Who Will Fill a Coward's Grave

A/N The mobile phones mentioned in this story are Nokia 232's. They were available in 1994's Britain, at a cost of £50, and were one of the first models not to be the size of a brick. Contrary to some who have commented on this 'plot hole' in this story, I do my research.

Chapter 10 - No Party

It was a sore but satisfied Harry who took his seat for tonight's order meeting. Hermione snuggled into his side, leading Emma to comment that they were pushing themselves too hard with their training.

"Mum, thanks to the soon to be birthday boy here, we now have three days off. I will admit we pushed it a bit today because we knew that. Have you any idea what Sirius has planned? He's keeping tight-lipped about it to us."

"He hasn't told anyone, apart from possibly Remus, what he has planned. I'm just glad he insisted on the three day break."

Beating Hermione to the punch, Harry confirmed they both wholeheartedly agreed with Emma.

As the meeting got underway, Kingsley gave his report on the 'Phoenix Force', and that they continue to be welcomed with open arms in Diagon Alley. The licence that the Minister had issued authorised the group to work anywhere in Britain, except for within the walls of the Ministry of Magic.

They had made the case that the Phoenix Force could be used to supplement any aurors Arthur sent to Hogsmeade during the official Hogwarts student visits to the village. Fudge had been so pleased by that idea, he issued that wide-ranging licence.

"We asked the businesses in the Alley for a token contribution toward the force. This was dipping our toe in the water to see if this could be a viable option in the long run, with all the contributions we currently receive being donated to St Mungo's. Having our officers highly visible has led to record numbers of shoppers, with some businesses making far more profit than they thought possible. The wizarding public feel safe with our officers there, knowing they are all former aurors also helps. What happens if we are attacked will determine how that proceeds."

Taking out her supplied mobile phone, Tonks was extolling the Nokia 232's wonderful features to the entire meeting. "Each officer being able to instantly report what's happening, and call for backup if needed, is such a boon. This really makes our job so much safer."

Nodding in understanding, it was Emma who commented next. In an attempt to make herself useful, she had been working on the communications side for the Order, and the new force. "All muggle police forces have that communications ability, whether on their person or in their police car. We have been looking at supplying one per house for everyone here tonight, it's only the charging situation that's been holding that back. Tonks, and most of the force, actually already have at least some access to electricity. Sirius is now renting a muggle home, the deal was just finalised yesterday, and this has allowed us to issue phones tonight."

It was Sirius' turn to explain what was happening here. "Voldemort has been quiet since he burned down the Minister's house. With his followers having these unfortunate accidents, and a certain someone's birthday coming up, we think he'll make a move. Emma has set up two phones for emergency contact, both of those numbers will already be programmed into the phones we give you - and training will be provided."

This got a few nervous chuckles before Sirius continued. "The Phoenix Force has been a great public success but also has another side to it. Apart from those visibly on duty in Diagon Alley, there is at least a dozen officers on standby, ready to react to calls for help from their colleagues or us. Add in the Order members rushing to your side and we can have two dozen wands coming to your aid in a matter of minutes." Seeing the looks of disbelief, a smiling Sirius nodded to Emma.

She stood and walked to the front of the meeting, taking a boxed mobile phone with her. "For the purpose of this demonstration, Harry and Hermione have the emergency phones. They are marked red so none of us get them mistaken for our own. Molly, could you come up and help us with this?"

A bashful Molly was not something any of them had seen before. She certainly was a good choice though as Molly really didn't know anything about muggle technology. Handing Molly the device, Emma showed her the basic functions.

"Molly, press the 'M' key, followed by the '1' or '2' button." As Molly did this, the phone that Harry was holding at the back of the room started ringing. Emma showed Molly how to hold the phone to her ear, and encouraged her to speak normally.

"Now, if the Burrow were under attack, the family has a way to instantly call for help. A word of warning, these emergency numbers are set up for just that - emergencies. We can program in other numbers for you to use but want everyone to have the facility to call for help before we get to that stage." Molly had forgotten about everyone in the room, she was just standing there chatting away to Harry.

"We're going to assume Molly just called for help, which means we send out the signal…" Hermione then sent the text and beeps were going off around the room, with most people sitting close enough to someone who had a phone and able to read the text.

