This is so off topic but...it's tate's birthday today! and I'm the one who gets to read a great, long chapter! It's weird, it's also Miranda Richardson who plays Rita Skeeter's birthday too.
Can't believe it's her, but she's changed, and people change throughout their lives. I think she's going to be big help.

Thank You! jkrsong! I simply had to use Rita Skeeter because, for one, not only does Miranda share my birthday, Skeeter definately has some unique talents and experiences. I also look at her as kind of my "alter ego" because I am also a journalist. To report fairly often means we have to keep our own opinions from coloring our work, and there are times when you are just dying to speak your mind on a controversial subject and have to bite your tongue because a journalist simply can't interject themselves into the story in any way. It's not professional unless one is doing an opinion type editorial or column. Rita never let these restraints get in her way! So she was really able to stir up trouble! (Any jouranlist trying to do this in the muggle world would be out of a job so fast!) But I would bet that any journalist would give their right arm and learn to take their notes left-handed (metaphorically speaking for all those lefty's out there - I am one too!) if they could turn into a beetle like Skeeter to help them get their stories!!!! No place would be safe, so there could be no governmental secrets of any kind be it from a governing board or the Whitehouse! THAT, in my opinion, would be a vast improvement!!!! LOL!!!
I will write more later!

GREAT...um....speech? Don't know how to explain it but it's great! I'm looking forward to the next chapter(s)!

Hermione and Ginny made their way back to their office, but made sure they didn't say anything about what just happened in case they we being spied upon. All Ginny said, looking at Hermione as they walked, was: "Amazing!"
Hermione nodded in agreement. They had both noticed that the feeling of being watch was not as strong, but yet the feeling was still there, despite the capture of one spy. Both knew there was someone else as well. The feeling was much weaker, yes, but still there.
Ginny had an idea just as they were approaching a crossroad that intersected the hallway they were currently in.
"The feeling is becoming a little stronger," Ginny whispered almost silently. "I'm going to apperate to the other turn, after this one. To the hallway that leads to the office. I will get there before you turn this corner and will wait just around the other. You got your mirror?"
"Yes, its right here," Hermione said, reaching into the pocket of her cloak and pulling the small object out and into the palm of her hand.
"All right," Ginny said. "I got mine, so I will be able to keep you in sight all the way. Cough if you get a strong feeling or see anything strange and I'll be right there. I'm going now!"
Ginny spun and dissapeared.
After a few more steps, Hermione rounded the corner of the hallway.
As she walked, her senses were at high alert. She started to feel the sense of being watched increasing. Suddenly, as she passed a doorway, it opened and there, in front of her stood Delores Umbridge, scowling at her. Hermione immediately gave a small cough and then she heard Ginny's voice coming down the hallway toward her from the other end.
"Hey Hermione," Ginny said as she approached.
Umbridge spun around, and Ginny saw the scowl disappear to be replaced by a smile, but that smile did not reach Umbridges eyes.
"Glad I ran into you," Umbridge said as Ginny stopped next to Hermione. "I was hoping to meet with you this week, if you recall."
"Yes, we didn't forget," Hermione said. "I was just heading back to my office, in fact, to check my schedule to see if I would have the time this afternoon, but I can't answer that until I have checked my schedule. It has been an extremely busy week for me, I'm sorry, but there simply hasn't been time. I'm surprised to see you up here, though. I didn't know you had business ties to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures - anyway, let me check my agenda and I will send you a letter to let you know my schedule. I am thinking that next week will be better though."
Umbridge frowned as Hermione brought up the office she had come out of, but pretended she was reacting to the news that the meeting could be held next week rather than today, both women noticed it clearly.
"I had business here, yes," Umbridge replied, again forcing that fake, patronizing smile on her face. "But that is unimportant. I do so hope that you can find time this afternoon! I will await your letter."
Umbridge then turned and abruptly walked away. Hermione and Ginny looked at each other, but remained silent as they also turned and headed down the hallway in the opposite direction from Umbridge.
Once back in the office though, Ginny hissed. "I knew it!" she said, eyes flashing with discust and anger. "She is obviously up to something! Did you notice that the feeling of being watched disappeared right along with that old toad?"
"I noticed," Hermione said grimly. "She probably has a spy in that office as well because her "business" as she calls it, has absolutely no ties to the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures! In fact, she was barred from submitting her crazy ideas to them at all. The Ministry stripped her of that power when she was demoted. I hear she was furious when they overturned her law that severely restricted the hiring of werewolves! She was even more infuriated when Remus Lupin was hired as an Auror afterward!"
"Do you think she could be the leader of this renegade band?
Ginny asked.
"Knowing her as I do, yes!" Hermione growled. "We need to send for Rufas and Moody right away!"
"I'll call Moody on my mirror," Ginny said. "I think he and Rufas are together right now."
"Do it!" Hermione said, moving towards the door to her office. "I need to check on something in my office while we wait."
A few minutes later, Ginny opened the door and walked in to find Hermione at her desk, studying a list she was holding.
"I was right," Ginny said. "Rufas and Moody were together. They are coming right away. What are you reading?"
"Good," Hermione said. "This is a list of all those employed by the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. If there is a spy in there, we need to figure out who it is!"
"Doesn't Amos Diggery run the office?" Ginny asked.
"Not anymore," Hermione said. "He retired after Cedric was murdered. His son's death hit him very hard. He submitted his resignation a few days later, poor man. His post was taken over by a woman named Della LaRue. She seems to be very good, and was the one responsible for seeing Umbridge's laws overturned. What do you want to be she was not in her office when Umbridge came calling!"
"Well at least we know the rot doesn't start at the top!" Ginny said.
"Yeah, Hermione answered.
Ginny and Hermione continued to study the list until they heard the main office door open with the arrival of Moody and Rufas.

