The morning of the first Hogsmeade weekend is usually filled with lots of excitement and carefree thoughts, but Harry and Hermione were much more subdued. The knowledge of what was going to take place later today weighing heavy on their minds. Luckily Ron just put it down to Harry's meeting with Remus and didn't ask too much. Harry had told them that meeting with Remus was something he wanted to do himself and they understood completely. He would aim to meet them at 12:30 in The Three Broomsticks where they could have lunch together.
Draco had somehow wound up in detention and had communicated on the Thursday before that he wouldn't be around. Hermione was ready to call off the plan then and there, but Pansy and Harry disagreed. They needed to make this attempt to keep Mrs Malfoy safe and they had put too much effort into planning it to back out now. One look at Draco's morose face and Hermione let her arguments die.
Harry parted from the main group and made his way to the Hog's Head. Remus was already there and had found a table near the back and had two butterbeers at the ready. The Hogs Head was designed to be private, but Harry was thankful that Remus had still tried to find somewhere where no one could overhear them.
Remus stood up when he saw Harry and the two of them embraced. It was the first real time they would be in each other's company after Sirius' death and it was clear to Harry that Remus wasn't doing well. The man always had a haggard look about him, but Harry could see that there was an extra weight sitting on the man's shoulders at the moment. Harry couldn't say he blamed him. He had spent so many years thinking his best friend had betrayed the closest thing he had to a family, to find out he was innocent that whole time and to get him back for two short years only to lose him again would be devastating.
'I'm sorry Remus. For everything. I wish he was with us.' Harry consoled, their shared grief evident.
'I know Harry. Me too, but you have nothing to be sorry for.' Remus replied sadly.
The two lapsed into an awkward silence. Harry hadn't spent much time with Remus, just the two of them except when he was a professor. Talking as two men who had just lost someone important to them was territory neither was comfortable with. They both took an awkward sip of their butterbeer and then Remus cleared his throat.
'So what did you want to talk about Harry? You mentioned in your letter it had something to do with Sirius' will.' Remus asked, shaking himself from the sadness creeping through his body.
Harry nodded as he swallowed his sip and explained.
'I was made aware through a... contact,' he began, choosing his words carefully, 'that Sirius had made me the Head of House Black. I wrote to Gringotts and they confirmed that this was true and sent me a copy of his will. In it, Sirius said that he was going to explain what that meant over the summer, obviously that didn't happen. But, he mentioned that you would be able to explain it to me.' Harry explained.
'Why do I get the feeling that you are leaving something out here Harry.' Remus asked, concerned.
'Because I am.' he replied simply.
'You can tell me what's going on Harry. I know I am not Sirius, but I want to help you in any way I can. You can trust me' he said, leaning forward and looking into Harry's eyes, desperate for Harry to confide in him.
Unfortunately for him the young man in front of him sat back in his chair and sighed deeply and looked off into the distance. After a few minutes of looking at the various people in the pub Harry turned his attention back to the werewolf in front of him.
'Look Remus. I want to tell you everything, I really do. But I don't know if I can trust you. So far you have followed all of Dumbledore's choices for me and I can't be sure that you won't go and tell him what I tell you. Right now I just need you to explain to me what this Head of House business is all about. Can you do that? Can you do this for me and not tell Dumbledore I asked? He hid Sirius' will from me. He deliberately left this information out when he spoke to me about it after promising to not keep things from me anymore. If you can do this for me, if you can keep this from Dumbledore, then maybe I can tell you what's really happening. Remus, I know you had the trust of my parents and of Sirius, but right now, you need to earn mine.' Harry spoke firmly at the werewolf, his eyes searching the older mans, looking for the truth behind them.
Remus was rendered speechless. Whatever Harry was going to say, he had not expected that. The bottom fell out of his stomach as the words started to sink in. Harry didn't trust him and was giving him a chance to change that.
Remus' life had never been easy, but the Marauders had changed that. He had found acceptance, a family, trust and love. Halloween 1981 had destroyed that, and to his shame, he ran. Ran from any and all responsibilities and spent the next twelve years wallowing in self pity about the cruelty of the world and the hand it had dealt him. Getting the chance to see Harry again, to teach him magic was such a gift. He had lived as a werewolf for so long, he never believed he would get a chance to rejoin society. He had been indebted to Dumbeldore for the opportunity. Then to get Sirius back, he couldn't have been happier. To lose him again, and to now hear that Harry didn't trust him, he was rocked. The old Remus, the one who ran, was screaming at him to do it again. To flee the bad hand he was being forced to have again, but the voice of Sirius was in his head, telling him to stay, to help Harry, to show he was worthy of Harry's trust.