"Hermione just sent a 'code 1' alert text to the group we had set up for tonight. Code 1 means we have an attack, and to get to headquarters as quickly as possible. On arrival, they will be told where we're heading to. The Phoenix officers will report to their office in Daigon, with Kingsley getting phoned to tell him exactly where the attack is taking place."

Sirius then stood beside Emma, more pleased than he could say that she was helping them set this up. They were sadly lacking in this expertise and feeling useful again was helping Emma overcome the tragedy of Dan's murder. This though was now Sirius' area. "We are looking at sending an invisible scout in to see exactly what we are facing, and advise us on the best place to arrive, but that's not quite ready yet. We're hoping the people under attack will be able to give us some information, estimate number of attackers and the direction they are under attack from. A call to Shack and we can coordinate our attack, both the time and where we're going to apparatus to…"

It was Arthur who then got to his feet, his excitement not letting him sit any longer. "You could hit an attacking force from both sides simultaneously, all coordinated to the second. This is brilliant!"

"Yes, and no, Arthur. We have been busy testing and discovered that the Ministry and Hogwarts both have too much background magic for the phones to work. Emma told us there are also some more remote parts of the country with sparse or no coverage. Hogwarts we can reach from here by floo but the other situation leaves us totally in the hands of the muggle mobile phone companies. Each person who takes one home tonight will find clear instructions, written by Emma, on how to contact base - namely here. If you can't, floocall and let us know."

When they started handing out the phones, Emma had placed labels on the boxes signifying who got what, members were soon gathered around those who already had been issued with theirs. Discovering the devices weren't as complicated as they first thought, with Emma having done all the setting up and pre-programming numbers, all were confident the could at least place an emergency call to Headquarters.

Molly though had something else on her mind, and only one person present had the answers she needed. She homed in on him. "Sirius, Harry was telling me he has no idea what's happening for his birthday. A surprise party is fine, but you have to inform the guests of the where and when."

The jokey demeanour Molly had adopted over the matter let everyone know she thought Sirius hadn't considered that part of the arrangements at all - and she was right.

"I'm sorry, Molly, but there won't be any party. Harry isn't going to be available on his birthday."

This set Molly back on her heels. "I was getting ready to bake his cake. I just needed to know how many guests there would be, so I could make it big enough for everyone to get a piece. What about after his birthday, could we celebrate it later? We count him as family too, Sirius. A birthday is a big thing..."

A clearly worried Sirius was now nervously running his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry again, Molly, I can't give you an answer just now. I have things I need to discuss with Harry first..."

Molly wasn't for letting this go though, and all sense of joking was gone. "Call Harry over, we can settle this now."

"This is not the time, nor place, for that discussion. It will also be a discussion between me and Harry..."

"So none of the Grangers will be there?"

Molly's jealousy had just crossed the line of what Sirius considered acceptable. He was going to have a very difficult talk with Harry after this meeting, he wasn't about to let Molly start off on some crusade where she was the injured party. He slapped her down, perhaps harder than was strictly necessary but the woman couldn't take a hint. "Molly, that really is none of your business. Harry is my godson, I am his guardian and family. I have told you as much as I'm currently able to. Like you, my first concern is always Harry's welfare..."

"How can not having a birthday party be good for Harry's welfare?"

Their argument had now become the focus of those members still present, which was the last thing Sirius wanted. Arthur and Bill arrived quickly however, practically dragging an angry Molly away. Harry and Hermione said goodbye to their red-headed friends before approaching Sirius to see what the problem was. A nod and whispered 'later' saw them holding their questions, and they had more than a few of those.

All the Weasleys left, except Bill. He was apologising to Sirius but found himself being thanked for intervening. "I had forgotten all about that side of things. I should have anticipated your mother doing something like that. She means well..." Bill's chuckle meant Sirius didn't need to say anymore.

"I was going to invite your father to join us tonight. After that though I thought it would just inflame things further." Looking around the room, Sirius now had only one concern.

"Susan, I know we can trust you to keep what you hear tonight quiet. It helps these two to have someone their own age to talk about these things with. Bill, I would also trust Ron, except where your mother is concerned. She could have everything out of him in five minutes."

