A/N - on a side note I would like to say that I LOATH the way 's word processor sets things up. No indentations, It removes line breaks and doesnt allow underlines. In general, it removes any cosmetic value that a writer wants. It's poorly constructed and could use a major upgrade.

-

Chapter 5

Backroom Bribes

The foot steps on the cold, hard, cavern floor kept pace with the insistent drip of water from the stalactites above. A soft echo, bouncing along the cavernous walls, made it sound like the soft shuffling of hundreds of feet. New torches lined the path, burning with an eerie blue fire that made the place seem more ominous. The hems of the silver robes dragged, just barely, along the damp floor as their owner approached the table. It was wide and long, thick and hard. Polished to a white sheen that reflected the azure color the torches gave off. Like the shimmering rise of an afternoon sky, bathed in half formed clouds.

The man pulled out the hardwood chair and sat with a regal demeanor. For an instant the light of the table lit the dark depths of his hood, showing the glimpse of dark hair and a slight tan. It was hard to tell as the setting could offer illusions as readily as truth. Around the table in six other chairs sat other men. Each of them dressed in the richly fashioned silver robes with sapphire blue runes sewn into the hems. The runes were old. From the days of Persia, when the vast empire held sway and, the rule of Wizards and Witches called on sorcerous powers of antiquity. From the days when spells were fashioned from belief and will rather than words and wands. It was a past long forgotten and desired by many. None more so than the seven seated at this table.

"I am sorry to have kept you all waiting." said the man who had recently arrived. "I believed I was being followed and had to lose those who were trailing me." His voice was refined and deep.

"You are certain you were not followed here?" a silken voice spoke from the head of the table. An undertone of threat could be identified, one that spoke of the consequences if the answer was not pleasing.

"I was forced to invoke a Simularicrum, they were very determined. There was no other way." There was a pregnant silence as the other five heads turned to stare towards the leader. One fitted with golden robes and black runes. Finally the Leader nodded.

"The move was wise. A pity the need to reveal such powers, but wise as you are needed here tonight." With that the golden clad figure reached towards a stand next to him, lifted a thick book and placed it on the table before him. Slim fingers, white as snow from powdered chalk, left the folds of the sleeves and opened the book towards the back.

"We have finally recovered the Second Grimoire." he paused, waiting for the exclamations of delight and satisfaction that sounded much louder and elevated from the echoes, to subside. "It was costly. The traps the thief had laid cost us the lives of Pervell and Chauncey, and Manfred may never regain his sanity. Worthwhile, but costly."

"Can we enact the spell with the book?" another of the robes figures asked from the recesses of his hood. The leader shook his head.

"No. We still need the primer, which is located within the first book. However, with this we can identify our mysterious thief."

"Can we use it to find him?"

"No, but we can worry about that once we know who he is. Before each of you is a bowl of oak, aged three hundred years. I will need you all to bleed into the bowl." The seven mysterious figures removed the ceremonial daggers from their sides and cut open their palms. Several grunted at the sharp pain, but none wavered as they held the bleeding hands over the bowl. After a good handful of blood was in each bowl the Leader halted their actions. Several waves of some wands and muttering of spells healed the injuries.

"These old spells do not require the use of wands. Cup your hands within the blood and raise them above you. Do not worry when it runs. Then incant the following spell in unison. 'Cum Indegeo Sumo Agnitio', 'Cum Vis Sumo Sapientia'. Then lower your hands and blow gently towards the center of the table. Focus all your thoughts and power on the desire to know who stole the book. Do not waver or the spell will fail. Begin."

As one the seven figures dipped their hands into the bowl and cupped a generous portion of their blood. They raised their cupped hands over their heads; rivets of the crimson liquid ran down their arms to stain the silver threads. As one they invoked the blood magic.

"Cum Indegeo Sumo Agnitio! Cum Vis Sumo Sapientia!" they cried out in loud firm voices. The blood in their hands glowed a deep maroon, but shown a dark purple in the blue light of the torches. They brought their hands towards them and blew gently.

The blood seemed to gain a life of its own and flew from their hands in thick sludging streams towards the center. The seven floating rivers met with black sparks and pooled into a red sphere. The sphere slowly began to distort and form a face. A mouth and cheeks seems to etch from it's depths as it floated above the table. The blood began to define hair, and the color slowly began to change. Suddenly it began to lose focus and become less defined, as if it was losing the identity of the thief.

