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Chocolate Frog by L A Moody

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Disclaimer: With humble gratitude to J. K. Rowling for allowing me to build castles in her sandbox once more.




Forty -- Four
Augusta Longbottom: Ragtag Renegades



The search for like-minded refugees led her to the Hog’s Head Tavern. Despite his scraggly beard, Augusta had no trouble recognizing Aberforth’s resemblance to his better-known brother; and, it wasn’t long before the humble barman invited her to his upstairs parlor.

The aroma of tobacco and linseed oil all but eclipsed the goat smell. The furniture was built for sturdiness rather than beauty, the fixtures functional in a uniquely masculine way. Above the stone fireplace hung a portrait of a young girl with the same azure eyes.

Something about the mismatched crockery stacked in a rustic cupboard made Augusta reconsider her instinctive trust in the man. Political differences had torn more than one family apart, she berated herself. The Black sisters were just one case among many.

She cringed at the manner in which Aberforth surveyed her garments, his penetrating blue eyes so much like his brother’s.

–You must be Neville’s gran,” he smiled. –Described you perfectly. Heard you gave the Ministry goons the slip.”

–How do I know you won’t simply turn me over to them?” she countered with a sudden burst of defiance.

Aberforth gave a hollow laugh that could almost be taken for a cough. –Village is fairly crawling with dark collaborators; I’ll give you that. Just don’t happen to be one of ‘em.”

Augusta shook her head to indicate that was insufficient. Snape’s betrayal of Dumbledore tugged like a wound at her ribs.

–Alastor Moody confirmed we could also recognize you by your unique Patronus,” Aberforth supplied.

–I already know who I am! Your credentials….” She left the thought unfinished. If this was a trap, she’d blundered right in.

–I’ve been a fixture in these parts for so long I forgot the Hog’s Head Tavern hasn’t always been a local landmark.”

–Used to be a pasture which came alive with wildflowers after the rain.” She could visualize it perfectly in the nostalgic memories of her youth.

Aberforth nodded. –That’s what attracted me to the site. Ariana so loved flowers. The rickety farmhouse wasn’t much, but the stone fireplace was salvageable; the pub grew around that.”

Augusta drew nearer to the cheery fire, a necessity this far north. A closer look at the portrait showed a winsome lass whose rosy cheeks glowed with the last breath of childhood. She recalled the same roundness in Neville’s face when he’d first boarded the Hogwarts Express; all too soon, he returned home a young man who seemed to grow taller by the week.

–She bears a strong resemblance,” she observed aloud. –Your daughter perhaps?”

With a sharp huff of surprise, Aberforth clarified, –Little sister. She passed while I was still at school. Never had a family myself, probably in large part due to that.”

–That’s so sad. A young life cut short like that. Grief’s such an inescapable part of life.”

He gave her a compassionate look that made Augusta wonder if he knew about Frank and Alice.

–You must be the last person in Britain who hasn’t devoured Rita Skitter’s scandalous tale about my family,” he remarked dryly.

–I won’t deny I’ve seen it offered for sale; but I’m hardly a fan of that … witch’s …writing style. If I wanted to immerse myself in an elaborate fantasy, I’d pick up a solid volume of fiction, thank you very much. At least it doesn’t purport to be anything but what it is!”

–Madam, you are a breath of fresh air!”

–Can’t the public see that Rita serves up mangled lies about those who are unable to defend themselves? She all but painted poor Harry Potter as a deranged lunatic….”

–The better to make him indistinguishable from the Dark Usurper, don’t you think?”

Augusta caught her breath at the depth of the conspiracy he was suggesting. –You don’t think?”

–Who knows what motivates another’s actions? Money? Fame? Rita Skeeter hardly seems the incorruptible sort.”

–Is that why you removed their photos?” Augusta ventured, waving in the direction of the telltale discolored squares in the wood paneling.

Aberforth sighed heavily. –Couldn’t bear to look into their accusatory eyes since… Seems I failed them all, even in death.”

Augusta’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. –Surely you didn’t cooperate with that scavenger?”

–No, she found someone else to exploit. Quite put out she was when I refused her interview yet allowed the Chocolate Frog people to use a new likenesses of Albus.”

–Your brother had a great fondness for sweets, didn’t he?”

Aberforth gave a dismal nod. –Felt keenly about his privacy, too, and you see what’s become of that!”

–Small villages tend to breed gossip, I’m afraid.”

–True enough. But Bathilda Bagshot was always so generous, used to bake ginger biscuits for us… Widowed too young to have any children of her own, you see. People didn’t remarry as readily back then.” Aberforth screwed his eyes up tight as his fist came down forcefully on the armrest. The haphazard stack of crockery shivered in commiseration. –What’s a child’s memory in the face of such outright lies?”

–Truer that you might think,” Augusta soothed. Now where was that clipping she’d tucked away for Neville? Withdrawing the scrap from among her folded handkerchiefs, her fingers attempted to smooth the creases before she handed it over to Aberforth.

Reporter Wanted for Questioning

Poisoned quill maven, Rita Skeeter, may have gone too
far this time. At least that’s what the Wizards Council of
Godric’s Hollow believes after finding the body of its eldest
resident, Bathilda Bagshot, in the nearby woodland.

Sources confide that hikers discovered the remains of the
elderly historian with one tightly-laced boot protruding
from a snowdrift. Wide gashes in the upper torso reveal
where she’d been attacked, the gnawed bits of her
extremities attest to smaller animals also feeding on the
corpse. Forensics experts confirm that the uniquely
preserved facial features are a side-effect of copious
amounts of Veritaserum still present in the poor woman’s
bloodstream.

–With such a dosage, it was remarkable her aged heart
didn’t simply stop,” the official report from St. Mungo’s
reads. –At best, she would’ve suffered irreversible memory
loss and severe disorientation.”

A recipe that could easily have led Bathilda to wander
aimlessly about the lanes, not recognizing her own cottage.
Neighbors report milk bottles piling up on the front stoop
until delivery was discontinued for non-payment. Known
for her reclusive ways, Bathilda’s behavior was not
initially a cause for concern, however.

A thorough search by Magical Law Enforcement reveals
the Bagshot cottage was the scene of a great struggle.
A smashed upstairs window suggests that the unfortunate
woman may have fallen to her death in the overgrown yard
before her body was dragged into the woods by scavenging
foxes.

