#sinsoftrust

Curled up in one of the large chairs set out by the library fireplace; I found myself lost to the first edition of Hogwarts: A History I had discovered on one of the shelves. I was in awe of the first hand recollections about the founders of the school I had grown to see as a second home, the two witches and their male counterparts had left hundreds of letters and I discovered much to my delight that the first edition had published extracts of their letters discussing their individual wishes for what they wanted Hogwarts to be. The two wizards, Godric and Salazar were like oil and water but I couldn't help but notice that they worked well together which made me wonder? Had the two houses had such different views that they would end up coming together centuries later because each side when brought together completed the other. Page after page was read before I rose to make some Oolong tea in the beautiful kitchen; and once more doing the simple task had me thinking of Draco and the Manor. I missed how excited the House Elves who worked in the had been to care for me; down to the way they would make paper flowers for my biscuits to rest on when serving afternoon tea… I had come to think as the manor house in Wiltshire as my home and as the saying goes? Home is where the heart is - and.. Draco held my heart, something I had discovered all too late as he had once more fallen into the arms of Astoria Greengrass. Yet; there my heart will remain because once given; then such a gift cannot be returned for it’s no longer anything I can possess. Sipping my tea, I looked out of the windows and the Muggles going about their day unaware of the turmoil England’s green and pleasant land had nearly been destroyed by Voldemort and his followers. They saw the magic in the story books I loved as children that had to me seemed so colourful, so wonderful talking of the Faraway Tree, Narnia or even the Beauty and her Beast. Those authors who had brought worlds to life now had me wondering; had they known the truth of our world? Perhaps they were squibs, or were witches and wizards themselves - if I hadn't fled, I could imagine Draco would have conversed with me and educated me further on those of our world who hid amongst Muggles weaving fiction from truths. Perhaps, after some rest with the aid of some Dreamless Sleep to darken the nightmares and memories; I could send a letter to Harry at Grimmauld Place. I was sure my best friend would see if there were anything about such tales in the books Sirius and Regulus Black had kept there. Given their combined thirst for knowledge even if Regulus had been loyal to Voldemort? I had every confidence there would be something.. Or perhaps there would be books at Hogwarts itself.. When it came to knowledge, I was as I had always been: insatiable. If I lost myself in my search for answers then maybe I wouldn't have a free moment to think about what could have been. What… what could have happened if we had followed our hearts rather than the demands of what was right and proper for both myself and Draco. Except. I couldn't go to them; I'd turn my back on magic.. hadn't I. My tea cup sat forgotten on the antiquated pine kitchen table, my drink’s umber shine becoming a pool for reflections, the time wasted boiling the kettle on the stove infuriating me more than it should have. I wasn't accustomed to being alone anymore. First with Harry and Ron at my side, then Draco and at times Blaize Zabini when he returned from Italy..then living with Ron until.. “Until the truth came out and Draco Malfoy got to be the Prince Charming in the fairy tale…” My thirst dried up, my stomach seeming to do a somersault leaving me sick to my stomach had me fall into the farm style chair at the head off the table whilst I willed my body to not rebel against me. It wasn't to be as the nauseousness intensified and I sobbed my heart out with only the spartan walls to bear witness to my heartbroken cries and pitiful utterances for Draco to take me home to Wiltshire and its library and house elves who had cared for me like I was a child at times. Just like my Mother would so long ago. There it was. The first foolish thing I had done that had led to me being alone with my thoughts. Obliviating my parents to such an extent that it was seen to be impossible to restore the memories of Wendell and Monica Wilkins without their being a risk as large as one of Charlie's dragons that they'd end up in the same ward as Neville's parents. As much as I loved and missed them; I couldn't be selfish for a second time and try to make them remember they were my parents. But. What I would do for them to be here and give me the largest cuddle I had ever known was currently quite extensive and not necessarily legal in Wizarding law in several countries around the world. I would know; I researched the laws of Great Britain, the United States, Australia and Central Europe before Horcrux hunting during my Sixth year at Hogwarts. Be prepared for all eventualities etcetera etcetera. Laughing sadly (of which I can confirm is a real thing) I looked at my reflection with a high level of scorn and contempt for myself. I sure as Hell isn't a place for Hippogriffs be prepared to find myself alone with an ex-fiancé seeming to have turned to the dark, and a former Death-Eater reclaiming his place as the love of my life. I had to get myself up and out of this chair and make my way through this beautiful house I can now call my own. I had to return to the library and look at the first edition of Beauty and the Beast that had some plates printed within its pages that you could easily be tricked into believing they were alive! I lost myself to the words of the book, loving how the bookworm blossoms under the love and care of first her Father and then those wonderful souls within the Prince’s home. I had read this story so many times, both in English and it’s original