"He knows! He is fighting us!" one of the silver clad men cried out.

"Stand firm!" said the leader. "Concentrate. Do not falter or we will lose this chance!" Again they grew silent and poured all their concentration into the spell. Beads of sweat soon dripped from most of the faces. Several groaned and swayed under the stress. The sphere seemed to change into the shape of a castle. One of the figures grunted and leaned forward a bit, his blood stained hands gripping the white table tightly. Again the sphere seemed to destabilize and almost break apart.

"I…I can't…hold…" the smallest of the seven gasped out and slowly he buckled and slipped out of his chair to crash to the floor. The rest ignored him and tried even harder to take his place. The blood changed shape one final time then with a crack and a flash of light the blood powdered and blew away with a breeze. All except for the Leader slumped forward and rested their heads in their palms. Nothing was said for a long while as they regained their strength. Finally the smallest wizard, who had collapsed, regained his consciousness and slid once more into his seat.

"What does it mean?" one of them asked. The Leader sat looking at the table.

"I do not know. The images were too vague. I can think of nothing that would give us the identity of the thief from them. His protections were too strong for the spell to break."

"I know who it is." Said the figure that had arrived at the meeting last. The others turned towards him eagerly. "If half of what I have heard about him is true, then he is more formidable that any of us suspected."

"Who?" said the leader, leaning forward eagerly. "Speak his name and we shall test his power." It was delivered with malice and promise.

"Harry Potter."

O

OOO

O

It was the first Hogsmead trip of the year and the students were excited. The weather was rather pleasant for the outing. It had a slight chill as the autumn months closed in, but not so cold as to require anything more than a simple cloak. In two days the Grand Merlin Maze would open and some of the greatest Witches and Wizards in Europe would compete in a magical challenge only rivaled by the World Dueling Championship. There was an excited buzz in the air as the students made their way to the market town of Hogsmead. Only one thing could take their focus away from the Maze and that was the Grand Opening of Perfect Protections. The clandestine business that supplied the Ministry and other Wealthy buyers with powerful and mysterious magic in the forms of rings, necklaces and any other type of jewelry or personal apparel you could think of. In fact. That opening was the only reason Hermione had decided to come herself into the town.

It promised to be both a fun and enlightening experience. Ron was going to meet her at the 'Three Broomsticks' before heading over to the shop. Being a former Auror he was naturally intrigued by the sudden shift in the businesses' marketing direction. They both knew that at least one D.M.L.E investigator would be there under cover. The ownership of the company and its assets were so obscure and murky that the Ministry had even considered passing a law just for that business to find out who ran it. Only the fear of losing its revolutionary items kept them at bay. Kingsley told Ron one time. If a snake isn't biting you, don't go and provoke it. Hermione and Ron both had to agree with him there. Anyone who could make a necklace that prevented the Imperius Curse from affecting a person was obviously not out to undermine the Ministry.

The Department of Mysteries, of course, was afire with the desire to get their hands on the knowledge of whoever made the items, but even their attempts had failed. Fudge, who had somehow pulled enough favors and bribes to fill an important Ministry position, was the current head of the Department. His appointment was the major reason Hermione had left. After his operations for 'acquiring' the plans of the various pieces of magic had failed Fudge arrived at his office one day to find a note on his desk. No one knew how someone had penetrated so deep into the Department, nor did anyone know what the note said, but the next day Fudge had pulled a 180 and stopped all investigations into Perfect Protections. Kingsley had hinted to the couple one time at an Order meeting, that the note said that some of Fudges more interesting actions during his term as Minister for Magic would be revealed if he didn't back down. Whatever it was had worked, and now the man was playing the role of servile department head to the letter.

Despite everything, something still nagged at Hermione's curious nature. There were too many odd things happening in Hogwarts lately and they all started when Perfect Protections entered Hogsmead. She was very skeptical about the timing. The latest episode was all of the ghosts had been locked in a room for several days. That of course isn't supposed to be possible with ghosts which made it all the more curious. There was a huge row between Nearly-Headless Nick, the Grey Lady, and the Bloody Baron. Apparently some things got resolved because people could see the Grey Lady and the Bloody Baron wandering the halls together at night. People assumed the thing was a prank on the ghosts, but Hermione suspected it was to get the ghosts out of the way for several days.

