I read over the message one last time before flicking the piece of paper into the fireplace. A long sigh escaped my lips as I decided my next move. There was no doubt that death eater attacks were becoming more frequent at an alarming rate. Though I had always kept my distance from the Order, I knew that this was not the time to remain so. This last attack had been brutal, more so than the previous ones. I gritted my teeth together as I left the study and headed upstairs. Walking into my room I sighed in annoyance and began searching for more suitable attire. Finding a black dress and a pair of heels I quickly changed then inspected my appearance in the mirror. The cut was somewhat low and form fitting to the waist where it flowered out to end just above the knee. I grabbed a dark purple cardigan and my formal travelling robes hoping I was making the right decision.
I arrived a few minutes later at the American Magical Affairs Bureau and quickly made my way towards the elevators.
"Where to ma'am?" the enchanted selection panel asked.
"Security and Enforcement," was my terse reply before a few others rushed on.
When I reached my destination I departed the elevator with purpose and a set jaw. Heavy footsteps echoed from my heel clad feet as I made my way to a black door on the left, second from the end. Reaching it I gripped the handle and turned, throwing it open. To some it might be seen as dramatic but to me its determination and getting down to business.
"Myra, good heavens. He's, well he's not here," the stunned secretary said shakily.
"Don't play me Ms," I paused looking at her name placard, "Hannigan. Now you either alert him to my arrival or I will, and it won't be pretty."
"Um, ok, just give me a minute," she said then pushed a button on her desk, "Mr. Ryan, uh, Myra Ruskinova is here," she stammered.
There was no verbal reply but instead a door in the back of the small front office opened a crack. Taking my cue I walked through and shut it.
"Myra I was going to notify you, I swear," Mr. Ryan, the head of the Department of Non-Magical Security said.
"Oh really, and when would that have been? Hm Mr. Ryan?" I asked; my annoyance very present in my voice.
"Once we got done with the investigation, I swear."
"Oh, investigation? So all the obvious evidence and you still need to conduct an investigation?" Anger beginning to show.
"Yes, it is protocol after all," he defended.
"Well, let me help with you're so called investigation. Show me the scene."
"I don't think that's a good idea," he said while avoiding my gaze.
"Oh but just a week ago you said that your department and the Department of Magical Security did want my help because of my extensive work with my contacts in England and my contacts within Voldemort's organization."
"Fine, Myra, have it your way. Come with me," he gestured as he stood and walked over to his fireplace.
Grabbing a dash of Floo Powder he followed me in then gave the address where the last attack happened.
We arrived in the living room of a home I was all too familiar with. Suppressing the clenching in my throat I followed Mr. Ryan to the upstairs bedroom.
"I believe he was a friend of yours," Mr. Ryan said quietly as I surveyed the scene in front of me.
"Yes, he was an acquaintance of mine," I replied through gritted teeth, "Why is your department handling this?"
"Well, he is a squib so technically he isn't a wizard and so after much inter-departmental talk it was decided that my department head up the investigation," he rattled off as if talking innocently about the weather.
I set my jaw to keep from saying something I would regret and instead turned my complete focus to the scene before me. It was obvious that the bedroom was where it began but anyone with half a brain could deduce that a struggle ensued as the victim was forced elsewhere. Given the time of day he was most likely asleep when the attackers arrived. After all he was prone to taking a nap in the afternoon.
"According to my notes the victim-" Mr. Ryan started.
"Edgar," I said cutting him off.
"Excuse me?"
"His name is Edgar, Edgar Williamson. I would appreciate it if you would have a little sense of humanity and respect," was my sharp remark.
"Yes Myra."
"We go back a ways Quincy. You know as well as I do that you need my help. You're not still hurt that I turned you down a few years back are you?"
"Of course not. Hell I'd still like to take you out but I know you'll only shut me down again." He smiled.
"All we'll ever be is friends Quincy. I'd like to stay that way but if you continue to not trust me well," I did not need to finish.
"I know. Now, if you don't mind me asking, how well did you know Mr. Williamson?"
"I met him right after I graduated from Durmstrang and moved back to the estate. He was older by about thirteen years. I'm sure you can piece together that he was more than an acquaintance. We enjoyed each other's company and I guess you could say we even went on a few dates. Unlike all my other suitors he wasn't bothered by my jealousy," I paused to collect myself then continued, "His attackers must have been powerful. Though he was a squib as you so kindly put it, he was still a strong man and could easily overpower someone physically. Now I assume that you know where this trail of blood drops ends."
