The next few days passed without incident. Strangely there were no abductions or attacks but I knew something big was coming. It was just too peaceful.

One morning I was awoken by an urgent message fluttering beside my bed. Groaning I reached over to grab it. Once it opened in my hand I read the short, simple message then rushed out of bed. This was bad, really bad. Throwing on proper attire to address Quincy and subsequently the head of the Department of Security I quickly checked my appearance then apparated to the entrance of the American Magical Affairs Bureau.

Being still fairly early there was thankfully not much in the way of visitors. I quickly made my way to Quincy's office once again stunning his secretary with my arrival.

"He's expecting you," Ms. Hannigan said after recovering from a slight shock.

Nodding I made my way into his office.

"I see you got my message. I'm glad you make quick work of showing up," Quincy said seeing me enter.
"Yes, well this is a serious matter if what you suspect has actually happened," I replied coolly.
"Well, let's go see the Director. No doubt he has questions for you," he sighed getting up from behind his desk.

I turned and followed him out to the elevator making a quick journey to the floor above his. The clack of my footsteps echoed within in the hollow space as we walked down to the Director's office.

The Department of Security was split into two factions, the Department of Magical Security, headed by a Winslow Prescott, and the Department of Non-Magical Security, headed by Quincy. Each department handled cases dealing with security pertaining to their particular field. The Director of the Department of Security, Harrison Regnier (Rey-nee), oversaw and insured both Departments ran smoothly.

Quincy opened the door, allowing me to enter then gently closed it behind him.

"Mr. Ryan, I assume you're here to see the Director," a plump, motherly looking lady said from behind a sparse desk.
"Yes Mrs. Daniels, is he in?" Quincy answered her.
"Oh yes, he's been expecting you," she smiled before gesturing towards a door to her left.

I followed Quincy into the Director's office and took a seat next to him. The Director had aged since I last saw him. Granted that was almost a decade ago and he was just a lowly agent. His dark brown hair had lightened and was beginning to grey around the edges of his face. The few wrinkles on his face were recessed deeper and his features had matured to that of an older gentleman.

"Mr. Ryan, Ms. Ruskinova, I appreciate how expeditiously you've come to see me about the current situation," Director Regnier said.
"We fully understand your concerns and are willing to cooperate any way we can," Quincy said professionally.
"Good, good, now we're just waiting for Mr. Prescott and we can begin," Director stated quietly then looked to me, "Ms. Ruskinova, I hope everything has been well since our last meeting."
"Generally yes up until these attacks and disappearances. I remember when you were just an agent who brought me in to question where my loyalties were," I replied diplomatically.
"Ah yes, that was a long time ago. I'm glad to see how much you've grown and that a few shall we say bad eggs didn't sway your opinions."
"Well it would have been much easier if I had just gone along with all that bullshit, pardon my French, but as you've come to learn my hard-headedness didn't allow for that."
"No need to. That's all their rhetoric is," the Director paused as his door opened, "Ah Mr. Prescott, we've been expecting you."
"Yes, well, sorry to have kept you waiting," he replied taking a seat on the other side of Quincy.
"Oh no, quite alright. Anyway, you've all been briefed on the situation," the Director said, getting down to business.
"Yes but we were hardly told anything. Just that there had been an attack and a few disappearances," Quincy replied.
"I know, but I'm sure you've all gathered the severity of their nature since I've called all three of you in here," Director Regnier stated gathering a file from his desk.
"I am a little confused as to why I was summoned. I mean, I realize how serious this could be but I'm not a Bureau employee. I'm just a contact of Mr. Ryan's," I spoke formally as the Director turned slightly towards me.
"While you are correct in that you're not an employee Ms. Ruskinova, you have been a major asset to the Bureau. I understand you have maintained a professional relationship with Mr. Ryan and have even consulted with him on a few cases. The last time things started like this, you were able to provide us with valuable information on your sister and your parents. Due to your previous cooperation I am asking for you continue to do so. Your contacts have provided valuable information and give us what we need to maintain a diplomatic relationship with the Ministry of Magic," Director Regnier related to me.
"I understand but my sister is still locked in Azkaban and my parents have disappeared and no one is even sure if they're still alive."
"I am aware of that," he said before turning back to address the room, "Now, yes there was an attack and disappearance last night. The reason I've called you all in here is because of the scale. The whole LeMarque family disappeared with the dark mark drawn on the wall as the only clue. Before they disappeared there was a mass attack that took place in a warehouse. Two of the people were non-magical while the other three were. The reason the LeMarque family is important is because they were in hiding, and had been for almost a decade. Kellan LeMarque had originally allied with the death eaters but after he began to witness the horrors they took part in he came to the Bureau seeking protection in exchange for information. Now, we believe the attack happened before the LeMarque disappearance and I'm working on confirming right now if a few of the people attacked were secret keepers for the LeMarque family."