The students scattered when the group finally made it to Hogsmead, and Hermione walked briskly towards her destination. The streets were packed from tourists. The various inns and homes, filled to the brim with the coming events. The store owners were ecstatic, and praised Kingsley for the Maze with every Knut they made. She turned down the street that held some of the more upscale homes and expensive businesses and saw the crowd. Her steps faltered slightly, but she continued on. The store had been open since the morning and it was now the after noon, but still the crowd was large. There must have been at least fifty or sixty people just waiting outside. Such a crowd should keep the students away, who wouldn't waste their precious time standing in a line.

She wrapped her cloak tighter around her and waited at the end. Every now and then she would see someone leave the store with a black velvet bag and an uncertain smile of their face. A line started to form behind her and when she looked back, she saw that the line had grown to at least a hundred people. Hermione suspected it was the crowd that drew more people. When the line moved enough to allow her to see through the window she saw a sign that made her want to laugh at the cleverness.

'For security and Ministry regulations only five persons are allowed in the shop at one time. Thank you for your understanding of the dangers the shop harbors.'

Hermione knew there were no regulations about the number of people allowed in the building. The sign was a ploy to allow the owner to give their undivided attention to the customers, as well as to draw more people with a crowd. It was marvelous. The front window was clouded over with an amusing charm. Several Items could see seen on display. A glittering necklace with three emeralds set in a thin chain of bronze. A bracelet of platinum with a teardrop sapphire and then various simple rings with different engravings and simple stones. It was designed to show that the store could service both the extremely wealthy and the middle class. It was another good business move.

Finally after waiting nearly at hour she was at the head of the line and a couple left the building, allowing her and a gentleman behind her to enter. When she entered she was immediately impressed and stopped to gaze around the place. The floor was hard wood, but had a thin cushioning charm on it. The walls where an off white with navy blue trim, simple, but tasteful. There were dozens of glass classes around the room, each holding various items and shelves lined the walls with more merchandise. Some were locked away and some were open to touching. The purchasing counter was made of oak and holly. And odd pairing of woods, if she ever saw one. Behind the counter was a door that led to the back. Even from here she could tell that there were some strong warding spells on that door.

She started to walk around the store, nodding quietly to the other patrons. The place had a hushed almost sacred quality to it. It made you afraid to speak too loud and disturb the silence. She liked it a lot. She inspected some of the items. A ring that gave you a slight glamour to appear more beautiful. A necklace that protected you from most poisons. A brooch that would defend against fire and fire based spells. The description on that one even promised to protect you against Fiendfyre. That made her eyes widen and she reached out hesitantly to touch the item.

"Ah yes, that one was particularly hard to make." A hushed voice from behind her caused her to jump almost a foot. She turned around hastily to face the speaker with a hand over her fluttering heart. What she saw almost made her whip out her wand and throw a hex in defense. It was a figure dressed all in black. There was a hood over his face and what was obviously an obfuscation charm of some sort hiding his features. He looked almost like a Death Eater without the mask. She stayed her wand and took a closer appraising look. He was not very tall, but not short as well. She knew it was a man from the sound of his voice. She could see the fingers from the sleeves; they were long, but strong and rough, not thin and elegant. The hands had a slightly pale cast, but there was still a tan to them, which was fading in the England weather.

"I'm sorry I scared you. I am the manager of Perfect Protections. I am pleased to meet you Professor Weasley." he held out his hand. She frowned slightly at the use of her name, but she was not without a small amount of recognition from her face in the papers. She took the hand gingerly and turned her lips up from the frown.

"Apology accepted Mr.…?"

"You can call me…hmmm…Mr. Dudders. It is not my real name of course, but in my profession it would be unwise to reveal it."

"Why, if you don't mind me asking."

"There are many people of a most unsavory nature that would wish me and my family harmed if they found out who I was. My work with the Ministry, and the Aurors, has earned me a number of enemies who would like nothing more than to see my inventions disappear." Hermione nodded, it made sense.

"This brooch. It protects against Fiendfyre. That seems almost impossible considering the very nature of the curse." The man nodded and she could sense a smile from the hidden face.