Suspicions were raised when an incriminating note was
found among the fragments. In her trademark lime-green
ink, Rita Skeeter penned a gloating tribute to her unwitting
accomplice, an old lady whom she admits will not recall
their encounter. Shamelessly, Skeeter acknowledges her
purchase of black market Veritaserum in the pages of her
tell-tale book, The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore, yet
it is highly unlikely she shared any of her royalties with the
late Mrs. Bagshot.

–Such depraved indifference for another’s life can be
cause for criminal charges of manslaugher,” Elphias
Doge, former consultant to the Wizengamot, attests.
–Bathilda deserves our justice, even though she has no
living relatives to demand it.”

Even more incensed are members of the local council
entrusted with keeping wizarding affairs from tainting
those Muggles who live shoulder-to-shoulder in Godric’s
Hollow. –Not since the Potters were attacked sixteen years
ago has the village been in such an uproar,” the elder
spokesman confirmed. –The last thing we need is the
Muggle-Ready Excuse Office to make another hash of it so
that the Obliviators have to be called in.”

Not surprisingly, Rita Skeeter is wanted for questioning
-- yet she seems to have Disapparated into thin air. Her
publisher admits that earnings from book sales are
deposited in Gringotts on a regular basis, but bank officials
are adamant about not disclosing clients’ transactions.

–Is this from the Prophet?” Aberforth demanded into the hushed silence. –I can’t imagine them turning on one of their own, no matter how well deserved.”

–The Quibbler. Likely penned by Xenophilius Lovegood himself.”

–The rag that’s always pursing some mythical beast or another?” Aberforth’s frothy eyebrows arched in surprise.

–None other. Harmless entertainment in dark times; it’s Xenophilius’ creed. But while the Prophet’s become nothing but a Ministry outlet, The Quibbler isn’t afraid to thumb its nose at authority by printing the truth. Or at least it was. Luna’s abduction has silenced the presses, I’m afraid.”

Aberforth nodded grimly. –Makes me wonder what The Quibbler didn’t say. Like how Rita could produce a thick volume within a month of Albus’ death -- and that included the time for the printer to set the galleys!”

–I wondered as much myself. But it’s all there if you read between the lines. Here, I’ll show you…” Augusta withdrew a yellowed Daily Prophet clipping from the previous summer. –Rita gave a most enlightening interview to Betty Braithwaite.”

Aberforth eyes darted to and fro as he worked his way down the page, then returned a blank expression. –Nothing but a standard publicity piece, advertisement masquerading as journalism.”

–So one would think on the surface. But see where Rita mentions greasing the proverbial wheel with galleons, she’s referring to herself not Bathilda.”

–Go on,” Aberforth urged.

–If we accept that the Prophet acted as Fudge’s mouthpiece, what’s to keep future administrations from doing the same? Especially one which was already planning to replace Scrimgeour.”

–Are you suggesting Skeeter’s a Death Eater?”

–Just a stooge willing to take their money, no questions asked. And what would make more sense than to publish an account discrediting the former headmaster when the plan was to supplant him with someone as generally unpalatable as Severus Snape?”

–They were plotting Albus’ murder for months on end,” Aberforth offered.

–All the while, Rita was preparing her explosive expose,” Augusta finished. –Nothing you said to that cow would’ve changed the outcome; you have to stop punishing yourself.”

–I considered suing her -- or the publishers. Anything that would untarnish Albus’ memory. In the end, Elphias advised me against it; said it was just like kicking a manticore’s nest. All the facts were essentially correct; it was just her interpretation that was dead wrong.”

–Despair makes opportunists of the best of us, I’m afraid.”

Aberforth gave a wry snort in agreement. –I can see where Neville gets his gumption. Frank, too, if I recall correctly. He didn’t come ‘round very often. Never much cared for Firewhiskey, I reckon; always ordered ginger beer. Had to go fetch a dusty bottle from the cellar more often than not.”

–He was always more of a socializer than a drinker,” Augusta prodded, hoping to draw out the conversation enough to gauge the man’s trustworthiness. The Imperius Curse made puppets out of the most stalwart, she reminded herself.

–Always trying to find some moments alone with that lass of his.”

–Alice. My daughter-in-law,” she returned, then wanted to bite her tongue for having given so much away.

–She was a right spitfire,” he nodded. –No quiet game of darts or a bit of canoodling by the fire. She wanted a place that was hopping. Used to fancy those concoctions that had to be shaken and then garnished just so.”

–This doesn’t strike me as the sort of place…”

–Naw. Rosmerta’s the mixologist. Sooner or later, the two of them would always wander in that direction.” Aberforth scratched his beard absently. –Senseless how they ended up.”

Augusta accepted his condolences while her mind strained to find a chink in the man’s facade.

–Aren’t you afraid customers will find the bar unattended while we chit-chat?” Augusta ventured. –Not that I don’t relish a bit of conversation, mind you. But the pub’s your livelihood.”

–Such as it is.” Pointing his wand at a bare patch of peeling wallpaper there appeared a small window looking down on the front room. Not far from the barstools, a pure white goat chewed absently on the stray bits of hay littering the floor. –Betsy’s in charge tonight.”

–I doubt she can pull a pint.”

Aberforth chortled deeply. –Not for lack of trying, that one. Door’s charmed to bleat if anyone opens it. Finding a goat inside diverts suspicion from the security system.”

–Much crime in these parts?”

–Dodgy characters frequent shadowy pubs. I’d lose a chunk of business if I turned them away. Speaking of which, I need to check on the stew. If you’ll excuse me...”

With a definite spryness to his step, Aberforth vanished downstairs. He returned moments later with a copper cauldron Levitated before him. A practiced turn of his wand and it hung itself to bubble over the hearth.

–Don’t let me interrupt your supper.”

Aberforth waved her protestations aside. –I’m used to eating late. Rather that than having to deal with stringy meat.”

The barest hint of movement from within Ariana’s portrait drew Aberforth to attention. The image was holding up two fingers. –Righto,” he replied. –Let them know it still has a bit to go.” The delicate aroma that escaped as he replaced the copper lid caught Augusta by surprise.

–Forgive my manners,” Aberforth apologized. –I should’ve offered you some refreshment. Perhaps you’ll consent to sup with me; there’s more than enough.”

