A Second Chance (Harry Potter)

Chapter 29

What with all of this drama going on, Valerie was stuck in between both the Ministry and The Dark Side, not excluding Hogwarts. She was at the center of everything, and anything she'd say, or do, would cause havoc for any one side.

Eventually, Valerie gave up trying to cope up with the three different sides, and just ignored everything that was going on. She just did her duty to her country as a queen, making sure her people were safe.

***

"Outrageous!" Valerie snarled, pacing across her room, throwing the latest copy of The Daily Prophet to the side.

"Your Majesty, if I may?" Frances interjected timidly, taking a tray of breakfast from the House Elf that appeared and put it on the table.

She sighed, turning to face him.

Frances picked up the Daily Prophet, frowning at the giant, moving picture of Professor Umbridge; she was pointing at the camera, a fake smile plastered on her toad-like face.

"It seems as if the Ministry is afraid of you," he remarked. "At first, Umbridge was just here to be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, knowing that Dumbledore wouldn't find another teacher in time. Her purpose was to spy on Dumbledore and Hogwarts, and report back to Fudge."

"I know," Valerie snarled. "Bitch."

He raised a brow, looking at her. "Surely you can to better than that," he commented.

"I can," she smirked. "But we have an important discussion..."

"Yes, as I was saying," Frances raised a finger. "The Ministry was afraid the day you showed up to attend Hogwarts, especially with a Royal army. This was your biggest trump card. And right after the coronation, which again, was a big event, you threatened Fudge, do you remember?"

"I remember," she spoke softly, seating herself down on the table, placing the napkin on her clothes. "Do have a seat," she gestured to the chair on her right. Snapping her fingers for a House Elf, she ordered him some breakfast.

"Ever since you threatened Fudge, you confirmed the truth that the Dark Lord is back. Thus, verifying the fact that Fudge's position is at risk. And so, he's trying to get to you by appointing Umbridge as The High Inquisitor of Hogwarts. Long story short, he's proving to you that he's not resigning; that he can keep his position as Minister of Magic."

Valerie sighed. "And he's getting the bonus of controlling Hogwarts."

"Exactly."

"And then there's that Potter, who's somehow teamed up with his friends to form a secret army against both, The Ministry, and The Death Eaters. Frankly speaking, I don't blame them; Umbridge is as useful as a broken record. They've named themselves Dumbledore's Army. I mean, couldn't they choose a better name?"

"I think you're drifting away from the topic, your Majesty."

"Point taken. Anyway, the fact that my father is urging me to somehow acquire the prophecy is another issue. I am risking my crown, and the safety of my people."

She twisted the rings around her finger, placing her fork down. "And Draco is stuck in the middle of all of this; he's expected to become a Death Eater next year. I mean, he's not even sixteen. Sometimes I think my father is a little extreme."

"He is just doing what he thinks is right."

"Frances, you and I both know that's not true. He's let the power get into his head. In my eyes, he is no different than Fudge."

Frances smiled, his dark eyes twinkling. "Well, excuse me for trying to make you feel better."

Valerie rolled her eyes.

"So, what are you going to do?" he asked, pointing to The Daily Prophet.

Valerie snatched it, throwing it into the roaring flames, her eyes glittering maliciously on seeing Umbridge's face blacken and turn to ash.

"Me?" Valerie raised a brow. "We," she corrected. "We, are going to act. They want drama, we give them drama. From now on, we fight against everyone."

"Everyone?" Frances echoed.

"Everyone," she affirmed. "And once they think they're winning, we prove them wrong with a single word. Checkmate."

"And how are we to do this?"

"We use their weaknesses, my dear Frances, haven't you learned how I work? As of now, you shall be my eyes and ears in the Kingdom, find out everything you possibly can; here, in Hogwarts, and outside, as well as the Ministry. You can disguise yourself. Bring me every little bit of information you possibly can."

"Consider it done, My Queen."

She sighed wistfully as she stared at the fire and took a sip of her raspberry juice, placing her hand on her forehead. "Frances, I think this is a shit load of politics for someone my age."

"Indeed it is," he said tiredly.

"Well then," she smirked, standing up and slipping on her gloves. "Let the games begin."

And so, they begun.

A/N: Sorry for the late update; hope this makes up for it. Please comment and vote, and tell me your thoughts of this chapter.

What do you think Valerie's plan is?

Who's side is she actually on?

What's going on in her mind? (Even I can't answer that)

Feel free to write any predictions :)