Field Master

Chapter Eleven

Ghosts; Gods, and Demons

A/N; I apologize for the delay with this chapter. I've been getting my butt kicked at work and I had that vicious plot bunny I had to write. This is a mild chapter compared to what I usually write but bear with me. It's important fluff. This chapter was inspired by a song written by Patty Griffin called 'Mary' it's a song about all women, all mothers. It's a beautiful song I hope you listen to it. Especially at the end of this chapter.

Disclaimer; I own nothing and make no money.

'Mary' by Patty Griffen

'Mary you're covered roses

You're covered in ashes

You're covered in rain

Covered in babies, covered in slashes

Covered in wilderness. Covered in stain...

They were up to something. Tom could feel it. He had stretched out in an overstuffed high- backed chair, near the window. Sipping at his morning tea. He had been contemplating the mild altercation he had had with Abraxas, in the cabin. When Daemon had stepped through the floo.

The boys had been called back to their respective estates. Leaving Bella and her little sister, the two Lestrange boys and the mudblood. They had been polite and respectful while collecting their charges. Just different.

Antonin, Alexander, and Lucius had been called back last night. Daemon was there to collect Theodor and Walden that morning. He had still smelled of blood, sex and whiskey. His hair was still damp from the shower, lips still kiss swollen and the blush of new bruising blooming around his neck. It would appear as if it had been quite the party. "Did I miss a good party?" he asked as Daemon made for the floo.

Daemon shoved both boys through the fireplace and turned to face Tom. "No, not at all mate." Daemon smiled his little boy smile, of pure innocence, "Was just an impromptu get together... a toast to Lord Black." Daemons soft brown eyes glittered with mischief, when they made direct eye contact. He felt Tom give a tentative poke and let the other man slip into his mind. Daemon could play this game. He placed images of Conall and himself drinking. Showing him Abraxas and Simon and Anatoly all seated around the study. Their drinks casually in hand. A properly somber occasion. Then for shock value he added flashes of him in the shower on his knees sucking Conall's cock. That one sent Tom rapidly from his mind. "Of course, you're more than welcome to join in next time." He said with a smirk. Giving Tom a lascivious look, he licked his lips, winked, and darted into the floo.

That should keep that creepy bastard out of his head, he thought. Stepping into the study that had hosted their little party "You boys go get some breakfast Your Dad will be down shortly, Walden... and Theo, I'll be right back." Daemon ushered them from the room and made a hasty retreat to the master bedroom. He was nervous about leaving Conall alone with Jillian. He was jealous, but of whom? Maybe both.

The Nott elves had cleaned. No trace of the previous night's carnage existed. The boys made their way to the solarium where breakfast was always served. Theo stopped at the doorway and called out to Daemon, "Father? ...Father?"

Daemon stopped midstride at the base of the stairs and turned, "Yes Theo..."

"Can we ride later... no hunting ...just a ride? Before I go back to school."

"Of course, how about after breakfast? And there's someone I want you to meet... I'm bringing her down shortly...I expect prefect gentleman." Raising an eyebrow at the boys. He preceded up the staircase.

"Always Father, always." Theo grinned and shoved Walden through the doorway. "What does he think we are?...Muggles!"

The boys tucked in not bothering to wait for their fathers, or the mystery guest. Walden popped a sausage in his mouth and after chewing thoughtfully he asked Theo, "Who do you suppose this mysterious 'Her' is?"

"Don't know, he's never introduced me to any of them... I know he's brought them home... I'm not some bloody baby... I like witches...we've had the talk...But, I've never been introduced to one of his lady friends... Have you?... you know, been introduced to anyone your Dad sees?"

Walden shook his head, his mouth full of eggs," Nope." Walden finished chewing a quizzical look on his face, "I've never seen my Dad with anyone or I should say anyone female...I mean I know he likes witches ...obviously...I'm here. But I've just never seen him with one...he's always with your Dad."