–Thank you, but no. Late meals wreck havoc on my digestive system.”

–Sorry to hear that. You’ll be missing out on a rare treat: rabbit stew. Caught fresh this morning.”

–Like the Three Broomsticks serves?” Augusta’s stomach rumbled at the memory of pearl onions and wild mushrooms that flavored the wine-based broth.

–I fine-tuned the recipe. Too much mace for my liking.”

–The aroma’s enticing.”

–Added a bit of salt pork for depth, then used pale ale for the gravy. A last minute squeeze of lemon sparks up the flavor.”

–A secret talent, perhaps? You strike me as the proverbial meat-and-potatoes type.”

–Oh, I am. Definitely. Not so easy to get provisions these days, so one adapts. Fresh game requires extra effort to be palatable. Luckily, neighbors are willing to share a recipe or two.”

–If you don’t mind me asking, when do you find time to hunt?”

–Don’t actually. Hagrid drops his catch off at daybreak; I supply him with a cask of that dark lager he prefers. Everyone’s satisfied.”

Augusta glanced nervously in the direction of Hogwarts, but the rear window only showed the dark silhouette of the forest. –How does he manage it? Isn’t the school locked up tight?”

–Is at that. Makes one wonder whether the overlords want to keep people in -- or out. Hagrid was forced to go into hiding in the nearby hills.”

–Who’s teaching his classes then?”

–Hopefully, no one. Those monsters are likely to mistreat magical creatures more than anything else.”

Augusta shivered self-consciously, worry gnawing at her bones. How was Neville faring among such barbarians?

–Are you certain I can’t offer you a spot of tea?” Aberforth volunteered.

–I’m fine, thank you.”

–Some of that elderberry wine you fancy?”

–Especially not that.”

Aberforth appraised her shrewdly. –Want to keep your wits about you -- or is it something else?”

–A polite host would never ask such a thing,” she demurred with a hint of pique.

–Thought as much,” Aberforth harrumphed. –You think nothing of partaking in the main room, but suddenly you don’t trust the barkeep.”

–One is less likely to be dosed in the company of others.”

–Those hags would just as soon carve you up as look at you! A bit of poison just flavors the meat for them!”

–Not enough flesh on these old bones,” Augusta retorted. –Unsavory incidents tend to put customers off.”

–Aye, they do. Unsavory times as well.”

–I can see why you’ve had to resort to bartering. Business being as slow as it is tonight.”

–Business was brisk enough in the afternoon. Then there’s those who nip by to take a bottle home with ‘em to keep the night at bay. Granted the spring temperatures have enticed more of the locals forth, but ultimately it’s the Curfew that sends everyone scurrying at sunset.”

–The Curfew?” She definitely didn’t like the sound of that.

–Latest Death Eater innovation. It’s supposed to keep us safe from the dark terrors of the night; the very abominations they brought with them. How’s that for hypocrisy? Any poor innocent who wanders into town -- or worse yet, Apparates -- sets off the alarm.”

Terror engulfed Augusta so tightly that she could hardly breathe. –How am I to return to my rooms?”

Aberforth laughed at her discomfiture. –Simple. Apparate directly there. As long as there’s no movement on the village lanes, you’re perfectly safe.”

–Seems a right large loophole, if you ask me.”

–Many have said the same thing. Leads one to think it’s the school they have cordoned off, doesn’t it?”

–Don’t your goats move about their pens at night?”

–Aye. And the wild foxes who often set the dustbins to rattlin’. Curfew spell allows for that. But just open your door to put the cat out and you’ll let loose the most hellacious chorus of banshees! Poor Emilia Puddifoot found that out firsthand. Had to help her install a cat flap the very next day.”

With one last stir of the stew, he pronounced it ready. The bowls and utensils arranged themselves on a large tray as he added a few chipped mugs and a large jug of pumpkin juice.

Was he preparing take-away for the very Death Eaters he’d just denounced? –Who can retrieve their orders during a Curfew?” she demanded.

–It’s delivery. Ariana sees to it.”

The likeness tilted her head in response.

–Of course,” Aberforth concurred. –How remiss of me to not have thought of it sooner! Ariana says she’d be happy to deliver a note to Neville if you’d like.”

–The tray’s for the school?”

–Not the entire school, mind you. Regular meals are still served in the Great Hall. Just for the few who’ve holed up in the Room of Requirement for the night. It’s how they avoid the harsher punishments.”

–And you think Neville’s among them.”

–Usually is. Always compliments my cooking, too.”

Augusta prepared a vaguely written note assuring that she was fine ‘in spite of everything’ and how proud she was that he was the sort to tackle those challenges which others often sidestepped. Lastly, she reminded Neville to get plenty of rest and not revise late into the night.

She couldn’t help feeling nervous as Aberforth rolled the parchment tightly and then dropped it into an empty flower vase. He deftly Summoned a wild red carnation to finish the tableau.

–Make certain Neville touches the flower, but don’t let him add water to the vase.”

The image of his young sister nodded that she understood. Aberforth placed the laden tray into her waiting arms then patiently watched her back retreat down a long earthen corridor.

–I always add a Self-Levitating Charm so the tray won’t be too heavy,” he confided lowly. –But it would terrify her if I applied a Locomotor Charm so she could just guide it before her.”

Augusta nodded. So Ariana had been afraid of magic. She’d read about youngsters who reacted that way, usually as a result of childhood trauma. Merlin, she’d read about all sorts of magical disorders -- all the while hoping that Neville was just a late bloomer.

Without any prodding, Aberforth murmured, –Bad set of circumstances it was, I see that now. Too many years blaming one another doesn’t do anyone any good.”

–Was it an accident of sorts?”

–Aye. A bit of rough-housing by lads who were still more boys than men, when you got down to it. Ariana panicked, tragedy reigned.”

–Your parents weren’t there?”

Aberforth shook his head sadly. –Father was long gone and Mother passed away just before my brother’s graduation. Overnight, the both of us became the men of the house. Or rather, Albus did. My role with tending the garden and livestock was the more maternal of the two.” He gave a derisive laugh full of anguish. –We should’ve hired Ariana a proper tutor from the start, someone trained to deal with her condition. Mother was never up to the task, not really.”

–Fear of magic is treatable. Given time, your sister could’ve come to terms with her own abilities.”