'Harry. It pains me beyond words to hear you say that. But… I understand. I hope that I can prove worthy of your trust again. I promise that whatever we discuss here today will not be shared with another soul.' He said desperately.
Harry nodded, but his posture remained the same. It seemed more damage was done than he realised.
Taking a deep breath, he began 'The Head of House within the wizarding world is an important role for the eldest child to have. It originated hundreds of years ago when the titles of Lords and Ladies were still being used. Where powerful witches and wizards used to own huge parts of the land and commanded small armies and had many families working on their land, both magical and muggle alike. Once the Statute of Secrecy was put in place, magic folk controlling that much land just wasn't possible anymore and so many downsized. I am sure you have heard that many of those manors still remain, the Malfoys are just one example, but their land isn't nearly as big as it used to be. The rules and respect given around being a Lord or a Lady slowly diminished over time, but the idea of a Head of family remained. While the ability to command armies and have people bow to them or use those old titles doesn't happen anymore, many of their powers still technically remain. While marriage contracts aren't often used, there are still occasions when young people are forced into arranged marriages in order to close business deals or cement an alliance. A Head of House can also choose to annul a marriage if they want. They could kick someone out of the family, or adopt someone in, like what Sirius did with you. Lot's of families within our world won't use them, for instance the Weasleys, but they will teach their eldest about the rules and powers as a way to hold on to tradition. Head of Houses also hold a hereditary seat in the Wizengamot and there are various families that typically align with each other and vote together. Like the Malfoys and Goyles and Parkinsons as well as say the Longbottoms and the Abbotts. The Potters and the Blacks also had their various allegiances too.'
'But if Sirius was kicked out of the family, how did he manage to become the Head of House Black?' Harry asked, confused.
'A good question. I asked Sirius the same thing. Turns out, while his mother was insane and kicked him out of her home, his Grandfather, Arcturus Black, was still technically the Head of House and so he wasn't officially kicked out of the Black Family. Sirius was just as surprised as anyone to find out his Grandfather had named him his heir. He only discovered it when he was talking with Gringotts through back channels when writing his will.' He explained.
'Interesting. You mentioned the wizengamot. So that would mean that I have two seats currently on there?'
Remus nodded.
'Any idea who is currently using those seats? Or are they left vacant?' Harry asked, worried about who may be using his seats for their own agenda.
'There is a rule in the wizengamot that if the heir of a house is unable to take his or her seat, it goes into stasis. It remains there waiting for the heir to come of age and then it can be used. As far as I am aware the Black seat has been used by Lucius Malfoy over the last few years. He must've convinced Fudge that he was in control of the seat for Draco as he was going to become the Black Head of House through his mother.'
An annoyed look passed across Harry's face as he realised that Lucius had been using Sirius' seat these last few years to pass bigoted laws. 'So then the seats can be taken up by someone else for the Head of House until they can take them themselves?' He asked, going through the possibilities in his head.
'Correct. Is that what you are thinking of doing with your two?'
'I'm not sure. While Sirius has emancipated me I could technically take up my seats, but I have no idea about wizarding law or customs. Besides, I have too much going on at the moment to even consider it.' Harry sighed, unsure of what to do.
Remus nodded his understanding.
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment and then asked the question he really needed an answer on.
'What about offering someone sanctuary? What would that entail?'
Remus so desperately wanted to ask Harry who in the world he was thinking of offering sanctuary, but knew he couldn't push it today and so pushing down the many questions he had, he proceeded to explain as best he could.
'Sanctuary is one of the oldest and most important traditions of this system. To offer someone sanctuary is to make a statement to all that that person is under your protection. That any attack or slight on that person is an attack on you as the Head of the family. You are taking full responsibility for their life and happiness. It is not something to be done lightly.'
Harry's change of body language spoke volumes to Remus. The shifting in the seat and the hand running through his hair confirmed what Remus had guessed. Harry had offered someone sanctuary without fully knowing what it meant. He hoped that whatever he was doing the young man he cared for would be alright.
'What about control of a ward scheme. Did Sirius have control of the wards to Grimmauld Place?'