Daemon quietly opened the door of his room, as to not wake anyone. What he really wanted was to slip back into bed and doze for another hour. He hung his robes up, toed off his boots and dropped his trousers, pulling the faded black Beatles t-shirt over his head. (A gift from Simon.) Daemon crawled beneath the covers, shoved one arm under Conall's pillow and wrapped the other around his waist. Conall sighed, rolled over and pulled his friend onto his chest. Jillian rolled over and settled onto the other side. Almost purring while she snuggled into the crux of his arm. Daemon lifted his head up and pulled Conall toward his mouth, capturing his lips. Daemon sucked his tongue into his mouth, dragging his teeth on Conall's bottom lip. "Mmmm...You taste like pussy? You fucked our little witch?"

Conall pushed his tongue back into Daemons mouth and pulled back to leave a soft kiss on the bruised lips of his friend. "Do you want to lick her cum off my cock?" He grinned at Daemon.

"Yes, actually I would," He growled, his hand drifted beneath the heavy blanket, trailing down the muscled abdomen and curling around Conall's hard cock. It was still sticky and hot from cum. His fingers moved to the base and dipped lower. Finding a pool of slick fluid on Conall's balls, he stroked the remains over the hardened member. Conall groaned and pushed against his hand, Daemon nipping at his throat, swearing against Conall's inflamed skin, "Fuck!... the boys are down stairs!"

"Make it quick then." Conall smirked.

"No, I want fuck you." Daemon whispered into his neck between the soft kisses. "I want you to fuck me, and I don't want it to be quick the first time."

"What do you mean the first time. It's not the first time."

"It is, it's the first time without the blood ... without the demon ...and in my bed. So, no I'm not going to be quick. And I'd like it to be just us, not with Jillian here." Daemon looked his best mate in the eye, "That's what I want."

Conall stared back, chewing on his bottom lip. Daemon wanted more. And he would give it to him. Conall gently moved Jillian off his shoulder and rolled on top of Daemon. Cradling the back of his head with one hand, he ran the pad of his thumb from the other across Daemons bottom lip. Then lacing his fingers in his friends dark curls, he brought his lips down. Caressing his tongue, Conall's eyes softened looking into the rich mahogany brown of Daemons. And for the first time there was no sign of the demon. "Then that, Lord Nott is what you shall have." Conall kissed the end of his nose. Feeling the bed move they both looked toward Jillian. She was sitting up, looking every bit the cat that ate the canary. She leaned over and kissed both men on the cheek, "I may not be experienced, but I can tell when I'm a third wheel...I'll be in the shower."

They watched her climb from the bed, naked she walked to Daemons shower. Leaving the door open. Conall was leaning now on an elbow, their legs still entwined and running his hand across Daemons chest. He had never thought of Daemon as a lover. He had always thought of him as his best mate. A best mate that shared in his blood lust. Something had changed last night. The demon had scared his friend, his lover. Conall was the only one that was not afraid of that demon and the only one who could stop him. Daemon relaxed into the embrace, closing his eyes. Letting Conall feast on his lips. "Stay here with me again ... tonight." He whispered into Conall's mouth. "Of course, my lover," He whispered back, "You owe me a blowjob." Conall nipped his bottom lip. "Now get up." He rolled off of Daemon pulling him to his feet. "The boys will have polished off all the bacon and I'm starving... you were supposed to feed me ... remember."

"We've been official for all of fifteen minutes, and you're already nagging me." Daemon smirked

Conall stroked his cock and winked at Daemon, "That's the price you pay lover."

Daemon swatted his arse, as he passed by. Pulling on his trousers and picking up the Beatles shirt. Conall watched him while he dressed. Concern settled on his brow. "Should we tell them? Abraxas and the others?"

"I think they know already mate. They've even watched a few times." Daemon smiled.

"Yeah, but like you said. This is different. They watched me cut someone's throat with your hand on my cock, while you fucked me from behind. This ...this is something new, and I don't think Iwant to hide it... Not from anyone. That includes my son. But I can't help but worry a bit, not for myself but for you and the boys."

