Within range of the lantern light. Harry saw that he looked much older than the last time

That had met, scraggy and grim.

"Sorry to intrude," said Scrimgeour, as he limped to a halt before the table.

"Especially as I can see that I am gate-crashing a party."

His eyes lingered for a moment on the giant Snitch cake.

"Many happy returns."

"Thanks," said Harry.

"I require a private word with you," Scrimgeour went on. "Also with Mr. Ronald

Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger."

"Us?" said Ron, sounding surprised. "Why us?"

"I shall tell you that when we are somewhere more private," said Scrimgeour. "Is

there such a place?' he demanded of Mr. Weasley.

"Yes, of course," said Mr. Weasley, who looked nervous. "The, er, sitting room,

why don't you use that?"

"You can lead the way," Scrimgeour said to Ron. "There will be no need for you

to accompany us, Arthur."

Harry saw Mr. Weasley exchange a worried look with Mrs. Weasley as he, Ron,

And Hermione stood up. As they led the way back to the house in silence, Harry knew

That the other two were thinking the same as he was; Scrimgeour must, somehow, had

Learned that the three of them were planning to drop out of Hogwarts.

Scrimgeour did not speak as they all passed through the messed kitchen and into

the Burrow's sitting room. Although the garden had been full of soft golden evening light,

It was already dark in here; Harry flicked his wand at the oil lamps as he entered and they

Illuminated the shabby but cozy room. Scrimgeour sat himself in the sagging armchair

That Mr. Weasley normally occupied, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione to squeeze side

By side onto the sofa. Once they had done so, Scrimgeour spoke.

"I have some questions for the three of you, and I think it will be best if we do it

individually. If you two" -- he pointed at Harry and Hermione -- "can wait upstairs, I will

start with Ronald."

"We're not going anywhere," said Harry, while Hermione nodded vigorously.

"You can speak to us together, or not at all."

Scrimgeour gave Harry a cold, appraising look. Harry had the impression that the

Minister was wondering whether it was worthwhile opening hostilities this early.

"Very well then, together," he said, shrugging. He cleared his throat. "I am here,

as I'm sure you know, because of Albus Dumbledore's will."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at one another.

"A surprise, apparently! You were not aware then that Dumbledore had left you

anything?"

"A-all of us?" said Ron, "Me and Hermione too?"

"Yes, all of --"

But Harry interrupted.

"Dumbledore died over a month ago. Why has it taken this long to give us what

he left us?"

"Isn't it obvious?" said Hermione, before Scrimgeour could answer. "They wanted

to examine whatever he's left us. You had no right to do that!" she said, and her voice

Trembled slightly.

"I had every right," said Scrimgeour dismissively. "The Decree for Justifiable

Confiscation gives the Ministry the power the confiscate the contents of a will--"

"That law was created to stop wizards passing on Dark artifacts," said Hermione,

"and the Ministry is supposed to have powerful evidence that the deceased's possessions

are illegal before seizing them! Are you telling me that you thought Dumbledore was

trying to pass us something cursed?"

"Are you planning to follow a career in Magical Law, Miss Granger?" asked

Scrimgeour.

"No, I'm not," retorted Hermione. "I'm hoping to do some good in the world!"

Ron laughed. Scrimgeour's eyes flickered toward him and away again as Harry

Spoke.

"So why have you decided to let us have our things now? Can't think of a pretext

to keep them?"

"No, it'll be because thirty-one days are up," said Hermione at once. "They can't

keep the objects longer than that unless they can prove they're dangerous. Right?"

"Would you say you were close to Dumbledore, Ronald?" asked Scrimgeour,

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 663