A smiling Bill said two, before Sirius asked everyone left to take a seat. Apart from those living in Grimmauld, that was Dumbledore, Snape, both Bones ladies, Bill Weasley, Moody and Shacklebolt. Albus still liked to delude himself he was running things here so made a suggestion.

"Perhaps we could hear from Severus first, before Sirius tells us what's got him so bothered."

The group just nodded so Severus gave his report. "The Dark Lord doesn't believe in coincidences, he was certain of foul play from the time the second Death Eater released from St Mungo's died. Now that four of them are gone, with the other two too afraid to leave their homes, he's demanding answers. I have passed on my suspicion that there is an inner group within the Order, and that they might be involved. When I informed him I suspected Black, Lupin and Moody to be the core of that group, he understood I wouldn't be getting invited to join. I have heard nothing of attacks to mark Potter's birthday, but agree with your assessment that there is a high possibility of that happening. Since he can't get at Potter or Granger that leaves one obvious target. Arthur's new position in the Ministry would also add to the likelihood of that happening."

This received a nod of acknowledgement from Bill. "That matches exactly what we thought. Charlie is actually coming home tomorrow for a few days. That will give us an extra wand without alarming mum..."

Harry couldn't keep quiet any longer. "If we suspect an attack, get them out of there. Wormtail lived at the Burrow for over ten years, he'll know that building inside and out. Houses can be bought, or rebuilt. Dead is forever. We've already found that out this summer, we don't need any more examples."

"I was going to talk to Moody, see if he thought Ron and the twins were ready for something like this. Ginny certainly won't be there, and I hadn't considered Voldemort would have that knowledge. Dad also has Auror guards assigned him…"

"Bill, Voldemort knows all this. He was caught out the last time on the prisoner transfer, he can't afford to make a mistake again. By all means set a trap, it's the Weasley bait I'm objecting to. Polyjuce some Order or Phoenix officers to look like Ron and the twins if you need to but consider this, Voldemort needs a victory so will leave nothing to chance. What defence do you have against a dozen Death Eaters turning up and casting Fiendfyre at the Burrow?"

There was more than Bill turned pale at that thought, while Hermione was quietly explaining to her mother just how destructive that spell was.

"The lad's just made some very good points, Bill." Moody was then even more glowing in his praise of Harry. "You can't think of a defence against that attack, because basically there isn't one. With no other structures nearby to worry about the fire getting out of hand, and the Burrow being mainly constructed from timber, an attack like Potter described would be devastating. With all the insider knowledge Voldemort has available, we have to consider something like that a possibility. Potter, I'm glad you're on our side."

Bill had finally found his voice. "I don't know if I could swing mum abandoning the Burrow…"

An emotional Emma still had her arm around Harry. She kissed the top of his head, proud at how concerned he was for his friends. That emotion then resonated in every word she spoke to Bill. "I would gladly give up everything I own, every single pound or possession, if I could have my Dan back. I wholeheartedly agree with Harry on this, get them out of there. With the amount of risk involved, we shouldn't even be needing to discuss this."

Mad-eye and Albus also agreed with Emma's opinion, and were determined to do something about it. "We'll accompany Bill to the Burrow, talk things over with Molly and Arthur. At the end of the day, this has to be their decision."

Wrapping her arm around Harry too, Hermione then voiced what everyone there knew to be true. "Molly may be stubborn about herself but Ginny, Ron and the twins will be out of that house so quick their heads will be spinning."

Seeing how close these two ladies were becoming to his godson always brought a smile to Sirius' features, and was also the reason Molly was so jealous. Harry was building his family, and Emma seemed more than happy to gain a son. Sirius wasn't in the mood to smile tonight though. "Keep your arms there, Emma and Hermione, Harry's going to need all our support. When the goblins went through the Lestrange vault, they found another horcrux. To say they were angry would be a gross understatement. They know exactly who Voldemort is, and went searching through Gaunt vaults. All they found were deeds to a tiny piece of land with a hovel of a shack built on it. Upon searching that hovel, they found another."

This was great news so they couldn't understand why Sirius was so dour. "Have they destroyed them?"

"Not yet, Albus. Let me tell everyone what the situation is before the questions start flying. Bill and I then approached them to see if they could help with Harry's problem."