Great Posts! I didn't even think of Rita Skeeter as a possible candidate for an Auror, but in a way (if she has in fact reformed) is a great idea, she would be a great asset to the Aurors. As far as Umbridge squashing her though, I think that even if Umbridge knew she was the Beetle, she would squash her on purpose!

You are right there! Umbridge would probably be even more likely to squash her if she knew that she was the beetle!!! Rita's change is sincere, though. She was selfish, prejudiced and opinionated, but she wasn't pure evil like the Death Eaters.

Great chapter!
That's very true. I would rather be friends with Rita Skeeter from "Goblet of Fire" than the original Dolores Umbridge.

Hermione and Ginny told the two men about what had happened, first with the feeling and then with Umbridge. Both Rufas and Moody had high praise for both of them.
"You were right to call us right away," Moody said. "This is suspicious indeed. I also don't like that Umbidge seemed to be waiting to catch Hermione alone, without Ginny around. That was a great plan you came up with Ginny!"
"Yes!" Rufas added. "And now we have to find out who Umbridge's contact is! That office is one of the closest to ours, and I don't mind telling you, I don't like this a bit!"
"Nor do I?" Moody said. "You got that letter wrote, Hermione?"
"I haven't had the chance yet," she replied. "While Ginny was contacting you, I was in my office looking through the employee list for that office. Here it is."
She laid the paper on the table in front of the two men.
"Good thinking!" Rufus said, picking up the paper and looking at it, holding it so Moody could look at it too. They remained quiet for several minutes.
"There are three on this list that could be the possible spy," Moody said finally, and pointed out three names to Rufas, then the two women. Neither Hermione nor Ginny recognized any of them.
"First, Hermione, I want you to make a quick visit to Hogwarts. Ginny will go with you, of course," Moody said. "You are to take this list with you and meet with Headmistress McGonagall to check if there is any record of these people at all, and definately take note of what house they were in, family background, etc. Then, report back to me immediately. While you are gone, I will be meeting with Della LaRue. Hermione, you can write that letter afterwards. It shouldn't take long, and this takes precident. Go on and take a break and in 30 minutes be ready to apparate to Hogwarts. I am going to send an owl right now to alert Minerva that you both are coming."
Moody got to his feet.
"Rufas, I shall see you again shortly," Moody said.
Then he left the office.
"Come on in to my office," Rufas said to Ginny and Hermione. "I've got something for you."
They followed him out of the conference room.
A few minutes later, anyone visiting the office would have found the three enjoying a small feast in the Minister's private office. None of them had had time for lunch. They were hungry!

Great post as usual!! I love you story. I haven't posted in a while on your thread but, I am still reading every time you post tho!! Keep it up! I can't wait for more. I really want to know aho those three people are? I guess I might find out on your next post! I just got to wait and see ........................Looking forward to it
for now!!!

It's a very exciting post!

