Okay, did Minerva just wlak into them unexpectedly or was she there for a reason? In any case, I daresay that Amelia Bones is going to be very, very unhappy and likely to take some very firm steps to deal with these "cullings"; methinks Lucius will not be happy. In the meantime, I love how Hermione has taken to the ship, and it to her (really, they are kindred spirits in so many ways). That oath at the end was a superb way to ease Mack's fears and I'm certain things are going to get more interesting from here on.
It occurs to me that Lucius will know where that team was headed and will send another. It could get rather interesting as the pile of captured Deez increases. I can just see Harry finding a way to extend -all- of his ward to cover Hermione's house, too; much to the Deez's distress and discomfiture.
Author's response
Heya Cat!
I confess, I didn’t set that up well. I should have, and I’m kicking my ass for it. however, we can say she was there by co-inky-dink.
Unhappy would be an understatement of nearly biblical proportions. She’ gonna be furious! While she will go after Lucius, Snape is her target of the moment.
Hermione and ‘Mione: I agree. Hermione is a child, still capable of wonder and the My Little is about as wondrous as it gets.
Kindred spirits: In many ways they are. One was based on the other, so I cannot see them not liking each other.
The oath: Quite honestly, and I’ve mentioned this before, was a mistake. He meant it, but he should have been more careful. At his age, he knows what oaths like that entail…and they are.
Lucius would have, if not for a single incident that changed his mind. That’s why I edited and reposted the chapter. I had to close that particular plot hole. As for the pile of Deez, the ones captured will provide the means to take out the rest.
The wards do cover both houses. His thinking out loud about making them lethal and targeting the dark mark was just that, however, the anti-apparation/anti-portkey wards would prevent any bad guys from fleeing the scene when he comes down on them like the apocalypse.
Alorkin