"I'm so sorry to interrupt.  I know you're trying to eat."  She paused.

"It's all right, Hildi," Cormac said, wiping his mouth on a napkin.  "What do you need?"

"I just thought you should know that you received a personal owl from the Minister.  It's waiting on my desk--it wouldn't let me take the letter," she said, clearly irritated.

"Oh!"  he said, standing up and putting his fork down.  "Sorry." 

He stepped from behind his desk and walked out of his office and over to Hildi's desk, reaching for the parchment tied to the owl's foot.  "Hildi handles all of my correspondence, you insolent thing." 

The bird looked at Cormac as if to say, "Just take the damn letter, you sod." 

"Did you see that?" Cormac asked Hildi, his voice cracking with surprise.

"I told you Mr. McLaggen.  That is not a nice owl," Hildi answered, matter of factly.

Cormac laughed and took the parchment back to his office but not before glaring at the owl. 

Sitting back down in his chair, he unrolled the parchment and began reading.

Mr. McLaggen,

I wish to extend you my personal appreciation for bringing to my attention such a grievous matter as you did.  It pains me deeply to know that Auror Havershames was using his power and influence in the Ministry to secure and accept bribes.  His employment with the Ministry has been terminated.  Again, thank you for your attention in this matter.  It is reassuring to know that there are upstanding members of Wizarding society who are willing to go out of their way to protect those who need it. 

Sincerely,

Rufus Scrimgeour

Realizing he wouldn't have been able to take care of Havershames so quickly without Megan's help, he decided it was time to do something to show her his thanks.  But first things first.  Speaking clearly he said, "Epistula.  Auror Havershames' employment with the Ministry has been terminated.  Finis."

Cormac dropped the parchment onto his desk and began to laugh, only stopping when tears began to leak out of the corners of his eyes.  "Damn.  I'm good."


{Summary:  Cormac completes his first assignment for the Liberi.}