Remus nodded. 'He did, but he allowed Dumbledore to be the secret keeper for him.'
Harry scratched his chin, the beginning of a plan forming in his mind.
'How would I be able to look into all of this, my new responsibilities as Head of House Black, would they have a record of their wards, allegiances and so on?'
'I never saw Sirius with it, but I am sure that the Blacks would have had a grimoire or family book that held important information. It would be very secret and only a few allowed access. You would have to ask his Mother's portrait or Kreacher.'
'Thank you Remus. I appreciate it. You have given me a lot to think about.' Harry said, leaning back and taking a sip from his butterbeer.
'If there is anything else I can do, Harry, please, let me know.' Remus said earnestly.
Harry paused for a moment and pondered the man in front of him. He seemed genuinely upset about what Harry had told him and seemed sincere in his desire to cause Harry to trust him.
'Maybe there is. Where are you currently living Remus?'
'I have a small cottage that I live in. Why's that?'
'Would you mind staying at Grimmauld Place and keeping an eye on it? You can also let me know some of what's going on in the order. See it as a way to start to prove yourself.' Harry offered, an olive branch, a lifeline for Remus, who grabbed at it readily.
'I can do that for you Harry. I know Sirius hated that place, but now it's a place that I can feel connected to him.' He finished sadly.
'I must be going, I do appreciate everything you told me today. I trust that you won't speak a word of this to Dumbledore either?' Harry asked, raising an eyebrow in a challenge to the older man.
'I won't fail you Harry.' Remus said, full of determination.
Harry nodded, not fully believing him, but wanting to give him a chance. As he was about to leave Remus quickly stopped him.
'There is one other thing I would like to do today Harry. Sirius wanted to share your first alcoholic drink with you this summer when you turned sixteen. In honour of him, will you share one with me?' Remus asked, holding back a sob.
A big lump formed in Harry's throat at this. He could imagine the big fuss Sirius would have made about this event. Making jokes and laughing about he and his dad's first time. Seeing how broken Remus was, Harry nodded.
Remus smiled, but it looked like it caused him physical pain. He ordered two fire whiskeys and together they toasted to Sirius' memory.
It burned going down, but he didn't mind. This was what Sirius wanted for the two of them and he would honour him anyway he could.
'I gotta go Remus, I have other people to meet today. Thanks again for meeting me.'
'Anytime Harry. Can I write to you?' Remus asked, desperation in his voice and face.
'Of course.' And with a nod, he left.
He and Remus had talked for longer than he realised. It was quarter past 12 and if he made a straight line for The Three Broomsticks he would be there just in time to meet Harry and Hermione for lunch.
He saw them coming out of Dervish and Banges and they waved him over.
'How did it go Harry? Was he able to tell you about being a Head of House?' Hermione asked in a rush.
'He did. Come, let's get some lunch. I will tell you all about it when we get there.' He said and quickly moved them on, eager to make sure their plan did not fail.
After weaving through the crowd they managed to find a table with a good view of the girls bathroom. Harry had taken Ron straight to the bar to order butterbeers so Hermione could find the table best suited to their plans without making it too obvious or awkward. After carrying the drinks back to their table they ordered some lunch and Harry told them all about his chat with Remus.
Harry was just telling them about the toast to Sirius when Hermione noticed Pansy enter the girls bathroom.
Hermione tapped Harry's foot with hers to let him know that the plan had begun. It was only a minute later that they both felt the sickle in their pocket warm up. Hermione glanced at her watch and began counting down the 15 minutes.
Conversation was a bit stilted while they waited, but Ron's enthusiasm for what he had bought managed to pass the time quickly. It was almost exactly 15 minutes later when Hermione saw Katie and her friend Leanne arguing as they left their table. Katie was holding a package under her arm and was making a beeline for the front door.
'Harry. Do you think everything is alright with Katie and Leanne?' Hermione asked, a bit woodenly, but Ron didn't seem to notice.
Ron and Harry both looked across and watched the two leave the building.
'Nah, I don't think so.' Answered Ron. 'Probably just silly girl stuff.'
'I don't know Ron, Katie doesn't usually barge through people like that.' Harry offered, trying to get him onboard to follow.
Ron just shrugged his shoulders. Knowing that they had to act now Hermione realised it had to be her.
