The Darkness Within: A Harry Potter Sequel

Chapter Three

The interrogations of the rest of the Weasley family had similar outcomes. George, Bill, Fleur Charlie and Percy expressed a mixture of surprise and offence at the revelation that they were being questioned under veritaserum. Once they fully understood the danger presented, however, they let go of their anger and unanimously offered their support. All were shown to be innocent. Harry asked them to keep their ears open, but otherwise, do nothing.

"The less we reveal what we know, the better chance we have of finding the thief," he repeated to them all.

Kingley Shacklebolt came next. Now an old man, he rarely left his house, and spent the majority of his time reading. Harry and Ginny sent an owl to him ahead of their arrival so as not to alarm him. Kingsley was ready when they tapped on his front door, and received them warmly. As he hobbled back to his living room with his walking stick for support, he gestured for them to follow. When his back was turned, Ginny waved her wand at him, and a small beam of light rose from the top of his head. The first test was complete.

After a lengthy discussion, the group had agreed that the unwilling administering of a truth potion on their closest friends was not working. Additionally, it would not do to slip Kingsley, the former Minister for Magic, a potion in his own house, and they believed he would be open to taking it willingly.

As they sat down in his living room, Kingsley stared at them over his cane and said, in his deep, gravelly voice, "My friends. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Ginny cleared her throat. "Unfortunately, we're not here for pleasure, Mr Shacklebolt. Something serious has happened, and we would like your permission to, well, examine you."

She explained the situation. Kingsley's expression was grave. When Ginny had finished, Harry pulled the vial of veritaserum from his jacket, and held it up for Kingsley to see. He chuckled.

"But of course," he said, picking up his tea cup and holding it out for them. Harry poured three drops of the potion into the tea, and Kingsley took a deep gulp, draining the cup, then opening his mouth to show he had swallowed.

"Thank you," said Harry. He faced Kingsley directly, and began. "Did you take the Elder Wand from its hiding place?"

"No," Kingsley replied.

"Did you speak to anyone, outside of the Order, about where the Elder Wand was hidden?"

"No."

"Might you have, by mistake or carelessness, let slip the location of the Elder Wand to anyone outside of the Order?"

Kingsley did not answer immediately. He pointed his chin to the ceiling and closed his eyes. After ten seconds, he opened them and stared at Harry.

"No." He smiled.

Harry sighed, releasing a held breath.

"But," Kingsley added, "I wish it was me. I imagine I would have had a good reason, at least. Not everyone would."

Harry nodded. He remembered how the Elder Wand felt in his hand. It could do things no other wand could. No one, not even Dumbledore, fully understood its capability, and he had owned it for decades.

Their next, and last, group of 'suspects' were all to be found at Hogwarts. Neville Longbottom was now the Herbology teacher, and the Potter and Weasley children universally agreed he was one of their favourites. His wife, Luna Lovegood, was the new school Matron after Madame Pomfrey retired some years prior. The children admitted that they sometimes faked being ill, or actually made themselves ill with a Weasley product, so they could visit her and ask her to tell a wild story.