning closer, his narrowed eyes darting to Fleamont in the corner. “And you’re friendly with Potter...and everyone else in here?” A swarmy smile took over his face but Benjy just frowned.
“As friendly as a boss and his employee can be, I suppose.” The Order was a secret, and while rumours might swirl about who was in it, when it came down to it all of them were supposed to deny.
Minchum frowned as though that was not what he wanted to hear and instead he leaned closer, his ugly face far too close and his coffee breath washing over Benjy as he spoke lowly. “And his child...ren?”
And there it was. It ran through Benjy like ice in his veins, a panic seizing him as he frowned and looked to Fleamont quickly. He had been so sure that no one had seen him meeting with Hermione, and if they had then they wouldn’t know who they were looking at.
He sucked in a quick breath as he looked back to the Minister and pushed those thoughts away, it was just a coincidence, and the Minister was just looking for something, anything, he could use for his mad thoughts. “I know them from Hogw-”
“I’m not sure what my children have to do with any of this Minister.” Fleamont spat out, strolling forward and standing on the other side of Benjy before he could finish his sentence.
“Talented kids about to leave school, can’t fault me for wanting them working here, can you?” Minchum asked as he finally stood up from his chair and faced Fleamont, both of them were around the same age, reaching seventy, or maybe older – Benjy could never be too sure.
Yet, Fleamont was taller, stronger too, with an air of power to him that the Minister didn’t seem to have. Like one wave of his wand would blast the whole room apart, his daughter seemed to have the same energy too.
“Is this an inquisition, Minister, or an inspection?” Moody growled out as he too moved forward and the Minister stepped backwards. Whatever he was after he wasn’t going to get while they were here, and it made Benjy want to sweat.
He already had to watch his back when he was out in the world, would he have to watch it too at work? Make sure the Minister of bloody Magic wasn’t trailing behind him and waiting to ask personal questions?
“I just want to get to know the boy, can’t be too sure who is one the right side these days.”
“Maybe if you took a closer look at your higher ups then you would know.” Moody snapped as Minchum opened his mouth to argue only for Moody to continue. “Now get on with your inspection and get out, we’ve got work to do and we can’t do it with you standing around.”
Minchum’s face turned purple but he didn’t argue any further, standing up from his chair he gave one last look and then he was off, lackies following behind him and Aurors watching him go with rolling eyes and slight smirks.
Benjy’s hand wrung together, foot tapping on the floor as Moody hobbled off, muttering under his breath and Fleamont stayed standing above him, looking down at him. “Did you need something, Mr Potter?” He asked with a shaky breath as the man raised his eyebrows and smiled.
“I’m glad my kids have a friend like you, Benjy, but it’s better if we keep that information to ourselves.” Fleamont spoke, patting his back as Benjy’s mouth opened and closed.
Strange eyes watched him for a few seconds longer and then they were gone. It was like everyone knew something, or suspected something, and Benjy couldn’t help the panic that continued to flood him. What if they knew? What if that was what they wanted?
...
An owl hooted, the familiar letter in it’s beak that he rolled his eyes at as he stomped to his room and flung the door open to his bedroom. If he was late to the meeting then so be it, they could wait until he did what he needed to do.
The box almost felt heavy in his hands, tempting him to try his best to open it, but he wouldn’t do that to Hermione, he had made a promise. Instead he stood up, stepping across his tiny bedroom, to stand before his wardrobe, it was a heavy thing that couldn’t be moved without his wand, but the floor boards underneath were easy enough to pry open.
Merlin, his landlord would kill him if he saw what he was doing. The box fit perfectly underneath, and the wardrobe slid back into place without too much effort and a soft thud just as his apartment door opened and hurried feet ran across the hall.
Benjy cursed under his breath as he turned to his bookcase and began pulling out books at random just as his door flew open.
“Benj!” Zach’s voice shouted, all handsome and beautifully brown eyed, but annoying the moment he opened his newly whiny mouth. Though it wasn’t new and had been going for a year. “Hey, what you doing?” He asked as he pointed to the books as Benjy raised an eyebrow.
“Looking for a book.” He answered with a roll of his eyes. “Why are you in my house?”
“We have a meeting at Hogs Head in ten minutes and you didn’t respond to the owl.” Zach pointed out. So, he was sent here to grab Benjy, like a little mule boy. “You should go get ready.” He added as he frowned at Benjy’s slightly dirty work attire.
“Because I just got home for work and wanted to relax a bit before I’m out again.” Benjy replied, fighting the urge to roll his eyes again as he stood up and dusted off his robes. “And I don’t need to look fancy to go sit in the cellar of Hogshead.” He mumbled under his breath as he picked off a bit of fluff from his shoulder.
