Warning: Chapter contains violence, language and situations that are definitely at least PG-13.

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Plot within Plot

Elizabeth heard voices around her.

"Are you sure she's okay?"

"I can't see anything wrong."

"Then why did she black out?"

"How the hell do I know? I'm not a freakin' healer!"

None of the voices sounded familiar. Elizabeth decided to play possum until she knew where she was and who the voices belonged to. She opened her eyes just a slit to see that the room was a fairly large parlor area. She was lying on a sofa. Her hands and feet weren't bound physically, but she felt as though she couldn't move them. "Damn!" she thought, "I must be in a body-bind curse." She figured it best to keep her eyes and mouth shut, and her ears open. Maybe she could buy time until she found out what was going on. Where was she? Where was Draco? Was he alright? Or did he have something to do with her capture? And by whom? The last thing she remembered was trying to hold onto him, while someone was trying to pull her away. Then Draco was gone and everything went black until she came to in this room.

"I wonder where the hell Malfoy went. One minute he's holding on to her for dear life, the next he's gone."

"Yeah, well, he always was a bloody coward. When the tide turned, he left the Dark Lord. Tried to play both sides, same as now. I did figure he'd stay by the woman though. I guess he decided to save his arse and leave her."

"Wonder where he thinks he's going? He can't get away from us, even if he goes among the muggles. How can he stand dealing with them, anyway? Lucius must be spinning in his grave."

A third voice spoke up, a familiar one, Elizabeth thought. But why was it familiar?

"Well, be that as it may, occasionally one does have to do unpleasant things when required by duty. After all, do you think I enjoy dealing with muggles? Hell, no! But in my position I have to maintain a semblance of pleasantry when dealing with the bastards."

Elizabeth thought she recognized the voice, but who was it? She kept listening.

"Why, Mr. Minister, we thought you enjoyed keeping up relations with the muggles. And you put on such a wonderful routine about encouraging better relations with the muggles and more enhanced muggle studies programs!"

Elizabeth realized who the latest voice was! Walden Fletcher! The Minister of Education! Unfortunately, she let out an audible gasp. Fletcher turned around.

"Ah, you're awake now, I see. I gather that you're surprised that I'm in on this little plot."

Elizabeth was dumbfounded. "But Professor McGonagall said that your father opposed Voldemort! She said that unlike most of the other Slytherins, you didn't follow him!"

"A good ploy, which makes it all the easier for me to blend in with the sheep, shall we say? And who would suspect the liberal, muggle-friendly Minister of Education of being a Death-Eater?"

"But how did you hide the mark? I was told that all Death Eaters had Voldemort's mark."

"I was able to hide mine with magic. Also, I never wear anything but long sleeves, so who would think to check me?"

"But your father--he was killed by Death Eaters!"

"My father was a fool. But he started to figure out that I was only putting up a front, acting like I opposed the Dark Lord. So, the only thing to do was to make sure he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was killed by Death Eaters and no one could trace it to me. So you see, I've been able to cover my tracks quite skillfully over the years."

"Good Lord! You had your own father murdered! You really are insane! How do I fit into all this?"

"Well, Miss Brandon, it took a bit of doing, but we finally have you where we want you. You see, we've been trying to find you for some time. "

"I gathered that, but why? Were you looking for me because I'm related to Tom Riddle some kind of way? Well, fat lot of good that does for you! I have no intention of speaking against muggles or in favor of anything that Voldemort proposed. My father was a muggle, a good man whom I loved dearly! I'll have no part in persecuting muggles, mixed-bloods or muggle-born wizards or witches! So, what else is in the plan? Are you going to kill me because my family didn't back Voldemort in the last two wars?"

Fletcher laughed. "My dear Miss Brandon, you over-estimate your importance in this plot. Kill you, probably, but from a sense of retaliation? Goodness, no! Yes, I know that was the story, anyway, and apparently it worked. We have the aurors in a tizzy trying to find out some big hairy plot. First of all, we had to find out if Malfoy was working with us or with Potter. I assume that he's been working with Potter and the aurors since he didn't bring you to us straight from the reception. We weren't sure if he was a spy for the Ministry or if he was really with us, but I think tonight gave us the answer."

"So, what do you intend doing with me?"

"Why, just what I had planned to do from the beginning. You see, my dear Miss Brandon, you are merely bait. We've been trying to find a way to get rid of Potter and his auror friends, but all are loyal to him. With the exception of us remaining Death Eaters, everyone in the wizarding world adores "Saint Potter," as Malfoy used to call him in the old days. But then Potter got Draco and his family in his debt. I never let on that I supported Voldemort, except to the Dark Lord himself. I was a ringer, as you Americans put it. I was able to find out some of what was going on with the opposition. Unfortunately, I was too young to really find out anything useful. I tried to milk it out of my father, the muggle-loving idiot, but he caught on to me. Unfortunately, as I explained previously, I had to ensure that he met his demise at the hands of some Death Eater friends of mine. Then I had to put on the heartboken, but brave face of a grieving son. No one ever knew the truth."

