FicWad

Chapter 38:- Rooks, bishops and knights.

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A/N: The normal, Malehorntaildragon, thanks To the rest enjoy!
**

Bellatrix took a slow steadying breath before stepping out onto the woodchip pathway. For the past few weeks she had observed the sanctuary but never came any closer to her goal. She had traipsed up and down the hills and as far up the mountains as she felt she could in search of her prey but to no avail. She thought that the search was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Yes the needle is several tons and almost a football pitch in length but the haystack was 100’s of square miles. For the first few days she had marvelled at the views she was treated too and some glorious sights of some of the dragons as they flew twisting and turning in the air but the mystery had gone now she had to find that dragon and then she could go home.

She walked carefully along the pathway towards the smallish hut at the end which was the first contact with civilisation for far too long in her mind. She had seen that for most Sundays a steady yet small stream of visitors arrived at this hut. They were given a brief yet detailed tour of some of the grounds. Initially she had wanted to stay away but now she had no choice she had to risk this brief contact with people. She had spent the morning doing her best to alter her appearance but knew that it wasn’t perfect if the wrong spell was cast near her then it would all fail and she almost shivered at the thought of what would happen if she was recognised.

The queue was small when she joined it but she still felt very uneasy and tried her best to fit into the crowd, the entrance fee was more than she had bargained for but as she had lived off the land for the past few weeks she still had plenty left. She waited with the small group for their guide to arrive. There was only ten people waiting with her but she still felt worried all it needed was one word and then she would be on the run again.

“Good morning Ladies and Gentleman I’m your guide for today.” Called out a man as he approached. Bellatrix quickly looked the man over and saw that he was wearing the reserves uniform robes. His hands and face spoke of a long time in service with dragons but apart for that he was unremarkable.

“My names Peter and please if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.” The man paused looking around the group as if waiting for them to ask something.

“Ok...This national reserve is as you may know is the only one that houses all eight primary species of dragon. We have on site almost two hundred dragons with over a one hundred fully grown. To house these creatures the grounds cover well over 900 hectares of directly owned land and a further 900 hectares spotted around the country, don't worry we won’t be walking over all of it today.” The small joke created a brief laugh but that was all so he continued.

“As I said we have all eight major species and I’m pleased to say that all of them have at least one breading pair. We have some fifty other sub species around including that one there.” Indicated Peter pointing up to the ceiling.

A few of the group gasped as their eyes turned upwards and saw a pair of yellow eyes looking down upon them.

“Its fine everybody that just one of the pigmy dwarfs, they are the smallest we have on site and one of the most unusual as they don’t breathe fire. Being so small they hunt small game but have been known to take on a cow or two. This one we call Bert, well that what I call him anyway. He spends most of his time in here and only ventures out at night to feed. Like most of the Dragons here he’s only feeds twice a week and I know he has recently been fed. It’s also nice to note that some form of the Pigmy Dwarf can be found in most countries except Japan. We don't know why but they haven’t been seen it that country yet, any questions? Well then if you care to follow me we shall set out across the reserve to see what’s about today.”

Everybody stated to follow the guide but most kept glancing upwards just to make sure. Bellatrix tried to keep her place in the centre and flowed with the group, with any luck she might find what she was after but at least she would see some of the grounds and know where to continue her search, it was almost her last yet best hope.

*


The building in front of him looked as normal as the rest around but he, like most of the people he saw around him, knew exactly what it was. After a little bit of work at Gringotts he had managed to get this meeting arranged. He really didn’t want to spend this day talking about the goblins problems or that of the bank but knew it was a golden opportunity to look around the Ministry and then his next target. Ever since he had been given his latest instructions he had wracked his mind at the best approach. Once more he felt, no knew, that he could defeat whatever they had set up but it would do him some good if he looked the place over and to get a glance at the Ministry would also be useful. He suspected that before everything was finished he would have to break these wards as well.