Zach sighed but led the way out of the room, Benjy following behind him with a frown. The owl was gone, and the letter was nothing more than a pile of ash on his floor, no longer needed now that Benjy had his own escort.
His best friend stopped, letting out a sigh as he reached for the door. “Listen, Benj, I know you’ve had a lot going on but lets try and do what Dumbledore asks -”
“Don’t I always, I’ve sent most of my nights on watch outside of some manor, before heading to work for a ten to twelve hour shift, only to come home for an hour and do the same all over again.” Benjy snapped as he attempted to reach for the door only for Zach to stop him.
“Benj-”
“I get it, Aurors are trained for this and we do a better job than most but it doesn’t stop us from burning out or hoping that Dumbledore finally sees the value and importance in having Aurors on your side and uses that to his advantage.” Benjy all but shouted, clenching his hands by his side as he glared at Zach.
It wasn’t his fault. Zach hadn’t chosen the Auror business, but instead something simplier and used that as his way to find out information. He didn’t spend his days chasing Deatheaters, but he did spend equal amount of time on watches and doing his bit for the Order.
“Sorry, it’s...it’s not your fault.” Benjy muttered, as he reached for the door again but this time Zach let him. “Let’s go before we’re too late.”
…
Hogs Head smelt like goats any given day of the year. It smelt worse in the dimly lit cellar where the Order met, their voices low murmurs and their feet shuffling on the dusty old ground. The whole place needed a good clean and perhaps a change of ownership, if the scrunched up faces and anger in Aberforths was anything to go by.
Benjy tried to ignore it all as he leant against the back wall and waited, a yawn escaping his mouth as Dumbledore and Moody slipped into the room and Aberforth left, the door banging behind him and Dumbledore’s wand waving towards it.
Dumbledore stood at the front, as he usually, did. His long silver beard twinkled in the dim light, his bright blue eyes shining behind his glasses and the same small smile on his face as he took everyone in.
Zach, Alice and Frank, Jason Gilbert, Kingsley, Mrs Longbottom, the Potter’s, the Dearborns’, the Bones’, the Prewett twins, Dedalus Diggle, Dorcas Meadowes...and a few others that he didn’t know too well, all sat watching Dumbledore with varying degrees of interest.
“Thank you all for coming.” His voice was gentle as he stretched out his arms to rest on the table and look at his order. “I know we are facing difficult times, and it is becoming harder for some of you to leave your home but your dedication to our cause is as important now as it ever was.” Pretty words from an old man who had no idea.
Mrs Longbottom let out a huff, all eyes turning to look at her. “I can barely leave the house these days without one of those idiots turning up and asking for me to join them – I bet it’s the same for you, isn’t it Flea?” She turned to look at Mr Potter who frowned.
“It was, though I said no enough and now they try to show their disapproval with their vicious wand work.” Fleamont joked, a small chuckle leaving his mouth even as his wife glared at him in disapproval.
“You better be careful, you barely recovered from the last injury.” Someone called, voice wavering slightly.
“I would retire but I don’t think that would stop them.” Fleamont spoke with another chuckle, patting his leg slightly and leaning back in his seat, the amused grin on his face making him look so much younger and so much like his son.
“More like encourage them to attack your home, you’re lucky your kids are still at Hogwarts, won’t be long until they are being asked...my Frank and Alice hear it all the time.” Mrs Longbottom replied with a shake of her head, reaching behind her to grip Frank’s hand. “We should have a plan for that, Dumbledore, it’s one thing for talented Aurors to be asked but another for them to start targetting kids, and we all know they will soon enough.”
“The children are safe at Hogwarts, and any choices they make will be made when they leave in a few months.” Someone else called from the back.
Benjy watched as Dumbledore sucked in a deep breath, almost shuffling from foot to foot, his eyes downcast and his mouth twisted into a thin line. Benjy frowned, pushing himself off the wall and his mouth opening to ask, when a woman spoke.
“We shouldn’t be inducting children into the Order...it’s bad enough that half of the young ones in here are overworked and tired with all the running around you make them do, but to add children – we should have an age limit.” He had no idea who it was, but they were clearly unable to see that they needed all the help they could get.
“Not like that will stop Voldemort.”
“Well we are not him!” The same woman shouted, slapping her hand against the table. “We can not have children fighting children!”
“Children are already fighting children, you idiot.” Mrs Longbottom spat out, leaning over her own table to glare at the woman. “The Ministry has been infiltrated, the Deatheaters are everywhere, we need help and whether we like it or not, those children will be involved one way or another – it’s stupid to think they can sit on the sidelines, it never works for anyone.”
“Thank you, Augusta.”
“I wasn’t saying that for you.”
“We should try and free the Ministry, once that is out from he-who-shall-not-be-nameds grips, then we’ll be able to take them down.”