language; French and become utterly captivated by this fairy tale that; from my first days at Hogwarts started to feel just a little more believable. After all, how many times did I see the suits of armour and other pieces of history within the castle move by themselves? I wanted to ask Draco about it, to see the look of utter joy he too finds in books that had initially drawn us together when we had shared letters over the Summer months what seemed a lifetime ago. For a moment, I wondered if I should tell him where I was, what I was doing and how...how much it hurt to lose him from my life again. Again. Five letters. One world. A lifetime of pain to experience from the loss of Draco when I was still afraid for my safety from Ron, and whoever these Knights of Walpurgis were. I cradled the book to me as I read over the same lines repeatedly where Belle is experiencing the change in the Beast over the winter - not necessarily a favourite of everyone I imagine but I found myself captivated. The Beast lets down his barriers, allowing Belle to see his playful side and it for a moment took me back to when Harry, Ron and I had come across Draco with Crabbe and Goyle and scared them all with Harry throwing snowballs from beneath his Invisibility cloak. I couldn’t stop laughing as I remembered the look on their faces, it had been the first time I saw Draco Malfoy in a new light and from then on; I had found myself looking out for the Slytherin Prince. “Merlin, I think I loved him before I even truly understood what was happening. He’s been a part of my life since I was that infuriating first year who cared so much for books and not so much the world around me. Oh… Draco, I wish you were here.” I hadn’t noticed till then that the old pages of the book by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve that I’d noticed to be only a year after its first publication were now now covered with wet marks..where my tears had fallen and landed on the book that in so many ways reminded me of how I had changed since coming aware of the Magical world that now felt like my true home. Tears weren’t going to ease my sorrow, and clearly the book wasn’t aiding me in my distraction of what had happened. I didn’t know what to do anymore; and called out for Melly, unsure if the House Elf who was so loyal to Draco would hear me; or be permitted to come to me. If she did, I would break only one of the promises I’d made to myself. I would tell Draco where I was but wouldn’t permit him to enter the home.. Though there was a sensation I couldn’t shake off that there was more to this mysterious house that had become my home and it focused solely on Draco and I - that much I knew. “To coin a saying from Alice.. Stranger and stranger…” I murmured softly and drew myself in from the cold of the room as I felt a wave of nausea that was so strong hit me and I slid into an unsettled sleep.

I didn’t know where to go, or what to do but I had to keep myself focused on the fact I had to survive and remain away from Wizarding London and the community as a whole. I had thought that I would never have to leave the world I loved behind; I had survived the final year at Hogwarts when my friends had turned on me because of my loyalty to Draco. Circe! I had believed for most of that final year that I would be betrothed to Draco after we found the inner strength to admit our true feelings to one another - but circumstances had changed that and I’d watched the man I gave my innocence too; walk away. Losing him to Astoria had broken me - Lucius and Narcissa still managing to dictate their son’s future even if one were in Azkaban and the other nearly insane from the horrors she had endured with Voldemort in her home. It had been that pain that had in turn return to the safe and familiar of Ron. I could never have believed that someone I had called my best friend and lover for so long could turn on me in such a violent and horrific manner. Sighing softly, I wove my way through the busy London commuters and tourists hunting for whatever attraction had caught their attention. My sudden removal from the safety and familiarity I had grown accustomed too and into the Muggle world had left me in a quandary. I had no money. Nor did I anywhere to live having sold off the family home after it had become clear that my parents were better in Australia thanks to my inability to reverse the Obliviation I had performed upon them. The money the house had got.. had been placed in their bank in Australia - although they had believed it was there from when they had immigrated to warmer climates after accepting they wouldn't have children and needed an escape. I may have messed up; but with the assistance of Kingsley Shacklebolt had rectified what I could to give my parents some happiness whilst I grieved for them.. Thankfully? I kept my bank card in my purse alongside the more familiar pieces of my magical life. Perhaps I would at least not be sleeping in the streets tonight - if I could only get to the large Barclays Bank situated on The Strand. It had been the first stop my parents and I would make before heading to Diagon Alley during the latter part of the Summer holidays and now, as I headed in the right direction (now with an actual plan in my head making life easier) I smiled sadly at the rush of memories of happier times. I may have forced myself to step away from the Wizarding World; but it would be hard to force my mind not to remember the happiness I had felt at belonging there. Shaking my head to clear my melancholy thoughts; I forced my head higher and shoulders back - time to be strong Hermione; time to accept that the only person I could rely on? Was myself. … “and Draco.” Whispered the voice in my head; but it was wrong - yes; there was no doubt in my mind that the boy I had grown to love in my final year at Hogwarts had remained in the man who had saved me? But Draco Malfoy wasn't mine and I