His instructions that he had received hadn’t told him the time frame and so last night he had made his play, it was dangerous but he had to do it to get what he wanted. Time was always crucial in his business the more that you had the easier the task became. Doing a job so close to the Ministry would change that. They would respond, but how many and how quickly he couldn’t yet gauge but they would come and that would reduce his time if he wanted to stay out of their clutches. He also suspected that the wards would be changed regularly and so didn’t want to waste the time looking the place over knowing that it was all going to change before the job was done. So he had sent the message, after the attack on the Ally he had been given a way of contacting his “employer” a simple one word message was sent to an address. He didn't know what happened to it then but rightly or wrongly a person had knocked on his door a few hours later.

Opening the door he had seen it was the small mousey man that he normally dealt with.

“Come in.”

The man just nodded and walked in briefly glancing around once he was satisfied that it was empty he turned and asked.

“Why did you ask for this meeting?”

“Several things actually.” Replied Greenburg, he had suspected someone more senior would turn up but this man would have to do, he wasn’t sure of his seniority but he knew he wasn’t one of the closest to the “Dark Lord”. This mission would be as dangerous for him as always and it was now that he wanted his payment. He had been offered much but little had come forward he would turn the screw a bit. He understood that if he pushed too hard he would be “punished” yet his skills were in need and so he thought he was entitled to his “payment”. That’s how he looked at himself, he didn't believe in their philosophy he was a mercenary and just wanted payment.

These “jobs” wouldn’t last forever and so he wanted his payment now. He wanted to make sure that when it was over he was set. He wasn’t that naive about these people, he had spent a little of the money he had first been given and not a small amount of time trying to work out who and what these people were. It didn't take much but he now knew and knew what exactly they were doing he thought. He didn’t believe in their methods in fact some of what he had found out had sickened him but they were a means to an end. If some muggles or wizards died so be it as long as he got his new life.

“I need to know when mainly. It’s no use me finding out about the wards etc if I have to wait, they will change them regularly. I also need to know exactly the item that we are after. It holds more than 100 different artefacts I can’t scan them all without someone noticing.”

“Anything else?” asked Wormtail. Voldemort he sent him to listen but that was all. He thought he understood how important Greenburg was, his skills were far superior to all except Voldemort himself and so “employing” this man meant that Voldemrt could be somewhere else, but still employing someone didn’t sit right with him and now this it was making his skin crawl.

“Yes my money, I want it. You said that I would get paid after the last job but nothing. This time I want the money first.”

“Is that all?” Asked Wormtail trying to hide his disgust at the man, the honour of working for Voldemort should be payment enough.

“No...You know what else I want...”

“You’re...you’re....”

“Yes I am but I can do what no other in your organisation can, so get me my slave and she had better be pretty. If not well then....”

“Are...are you threatening us?” Wormtail asked incredulously.

“No ... I’m just asking for my payment, as agreed nothing more nothing less.”

The tone of Wormtails voice lowered as he said. “Do you know what the Dark Lord...”

“Yes in fact I do...He...or one of his followers could kill but that’s no different to what the Ministry would do to me for what I’ve done so far. So don’t you try and scare me. I know exactly what is happening, just give me what I ask for. It’s no more than what I deserve and give back to your organisation. I’ve seen what you people can do to minds so just get me my slave, one that will obey what I tell her to do that’s what I’m asking for. Remember I’m no follower, this is merely a business arrangement, I’ve held up my end, I expect your lord to hold up his.”

Wormtail just stared at the defiant man before turning and leaving the apartment.

Greenburg had waited all night, he didn't expect that his requests would be delivered he just expected some form of message and one that was probably going to be painful. He had warded his house in preparation and knew that whoever the attacker was they would have to be good to get through them quickly and time was all that he needed for his escape, yet nothing came and he then understood better. Voldemort was cunning as well as dangerous by not attacking him he had sent and equally clear message back, he had pushed far enough but never again.

