The Spark {Book 5 in the Star of Gryffindor Series}

Chapter 34 - Upheaval

The Daily Prophet
Issue No. 102,206
3 June, 2022

Ministry Scandal: Hercule Michelson Collaborating With MACUSA!

The Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Hercule Michelson, was outed yesterday by ambassador Patagonia Monez as a collaborator with the MACUSA. Since claims in January that the MACUSA has been taken over by Caymus Stillens, international governments have cut ties with the Americans until this situation can be investigated. Monez has been uncovering many disturbing aspects that are proving something happened, though how widespread this takeover was remains to be seen.

Yesterday, Monez came forward with photographic and video evidence of Michelson meeting by Floo with top MACUSA officials (ones she believes to be in the power of Caymus Stillens) and discussing top secret information. Michelson has a warrant out, but has disappeared from his London flat...

~~~~

Little Star,

I am very happy for your sake that everything has turned out the way it has. I suppose you've verified Wren Predatel's story with Harry Potter by this point, which is something you definitely need to do, if you haven't yet. Memories can be modified, of course, though I doubt she had the time or skill to do that. It is fortunate everything turned out how it did.

I'm sure Harry Potter will tell you the same thing, but now you must be very careful for your friend's sake. She is in a very fragile position. You are much like me: you don't like sitting by when you could be taking action. However, here, action is the very last thing needed from you. As hard as it may be to push down your protectiveness, you must. Your friend is obviously very strong, from what I've heard from you and read in the papers. Trust her to take care of herself, yes?

On a very different note, I know your O.W.L.s are about to start. It's been a strange and stressful few months for you, I know, but I believe you will do well. I am with you in my thoughts. Study hard, and good luck, if our family has any luck left.

I love you, little Star. These letters are giving me hope I have not had in years. I am very grateful for them. It makes the dementors seem further away.

With much love, Orion

~~~~

Having all the worries that had been hanging over me for months suddenly gone was a remarkable feeling. The threat of O.W.L.s seemed liked Christmas come early in comparison (and yes, my flippant attitude was stressing Wren out immensely).

Mr. Potter returned to Hogwarts the next day. Before any of us (except Wren, I assume) even realized he was back, he called us up to his office so we could explain exactly what had happened, and so he could debrief us much better than Wren had managed to do. He kept emphasizing the fact that secrecy was our top priority here, because Wren's life was at stake if we let slip any of this. "You all have to act like nothing is wrong, like you know nothing. At all times." Mr. Potter raised his eyebrows. "That includes if, for some reason, she starts acting suspicious. If it gets to the point where other people might notice, you have to act just like anyone else would."

"Also, tell me if it's that bad," Wren added, frowning. "I think that might be helpful."

"Yes, that too," agreed Mr. Potter. "She's keeping an act up, as well, of course." He sighed. "I suppose you would've found out at some point," he said. "I just wish you'd come to me in the first place."

Albus's face turned red, and I found myself looking at the floor. "Yeah. That might've worked better."

"Well, at least you all know now, and I'm sure Wren's happy to have some help in this. Just please, for the love of Merlin, be smart about it all, okay?"