shouldn't have been weak and slept with him; I certainly shouldn't have gone to tell him I loved him (even if it was true) because he wasn't mine. He may have turned his back on the ideals his Father and Grandfather had instilled in him; but he was still extremely proud of being a son of one of the oldest families in certainly Wizarding England and Europe given his French heritage. Leaving him to Astoria Greengrass was the right thing and he would forget me soon enough. - Although I wouldn't ever forget how he made me feel. Nor how much I loved him. “Bloody Hell! That's an owl - an actual owl!!” That particular exclamation of surprise amongst the many that suddenly broke out stood out and had me turn around and look to the skies. Flying in through the bank doors was a beautiful owl - a familiar bird from dinner with Neville and Hannah. Cursing quietly; I prayed my face didn't display anything but surprise as I left the sunshine behind and entered the bank. Only for the Longbottom’s owl to land on the one of the Perspex signs to my left; leg cast out towards me, I admittedly panicked and backed away. “Go away… Go back to where you came from please!” I hissed at the bird as it stared at me with a blaze of fury in its beady eyes. I knew it wouldn't go until I took the parcel from its leg but if I did? Whomever had sent it to me would believe I wasn't serious about my departure from their world. “Excuse me Miss? My name is Cecilia Spencer; would you.. I mean would you like to come this way with me please?” Confused, I look from the owl to a smartly dressed lady in her forties who confidently encourages the owl onto her suit clad arm. I'm clearly hallucinating due to stress.. it's the only explanation for a Muggle bank official to be calmly handling the now happy owl who’s enjoying treats. Following the two of them down a small corridor; I’m led into a large office and realise that I’m with the Bank Manager who smiles at me quietly before ushering me to sit. “I understand you're confusion Miss?” “Granger. Hermione Granger” “Ah yes. That explains the owl coming to you - let me explain once you have helped this little fellow out and take its burden from it. Would you like a drink - tea, coffee; or something cold perhaps Miss Granger?” Shaking my head; I moved to remove the parcel from the owl and ran my fingers across its silken head before thanking it for not being angry with me. A swift nod was clearly witnessed by the Manager and myself before the owl flew out into the blue skies. I recognised the cursive style of my name upon the paper and felt a flutter in my chest at the thought of what Draco had written to me. Tracing my fingers across the paper I pondered leaving it unopened and return it somehow to Malfoy Manor so that we could both move on with our lives. He didn't owe me anything - I had been the foolish one to see the beautiful Wiltshire Manor House as my home. Biting my lip, my eyes caught sight of the Bank Manager as she seemed to be sorting through correspondence … with the Gringotts insignia on the left of each and every envelope. Why on Earth did a Muggle bank know anything about the largest bank in the Wizarding World? Had something been set in motion to prevent me from leaving it truly behind? “Miss Granger, I believe from your look? You wish to know just how I know both what you are and how I have items from your world in my possession. I believe we shall need some tea as the story is quite long and you my dear? Look cold and are clearly in shock so I insist we have a warm drink and you should open the letter before you wear out the paper it's written upon.” It was like having my Mother here with me; encouraging me to not give up and shy away from answers to my questions. Silently nodding; I opened the parcel and caught sight of my wand - seen last lying on the corridor floor of The Leaky when I had decided enough was enough.. Why had Draco sent it to me? I would have thought he would have been relieved to see me go so that he wouldn't be targeted as I had been in school years before for being my friend. Closing my eyes as I tried to stop my tears falling as I longed to thank him face to face for his kindness - he truly was the only man I had loved as deeply and completely as I realised I did now. I had to open the letter; and as I looked at the elegant words I couldn't make out the words for my tears. No matter what I did; Draco Malfoy was a part of me.. Wiping my eyes, I blinked and read the heartfelt letter and felt my heartbreak.. Dear Hermione, I know you must think I am a monster. Perhaps you are right. But whatever I am, I am yours. I always have been. I need you to know that. I am still the boy who loved you all those years before, even if you can’t see it. I always will. Did you ever know my patronus is an otter? Because you are every happy memory I have ever had. Until that last year you and I were together, I didn’t have enough happy memories to conjure one. You gave that to me. You are my shield against the darkness that has haunted me all my life. And that will never change. I won’t ask you to come back to me, though I have never wanted anything so much in my whole life. I’m simply sending you your wand so you have the choice to do so. The decision is yours alone. I will always open my door to you. There never has been and never will be anyone who means more to me than you do. Yours. Always. ~D He.. he… The sobs became harder, the room feeling like it were shrinking and I couldn't escape. Breathless; I held the paper to me and let every ounce of pain, anguish and anger I felt over what had been happening to me as of late. I had made a terrible mistake - Draco loved me; it was there in every word and yet; he didn't come for me, nor did he demand I return. He knew me well enough to know that I would need to do what I wanted for me - not for him or anyone else. “Miss Granger, please take a tissue and know that I