**

A sun crept slowly over the hills giving the camp it’s warmth for the day. With the brightening day Remus emerged from his tent and stretched his back out, he wouldn’t have thought that he would enjoy sleeping out in the open with virtually no wizarding comforts but he had been wrong. Almost at once his body seemed to react more and more to the outdoors. The small part of his mind that told him what he was doing was bad kept getting quieter and quieter and now it hardly ever disturbed him.

He looked around his little area and looked at the changes that a few weeks had produced. After that first hunt everything had changed he could feel it still within him the beast that wanted to let fly, that show of loyalty caused everything to change. He was no longer the outsider one to be looked on with suspicion. Now everyone looked at him spoke to him and for the first time in far too long a memory he was accepted, not on sufferance or goodwill but for what he truly was.

The two teenage boys he had first met were now almost always close, wanting to hear from him and looked at him like something of a teacher or leader. Their company had made the days fly for Remus and when the next summons from Grayback had come he jumped at it, and so one night after another he had accompanied the pack leader and each night he let his beast fly.

“Morning Remus.” Called a pretty young woman as he finished stretching.

“Moring Morgana.” He replied turning to face the woman and flashing a big smile.

This was also become normal for him; every time he got up she was there to greet him. She, like the boys, stayed close and listened to his words but that was nothing to what her eyes were doing. Remus’s other instincts we beginning to take over these days and this woman was what he needed. Within such a tight community a mate was essential it showed status and allowed the pack to increase. Ever since the beginning he had refrained but it was getting harder each day for him to do so and this woman was the main cause. Hers eyes spoke volumes and the way she walked, sat or even talked stirred his inner beast. Like any male he wanted a release and her body was telling him yes, only the faint memory of another had stopped him but that was fading.

Squatting on his haunches as he poked the fire and looked into it. The glowing embers reminded him somewhat of his wizarding life but everything inside of him was telling him to leave that behind. Here he was accepted, the life was speaking to him and what more he was now gaining a measure of power. Greyback had left them for a few days and in that time almost everyone turned to him to make the decisions it was like leading his own pack and he found it intoxicating. Even when Greyback had returned people still asked him all measure of questions, and even Greyback was beginning to involve him more and more. As he surveyed the camp his mind was now looking at each one as his charge a person he wanted to protect.

He now understood more of the prejudice to his kind than he had ever previously known. Listening to some of the stories told by the others told him that he had had it easy in comparison. Story after story was retold to him of lives cut short, of women and child forced to live in in-human conditions because of their problem. As he listened he felt the growing sense of injustice at what the system had done to these people. None of them had wanted this life but it was the one they were now forced to choose even his hatred for Grayback was being tempered.

The Ministry didn’t like what they were doing or who they were but it was them and the rest of wizarding society that had forced them to do it. Each day as he took a walk around the woods he saw people just trying to live with a small measure of comfort or pleasure. They didn’t kill indiscriminately it was always thought out; like any predator the sick, weak or elderly were culled from the herd and they were the cullers.

Standing up with a swift movement he tried to chase these thoughts away but found that he could not. He remembered that Dumbledore had sent him on a job but if he completed it he would be back within the wizarding community and hated for what he was. Those Wizards needed him now but when it was all over he would be cast aside once more. But what about Harry his small voice asked of him could he abandon him and the other one, the one that always made him laugh.

He tried to force these thoughts away as he slowly surveyed the camp and understood that this was now his home and the wizarding world would have to do without him. He didn’t want to lose this new life he had found but could he condemn those two to their fates?

**

Bellatrix kept silent as the tour continued, after each passing minute she felt better and better about her disguise. The talk was fascinating to her and it was clear that these people were passionate about their dragons. She worried slightly about what they would do when Voldemort attacked one of their charges but there was nothing she could do and so just listened.

“Excuse me what is the most dangerous dragon that you have here?” Asked one of the older women.