–I see that now. The more we tried to shelter her from the outside world, the more we reinforced her fears. But people were different then: too afraid of their neighbors’ opinions. Mother actually preferred that people assume Ariana was a Squib -- or better yet, that she didn’t exist.”

–Children can sense such things without being told. Cloak themselves in a mantle of shame.” Realizing that the words could apply to Aberforth as well, Augusta deftly changed the subject, –Neville told me all secret passages in and out of the school had been sealed. How many others know about the tunnel?”

Aberforth shrugged. –Albus discovered it in a medieval manuscript about survival in times of siege. Rarely used it, though. Couldn’t bear to face Ariana even though it was his magic which rendered her portrait so lifelike. After the school was invaded last year, I took it upon myself to shore up the crumbling walls in case of emergency. Snape was appointed headmaster before I could alert Minerva and Filius; they’re the only remaining Order members.”

Ariana’s figure gradually expanded until she filled the frame once more. Bending at the waist, she handed over the tray bearing a single bud vase. The carnation had turned white.

–Good show; Neville got the note!” Aberforth announced with a proud smile in his sister’s direction. –Let’s see if he sent a reply.”

Handing the flower to Ariana, he upended the vase. Nothing happened.

Augusta gave an involuntary gasp. Had the note been intercepted by enemies who’d exact further punishment?

Sensing her apprehension, Aberforth counseled, –Give it a moment more. These things can be reluctant to show themselves until they ascertain their audience… Perhaps if you said something.”

–Me?”

Against the dark tabletop, a smoky shape writhed before her eyes. Two study legs, a torso, and arms that ended in two boney fingers apiece. A bowtruckle! Augusta rejoiced silently. It was such a fitting Patronus that hearing Neville’s voice pour forth was practically unnecessary.

–You can trust Aberforth, Gran,” the bowtruckle’s mouth moved with the words. –He could’ve poisoned us dissenters long ago, but he didn’t.”

–It’s really him!” Augusta sighed with relief. –How often have you been feeding my grandson?”

–Once or twice a week, more often lately. Can’t say for certain it’s always him. Ariana doesn’t discriminate.”

–You must allow me to pay you. I have galleons or pound notes, whichever you prefer.”

–Don’t be daft, woman! The school’s beholden for the students’ sustenance. I’ll send them a bill once there’s a change in administration.”

–How can you be so certain?”

–Trouble’s brewing. A long awaited confrontation, perhaps. The Death Eaters are bound to catch up with Potter sooner or later. If he’s smart, he’ll meet them on his terms, not theirs.”

–I’d be glad to lend my assistance. Just let me know,” Augusta bade him promise as she rose to her feet. Truth be told, it had been a trying, if ultimately rewarding, evening and she was looking forward to a soft duvet. Tomorrow she’d have to move on to new accommodations that might not be as nice.

–Just Apparate beyond the village outskirts,” Aberforth directed. –Past the stream bounding Old Dawson’s farmstead should do it. I’ve a map if you need to get your bearings.”

–Thanks just the same, but all I need is an open window.”

Aberforth bypassed the largest as throwing open the shutters could set off the Caterwauling Charm. Instead, he led her up the last remaining flight of stairs. Nestled among the attic rafters, a small skylight gazed longingly into the night sky.

–Will this do? It opens inward.”

–Splendidly.”

The transformation was becoming second nature, Augusta noted inwardly as her sooty wings caused Aberforth to back into the corner.

–You’re an impressive old bird,” he applauded as she took to the heavens.

The golden pinpricks of light that marked the village faded beneath wispy clouds. With only the silvery moon as a guide, the intrepid vulture veered northeastward towards the ocean.





She pressed the miniature wireless unit to her ear lest the other guests overhear. The announcer was providing the latest update on the Gringotts Bank break-in that had dominated the airways since noon.

–The owners of the vandalized vault, Rodolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange, were on hand to assist bank authorities -- although their vault’s extra protective measures seem to be hindering the investigation. Goblin officials have since disabled the Gemino Curse so that a proper inventory can be made, warning that the worthless duplicates will be indistinguishable until they fade away at midnight.

–After verbally chewing officials left and right, the Lestranges were called away
unexpectedly and are now unavailable for comment,” the anonymous voice reported. –In a surprising turn of events, extremist animal rights groups are claiming credit for liberating the dragon guardian from the bank’s depths. If so, it’s likely that any collateral damage to the vaults was unintentional and all belongings will be returned to their owners…”

At first glance, the goat Patronus looked like nothing more than a children’s plush toy among the bed pillows. It announced its presence with a soft bleat, then Aberforth’s voice issued, –The party guests are being assembled from throughout the land. We’ll leave a window open.”

Augusta dressed as quickly and soundlessly as she could, the silent weight of the other guests pressing at her from all sides. To them, she was nothing but another old lady on a bird-watching tour. Little did they suspect the field glasses she wore ‘round her neck were Transfigured from the sum of her belongings.

Slipping the room key into an envelope, she placed it at the foot of the bed where the housekeeper was sure to see it; then scribbled a few words about how pleasant her stay had been, adding a five-pound note for emphasis. This time, she shrank her carpetbag until it was nothing but a trinket pouch on a cord, trusting it to dangle from the vulture’s leathery neck.

The bird’s mighty wings carried it inland, away from the ribbon of lights signifying the motorways. Hogwarts castle was a pale jewel among the impenetrable black, the light of its many towers amplified in the lake’s reflection. As the vulture glided ever lower, its sharp eyes detected a nest of fireflies swarming among the ebony trees of the Forbidden Forest.

Hogsmeade village was dark and silent, most residents having already retired for the night. The golden patch of the open skylight drew it past steeply pitched roofs, until folding its wings close, the bird landed with a clatter of claws against the attic floor.

Mere moments later, Augusta had resumed human shape and was retrieving the tiny pouch from where it had tumbled to the floor. She froze at the sound of many voices below. Suspicion surged through her as she peered through the stair railings.

Bodies packed the upstairs drawing room, many in dark traveling cloaks adorned with House emblems. Others were still in their dressing gowns and bedroom slippers. One of the smallest clung tightly to a lilac plush unicorn, her tiny fingers white with fear.

–That’s it! Grab a big handful and announce your destination with clarity,” a man’s voice echoed from below.