A half hour later the girls were ready to go. Hermione grabbed the list where the three names had been circled by Moody as well as her small notebook and Ginny was waiting for her when she made it back to Rufus' office.
"Good luck, ladies," Rufas said as they made their spin and dissapperated.
Moments later, Hermione and Ginny landed just outside the gate of Hogwarts. They both looked up at the winged hogs that sat perched at the top of the two stone columns on either side of the gate. Hermione sighed.
"I miss it too," Ginny said as Hermione pointed at the carraige making its way toward them from the castle.
Both women watched as the carraige, pulled by two thestrels, approached then came to a stop on the other side of the gate.
"Welcome girls!" McGonagall said, opening the carraige door and stepping out to unlock the gate. "It's been a while since we've seen each other!"
"You look well," Ginny said as she and Hermione stepped through the now-open gate and onto the Hogwarts ground.
"Thank you," Minerva said. "I have everything you need waiting in Dumble.....I'm sorry, my office. I guess I am still not used to saying that."
"We understand, Professor," Hermione said. "It feels rather strange to be back here again, but we both miss it, and Professor Dumbledore!"
Minerva turned toward the carraige, making a motion that looked like she just might have wiped away a tear. She cleared her throat as she opened the carraige door and turned back again to face the girls.
"Climb on in," Minerva said. "We will have time for a pleasent chat as we ride back to the castle."
"Oh, please Professor," Hermione said. "After you!"
Minerva smiled and stepped back into the carraige. Hermione and Ginny climbed in after her and closed the door. The carraige began to move as it made the turn around to head back to Hogwarts.
"One thing I would like you girls to do for me now," Minerva said as they both looked at her, puzzled looks on their faces.
"Yes, Mam?" Ginny said.
"Please call me Minerva," the older witch said, smiling. "After all, you are no longer my students, but full grown adults. I would feel more comfortable addressing you as Hermione and Ginny rather than Weasley and Potter."
"Alright, Minerva," Ginny said, trying to suppress a giggle. "I must admit, if feels pretty strange."
Minerva smiled also. "I know it does at first, but you'll get used to it."
"The three chatted about old times all the way back to the castle, and anyone walking nearby would have been able to hear the laughter floating from the carraige as it moved along the trail.
"Minerva, I have a special question for you," Hermione said as the carraige approached the castle. "As you know, Ron and I are going to have our first baby in the spring, and we were wondering...I mean to say, we would be honored it you would consent to be the baby's Godmother!"
"Hermione, dear," Minerva said, her eyes tearing up again,"The honor would be mine! And thank you for for thinking of me!"
The two younger women jumped out of the carraige and helped Minerva out.
"Perfect timing!" Minerva said. "Classes are in session, so we don't have to try to move through a student tidal wave to get to the office."
The three made their way, unmolested, to the gargoyles.
"I kept some of Albus' passwords," she said, smiling again. "Sherbet lemon!"
Moments later, the three walked through the doorway into what had been Dumbledore's office. It was now Minerva's, but she hadn't changed the room at all. Of course, there were more of her personal items on her desk, but otherwise, everything was left just the way it was on the night Dumbledore died.
"I felt that this room should be left as a memorial to Albus," Minerva said quietly. "Please, have a seat."
The two sat across the desk from Minerva as she pulled out several folders and handed them to the girls.
As they studied each file, they found that one had been in Hufflepuff and one in Ravenclaw. The other one indeed had been a Slytherin. Hermione studied this one as Ginny continued to check the Hufflepuff and Minerva the Ravenclaw. They sat silently for 20 minutes or so. Each carefully searching their file for any possible clues that stood out that could make that person suspicious. Hermione jotted notes down into her notebook.
Minerva sat the folder down on her desk.
"I see nothing in this man's chart that would raise any red flags at all," she said.
Ginny spoke next.
"This Ravenclaw had some minor disciplinary actions taken against him, but there is nothing to suggest that those had anything to do with the dark arts or activities." she said.
Hermione sat back in her chair and took a deep breath.
"Of the three then, Hermione began, "I would have to say this man could very well be our spy. There are numerous detentions for cursing other students with hexes only done by those interested in the dark arts and those attacks usually happened against those who were different...muggle-borns, muggle supporters and the like. In fact, he got into so much trouble that he was finally kicked out of Hogwarts in his sixth year."
"I remember him well," Minerva said. "He was expelled from Hogwarts about 20 years ago. Real nasty piece of work! A real loner, even for a Slytherin. However, there were a few that he would hang around occasionally, though, who were just about as bad. One of them was Blaise Zabini's mother! I will give you the list of these people and make Rufas a copy of the files on each of them as well as the one on this man here."
"Minerva!" Hermione said suddenly as an idea hit her. "Would you please include the file on Delores Umbridge and anyone she was close to as well?"
Minerva's face puckered in disgust.
"You mean that this foul woman is involded in all this!" She spat.
"It is very possible!" Hermione said, telling Minerva about her run-ins with Umbridge at the Ministry.
"I can't believe she is even still allowed to set foot in that place after what she did!" Minerva said indignantly, her lips pursed thinner than Hermione and Ginny ever recalled seeing them.
"We know!" Hermione said. "We couldn't believe it either. We did find out that she had been demoted all the way down the ladder and she has a small office several floors down below ours where the very minor departments are. Rufas detests her, and it was Fudge that assigned her the position shortly before he was ousted himself."
"Exactly what is her title?" Minerva asked.
"Head of Office Inventory, I think." Ginny said.
"Yes," Hermione added, chuckling. "She is responsible for making sure we all have our paperclips and rubber bands."
Minerva chuckled too.
"So Fudge kept her safely inside the ministry for carrying out what were their own paranoid orders but was chucked out himself!" Minerva said. "Well, hopefully this will get that evil git out of there for good!"
"Well, we had better get those copies and get back there," Hermione said. "There's still a lot I have to do before I can go home today and it's already getting on toward 4 p.m." Hermione said.
"Yes, well," Minerva said. "I will get these copied and get you back on the carraige then. We'll have to get together some time soon. I want to hear all about your jobs and, Hermione, congratualtions on your promotion! I hadn't seen you since I heard about it. I am so glad you are there and I believe you will do some wonderful things for the Ministry. Honest things, for a change!"
Minerva dissappeared into a back room for a few minutes, then returned with the copies.
"This time," Minerva said, smiling a bit crookedly "I'm afraid we will have to face that tidal wave!"
Sure enough, as the three walked out of the entrance to the office, they were caught in the swarm of students making their way from their classes back to their common rooms. The three had to struggle to move out of the swarm and back to the giant doors that led to the outside.
Minerva saw them off at the door and reluctantly turned and disappeared back into the swarm.
Hermione and Ginny shared a silent ride back to the gate where they would apperate back to the Ministry.

Great posts, I hadn't realized that I had missed one I am excited to see what they turn up and what happens next!

I'm really excited too! ^^

Great posts. I knew it was Rita before you said it but didn't read in time to say lol. I guess I just know you too well WINK WINK. PAMS

Hermione and Ginny arrived back at the office and turned over the files to Moody and Rufas, who were waiting for them. Hermione then returned to her office to write the letter to Delores Umbridge. She told the woman she and Ginny could meet with Monday morning at 10 a.m. and to contact her by flying fax if she could not meet with them at this time.
"Short, sweet and to the point," Hermione thought to herself as she folded it over and returned to the boardroom where Moody and Rufas were going over the files together with Ginny.
Hermione slid the letter in front of Moody then took her seat next to Ginny. She was glad that it was Friday! Both she and Ginny were looking foreward to being reunited with Ron and Harry later and were eager to exchange information with them then have some time along to relax until the work week began again. She was tired and she was noticing the baby move more frequently.
It was Moody who broke the silence.
"You all did a very thorough job!" he said, looking at the two woman. He picked up the paper Hermione had slid in front of him. "And this must be your letter to Umbridge?"
"Yes, sir, Thank you!" Hermione said. "I set the meeting for 10 a.m. on Monday."
"That will be fine," Moody said. "Now, I want the two of you to come directly to my office through the floo network Monday morning. Rufas will meet us there. We will then see what our strategy might be after assessing all this new information from these files and the returning Aurors and prisoners. Now, I know you plan on coming back here very early tomorrow morning to meet your men, so, I want you both to go on and get home so you can rest up a bit. Especially you, Hermione! You look tired and you must take care of yourself and the baby! No, go on! I'll see you both later!"
"Thank you!" Hermione said as she and Ginny rose from their seats.
"Hermione, come back to the Burrow with me," Ginny said. "That way we can rest and come back together later."
"Sure, Ginny." Hermione said, smiling gratefully at her friend. "Sounds good!"
She and Ginny then apperated to the burrow where they found Molly waiting for them with a good dinner.
"Hermione," she said as they finished their meal. "I want you to go right upstairs and take a nice relaxing bath then get yourself to bed! I know how hard they work there at the Ministry, and you need a good rest before you go meet my son and Harry later!"
"Yes, Mum," Hermione replied with a big grin
"And don't you forget it!" Molly grinned back. "Now, get going!"
Sorry so short! I'll write more tomorrow!