"You are correct. It is impossible for total protection. The brooch will protect you for a short time, but I would not recommend standing in the stuff if you know what I mean. It will give you the time to think calmly and escape, or if you are particularly adept to dispel it. One rarely sees Fiendfyre however. I added that bit to make it more of a seller. The unexpected is what usually kills." Hermione had to agree to that.

"So!" his voice lost that elderly quality of speaking and fell into a more boyish enthusiasm. "What can I get for you? I made everything here, but I do take requests. If you need say, protections from most school jinxes from pranksters, I have a number of items that will do. If you need a trinket that will help you find wayward students, I can help with that as well." The curious shop owned rocked back and worth on his heels. Hermione could almost see a youthful expression of exuberance from his body language alone. Hermione saw from the corner of her eye that another customer was waiting to be served and nodded to the woman.

"Let me look around some more. I am sure your other patrons are eager to buy something." The hood swiveled to look at the woman and gave Hermione a nod.

"As you wish Professor Weasley. Enjoy the store and take as long as you wish. I'll stop by once you're ready." And with a flutter of long thick robes he turned and strode over to the woman with an arm outstretched. Hermione took a moment to examine the brooch once more, marveling at the idea of something so potent. Whoever he was Mr. Dudders was a remarkable proficient artificer.

Turning her attention to other objects she let herself wander some more, watching the shop owner carefully. It seemed he had no end of energy; not unlike a certain twin. He grew solemn with a new widow, and then he whispered like a co-conspirator with a man who was doing a poor job trying to hid his face. With a Hogwarts student he laughed and inspired ideas of mischief and safely from Peeves. He had a personality for every type of person. He could hide as anyone, she realized. He held a mask over himself that could turn into any type of person he wished. Hermione thought that maybe the Ministry should take the chance at losing his items and incurring his wrath and just find out who he was and what his intentions were.

A ring caught her attention and she paused in her wanderings and picked up the crisp white card that described its abilities. The hand writing was remarkably poor.

Ring of Sia – named after the ancient Egyptian God of Knowledge, this remarkable ring is a scholar's dream. Excellent for searching a book or tome for specific phrases or words, this ring, when worn, will automatically guide you towards the knowledge you seek within the pages. If the information you seek is not there, then the ring will not function. Inquire for pricing.

Hermione's breathing grew shallow and she wet her lips as she read the card over and over again. She eventually placed it down and took a long look at the ring, which was encased in spell shielded glass. It had a curious translucent green tint to the band, made from some mineral or another. It was set with an onyx and in gold dust on the large black stone was an ancient rune that meant – 'to know'. Of all the things she had thought to find, something this magnificent was not on the list. Her fingers itched to hold the ring and she found her hands clammy and clenching over and over again, trying to force the feeling out. She wanted it.

She looked over to see the, now magnificent Mr. Dudders just finishing up with a large surly wizard with a long graying mustache. She bounced a bit on the balls of her feet, eager to purchase the ring. Her original reasons for coming here had vanished from her excited mind. To her satisfaction the owner noticed her impatience and, with brisk strides, was before her in a heart beat.

"Ah, Professor! Have found something you like?" he asked in that boyish inquisitive tone that, if she could have seen his face, would have found very charming and attractive.

"Please. Call me Hermione Mr. Dudders; I swear that name rings a bell with me." She added as an afterthought. "And yes I have found something. This ring here." She pointed towards the green and black piece. "How exactly, does it work?" She tried to keep the excitement out of her voice, but failed. She knew it would cost her when it came to pricing.

"Hmm." the mysterious man muttered. "Are you sure that is what you want…Hermione?"

She squirmed under her robes at the way he said her name. "I did not say I wanted it Mr. Dudders. I was just curious as to how it worked is all."

"Ah. I see, I see. Well, it's rather easy. You slip the ring on, place you hand over what ever book or scroll you are looking through and focus on what you need. You will feel a small compulsion driver your hand till it finds what you seek. If it isn't in the book then you won't feel the pull."

"Yes, but what charms and spells are used on it?" The man gave a quiet laugh at her question and waggled his finger at her.

"You're asking for my secrets Hermione. From what I've heard your one of the smartest witches in England. If I told you the spells then you could make one on your own."

She gave a small sigh and bit her lip as she looked at the ring once more. "How much?" she asked in an eager whisper. She looked back over towards his obscured face and waited for an answer. He didn't move for almost a full minute. She grew uneasy under, what she was certain was an intense scrutiny.