Sirius had to raise his hand, palm out, in an effort to save Albus interrupting him again. "You've had over decade to research getting that thing out of Harry. If you have an answer for us, don't be shy, now's the time to tell. Remus has practically lived in the Black library since we discovered the problem, Emma, Hermione and myself have helped him with that research too. We've got nothing. Yes we risk word getting back to Voldemort by approaching the goblins with this, but I'm prepared to risk a lot more than that to get this abomination out of my godson."

It was Bill who placed a comforting hand on Sirius' shoulder. "After discovering Voldemort made horcruxes, the goblins would never do business with him. He won't find out anything from that source."

Somewhat back under control, Sirius then passed on their news. "They actually have a procedure that offers some hope. It's dangerous, will be as painful as hell for the one going through it, and they can't offer any guarantees. That is what we need to discuss here tonight. I'll say right now, we can all help Harry make his choice but the choice will be his to make."

Thinking now would be the best time to play one of his last cards, Albus did so. "That Tom took Harry's blood as part of that ritual created a bond between them. The only way I can see that being to Harry's advantage is if he were to let Tom hit him with a killing curse. That should destroy the horcrux, while leaving Harry alive."

It was now Albus' time to hold his hand up for silence as everyone appeared ready to shout at him. "I'm not saying this is a good idea, I think it's a terrible idea myself, but it's all I've got. As options go, this should be classed under utter desperation."

That Albus wasn't advocating this as a possible solution allowed Sirius to take a deep breath and push on. "Okay, I would be quite happy if that was never, ever mentioned again. Now the goblins also recognise this bond exists, they just do things a bit differently. Voldemort deliberately stole something from Harry, his blood, and they are proposing a ritual where Harry will try to reclaim it. The ritual is in two distinct parts, and both have to be completed or the consequences could be dire. The first part is a purification ritual, where Harry will have to fight to get that bit of Voldemort out of his head. After that, he then has to fight Voldemort himself for possession of his blood. While not physically in the same room, this will most certainly be a fight."

Spotting the problem immediately, Albus asked a question that got right to the heart of the matter. "How long can there be between phase one and two? Harry is going to be exhausted expelling the horcrux, and then left with having to face Tom."

This was the bad news. "There can be only minutes between them, and Harry won't be able to take any potions to help. A sugary drink for energy replacement is the best we can offer. There is a plan to weaken Voldemort too, just before Harry attacks him through the ritual. Three is a very powerful magical number. The goblins would then have three of Voldemort's horcruxes to hand. They intend to destroy them simultaneously, seconds before Harry begins the second phase."

Having not released her grip on Harry, Emma had a question she needed to know the answer to. "You keep using the word 'fight', Sirius. I know what a fight is but what does that mean in terms of this ritual? What happens to the winner, and the loser?"

"Think of it like the battle of wands and wills Harry had with Voldemort at the graveyard. Both will try to overcome the other. A defeated Voldemort will have lost three of his horcruxes, and possibly the body he currently inhabits. At the very least he will be crippled in some way." Sirius now directed his gaze solely to his godson. "If the ritual fails at the first part, there's a chance the horcrux could have some control of you. Should you expel the horcrux and then lose the second part of the ritual, no one really knows. This is all theory, it's never been done before - not like this."

Not liking the sheer number of uncertainties involved in this proposed ritual, Hermione was the first one present to urge caution. "Harry, there is so much about this we don't know. We have to think about this, discuss it thoroughly, before making any decisions." Harry's reply saw her relax, but not for long.

"You're right, but let's look at what we do know to give this problem some perspective. This thing in my head needs to come out, the sooner the better. Other than me standing and letting Voldemort hit me with a killing curse, we've got nothing else to even talk about. That instantly makes this ritual a very attractive option for me. Secondly, we've been training all summer yet the only person in this room we could currently beat in a magical fight is Emma. Can you honestly see the day when we're ready enough to physically face him? We're many years away from that, giving him and his Death Eaters time to get stronger too. That, with this ritual, it would only be my life on the line has me wanting to give this a try. You know I have an almost pathological need to keep those close to me safe. If this group went up against Voldemort today, we would certainly take casualties, and there is still no guarantee we would win."

No one there could dispute anything Harry had said so far, his calm reasoning and delivery leaving them no opportunity to object. He then unleashed his knockout punch.