“Well...as you know they are all very dangerous even if you are trained but any of the nursing mothers are the worst. It’s almost impossible for us to care for them, it doesn’t matter which species they are they’re all vicious.”

Bellatrix saw her moment and so asked her first question.

“How long do they nurse?”

“That depends most of them for about two years the smaller ones much shorter but for the rest about two years.”

“Will we see them?” she continued.

“No...they live deep in the mountain range for their safety.”

Bellatrix looked at where the man was pointing her heart was beating faster as now she had a location.

“Didn’t that tournament a couple of years ago have nursing mothers in it?” asked a young man.

“No they were just breading and just had eggs at the time.”

“So they weren’t as dangerous.”

“I wouldn’t say that, they are less mobile that’s about all. If you wait a little while I can show you some of our breading mothers. Some of them we bring down a little closer in case of problems.”

“Problems?”

“Yes with the eggs; where possible we like to keep a closer eye on them. Once they’ve hatched they are transfer back further out on the range.”

“Transferred...how?”

“Normally we just let them go...they will always head for the nearest secure place; it’s these mountains.”

“Is that because of all of the spells and wards?”

The guide chuckled at the question.

“No...Because it’s hard for wizards to get close.”

Everyone laughed except Bellatrix who stood looking at the far mountain range.

“But how do you make sure they don't just fly off into the sunset?”

“They’re tracked.”

“How?” asked Bellatrix seeing her solution.

“Each has a different resonance charm on them.”

After a few moments everyone started off but Bellatrix knew that she now had the answer she was after, all she had to do was find the right charm and the dragon would be hers, which would be a lot easier than tracking all over the hills.

**

Draco flopped down in the centre of the sofa in the common room. It was a nice day but he wanted to stay here, he was now virtually top dog of the Slytherins and here in the common room he was king. Admittedly the seventh year students wouldn’t listen to him but they also would not take any action against him. Here he ruled and he had subjects to rule, everyone would do what he wanted or they would feel his wrath. His eyes washed over those still present and not outside, he could feel a need to order some of them around but refrained he just let the smile of contentment pass across his lips.

Closing his eyes he let his mind wander across his many problems. This morning would seem like a perfect opportunity for him to find and hide that cabinet. He knew about the cabinet but he needed a place to work on it. The very brief instructions that he had so far received told him that he was going to need time and a safe place. Through his years he had explored most of the castle but nowhere seemed good enough for him. There were numerous un-used classrooms and even a bathroom but none of these were secure enough for him. He would either have to find somewhere new or secure one of those rooms. If he tried to do that then someone was bound to find out and then he would be in serious trouble.

As he sat there and let his mind wander the thoughts of the previous year enter his head. If Umbridge was still in charge than it would be simple but she wasn’t. The months he had run around the school as the inquisitional squad had been the best but that was gone all he had now was this common room. As he thought about the squad he remembered the biggest success and failure that they had against Potter...and that room. It was simple and almost poetic to Draco that the Room he had found so difficult to find would be his perfect location all he had to do was get someone to tell him how to get in; he knew the location but not how to get in.

Marietta had been very forthcoming in her information about the room but had left out how to get into it. Several times since he had been to that floor but found no door all that was there was wall. He had tried every curse or hex at the wall but nothing changed but he knew that it was there.

The simple solution would be to force Harry to tell him, but he suspected that it wouldn’t be easy he would just have to find a better target. He thought through all of those he suspected or knew to be members but none of them would crumble easily to a little pressure and he didn't want to exert to much as it would create too much suspicion, and then the right person came to mind, with a small smile spreading across his face he opened his eyes and searched for his two enforcers.

“Crabbe, Goyle I want to you to find someone.”

“Who?” asked Goyle.

“The youngest Creave kid. You know the small one of the pair that hangs around Potter. Find him for me, don't do anything yet just find him and then come back and tell me.”

“Um...why?”

“Don't ask just do it and you had better do it right.”