Aww...how nice of Molly and Ginny. Great post tatewin, and it's okay! It's longer than I expected.

Molly woke the women up in time for them all to travel by floo powder into the Auror's Office to meet the returning group of aurors and their prisoners.
Their timing was excellent, as they arrived 15 minutes before their husbands and friends arrived.
They were accompanied by a few more prisoners than they expected. These were taken straight down to the holding cells. Hermione and Ginny saw that Pansy Parkinson was looking much less cocky than they remembered her. They recognized Zambini and guessed that the strikingly beautiful woman with him was his mother. They also recognized Marcus Flint and the man next to him looked as if he was probably his brother as they looked so much alike. There were two others that look vaguely familiar, but neither of the girls could think of their names.
Once the prisoners were taken care of, they all met in one of the conference rooms.
"Well, good work everyone!" Mooday told the group. "While you have been on your mission, we here have had our own new developments. I will fill you in on these Monday. For now, I want you all to go home and have a good rest. We will meet here again at 9 a.m. Monday. Everyone come in the usual way, as assigned so that we don't call attention to what has transpired this morning. For now, everyone will take the floo system home. I'll see you Monday!"
Everyone was relieved that Moody was holding off on debriefing until Monday. They were tired!
Ginny and Harry left for the Burrow while Hermione and Ron went to their home for the weekend where they enjoyed each other's company and left business behind.
Monday came all to quickly, and the group found themselves back in the Auror's Office sitting around the big conferance table where Moody told those who were gone about the capture of a spy, the suspicion of another and their suspicions against Umbridge. He also told the group about their newest Auror, Rita Skeeter and told of the plans to use her to try and trap Umbridge.
"Hermione and Ginny are meeting with Umbridge shortly," Moody said. "I have already planted Rita in Umbridges Office where she will be using her ability as a beetle to spy on her. She will also be there in case Umbridge does anything to threaten Hermione. The girls will not accept anything to eat or drink from her while there. Due to this meeting, we will have to wait to get the report from the returning Aurors. We will meet back here right after lunch at 1 p.m. and take care of that. Now, Hermione, Ginny, you two had better go get prepared for your meeting."
Hermione and Ginny nodded and arose from the table and left the office to head to their own before heading down to see Umbridge.
At the Minister Of Magic Office, they stopped in just long enough for Hermione to pick up her notebook before heading down to the meeting.
Umbridge met them at the door and led them in to her office and shut the door behind them.
"Hem, hem," came the familiar voice-clearing sound as Umbridge took her seat at her desk and motioned for the two women to take seats opposite her. The girls sat down, pointedly avoiding the urge to look around for Rita.
"Well, I am glad you finally were able to make it!" Umbridge said, pasting the pretense of a smile on her face. "I hear you had a very busy week last week."
"We did," Hermione said, leaving it at that and depriving Umbridge of the further elaboration she was obviously hoping for.
"May I offer you some tea and biscuits?" Umbridge asked as she pushed a tray with cookies, a pot and two cups across the desk towards the girls.
Hermione suddenly felt a light thumping on her knee and glanced down. There, sitting on the upper bend of her knee was a beetle, which was shaking its head back and forth as if saying "no!". Placing her hand in her lap where it wouldn't be notice by Delores, Hermione gave the beetle a "thumbs up" to let her know she had understood the message. Something had indeed been placed into the tea or cookies Umbridge was offering. Probably veritaserum.
"Thank you, Delores," Hermione said, grinning. "But we must pass. We both have drank about three pots already this morning and imbided in the pleasure of too many donuts that Rufas brought in this morning!"
Ginny nodded and rolled her eyes as if taking a bite of something delicious which was melting in her mouth.
"I see!" Umbridge said with a bit of a giggle. "Too much of a good thing! Well, I will just leave it here if you should change your minds, so feel free to help yourself if you do."
Hermione took out her notebook and quill.
"So, Delores," she said. "You have been most anxious to meet with me, and again I apologise for being too busy last week, and I am afraid I have another busy week in front of me as well. Can you tell us what you have been wanting to see us about? We only have an hour before our next meeting."
"My, Rufas works you girls way too hard!" Umbridge said. "I don't remember being so busy when I was Fudge's Senior Undersecretary, not that it didn't get that way occasionally, though. Must be a lot going on at the moment. I wonder if dear Rufas is handingly it better than old Fudge did."
"Handling what better, exactly?" Hermione asked.
Umbridge's eyes flew to her face, recognizing Hermione's astuteness.
"Why the pressure of course," Umbridge answered, studying Hermione. "We all know it is not an easy job to do."
"Of course," Hermione said, nodding. "But Rufas is handling things quite well I think. He has a lot of help as well."
"Where is all this help coming from?" Umbridge asked...throwing Hermione a hook.
Hermione recognized the hook and pretended to take the bait.
"Well, Rufas has the support of the Wizengamot as well as all the office heads," Hermione said, "Rufas is willing to ask for others opinions and he listens to what they say before he makes his own decision on a matter."
Delore's eyes darkened a bit. This was not the answer she was hoping for.
"She wants specific names and details" Hermione thought to herself. "Why?"
Delores knew she had to be careful, and without the girls drinking or eating what she had secretly infused with something that would at least compell those answers she was seeking...how stupid did she think she and Ginny were anyway!
Delores picked up her tea cup and took a sip.
"Hem, Hem, why don't you reconsider a drink my dears, you look like you could use it," Delores said.
"No thank you," Hermione said, looking at Ginny who shook her head no as well.
"I have been hearing rumors," Delores began, turning to a different tactic. "They're saying that someone was caught spying and that Aurors have been sent to Bulgaria or someplace like that. Does it have anything to do with Voldemort or his Death Eaters?"
"Where have you been hearing these rumors?" Hermione asked, looking hard into Umbridge's eyes.
Umbridge face turned a bit purple.
"Uhm," she began. "Just around, nowhere in particular."
"I see," Hermione answered, maintaining the eye contact, which definately was causing Umbridge discomfort. "As far as what the Aurors may or may not be doing, I have no idea. I work for Rufas, not Moody. I do surmise however, that they would do whatever it takes to stop anyone who tried to take Voldemort's place, wouldn't you?"
"Well, yes, of course," Umbridge said, eyes wide with the realization that she was no longer dealing with silly school children, but intelligent and highly trained adults who saw through her easily. All she could do now was try to save face.
"Well, it was those rumors that made me seek this meeting with you," she said, smiling grimly at Ginny and Hermione. "I simply thought that the Minister should be aware of what was floating around out there."
"I am sure he will appreciate it, Delores." Hermione said, getting to her feet. "I will inform him about these rumors immediately. Thank you for letting us know about them. We must go now, we have a ways to go to get to our next meeting, so we really must be leaving."
Umbridge also stood and offered Hermione her hand, then Ginny. Both shook Umbridges hand and noticed how she used the moment to evaluate their grasps. They then left the office.
They has barely made it to the corner of the hall before they heard a muffled crash. They knew Umbridge was venting her fury, and both hoped that Rita would find a safe hiding place.
"Was she digging or what!" Ginny said with a chuckle.
"I think she just realized how much she underestimated us!" Hermione said, chuckling herself. They hurried back to their office to tell Rufas what had happened.

