[Hogwarts Between] At the Ministry of Magic (Cyrus, Eugene)

[Margaret Dean]

When the day finally came for Cyrus Windermere and his father to
visit Diagon Alley and get his school supplies, it turned out
there was a slight change of plan.

"I've taken the day off, really," said his father, Eugene, "but I
got an owl this morning to say something's come up at the office,
so we'll need to go there first -- just for an hour or so until I
can get this squared away, one of the models gone wonky, happens
sometimes.  You'd like to see where Dad works anyhow, wouldn't
you, Cyrus?" he ended heartily.

Eugene usually Apparated to work.  Cyrus, however, was too young,
and his father didn't want to risk Side-Along Apparation. 
"Tricky," he said, shaking his head.  "Much better use the Floo
network.  The parlor chimney is drawing properly now, isn't it,
Daphne dear?"

"It is if you remember to open the flue, love," said Cyrus's
mother, and came with them into the parlor to make sure of this. 
As it was summer, there had been no fire lit in the fireplace for
some months.  Daphne laid one efficiently while Eugene hunted out
his can of Floo powder.

"Remember to enunciate clearly, son," Eugene told Cyrus, once the
flames were burning green.  "I'll go first, and you follow
straightway.  Ministry of Magic, Main Entrance!" he cried,
stepped into the fireplace and vanished.