Chapter 19
Chapter 19
A week later Draco approaches Hermione.
‘Remember when you asked me to send that thank you note?’
‘Yes. Your mother hasn't responded yet?’
‘No and I can't find my owl either. He isn't in the owlery. This is very unlike mother.’
‘Do you think your mail is being monitored too?’
‘I think it is a possibility.’
‘What can we do?’
‘Hang on. Jazzy?’ Draco whispers.
A small pop is heard before Hermione sees the most adorably dressed house elf. He is wearing a neon green tailored suit.
‘Master Draco calls?’
‘Did my owl bring a note sometime this past week?’
‘No sirs. Master’s owl came but no note. He is at manor. Mistress Malfoy says to make him comfortable. Says he was…..says there was interference…? Not sure, master.’
‘Someone messed with my post alright.’
‘Please tell father that we believe someone is messing with our post. Ask him to bring it to the board. May I call on you to deliver letters to mother and father?’
‘Yes master.’
‘Good. I will let you know when I have a letter ready. Good bye.’
Jazzy pops away and Hermione lets out a poorly suppressed giggle.
‘What was he wearing?’
Draco pinkens in embarrassment.
‘When I was younger I wanted to dress up. Mother and father were busy so I talked Jazzy into it. He wouldn't wear the dress I asked him to use but my accidental magic caused that outfit to happen. He decided that he loved it so much it is the only thing he will wear anymore. After that he decided not to play with me much anymore.’
Hermione begins to laugh.
‘It's not funny,’ Draco murmurs as they walk down the hall.
*.*
‘Master Draco sends me.’
‘Jazzy? Why would Draco send you?’
‘Master says to give you this letter.’
Father,
I sent Apollo with a thank you note to mother. Jazzy tells me he arrived but was empty handed and he is now resting in recovery. Lyras mail has been under surveillance recently. Someone doesn't want her communicating with her parents or anyone allied with the Dark Lord. We think it may have something to do with the Headmaster. He specifically cautioned Lyra against reaching out to her parents. Can you discuss matters with the Board of Governors?
Tell mother that we will continue trying to write but we feel that nothing will arrive.
Draco
‘Thank you Jazzy I will take care of this. Tell Draco, message received.’
‘Yes master.’
Jazzy pops away and Lucius pulls out a parchment.
*****
Board meeting scheduled @2pm on Friday. Meet at Malfoy Manor. Refreshments will be provided.
Lucius Malfoy
Board Chairman
*****
Lucius duplicates the letter 11 times and sends the notes through the Floo. He then walks off to find his wife.
*.*
‘Cissa. What are your plans Friday? I have received word from Draco about his owl.’
‘I planned to have lunch with some friends and possibly do some shopping in Diagon Alley.’
‘Good. Mention to your friends that you are concerned about the school monitoring post.’
‘They are doing what? What are you doing about this?’
‘I’m holding a Board Meeting. You should try to talk to your friends loudly enough to get the attention of a reporter.’
‘Interesting. I will let you know how it goes.’
*.*
The members of the board arrive at the appointed time and are brought into the conference room as designated. Some grab a snack before sitting down. After everyone arrives Lucius stands and clears his throat.
‘Thank you all for coming. I have asked you all to be here today because something very important has been brought to my attention. Some of the students' posts are being monitored. Depending on the content, sometimes it's not even being delivered. What do you think we should do about this?’
‘Who do you know that is being monitored?’ Mrs. Tonks asks curiously.
‘My son's owl recently arrived empty handed, why would my son send a bird with no note?’
Lord Travers thinks for a second before asking, ‘True but who else?’
‘My niece, she may be recently rediscovered but i think that is all the more reason for her to be able to communicate with her family. Her parents have not heard from her recently. She asked Draco to send a thank you note to my wife for a care package and that did not arrive as well.’
‘So this is personal for you?’ Mrs Brown inquires.
‘Not entirely. If these two students from different houses are not able to send mail is this an isolated event? Are there others? Are you all able to send and receive mail from Hogwarts? I think this is something that should be looked into at least. Don't you?’
Several members nod.
‘Most definitely. We can send a few volunteers to visit the school, any volunteers? Mrs Chang asks as she looks around.’
Lord Nott and Mrs. Tonks volunteer immediately. A moment passes before Lord Travers volunteers as well.
Lady Patel looks around and says, ‘sign me up. The four of us should be able to cover a routine examination of the school.’
After some discussion they decide that they will check the wards, evaluate some teachers, and interview a few students.
