So Much for No Strings Attached

Chapter 49 Deserters and Investigators

 

‘I know,’ Molly said glumly. ‘I made it clear that Percy was not welcome back until he realised the error of his ways.’

 

Albus nodded, ‘hopefully when he does he’ll have information and position that will be useful.’

 

‘He’s the new junior undersecretary for Fudge now,’ Molly informed the Headmaster.

 

‘Yes, he always was ambitious,’ Dumbledore said.

 

‘I know,’ Molly said, ‘but I never expected him to throw us all under the manticore to achieve his ambitions like … like … like a Slytherin,’ Molly said bitterly.

 

‘He’ll come around,’ Dumbledore reassured her. ‘Don’t you worry. In time the world will see that we were right about Voldemort, Hadrian Slytherin and Fudge was wrong.’

 

‘I just hope it’s not too late,’ Molly said gravely.

 

‘Indeed,’ Dumbledore said.

 

Before Molly could say anything else Ginny walked into the office. Molly frowned at her only daughter not pleased that the girl had turned up ten minutes late especially after being betrayed by her favourite son Molly was not going to let Ginny off with even the slightest infraction. Surely Ginny realised that if the Headmaster wanted them here then it was important!

 

‘And where have you been young lady?’ demanded Molly angrily.

 

‘Ron wasn’t happy I had been invited and not him,’ Ginny said promptly. ‘It took me twenty minutes to shake him off by which point it was already half nine. Sorry Headmaster, mum.’

 

‘That is quite alright Ginny, my dear,’ smiled the Headmaster. ‘It gave me a chance to talk to your mother.’

 

‘He should be in class,’ Molly said firmly.

 

‘I know, Mum,’ Ginny said, ‘but you know how Ron is.’

 

Molly was wondering whether skipping classes was enough to send Ronald a howler as well as one to Percy whom she had never needed to send one before. Before realising that if she did so it would raise questions from Arthur about how she knew so quickly. Arthur knew nothing and that was how Molly wanted things to remain because Arthur would not approve of their plans for Ginny and the young Slytherin.