Chapter 141 - Ministry of Magic (2/2)

”I will, sir!” Rufus Scrimgeour said as Moody for once didn't even attempt to fight for the spot. Which frankly was a lot more frightening.

”Fine then, Scrimgeour, you first,” Elphinstone said. ”But let's be brief.”

”Yes, sir,” Scrimgeour replied as Elphinstone shut the door behind them, before walking over to sit behind his desk. Sitting down his chair creak as he says, ”And what is this about, Scrimgeour?”

”Sir, I have found a clue!” Scrimgeour excitedly said as his lion-like mane shook.

”Go on,” Elphinstone said with some interest.

”Auror Moody-,” Scrimgeour paused with distaste evident in his mouth. ”-and I were tasked with going over the witness testimonies. A guest heard one of the masked figures shouting, something about a dark lord. I believe that this dark lord and Lord Voldemort are one and the same!”

Elphinstone speculatively says, ”Scrimgeour, I know you are eager to find clues, but that is no proof of your conjecture. May dark wizards call themselves lords of some sort. That does not mean much in the scheme of things.”

Scrimgeour instantly deflates, but a stubborn gleam doesn't go out of his eyes. ”I'll just have to find the proof, sir.”

”Very well, Scrimgeour, but I want all your energy tasked to this case and not to finding connections between the two cases is that understood?”

”Yes, sir.”

”Very well, now cease to sulk, Scrimgeour, it doesn't become a grown man of your age. Go and let, Moody in.”

Trying not to visibly sulk, Scrimgeour marches over to the door and says, ”It's your turn, Auror Moody.”

Moody doesn't even shove his way inside, which causes Elphinstone no small heart attack. Being the paranoid Auror that he was Moody doesn't speak until he is certain the door is locked and secured against spying. ”Moody, what is this about?” Elphinstone somewhat spooked gestured due to Moody's behavior.

”Sir, do you recall our last conversation about Tom Riddle the missing felon? Alastor inquired.

”Yes, why?”

”Well, sir, I do believe this here is proof that my theory is not simply a fantasy.”

Elphinstone begins to chuckle and says, ”Oh Moody, you and Scrimgeour are far too much alike than either of you would ever care to admit too.” Alastor Moody stiffens at the insult as Elphinstone continues, ”Why just now Scrimgeour was trying to convince me that this was the work of some dark wizard by the name of Lord Voldemort!”

Only years of training keep Alastor from flinching nor revealing his astonishment. ”I see, you're right, sir, it's absolutely preposterous,” Alastor quickly said as Elphinstone stared at Moody as though he was speaking in other tongues.

”You quickly changed your tune, Moody,” Elphinstone warily said as he eyed Moody. ”Are you sure you are alright, Moody? I can arrange for a few days of absence if needed give that you've been under a lot of stress.”

”No, sir, that won't be necessary,” Alastor truthfully said. ”I shall now take my leave, I've got a partner which to train.” Elphinstone stares as though he had just seen a ghost and blankly watches the Auror leave.

”He must be under Imperious curse,” Elphinstone finally muttered to himself not entirely unconvinced that wasn't the case. Making a note to keep an eye on the Auror, Elphinstone finally got to work. Last night's incident reports weren't just going to write themselves!