am deeply sorry to see someone I have heard so much about in such distress. I hope I can alleviate your sorrow and explain things to you. In the last two decade, this particular branch has been on a small amount of banks working alongside and on behalf of Gringotts. As you are no doubt aware; there has been an increase in non-magical families having children attending Hogwarts and of course; somewhere was needed to work with our esteemed colleagues on Diagon Alley. We were approached as our branch is the largest and nearest one to the entrance to the Wizarding area of our capital. I believe that your parents were informed when you yourself required money to purchase school equipment etcetera?” I nodded dumbly, still too shaken to trust myself to speak coherently to the lady. “My brother attended Hogwarts in the late sixties so I was aware of Gringotts and the whole hidden world that us.. Muggles is it? Know nothing about. Perhaps that too was a reason that this particular branch was also chosen in preference to another? I’m unsure.. Now, in regards to yourself - your parents left a letter to be given to you on your seventeenth birthday if they themselves didn't collect the envelope prior to the 19th of September. As we were unable to locate you Miss Granger, it remained in our vault until I saw you enter and I recognised you straight away - I have been had a copy of The Daily Prophet delivered since the first month my brother attended your former school. It's a fascinating world and I would read it from cover to cover and your face is often on the front page of the paper - I am sorry recent incidents of articles being written are due to unfortunately sad situations. I shall leave you whilst you read over the letter and when you are ready; assist you in any way I can.” “Thank you Miss Spencer - for everything.” I read the letter, penned in both my Mum and Dad’s hands and the tears fell once again. They had made provisions for me if the horrors of Voldemort’s hatred towards Muggleborns and their families became too much and something occurred to have them leave me. They had realised even before I did that I would do whatever it took to keep them safe… Swallowing heavily, I continued and felt shock overwhelm me as I discovered just what they had done.. And who had aided them. ‘Our Darling Daughter. Firstly, if things have gone the way we think they will unfortunately go - forgive yourself. You are everything we could have ever wanted in a daughter and forgive you everything. Now let us explain so that you can lift a weight off those shoulders of yours. Albus Dumbledore came to us the week before your fifteenth birthday and explained that he had foreseen how you, our wonderfully courageous daughter would not let Harry go alone in his battle to protect both Muggles (such a funny word Darling) and magical beings from the darkness this monster had in his heart. We wanted to protect you, to take you from Hogwarts but we knew you wouldn't listen to us. Your heart is there with your friends and loved ones and we wouldn't be the people who raised you if we made you run and hide. So instead; your Headmaster helped us set up a safety net for you incase you were ever taken from us. We hope it doesn't happen little Queen but if it does? Know that we have always been proud of you and love you with everything we have.. You have a Safe Deposit Box here that can be accessed from the eve of your seventeenth birthday Hermione and in it will be account details of a savings account we have had for you since birth - there is also a key and sealed envelope of an address. The house is yours; it's been in the Granger family for a long time and we knew you would love it. We purchased it for you and hope it's a place of happiness and joy for you. To reassure you; the house has been warded by your Headmaster and I believe one Narcissa Malfoy; we believe she's the Mother of that boy you told us about every holiday. Did you give him the chance to prove himself wrong? We hope so dearest Hermione as everyone can change if given a chance and his Mother told us he admires you greatly. Remember what they say? Opposites attract and truly, Ronald is a nice young man but he will never keep up with our little genius. We love you darling girl. Always will. Mum and Dad xxxx’ The letter fell to the ground as I reached for the open box Miss Spencer had left for me to look through and picked up the two envelopes and key. Rolling it over in my hand, I opened the envelope stated as holding the account details and froze - my mouth going dry as I saw the amount of money they had left me.. I had enough to not worry for some time - all gifted to me from parents who had forgiven me for the sin I would later commit of destroying the family they had longed for. I didn't deserve them. Trembling fingers opened the second letter and read the address - they had gifted me a house in Chelsea. As a little girl we had visited relatives there and I had wanted to stay in their Princess home.. Sweet Merlin! I had a home, and money.. I had a chance to escape and just be me. Hermione Granger - Muggle. I couldn't.. wouldn't.. reach out to anyone. Even if it hurt to imagine never seeing Harry, Ginny or Draco and my other friends again. All my dreams and hopes of working in the Ministry of Magic had to end.. I would have to begin all over again in the world I had begun my life in. "Miss Granger? Would you mind signing these papers for me and I can release funds to you.” I hadn't heard the Bank Manager enter, my mind lost to what I had just learnt. Rising from the seat, I signed the papers and went through the motions like a zombie and headed out into the main area of the bank so that I could go.. go home. Home.. Without my kitten, or Draco there to talk to.. Sighing softly, I held onto my wand - the familiar action calming me as I made the first steps to move on. I could only hope.. people would forgive me.

