Dumbledore turned to Amelia Bones. "Amelia, can you hold off questioning Harry and the other Champions until tomorrow?"
"Albus, I have no idea what is going on actually. Does Mr. Potter have testimony that will be relevant to this evening?"
Dumbledore took her gently by the arm and led her a little away from the listening ears around them. "Amelia, he has everything to do with this evening and I..." He started to explain what had happened over the last several hours. Harry, his bondmates, other champions and the rest of the people who had participated in the past watched as the face of the Director of Magical Law Enforcement evolved through various emotions until the story ended.
"I can understand why Minister Fudge considered that story to be unbelievable Albus. I find it rather hard to accept it myself," she finally said.
"I would imagine so," Dumbledore replied. "None the less it is true. I only ask you keep an open mind as you interview each of the people that the minister claims to be impostors. Each has a fascinating tale to tell."
Amelia turned back to Harry and the others. "It will be at least several hours before I can be ready for your interviews," she admitted. "I want more of the background information before I determine what questions need to be asked of you Mr. Potter and the other champions along with anyone else who had something to do with this evening. I would like all of your wands, and I ask that none of you leave Hogwarts this evening. When notified, I expect you to present yourselves as quickly as possible."
"Yes ma'am," Harry replied as he handed over his wand while Hermione, Gabrielle and Fleur did likewise. Viktor started patting his robes, then Cedric remembered he had Viktor's wand as well. "Sorry, here are mine and Krum's."
Madam Bones' thick eyebrow rose at that statement. "You'll understand shortly Amelia," Dumbledore replied.
"Ma'am, sir," Fleur said. "When you do need us just send Dobby, 'E's a 'ouse-elf. 'E'll know where to find us," She took Harry by the hand and pulled him after her. Gabrielle and Hermione were only a step behind. The women had been in a conversation and none of them were planning on leaving Harry's side that night.
"Unfortunately I must return to Paris zis evening to discuss ze events with my own Minister Madam Bones," Alain Delacour said. "I will make myself available for questioning tomorrow morning."
Amelia Bones realized immediately who she had just spoken. "Minister Delacour? You were part of this?"
"Oui, it 'as been a long and eventful night. As I said, I will be at your disposal tomorrow to give you any information you need."
"Yes of course, thank you sir," She said. "May I ask if you concur with Albus on what has occurred this evening?"
"I personally saw Voldemort zis evening Madam if zat is what you mean," He replied. "I participated in a battle against 'im when 'e tried to kill my daughter."
The Director of the Magical Law Enforcement division nodded her head. "Very well Minister. Please let me know when you return tomorrow."
"Thank you. I shall," Alain replied and moved toward his wife.
Apolline had wanted a chance to talk to her daughters. Her eldest daughter had been almost killed twice in the last two hours while she and her younger sister had suffered through what they had thought was the death of their bondmate. She wanted to hold and comfort them, but could only watch as they walked away. She looked over at her husband who read her face instantly.
"Tomorrow my love. We shall talk to them tomorrow. Tonight is theirs," He said. "Now I must communicate what has happened to Pierre. I'm sure he will want to start working on plans for our country's response to this. It will be best if the French Minister is fully briefed before the story shows up in the paper tomorrow."
Apolline looked one more time as her daughters and their bond mate walked away. She took her husband's arm and said. "I shall join you. I do not wish to stay here tonight," She gave his arm a more firm squeeze. "Alain, you could have been killed as well."
He once again revisited the graveyard in his mind. He watched in horror as Voldemort had tried to kill his daughter though because she had been disillusioned he hadn't known that at the time, but now looking back it made it all the worst. He could see a young man he now considered his son, move faster than he could even think into the path of the light while calling out his daughter's name. He looked into his wife's beautiful blue eyes. "Yes, it was possible, but I could not sit back and do nothing when my daughter was risking her life for her mate."
"I know Alain. You were very brave."
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