Once the Director finished a heavy silence fell upon the room. I knew I had to inform Severus of this. Glancing around the room I observed uneasy expressions on each face.

Clearing my throat I turned back to the Director, "I would like to see the scene of each incident."
"Of course, shall we?" he asked standing and gesturing towards the door.

We arrived a short while later in the middle of a rundown warehouse. The floor was coated with a thick layer of dust which made seeing the footprints of the attackers quite easy. I slowly began walking around the scene taking in every detail of the blood splatter. The attacks had been brutal and I was surprised that no one died. As always the dark mark was drawn in blood on one of the walls.

"From what we've determined the two non-magical people were attacked first, a Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. They were friends of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. All of them along with Coral Thompson were out for the evening when they were attacked from behind and dragged into the warehouse. The Thompson's tried to fight off the death eaters but were soon defeated. The Wilson's were then tortured to try to make the Thompson's speak. After the information was dragged from the Thompson's they were subjected to the Cruciatus curse then the dark mark was drawn before the death eaters disappeared. From there we assume they went to the LeMarque house, which until now was kept secret," the Director reported.

We examined the scene a little while longer before departing for the LeMarque house. Along with Kellan LeMarque and his wife Elsie, their two children were missing too. Making our way through the house nothing was touched save for the wall in the formal sitting room that had the dark mark drawn on it. The only disturbance was the beds, which I gathered was where they were snatched from.

"Do we have any clue as to who the death eaters were?" I asked as we looked around one of the children's rooms.
"No, we are assuming they are new recruits since most of the original death eaters are locked up or dead," the Director responded.

I nodded in acknowledgement then turned towards the men.

"Is it safe to assume the disappearance is revenge fueled? Since Kellan LeMarque defected from the death eaters and gave information to the Bureau," I asked.
"Yes. That is exactly what we are thinking," Director Regnier said.
"Do we have any information on file about any death eaters holding a personal grudge against Kellan LeMarque?" Mr. Prescott questioned.|
"I believe so but you'll have to check your department records. This is the first mass disappearance so we are concentrating all our efforts in trying to recover the LeMarques," the Director stated.
"I understand, I think I will contact our liason with the FBI and local law enforcement to see if they've received any reports from the Wilson's about strange occurrences or threats," Quincy said.
"Good. I'm sure you all know your duties. Ms. Ruskinova thank you for your time, I look forward to any information you receive from your contacts," Director Regnier said turning to me.
"You're welcome, if that's all I must be off," I replied curtly.

The Director gave a short nod before I walked away. Once outside I apparated to the Manor and rushed into the study, going over to a familiar portrait.

"Theosophocles, I need you to give Albus a message. I know I don't speak with him much but it is urgent that I see him. Tell him I will be leaving soon and unless otherwise instructed I will meet him in his office," I said hurridly.
"Of course," he replied before disappearing.

I thought of changing into a less formal outfit but disregarded the idea once Theosophocles returned.

"Albus is expecting you," he said cordially.

I called for Sidious and was happy to see he was close by. Allowing him to wrap around my arm I then quickly made my way to the edge of the property.

"Ready?" I asked speaking to Sidious.

He nodded slightly before we disappeared. Since the distance from the Manor to Hogwarts was quite far I made two stops before finally appearing right outside the castle entrance. I made quick work of arriving before the gargoyle and giving the password. Quickly ascending the stairs I saw the door already ajar waiting my arrival.

