The Minister's Visit

[ministerofmagic]

Lauren knocked on the door of the Headmistress's office. She was dressed in a simple set of black robes, but held herself tall. This was not a personal visit. Knowing that the Headmistress would have received her owl, the Minister walked on in. The Headmistress was probably up the stairs in the other half of the office, so Lauren took a seat in the armchair set in front of the Headmistress's desk.

Memories flooded back to her of a more peaceful time. She had rarely been to the Headmaster's office as a child, but she could remember each visit vividly. That was a time when the Dark Times of Lord Voldemort were just a myth. Everyone had laughed off the stories, and though they were known to be true, people just couldn't imagine such awful times coming about. As a child, Lauren had loved the stories of the heroes and the villains. Lauren had heard of the 'Chosen One' and all his glory. She had even heard the mention of several of the smaller story characters, like the little elf, Dobby, and the old squib, Mrs. Figg. Those stories were like treasures to her, but now they were nightmares.

[ministerofmagic]

Lauren looked up as the Headmistress entered the room. "Ah! Haleigh!" She smiled sweetly. As girls, she and the Headmistress had been friends. The Minister remembered how much Haleigh had helped her, whether it was with boys, parents, or homework. The struggle through Hogwarts had not been easy, but having a good friend made it better.

"I suppose you know why I'm here." Lauren said, the smile fading away. The look on Haleigh's face was a grim one, and it had reason to be. Hopefully Haleigh would have some ideas and thoughts that Lauren had failed to produce.

"The riots have only worsened in the past month." Lauren began, looking toward her friend for a reaction. "I know that you are doing your best to take precautions for the children, but some parents don't think it's enough. I don't want to force anything upon the school, but . . ." Lauren trailed off, her eyes looking worriedly at Haleigh. "It may be necessary."

[ministerofmagic]

Lauren let out a small smile at the use of her old nickname. Laurs. Now when was the last time I heard that? She thought, thinking back. The Minister felt embarrassed at the frown on her friends face, and felt heat rise in her cheeks. She had been too eager for business to spend a few minutes properly greeting her friend. It would be too late now, though.

"Not the best picture of me, I'll admit." Lauren said, giving a grin. "They caught me the night after the big riot at the Wizard's Convention the other day. I had been up all night answering owls and ordering Aurors." Lauren thought for a moment. "Maybe sending out Aurors was a bit drastic. The Heads of Departments could have done just fine stopping the people, but I just couldn't think. It was the first disaster to happen during my time as a Minister."

"Actually," Lauren began to reply. "I wasn't planning on taking any action unless it proved necessary. As far as I'm concerned, the school is protected enough, and unless there is a breach in security, I'm prepared to allow things to go on as they have been."

[ministerofmagic]

Lauren frowned. "Yes. There is something else. It's actually the real reason I've come here. I need to tell you . . ."

At that point, Lauren was startled by a loud, abrupt snore coming from one of the portraits on the wall. Lauren glanced over, and found the only one sleeping. The nameplate underneath of the old man with the white beard said, "Albus Dumbledore". The man looked up, winked, and went back to sleep again, though Lauren had enough time to see the twinkle in his eyes. She smiled. This portrait was a good one. It's occupant was the same image she would have given the storybook Albus. "Thanks for reminding me."

Lauren lifted her wand, and with a swish, made the air gel in front of the portraits. The occupants would have difficulty hearing anything, now. "Now, then." Lauren started again, picking up her tea cup. "You remember the stories they told us when we were younger. The ones about . . . well . . . Lord Voldemort." She whispered.

"You see, rumors have been flying about the causes of the riots. No, they haven't gone so far as to claim that Lord Voldemort is back!" Lauren hastily added. "Of course not. That would be ridiculous! But . . . they do suspect, well . . . a new Dark Lord."

"Now these are only rumors!" Lauren said nervously, her hand beginning to shake at the thought of another Lord Voldemort. "Half of them are insane, and this may be one of those. But, I don't know what to think of the rumors. And, my father said, that rumors can be the beginning of a truth."

[ministerofmagic]

"Yes." Lauren said shakily, taking another deep gulp of tea. "It is likely. But what is worse is that we are arresting people constantly. It's as though they are competing for the Dark Lord's position! Could you imagine that? People running around claiming that they are the next to take over the wizarding community, and getting into duels to find who is the toughest. It would be the worst war ever seen in the Wizarding Community."

"Security has been tightened as much as possible. There is not a dementor in this world out of commission. We're not taking any precautions. We throw their wand pieces into the ocean, now." Lauren's hand was shaking.

"Oh! I'm so sorry." Lauren said as the teacup fell out of her hand and into the floor. It shattered on the tile, and tea was spilt everywhere. Lauren whisked her wand into the air and the cup reassembled itself bit by bit.

[ministerofmagic]

Lauren frowned, and shook her head. "The Ministry is the only refuge center I can think of, though St. Mungo's may be a nice spot." She stood up, and looked carefully around the room.

"They did always say Hogwarts was the safest place in the Wizarding Community." Lauren said, thinking. "Would you have room? No, no. It's an awful idea. I'm already in enough trouble as it is. Making a school a secret hideout would just worsen the situation." Lauren, turned to leave. "Haleigh, I have to go, but I'll keep the offer in mind."

The door closed lightly behind her, and her foot steps echoed far behind her.