When Ginny discovered I was in Harry's bed, she proceeded to scream loud enough for the entire house to be awakened. Everyone currently residing in the location responded to the scream expecting trouble. In the ensuing pandemonium, Harry and I felt it necessary to disclose our marriage to the Weasleys, for nothing else would quell the vulgarities being used against me by Molly Weasley. As you can imagine, this caused further issues with Ginny which ended in a physical confrontation between the two of us. I do understand her mother was able to correct her bloodied nose.
As the Headmaster is sure to inform you, Harry and I knew of Ginny's intentions. Professor Dumbledore argued that we should have brought the matter to his or your attention. Harry and I felt otherwise. Just bringing the matter to light would have allowed Ginny to deny any involvement or claim other means of defense. We felt the only way to ensure the matter was properly handled was to expose her in an attempt. Adding to this certainty was the fact that her mother had also used love potions when she was young.
Unfortunately we also knew that Ronald was helping her. He had attempted to administer potions to me as well. As you might surmise, the incidents which led to the disruption of the Charms OWL were in fact a direct result of Ginny and Ron's actions. Harry and I apologize for the diversion of those potions but felt that it was a way to deal with two issues at once. Had we brought it to Umbridge's attention, it is likely we would not have been believed due to the persecution Harry was enduring and even if we were, Arthur Weasley would have suffered greatly for his children's misdeeds. We also had hoped that Ginny and Ron might forgo any additional attempts if they were humiliated by their own potions, while at the same time undermine the Inquisitorial Squad effectiveness. Unfortunately Ron and Ginny chose to continue their efforts with stronger potions after that failed attempt.
This brings me back to my intentions and Professor Dumbledore. We discussed these matters with the Headmaster earlier today, but he seemed intent on Ronald continuing in his role as prefect. With Professor Dumbledore's single-minded focus on that intention, I am concerned he has other issues besides what is best for Hogwarts and Gryffindor in mind. If he truly thinks Ronald Weasley represents those Professors I respect so highly, then I no longer wish to be considered the same.
In conclusion, I have a single question to ask of you. Could you, knowing what I have explained, endorse Ronald Weasley to continue being the authority of Gryffindor? Of being YOUR authority? If you can, then perhaps the esteem I have for you is as misplaced as that which I had for the Headmaster when I arrived at Hogwarts.
I await yours and the Headmaster's decision on this matter. I will admit that if compelled, my resignation would be given with heavy heart but it would be given. I truly hope it will not be necessary.
Sincerely,
Hermione J. Potter
As Professor McGonagall finished the letter, she couldn't help but smile at the signature, but the smile quickly disappeared as she thought of the content. She quickly flipped to the second sheet and studied the list of potions. A wave of disgust ran through her as she recognized the names.
"How can one of my lions do such a thing?" She asked herself with dismay. "Two of them actually," She knew she needed to wait until she heard the Headmaster's side of the story before she should draw definitive conclusions, but she had no reason to believe Hermione would lie in such a situation.
"If it were purely Ginny or Ron's word against hers, I know who I'd believe," McGonagall thought. She rose from her seat with every intention of storming into the Headmaster's office for a complete explanation, but then she reconsidered. "No. Let him come to the lion's den. If he doesn't know I have already heard of the incident and the Potters' side, I might be able to catch him unaware."
Minerva sat back down and pulled out a new sheet of parchment and a quill.
Mrs. Potter,
Per your letter concerning the events transpiring yesterday which I received this morning, I wish to state unequivocally that I have not consented to the continuation of Ronald Weasley as Prefect. If the allegations which you state in your letter are factual, I could not imagine any excuse provided by the Headmaster which would allow me to consider even the possibility of his retaining prefect duties.
Please inform Mr. Potter that it is still my intention for him to permanently step into that role next year.
M. McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
After she sealed and addressed the envelope, she called a Hogwarts house-elf.
"Please take this to the Owlry and send it out immediately."
"Yes Professor Ma'am," The small elf said with a happy smile.
....
"Ma'am?" Tonks said to Madam Bones as she entered her office.
"Potter got the word about the trials?"
"Yes ma'am."
"And you can't tell me where he's staying?"
"If I could I would ma'am," Tonks replied honestly. "Even Harry can't tell you."
"Fidelius then," Bones guessed correctly. "I presume that means you're my only link to him that I can trust now that Shacklebolt is assigned to the Minister's office?"
"I'll do whatever you need me to do ma'am."
"I'm glad to hear that," Amelia answered. "I think the first thing to do is reassign you."
"Ma'am?"
"I'm taking you off active patrol and putting you on my staff," Amelia explained. "If I need to get word to Potter, I can't wait to track you down. Besides, you've made some good observations and think you'll be a great addition to my staff."
"Eh...thank you ma'am," Tonks replied nervously. "Before you do, I'd like to say something that's more...eh...personal but might influence your decision in this case."
Amelia bushy eyebrows came together as she studied the young witch. "Oh?"
"Uh...I'm hoping well," Tonks swallowed hard. "I'm hoping to start dating a werewolf and I...I don't want it to reflect badly on you. He's already reluctant just because he's concerned about my career."
The fact that Tonks had been married to Remus Lupin in the future had come out in the memories Harry and Hermione had shared, as well as the fact that both of them had died in the final battle. Amelia hadn't thought of that as an issue, but then an idea came to her. She could use Dumbledore's own tricks. She'd use Dumbledore's own people. "Who may I ask?" Bones asked already knowing the answer.
"Remus Lupin."
"The man who taught Defense at Hogwarts a few years back?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Susan had good things to say about him. A member of the Order I presume?" Again Amelia knew the answer but was trying to get to a point.
"Eh…yes," Tonks admitted.
"What does he do for Dumbledore?"
"Ma'am?" Tonks hesitated but then remembered what Madam Bones had said about loyalty. "He reports on the werewolves. He tries to get information if he can."
"Interesting that we, the people who need to fight this war, are not getting that information," Amelia said and then offered the hook. "Do you think Mr. Lupin would be interesting in working for me as well?"
"Ma'am?"
"I need that information, more than Dumbledore I'd say," Amelia said. She had seen the werewolves in the final battle and wanted a more direct approach against those who would ally with Voldemort. "It would have to be unofficial of course, since the ones we need the information on would not talk to an official ministry employee but he'd be paid."
"That's more than Dumbledore is doing," Tonks muttered.
"Run the idea past him. If he's interested let me know. But I will warn you that I'd need the same kind of commitment from him as I do you. I do not mind if he's in the Order of the Phoenix and continues to work for Dumbledore, but he can't go behind my back. I can also suggest that if I make it out of this war alive I can find a place for him, legitimately."
"I'll ask him."
"As for it affecting my selection of you, I'm not concerned," Amelia replied. "I have a war to fight and win. That means I need the best people not the most popular. Do I make myself clear?"
Tonks smiled. "Yes ma'am."
....
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