"Severus spied for our side against Voldemort. It was only his personal vouching that allowed Severus to not be convicted at his trial," Remus replied. "Almost immediately after that day, he was offered the position of Potions Master."
Alain frowned. "Would you ever trust someone who betrayed 'is old master? A man willing to switch sides in ze middle of a conflict is likely to switch back at any time."
"Albus always said that Severus had good reasons for going against Voldemort."
"Did 'e ever say what zose reasons were?"
"No...only that he was satisfied with them."
Alain Delacour shook his head and a few word of French were uttered. "Sorry my friend, but ze man 'olds too many secrets and expects everyone to just trust zat 'e knows best."
"He usually does."
"Unfortunately I 'ave not been zat impressed. Ze whole matter of ze tournament and Moody, of many things over ze years. Especially of ze way 'e 'as treated 'Arry," Alain smiled at Lupin. "I know 'e 'as been good to you. Just be careful. Don't follow 'im blindly. Even ze best of men can make ze worst of mistakes and you know zat when great men make mistakes, people usually die."
Remus nodded thoughtfully at him.
"Good, now Apolline is waiting to 'ave lunch. Would you like to go with us to ze zree broomsticks?"
"If you're sure I wouldn't be taking time away from you and your wife, I'd be happy too."
Back in Dumbledore's office, he had turned his Floo back on and had just sat down at his desk to work on the many issues that needed his attention when the floo flared and the voice of Molly Weasley boomed out.
"DUMBLEDORE... is it true? Arthur is getting conflicting answers at work. Is You-Know-Who really back? Did all the stuff in the Prophet happen? How's Harry? Did he really get hit with a killing curse again? Oh the poor dear," Her questions poured forth without a chance for Albus to get a word in.
Finally the head of Molly Weasley stopped with her questions and Dumbledore replied in a very tired voice. "Yes Molly. I hate to say it, but Voldemort has returned. The accounts in the Prophet were more or less accurate. Harry is fine and yes he did survive getting hit with a killing curse again."
"That poor dear," Mrs. Weasley repeated. "You get him to the Burrow as soon as you can this year Albus. Oh the poor boy," she added once more. "Maybe I should come up there today? He's probably so distraught."
"I'm sorry Molly but I don't think you need to be concerned about the young man."
"Of course I do," Molly exclaimed. 'He's...he's like my own son. He's been so confused this year. Maybe you can let him leave school early and come here for the summer."
"Molly, I know he has other plans for this summer," Dumbledore replied. "Currently he is not planning on coming to the Burrow, but I shall ask to see if he wishes to now."
"He said that same nonsense yesterday as well," Molly admitted. "Obviously it's the influence of that...that Veela. Did you know he even said he was going to spend the summer with her?"
Dumbledore sighed. He knew Molly Weasley wasn't usually this biased. She liked Remus Lupin and of course Blood Purity meant nothing to her, but for some reason she has always believed the witches' tales of Veela. He could only guess that it came from the articles that would appear in the magazines like Witch Weekly and the numerous romance novels that she read, many of which had plots of Veela stealing lovers away. He also remembered that Celestina Warbeck was her favorite singer and one of her all time popular songs had been 'Guard your Wizard's Heart' which has a few lines dealing with Veela as well.
"Molly," Dumbledore said. "Right now Voldemort is a much bigger issue to deal with, but if you really care about Harry, you really need to think about what you are saying. You did read the part about Fleur Delacour being instrumental in saving Harry's life didn't you?"
"Nonsense," Molly sniffed. "It was probably her fault he was there. The poor boy was probably under her influence when he jumped in front of that curse too. You have got to do something about it Albus."
"I can only tell you that you are wrong," Dumbledore replied. "But I will not discuss it any further though. Please let Arthur know what I have said about Voldemort and also that I am organizing the Order again. Good day Molly," And with a flick of his wand he closed the floo connection. He shook his head as he considered Molly Weasley. He knew she was a very loyal motherly person. But he also knew that when she believed something to be true, it was very difficult to get her to change her mind.
He looked at the pile of paperwork again and sighed. He was about to start on one of them when again the Floo lit brilliant green again and the head of Cornelius Fudge could be seen.
"Dumbledore?"
"Yes Cornelius?" The Headmaster answered wearily.
"Why haven't you contacted me?"
"I thought when you left last evening you made it very clear you didn't want me to contact you."
"No, no," Fudge replied. "I mean from this morning. I asked Dolores to contact you three hours ago."
"I'm sorry, but I haven't heard a word from Madam Umbridge," Dumbledore replied.
"Odd. Well never mind her," The Minister of Magic said. "Look, I uh... about last night..." Fudge stammered.
"Yes Minister?"
"Blast it Dumbledore, you were right. There I admitted it," Fudge said.
Dumbledore nodded graciously at the fireplace. "Truthfully Cornelius, I truly wished I hadn't been."
"About uh You-Know-Who. What should we do? I mean what can we, I mean I..." Fudge looked panicked.
"We were very fortunate last night Minister," Dumbledore replied. "It seems his original plan would have been for him to resurrect himself with no one but his supporters knowing about it. We were supposed to have wasted a lot of time looking for Harry Potter while he quietly built up his power. As you know, he failed at many levels."
"Yes. I can see we were fortunate but what do I do?" The Minister almost pleaded.
"Do what you did last night," Dumbledore suggested. "This is a matter for Magical Law Enforcement so turn the entire investigation over to Madam Bones. Ask her what she needs to do it successfully and help her get it. Then tell the public the truth."
"Yes, that might work," Fudge replied but still looking very nervous. "About young Mr. Potter; is there any chance he would be willing to pay a visit to my office?"
"I do not know," Dumbledore admitted as he sat back in his chair. "Though if you wish to start making a path toward young Mr. Potter, it starts with Sirius Black."
"He... was it really Pettigrew?" Fudge asked. "How can that be?"
"Yes it was though; I am sure Madam Bones has relayed that to you already."
"But how? I mean he really was a rat? For twelve years?"
"Yes," Dumbledore replied. "I was fooled as well Cornelius. Remember that it was I who originally told the Ministry that it was Sirius who was Potters' secret keeper."
"But it..."
"Cornelius, remember that is was not you who originally did the injustice. The main culprit was Barty Crouch Senior and according to the testimony of his son, he is now dead. If you need to pass the blame for this, then do so, but for now just call off the Dementors."
"I already have, I had Dolores..." Fudge's head in the fireplace looked noticeably more nervous. "Maybe I better check with Amelia to make sure she got that message."
"By all means Cornelius," Dumbledore replied.
....
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