"A favor Hermione Granger Weasley. A favor." His voice was soft and firm. She narrowed her eyes slightly at the use of her full and maiden name. The way he spoke sounded almost like a spider having caught the fly. She suddenly worried that the man might be a Legilimans and threw up her Occumancy shields. She detected no shift in his stance that he noticed what she had done. Still, she kept her shields in place and pondered hard the price.

"Favors are dangerous and costly things Mr. Dudders."

"So is knowledge and the ability to find it. How many times in your life have you struggled to find an answer in time? How many times have you come up short, or too late to make a difference?" She realized this man had some insight into her life and troubles. Either he had already used Legilimancy on her, or they knew each other.

"I would need to know the favor up front. There won't be any sudden requests years down the road." she stated firmly.

"Of course. Come back this evening after I close up the shop. I will have the ring ready for you and the required favor." She hesitated and gave a small nod. She started to leave the shop and turned back one last time to look at him. He was still watching her under that inky, shifting, blackness that was his face. She gave a small troubled frown and swept out the door. The crowd was even longer than before and she shook her head. She made her was over to the Three Broomsticks, her feet taking her automatically as she dwelled in her thoughts.

This Mr. Dudders was a powerful, mysterious, charming, frightening, confident, conundrum of a wizard. She wanted to deny this 'favor' of his and pay with galleons, but she was sure he wouldn't sell. And she wanted that ring badly. That ring could save her hours and hours of research. It was a marvel that she had to have. She knew that she was taking a big risk and stepping into the murky depths of conspiracy, but for some reason she was willing to take the chance. For her, the thought of that ring on her finger was almost orgasmic. She could envision herself in front of a table with piles of books, going through them rapidly for what she wanted. Her research and personal experiments would leap frog.

When she stepped into the pub she spotted Ron over at a corner booth. He gave her a wave and she made her way through the crowd, nodding a couple times to some Hogwarts students. She gave her husband a kiss on the cheek and slid in across from him.

"Well?" He asked.

"Oh you wouldn't believe it Ron. He is a genius. There are items in that shop that I didn't think was possible to make. There is this ring, I'm going to get later that will allow me to-"

"A ring?" Ron interrupted and scowled. "'Mione, you weren't supposed to go shopping. You were supposed to find out about him and if he's dangerous or not." She waved him off impatiently.

"Honestly Ron. Anyone who can make the things that he does is dangerous. But, this ring Ron. It's amazing-"

"Hermione!" Ron interrupted again with an exasperated sigh. She glared at him and very primly picked at her sleeves.

"Very well. I couldn't see who he was. He was disguised and wouldn't reveal his real name. He said it was because the enemies of the Ministry would attack his family for helping the Aurors with his work. A reasonable precaution I think. I didn't notice anything dangerous there, but he did hint that, if requested specially, he would make something. Or try to anyways." She gave a shrug. "The place is spelled with so much security and protection that it would take even Bill some time to take them all down. He just seems like a paranoid shop owner, that's entirely too smart."

Ron grunted and looked off into the distance. "I don't like it." He said after a moment. Hermione reached out and took his hand.

"Ron. You're not an Auror anymore sweetheart. Let them handle it. Can't we, for once after 14 years, have some peace and quiet? Let it go." She hated to see him like this. Still moping around like he was an Auror and refusing to put it behind him. He hated working with George, but he was still running around like he was on an investigation. She suspected he was after whoever had framed him.

Ron grew stiff and looked at as if they were back in Hogwarts, during their early years. "Thank you Mrs. Know-it-all. My dim mind must have forgotten the obvious." He stood up and started to leave.

"Ron!" she called out to apologize, but he ignored her and continued out the door. She sighed and dropped her face in her hands. The prat could get angry and start a fight over the smallest things.

"Professor?" She looked up to see a concerned student by the table. "Are you ok?" the girl asked.

"Yes Samantha, I'm ok. Just some boy trouble. All us girls have it now and then." The girl giggled.

"Oh yes, there is this Hufflepuff boy who gives me trouble too." The girl blushed as she realized she was talking about boys with one of her teachers. Hermione smiled and motioned towards the seat across from her.