"Wait a minute—I'm bait for Harry Potter? Why?"

"Well, he is such a pain. While he's Head Auror, we can't get anything organized to bring back the old ways, Voldemort's ideas. So, we have to get rid of him. But how do we get to him? His staff is totally loyal and would risk their lives for him. But, knowing his gallantry, and his guilt over the death of Sirius Black, that Weasley brat, and others who died in the last war, I'd bet he comes after you. We'll just have the trap well set. And when he dies, I'll be one of the grief-stricken members of the government who will mourn his passing. And I will gradually get rid of Ron Weasley and his meddling wife, as well as the others who were instrumental in Voldemort's defeat. Then we will rise to power again!"

"You are one demented puppy! What's the big deal against muggles? Even Voldemort's father was a muggle!"

"Who deserted him and his mother. The Dark Lord made sure his father paid for leaving him and his mother. He said it was a perfect argument for making sure that magic was kept in pure-blood families only. As for muggles, what's to like about them? If you know your history, we wizarding folk have been persecuted by muggles, accused of being in league with the Devil or some evil spirit or another through the years. It's only fitting that we turn the tables, don't you think? Why shouldn't the superior race take over?""

"You're totally insane! And I thought Hitler was a nutcase! And what about me?"

"Dear Miss Brandon, you really should calm down. You're getting a bit passionate about all of this. As for what will happen to you, I suppose when it's all over, you will join your friends in the hereafter, that is, if you believe in all that rot."

"What about Draco?"

"Oh, I'll lull him into a sense of security—he doesn't know I'm involved with all this—then I'll make sure he joins you and all your little friends wherever you are. In fact, I might find a way to blame your death on him. Misplaced passion, perhaps? What a lovely scandal that would make! Pureblood Draco Malfoy gets involved with a witch from a muggle family! He goes berserk and can't contain himself, so he gets a little abusive and goes too far. He accidentally gets killed while Potter tries to defend you, but he manages to kill Potter in the meantime."

"You won't get away with it!"

"Of course we will. All anyone has to do is use Malfoy's wand to kill you and Potter, use Potter's wand to kill Malfoy. It's a shame—they drew on each other simultaneously."

"You sick bastard! What about the students? What about Hogwarts?"

"Eventually Minerva McGonagall will retire or die, and I'll make sure someone a bit more sympathetic to our cause is appointed Headmaster. Gradually, only those from pure-blood families will be admitted to Hogwarts and eventually, we'll get rid of those with the taint of muggle blood."

"You won't fool Harry or Draco, or Professor McGonagall! You'll get yours eventually, you rotten…"

Fletcher walked over to Elizabeth coolly, his voice as soft and smooth as the finest silk. "My dear Miss Brandon! If you're trying to annoy or anger me, it won't work. You see, I know I have the upper hand, so nothing you say bothers me. I know I'm going to win, so your rant is less annoying to me than the buzz of a gnat. Now, I'd shut up and take a nap if I were you. Your guards are very evil bastards, definitely not gentlemen by any means. To be totally honest with you, they are among the dregs of the wizarding world, and are dying to use and abuse you, if you get my drift. I've instructed them to leave you alone, but if you annoy them, I can't guarantee they'll remember my instructions." He leaned over and stuck his tongue in her ear, then whispered huskily, "Maybe I'll let them have some fun with you after all. Maybe I'll decide to indulge. In any case, my lovely Elizabeth, you can't do a thing about it. You, my lovely girl, are totally helpless. By the way, I've been known to be a bit sadistic at times. I do so much love torture. It's been so under-rated as a stimulant! Think about that until I get back." He started to walk away, then turned sharply and slapped her hard across the face. "There's so much more to come!" He laughed maniacally as he disapparated.

Elizabeth was almost petrified with fear, but then realized that's what they wanted. That's what that type of pervert enjoyed. Well, she'd be damned if she let them see what she felt! Almost as much as fear for her own life, she realized that somehow she'd have to get word to Harry and Draco that Fletcher was behind the plot and they were the targets, not her. But how? And where was Draco? What had happened to him? Did he really leave her?

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Harry was pacing up and down outside the Ministry. Draco had left with Elizabeth, but where were they? His people followed them to Malfoy Manor, but the couple disappeared after going into the house. Did they try to go somewhere by floo network? He didn't think Malfoy was naïve to go most places like that, under the circumstances, but that was the only explanation for their disappearance. Where did they go?

Just then Ginny walked up to him. "Why aren't you inside?"