'I'm going to go after them. Something just feels weird about it all.' And with that she rushed out of the The Three Broomsticks.
'Come on Ron, we better go after her, we've already paid and someone else can use our table.'
'But Harry!'
'Come on mate, if we don't follow you know she will be pissed off at us for the rest of the week.' Harry said already leaving the table.
'Alright' Ron grumbled and they took after her.
Hermione saw the two girls about 30 metres away, but she could hear their voices.
'Katie, why aren't you listening to me? Why do you have to give this to Dumbeldore.' Leanne shouted, trying to grab her shoulder to slow her down.
'I just have to, okay. Now leave me alone!' she demanded, shrugging off Leanne's hand.
'Katie! Stop! You're scaring me.' Leanne yelled, anxiety riddled.
At this moment Hermione had managed to catch up to them, with Harry and Ron closely behind.
'What's going on Leanne?' Hermione asked as she walked briskly along with her, two steps behind Katie.
'I don't know Hermione. Everything was normal, we were having a great day, we were talking about the boys we liked and were laughing and then she suddenly just stood up, took that package out of her bag and said she needed to see Professor Dumbledore.' She said worriedly, her eyes never leaving her friend.
At this point Harry and Ron had caught up. 'What's going on?' Harry asked.
'I don't really know Harry,' Hermione said. 'Leanne said that something is off with Katie. Her body language changed and she is adamant she has to get a package to Dumbledore.'
'That's… really random.' Offered Ron.
'Katie! Stop! We just want to talk to you' Hermione said, pulling up next to her.
'No, go away, I have to give this to Dumbledore.' Katie said in a monotone voice.
'I don't like this, something is definitely off.' Harry said, trying to convince Ron.
'Stupify!' Suddenly came Hermione's cry and Katie fell to the floor, the package tumbling still wrapped about a foot away from where Katie fell.
'Hermione! What the hell was that?' Leanne demanded.
'Well she was acting weird! She wouldn't listen to anyone, figured it was the best way to stop her. Let's take her to Madame Pomfrey and get her checked out. She can check out what is in the package as well.' Hermione explained in her no nonsense voice which usually made people pay attention.
And so Harry levitated Katie, while Hermione picked up the package and they made their way to the Hospital wing.
As they got to the entrance to the school gates they were met by Filch and McGonagall.
'What is the meaning of this Mr Potter? Why are you levitating Miss Bell?' McGonagall asked, a sharp tone to her voice.
After explaining what had happened, McGonagall, while not totally convinced, agreed to escort them to the hospital wing. On the way McGonagall sent word to both Dumbledore, who had just arrived back in the castle, and Snape to meet them there just in case.
It all happened rather quickly when they arrived. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Leanne were asked to wait at the entrance to the wing while Madame Pomfrey assessed Katie. Snape and Dumbledore passed them in the doorway and went over to join McGonagall and Pomfrey. While everyone was initially distracted, Hermione sent a quick note to the Slytherins to let them know it had all gone off okay.
It was about 5 minutes later when Dumbledore and the rest came over to the group.
'Is Katie okay?' Leanne asked, tears in her eyes. The poor girl had been a wreck and the trio had been doing their best to comfort her.
'Yes Miss Eames, she's fine now, thanks to Miss Granger's quick thinking.' Answered Miss Pomfrey.
'It seems that Miss Bell was placed under the Imperius curse and was asked to deliver a cursed necklace to me.' Dumbledore spoke as if he was discussing the weather.
Leanne broke out into sobs and lunged into Harry's arms. Every eye brow was raised at this gesture, while Harry looked around, arms stiff by his side, silently pleading for someone to help him out. Ron and Hermione shared a look and couldn't help but stifle the giggles that were threatening to come. It was McGonagall who took pity on him and stepped in.
'Come Miss Eames, Madam Pomfrey will give you a calming draught and you can sit by Katie, she is sleeping at the moment.' She said, disapproval and sympathy mixed into her response.
'You guys suck, you know that right.' Harry muttered to Ron and Hermione.
'My hero' Ron staged whispered, which earned him a punch to the arm.
Hermione and Dumbledore chuckled while Snape just looked at them all with disdain.
'Are we quite done now. I am interested, Headmaster, in why these three were involved in this situation at all. Obviously Potter was sticking his nose into other people's business again.' Came Snape's drawling disdainful tone.