"Yes, they took him to the basement and proceeded to torture him."
We made our way down the first floor where I paused to quickly look around before continuing to the basement. The stairs creaked under my heavy step causing a small laugh from Quincy.
"What's so funny?" I asked puzzled.
"It's just, you do realize that half the time when people hear you before they see you they believe you to be a man, right?"
"Yes I am aware. Though I like to think I walk with authority and determination."
"Oh trust me you do. You have this authoritative badass aura around you, for lack of a better description."
"Good to know that I have the intimidation factor down."
Our small talk immediately ceased when I saw where Edgar had been tortured. There was blood everywhere and the dark mark had been drawn on one of the walls. Stepping carefully I walked over to examine it.
"Blood again?" I questioned about the mark.
"It seems to be their signature for now."
"Hm, have you any theories on what took place?"
"We gathered from his injuries that he was subjected to the Cruciatus Curse and Sectumsempra."
"Audrina," I whispered. It could not be though. She was still in Azkaban.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, just thinking," I paused, looking around one last time, "I'd like to see him."
"Well he had to be transferred to St. Mungo's. I'm not sure if he's up to visitors."
"I don't care. He'll be up to seeing me. If you don't want to join me you don't have to."
"I should probably get back and work on paperwork. Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you."
"Don't keep me in the dark. If you continue to do so then you won't have my help anymore."
"I won't I promise."
"Once I'm done seeing Edgar I plan on meeting with some of my contacts. If I find out anything useful I'll come by and see you."
"Sounds good," he paused, seeming to think of what to say next. "Be careful Myra, you're a close friend and I don't want to see you hurt."
"You know me Quincy but I'll do my best."
We silently ascended the stairs then walked over to the fireplace. I let Quincy go first then looked around one last time before going to St. Mungo's.
When I arrived I immediately headed for the intensive care ward. Just as I thought I had no trouble with getting in to see him.
"Edgar," I said walking up to the side of his bed, "Oh god, I'm so sorry."
"Hush Myra. We both know this isn't your fault," he soothed.
"But still, I know," I paused leaning in, "at least I think you were attacked because of me," I whispered shamefully.
"My dear, it's ok. I'm alive. All is well."
"No it's not Edgar," I choked out as a few tears threatened to spill over.
"Shh shh my sweet girl," he said reaching out his left hand to brush hair from my face.
I did not say anything else but instead surveyed his wounds. He was lucky. Whoever attacked him did not seem to give him the full brunt of the Sectumsempra curse. He would be scarred though and no means of magic would ever get rid of them. Knowing my time was short he nodded, as if giving me permission to leave.
"I'm sorry Edgar," I said leaning closer to him.
"I know my dear. Go; see what you can find out. Plain ol' Edgar will be here waiting for you," he smiled.
"Alright then. I'll be back in a couple of days."
I gently kissed him on the forehead then looked into his eyes. He wrapped his left arm, his good arm, around the back of my head and pulled me in for a kiss. A few tears fell before I pulled away and we said our goodbyes.
It was late when I arrived at Hogwarts. The time difference put me in the middle of the night when thankfully the halls were empty. My heavy footsteps echoed through the hollow spaces as I hurried towards Albus' office. I was almost there when I heard someone approaching.
"Excuse me, who are you and what are you doing here?" a female voice questioned from behind me.
Setting my jaw I stopped and slowly pivoted around to face whoever had decided to detain me.
"Again, who are-" but she gasped and it was then I recognized the aged face of Professor McGonagall, "Oh my, Myra? Is that really you?" she stuttered, astounded.
"Yes Minerva, now if you please I have an urgent message to relay to Albus," I rattled off, keeping everything strictly business.
"Oh dear, if you're here it must be something bad," she responded worriedly.
"Yes well, it is urgent so if I may I'd like to speak with him immediately."
"Certainly, go ahead; I won't keep you any longer."
I nodded curtly then turned around and continued on my way, irritated at the minor delay. Upon reaching the entrance I quickly muttered the password then ascended the stairs.
"Ah Myra, I've been expecting you," Albus mused as I entered his chambers.
"I see the portraits are as quick as ever," I answered monotone.
"Yes now, what exactly is going on? Theosophocles said it was urgent but that you didn't share what the letter said," he said, getting straight to business.
