Lucy Snape and the Return of Lord Zuc (Book Four)

A visit from the Minister

Chapter three: A visit from the Minister 

"LUCY!, MCGUIRE!" 

Lucy's head snapped up from looking at the floor, her thoughts about her and Snape being related had been interrupted by none other than the man himself. Lucy looked up and saw her dad standing outside his block of bricks at Spinners end 

"Snivels is calling" Shona sighed; she got up and followed the direction of the potion masters voice. 

"Yeah, that's him" Lucy said even though Shona couldn't hear her 

When Lucy arrived outside the front door, she peaked inside and saw Snape having a go at Shona who thought it was funny to make another comment about the 'pink furniture' which Shona wished to buy for Snape. 

"So er, dad" she said it as though she was forbid to say the word 'dad', "what did you call us in for?" 

"Not at this minute, Lucy" Snape hissed, he glared at her. Lucy couldn't help but notice that ever since Jessica had run off Snape had become moodier... 

"Very well, I'll make my way into the living room" she sighed and did as she said and listened to the many detentions Shona was being given. 

"In answer to your question - " Shona spluttered as she walked into the front room. It looked as though Shona had laughed too much. 

"The ministry are coming and if you put one toe out of line, McGuire, you'll have a years worth of detentions" Snape growled as he stormed into the living room 

"The ministry, why?" 

"I don't exactly know but I think its something to do with rations and Kingston" he shrugged 

"Rations! I'm not going to survive on oatmeal!" Shona tutted 

 before anything could be said about Shona's comment; a faint crack could be heard from outside. The three of them peered outside and saw the Minister for magic himself along with two other men who didn't look too pleased about this visit to Spinners end. 

Snape dashed his way into the hallway as the three men made their way up the pathway and to the door. When Snape opened the door he braced himself for what was to come. 

"Good morning, Minister" Snape greeted 

"Good morning, Severus, may we come in?" 

"Yes, you may" 

Lucy and Shona stood next to each other, clearing some space for the guests to enter as well as a not so pleased Snape. 

"Hello girls" the Minister (who Lucy remembered his name being 'Corniellus Fudge') waved as he entered the living room.

"G'morning, Minister!" Shona grinned

"Morning, Mnister, can I get you anything?" Lucy asked politely, like she had been taught

"A cup of tea would be spiffing, please, as well as for these two gentlemen, Lydia"

"Her name is 'Lucy' " Snape interrupted as Lucy dashed off into the kitchen to make tea 

"Yes, well close enough" Fudge said as he sat down without even asking and the two men stood either side of him 

"LUCY!" Shona yelled with a snigger, "BRING ME IN SOME COKE!" 

"Some what?!" Lucy asked as she poked her head around the corner 

"Never you mind, Lucy, just make the tea" Snape groaned, "so, Minister, what is it you wish to talk with us about?" 

"Well I wish to talk to you about Joshua Kingston" 

"Oh man, not him" Shona whined, "I'm fed up of hearing his name!" 

"We all are, I can assure you but things are getting serious. We are having to ration each wizarding family until Kingston and his gang are gone - thank you, dear" Fudge explained as Lucy walked in with a tray of tea and biscuits. 

"Are we being rationed as well?, If we are I find that slightly unfair, seeing as we're always saving the wizarding population" Snape asked 

"Well I was just getting to that, Mr Snape - " 

"I'M NOT LIVING OFF OATMEAL!" Shona howled 

"Be quiet, Sophie" Fudge tutted 

"It's Shona..." 

"Close enough, anyway, I will not be rationing you because like it has already been confirmed you are the fighters. So I don't have the heart to ration you but - which one of you is Lucy?" The Minister squinted at the two girls (Snape raised an eyebrow seeing as who was who had already been stated) 

"Me" Lucy whispered and raised her hand 

"Beautiful tea you make, I'd say the same your face but that scar is ruining it!" Fudge pointed to her scar 

"Er, yeah..." Lucy said a little hurt 

"I'm sure this will help" Fudge said as he pulled out a potion, he handed it to Lucy but then also pulled out a book, "I think you should have this too, its rather useful or I think so anyway" 

"Thank you" and she took the book from Fudge 

"Consider it as a birthday present from the Ministry, now we must be going" 

Fudge got up with a smile, he put his empty cup on the tray and left without another word. He went into the hallway then opened the door and apparated along with his two companions. 

"Cheerful" Shona said simply 

"Shut up, Sophie!" Lucy laughed 

"Why don't you!, Lydia!" 

"More importantly we'll have to look through that book later..." Snape said and he nodded towards the book. 

Lucy looked at the book she was holding and couldn't help but wonder what was in it...