'Now now, I am sure there is a reasonable explanation to all this. Mr Potter?' Dumbledore dismissed Snape and asked jovially.
'Actually, I think Hermione should explain. Ron and I barely did anything, we just followed her out of The Three Broomsticks.' Harry deferred.
Snape scoffed, but Dumbledore turned his attention to Hermione.
'Miss Granger?'
'As I explained to Professor McGonagall, I saw Katie and Leanne arguing in The Three Broomsticks. Katie was barging through everyone else and Leanne looked really distressed. I thought something was up, but the boys weren't entirely sure. I decided I would follow to see if everything was okay. When I caught up to Leanne she explained that Katie was solely focused on bringing that package to you, Professor, so I tried to talk to her myself. She blew me off completely, like she didn't even recognise me. I have known Katie for almost six years now and she has never behaved that way to me ever, she just didn't seem at all like herself. Something was off, so I stunned her. Figured it was the best way to stop her and get some answers.' She explained quickly and with a firm tone, but deliberately avoiding Snape's gaze and looking just past Dumbledore's ear.
Snape looked like he didn't believe a word of it. He locked eyes with Harry who suddenly felt a small pressure in his head so he quickly turned his head away. Fucker was trying to read his mind! Not only was Harry pissed off, but he realised that if he wasn't careful Snape could peek in and see what they were doing with Parkinson and Malfoy and there was no way he could let that happen.
'Well Miss Granger, it seems that once again your instincts have served you well. You have prevented Miss Bell from potentially seriously cursing someone. The curse that is on that necklace would have killed whoever touched it within seconds in a most violent and painful way.' Dumbledore explained without much concern.
Any humour that had been lingering around was gone with that statement, the three Gryffindors went quiet as Dumbledore let that knowledge sink in.
'Did you see anyone with Katie at all during the day that wouldn't normally be around her?' He asked the trio.
'No professor.' Hermione replied.
'The Three Broomsticks is very crowded at that time, professor, could've been anyone.' Harry said.
'Probably a Slytherin though sir, I would've said Malfoy but I didn't see him today.' Ron suggested.
'How dare you Mr Weasley, Mr Malfoy was in detention all day there is no way he could be involved. That is a very serious accusation and I demand he be punished, Headmaster!' Snape yelled.
'Come now Professor, I am sure Mr Weasley didn't mean anything by it.' Dumbledore said happily, placing a hand on Snape's shoulder, but looking at Ron with a raised eyebrow.
'No Professor.' Ron mumbled quickly.
'See. No harm done. However, Mr Weasley, I would caution you about throwing around accusations like that without any proof.' Dumbledore said cheerily.
'Yes Professor.' Ron nodded.
'Good. Now, I am sure you have all had a busy day of shopping so why don't you head back to your common room and enjoy the rest of your day before everyone else returns from Hogsmeade.' He dismissed them with a smile.
'Yes professor.' The three Gryffindors replied and went on their way.
'Bloody hell.' Ron said, once they were far enough away from the hospital wing. 'I can't believe Katie was under the imperius curse.'
'Typical bloody Hogwarts if you ask me.' Muttered Harry.
Ron and Hermione just laughed at that. 'You're not wrong mate!'
'Did you know she was under the curse when you stunned her Hermione?' Ron asked
'I wasn't sure, but after I spoke to her and she didn't recognise me, I suspected it. She showed many of the symptoms of the curse. Whoever cast it just didn't make it very subtle. Many who are under the curse maintain their normal behaviour. Whoever did this didn't care about that, they clearly just wanted to get that necklace to Dumbeldore.'
'Who do you think did it Harry?' He asked
'I agree with you Ron. If Malfoy hadn't been in detention I would have said him. He was in Borgin and Burkes remember.' In order to keep their secret Harry knew he had to at least blame Malfoy at least a little bit. He had always blamed him and to suddenly not now would be far too obvious that something had changed. Besides, Ron was there when they saw him in Knockturn alley, so it's not like it was new information. Ron was also the least inquisitive of the three. If Harry or Hermione didn't push the issue, he would forget about it soon and focus on quidditch.
'He may have gotten someone else to do it for him.' Ron suggested. 'Crabbe or Goyle maybe.'
'I doubt it.' Hermione scoffed. 'Those two are so stupid Malfoy wouldn't rely on them for something like that.'