Gone. || #SinsOfTrust @AnguisMalificus @MythicalBelle @FacundMinister @NegligentChaos @TheLittleStag

Daphne was my passion. Because of her, I was willing to reach out to other former Slytherins. People who had been Voldemort’s acolytes. She convinced me there was a chance to bring us all together, that I was the one who could do it, and I wanted to prove her right. I wanted to show her that the trust she had in me was warranted. She gave me a sense of purpose again, and one that I’d felt I was sorely missing.║

And at the last I found it.||

I hadn’t believed that things would go as well as they currently going. My pet was willing to coerce all other doubters into seeing the light that remained in his sceptical heart; even his own beloved wife in the former Miss Weasley’s behaviour towards Miss Granger hadn’t been noticed by the oblivious Auror who still seemed to think he walked on water. Ah… it had been too easy to sway him into seeing the world through the eyes of one who had lived in darkness and light - but he certainly had no idea just who he was writing too and that at times; amused the Hell out of me. Clearly his years spent trying to handle the threat of the Dark Lord had affected him; but not as one would thing? In the ‘right’ way - as in be careful with what you tell others and certainly think about what deals you make with the unknown out there. That being said - I had to ensure that he kept telling me his fears, his concerns and how he wished others around him weren’t so idealistic. That fear for his life and those around him had led to me being able to easily sway the simpleton into doing anything an unknown entity wished of him; it had been really easy however; after informing the young wizard that I had several incriminating photographs and witnesses who would inform his beloved wife that he had been playing the field with several female aurors and then there was the ongoing affair behind his wife’s back with none other than Miss Daphne Greengrass. Chuckling softly; I remembered the disgust and yet. delight that had been in dear little Astoria’s tone when she had come to me full of righteous indignation that her sister had been fucking the Boy Who Lived. The little thing had cried into my arms for over an hour saying that her sister was ruining the chances their family had been given to be restored within the Sacred Twenty-Eight. It was a shame that she didn't think of that when she was all too eager to throw herself at me in a bid to be at the side of the new wizard who would remind Wizarding England and the Wizarding World as a whole that Muggleborn witches and wizards may belong in our world but they were beneath those whose blood was pure like my own. I was amused, laughing softly at how easy I could play puppeteer with the marionette that was Astoria Greengrass. I would use her, take everything she had from her and they drop her swiftly like the rubbish she was - and she wouldn’t be any the wiser as to how pathetic I viewed her to be. All those who had knelt before the Dark Lord only to flee when he was deemed to be dead, were worthless and I would cast them all aside once I was finished - or perhaps treat them as the Muggles had all witches they encountered during the late seventeenth century; maybe drown them or set them alight whilst chained to a post. It would be poetic to relive those dark times with wizards and witches and look them in the eye before they died. “My Lord Crouch; there’s been an owl for you - I believe it to be the Southern white-faced owl you assigned to Lord Arcturus Snood. I have her in the dining room being fed Sir. I have the letter that was attached - would you like it here or brought to your chambers Sir?” Nodding, I glanced at my reflection and smiled slowly - Snood had been relatively quiet as of late and I admit, I had grown concerned over his attachment to Miss Hermione Jean Granger, the Muggleborn saviour of the world. It had come to my attention that the Minister had grown attached to the… witch and wanted to keep her for himself as his pet. The thought had nauseated me at first before I recalled the fire that lived within Miss Granger and I could understand just how one could desire her. If he got her? Miss Granger would long for the days when the ginger wizard, Weasley, had beaten her - because his assaults on her person were nothing in comparison to what Snood was capable of doing to his… quarry. If Snood caught Miss Granger as he hoped too, then he would kill her within a month. What a shame that would be… “Bring it to me here Godbry now. I don’t like to be kept waiting.” The look on the House Elf’s face was one that chilled me to my core. There were very few things that drew out the good part of me; the Bartemius