People muttered around them and Benjy fought the urge to roll his eyes as Dumbledore grew sterner and raised his hand for silence. “I understand your frustrations.” His voice was calm but edge with strain. “But you must understand that Voldemort's reach extends far and wide, the Ministry is compromised, as are many other places and that means we can't rely on them for support or safety.” He heaved a loud sigh. “Every step we take from now must be measured and strategic.”
Benjy couldn’t stop himself, tiredness and anger boiling over into one as he took a step forward. “Measure and strategic?” He asked, scoffing slightly as all eyes turned to look at him. “While we sit here measuring, people are being killed – while we plan to be strategic Voldemort is spreading his cause further and further -”
“Benj.” Zach mumbled across the room, his cheeks turning pink and his foot bouncing against the floor.
“Muggleborns are being hunted, our own families are in danger – and yet we do nothing but watches and waiting.” Benjy all but shouted, the room seeming to shift with his unease. Some nodding in agreement and others watching his with frowns.
Moody stomped forward, the usual scowl on his face but there was something kinder there too. “Take a breath, lad.”
“I don’t need a -”
“I know you are all stretched thin, and I know it might not seem like we are doing much, but I can assure you that every watch, every piece of information we are gathering crucial.” Dumbledore spoke softly as Benjy stepped back with a small laugh, even as those all seeing eyes focused on him. “We can not afford reckless actions, we must be prepared, vigilant and patient.” He whispered the last words as Benjy rolled his eyes.
“And sometimes we need to be reckless and impatient to protect those who are being harmed.” That was what he had wanted to do, that was what he thought he would be doing when he joined the Order, but so far it had been nothing but sitting and waiting.
Dumbledore remained calm but he spoke with a steely edge. “When our time comes, we will fight, but for now we must continue as we have.”
The room became whispers, all of them seeming to have something to say even if they wouldn’t say it out loud like Benjy had. The Potter’s seemed tired, Euphemia usually kind face suddenly pinched as Mrs Longbottom whispered something to her and Fleamont. Alice and Frank whispering to each other behind them with worry and concern.
Dumbledore coughed loudly, another sigh leaving his mouth. “I understand you may not be happy with that, but in doing what we have been doing, we have learnt vital information that Voldemort’s followers plan to stage an attack on Hogsmeade.”
“What?”
“When?”
“What about our children?”
“I can not be sure when, but we will be upping the watches on Hogsmeade and Hogwarts for the next few weeks, and we will need more focus should the attack not happen before the Hogsmeade trip.” Dumbledore called, his hands in the air to silence those shouting out.
“Excuse me, Sir, would it not be better to just cancel the trip?” Zach asked gingerly, his hand up the air like a school student, and a tentative look on his face as people nodded with him in agreement.
“Cancelling would create panic amongst the students, or would cause those with a certain disregard for the rules to find a way out anyway.” Was Benjy imagining it or did Dumbledore’s eyes flicker to him?
Euphemia and Fleamont straightened up, their expressions colder than before and their eyes narrowed. It was no secret that the Potter children, mainly James and his friends, had sneaked out of the castle before. How, no one was sure but they did it without being found out or worry, and they never seemed to be punished for it.
So, it wasn’t a stretch to assume Hermione had done it too. Regardless, Benjy pushed their meeting far from his mind and focused instead on the Headmaster.
“Then why not make sure any exit is unable to use?” Someone else asked as though it was obvious.
“I am unaware of every passage in and out of Hogwarts – but life for my students must continue on as normal, and we may hope that any attack is avoided or takes place while the students are safely in the castle, should I hear anything else then I will do what I have to do.” Dumbledore sternly spoke, eyes narrowing and jaw tensing.
“What about -”
“No more questions, Dearborn, I’ve heard enough out of you today.” Moody growled, as Dearborn sank back into his seat and rolled his eyes. “Watches will be handed out, and I won’t hear no complaining about them.” He added, lips pulled back to show his teeth as he sent a glare to Dearborn, and then the rest of them.
“We must have our best put forward, Mr Fenwick, Fleamont, Dearborn, Edgar – you’ll all be on rotation for the watch with Mr Longbottom, Miss Prewett, Mr Townsend and Mr Kingsley.” Dumbledore spoke, air of authority around him that made Benjy’s hands clench at his side.
Irritation rose within him. It was always more watches, more work and nothing ever getting done. He wanted to say something, to fight and tell Dumbledore just how done he was with doing too much and somehow doing nothing too.
His mouth opened, preparing to fight back when something caught his eye. Fleamont letting out a barely audible soft sigh and sending Benjy a look that he was far too familiar with, one that meant be quiet and wait this out. It had been done many times throughout their work, practised and casual enough to not give anything away.