"Ah, Myra, so good of you to come so quickly," Albus said in his normal grandfatherly tone.
"Yes, well I did say it was urgent did I not?" I quipped then noticed Severus' presence.
"I had a thought of inviting Severus to join us seeing as how he is now your current contact."
"Good, I'm short on time. I have a few stops to make after here."
"Now what is going on? Theo informed me you left in a hurry this morning and came back to gather Sidious before departing again," Albus continued.|
I allowed Sidious off my arm then looked back at the two men, "There was an attack and disappearance last night. Quincy called me in and after meeting with Director Regnier we surveyed each scene. Two non-magical and three magical persons were attacked while out for the evening. Once the death eaters got the information they sought they went to the LeMarque house and now the whole family is gone, taken from their beds," I relayed.
"LeMarque as in Kellan LeMarque?" Severus asked gravely.
"Yes, the same LeMarque that defected to the Bureau the last time Voldemort tried to seize power."
"I thought they were in hiding?" he questioned.
"They were. The Thompsons were their secret keepers but after being tortured they gave up the LeMarque's location."
"I see. What was the nature of the attacks?" Albus asked.
"They were sloppy. The Thompsons tried fighting off the death eaters to protect the Wilsons but were quickly over powered. The Wilsons were knocked out easily before the death eaters turned to the Thompsons. They only used the Cruciatus and while excruciating their lack of diversity in the spells makes it seem like they're new recruits not yet fully trained in all facets of the Dark Arts," I spoke.
"Is the Bureau working with liaisons for non-magical law enforcement agencies?"
"Naturally. The attack and disappearances have been kept quiet. The Bureau doesn't want to cause a panic but they are taking the matter very seriously and unlike the Ministry aren't trying to cover it up."
Albus nodded then looked towards Severus, "Do you know anything about this?"
"No, but like we've discussed in the past I feared that Voldemort would go after those who turned against him," he replied stiffly.
"Alright well, you know what you need to do," Albus said then turned to me, "I assume you're going to your contacts in the North?"
"Yes, that's why I've brought Sidious. I've asked him to see what he can find out."
"Good good. You know I do wonder if he is familiar with Nagini," Albus said drifting to a tangent.
"I've asked him before and he said he knows of her but has never seen her. He does know a few snakes that do know her though and so I was going to ask him to see what he could find out."
"You can talk to snakes?" Severus asked a slightly stunned look on his face.
"Yes I'm a parseltongue," I replied quizzically.
"But then that means, you aren't are you?" he asked.
"My family lineage is not up for discussion," my stern voice ending that tangent discussion.

"Severus best not pry into things you know nothing about," Albus quipped, offering his insight.
"My apologies Myra," Severus said.
"Just don't bring it up again," I acknowledged before directing myself to Albus, "Now, if that's all I best be going."
"Of course dear, have a safe trip."

I nodded then called for Sidious seeing a look of astonishment glance across Severus' face. Making sure he was securely wrapped around my arm and shoulder I made my departure.

Donner Lane was quiet when I arrived. After letting Sidious down to seek out information I stopped in Strengturm, one of the oldest wizarding banks, to see to business in the family vaults. After grabbing the necessary documents and some money I headed back out onto the Lane.

By the time Sidious returned I had purchased a few rather rare potions ingredients and a couple of books. Now I was enjoying a late lunch at Nachtwald Tavern. While the food was acceptable I was actually seeking information. I had surveyed the patrons but saw none that stood out. Instead I resorted to slipping into their minds. Some frown upon this but technically as long as I do not get caught then I am not doing anything wrong. So far I had learned that the witch at the bar was distraught over breaking up with her boyfriend, the couple on the opposite side of the room was arguing over the lack of sex in their relationship, and the man sitting by the fireplace was fairly drunk. In the far corner by the stairs to the guest rooms I noticed a figure clad in black robes doing his best to not be seen. Bingo I thought to myself as I prepared to enter his mind. His defenses were strong but I was able to glean a small amount of interesting information. A small smile played across my lips as I set enough money on the table to pay my tab and leave a sizable tip. Gathering Sidious I made my way to the fireplace and left.