"And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... This might be my power, Hermione. I hope so because I can't ever see the day when I could stand toe-to-toe against Voldemort and be confident of defeating him in a magical fight. I trust the people here so I would like to hear everyone's opinions on this, but Sirius is right. This is a decision that will be made between me, him, you and Emma."

Remus decided to go first. "Harry, I have scoured the Black library, and Albus admitted Hogwarts, and the Headmaster's private libraries, held no information that would help us get that out of your head either. Hermione and I had discussed in the loosest possible terms using the fact that Voldemort stole your blood against him. Our sticking point was always that horcrux in your head. Until that's gone, any ritual we could find wouldn't work because you have a part of Voldemort - and he has a part of you. Is this dangerous and more than a bit desperate? I would say yes. I know how badly you must want that out of you though, and there is no likelihood of any other options appearing on the table anytime soon. I instantly discounted Voldemort hitting you with the killing curse. Trying to engineer such a scenario throws up so many problems that it's not worth even considering. Something as simple as him using a different curse agains you means you're dead."

With his head no down, all heard the heartache in Remus' words. "I feel as if I've failed you again..."

Having none of that, Sirius was first to defend his friend. "Nonsense, Remus. You can't find what isn't there. My family owns one of the darkest libraries in the land, yet we found only three mentions of horcruxes in all of our research. Even the goblins acknowledged this was a unique situation."

Shack and Amelia both thanked Harry for asking their opinion, though neither felt they had the knowledge or expertise to properly form one. A tearful Susan summed it up when she promised to support them, no matter what their choice was. Bill did have what they sorely lacked so his opinion was keenly sought, he didn't disappoint.

"Destroying these horcuxes will seriously piss off Voldemort and his Death Eaters, yet that is what the goblins will do - whether or not you go ahead with this ritual. Anything happening to Harry will also seriously piss-off the Ministry, and most of magical Britain. The Goblin Nation is well aware of the position it suddenly finds itself in, yet the offer to aid Harry was still made. This would not have been done lightly, their Chief would certainly have been involved in reaching this decision. What I'm trying to say is that, while they would never say so out loud, the goblins will be quietly confident this ritual will work to at least some extent. They would not have made this offer otherwise. The goblins are already committed to destroying the horcruxes, making an enemy of the Ministry at the same time would be a disaster for them."

After Miss Granger's opening remarks, Albus couldn't believe the rest of the group weren't coming down hard against this idea. Bill Weasley had just made some very good points, points that clearly resonated with both Granger ladies. All witnessing that growing relationship knew exactly whose opinions would count the most when Harry came to make his decision - a decision Albus didn't want him even considering- far less making.

"There are so many unknowns here, I'm surprised we're even talking about it. Even if everything goes as we all hope it would, Voldemort wouldn't be finished off. Best case scenario, he would be once more a wraith. He would also know for certain we were aware he made horcruxes. This is a decision that will affect far more than just those sitting here tonight. I don't think it would be overly dramatic to state the fate of the entire country could hinge on this. Until all the horcruxes are destroyed, I believe this is a rash move. A move that doesn't need to be made..."

While not magical, no one was left in any doubt that Emma would have been a Gryffindor like her daughter. She tore into Albus like a lioness protecting her cubs. "Do you know how many he made? Do you know where any of them are? Do you have one in your head? We all know your answer is the same for all three questions, a big no. Can Voldemort murder anyone as a wraith? Can a wraith protect those followers who flocked back to his banner? Again, those are almost certainly no's. Will Harry defeating him again at least make any potential new Death Eaters reconsider their decision? I would say that was a yes."

Taking a deep breath to regain control, Emma managed to save herself from resorting to shouting at Dumbledore. "We will look into this in as much detail as possible before Harry makes his decision. I am grateful that everyone so far has given their honest opinion, thank you for that. I am not about to sit here and let anyone guilt trip Harry into seeing things their way. By all means you are entitled to your opinion but I don't see Harry possibly returning Voldemort to a wraith form as a bad thing. Does anyone else here?"

Moody's loud laughter broke the building tension. "You keep telling it like it is, lass - whether Albus likes it or not. Put yourself in Potter's shoes, Albus. He's not here bursting his arse training every day for your greater good shit. The lad wants that thing out his head, and Voldemort gone - who are we to deny him a shot at both? We've got nothing else to offer him, unless you're still holding out on us? Now would be the time. Sirius, what is the timeline on this?"