It was followed by the shuffling of many feet and plaintive children’s voices which melded together.

–-- all alone.”

–-- fend for myself --”

–Mum’s bound to be asleep…”

–Look, I know you’re all scared,” the man’s voice again. –I’m hardly dressed for traveling myself. But these are emergency procedures instituted by the Headmistress. Your parents will be relieved to find you stumbling about in the parlor. Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven, I’m afraid.”

–Not an hour ago, we had a Headmaster,” a petulant voice returned. –Do you even know who’s in charge?”

–Mister Zabini, I’d remind you that I’m still your Head of House. I’M in charge here!”

In the background, a woman’s voice kept issuing instructions for using the Floo Network.

–What if my parents aren’t home?” an uncertain voice worried. –Can I Floo back?”

–No, darling,” the woman responded. –It’s one-way only. Contact a neighbor or a relative that you’ve returned home safely. That’s the most important thing of all.”

At the sound of heavy footsteps, the bodies reshuffled. Aberforth’s familiar face peered up at her from the landing. –I thought I heard something. Well done, Augusta.” One flick of his wand and the skylight closed on silent hinges. –You arrived in the nick of time. Follow me.”

The queue wound loosely through the pub’s main room, past the dusty bar, and into an adjoining room with a low timbered ceiling. Navigating her way through the crowd, she couldn’t help noticing all manner of footwear from Wellie boots to hastily knotted trainers to vivid lime hippogriff scuffs -- the last from a young woman with purple hair manning the giant hearth that could’ve easily accommodated a full-grown hippogriff.

She hardly seemed older that the seventh-years who were huddled in the corner, yet she spoke a few words of comfort to the tiniest faces. Many of the students could only nod absently as they bravely stepped into the emerald flames and were whisked away.

–I see evacuation is in full force,” Augusta whispered to Aberforth.

–Aye. Invoked the charm that would connect to the Floo Network not half an hour ago. Let’s hope the task is finished before those morons in Magical Transportation recognize an unofficial access point. My friend can only do so much without endangering himself.” He took a measured look at the barely controlled chaos. –Looks like we could really use your help. Formal introductions will have to wait until later, I’m afraid.”

With that Aberforth excused himself to see that Ariana’s portrait hadn’t been unsettled by the sheer volume of unexpected guests.

Stepping into the fray, Augusta called for siblings to pair up and join hands. Two, or even three bodies, dispatched at once would certainly speed up the process.

Not five minutes later, an abandoned satchel in the shape of an owl was being pressed into her arms. Someone had been reading after hours, she decided from the clutch of paperback romances contained within. Had the situation been different, she might’ve noted the Chocolate Frog cards being used as place markers or the bevy of cardboard eyes incensed at being forced to read the same insipid paragraphs over and over. As it was, she simply rebuttoned the flap.

–That’s my friend Tash’s,” a raven-haired lass supplied. –I can take it to her.”

–Promise that you’ll do it tomorrow,” Augusta instructed, securing the strap snugly over the girl’s shoulder.

As the curtain of bodies thinned, Augusta noticed an older gentleman whose silk dressing gown glowed in the lantern light. The back was stitched with an elaborate design of a multi-headed hydra, each individual thread alive with inner luminescence.

Must be the Head of Slytherin House. Horace Slughorn, the name rose from the depths of her memory, followed by Neville’s initial assessment of the man: He’s a pussycat beneath all that bluster. Obsessed with climbing the social ladder, though.

Despite the modulated timbre of his voice, the professor was in a heated argument with his students. Slytherins all, she noted from their attire as they closed in like a pack of hungry hyenas.

–-- thought you were one of us! Now we’re to be crushed under your thumb!”

–Strictly speaking, that’s untrue. In these contentious times, one cannot fault any teacher who chooses to remain neutral,” Slughorn defended.

A lukewarm reception marked this as an overworked platitude.

–When Snape was our Head, we always knew where he stood!”

–Then where is he now, I ask you?” Slughorn volleyed back. –Scarpered off to join his dark master first chance he got.”

–Is that so, Horace?” Aberforth demanded. –The Dark Prophet of Doom no longer holds sway at Hogwarts?”

A chorus of nervous twitters followed this remark, but the Slytherins remained impassive.

–What about the Carrows?” the young woman pressed.

–Ambushed in the Ravenclaw common room,” Horace supplied. –Minerva’s trussed them up like right swine.”

– ‘Bout time,” the woman replied. –Perhaps we can introduce them to Filch’s dungeon for some retraining.”

–Does he really have thumbscrews?” a tiny Hufflepuff posed with wide eyes.

–Or a rack to rearrange our vertebra?” This from a sturdy Ravenclaw lad.

–Or leg irons to hang you by the ankles?” the woman added with a wry grimace.

Augusta gave the most anxious ones a reassuring smile as she herded them towards the hearth. –Filch is a bit of a braggart, I warrant.”

–Don’t tease the young welps so, Tonks,” Slughorn implored. –They’ve endured too much corporeal punishment lately for my taste.”

The smaller ones dispatched, Augusta turned her attention to the older students. Without a doubt, the largest contingent was from Slytherin House.

She hazarded another look in Slughorn’s direction. His students were hardly in a cooperative frame of mind, especially the boldest ones who were slouching against the wall. Either they were peeved that they had been relegated to the last or they were just naturally insolent; either way, they were intent on needling the poor professor.

–The Headmistress said those of age could stay and fight,” a pouty-faced girl complained. –Then in the next breath, she ordered the Slytherins to be escorted from the room.”

–Blatant discrimination,” a taller girl insisted.

Slughorn visibly steeled himself, the thrashing serpents on his back mirroring his true state of mind. –Perhaps suggesting that we surrender Harry Potter to the Dark Lord made a less than stellar impression, Miss Parkinson.”

–Pansy was just being expedient,” a muscular, dark-skinned lad volunteered.

–You’re always touting the value of a diplomatic solution, Professor,” Pansy snarked. –A cease to hostilities.”

Slughorn sighed as he sagged onto a disused stool. –Surrender and diplomacy are not the same thing. Serving up one’s classmates is bad form.”

A few long strides put Aberforth in the midst of it. –Do you think the Dark Lord’s forces are going to back down?” the humble barman demanded. –Not after amassing their forces.”