great post Tatewin, im so happy that umbridge got her eye wiped (english thing )and that the girls didnt give anything away.

Wow, that was very well done of the girls. Umbridge is beginning to feel the heat I think and is starting to get desperate. Thats good becuase desperate people make mistakes. I really hope Rita is ok. Great post!

That's very good. Funny, how Umbridge looks like when she's not getting the right answer.

Hermione and Ginny filled Rufas in on their meeting with Umbridge, and they could tell he was pleased with what they reported. He contacted Moody at once and told him about Umbridge's attempt to drug the girls. Moody moved quickly, and with the aid of Ron and Tonks, managed to make it down to Umbridge's office before her temper tantrum had faded and she had the chance to dump the tea and biscuits, which they promptly confiscated, much to Umbridge's dismay. The former Senior Undersecretary to the Minister was then escorted to the Auror's Office where she was placed under guard in a location well isolated from the other prisoners so that they would know about each other.
Anyone traveling the hallways near the Office of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures a short time later would have seen another man being escorted out of his office and taken to the Auror's office as well.
At 2:30 that afternoon, Hermione and Ginny both received flying faxes requesting that they report down in old Courtroom 12 for the 3 p.m. meeting rather than the Auror's Office. The two friends looked at each other and smiled grimly.
"They must have really been busy today," Hermione said. "Obviously they have been questioning the prisoners since they were brought here and they have found out what the needed to know to put them to trial!"
Ginny nodded.
"I wonder if they connected any of it to Umbridge yet?" She said.
"I don't know," Hermione answered, "But Moody practically cut off Rufas while he was filling them in on our meeting with her and I think it may have meant something. I am not sure what yet, though."
"We haven't heard anything and it has been several hours since we met with her," Ginny said.
"Yes," Hermione replied. "And Rufas has not been back since he left to meet with Moody, which was only a half hour after he talked to Moody. He certainly looked pleased though, which would mean good news."
They both decided to head on down to the courtroom right away. By the time they got there, they would only be 15 minutes early anyway.
As the girls made their way down the final stairway they ran into Lupin, Harry and Ron.
The three turned to look at Hermione and Ginny and smiled.
"We got em" Ron said as they approached.
"Umbridge too?" Hermione said, searching their faces, which were grinning broadly.
"Yes!" Lupin said. "Thanks to the two of you, by the way! We also got the spy in the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as well."
"What charge did you get Umbridge on?" Ginny said.
"Illegally attempting to force information out of Ministry employees, among others" Harry said. "They found veritaserum in both the tea and the biscuits she offered you. Rita saw her spike them as well, but that will not have to come out and risk blowing her cover."
"Good!" Ginny said. "We were a bit worried about Rita when we heard the crashing noises coming from Umbridges Office, is she all right?"
"Yes, she is fine," Moody said, surprising them.
He limped up to the group with a smile on his face.
"Rita can squeeze into incredibly small places as a bug," he said. "She kept herself well protected from Delore's rage. Well, Hermione, Ginny - you were right in your suspicions all along. It turns out that Delores Umbridge was the leader of this little group of former Slytherin students. We have just rounded up the last of them. They are bringing in Millicent Bullstode right now."
Hermione and Ginny looked at each other, remembering how Millicent had attacked Hermione during their Dueling Club session back in second year.
"Shall we go in?" Moody said, grasping the handle on the great wooden door that led into the courtroom.
Once inside, they all noticed the Wizengamot members were taking their seats high above the floor. Rufas then entered through a side door and took his seat in the box right below them. He then noticed Moody and the others and motioned for them to come up. Once there, Rufas pointed to the chair on his right and told Hermione to sit there with Ginny next to her. Moody took his seat on the other side of Rufas with Lupin next to him on the opposite side. All the Aurors, including Ron and Harry took seats directly in front of them. Hermione noticed that about eight of the Aurors were missing. She saw that Ginny noticed it too.
"Must be the ones in charge of bringing in the prisoners," Hermione whispered to Ginny, who nodded. They knew who they were and that they were specially equipped to handle a prisoner if they got out of control.
Suddenly, doors opened to the left of the main doors below and everyone saw four prisoners brought in. Hermione recognized one of them as the spy they had caught in the specially made closet. Another man looked familiar, but she did not know him. Her eyes then moved to the other two men, who looked like they were probably related. Marcus Flint, the former captain of the Slytherin Quiddich team, she recognized.
The four men were led to chairs at the center of the floor and forced into their seats, which had dangling chains attached. These chains began to rattle as they bound the men to the chairs. With a final click of a cuff, it was done.
