Harry Potter and the Legend of the Twelve

Friends and Enemies

The morning after the celebration in the Room of Requirement, everyone was exhausted. The party had lasted until midnight. Fortunately it was a Saturday, so there were no classes. Harry was up early though. He knew Kingsley went to the office on Saturday, and very few people would be around. At eight o'clock, Harry Flooed to the Ministry and made his way to Kingsley's office. His secretary was not there, as Kingsley did not make her work on weekends. Harry knocked on the door that read 'Minister of Magic'.

"Come in," called Kingsley. Harry pushed open the door and entered the office.

"Harry, how nice to see you," said Kingsley walking out from behind the desk and shaking Harry's hand. "I was so happy to hear that Albus is all right."

"Thanks, Kingsley," said Harry with a smile. "It was really hard for a while, but he's all right now, and that's what matters."

Kingsley nodded. "So what brings you here on a Saturday?" he asked.

"I was wondering if I might talk to you," said Harry. "I need your help."

"Of course, Harry, you know I'll be happy to help if I can," said Kingsley. He motioned his visitor to a conference table, and they sat down. "Can I get you some tea?"

"No thanks," said Harry.

"So, what can I help you with?" asked Kingsley. "Is everything all right?"

Harry was quiet for a moment. "Well Kingsley, I'm going to need you to trust me on this," said Harry. "I really don't want to go into too much detail."

"Of course, Harry, I trust you completely. What is it I can do for you?" asked Kingsley.

"The British Library has a book in its possession," said Harry. "An antiquarian named Donald Ramsey willed it to the British Library in 1972. The book is called 'The Prophecy of the Twelve,' and contains apparently blank pages."

"You believe it is magical?" asked Kingsley.

"I am nearly certain of it," said Harry. "It is quite old, approximately thirteen hundred years. I need the book and for no one to ask where it went. I wouldn't ask this if it was not of the utmost importance, and unfortunately, I cannot discuss the specifics at this time."

Kingsley sat back in his chair. "Well, Harry, a few years back a magical book, though somewhat less old, fell into the hands of the British Library," said Kingsley. "It took nearly two months for our people to retrieve it, and there was no need for secrecy. I should be able to secure the book for you, and have it recorded as destroyed, like I did the other one, but it will take quite a while. With a book of that age, special precautions in storage are taken, even though if it's magical, it does not need them. It will likely take quite a while to get it."

"I understand. I know you'll get it as soon as possible. Please don't let anyone try to read it," said Harry.

"Of course, Harry. I do not need to know why you need it, but if you need anything else from me, feel free to ask," said Kingsley.

"Thank you, Kingsley, I appreciate it," said Harry. "Just out of curiosity, what was the other book you had to retrieve?"

"It was a book on broomstick maintenance. The Muggles thought it was some kind of joke," said Kingsley with a grin.

Harry laughed. "There is something else, Kingsley," he continued. "There is a student at Hogwarts, a first-year. She's an orphan currently living in a Muggle orphanage in London. Ginny and I would like to adopt her. Would it be possible for you to facilitate that?"

"Absolutely," said Kingsley. "Do you know what orphanage she is in?"

"I don't, I didn't think to check her records, but I know she moved to London from California," said Harry. "Before her father's death, he made arrangements for her to move to London to attend Hogwarts. Her name is Carly Jones."