–We were promised --”

–Nothing!” The purple-haired woman interjected as she motioned for Augusta to assume the hearth duties. –Hogwarts would’ve been overrun regardless. Everyone herded into breeding pens to create a new pureblood aristocracy.”

A wide-shouldered girl pushed herself to the front. –What do you know about it? Your family’s nothing but a bunch of curs!”

–Miss Bulstrode!” Slughorn interceded. –Inflammatory words are nothing but warfare of a different sort. Nymphadora Tonks is an alumnus -- on leave from the Auror Office, I believe.”

–Some uniform,” Pansy sniggered. –Lacy falderals peaking out from beneath a running jacket.”

–Undercover,” an unidentified male voice dared to much giggling.

Tonks approached the cadre with narrowed eyes. With each measured step, her clothing melted away until she was standing in dark Auror robes, her feet laced in regulation leather boots. –In my day, Aurors were assigned to apprehend Dark wizards -- that is, until the stain consumed the Minister himself. The lot of you wouldn’t stand a chance in the real world. Go back to your school books -- or whatever you do to pass the time!”

A wiry, well-groomed lad worked his way to face the professor directly. –Let’s say we cut through the fandango, old chap,” he issued in a smug tone that made Augusta dislike him instantly. –My parents are out there.” He pointed in the direction of the Forbidden Forest. –Pansy’s and Blaise’s, too. We’re all of age; what say you just let us slip out the front door?”

Before Slughorn could frame a response, Aberforth interjected, –An alarm will sound if anyone sets foot on the village streets after dark. The constabulary won’t appreciate being drawn to investigate, Mr. Nott.”

–Let’s assume they’re otherwise occupied,” Nott countered in a silken voice.

–Then you’ll come face-to-face with the dementors patrolling the perimeter,” Tonks growled. –But don’t worry, your parents will be on hand to identify your soulless husks.”

There was a collective gasp from the few students remaining, followed by the sound of muffled sobs. Augusta had to pronounce many of the destinations herself and then toss the powder at the children’s feet. No need to risk hiccupping voices confusing the Floo Network.

–I’ve never been one for politics myself,” a girl bearing a House Prefect pin spoke up from the back.

–Miss Greengrass?” Horace noted with a grim smile. –You may join your sister, if you prefer.”

Without a backward glance, the girl wrapped her arms around a skinny Ravenclaw lass as they were both scooped away into the Floo. Her final words echoed in Augusta’s ears, –Don’t worry, Asteria. If Mum and Dad are away, Bobbin will fix us some hot cocoa…”

Slughorn huffed to his feet to better address the remainder of his unruly House. –If you’re of age, I can’t prevent you supporting whichever side you choose. But I will not deliever you into the hands of known despots!” Brandishing his wand for emphasis, he added, –My assignment is to see you safely home and I’ll hex any who try to stop me!”

One glance at the truculent faces and Augusta sensed this group could not be trusted to act responsibly. –Midnight’s almost upon us,” she announced. –Perhaps we could aid them along. Do you have any sort of a class roster, Professor?”

Slughorn blinked twice into the fire, then felt among the pockets of his dressing gown. –As it happens, I was addressing progress reports to some of the parents. An old-fashioned habit that many no longer follow, but… Ah, here it is.”

He handed over a small notebook.

Aberforth peered at the cramped writing, then shook his head. –Can’t make it out, Horace. You’ll have to do the honors.”

Augusta assured the professor that as long as he was the one to release the Floo Powder, the network would heed his instructions.

–Zabini residence, Northampton,” Slughorn instructed amid flashes of phosphorescent green. –Theodore Nott the Elder, Kensington…Bulstrode residence, Cheshire…Parkinson cottage, Sommerset.”

With the troublemakers dispatched, Aberforth collapsed the Floo connection with a sharp rap. –Still a few minutes shy of the hour,” he announced with relief.

A crimson flash from Tonks’ wand and an avalanche of chimney bricks tumbled into the massive grate. –Just in case anyone gets the notion of a return trip,” she clarified. –Always place your trust in a physical barrier, I say.”

–Now the question remains, what to do with Horace?” Aberforth voiced.

–Me?” Slughorn swallowed convulsively. He looked frantically from the ruined hearth to each of their faces. –Potter said something about Apparating out of the pub.”

–Can’t have you making nice with the enemy, can we?” Tonks concurred. With a flick of her wrist, she disarmed the professor.

–You did say you favored a diplomatic solution,” Augusta commented.

–Only because taking sides creates unnecessary enemies,” Slughorn sputtered as he collapsed into the nearest chair. –Please don’t lump me in with the other Slytherins. A bunch of miscreants, I admit. I failed in any attempts to instill common courtesy this year; we all did.”

–And just what are we supposed to think?” Aberforth insisted.

–Didn’t Albus tell you? Perhaps Potter, no?” Slughorn pleaded. –They found me hiding as a chintz settee to avoid those Death Eaters. Not a single shred of dignity left. Hogwarts was my last refuge. Just because I was in Slytherin House doesn’t mean…”

–He’s right,” Tonks allowed. –Not exactly common knowledge, but Alastor Moody was in Slytherin. My mother, too.”

–We could escort him home by Side-Along,” Augusta volunteered.

–Alas, dear lady, Hogwarts is…was…my only home. But you can’t think I’d want to face that madman! One look into those demonic eyes and it would be all over! He doesn’t want to confront the truth he’s been avoiding for years. Don’t you think he’ll kill the messenger?”

There was no stopping the torrent of words once the professor got started. –The truth is wizarding births have been declining in the past century; no one knows why. But their explanation, the very cornerstone on which they base their pureblood ideology, is false. Restricting magic to those of pure or mixed parentage will only acerbate the problem. Every Squib will just pass on his affliction until that’s all that remains.

–No, the answer rests with the Muggle-borns. What could be more inherently miraculous than a young witch or wizard born of two totally non-magical parents? Why it’s the very definition of magic!”

–How long have you felt this way?” Aberforth probed.

–Always. Some of my best students were Muggle-borns. That’s why Albus and I hit it off --” Slughorn stopped in mid-stream, then started flipping through his notebook in a blind panic. –Did anyone see Mr. Malfoy? His family estate’s been commandeered as Death Eater headquarters; I promised Minerva I’d see him off with a friend.”

Aberforth frowned in concentration. –Can’t say I saw him. Nor his minions, Frick and Frack.”