"Sit down and tell me about it. I could use some girl talk, if you know what I mean." The girl giggled again and slipped into the booth. They spent the next hour drinking butter beer and pumpkin juice. A couple of other older girls joined them and they spent the time talking about boys and how weird they could be. Hermione related to them about what Ron was like during school and how clueless he was. The other girls laughed and shook their head. All of them agreed that boys, while needed, were too much trouble to put up with at times.

ooo

The sun was setting over Hogsmead as Hermione made her way down the street paved with white brick. She was nervous. She didn't know what to expect, but feared the worst and had made sure to cast several protective charms about her person before leaving the castle. Hogsmead twilights had always seemed creepy to Hermione, with her muggle roots. As if the thriving wizard town was closing its eyes and monsters were waiting in the shadows. Just waiting for night to descend and release to their hungers.

She neared the shop and saw that the crowds were gone. The grand opening sign was still up, and probably would be for close to a week. She walked to the door and tried to peer through the window, but the same fog charms as earlier wouldn't let her. She noticed that one of the display items was missing. The very expensive bracelet. Most likely just purchased because hundreds of people were admiring it and the buyer wanted people to know that they had the wealth to get it. She raised her hand and tapped her wand on the magical ringer.

It took him a moment, but eventually the wooden door swung open and the mysterious Mr. Dudders stood before her.

"Ah, Hermione. You made it. I'm glad. Come in, come in." He moved aside and she stepped through. A brief glance around showed that many of the shelves were empty of their products now. He must have made a small fortune in one day.

"I see business was good for you Mr. Dudders."

"Huh? Oh yes it was. I didn't expect the people to buy so much. I'm gonna have to go into some of my older stash to fill the shelves until I can make some more of the newer products. That or take nothing but requests. I don't want to do that. As it is, I'm probably going to have to hire some help. I never expected it to take off like this."

Hermione followed him as he led the way towards the counter. He took out his wand and tapped four times on the door that was powerfully warded. It swung inward to reveal a brightly lit room beyond.

"Follow me please." he said to her. She hesitated at the thresh hold, but the thought of that ring once more pushed her into peril and she stepped through. It was a pleasant work room. There was a bench on the far way with several instruments she recognized from her time as an Unspeakable. Her eyebrows rose a bit at one of them, but she didn't comment. She saw several raw ore in a box, and along a shelf on a wall, there was arranged a multitude of gemstones, from very expensive to common quartz. The rug was a thick maroon and the walls a pleasant golden color. A coffee table of gold oak held a couple of books that Hermione didn't recognize. A lush deep thinking chair stood by the table with a hand lamp hovering over it. Most likely were he sat to read the books she saw.

On the other wall was a small library of rare and expensive volumes. Just a cursory examination showed her that he had an impressive collection. 'Obscure monsters and How to Tame Them', 'Protections for the Unfortunate', 'Advanced Auror Guide Volume forty-two', and to her horror, 'Magik Most Evil'. The last was separated from the rest and she could see the pulsing of some sort of deadly ward over it. The fact that he had it, made her nervous and apprehensive, but the knowledge that he warded it from a common thief releasing it to the public made her feel a little better. She had to broach the topic of the book however.

"Mr. Dudders. I mean no offence, but that book on your shelf," she pointed at the vile tome. "It's on the restricted list of books available to the public. It is a most…unwholesome bit of literature. Why do you have it?"

The man chuckled a bit and walked over to his library. He waved his wand over the volume three times and tapped it twice. The warding flickered away and he pulled it off the shelf.

"This book, Mrs. Weasley, lets me know what is out there. It speaks of some of the worst pieces of dark magic there is. With this knowledge I can create some items that ward against many dangerous spells and items. Someone, much wiser than me told me once, 'know your enemy.' I took that to heart. I know a lot about dark magic. Because I know so much I can help people who don't. Are you satisfied?"

Hermione thought it over a bit and gave a nod. "You're right. It was wrong of me to pass judgment. You can't stop what you don't know about. You pieces that stop the Imperius curse are remarkable. If the Ministry had them back when Voldemort was around, he never would have gained so much power or taken over."

"Yes, it's like everyone says. If I knew then what I know now…" the sentence trailed off with a sardonic chuckle.

"You were involved in the war then?"

"Oh yes. I was right in the thick of things. I lost friends and family, like most people. Voldemort took almost everything I held dear and the Ministry the rest."