Rufas then rose to his feet, scroll in hand, which he unrolled and read. Hermione listened closely as the names were read. She had never heard of the three, but saw that she was right in accessing that the one man was Marcus's brother. They were charged with treason against the Ministry and quickly sentenced to long prison terms after given an opportunity to defend themselves, which they all rejected.
The next prisoners brought out were Blaise Zambini and his mother who also refused any defense and quickly sentenced to even longer terms of imprisonment.
Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bullstrode, and Zackarias Smith, the only non-Slytherin in the group, were next. Smith was the only one to try for a defense, but, after questioning by the Wizengamot and testimony from Harry, Ron, Tonks and the others who had located, questioned and arrested them, he was found guilty as well. They were each sentenced. Pansy and Millicent were given life in prison while Smith received 50 years.
Several others were tried, found guilty and sentenced the same way.
Finally, it was time for the leader of the group to be brought in to the courtroom.
Hermione and Ginny, along with Ron, Harry, Lupin and many others in the crowd, had a difficult time keeping themselves from bursting out in laughter as they saw who was escorting a very angry and reluctant Umbridge.
She looked absolutely dwarfed by Grawp and Hagrid, each preventing her from slumping indignantly to the floor with a strong grip on her fat upper arms. She looked absolutely comical as they drug her along, feet alternately making backward running movements and the short fat legs sticking straight out in front of her as if trying to brake their forward progress. Those legs were then dragged so that they trailed behind her before pulling forward to make the backward running motion again. Her face was purple and her tiny eyes were darting from said to side from Grawp to Hagrid, curls of hair were alternately falling forward into her face then backwards as she fought their restraint. The sound escaping her toad-like lips could only be described as croaking.
"Poetic justice!" Hermione whispered, just loud enough for Harry, Ron, Ginny, Lupin and Rufas to hear. They all nodded, forcing themsleves not to laugh at the spectical below them.
Finally, Hagrid and Grawp stopped in front of a large cage, which looked quite like a bird cage, but ringed with razor wire and the sharp points of spears. Hagrid reached down with his free hand and opened the door. He and Grawp then turned Umbridge around so that she was facing the direction they had come from, and forced her inside. Hagrid then relocked the door and Grawp pulled a handed that stuck out of the floor next to the cage.
The cage then lifted into the air, slowly turning as it moved toward a spot in front of Rufas, but which hovered out of range of anyone sitting close by. Umbridge was now face to face with her judge and jury.
"Delores Umbridge!" Rufas said as he rose again to his feet.
Umbridge stared at him, eyes bulging and face the color of puce.
"You are accused of the crime of High Treason against the Ministry" Rufas continued. "We have received evidence that you are guilty of putting together a group of dark wizards and were planning to attempt to take over the Ministry for your own devious means. You are also accused with coercion, extortion, spying and attempting to illegally force information out of Ministry employees by the use of Veritaserum and in other cases, torture with unforgivable curses. How do you plead?"
"Where are my accusers!" Umbridged croaked. "I have been unjustly framed by those two right there! (Pointing at Hermione and Ginny who gave her incredulous looks) I maintain my loyalty to this Ministry and I am innocent of those horrific charges!"
"Are you saying that Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Potter framed you?" Rufas said.
"Yes! They must have made up the story!" Umbridge croaked. "They still hate me for what was their own rulebreaking consequences while at Hogwarts."
"Delores, you are aware that it was the testimony of many students, staff and others that allowed to truth of your own misbehavior as Hogwarts High Inquisitor and short-lived Headmistress to come out in hearings held by this Ministry and Wizengamot that led to your demotion," Rufas said. "It was only Fudge's own testimony and appeals regarding his complicity with your actions that kept you out of Azkaban in the first place!"
Umbridge remained silent as this.
"You ask where your accusors are?" Rufus continued. "Well, don't look at Hermione and Ginny! Your accusors are right over there!"
Rufas pointed at a long curtain along a wall close to the door where the prisoners had been led in. He gave a flik of his wand and the cage holding Umbridge began to move towards the curtain. Once it stopped, Rufus nodded his head at Hagrid who had been standing quietly by the door with his brother. Hagrid then moved over to the curtain and pulled a cord hanging along one side of it. The curtain opened, and there, right in front of Delore Umbridge's face, stood the group of prsioners that had just been sentenced.
"There are you accusors!" Rufus growled. "Each of whom has already been sentenced to join you in prison where it is our ruling that you will be confined for the rest of your life, Delores!"
Umbridge had been staring at the prisoners, eyes wide in shock, but at hearing Rufas words, she let out a loud, ear-splitting scream "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO............. ...............!"
She then seemed to collapse and the cage was lowered again to the floor where Hagrid and Grawp again forced her onto her feet as they half-carried, half-dragged the still screaming woman out of the courtroom to her cell.