"Minister Fletcher had an urgent call at home. He didn't explain, ony said he'd return shortly and asked everyone to continue enjoying tem selves while we waited. I thought I'd take a walk outside and check on you."

"Why? Do I look like anything's wrong?"

"Okay, Harry, just what the hell is going on? You excuse yourself, then come outside and not return. You've been up to something lately, and I have the feeling it has something to do with Elizabeth and Draco, and from the look on your face everything has hit the fan!"

"You're spot on, Ginny." He gave her a quick explanation.

"So why didn't you let me in on this? After all, I am an auror, not just your wife!"

"You weren't on this case. You know I don't discuss work at home if you're not involved. Same as I don't ask you what you're up to."

At that comment, Ginny's face turned redder than her hair. "Well, you idiot, you don't ask because you're Head-Bloody-Auror! You know bloody well what we're all working on, you big git! You didn't tell me anything because you knew I'd go ballistic if you had anything planned that would endanger Elizabeth, and that's apparently what you've done!"

Harry's voice went lower, but the anger he felt sliced through the air like a headsman's axe. "I know damned well what I've done, Ginny! Factions of Death Eaters were hunting down a relative of Voldemort's. We believed that Elizabeth is who they're hunting for, and Draco was keeping on eye on her. Apparently she wanted to leave and Draco took her to Malfoy Manor. What happened after that is anyone's guess. They've disappeared. When they got to Malfoy Manor, Draco apparently thought someone was following them and they ran inside. He didn't know we had people there, and I guess he panicked and decided to go somewhere else. The house-elves are being questioned now, but no one will tell our people anything."

"Maybe if you talked to them. The house-elves all trust you. Anyway, it can't hurt. I mean, you've already botched it up tonight, haven't you?"

"Ginevra, I don't need this right now. I'm going to Malfoy Manor. If you can get over this snit and act like an auror, come on. If you're going to nag and bitch, I'll make arrangements for you to be escorted home."

"You don't get rid of me that easily! Besides, someone with common sense had better be there. Lord knows you fools have everything all screwed up!"

They disapparated to Malfoy Manor. The house-elves, led by Albrecht, were practically ready to take up arms until Harry walked in. Albrecht turned to him.

"What does Harry Potter want?"

"I need to know where your master and Miss Brandon went. They may be in grave danger and only we can help them."

"Albrecht doesn't know." The old house-elf looked long and hard into Harry's eyes, then spoke again. "Albrecht remembers Harry Potter's friendship with Dobby. Is it true that Harry Potter buried Dobby with his own hands and did not use magic to dig the grave?"

"It's true."

"Then Harry Potter is a true friend. Albrecht also knows what Harry Potter did to help Mistress Narcissa and Master Draco after the war. Albrecht will help."

"Do you know how and where they went?"

"Where, no. But they went by floo. That is the last Albrecht saw of them. Master Draco feared they were in danger here and told us to place charms and alarms around the estate. Then they disappeared."

Harry thought for a moment. "Hogwarts! He probably took her home to Hogwarts!" He could send his patronus with a message, but who would be there? Everyone was at the Ministry reception. Then Ginny had a suggestion.

"Albrecht was told to stay here and make sure the house was protected, but maybe another of the house-elves could go to Hogwarts and ask the house-elves there."

"Excellent idea! Albrecht, could you have someone check with Flora, the house-elf assigned to Miss Brandon?"

"Teeny will be sent immediately. She will come back in a short time with the information as to whether they are at the school."

Just then, a noise came from outside the window. The French doors opened wide and Draco walked in. At least, it looked like Malfoy, but he was alone. Harry felt that something was radically wrong.

"Prove you are Draco Malfoy!"

"My father was Lucius Malfoy, a Death Eater. Your testimony helped keep my parents out of Azkaban."

"Anyone could find that out."

"You saved my life from fiendfyre in the Battle of Hogwarts. Later that same day, Ron Weasley saved me from Death Eaters who thought I was fighting against the Dark Lord. Afterward, he knocked me out and said something to the effect that twice that day, you, he, and Granger had saved my life. Is that enough to convince you?"

"Malfoy! Where in hell is Elizabeth?"

"Damn! She's not with you?"

"No. I had our people follow you here, but then you panicked and ran."

"Your people! I thought Dawlish and his crew had followed us here. I figured the safest place for Elizabeth would be Hogwarts. Even if no one else was there, the wards and charms that protect the place would be stronger than anything I could put around the manor. Plus, the house-elves and the ghosts would never let anyone harm a Hogwarts teacher inside the grounds. We went together by floo. On the way, someone grabbed her away from me and disappeared. Whoever grabbed her knocked me away and I ended up in some place I'd never been and never want to go to again. I whacked my head on something and went out for a minute or two. In any case, it wasn't Hogwarts, so I came straight here to see if she returned to the house."

