"Thank you!" said Fred, taking the book back from her.
"You're planning on going into business after leaving Hogwarts?" asked Bianca.
"Of course we are," replied George "We've spent years developing various tricks and treats. What else are we going to do after school's done other than sell them?"
"Good point," said Katie "Where are you getting the start-up capital?"
Fred shut his book and turned to her "Was there a point to this visit or are you just here to annoy us?"
"Partly to annoy," replied Katie "but we also have a little job for you, if you're willing."
The twins exchanged a look before George replied "We're listening."
The sun was setting behind the mountains which surrounded Hogwarts, bathing the castle and the surrounding sloping lawns in a vivid orange glow. A chilly breeze blew through the air, encouraging the last few students who remained outside to retreat behind the castle walls.
Through the window of his office, Albus Dumbledore stood watching as Harry Potter and Ron Weasley made their way up towards the castle, broomsticks slung over their shoulders as they talked and laughed together happily.
'As they should be,' thought Dumbledore.
There was a knock at the door and Dumbledore turned to one of the tables that were covered in silver instruments. Already there was smoke in the air forming the words "Severus."
"Come in Severus." Dumbledore called out as the smoke dissipated.
The office door opened and the castle's dour potions master entered.
"Everything is prepared for this evening," said Snape after shutting the door securely.
"Very good," replied Dumbledore "Remember, once you are safely within range of your target you must dispose of her quickly and effectively. We cannot afford for you to get caught. Do not rush in; wait for the most opportune moment."
"Of course," said Snape. He seemed to mull something over for a few moments before asking "Are you certain that the chosen target is the best option?"
"I am. She had her chance to stay away from Harry. Now she is nothing more than a menace that must be eliminated. Casting the Dark Mark over her body will help cover our tracks."
Snape nodded and turned to leave.
"Severus," Dumbledore called after him, causing the man to pause by the door and turn back.
"Be careful."
After the potions master had left Dumbledore turned back towards his window and spotted a majestic looking barn owl winging its way towards the tower in which his office was located. He pushed open the window and the regal bird swooped in and landed on top of the ornate desk.
Dumbledore quickly relieved the owl of its burden, a letter, and the predatory denizen of the night spread its beautiful wings and took flight once more. Dumbledore closed the window after it had gone and then sat himself down behind the desk in order to read the letter.
It was from Sirius Black and read
Professor Dumbledore,
I was most disappointed when I was informed by Mad-Eye that you have had to confiscate the Marauders' Map from Harry, but having heard the reasoning behind this course of action I must admit that this is a fair decision, especially in light of the events of the last school year. As much as I would like Harry to use the map to sneak girls into broom cupboards, I understand that his safety, as well as that of the school as a whole, is of the utmost importance. It is unfortunate that Harry does not see it this way, but I am sure that he will come around in time.
To activate the map, simply touch the tip of your wand to it and speak the password, which is 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.' To deactivate it, touch it with your wand again and say 'Mischief managed.' The map will show you the locations of everyone within the castle, including Peeves the Poltergeist. Unfortunately we were never able to figure out how to include the ghosts on the map.
Keep an eye on Harry for me, and please do your best to discover just what diabolical potions the Ministry is using to control him.
Regards,
Snuffles.
Dumbledore smiled as he set the letter down. Sirius knew very little about what was currently going on at Hogwarts, and he certainly was not involved with the most recent events. As far as Sirius was concerned, Ministry officials had kidnapped Harry following his trial and dosed him with potions to make him pliable and agree to become the Ministry's new poster boy for their current plans at Hogwarts.
Sirius' natural distrust for the Ministry due to his wrongful imprisonment, along with his desire to keep Harry safe made him the perfect type of person to manipulate, as evidenced by the fact that he had just willingly handed over the activation password for the Marauders' Map.
Sirius was, for now, proving himself at least somewhat useful, but once that usefulness ran out Dumbledore would need to remove him from the equation.
Just like Sarah Abbott.
Putting thoughts of murder out of his mind, Dumbledore turns his attention to the task at hand. He reached down and opened the lowest drawer on his desk. From within he pulled out the tatty piece of parchment that, to the untrained eye, looked utterly insignificant.
Dumbledore, of course, had sensed its magical properties the moment that it had been handed to him and had rightly deduced that it was the fabled Marauders' Map.
The aged wizard felt a bit of excitement run through him as he placed the map on the desk. He whipped out his wand with a flourish and touched the tip to the parchment and spoke the password "I solemnly swear that I am up to do good."
'Never were truer words spoken by you!' thought the Sorting Hat bitterly as it watched these events helplessly from its position on one of the dust covered shelves.
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