'True' chimed in Harry, 'Besides, Malfoy seems to be keeping to himself this year for some reason.' Hoping they had managed to get Ron off this train of thought Harry ended the conversation. 'I don't think there is anyone he would trust with something like that.'.
'Yeah, you're right. Just a bit freaky you know.' Ron said, a little shaken.
Hermione and Harry just nodded their heads.
Once they got back to the common room Hermione and Ron dumped their shopping in their rooms and whilst she was there Hermione sent a quick message to the Slytherin's that all was well. She then settled into some armchairs near the fire and the trio caught up on some of their homework. Not long after they felt their coins heat up one last time that day.
Pansy's hands were sweating as she entered the bathroom. While she may have been excellent at keeping her face passive, the sweat forming on her palms was another matter entirely. After sitting in a stall for a respectable amount of time Pansy went to wash her hands. As she did so she counted at least 10 other girls in the bathroom with her. Doing a quick scan, she found her target. Katie Bell the seventh year Gryffindor had dumped her bag on the floor while she was fussing with her hair in the mirror and it had fallen open at the top. She was by herself. A group of six fifth year Hufflepuffs were talking about one of the girls' dates at Madam Puddifoot's and they were all giggling loudly. No one was really paying her any attention. There were also at least three other Slytherin girls in the bathroom so she didn't stand out for any reason, besides delaying her reaction by 15 minutes would stop anyone looking closely at the time she spent in the bathroom. It could have happened anywhere.
She calmly and subtly pointed her wand and muttered the curse, feeling it take effect she relayed her instructions and as she bent down to pick up her own bag she slipped the package into Katie's open bag. Once back at her table with her fellow sixth year Slytherins sans Draco, she sent the message she had prepared to the other sickles.
It was as she planned that exactly 15 minutes later she saw Granger, Potter and Weasley leave The Three broomsticks. Everything seemed to be working so far.
The next half an hour was a nervous wait for Pansy. She had no idea if the plan had worked and if the Gryffindors had managed to stun Katie in time. If someone accidentally got hurt in all this, she knew that the Gryffindors would make it difficult for her and Draco. She really needed this to work for Draco's sake. He wouldn't do well if Potter cancelled any more attempts to get at Dumbledore and his mother suffered for it.
Finally she felt her sickle warm up. She was relieved that she was in Gladrags at that moment as she was able to pretend to try on a new set of robes and check the coin in the privacy of a changing area. Relief flooded her body when she saw that everything was still going well, no one had been injured. It was roughly 20 minutes later when she was on her way back to the school that she received another message to say that the Gryffindors believed everyone was in the clear, that it had all worked out exactly as planned. With a small grin on her face Pansy made her way to the Slytherin Common room to see Draco. She was hopeful he was out of his detention by the time she got back so they could find somewhere to talk. When she had almost made it to him, she felt her coin warm up for the last time that day.
Draco was not overreacting by saying that this detention was torture. He was forced to do some dreadfully boring, menial task for McGonagall because he had failed to hand in his Transfiguration essay. He knew the theory well enough for what McGonagall wanted and he was sure that if he wrote it he would receive an O for it, but with everything going on it had just slipped his mind. While on one hand it worked out well that he wasn't in Hogsmeade for the event for an alibi, he hated that Pansy was alone during this.
Thankfully McGonagall had ended the detention early after he managed to explain the theory to her satisfaction and complete the spell. Before that though he had been stuck helping her clean out a classroom on the second floor.
Rather than go straight back to his common room, he decided to take the opportunity gifted to him to start searching for the vanishing cabinet. He knew that out of all the things the Dark Lord wanted with him this year, this was easily the most important. He had to show that he was fixing the cabinet or his mother was as good as dead. It wasn't long into his search when he received the first message. Pansy had successfully cast the curse. As much as he wanted to send her a message of support, he did not want to confuse the signals of those in The Three Broomsticks and so he left it alone and focused on finding the cabinet, hoping that nothing went wrong.
He was unable to find the cabinet on the first two floors and after he received Hermione's second message he decided it was time to head back to the common room to see Pansy. A rush of gratitude filled his body towards her for what she had done for him, and he was pleased to see that Granger and Potter had kept up to their side of things. He wasn't sure why he did it, but knowing that news of this attempt would undoubtedly make it's way back to the Dark Lord by tonight and therefore meant his mother was safe for the meantime, he grabbed his coin and sent two words. 'Thank you'.