–Crabbe and Goyle,” the professor amended. –What about you ladies?”

Both Augusta and Tonks shook their heads to the negative.

–Didn’t you keep your house together, man?” Aberforth growled.

–I tried,” Slughorn gulped. –One of the roving staircases in the entrance hall jammed and we had to backtrack. That’s how my group ended up shuffled in the middle. The younger ones were at the head of the queue with Madam Pomfrey.”

–It’s a well-known fact that the Malfoys have fallen out of favor with their master. You can’t think --” Tonks cried.

There was no need to finish the thought. What if Draco took it upon himself to redeem his family’s honor? With two accomplices, no less!

–I’ll find them if I have to turn that castle inside out!” Slughorn wheezed.

–I’ll do it!” Aberforth roared. –I reckon I know more secret passages than the lot of you.” He shared a meaningful look with Tonks before taking the stairs two at a time.

–Sit,” Tonks commanded. –We’re not done with you yet, Professor. By the way, this is Augusta Longbottom, Neville’s gran. Wotcher.”

–Pleasure. Aberforth said he was expecting you,” Slughorn muttered mechanically, his eyes never wavering from Tonks’ wand.

–She single-handedly overpowered a Ministry tough who was sent to collect her,” Tonks continued. –Imagine what she can do to you. One toe out of line, Horace…”

–I’m nothing but a broken down hobby horse,” Slughorn moaned.

–One with a unique window on the world,” Tonks clarified. Much to Augusta’s surprise, the young woman drew up a chair to sit before the frazzled professor. Once more she was clad in a velour track suit, her feet in sensible trainers. Bright pink curls softened her facial features.

–Tell me what you know of Hogwarts, Professor,” she urged in a gentle voice. –We’ve had very little news, information cordoned off just as much as the students. The smallest thing could tip the scale in our favor.”

Caught off guard, Slughorn sputtered, –I’m not sure what you mean….”

–Why is Hogwarts so strategic to the Death Eaters? They can’t have known for certain Harry would come, yet they’ve been guarding it tightly for months.”

–Don’t you get regular reports from your associates?”

–We’ve been scattered to the winds; no formal meetings in ages,” she confided. –Teachers still talk among themselves, don’t they?”

–Not so much anymore,” Slughorn frowned. –Always a chance of the Carrows arriving unexpectedly.”

–What about Snape himself? Is he still prone to dramatic entrances in the staff room like Remus recalls?”

–Not since his promotion to Headmaster. Keeps to himself mostly.”

Tonks nodded. –Leaves the day-to-day administration of the school to his henchmen, I hear. Hours locked away in his office.”

–Actually, not so much,” Slughorn volunteered. –He prefers to haunt the dungeons.”

Augusta shared a look with Tonks; clearly they were of a like mind: Snape would find it intolerable to face the portrait of the man he’d murdered. The dungeons were ideal for burying his troubles, both physically and metaphorically.

–Albus allowed him to keep his private laboratory after I arrived,” Slughorn clarified. –My larger office is just around the corner.”

–Any idea what occupies him?”

Slughorn shrugged. –From what I remember of his student days, Severus finds solace in brewing potions. Solutions respond predictably, unlike humans.”

–But you’re the Potions Master now, Professor,” Tonks observed.

Slughorn gave a sharp, derisive laugh. –It’s still his domain. He’s the great Potions Master of Hogwarts; I’m just a lackey taking over his duties while he steps into the Headmaster’s boots. Please understand, I have no idea what he does behind that locked door. Baking biscuits, for all I know. But the Carrows’ furtive comments often drift in my direction; even they’re loath to face his wrath when interrupted.”

–So they linger until he emerges,” Tonks surmised.

–I’ve only snippets, mind you,” Slughorn qualified. –Seems the Dark Lord is dissatisfied with the Muggle-born Registration Commission. Nothing but a den of bureaucratic ineptitude.”

–Considering who’s at the head…” Tonks allowed with a sardonic eyebrow lift.

–How can they convince anyone that adult Muggle-borns stole their magic?” Augusta offered. –Ollivander’s records can attest to wand purchases.”

–Perhaps that explains why Ollivander’s shop is in shambles,” Tonks postulated.

–Every first-year knows the wand chooses the wizard,” Slughorn supplied. –Unless Britain’s been overrun by a slew of defective wands… Well, you see the obstacles.”

–Depending on neighbors to denounce one another is hardly reliable policy, either,” Augusta returned with a hint of buried anger.

–So they deny Muggle-born children admittance to Hogwarts,” Tonks summarized. –Ignoring the danger that untrained wizards pose to the world at large.”

–The school’s magic unwittingly gives them the tools to abduct Muggle-born offspring,” Slughorn pronounced starkly. Into the shocked silence, he expounded, –The register of new admittances promptly arrives on the Head’s desk on the first of July.”

Tonks rapped herself on the forehead. –And those with Muggle families are identified so magical emissaries can deliver the Hogwarts letter. My father still recalls…” Her voice died out to a wet croak.

Slughorn patted her knee sympathetically. –I was sorry to hear about Ted Tonks’ demise; I recall him vividly from my classes. That’s why the Death Eaters target children; the innocent don’t know to run.”

–Like lambs to the slaughter,” Augusta provided.

–Worse,” Slughorn insisted. –An enchanted register records all magical births for admittance to Hogwarts. We’ve all heard the story. The Death Eaters are convinced they can subjugate that magic to their own ends: use it to pinpoint Muggle-borns at birth.”

Tonks gasped. –Mass genocide? That’s monstrous.”

Augusta’s mind churned with outrage. That was it: Voldemort’s Final Solution. Elegant in its simplicity. Aloud, she tendered, –Aren’t there any safeguards? Surely the Founders never envisioned their magic could be used this way.”

–No one knows,” Slughorn admitted. –No tangible sort of registry book has been found. Such a thing may not even exist.”

–So it’s a magical metaphor,” Tonks supposed. –Information stored in the very foundation of the castle that’s inaccessible to human hands.”

Slughorn concurred, –One can only hope. But the Carrows are convinced they will succeed where others have failed.”

–Have they?”

–They stumble about the ramparts more often than not,” Slughorn snorted. –Wouldn’t recognize an enchantment if it offered to introduce them to its family. But someone as crafty as Snape … Well, you see why his long absences are worrisome. Not that I’ve confided in anyone before now. If the Carrows overheard, they’d either cut out my tongue or brand my forearm as their new best mate. Either way, I lose.”