"We are Lords, we are powerful wizards and we do what we damned well please! Damn what anyone else thinks Conall. We've both done our duty as purebloods, we sired heirs. You do not need to worry about me or the boys for that matter... It is nineteen sixty-five, haven't you heard...Free love is what the muggles say! Isn't that right my little Jilly Bean!"

"Free love babe! Free love!" Jillian called from the shower.

"Then let's tell them!"

"That's what you want?"

"Yes, that's what I want."

Daemon walked over to stand in front of Conall. Reaching up he buttoned the stiff white shirt., fastened the dark green cravat. And pulled the taller man into kiss. "Then that, Lord Macnair is what you shall have."

"I know our other mates could give a rat's arse about us, but what of the boys?" Daemon asked, "Should we just tell them now, over breakfast?"

"Dinner tonight," giving Daemon a quick peck on the lips, "Now feed me!"

Daemon glanced over at Jillian still standing beneath the hot stream of water. Steam billowing around her. "Jilly Bean... Breakfast love, I want to introduce you to my son."

"I'll be down shortly," she turned and shut the water off and stepped onto a plush rug to dry herself. Jillian looked up to see Conall standing behind Daemon. His arms wrapped around him. Gently kissing the nape of his neck. Her dark angels were in love. Between the two of them. Perhaps, they could keep the thing lurking behind Daemons eyes at bay. "I need to return to my rooms and get something suitable to meet your sons in, I'll see you down stairs." Jillian wrapped her robe around her and made off toward her room.

The boys had stopped talking the second Daemon and Conall entered the room. Conall placed a large hand on the top of his son's head, "What are you little bastards plotting? And you better have saved some bacon!"

"We're not bastards! I know for a fact you and Mum were married!" Walden grinned up at him and handed his father his last strip of bacon." Can we go riding when we get home? Just us and the hounds...please Dad?"

Conall ruffled his son's hair and kissed his cheek, "Yep, just us and the hounds. I need to talk to you anyway. I was going to wait till tonight, but I think a ride in the forest is a better setting." Conall glanced up at Daemon. Walden was busy with his toast. Theo however did not miss it. He had two and half years in the snake's den and being a Slytherin, he payed attention. Walden was such a Hufflepuff. Theo had seen the shared looks before. Had even seen his father share an intimate embrace over Winter Solstice with Lord Macnair. As long as his father was happy, Theo didn't care who he shared a bed with. And for the first time in a very long time. His father was smiling at breakfast, and they were going riding.

The door to the solarium opened softly and Theo and Walden stared at the petit brunette witch in the entryway. "Good morning gentlemen, it's wonderful to finally meet you," Striding forward she held out her hand toward Theo.

Theo and Walden jumped to their feet. As their fathers were already standing when she entered the room. Daemon took her hand and pressed her fingers to his lips, she smelled divine and he had been wanting to stuff his face between her thighs. Since he had tasted her on Conall's lips.

"My names Jillian," once again offering her hand to Theo, "I'm Helens Aunt."

Walden gasped and Theo simply blinked, "He took her hand and pressed her fingers to his lips. "Pleasure to meet you, Jillian." If Walden were not sorted to Hufflepuff, he would eat that sorting hat.

Daemon politely pulled out the chair next to him. Offering it to her. Jillian turned to Daemon as he sat. "Do you mind if tell them? They look confused."

"It's your story to tell Love."

Jillian spooned eggs onto her plate and took the offered bacon. Daemon politely poured her tea and Jillian began her story. "It was a few nights back, when Lord Dolohov discovered someone had tampered with my memories... I still cannot recall exactly all of the details. Your father, Theo was the one to discover my magic had been bound for some time now. My memories are slowly returning and I can remember taking Helen from my sister's house. They are horrible zealots, that will stop at nothing to kill all witches and wizards. I knew I had to protect her. The minute she received her letter. I knew I had to get her to that school. I was never allowed, my parents were just as fanatical as my sister. For the first time in my life I can admit that I am a witch. I don't remember much of what happened over the last month. The only thing that remained a constant were the visions I had of your fathers... I didn't turn Helen over to those evil men." Jillian sipped her tea and looked at Theo and Walden. "How is my niece? Have you seen her?"