His jaw tensed as he nodded his head, letting his thoughts drift away as Dumbledore and Moody continued speaking, handing out demands and whatever else they needed to do.
The meeting came to a close, people slipping out one by one or in groups of two to not draw attention but Benjy stayed behind, watching as Fleamont slowly rose from his seat and Mrs Longbottom ushered Euphemia and her children out.
“I understand your frustration, Mr Fenwick, but everything you do is greatly appreciate.” Dumbledore spoke softly from beside the door, his eyes flickering between Benjy and Fleamont as Moody stomped behind him.
“Of course, Sir.” Benjy grunted out with far too much force, flinching at the arm Fleamont threw around his shoulder.
“Well we better head out, and you can help me with whatever trouble Euphemia and Augusta have gotten into this week.” Fleamont spoke, all but pulling Benjy towards the door with a surprising amount of force. “We’ll see you at work Moody, and have a nice evening Albus.”
“You too.”
The door shut behind them, but Fleamont didn’t let go as he led them through the pub, and Benjy didn’t dare open his mouth to ask questions.
The Hogs Head Inn was filled with it’s usual seedy people, drunk and muttering to themselves or their ‘friends’. No one batted an eye as they slipped through the chairs and tables, Aberforth didn’t even look their way from behind the bar, but one could never be sure just who was watching or listening, waiting for a drop of information on the Order.
The stepped out into the blistering cold, ice and snow littering every surface. It made Benjy shiver, even more so when Fleamont finally stepped away from him and looked around, before gesturing for them to continue walking.
“I understand your frustration, I know you are tired and fed up, but you mustn’t give up or leave.” His words were a mere whisper, hard Benjy to hear and probably harder for anyone else who might have been around to hear.
“He didn’t put you up to this, did he?” Benjy couldn’t help but ask as he looked around for a sign of a tall old man with his silver beard and blue eyes.
“Of course not, he is already in a difficult spot with my family and I, that I pay little mind to what he wants.” Fleamont spoke with a scoff, waving a hand in the air and shaking his head.
Benjy couldn’t help the way his head spun around, or the way he eagerly wanted to hear the gossip. He wasn’t stupid, he knew some things had happened, had seen the looks sent Dumbledore’s way but he never put two and two together.
As calmly as he could, he decide to ask. “What happened?”
“Many things.” Fleamont answered though he sent an amused look. “Listen, the reason I ask you to stay is because my family need you.” He added after a few seconds, a sigh leaving his mouth as he sternly looked at Benjy.
“What?”
“I’m not blind, nor do my children not tell me things, and they trust you, one more than the other…” A pointed look that sent Benjy’s heart racing. Surely he couldn’t know about the meeting the other day, but before he could question Fleamont was speaking again. “You’ve kept them safe before, and I trust you to look out for them should anything happen again.”
A small sigh left his mouth as he shoved his hands in his robe pockets and tried not to left his relief show, though there was a tinge of uncertainty. Why wouldn’t Hermione confide in her father? It was a question he couldn’t ask, so instead he settled on a nervous smile and a shrug of his shoulders as he responded. “Well they’re my friends, of course I would.”
“And I trust you to look out for others too.” Fleamont whispered, heaving a deep breath through his nose as he placed a hand on Benjy’s shoulder. “You’re a smart kid, Benjy, and a good Auror, but most of all you are a good person, don’t let your anger at the situation take that away from you.” Another look, though this one more understanding.
“I’m just tired of waiting or hiding while people are out there dying.” He mumbled, the anger was always there, ready to come out at full force.
“I know, I am too.” Fleamont’s own confession wasn’t a comfort, it didn’t help in the way it should but instead just added to everything. “But if an attack is to come then we need to be prepared, vigilant and ready – and we take as many down as we can.” A small smile took over his aging face, one similar to the one both his children wore when they were preparing something they shouldn’t.
“Is that permission to -”
“It’s permission to do what you have to do to protect the innocent.” The words were layered underneath and Benjy couldn’t help but smile slightly.
Fleamont couldn’t outright give him permission to do something, but in protecting people and fighting, things sometimes happened that could be explained away. Not that Benjy was going to….not unless it was a last resort, but it was nice to know there were people on his side.
He would take the watches then, spend his time strolling up and down Hogsmeade, waiting and protecting – making sure students stayed safe, that no one got away with anything.
Fleamont grinned beside him as Benjy sighed, an arm around his shoulders again and his feet being dragged through the snow. “Now, how about we head back to mine and have a nice Brandy – I’m freezing my balls off out here.”
His face scrunched up as Fleamont laughed, but he followed anyway. They would win this war, they would fight for what was theirs, and they would be free to live their lives how they choose, but he just had to wait a little longer. Maybe six months longer.