*.*
On Friday Narcissa gets ready for her outing and Floos to the Leaky Cauldron. She plans to meet up with her friends at Twillfit and Tattings. Walking up to the store she remembers how a few of her friends suffered a similar fate to her dear sister. Knowing that their children could possibly still live but being unable to locate them had to have been one of the hardest things to live through.
Now that baby Lyra had been found, was it possible to find the other children? Where would we even start looking? Muggleborns? Or someone adopted into a wizarding family? The possibilities are endless. Stepping into the store Elinore Zabini waves her over.
‘Cissa how are you?’ Elinore asks.
‘I’m good. Actually, I’m a little worried.’
‘What’s wrong?’ Joan Rookwood walks over to Cissa, seeing that she looks distressed.
‘Draco’s owl arrived a few days ago but there was no note with him.’
Pemma Parkinson gasps, ‘Why would…? Was the owl tampered with?’
‘That’s what I’m thinking. But I can't imagine who would do that. What would be the reason?’
‘Let’s go get some tea to calm your nerves.’ Catherine Travers begins to guide Narcissa out of the shop. ‘This is clearly not the time for shopping.’
‘Alright.’
They continue trying to calm Cissa as they get their tea. Rita Skeeter approaches their table.
‘Did I hear you mention post interference? Would you like to talk about it?’
‘I'm not sure what possessed anyone to start screening the students' mail. I can say that I do not approve. Our son is expected to write home regularly. I have recently begun writing to my niece and now I cannot contact either of them. This is unacceptable. I hope the person responsible is found and held accountable for their atrocious actions.’
‘Well, well, well. That is interesting. Do you have anyone you suspect?’
‘No, I believe Lucius is planning to discuss this matter with the Board. Beyond that I can only speculate. Someone is determined enough to stop my son’s post and possibly my nieces as well? I don't even know what this could mean.’
‘Do you know if this is happening to anyone else?’
‘Truthfully this is a lot of effort for only one or two students, but I can’t say for sure.’
‘Thank you for your time ladies, I will be looking into this. Have a nice day.’ Skeeter turns and all but sprints away.
‘Hmm, I guess she is eager to investigate.’
‘Cissa? You did that on purpose.’
‘Perhaps. I’m sorry ladies, I'm not up for shopping anymore today. Let’s get together again soon?’
‘Of course Cissa, go home and relax.’
*.*
Neville has spent a lot of time thinking lately. He is happy for Hermione that she found her parents. He didn't know he and Hermione were both in a position to be raised away from their parents. No one deserves that. Maybe he should ask to study with Hermione more often. If the Slytherins choose to be civil about it he can too.
‘Hey Hermione, wait up.’
‘Neville? I’m headed to the library to study. Want to join me?’
‘I would love to.’
They walk down the corridor in calm silence. As they turn a corner Tracy Davis waves at Hermione.
‘Who is that?’ Neville asks.
‘Tracy Davis is in our year just in Slytherin. Have you not noticed her before?’
‘I noticed her but never talked to her or knew her name for that matter.’
‘Really? Well now is a good time to introduce yourself. Hey Trace, this is Neville.’
‘I know him. He is always helping sprout in the Greenhouses. Nice to meet you.’
Tracy holds out her hand expecting him to shake it. She is pleasantly surprised when he takes her hand in his and bends forward to kiss her hand gently.
‘Nice to meet you. You look beautiful today.’
‘Thank you Neville. But I just came in from collecting potion ingredients.’
Tracy raises her hands to her hair in an effort to run her fingers through it. In the process she pulls a small twig away from her messy strands. Looking down she blushes. When she looks up again Neville is still standing in front of her, he takes a step forward.
‘Like I said, you are looking beautiful today. Never worry about twigs or leaves; they just add to your beauty.’
Hermione clears her throat. Her friends look at her as if suddenly realizing that she is still there.
‘I'm going to the library now. See you both later.’
*.*
They awkwardly look at each other as Hermione walks away.
‘Where are you headed?’
‘I should probably head to the library. I need to work on my assignments.’
‘Me too. Let's walk there together?’
‘Sure.’
Tracy walks next to Neville quietly wondering why he suddenly decided to talk to her. He always seems to be smiling and working in the greenhouses. When they enter the Library she looks over her shoulder at Neville. Somehow he is a step behind her.
‘Do you want to sit with Hermione? Or we could find a table closer to the Herbology books. It's usually quieter over there.’
‘I will follow you.’
She decides to walk away from her friends interested in seeing what she and Neville could talk about.
*.*