"We have, and she's quite well." Theo responded. "Father, may we invite the Lestranges for tea this afternoon?"

Daemon glanced at Conall. "Let me speak privately to Lord Macnair. But it's certainly a possibility."

Conall stood and addressed Jillian, "If you'll excuse us Madame Doble," formally addressing her. He kissed her hand. "Walden, if you're finished?"

Walden rose from the table, "Thank you for a lovely breakfast... Madame Doble it was a pleasure to meet you." Mimicking his father, her kissed her finger tips and followed him out the door.

Daemon followed, "I'll see you to the floo."

Leaving Jillian and Theo.

Conall sent Walden through the floo first and stood awkwardly in front of Daemon. "We can tell them separately on the morning ride. Then meet up for tea... invite the Lestranges, she needs to see her niece." Conall gently brushed his cheek and tucked a stray curl behind Daemons ear. He could see that demon flicker behind Daemons soft brown eyes. "The bloods still on fire, I know...I feel it too. That demon needs to go back to bed, and you need to take your son for a long ride." Conall's hand was still threaded in his hair. He pulled Daemon into his arms. "Tonight, is just us, I promise."

Daemon relaxed into the embrace. He was safe with Conall. The demon knew it could not hurt the son of the Horned God. Daemon could feel it retreat as it was told.

He felt her presence before seeing her apparition. Daemon had his head resting on Conall's shoulder. He opened his eyes and Aurora was standing in the entryway. Her long dark hair hanging to her waist. She wore the same deep blue gown that she had been murdered in. Still blood stained. Her belly still large with child. This time she did not wail, there were no tears in her dark eyes. She did not beg for him to let her go. This time his love smiled, before disappearing. At least one ghost in Nott Manor was happy.

Daemons heart was lighter, he kissed Conall goodbye and returned to the solarium for one last cup of tea. Theo was entertaining Jillian with his wand. Levitating the tea cups with foolish wand waving. He stood for a moment watching the two. Jillian clapped and giggled, his son was happy. Early spring sun warmed the solarium. He would have the elves open the windows today. Theo handed Jillian his wand, sending a cascade of soft pink sparks into the air. Their laughter and the pure joy and wonder at simple magic, sent the demon further back and into the darkness.

"We need to take a trip to Diagon Alley and get you your very own wand... How about a trip this weekend? ... All of us... A trip to Hogsmead on Sunday before we take you back to school Theodor?" Daemon said, sitting across from the two and pouring his tea.

Theos eyes lit up," Really, Father? We have not been to Diagon Alley in ages... I have been wanting a few books. Jillian, you'll love it!"

His son's exuberance was infectious, "I'll book us rooms in London for the weekend, how does that sound?" He needed to get away from Nott Manor. If just for a few days. "Why don't you go get your boots on and we'll go for that ride."

Theo gave Jillian a shy smile and excused himself. Daemon could hear him bounding up the staircase." We'll be back this afternoon for tea. I'll owl the Lestranges. I'm sure your niece is anxious to see you again...Come with me to the library...I have something for you."

Daemon took her by the hand and lead her down the hallway. His wand in his hand, he cast the heavy drapes to the side as they walked. Shadows slithering back as the sunlight touched the marble floors. He pretended not to hear their whispers. Reaching the library, Daemon opened the heavy double French doors to the Nott family library.

"You may come in here whenever you please...it's safe." Daemon turned to see Jillian gazing up.

Jillian wasn't staring at the walls of books, but at the portrait above the fireplace. Aurora had returned.

"That, is or was Aurora... Theo's mother." Sorrow still hung in his voice, "She likes you ... she must...she hasn't visited this portrait in years."