“Um...yes...Draco.” replied Goyle leading Crabbe towards the exit.

‘Yes it would be good to terrorise some of the other houses. Not much just a little so they all knew who the leader here was’

A small girlish laugh told Draco that Pansy had returned from breakfast. They had crossed and shared smiles as he had returned back with Crabbe and Goyle and now that they were gone he could now look forward to another pleasurable experience. He looked her over once more as she was walking with two of her friends. The tight t-shirt hugged her body well and Draco could easily see the shape of her full and rounded breasts. The jeans that she was wearing wrapped her bottom and legs in a tight blue cloth. Draco could feel a response from his groin as he looked at her and sure sign that he needed to do something about it, he had to create a more permanent solution with her and now would be perfect.

He didn't need to wave her over because after a few words to her friend she walked over to him and sat down.

“Where are the others?” she asked surprised not to see Draco’s shadows around.

“I’ve sent them off on something.”

“What?”

“Don't ask.” Replied Draco with a more forceful voice.

Pansy was silent for a moment as she sat next to Draco. She felt so safe next to him and was sure that nothing could ever happen whilst she was here, in the silence she snuggled closer to him. She had never been this forward with Draco before but something about him was almost driving her, every so often she felt the need to get close almost as thought it was a spell or something her mind just clouded over and she was happy the happiest she had ever felt.

The silence stretched and the two of them sat close together Draco snaked his arm around Pansy’s waist and pulled her even closer. They weren’t alone but those few who were still left in the common room refused to look at him and Pansy. He could feel the warmth of the girl pressed against him and felt the small rise in his magic as he understood the power he wielded over this person. Power was what was beginning to drive him it was what he wanted now had gotten a taste for it. He closed his eyes and let his mind clear, his problems could wait for now.

Gently almost subconsciously Draco’s hand started to rub Pansy’s stomach; it flowed in gently circles getting slightly larger each time but never too far. As his hand roamed upwards he could feel the material of her bra and as it delved lower his hands brushed the top of the jeans. As he let his hand move he cold hear the change in Pansy’s breathing every time his hand reached either the top or bottom she held her breath and it wasn’t long before Draco had her lightly panting to his strokes

Opening his eyes he looked down at the girl pressed against him and saw that she had had her eyes closed. Her mouth was slightly parted as her breaths came and went. Feeling the need to control Pansy more he let his hand roam further upwards. He had done this before on the train and she hadn’t minded and once more she said nothing, in fact he felt that every time her roamed upwards she tried to press herself more into his hands.

As the minutes passed he could feel a power swell within him, it was almost like a bottomless fountain but as he continued he was sure he could feel Pansy in other ways. His mind was telling him that she was his; her will was his to play with, just a simple thought here or there and she would respond. It was like his magic telling him that he had gripped her mind and he could shape it how he willed it. Reacting to this he stopped his hand on her breast and felt the nipple under his palm. The tightness of it easily transmitted itself through the layers of material. With a sharp movement he closed his fingers on the point. He wanted to squeeze to pull to show her and all who was watching who was in charge but something made him hesitate, his fingers froze for a second but when his magic regained control he squeezed.

“Oooooh.” Breathed Pansy as the pain in her nipple raced across her chest, her mind was getting foggier and foggier yet she loved every moment. Where she was and what they were doing seemed inconsequential to what was happening inside of her. A dam of emotions was building and wave after wave was crashing around her but unlike any time before it was in her mind as well, it was like her whole body was receiving pleasure.

Draco let the nipple go and slowly moved his hand downwards. The breathing from Pansy or was it something else told him that he had won. She was his, she would do anything. As his hand traced lower he pulled the t-shirt up slightly, not to far just enough so that his hand could touch her bare flesh, as it closed over her stomach it caused a start within himself. Now his body was beginning to feel its own pleasure, for the moment he wanted to wait, for now he wanted to make her completely his and he knew his next move.