Poetic justice, I'll say. A bit of an understatement really they only thing that could have been better would be if the guards dragging her in had been centaurs! Great Post! I know that Umbridge was evil!

Great posts. About time that awful Umbridge gets whats been coming to her. PAMS

Months passed quickly since the capture and inprisonment of the last potentially serious threat to the Ministry. The Aurors were kept busy checking into new possibilities, but none turned out to be serious.
It was just after spring began that Hermione found herself called to a special meeting of the Wizengamot. Special meetings in quiet times were rare, and Hermione was a bit puzzled when she receieved her summons. Rufas was strangely silent about the meeting. Ususally the two of them went over an agenda before attending these meetings.
It was Monday, and the meeting would be held right after lunch. Hermione was smiling quite a bit more than usual today as she thought back over the past weekend. She was quite far along now and due to deliver her baby in just another few weeks. She and Ron had spent a quiet weekend at home, leaving only for a few hours on Saturday to do some baby shopping in a quiet nearby Village known for it's handmade items ranging from cribs to blankets and clothing.
On Sunday, she and Ron had walked down by a stream and had their first picnic lunch of the year, the Sun bright and warm. Flowers were blooming all over the fields and scented the air with their varied smells. Ron sat close to her, with his hand often on her swollen belly, delighting in feeling the baby's rolls and kicks.
"Don't you want to know if it's a boy or a girl?" Ron said, smiling crookedly. "I will admit that this mystery is making me quite anxious!"
"Ronald, if I can wait so can you!" Hermione said in mock admonition. "Besides, we must think of a name first!"
"That's right!" Ron said. "I have a few ideas there!"
"And so do I!" Hermione replied. "Would you like to share yours?"
"Okay!" Ron said, pulling himself up so that he was sitting straight.
"What do you think about naming the baby Harry if it's a boy?"
"I thought about that," Hermione said. "But I think that, as often as we are all together, it might become confusing with two Harry's around. I was thinking more of James, for Harry's father, and maybe Sirius for a middle name."
"James Sirius Potter" Ron said, running the sound through his mind. "But do you think that it might be too painful of a reminder for Harry?"
"My, you are growing up, Ronald Weasley!" Hermione said, grinning. "I have also thought of that. "I think we had better check with Harry first about using this name and see how he feels about it."
"What's your idea?" Ron asked.
"Well," Hermione began. "If it is a girl, I was thinking about naming her after your mother. Molly, but then again, we would run into confusion when we are all together. I have been looking some old names tied with legend and witchcraft talent and I found a name I really love....Rhiannon. Perhaps we could call her Rhiannon Molly Weasley, although I agree we would not want to call her both names together, probably."
"I like that, and I think Mum would like it too!" Ron said, smiling gently. "But we still need to pick an alternate boys name."
"How about Viktor?" Hermione said, laughing!
"How about Tom?" Ron shot back, laughing as well.
"Well," Hermione said. "How about Merlin James Weasley?"
"Hey, that's not too bad at all!" Ron said, leaning back down on his side and laying his head softly on Hermione's belly.
"Let's plan to go visit Ginny and Harry next weekend," Hermione said. "We can stop by the Burrow as well and see your mum and dad too. We can run the names by them and see what they think."
"Sounds like a plan!" Ron said. "I'll talk to Harry Monday and set things up."
"I'll talk to Ginny as well," Hermione replied.
Hermione sat at her desk, a smile pasted on her face along with that far away look as Ginny walked in.
"Wrackspurt got you?" Ginny laughed, remembering Harry telling her about Luna's comment several years back about Harry getting this non-existant, but yet quite apt phrase for being lost in thought.
Hermione turned slowly to face her friend.
"Just remembering some things from over this past weekend," she smiled. "Ron and I were talking about names for the baby."
"Oh!" Ginny said in anticipation of hermione telling her everything. "That sounds interesting!"
"It was!" Hermione said. "In fact, Ron and I want to get together with you and Harry this next weekend to discuss them with you! Molly and Arthur too!"
"You mean you are going to make me wait until next weekend!" Ginny said, disappointedly.
"I'm sorry Gin, but yes," Hermione said, smiling gently and speaking softly. "We want you all to hear the ideas together. It wouldn't be fair to tell one of you before the rest, would it?"
"No, I guess not," Ginny said as a grin washed over her freckled face "Gosh I hate being patient!"
Hermione giggled.
"I wish I knew what this meeting was about!" Hermione said.
"I heard something, but I don't know how reliable it is," Ginny replied.
"Well, what is it?" Hermione said.
"Well," Ginny began, speaking gently, but the mischievious fire in her eyes gave her away as did her next words: "I think they want to make the announcement when everyone is there, and it wouldn't be fair for one to know before the others, would it?"
Ginny practically ran out of the office as she heard Hermione growl in frustration. Her laughter could be heard down the hallway as she made her way back to her own office.
Hermione was left to wonder what it was that her friend had heard, if she had really heard anything.
Time passed slowly, and Hermione chose to eat a light lunch in her office while she was going over notes from the Wizengamot's previous meetings. She really hated not being prepared for a meeting, but it was impossible to prepare much when you had no idea what the meeting was going to be about! By meeting time, frustration had pretty much taken over her better mood of that morning. Only curiosity kept her mood from becoming bitter.
"Well," Came a deep voice from outside her closed door. "Are you ready to go?"
Hermione lept to her feet and opened her door for Rufas Scrimgeour.
"Yes, sir!" she said. "I am as ready as I can be, I guess."
"Hermione," Rufas said, smiling."Don't call me Sir! And this is one meeting there is nothing you could do to prepare for, so don't worry about it."