The painting smiled and waved, sitting quietly, her blue velvet gown spread around her like the midnight sky. She was the most beautiful woman Jillian had ever seen. She glowed like her namesake against the darkness of the portrait. Her raven hair hung in perfect ringlets, and her pale blue eyes shone like the stars. Jillian felt common, ordinary, dull ... she felt like mud.

Daemon watched, he could see her heart sinking, see the insecurity creeping over her. "You may not look the same my little bird," he stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her, "But you share the same beautiful heart." Daemons lips traced kisses along her collarbone, "I could drown in the dark pools of your eyes... you ...are every bit as beautiful as she was." Daemon turned her to face him. "Now I have something very special for you to use ... until we can get you your own that is."

Daemon took her by the hand and sat her at a small table. In front of her he places an elongated ebony box. "Open it."

Delicately, Jillian opens it and stares at the wand, her fingers hovering over the sleek dark wood.

"Twelve and three-quarters, Vine-wood and Dragon Heartstring ... it was Auroras..." They both glanced up at the portrait. Aurora smiled down at them and nodded her head. Jillians fingers trembled curling around the wood. A warm rush of air swirled around them both, magic slithered gold from the tip of the wand and wrapped itself around her hand.

"Theo showed you the spell for levitation this morning?" Daemon was grinning at her.

"Yes, can I try it?"

"Remember the incantation, Wingardium LeviOsa ... point, swish, and flick! And remember the pronunciation!"

Jillian's first attempt sent the quill into the ceiling, "Accio quill!" Daemon demonstrated. "Accio brings objects to you...be very careful what you ask for." He started chuckling," When I was young, around Theos age. My horse lost a shoe out on a hack in the woods. It was beginning to get dark and in a rush to find the shoe I used 'Accio', well it was dark and I didn't see the shoe flying at my head." Daemon sat next to her, lifting the hair at his temple she could see a thin white line, "Knocked me out cold, the elves found me and brought me home... So be very careful and don't use it to look for horse shoes in the dark!" Daemon smiled and kissed her forehead.

Her second, was a success, the quill floated gracefully in front of her. Aurora clapped and silently cheered from her painting.

"I hear Theo, here are a few books on basic spell work ... I thought you might want to practice while Theo and I have our ride."

"Thank you, Daemon," Jillian wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned in to peck his cheek and Daemon captured her mouth, for a brief moment his tongue just tasting her bottom lip. Before pulling back.

"Dad are you ready?" Theo was peeking from behind the door.

"I need my boots and then we're set," Daemon leaned over and kissed Jillian on top of the head as he turned to leave, "No looking for horse shoes!"

"I promise," she giggled, "Nothing heavy!"

Daemon followed Theo to the back mudroom. Pulled on his tall boots and a riding cloak. Daemon felt his soul lighten as they walked together to the stables, enjoying the sun and crisp spring air. The sweet smell of horses and hay. He missed his son. His little boy wasn't so little anymore, he had missed so much curled up in the dark with that beast. The demon that once had a tight hold of his heart, loosened his grip, and slipped further back.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

A freshly showered Simon, perched on the edge of his desk sipping a strong coffee. While his partner James waited stiffly in the office chair. Neither man flinched when Abraxas stepped abruptly from the floo dragging an exhausted looking Anatoly. The dark circles beneath his eyes were a re stark contrast to his pale skin. It made Simon wonder if some of the curse had seeped into its creator.

"One of these days Simon, I'm going to one of your little parties." James chuckled.

Abraxas warily looked about his new surroundings," New office?" he said with a raised brow.

"My, real office." Simon gestured towards the sofa, "Sit, I need to tell you something."

Anatoly had been standing just behind Abraxas, eyeing James. "This about why there seems to be a muggle in your 'real office'?... Are you gonna share that coffee?"

"Brax, coffee?" Simon levitated two cups toward his friends, the pot floating after them." James, refill?"

Both wizards watched the muggle for any reaction to the floating coffee pot. There was none. James raised his cup for the pot. "Thank you, Simon."

