He was glad to see that Hermione had bonded with Narcissa, although he suspected that the younger witch might not appreciate her methods at the exact moment, she would quickly come to appreciate it. Hermione was a powerful witch, and would become an important person in their society but it was essential that she learn to perform as well as any other pureblood. Narcissa couldn't be a better mentor because unlike many of her peers, she had perfected the balance between being powerful and being a witch.

Draco lounged on the chair opposite him, unaware of his mother introducing Hermione to the intricacies of table manners behind him.

'So you're confident you have the spell correct?' he pressed, watching as Draco demonstrated it perfectly. It was one of his own creations, and he was confident that the charm would notify them every time someone with an active dark mark passed its boundaries.

'I have to set this on the entrance to the common rooms, no assistance...' He was interrupted by the arrival of Lucius with his guests. Everyone stood as the door swung open, two men following Lucius into the house in a blast of icy air. Gellert had been briefed, so he knew what to expect and he quickly identified the younger as Hakan Raja, a wealthy Scion of an Indian Pureblood family with extensive commercial interests in the UK through their relatives, the Patils. His father was sick, and had been for the past decade so Hakan was acting as Head of House. Unlike the British pureblood families, the Raja's hadn't declined in size or magical potential and had the potential to bring a sizeable fighting force to the UK if needed.

The elder was Kifeda, a half blood from Kenya who supplied raw materials to a number of companies in the UK. He was a tall man who wore a sharp muggle suit beneath his robes. The aim with this one was to attempt to stop him trading with the supporters of Voldemort. Cutting of their access to a significant number of powerful potions, particularly when they couldn't go to a regular healer would force them to use substandard healing spells and significantly reduce their capability.

Lucius introduced them all, Hermione managing to pull off a curtsey that matched Narcissa for elegance. He saw the eyes of Kifeda narrow in recognition at the name.

'Ah, Miss Granger. We have heard a lot about you, we would love to see a demonstration.' He purred, almost seeming catlike. He wondered if perhaps this man had a feline animagus as his eyes glittered golden. Hermione shuffled awkwardly under the attention, and glanced at him for guidance.

'Why don't you, Hermione.' He prompted. 'The trace has no effect in this home.' He added, knowing that was likely her concern. She shrugged uncertainly and pulled out her wand, glancing around as if uncertain what to do. He saw her eyes harden in determination, and suddenly hoped that she wasn't about to overreach herself.

'Lupis Specialis' She waved her wand in a complex move, a jet of silvery light hitting Draco in the middle of his chest. A moment later, they stood next to a very large Grindelwald wolf, complete with the glowing sapphire eyes and opalescent sheen to the coat. The wolf snarled at Hermione ferociously, revealing diamond teeth but she just smiled proudly as their guests applauded. A flick of her wand later and Draco stood without even a rumple in his robes.

'Very good, very good indeed!' Hakan applauded, 'and you are only fifth year?'

'Sixth, Sir.' She corrected, but the Indian didn't seem at all phased. Instead marvelling on such a competent transfiguration to an animal that didn't even exist to be studied. Gellert nodded at her appreciatively, catching Lucius Malfoy's renewed interest in her at the impressive display of magic. It seemed even Draco was too impressed to be disgruntled; although it probably helped that he had been transfigured into a very impressive animal indeed.

An elf arrived to let him know that his guests had arrived at their meeting point and he made his excuses, apparating out with a pop and leaving the Malfoys and Hermione discussing advanced transfiguration.

He arrived to find an elderly woman, who was supported by her much younger children. A pair of siblings, perhaps twins by their similarities. He had assumed there had been children by the pair at Hogwarts, but hadn't realised just how many of them there were.

'Gellert Grindelwald.' The woman croaked, shrugging off the support of her children.

'Asterope.' He replied, a strange warmth swelling in him at seeing her alive again.

'I spent a long time in Azkaban for your cause Gellert Grindelwald.' She laughed, because he knew that she had actually gotten of fairly lightly if she had managed to bear children.

'Not as long as I.' He waved his hand, an image of the derelict Nurmengard appearing in the air. Asterope cackled.

'I knew you would come for us when I saw your escape in the papers.'

'The time was not right.'

'And now it is? I hear you have allied with that muggle loving fool Albus Dumbledore.' Her two children shared her sneer.

'He is a means to an end. Better to be the welcomed saviours than the feared aggressors. Albus Dumbledore won't even know what has happened when we take control.' He reassured. 'Voldemort is a fool who will sooner destroy us all than achieve our aims.'

Asterope nodded in agreement, sending a fearsome scowl in the direction of her offspring.

'My children are no less fools. I warned them when that fool first rose to power that he was no you. They did not listen, and now they are little more than slaves. Some fate for our noble bloodline.' Her voice was as venomous as he remembered it being, and it was clear that beneath her age she was as efficient and dedicated as she always had been.

'Your family is already spoken for?' He asked, not needing to fake the sorrow in his tone. Asterope would have been a fearsome ally to regain.

'We have heard rumours that you have managed to deactivate the dark mark.' She said carefully and he nodded. 'Then the Carrow family is spoken for. We fight for the Greater Good once more.'

'That is good to hear.' He agreed.

'Then we really must be off. These two have years of foolishness to make up for, perhaps by gathering some valuable information for you. Besides, the children are home for Christmas.' Asterope held out her wand hand imperiously, and the sister darted forwards to take it. The brother gently took her other hand and they disappeared with a snap.