He let his hand stay still for a moment and felt the material of the shirt cover his hand he wanted to roam more and so he thought did Pansy by the way she was moving. Previously he would have moved to her breasts again but not this time, he started to move lower. His hand reached the top of the jeans and stopped, it couldn’t go any further the tight material around her waist wouldn’t allow his hand in. With frustration beginning to creep in he almost wished she would remove that item of clothing yet he didn’t want to give anyone in the common room a free show, well not now at the least.

Before he could say or do anything more Pansy started to move more, her gently swaying movements were sharper now, as though they had a purpose and then Draco understood. As she moved more and more she rearranged herself so that there was a greater opening at the top of her jeans. This sudden invitation was all that Draco and his hand needed, he moved lower until he felt the material of her knickers. His hands brushed lightly over the thin waist band and felt the lacy material. Pansy was breathing more and more rapidly now and Draco was certain that everyone would soon notice.

His hands brushed not once or even twice over the material but time and time again, each time causing the girl to pant more. Then he felt his way inside, his hands brushed the courser hair the covered the top of her. His finger swept across the hair and his mind brought up the image of that one night when his Aunt had made him a man. The first woman was like this, neat yet hairy the second, the second was much better he could remember the feeling of the soft skin as it brushed across his fingers the way the warmness seemed to seep into his very core.

He let his hands play with the hair more before searching for the source of Pansy’s warmth. As his hand moved lower Pansy squirmed even more, every time giving his hand greater and greater access. Eventually he felt the small hard lump at the top, as soon as his finger touched it, Pansy jumped and squealed, not loudly but it was still the loudest noise she had made so far. His fingers continued to brush that hard point knowing that it was bringing the girl closer and closer to her release. Something told him when it was right and he stopped, Pansy was still closed eyed and panting hard but Draco knew that she had not released she was his.

Dipping a solitary finger in the velvet warmness he could feel her arousal, the warmth and moisture flooded his hand with sensations. He pushed deeper and found the lips parting easily for his finger, yet the folds almost seemed to suck on his finger. Pansy’s hips were moving more and more of their own accord now trying to thrust on Draco’s finger but the position she was lying did not allow the movement she craved.

Draco felt inside of her to find that once spot high up, a single touch was all that was going to be needed. Mindful of only this girl he was controlling he curled his finger and found the roughness. The instant he touched it, Pansy bucked much harder than before the wetness his fingers had felt was replaced by almost a torrent of fluid. Pansy’s breathing was coming quickly as the dam of her emotions broke and flowed around her, her mind was lost to the intense pleasure that she was in; never had she experienced anything close to this before. All thoughts were driven away as she just concentrated on this feeling everything inside of her, her body, magic everything just flowed with the sensation.

As the breathing and movement of Pansy calmed down, Draco continued to move his finger in and out slowly, knowing that each thrust was affecting her. He felt his own problem and knew how hard he was, it wasn’t painful yet but he needed relief. Pansy was going to be that relief and that relief all year but he had to start slowly. Forcing her now was what he wanted to do but that would destroy what he had built today, soon she would do anything he wanted with pleasure but not now. Some of the texts he had secretly read over the summer, the ones found in the underground library he now knew were right, women were easy to control. They had been right; women would do anything for pleasure and security.

He withdrew his hand from inside her knickers and moved his body slightly, indicating that he wanted to move. Pansy’s eyes flicked open but Draco could see they were unfocused and glazed she was still riding the waves of her pleasure and his magic. He didn’t know how or why but he understood that his magic had played a part, what part he didn’t know but he didn't care. Very much like the attack on potter in the train, he didn’t care on the how just the results.

“Did you like?”

“Yes.” She replied in a low dreamy voice blushing slightly.

“I want you shaved next time.”

“Shaved?”

“Yes bare down there.”

“Um...ok.” she shakily answered.

“And wear skirts more not trousers.”

“But...but...” her mind tried to force her reply.