"Yes, this has a lot to do with the muggle in my office... This, is my partner James Ollis." Simon sighed deeply, "And you're really going to want to sit down for this."

Abraxas shrugged and took a seat near the arm rest. And Anatoly took up the other side. Quietly watching their friend begin to pace the length of his office.

"What's going on Simon?" Abraxas asked.

"Last year I was approached by my supervisor... The muggle authorities had been investigating the disappearances of children and had stumbled upon these witch hunters. They in turn, contacted the Ministry of Magic... James and I are involved in that joint investigation. We have been puzzled, for some time now as to how theses muggles knew where to find these magical children. Until just a few weeks ago. That's when we came across our friend Tom... And Abraxas I know you have some suspicion's... They are correct... We are aware of the bullshite Toms been up too. Most, up until this point has been trivial. Child abduction, sex trafficking and the pornography however will not be tolerated."

Simon sat on the edge of his desk once more. Running a hand through his hair, he growled in frustration. "I'm sorry mate, I wish it didn't have to be this way. And I really hope you don't hate me after this. And if you want, I'll go ahead and obliviate you. But I'm really hoping you'll help me out here." Simon closed his eyes and continued his story. "I orchestrated the meeting with Tom. I manipulated you all into following him. The Ministry had its suspicions, but could not confirm that he was creating Horcrux's. And we needed evidence in his involvement into the child abductions."

Simon searched the faces of his friends. " Tom is gathering forces, allies, by enraging purebloods with the fear of muggles. Allowing us to feel justified in our violence against them. This will grow beyond the witch hunters. To innocents both magical and muggle and you know it."

Abraxas took a sip of his coffee, rubbed at the back of his neck and looked up at Simon, "You're telling us now... because?"

"Because, this has gotten larger and deeper and I need my mates with me on this... Because, you know about Toms involvement and we need him alive right now... I know you Brax, you are one of my best mates... you too Anatoly...and I really need for you to not kill Tom right now... There's going to be a meeting in about ten minutes, with some really important people. If you'll join me, I swear this will make more sense." Simons voice edged with desperation, something neither of his friends were accustomed to. "Tell me you're with me on this?"

"Did you kill Cygnus?" Anatoly spoke softly, his eyes never leaving Simon.

"Yes, it was necessary." Simon held a hand before him, "please listen, it was to solidify your loyalty to Tom."

"I should be angry, but I'm going to let you explain... I'll go to this meeting," Abraxas nodded stiffly to Anatoly, "You?"

"Hmmmmm...Yes, I'm intrigued." Anatoly was beginning to look dangerous, his eyes had darkened into bottomless pits, his body relaxing into the sofa. Yet giving the impression of a coiled snake.

"I swear Anatoly, I need Tom alive... we need to find his contacts... not just here but in the States... I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't necessary!... Stop looking at me like that!"

Simon stood from his desk, preceded to the bookshelf at the back wall and tapped it twice with his wand. Transforming it into a lift. The doors slid open and one by one the men entered. Simon could feel Anatoly's gaze, on the back of his neck. "I know what you're thinking, and I had nothing to do with any of the abductions. Yours or Bella's, that was all Tom."

Tension hung in the air and followed the men into the board room. J.D. O'Leary stood at the head a long dark table. His thick cigar hanging from his lip. "Witches, wizards. I'd like to introduce to you. Lord Abraxas Malfoy and Lord Anatoly Dolohov. You all know Simon and James... Gentleman please be seated." The Irishman wasted no time in addressing the group. "A group calling themselves 'The Wiltshire Hounds' raided several witch hunter safe houses last evening. Three of those members are sitting here with us this morning. I'll give the floor to the Field Master, he can tell you all what was found." J.D. gestured to Abraxas.

