Muriel Prewett was sitting in her solarium when Thoros strode in, looking inordinately pleased with himself.

"So?"

"You really should've been sorted into Slytherin, Muriel."

The older woman laughed and shook her finger at the Nott Lord, as she waved him to his seat and Sabbo served afternoon tea for the both of them.

"He showed you the contract?"

"As you knew he would."

"And he admitted his suspicions about Dumbledore?"

Thoros expression darkened, but he nodded.

"You and Lucius are of one mind on this, which frankly—I'm not surprised at all. Have you given any thought to sharing your suspicions with Hermione?"

Muriel sighed as she poured the tea for both of them.

"This needs to come from Lucius. I suspected his 'token' would have to be of something rather extraordinary—especially if he wishes for Hermione to forgive him in the loss of her Godfather. I'm not going to be here forever, and Hermione's main source of family will be both you and Theodore as well as the Malfoy's."

"You don't blame Lucius?"

Muriel didn't answer immediately as she passed Thoros a plate of his favorites and then prepared his tea as he liked it.

"I understand that like you, his service to Tom Riddle wasn't necessarily by his own choice even if he did agree with his ideology. We both remember Abraxas quite well and what a horrible man he was. I don't think Lucius had much choice in following Riddle, just as you didn't, dear."

Thoros took a measured sip of his tea and nodded his appreciation to his hostess.

As always, she'd prepared it to perfection.

"I just don't see how Lucius is going prove his suspicions without proper evidence."

Muriel smirked. "Oh, I think Lucius is more clever than we give him credit for. I've often wondered how my Grandsons, the Potters, McKinnons, Edgar Bones and the Longbottoms had all been targeted so successfully within months of each other."

"You don't believe it coincidence?"

Muriel scoffed. "In my experience, there is no such thing." Her expression then morphed into one of practiced familiarity, "even Amelia has begun to share my concerns."

The surprised expression on Thoros face was to be expected. "Amelia has always been a staunch supporter of Dumbledore."

"I think Amelia wished for Dumbledore to believe that, but the death of her brother has never set well with her."

"Who else shares your opinion?"

"Andromeda Tonks, and her daughter Nymphadora. Dora, as she goes by—is newly mated to Remus Lupin. Of the active remaining members of the Order, only Alistair and Kingsley seem to be firmly in Dumbledore's pocket."

Thoros pondered this for a few moments before he inquired seriously, "What do you wish to do about Lucius?"

"I do believe he is on the right track, but I'm unconvinced having access to McKinnon Manor will gain him the information he's looking for. Dumbledore, for whatever reason, has an agenda and likely has had it for years."

"And he's not a stupid wizard."

"No," Muriel agreed readily, "he's a manipulative bastard. Always has been."

Muriel hummed as she gazed out the window and pursed her lips in thought. When she turned her blue eyes on Thoros, she noticed he was watching her with concern.

"What do you know of Elphias Doge, or Bathidla Bagshot?"

"Elphias has always been a reclusive wizard and was rumored to be one of the first members of the original Order."

"And Bathilda?"

"Noted magical historian. Also reclusive. Lives in Godric's Hollow from what I remember."

"Albus also lived in Godric's Hollow as a boy. His brother Aberforth owns the Hogs Head in Hogsmeade. They do not get on."

Thoros sat there and pondered that information before he asked, "Which one is the weak link?"

Muriel grinned and said simply, "If I had to guess?"

Thoros nodded.

"Bathilda. She's old and lonely and if anyone has any information we could use, it just might be her. Tell Lucius to start there."

The Nott Lord grinned malevolently as his expression noted his admiration.

"I'd forgotten how diabolical you are Muriel. Is there anything else I should be concerned about?"

Lady Prewett just snickered, "Don't get on my bad side." Her face fell for a moment as she sighed sadly, "Truth be told, I've had these suspicions for years Thoros—but being left out in the cold as I was—it made it impossible to enact my own plans."

Taking Muriel's hand, Thoros felt his stomach drop in shame. He'd never checked in on Muriel in all the years since the First Wizarding War. He'd not been there for her when her daughter passed away from Dragon Pox. He'd dismissed her needs because of his duty to the Dark Lord, and he was deeply ashamed of his actions.

It was not how he was raised to be, and despite his lack of consideration for Muriel...when the time had come and she'd seen the need for his son and Heir to have a place with family and love—she'd opened her home and heart to Theodore and encouraged Hermione to do the same.

He felt like an utter failure.

"I owe you a sincere apology Muriel."

The older witch's eyes gleamed for a moment and then she grasped his hand in return and patted it reassuringly.

"I won't offer empty platitudes and tell you it's fine Thoros. But if there's one thing you can do to make it up to me, is to make sure that Hermione is kept safe and promise that my Fabian and Gideon are avenged."

Thoros took his wand and waved it as he promised solemnly, "You have my magical vow, Muriel—that I will protect Hermione with my life and will make sure those who are responsible for the deaths of Fabian and Gideon suffer the consequences of their treachery."

"Thank you Thoros."

The wizard nodded and the conversation switched to simpler concerns and as he left Fosgate Hall, Thoros promised himself that he'd make sure that Muriel wasn't left alone again.