“It’s easier, just do as I say. Next time I might want relief as well.”

“Of...of course.” Replied the girl still dreamily as she got to her feet her emotions and something else pounding in her ears.

Draco held the Pansy next to him as he looked around the common room. No one was looking directly at the pair yet by the way the heads moved and the occasional glance he knew that they all understood what had happened, well those old enough to understand. The rest...well they would soon know he would make sure of that. A small grin spread across his face at that thought.

“It’s such a nice day lets go for a walk.” He said conversationally knowing that he had laid very strong foundations in the control of Pansy

“Do you want me to get changed now?” she found herself asking.

“No not this time, today we’ve done enough don’t you think?”

Pansy just nodded and felt herself being lead away by her shining prince.

***

The door closed quietly behind him as he left the office. The meeting had been all of what he had suspected. The goblins had wanted him to go because of his “status” but it was still the most boring of times that he could remember. The Ministry hadn’t listen to one point he had put across, admittedly his mind really wasn’t on it but they could have at least tried to listen. But now that the meeting was over he could get on with his other business.

It would be the first time that he came up against some real long term Ministry wards and the challenge was beginning to excite him. A house in the middle of nowhere with plenty of time had been no challenge but this one would be different. He would have mere seconds to accomplish his task and that would be joy in itself. The attack within the Ministry had been widely publicised and numerous measures had been added since and so a second attack so close would be even harder.

He walked calmly towards the nearby building but always checking everything with his eyes. He didn’t suspect that he was being watched but he wanted to survive and so was always cautious. He walked into the non-descript building and got the first sight of his target, The Ministry run Museum of Artefacts. He had been here before of course and some of the items he could even remember getting himself for them or Gringotts, but why was Voldemort going to attack here? But more importantly was the small note he had received this morning. All it said was ‘No item; just make sure we can leave!’ followed by ‘October’.

To him all of these items were worth something, in the right hands they could be worth a fortune, some of them could even be described as dangerous if used in the wrong hands but the note had told him that they only wanted to leave. With a small sickening feeling growing within him he started to walk around the displays, but this time the contents did not attract him.

Step after step he walked and looked and he knew the real target and it wasn’t any of the cabinets. He stood near one of the walls and cast his spell. It showed him what he had thought it would but the sickening feeling was not going away, he was soon to be part of a gruesome attack. There was only one thing in this building of value that wasn’t contained within the cabinets and that was the people. Voldemort would attack the people and it was going to be his job to see that they escaped. With the Ministry so close it was going to be hard but if he failed then death was going to be the only answer.

***

Nanette looked up as the small charm announced another customer to her shop. She didn’t bother to smile at this one as it was not needed. He was a regular and one of the waitresses would see to him. She had started the shop almost a month ago and it was looked on with suspicion by most in Hogsmead but not know, after a month she had managed to get people to accept her.

The idea of a coffee shop in Hogsmead had seemed ridicules to everyone around but that was until you walked in. It was obvious to some that “Coffee” wasn’t the only thing available. It was never seen or spoken of by the customers it was just, incorrectly for the moment, accepted that it was true.

Nanette watched as the waitress bowed low giving the regular one of his daily treats before she departed with his order. Nanette let her eyes scan the rest and pleased to see all was calm. This shop was fast catching up Madam Rosmerta’s as the place to be in the evening or even during the days. She had worked hard at the beginning using herself to attract customers that was until she found the right people. She had always used sex to get what she wanted and this shop wasn’t anything different. For the moment it was just a suggestion nothing more but that would soon change. She had built a respectable reputation and now could use that in the more darker side of her plan.

The early days she had used every trick that she knew to entice the customers. Word had spread about the new beauty in Hogsmead and soon young man after young man visited. She batted her eyelids at them flashed them a smile or two or even showed them a little of what was hidden under her clothes but nothing more, not now not after what her master had done. She didn't need these cheap thrills her master would give her everything she dreamed of if she was successful.