"No, she didn't come back here. Did you see who grabbed her? Do you have any idea where she might be?"

"No, but I think I have a way to find her."

"How?"

"Leave it to me."

"Are you crazy? You've already lost her once tonight."

"I can find her, Potter! You botched things up by having your people shadow us without letting me know it was your crew, not Dawlish's gang!"

Things were getting hot and heavy, with Malfoy and Harry ready to come to blows. Ginny stepped in between with her wand raised. "If you don't shut up, you will BOTH be spitting feathers for a week! Now, CALM DOWN!"

Malfoy spoke first after a split second. "Elizabeth's cat can find her. They have a bond between them that's more than a pet-owner relationship. The cat can find her anywhere and would give his life to protect her."

"Where is the cat?"

"How the hell do I know? He comes and goes all the time, but he has tracked her down everywhere since she left here after she overheard Dawlish."

"Let's say you find the cat. Even if he finds her, how will we know?"

"I can put a charm on him, a tracer. Look, Potter, I don't care whether or not you like it, but I'm doing this, okay? I no longer work for you or your department. My only aim is to find and protect Elizabeth."

Ginny spoke up. "Malfoy is right, Harry. You had your shot at using her to trap the Death Eaters. It didn't work. Now it's time to find Elizabeth and make sure she's protected. If Malfoy thinks he can do it, I say let him try. We sure have screwed things up."

"Maybe so. Draco, do you really think this cat is that smart? I mean, you usually can't train cats."

"This one is different. Trust me."

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Elizabeth was still in the body-bind curse. Her guards had left the room and were sitting outside the door. The window was open, but she couldn't get to it to escape. Even if she could jump, shehad no idea where she was and didn't know where they had put her wand. Just then a white figure jumped through the window into the room. Guy? It was a white cat and it looked like him, but how had he found her here? He walked over to her and jumped onto the sofa next to her face. She started to speak, but he put his paw over her mouth as if to hush her. Then the door opened and one of the guards walked into the room. He spotted the cat and asked where it had come from.

"I don't know. I guess through the window. I was stuck here on the sofa and all of a sudden this cat came from over by the window. Maybe it belongs to Minister Fletcher."

"I hope not. I hate cats. I have a mind to…"

"Don't you dare hurt that cat! If you do anything to him, you'll be the sorriest person alive, I promise you."

"You're in a body-bind curse, and you don't even have a wand! What the hell are you going to do?"

"Just what I learned from the old voodoo priestesses back home. You don't need a wand for voodoo; you just have to dislike someone badly enough when you utter the curse."

"What curse? You think I believe in that stuff?"

"You should. Don't push your luck."

The guard walked over to her and grabbed her to him. He kissed her hard on the mouth and tried to grope her, but she bit his lip hard enough to draw blood. He really became enraged at that point and was ready to hit her when she started muttering a curse.

"May pain always torment you, and corns grow on your feet! May gnats as big as roaches jump on your face and eat! May the whole world turn against you 'til your life's a total wreck. May you fall out an open window and break your own damned neck!"

The guard began laughing at her. "That's a curse? It sounds more like a joke to me." He began walking toward the window, and was just about to look outside, when all of a sudden Guy started running around his feet and tripped him. The guard fell out of the window, landing with a muffled thud. There was no sound afterward—was he just stunned, knocked out, or had he hurt himself seriously? Then she wondered how the cat had known what to do. Maybe she could see if Guy could find her wand. Then she thought that was a ridiculous idea. After all, as much as she liked him, he was just a cat!

Just then, the other guard entered the room. "What was that noise?"

"What noise?"

"Don't mess with me! Where's Martin?"

"Who's Martin?"

"Don't piss me off, bitch! Where is he?"

"Actually, he went over by the window, lost his balance and fell out."

"Like hell!" He walked over and looked out the window. His face turned an ashen color. "I don't know how you did it, but you had something to do with this. You're dead!"

'What about Fletcher? He told you guys to leave me alone until he got back!"

"I'll fight it out with Fletcher later." He walked over and slapped her hard across the face. "How did you do it? Where is your wand?"

"You tell me. I don't have it." He slapped her even harder. Her mouth began to bleed.

"You aren't going to look very nice when I finish with you. Ever experienced the cruciatus curse?" He picked up his wand and drew it across her face. Just as he was about to cast his spell, a voice came from behind him.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Try picking on someone who can fight back."

The guard spun around. "Malfoy!"

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A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this up, but my Harry was in an accident. The airbags went off and ruptured his spleen, causing a lot of internal bleeding. It was rough going for a while, but he's home now and doing much better, so maybe I can get back on a roll with this story. Thanks for hanging in there with me. Will try to get another chapter up soon.