Amelia was sitting at her desk when Dumbledore's head appeared in the fireplace, now if ever there was a way to ruin your morning then that was it.
"Amelia do you mind if I pop over? I have an urgent matter that I would like your help with."
"Actually Headmaster, it's Minister Bones and I'm sorry but my schedule is rather full. If you wish you can ask my secretary and see if she can make an appointment when my schedule clears up a bit." Amelia had a good idea what the old goat wanted and that was confirmed by his next statement.
"Are you aware minister that a large proportion of Hogwarts students, including your niece have chosen not to return this year?"
Amelia was left wondering if this man had any common sense at all, "Since my niece vowed on her magic never to return to Hogwarts I hardly think that should be surprising Headmaster."
"In the current political climate and considering the level of education on offer at your school I would be amazed if there weren't a lot more disgruntled parents removing their children from the castle."
Albus had forgot that she was one of the traitors who had stood up that morning; his entire focus had been on Harry. He was not about to let Amelia away with the level of education jibe though, "Hogwarts is still one of the premier magical schools in the world, and our reputation speaks for itself."
Amelia was beginning to enjoy this, not least of all because she knew the old goat's knees must have been killing him by now from kneeling down to put his head in the fire. "Headmaster, Hogwarts is the premier magical school in Britain because it's the only magical school in Britain, the rest of Europe has overtaken us in the last decade or so. I fear that the upcoming tournament will show this to be true and admire your courage for putting your reputation on this event, it could get really embarrassing for you and Hogwarts."
Even through the green flames Amelia could see his face turning red with anger, especially when she held up her hand to prevent him speaking while she answered her mobile phone. "Hello Lord Potter….see me today, why I don't think that will be a problem at all, how long do you need? ….Including lunch? …Ok that should be no problem, I'll have my secretary move appointments to clear my morning and see you soon…bye for now." She could hear Harry laughing on the other end of the line, he obviously figured out there was somebody she wanted to annoy by letting him or her know who she was talking to; Amelia was looking forward to telling him the full story later.
Dumbledore was having a really hard time controlling his temper, this woman was openly baiting him and with that upstart Potter to boot. "Minister, do you really think 'taking the piss' is a good enough reason to damage your niece's education?"
"Damage?" asked Amelia, "oh you must have misunderstood, Susan is attending the establishment that's about to become the premier magical school in Europe. I can assure you her education will be far in advance of anything on offer at Hogwarts, this school is full of experienced professors and all the students love it there."
"What!" Albus was starting to lose it now and was actually shouting, "Hogwarts has the charter to be the only magical school in Britain, and even the minister can't change that."
"I never said the school was in Britain and you would be surprised what the minister, with the weight of the people behind her can achieve. Good day to you headmaster." She ended the call and immediately asked her secretary to have the direct line to Hogwarts removed, that privilege would be reserved for people she actually wanted to talk to.
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