"The Ministry?" Hermione exclaimed. "Why help them then?" He shrugged.

"They are changing. Just look at the differences. Goblin and Centaur rights. House-elf freedoms. There is still a lot of corruption, but the Ministry isn't what it used to be. If I can help keep it free from evil then I've done something worth-while in my life. But listen to me going on about my life. You are here for your ring, and a ring you'll get."

Hermione wanted to ask more, like what the Ministry did to him, but he obviously wanted to get to business. She gave him a brisk nod and walked over to where he waited. Mr. Dudders took out a black velvet box and opened it for her. Inside was the band that had captivated her thoughts all day. It was more beautiful up close than it was in the case. Her hand reached out, but she paused to look at the man in appeal. He gave her a nod of approval and, in shaking fingers, she took the ring from the white silk cloth that held it. It was smooth, with gentle curves. The edges that she could see on the band gave it a false rough look. She inspected it closely. She looked at every grove and grain in the gem and mineral. It was flawless.

"Amazing." she whispered. "Stunning." He nodded in agreement.

"I spent three long weeks on the ring." he told her. "Not to brag, but it's an amazing piece of magic." Hermione could only agree.

"Now for the price." She bit her lip and looked up at him waiting. He moved to a cabinet and opened it up. He took out a long necklace with an amulet set at the bottom. The amulet was gold with a large emerald set in the middle. She could see swirls of magic contained within. Walking over to her he held it out.

"I understand that you have a sister-in-law that will be partaking in the upcoming Grand Merlin Maze. I want you to give this to her to wear. This is the price."

Hermione immediately set the ring back down. "No." She stated firmly. Endangering her self for a piece of magic was one thing, but endangering family was another.

"Hermio-" he started to say.

"No. I don't entirely trust you Mr. Dudders, or whatever your real name is. I won't put family at risk." They stared at each other for long moments and then he finally spoke, when he did his voice was like a smoothing and calm melody. She felt her inhibitions slowly degrade and a fog seemed to steel over her mind.

"This is the price of knowledge Hermione Granger Weasley. You have nothing to fear for your sister-in-law. It's just a little thing really. You get a ring and she gets an amulet. Everyone gets something and no one loses. When she walks into the maze everything will be fine. Please agree to this Hermione. You want the ring don't you?"

She nodded slightly, almost swaying with his tranquil voice. "Then take the ring and hold the necklace." She did as ordered. He grasped the hand that held the necklace in his own. "Do you Hermione Granger Weasley agree to give them necklace to Ginevra Molly Weasley and make sure that she wears it during the Tournament?"

"Yes." she whispered. A soft white glow enveloped her and the item in question. Slowly with halting steps she left the room without saying another word and started the long trek back towards Hogwarts. Eventually the fog of her mind wore off, but she never gave a moments thought to the events that transpired in the back room of Perfect Protections. She marveled over the ring and was eager to test it out. Her other hand held the necklace for Ginny tightly in her hand.

o

ooo

o

The twelve silver garbed wizards met their leader later that night. They arranged themselves around the white table in the large cavern.

"I have called you here once again, because there is a small hitch in our plans. Someone witnessed a meeting they should not have. While it could be innocent, it could lead to trouble later on in our operation. We must remove her from the equation. The witch in question will be participating in the Tournament two days hence. I have made arrangements that will insure her silence." The gold clad figure turned towards one of his larger compatriots. "I trust this will not be a problem?"

"No." the man said. "While annoying, she is too free spirited for my tastes. I can always find another to sate my thirsts." The group chuckled.

"Good." the spidery voice of the leader said. "Then in the Tournament Ginevra Weasley will die, and with her death this…Harry Potter, will have no choice but to come into the open and play into our hands."

"Are you sure she will die?" another asked.

"Yes, I made the arrangements earlier this evening. She will not survive." He once more turned the large figure in silver. "Are you sure you are ok with this? We could always leave it to you, to take care of." The man shook his head and pulled back his hood to wipe some dampness from his forehead.

"She is nothing more to me, than a moment's diversion." said Eric O'Soule. "The sooner the better."

Elsewhere a certain red headed young witch tossed in her sleep, troubled by dreams of betrayal.

-

-

A/N - Thank you again for the reviews. Next chapter the Grand Merlin Maze begins.

-

-