25 Orphanage and Meeting

Three days had passed since Agustus arrived at the orphanage. He had stopped goblins from handling donations to the orphanage, due to their commissions, and now, with Alfred's assistance, he personally delivered them.

As Alfred entered the orphanage with the matron, he saw Agustus in the hall, playing chess with Emily. Agustus had taught her how to play the game.

Alfred bowed respectfully to Agustus and said, "I brought the donations and gifts, master."

Hearing this, grandma was shocked. She looked at Agustus, who replied to Alfred, "Yes, Alfred. Thank you."

Grandma looked at Emily and said, "Emily, go and do your summer homework."

Emily looked at Agustus with puppy dog eyes, hoping that he would intervene. But Agustus ignored her, knowing that grandma was serious. He didn't want to anger her, as she loved him like her own grandson and wouldn't think twice before twisting his ears.

He could always use POD to negate pain but he would never do that.

Emily felt betrayed by Agustus and ran to her room, sobbing, Agustus just sighs looking at her.

Grandma then said to Alfred and Agustus, "Let's talk in my office."

Agustus nodded hurriedly, understanding that grandma wanted an explanation. He knew that if he refused now, he would get a really long scolding. He also knew that he couldn't hide his secret from her forever, atleast this one.

Agustus and Alfred followed grandma to her office. Alfred understood that the lady in front of him was very important to his master. He also knew that she had no idea about the true nature of Agustus's power and his magic.

As Agustus and Alfred sat down, grandma grabbed Agustus's left ear and sternly looked at him. She said, "Explain everything."

Agustus said, "Ow, grandma, I will explain everything, just let go of my ear, please."

Grandma let go of his ear and folded her arms.

Agustus began his explanation, telling her how he had found out that he was the heir of a noble and wealthy family, and that Alfred was his faithful butler who had been serving him since Christmas.

Hearing this, grandma was overjoyed for Agustus. She smiled and said, "So you are the one who has been donating so much money to us."

Agustus smiled back at grandma, thinking that she was going to praise him, but he was wrong.

Grandma grabbed his ear again and said, "Young man, you should handle money more carefully. Do you know how much money you have given to us? Every month, 25,000 pounds (5,000 galleons). That's too much money for an orphanage. At first, I thought the authorities would come and investigate us, seeing the amount of money we were receiving. Do you know how much trouble you have caused me, young man?"

Agustus winced and said, "Ouch, grandma, I'm sorry, please let go. I have a lot of money, and I want to help the orphanage. This is my home, after all."

Hearing this, grandma had tears in her eyes and hugged Agustus. She said, "My little cute Agustus has grown up and is now helping the orphanage. I'm so proud of you."

Agustus just smiled and hugged her back. Alfred was watching them with a warm smile. He had known Agustus for a few months, and he had noticed that Agustus never acted like an 11-year-old boy. He was always calm, confident, and powerful. But in front of this lady, Agustus behaved like her grandson. He was gentle, obedient, and affectionate. 'The boy who could destroy Britain with a snap of his finger was hurt by his grandma's twisting his ear,' thought Alfred amusingly.

After a few minutes, grandma calmed down and said, "You will not be sending that much money anymore."

Agustus looked at his grandma questioningly.

Grandma continued, "Agustus, it's good that you are rich and you want to help the orphanage, but you should not be donating that much money. The orphanage doesn't need that much money to run. You should save some for yourself and your future."

Agustus nodded and said, "But I will still send some money and gifts."

Grandma smiled and patted his head. She said, "You're stubborn. Where is my Agustus who obeyed everything I said?"

Agustus smiled at his grandmother. He loved her very much.

Alfred left shortly after the meeting, leaving behind the gifts he had brought for orphanage kids. Agustus and the other kids unwrapped their gifts, excited and grateful. Agustus had asked Alfred to buy a special chocolate pudding for Emily, who loved it a lot. He hoped that she would forgive him for not helping her earlier.

Agustus had scheduled a meeting with the Minister of Magic at the Drakul residence. He had arrived at the Drakul manor early in the morning, after making a plausible excuse to his grandma.

He and the Minister of Magic were sitting on a comfortable sofa, enjoying some tea in the main hall, while Alfred, the Drakul family Butler, was busy preparing some snacks for them.

"Heir Peverell, you mentioned something very intriguing at our last meeting," said the Minister of Magic in her usual casual tone.

Agustus gave her a charming smile and said, "Indeed, Minister. I was wondering what would happen if Dumbledore decided not to support Fudge in the upcoming election."

She fell silent for a few minutes, pondering over his words, while Agustus sipped his tea leisurely. Then the Minister of Magic spoke again, "Lord Nott will be the only opposition from the dark side, as the dark families are very active and want a minister who represents their interests. The light side has two candidates, Fudge and Crouch. The neutral families will vote based on their own benefits. After the elimination round, I will have only two rivals left. If Dumbledore supports Crouch, then he would be a tough contender, but his tarnished reputation due to his son will cost him some votes from the light side. But I still don't think Dumbledore will back Crouch. Ah, I don't understand what you are implying, Agustus. Did dumbledore tell you something?"

Agustus listened to her and raised his eyebrow. "So, are we dropping the titles, Millicent?"

She smiled and said, "Well, we are friends, so we should stop using those formalities. But please, Agustus, explain to me what you are planning. I am really worried here."

Agustus still didn't reveal his scheme and asked, "Can I call you Millie? Millicent sounds too long."

She smiled at him and nodded. She waved her hand, urging him to continue.

He went on, "Millie, tell me something. Why doesn't Dumbledore support you? You said yourself, he is the greatest wizard alive, Right?"

Agustus looked at the minister's face and saw that she was displeased.

She sighed, she hesitated a little and said, "I didn't want to talk about that, Agustus. Dumbledore is indeed the greatest wizard alive, but he isn't the man I respect in fact he doesn't deserve any respect. I despise that old hypocritical bastard. He was willing to forgive all the Death Eaters, even though they killed so many Aurors. Do you have any idea how many lives he cost by telling us not to use lethal spells against them? Many families, like the Bones, lost their heads. I lost my fiancé, who trusted that fool. I didn't love him, since it was a political arrangement, but he was a good man. That war was a disaster because of him, Agustus. Please, I implore you, don't listen to anything he says. I may be a ruthless politician, but I am not like him. That is why I am worried, I don't want to be associated with him. I would rather die then take that bastard's support."

She could no longer hide her emotions behind a mask of strength. Tears streamed down her face as she revealed the truth that she had been keeping all along. Agustus had doubted her every word, and had used an artifact to detect any lies. It was a ward that repelled deception, and he had discovered it in his Drakul vault.

Agustus was speechless. He realized she had kept these feelings hidden but today due to pressure, frustration and unanswered questions, made them burst out. Agustus embraced her. She clung to him tightly, feeling a mix of relief and resentment.

She regained her composure, but did not let go of him. She said, "You're quite good at seizing the opportunity, student. You're learning fast."

Agustus released her and smiled. He said, "Well, thank you, professor," playing along with her.

Agustus then said, "Shall we get down to business?"

He snapped his fingers and the tears vanished from her eyes. They began to plot their next move.

-----------------------------------------------------------

A little late today.

Question:

If you could have super powers from one superhero from Marvel or DC, who are you choosing?