Lord Malfoy shifted his chair back and stood up, straightened his silver brocade waistcoat, and addressed the group. Giving the cursory nod to Minister Leach. Across from him sat the MACUSA, all four" older distinguished gentlemen. Next to them were a handful of muggles with strange badges. They wore firearms like a wizard wore his wand. They seemed comfortable in his presence and this made him curious. "In the last house to be raided, we discovered several children. Sixteen to be exact, mostly muggle. Three or four may be muggleborns... We uncovered photographs and other evidence to suggest these children were being exploited, such as receipts of sale to foreigners. I can give you the locations of these houses and I assure you no evidence was tampered with. The children however were in such a state that I could not leave them. They were cold and starving. They are safe and well cared for at the moment." Abraxas addressed the muggle law enforcement. "The magical children will need to stay with us, and of course we will arrange the transfer of the muggles."

"I'm afraid Lord Malfoy," one of the Ministry witches interrupted, "the muggleborns must be returned to their parents until they are of age." Abraxas wanted to slap the pinched lips from her face.

"You cannot do that, their parents are the ones that gave them over to the witch hunters... Minister Leach, surely you of all people realize the danger these children face." the Minister of Magic being a muggleborn, Abraxas had hoped to gain sympathy in the protection of the children.

"Lord Malfoy," Minister Leach in his most political and placating tone, "I can assure you we will take all the precautions necessary to insure these children will not be harmed again... please have them here at the Ministry in Ms. Bulstrodes office by this afternoon. You and the men of the Wiltshire Hounds have done a great service to both the Wizarding and muggle communities." Minister Leach stood, "Do I make myself clear Lord Malfoy?... Now if you will all excuse me I have other pressing matters to attend to."

Abraxas was seething and the weather outside went from blustery to abysmal. Grinding his teeth and doing his best not to assault the pinched faced Ministry witch. He felt an intense stare. One of the MACUSA had locked his gaze onto Abraxas and winked at him.

J.D. rolled his eyes and in a political tone matching the Minister, "So good of you to join us Minister Leach,... I'm sure Lord Malfoy will comply with your request... now the rest of you that are here for the business of the children, can leave... we have other things to discuss." Dismissing them with a hand.

Ms. Bulstrode pinched her face even further, "Five O' clock Mister Malfoy!" gathering her notes as rapidly as she could.

"That would-be Lord Malfoy to you Ms. Bulstrode." Abraxas was now the coiled viper. He would comply with the Ministries demands. In exchange he would destroy Ms. Bulstrode along with her entire family and any descendants she may have. They would be lower than a Weasley when he was done.

"Fucking toerags!" Loud enough for them to hear as they shut the door. "Sorry, Brax ... we'll fix this, right Jesse? Abraxas meet the Head of Magical Law Enforcement for MACUSA Jessup Stiles...Jess, Abraxas Malfoy of Malfoy Enterprises and the Field Master of the aforementioned Wiltshire Hounds."

The wizard who had winked at him stood up and shook his hand, "Lord Malfoy, pleasure to meet you." Jessup Stiles had a soft drawl of the deep south, and was impeccably dressed. " I myself ride with the Piedmont Hounds in Virginia...It appears we also share the same opinion of sending those muggleborns back to their parents... we had a backup plan put into place in case the Ministry had other ideas... now I know these are British children, and really, we have no rights to take them. But what the Ministry does not know won't hurt them now will it?"

"Where will you take them Mr. Stiles?" Anatoly spoke up, he had been silently watching the faces in the room. "Forgive me," Anatoly stood and offered his hand, "Lord Dolohov, Anatoly Dolohov."

"The infamous Anatoly Dolohov? It truly is a pleasure to meet you Sir...I have read every paper you've published... you Sir, are a true genius!"

Anatoly blushed," I'm afraid I'm not that appreciated here in Britain."

"I can assure you Sir, that in the United States, you are well liked!... As you were inquiring. The children will be placed in appropriate homes. Magical homes. You see in the States, muggleborns as you call them are taken from their no maj parents. And fostered, either with a pureblood family or a parent with similar birth."

"That sounds acceptable to me Brax," Simon offered, "Tell us the bare minimum. The less we are aware of the better."