Eventually she had found the staff she was after, it had taken a few weeks but she had found them. Very much like finding people for her master’s mansion she found the ones she was after. They were all squibs but more importantly to her were their minds. Each one of them was weak, they had been easy, her new skills were used and she had twisted those minds. They were hers; they would do as she commanded. She wished she could bind them like her master but this was almost as good. The second requirement was their looks. Their faces and bodies almost called to a person and with a few changes that is what they did.

She had three members now and was contemplating more. The two women and the man were popular even more than she had hoped for and she was going to have to find another. This was what people wanted not Coffee but her staff and soon they would get them, but not just yet. Each of the members of staff wore a uniform, not the same but each showing off their best parts never openly but in a teasing way. Nanette smiled as she thought that on busy nights more frilly knickers, encased cleavages, silky legs or hard chest were displayed than in a lingerie shop.

As she started her rounds of the tables she prepared herself, but tonight was going to be different, tonight she was going to start to get her information. Some of her regulars were from Hogsmead but there were a number who worked from Hogwarts, not on the staff but the security. These were her primary targets. She knew that the two men in one corner and the woman on her own were members of the Law Enforcement Department and she was sure the middle aged man at the back was an Auror. If she could find out some information from these then the students would be hers. She would get the students her master wanted and far more that Snape could ever get, because what student could turn down what she was offering them?



***

Mr Smith to the Malfoy’s, David to his few friends placed the empty plate into the sink and looked out of the window. He saw the sinking sun and felt the fear in watching it. His wand automatically cast the cleaning charms on the used pots and plates but he still looked at the dying day. It was a cruel term to use but for him the appropriate one.

Sundays were always the worst for him, and the night especially so. For the rest of the week he made sure he was busy. Even if he had not been given a job or something to look into he would make sure that he was busy. He read continuously and spent most nights out all except this night this dreaded night, Sunday.

As the darkness started to envelope the house we walked the silent route he did so every Sunday. It was one of his many penances that he did, never would he forget, all light left room but he knew his way without it. He placed one hand on the banister before ascending the stair slowly like a man walking to his death, and that was exactly what he was doing. Not his death but the death he had caused. He stopped at the top on the landing and looked down the corridor his minds eye he could see the figures moving between the rooms his young daughter laughing and playing, how his wife used to scold her for playing outside of her room. Other images replaced this one of his wife standing in their bedroom doorway dressed in almost nothing waiting for him to come home.

He took on agonising step after another as he walked the corridor, he came to the first door, it still had the name painted on it, “Lucy’s Room” he put his hand on the handle and pushed. The door swung open easily and he looked in, little had changed from that day, that one day. He had cleaned the mess up, he could vividly remember cleaning the mess afterwards with tears streaming down his face and his heart ripped out but now as he looked into the room he could see the image of Lucy still on the child size bed. The covers pulled up tight and her face a picture of innocence’s. His eyes washed around the rest of the room picking out details here and there. Eventually he let the scene go and close the door on the room and the one to his memories.

He crossed the hall to his bedroom, their bedroom and pushed it open. It wasn’t different to how he left it in the morning but all he saw was his wife his poor Karen. She was lying on the bed reading how she always did. A small light was above her giving her the light she needed but making her like the angle he thought she was. David crawled onto the bed and the image vanished instantly. He screwed his eyes shut as he tried to block the memories of that Sunday night.

That one night when it had all gone wrong, everything had been lost to him and it was his fault. Even now he still couldn’t remember exactly what had happened but he did remember the blood. He could remember the smell and how it tasted, how each of the two rooms looked, the floor and walls splattered with it. Why and why did he do it?

The tears ran from his eyes unchecked to the bed as he remembered Lucious. He had found him, protected him shielded him from the Ministry. He had told him that it was his punishment and that he owed the Malfoy’s everything. From that night onwards he work for them did what they ask but it was his sentence for what had happened that night.

**