Crouch junior who had tried in vain to protect the House Elves who were bonded to the house of Crouch, those under my Father’s employ would be victim to his fury and his hatred for all beings, pure blood, magical creature or Muggle. House Elves, he stated often enough; were the lowest of all beings, barely below Muggles and therefore to be treated as if they were nothing. Those who protected them, ie; me - would often be the victim of the Cruciatus charm till I couldn’t lift myself from the ground and be lying in a pool of my own blood. Such things had melded me into the Wizard I was today; he literally drove me to a breakdown that had me believing I was insane. “Yes Sir.” The pop of the small creature leaving the room had me jump for the briefest second as I found myself drawn back to the chaos that would ensue when the esteemed Bartemius Crouch Sr drank excessively and insisted the House Elves line up so that he could choose punishments from A through to Z. I would end up caring for them all and tending to their needs and even now; I would ensure all Elves were looked after and treated with respect. Those who chose not to listen, would be punished - often till they would plead for death. Instead of returning in the same manner; I heard a soft knock and with an utterance of ‘Enter’ the small elf entered the room and bowed offering me the letter that the slimy Minister had sent.. I could practically smell his fear on the parchment and sneered at the recollection of his promise to do everything I wished of him. ‘I bring good tiding with this letter and ask of you a single request to locate Miss Granger and ensure that she isn’t in danger of the abuse Weasley enforces on those he’s infatuated with. I ask this of you as I believe in time we can sway Miss Granger into seeing the world through the eyes of the Knights. Mister Weasley and the traitor, Lord Malfoy were in an altercation over the your talented witch and once again the arrogant Weasley was inebriated and attacked both Lord Malfoy and Miss Weasley. I am most concerned that the moronic bastard will kill someone soon - I have instructed Percival Weasley to enforce some sobriety on the young drunk. Perhaps a course of Cruciatus curses as you have often said to be Hell for one to suffer, will ensure we have young Mister Weasley as Knight to… How shall I put it… Stumble and then take the fall for others. He is close already for the things he has done to Miss Granger, and I believe to several others when inebriated - and I believe Azkaban to have a few empty cells for celebrities to rot away. Miss Granger has fled into the Muggle world but I certain I will locate her as she has also been spotted at the Muggle bank associated with Gringotts and our spy there, Anastasia Woodruff has informed me the Bank Manager gave her… the letter. Miss Granger was seen visibly upset so I am sure My Eminence that she believes her parents gifted her the house you provided me the details of. The wards are still in place and have been checked - I can assure you there is no possible way that Miss Granger will be aware of them - several of the Knights were taken there blindfolded as you requested and not one of the five felt any change through the barrier. They have been placed in holding cells at your bequest and will be catered for until which time you are able to visit and deal with them accordingly for the insubordination they committed towards both myself and about you My Lord. If Miss Granger is indeed at the house in Chelsea, I wish to know what your requests are in regards to her safety and/or how you would like me to sway her away from the traitor whom I believe is in love with her. I would like to request informing the Wizengamot of what is occurring in Malfoy Manor sooner than planned? The traitor should be with his Father in Azkaban rotting like the vermin he is. Bandeau.’ I wondered where in this parchment I would locate the good news apart from the thought of Weasley being tortured by his own sibling. I could only hope that the bastard survived so that I may continue in such treatment to remind him that he was low down the food chain within the Knights. Miss Granger had fallen for the bait. Which meant I could take a nice little trip to the Muggle area of London where I would no doubt find her and play a few games with that clever mind of hers. Foolish chit had fallen right into my trap and I would enjoy tearing her apart.

It was hard not to admire the man. It was even harder not to recognize the debt I owed him. He showed me what tenacity and devotion to purpose looked like. And where his father had been weak, he was strong. A powerful and skilled wizard with a will to match. There was much about him that was worthy of respect.