"I suppose it will have to be, as there really is no other option... is there?"

"Lord Malfoy, after things settle... we can let you know their location. Just turn them over to the Ministry at five and we'll take it from there. You are right Simon the less you know the better. Plausible deniability my friends, good old plausible deniability...Now if you'll excuse us, we have a few lose ends to tie up...Lord Malfoy, Lord Dolohov you are welcome in the States any time." Jessup passed each man a business card," That's my personal address, if ya'll need anything, and Simon you know you don't need an invitation to show up... you need me you step through that floo, it's an International connection."

The MACUSA members quickly exited the board room. And six wizards took their places next to Abraxas. Leaving the other side of the table to six heavily armed British Law Enforcement officers of the Ministry of Defense. James took his position behind his men.

"My turn, gentlemen," James grinned widely at Abraxas and Anatoly, he was going to enjoy this. "My name is James Ollis, Simon is my partner. His men and my men work together. We have no prejudges here. So, if you have any, I suggest you leave them at the door. You have to trust me and my team. Just as I have to trust Simon and his... Lord Malfoy, Simon wants you on this team as well as you Lord Dolohov... Tom Riddle and the witch hunters he's teamed up with are a threat to the safety of both our worlds...Someone once said that peace is a dream only achieved when good men are willing to commit great violence upon evil men... I believe you're both good men... and I believe you can help stop this evil that's looming over us."

James paced behind his men "It's not just Tom, it's a network of hate on both sides that needs to be contained. Muggles as you call us ... the general public can't know about this ...they're not ready, they're too frightened of the unknown, too many people will be hurt."

"How is it you would like for us to contain the evil in this man," Abraxas questioned. "Direct it, manipulate it to our own purpose?"

"Yes, exactly! Feed him the witch hunters, the pedophiles and rest of the excrement you can scrape off the boot heels of society... If it fuels the hatred of muggles then so be it...hide the muggleborns like they do in the States!...Hey! Hey!... What about that school ... you have a school. Hide them there!"

J.D. had sat back in his chair, cigar still hanging from his lip" Headmaster Dippit is about due to retire and I think this summer sounds as good as any...I'll meet with Dumbledore and make this a smooth transition...Now Abraxas, there will be no more freelancing shite from now on everything will be organized and approved by the team ... there will be back up and planning... you get intel and you come to me and we plan this shite out ..."

"What about the rest of the lads?" Abraxas looked to Simon, "We need them on board."

"We'll tell them... this weekend," Anatoly's stare boring through Simon, "After Lord Blacks wake!"

"After the wake at Daemons then, now if you'll excuse me I need to go break my wife's heart and gather the children...Simon? What do you suggest ...puppies or jewels?"

"Are you bloody, fucking joking ...I'm going to need puppies covered in jewels... Do you think we have time to shop?"

"I think if we don't we'll be sleeping at Daemons tonight!" Abraxas laughed, "We still may be at Daemons tonight!"

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Rabastan walked alone in his mother's rose garden. His brother was busy with Helen, they didn't mind him being around. He just felt like the annoying little brother. His friends had gone home. With the Black sisters still in mourning and his father still entertaining Lady Black and creepy Tom. Rabastan did not have too many options, he hated being alone, he could handle just about anything, except being alone. He decided to visit his mother and his little sister. The white gravel crunched beneath his feet as he made his way to the headstones. The air was heavy with the scent of roses. He stood for a moment, he had never visited on his own. Rodolphus had always been with him.

The white rose tree twisting up between them. The stone bench felt too far away, so he sat on the ground next to his mother. Although the sun was shining a cool breeze tickled his cheeks. Rabastan began to clean the fallen petals and twigs from the top of the grave. Transforming each into a butterfly, he watched them fly away. Tears began to roll down his cheeks as they took to the tree tops. A gust of wind swirled, picking up the remaining petals completing their transformation. The butterflies danced and fluttered around him, he could almost hear her in the wind, "I miss you Mum." He whispered. They rose higher into the sky disappearing from site.