Albus didn't think putting the Elder Wand on the table would sway the current topic of discussion away from the track it seemed destined for. He shook his head in defeat.

Sirius had intended to take them all away for a few days relaxation on a tropical island, a godfather's treat, before all the plans dramatically changed. "The goblins believe that someone's birthday is their most important day of the year. They want to perform the ritual on the thirty-first..."

There was a sharp intake of breath, and everyone heard Hermione mutter 'I thought we would have more time...'

Lifting her chin, Harry gently kissed her lips. "If this is something we're doing, I'd rather it wasn't hanging over our heads for ages. We'll just have to wait and celebrate your birthday..."

Emma quickly kicked that idea in the head. "Harry, you pull this off and I can assure you we will be celebrating. Those celebrations might still be going on when Hermione's birthday comes along."

That did put a grin on Sirius' face. "Emma, when he pulls this off, the entire country will be celebrating until September."

Snape's deep baritone rang out as the potions professor offered his opinion, and his help. "The boy is a born Gryffindor, of course he's going to rush in and do this. I can produce a nutrient/energy drink that won't contain any magic. Could we discover what he can take, and what will specifically interfere with the ritual?"

This got a nod of agreement from Sirius. "We need to visit Gringotts tomorrow, go over all the details and then make a decision. I'd like to thank each of you for your input tonight, and ask that you respect that eventual decision - whatever it is. We'll pass on that decision when it's made, and now three of you have to go to the Burrow and convince Molly her home is in danger of attack. You'll have to excuse us from any response the Order is setting up to deal with this, I've a feeling we might be otherwise engaged."

A nodding Shacklebolt instantly agreed with that. "Emma has been working with a couple of Phoenix Officers, training them to man the phones. We'll cope if you're busy elsewhere."

Albus really didn't want to leave but had already volunteered to visit the Burrow. He felt Harry was being selfish with his decision here but his influence with the boy had waned to the point of almost being non existent. His opinion tonight had not only been ignored but shouted down, by a muggle no less, in an organisation he supposedly led. The thought of Voldemort gaining any kind of control over Harry terrified Albus, though that possibility seemed to be being ignored by everyone else.

He didn't know that was Harry's main worry with the entire ritual, and he would be talking to Sirius about it in private.

-oOoOo-

Arthur had been summoned to the Minister's Office, though this time Percy hadn't been sent to fetch him. With Bill and Charlie joining them for breakfast this morning, it seemed to highlight Percy's absence from the Burrow even more. Spotting his son at the desk outside his beloved Minister's door, Arthur once more rattled Percy's cage. Since Percy was family, his father knew just what buttons to push. It was a smiling Arthur who greeted his wayward son.

"Good morning, Percy. How are you today? I assume you know I have an appointment with the Minister?"

"Eh, I'm fine, and I know about the appointment. How's everyone..." A flustered Percy didn't know how to handle this type of approach from his father.

Arthur deliberately kept him off balance. "Oh, we're all fine. Bill and Charlie joined us for breakfast this morning, made your mother's day."

"Bill and Charlie are home?"

"Yes. Well, with Voldemort back, and it being Harry's birthday tomorrow, we suspect there will be an attack. Since I'm the D.M.L.E. Head, and all our younger children are friends with Harry, the Burrow will certainly be high on the list of possible Death Eater targets. Having their wands available will be a big help."

It was now a red-faced Percy who answered his father. "I said Potter would bring trouble to our family..." He was soon being cut off by Arthur.

"You also said Voldemort wasn't back, and that Harry was an attention-seeking liar. You can't have it both ways, Percy. The Weasley family will always be targets, regardless of Harry, since we will always oppose the Dark. Charlie's traveled back from Romania to do so, while Bill is going to be based in Britain for a while. With the auror guards assigned to me too, we should be fine. I'd better go through, Cornelius hates for anyone to be late."

Walking away, he left his son with no comeback. Entering the Minister's office, Arthur was surprised to see Dolores present with Cornelius.

"Good morning, Arthur. Dolores came to me with a problem your department seem to have missed..."