–Does Snape offer any explanations?” Tonks prodded.

–Has he ever?” Slughorn dismissed. –He’s always been such a sullen bastard that many don’t notice anything’s amiss. Then every once in a while, he’ll throw us a bone: like that saying about teachers being neutral.”

Tonks gaped. –That came from Snape? What a ruddy hypocrite! He’s shown favoritism to Slytherins from day one. Saw it first-hand myself.”

–He’s walking a perilous tightrope between Death Eater sensibilities and teachers who see things in a different light,” Augusta theorized.

–Likely so,” Slughorn agreed. –Or he’s just trying to keep everyone off balance; that’s Filch’s theory, anyway.”

–Filch?” Tonks cried. –I can’t imagine him trusting anyone other than that stringy cat of his.”

–So true,” Horace chuckled darkly. –But he grumbles mightily as he goes about his chores.”

The golden hands of the carved mantle clock had reached midnight. With a barely perceptible click, a trap door opened and a carved owl gave a dozen mournful hoots.

–It’s folly to linger longer, Professor. We all heard that monster’s ultimatum,” Tonks opined as she jumped to her feet. –Augusta and I will just have to arrive late and unescorted.”

Augusta nodded that she understood. She’d gotten a good lay of the land during previous flights. –Come on, Professor,” she coaxed. –We’ll have you someplace out of harm’s way.”

Slughorn’s eyes pleaded for mercy but he dutifully grasped Augusta’s upper arm. She reminded herself that mass and weight were irrelevant; all she had to do was envision turning on the spot.

After a few breathless moments they exploded into the dark countryside, the hollow crack of Apparition echoing mightily into the night. The soft gurgle of the stream convinced Augusta that she had judged the distance correctly. As she released him, Slughorn stumbled into a sitting position.

–Where are we?” he whispered, studying the evening stars in a futile attempt to orient himself.

–Out of range of the Caterwauling Charm.”

–I’m too exhausted for twenty questions,” he groaned.

–East of Hogsmeade. Continue down that lane and you’ll intersect the main Muggle road.” Almost unbidden, the memory of Remus’ date with Tonks came to mind. –There’s an inn at the crossroads, but I don’t know whether it’s north or south. Sorry.”

–Hardly dressed for travel,” Slughorn protested weakly.

–Clothes can be transfigured.”

–Unless I’m Nymphadora, can’t do so without a wand.”

Augusta didn’t respond. She was too caught up in the sensation of transforming into a vulture.

Slughorn’s eyes opened wide then he chortled with delight, –Such a hidden cache of talent! I see where Neville gets it. Should’ve named him Head Boy when I had the chance.”

The bird looked at him quizzically, its beak unable to form any words despite Augusta’s inner thoughts.

As if reading her mind, the professor elaborated, –Snape quashed all that this year; inter-house Quidditch, too. Only Prefects to be charged with maintaining discipline; everything else was just a hollow tradition. A farce without Miss Granger in the running for Head Girl was my immediate thought. Followed by relief that I wouldn’t have to put forth an undeserving candidate from my own House. But Neville: now that’s someone with true leadership potential. I regret not having had the chance to undo years of intimidation by my predecessor.”

The bird flapped its wings to hold itself steady in the air. Wrapped in silence, Augusta was uncertain how to react. Was Horace just a popinjay trying to ingratiate himself? Or was he yet another casualty swept before Voldemort’s relentless domination?

At the flashes of spells in the distance, the vulture turned one beady eye in the direction of Hogwarts castle. The other, it kept trained on Slughorn’s portly shadow as it grew smaller in the distance. When it had reached enough altitude, the bird released its prize with a loud squawk.

Far below, Slughorn blinked uncertainly into the darkness, then broke into a smile as the wand clattered to the ground at his feet. Snatching it in his meaty fist, he raised a salute to the heavens. –You won’t regret it! Just you wait and see!”

Didn’t the fool man realize how sound carried on the night air? Augusta grumbled to herself. He’ll be waking the sleeping farmhands before --

Her thoughts were cut short at a loud explosion from the direction of the school. With grim determination, the vulture swooped towards the open window of the Hog’s Head.

Augusta found Tonks herding the last of the goats into the pub’s front room. –Can’t have them jumping the fence. Aberforth would be beside himself.”

–Ever wonder where the expression ‘nervous nellie’ came from?” Augusta supplied as she extinguished the last of the oil lamps.

With final protective charms directed to all four walls, Augusta followed Tonks up the stairs. Ariana gave them a wan smile as Tonks instructed, –No one else comes through after us. Our lives depend on it.”

By unspoken agreement, they stopped mid-tunnel to take a short rest.

–As much as I hate to admit it,” Tonks grumbled under her breath, –that uppity Slytherin cow was right about my robes -- or lack thereof. Wizards can be so stuffy.” Squeezing her eyes shut, she transformed her clothing into a traditional skirt and blouse set, trainers dissolving into supple flats.

Augusta barely had time to react before the younger woman took off at a determined pace.

–Remus isn’t the only one who’s lost friends and colleagues in this struggle,” Tonks elaborated. –My father was hunted down like an outlaw just because his parents were Muggles. Not to mention poor Mad-Eye: no obituary, no funeral; it’s as if the man never existed!”

Augusta could scarcely believe it. Moody was practically an institution in the Auror Department, his presence felt even after his official retirement. –But how…” she managed through a tight throat.

–Killing curse at high altitude. Reliable witnesses say he was fairly blasted from his broomstick.”

–How could those nefarious bleeders hide such a thing?”

–His body was never found. Remus was part of the search detail. The Death Eaters weren’t exactly acting lawfully, so the facts were buried. Let people think Mad-Eye went abroad; wouldn’t be the only one who left everything behind.”

Augusta shuddered at the sheer ruthlessness of their enemies. Had she not escaped their clutches, would Neville have returned to an empty house with no explanation of her whereabouts given? It was worse than Death, she decided. One’s existence wiped out as inconsequential. Loved ones never knowing whether to grieve or hold out hope indefinitely.

As the tunnel sloped upward near its end, she clutched her wand tightly, ready to confront those who threatened her way of life.

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