Ginny was out in the hallway waiting for them, but she couldn't bring herself look at Hermione. However, she was smiling mysteriously. Hermione began to get really puzzled.
"May I?" Rufus said as he held his arm out to Hermione.
She took his arm in hers as they made their way down the hallway.
Soon they reached the Wizengamot offices where they were escorted into a packed, but comfortable boardroom, which was set up sort of like the centre court at Wimbleton. What would have been the court itself was the long wooded table where members of the Wizengamot sat. This table was surrounded by tiers of seats circling the room. This is where spectators sat. The seats had folding desktops where they could be put in place for those wishing to keep notes on what was happening. Hermione had been here several times now, taking notes on the various monthly and a few special meetings before.
Their escort sat them right in the bottom row of these seats and Hermione noticed that the members had begun to file in. She looked around and noticed there were quite a few people there, many packed in to gether in the upper seats behing them. She turned and strained to see who they were, but the lighting made the group only look shadowy. Elsewhere, where the lighting was better, she could make out some faces, and many appeared to be Department Heads. As the sounds of shuffling and pulling in and out of chairs diminished, Hermione again faced toward the center table and saw that the table was pretty much filled. Only one vacent seat remained. The person who escorted them to their seats closed the doors to the room and stood silently near them.
The Chief of the Wizengamot, a women Hermione knew and held immence respect for, stood and began to address the group.
"Good afternoon," she said. "We are called here today for a very special reason. As you know, at our last meeting, elections among the group were held which filled out various positions, cabinet memberships and committees. These elections left a vacancy, (she motioned toward the empty chair) that requires filling from the outside. We have talked to various Department Heads and among ourselves as to whom this new Wizengamot member should be and have come up with one we consider to be the perfect candidate. The Wizengamot voted secretly Friday and the vote was unanimous for this new member. Despite the fact that they have not been in the Ministry for long, we feel this person has the skills, committment and loyalty required for this position. Without further adu, l present you the newest member of the Wizengamot.....Hermione Weasley!
Hermione sat there stunned as the room filled with enthusiastic clapping and cheers.
Suddenly, the Chieftess was in front of her, holding out her hand and smiling as Ron made his way to her side, beeming.
"She took Minerva's hand and allowed the woman and her husband to help her to her feet. They led her, knees shaking, to the empty chair at the table where she stood, grasping the back of the chair. Every Wizengamot members was standing and clapping with welcoming smiles on their faces. Hermione looked at them and smiled back.
"I believe we had better let our newest member sit down before they fall down!" Minerva said, smiling with understanding at Hermione.
Ron took the cue and supported his wife as he pulled out the chair and helped her settle herself into it. She took a moment to look into her husbands eyes, which showed pride shining back at her. He gentlely pushed her chair into the table then left to take his seat, high above where Hermione had been sitting so she not been able to recognize him. She knew who the others were now as she caught the glint of Moody's silver/grey hair in the dim light. While Hermione sat, the other members, one by one, came over and shook her hand in warm welcome.
Finally, Minerva stood once again.
"I am pleased to welcome Hermione into our group," she said. "I will be contacting you shortly for a personal meeting where I will introduce you to each member personally and explain your duties as Junior Wizengamot. You will then be given a full list of committees and their duties for you to study. Although you are what we refer to as a Junior member, you have full voting rights within the group and full membership for any committee or organization you may wish to become involved with. You will no longer be a Junior member when the next seat available becomes filled. It simply means that you are the newest member, not the least in rank or importance. I will be meeting with you several times between today and our next monthly meeting, and we do understand that the time is soon coming where you will be gone taking care of a newborn baby for a time. We will keep you up to date during that period, so don't be concerned about this."
Minerva smiled.
"Again," she said. "Let me present and welcome our newest member, Hermione Weasley!"
The table and the room again erupted in cheers and clapping. Hermione felt herself blushing, her heart beating stongly and rapidly with excitement. She never expected this wonderful honor and her look told McGonagall so. She nodded her head at Hermione, as if reading her thoughts. Hermione returned the smile and began to relax a little as Ron and Minerva came up to her and helped her to her feet. The rest of the table then stood and followed them out of the boardroom and down to their private cafeteria where cake and ice cream awaited in celebration.
Ginny finally came up to Hermione.
"I knew, but I couldn't say anything," Ginny whispered to her friend.
"I know," Hermione answered, grinning widely at her friend.
The group spent the rest of that Monday introducing themselves to Hermione and welcoming her into the Wizengamot. Others came to congradulate Hermione. All the office heads, and all the Aurors. Harry hugged her and whispered "Now you can finally start to really make a difference!" Hermione looked at him. She knew exactly what he meant. It was true! She couldn't believe this had happened to her...and in such a short period of time!
As the remainder of the Aurors congradulated her and began moving away, she heard another whisper in her ear, and turned toward it, seeing no one.
"Well, I did say that you were ambitious!" the voice said as Hermione looked down at her shoulder where a beetle was sitting and smiling at her.
"Thanks, Rita!" Hermione whispered back, "From you, that IS a complement!"
They both laughed softly.

How awesome was that post! That is so amazing, our little Hermione's all grown up, about to become a mommy, and on the Wizengamot! Great Post Tatewin!