"I didn't even know Theo was back home, but then again he does travel between portraits quite frequently and I end up losing track," I said before clearing my throat and getting down to business as well. "I'm going to assume you've heard the rumors about death eater attacks. Well, I've been called in by the American Magical Affairs Bureau for questioning because of my connections. I've also received reports from my contacts about strings of attacks in New York, Pittsburg, and St. Louis. No one's been killed yet but this last attack put the victim in the hospital and they had to transfer him to St. Mungo's. The mark hasn't been cast yet but whoever has been doing the attacks has drawn it, usually in blood, at the scenes." I relayed as I paced back and forth.
Dumbledore was silent, letting my report sink in.
"Severus should still be up, you remember him right?" I nodded silently. "Good, share with him what you've told me, see if he's heard anything. I must go see someone but I will expect to hear from you and Severus in the morning. Tell him to provide a room for you to occupy while you're here."
"I won't be staying long, you know this."
"Yes but that doesn't mean hospitality should be thrown out the window."
I nodded towards him before leaving his office and heading towards the dungeons. Descending the final staircase I realized I was not quite sure where exactly Severus' office was. That did not matter though as I turned a corner and found him approaching me.
"You are never going to sneak up on anyone the way you walk," he said in his calm demeanor.
"At least I have the intimidation factor set before anyone sees me," I responded.
He nodded, "Minerva alerted me to your arrival and said you had urgent information for Albus."
"That is correct but now he's sent me to discuss it with you."
"I see. Well follow me," he said before turning sharply.
My echoing steps were matched by his impossibly quiet ones as he led me to his office. It was a short walk and I made sure to commit the route to memory for future use. He showed me in then closed the door behind him, making sure to put a few measures in place to assure privacy was kept. I walked further into the room and removed my travelling robes then turned to look at him.
"The fact that you are here tells me already this is a serious matter," he said in a stern voice.
"Yes well, down to business," I replied coolly.
"Exactly how I am involved?"
"No doubt you've heard the whisperings and rumors. If not well, the death eaters are back. They've been attacking witches and wizards in America. The last attack was the most brutal so far. At each scene they've used the victim's blood to draw the dark mark on a wall," I said giving him the short version.
"I see. So Albus wanted you to ask me if I have heard anything, am I right?"
"Yes."
We spent the next few hours discussing the attacks in depth. I knew of his past as a death eater but I was not sure if he knew about my family. The first time we were introduced I was fourteen and was still recovering from being held hostage. I had requested from Albus and Minerva that my last name remain unspoken and my family ties a secret, fearing repercussions from those against Lord Voldemort and the death eaters. Severus and I rarely ever exchanged any spoken words and instead resided to the comfortable silence the few times we were at the same Order meetings. Being in school at the time it was hard for me to get away and most of my information was delivered via Owl Post.
The hour was late when we were finally done. Though he would never admit it exhaustion was etched across his face. A small yawn escaped my lips earning a hint of a smile from Severus.
"You must be tired Myra, especially after the day you've had," he commented.
"Oh it's nothing out of the ordinary these days unfortunately."
"I assume you are staying at least for the night?"
"Yes, I'm sure you recall that I never stay long. Albus wants me to stay a few days but I plan on visiting Edgar again. I'm worried he won't make it." A fleeting look of concern flashed over my face.
"Let's see, Crucio and Sectumsempra," he said rising and walking over to a cabinet, "Here, give him this. It should help mend his injuries." He handed me a vial.
"Thank you."
"I only know one death eater that deliberately uses that combination."
I stayed silent, curious as to why he didn't bring it up sooner.
"Her name is Audrina Ruskinova. The whole Ruskinova family are the worst death eaters out there. I'm sure you have heard of them though and all the horrors they took part in," he said dismissively.
My throat tightened involuntarily at the mention of her name, "Yes I've heard of them. I thought she was in Azkaban though. Unless there was a breakout I hadn't heard of yet."
"True. Well in any case it could just be a coincidence that both those curses were used."
"Yea, coincidence," I muttered.
Severus looked at me strangely and I quickly recovered my stone cold façade.
"So, Albus wanted you to provide me with a room for the night," I said, breaking the awkward silence.
"Certainly. There are a few extra rooms down here in the dungeon, as long as you do not mind the cold."
"Of course not."
Severus showed me out then led me down the hall a little ways. Stopping in front of a door on the left he muttered a spell causing it to slowly open. I nodded curtly towards him; a sort of silent goodnight then entered and closed the door behind me.