"I wasn't aware my department were responsible for the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts? We share a floor, nothing more."

Dolores didn't like being reminded of where she now worked. "Are you aware that, out of the six imperiused wizards injured on the night of the Dark Lord's attack, four are now dead?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Arthur asked a question he already knew the answer to. "Were they that seriously injured?"

"No they were not. Someone is killing pure-blood wizards..."

She was immediately cut off by Arthur. "That is a dangerous accusation to make. Have you any proof? Nothing has come across my desk."

"That is because they are being made to look like accidents, or natural causes. Two died from heart attacks, one choked to death in a busy restaurant while the fourth was hit by a falling chimneypot as he walked down Diagonal Alley."

"Ah, that last one I do know about. It was thoroughly investigated by my department and we found no signs of foul play. The entire chimney stack was badly in need of repair. It looked like a cat was raiding a bird's-nest that was woven into the rotting brick structure, knocking over the already lose chimneypot. It seems like pure bad fortune that someone was walking past at the time."

"You don't see any coincidence in these particular four deaths?"

Staring Umbridge right in the eyes, Arthur gave her a glimpse of the hard wizard beneath his rather meek exterior. "Had these wizards not been released from St Mungo's without charges being brought against them, who here can say whether they might still be alive - but in Azkaban."

"They were under the Imperius curse..."

"Again Madam, where is your evidence? You had none for releasing them yet expect my department to take action where no evidence of crimes being committed exist."

Switching his attention to the Minister of Magic, Arthur really twisted the knife in Dolores' gut. "Cornelius, due to my predecessor's total ineptitude at the job, I'm left with barely enough aurors to keep the Ministry safe. I certainly don't have any spare to investigate this fiction. If, and I stress the word 'if', someone is killing Death Eaters..."

"How do you know they were Death Eaters? These are respected pure-blood wizards." Dolores just couldn't let it go.

"The wizard hit by the fallen chimney pot bore the Dark Mark, as did the one who choked in the restaurant. I don't know about the other two, heart attacks would not come across my desk. It's called investigation Dolores, you should try it sometimes. With no crimes being reported, my department cannot become involved. If someone is taking out Death Eaters, yes Dolores, Death Eaters, my hands are tied until a crime is committed and reported. Cornelius, has a crime been reported?"

"Not to my knowledge, Arthur."

"Cornelius?" Dolores' voice was practically a whine as she begged for the Minister's support. It didn't come.

"Do you have any evidence of a crime being committed, Dolores? As Arthur rightly pointed out, these wizards were released because you claimed lack of evidence. We can't change the rules now, the other side have lawyers too." With Cornelius slamming the door in Dolores' face, she had no option but to shut up.

"Sorry for disturbing you over this, Arthur, I should have known you would have everything in hand."

Arthur couldn't quite hide the satisfied smirk that putting Umbridge in her place generated. He wished them both a good day and left the office, wondering if he should have another pop at Percy on his way out. Deciding that just smiling at his wayward son should work better, that's what he did.

The door had barely shut behind Arthur when Dolores exploded. "He knows all about it, probably in on it too! Why didn't you back me? Pure-blood wizards are being murdered, we need to do something."

Sitting back in his chair, Cornelius gave her the answer he knew Dolores wouldn't like. "Arthur and his aurors are the only thing standing between the Dark Lord and us. You want me to start messing with his department - without any evidence?"

"Surely you don't believe these deaths are accidental or anything other than unnatural?"

"No I don't." Dolores' joy at that admission from Cornelius was short-lived.

"Consider this though. These people died in broad daylight, and in public places, without raising any suspicion of the circumstances. It's only the frequency, and apparent selective nature, of these deaths that are now raising eyebrows. Whoever is doing this is very good. We already have a Dark Lord wanting to kill us, I'm forced to live in this bloody building day and night. The last thing we need is for whoever is doing this to be switching their attention toward us. To be honest, Dolores, the pureblood wizard I'm most worried about is Cornelius Fudge."

"Do you really think they would come after us?"

"Dolores, they are operating with a level of expertise and ruthlessness I've never seen before. The Death Eaters are mere thugs compared to whoever is behind this. All we can hope for is that they also have a plan to deal with the Dark Lord. Let's face it, we don't."

Dolores had no answer to that.