She awakened to the sound of birds calling. Stretching, she retrieved the bread and fruit she had packed and breakfasted. Afterwards, she pulled out her maps and sketches, setting in her mind the location of the Malfoy Manor. Once she was satisfied she knew where to find it, she bundled all of her belongings, including her wand, and hid them under one of the floorboards in the tack room. She also included a note telling where to send her things if they were discovered or if she was killed or captured. Finally, she took a deep breath and transformed.
She blinked as she left the darkness of the barn, a soft wind stirring her mane. She closed her eyes and swiveled her ears until she located the sound of the herd. Snorting, she opened her eyes and reared, ready to fulfill her duty. The wind was no match for her as she galloped toward her equine friends.
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Remus rushed downstairs, his eyes wide.
"What is it?" Arthur asked.
"She's gone!" Remus said in shock. "She seemed all right yesterday." He handed Arthur Andaxia's letter. Tonks, Shacklebolt, and Bill crowded around as he read:
My friends,
By now you have discovered my absence. I am sorry I did not tell you I was leaving, but I know you would have stopped me. It was my fault I wasn't there to stop Sirius, whatever you may say, and therefore it is because of me he is gone. This makes the second time I was not there to protect a loved one and I will not allow it to happen again. It falls upon me to do my job as a spy correctly.
I have joined the wild horse herd that roams the woods and meadows surrounding the Malfoy Manor and the Death Eater meeting ground I used to watch. Please do not come after me – to do so would put both myself and my "rescuers" at risk. I am planning on infiltrating the Malfoys; Lucius showed an interest in me when I appeared before them the day I was attacked. Doing so will give me an unprecedented way of gathering important information for our cause.
Please watch over each other. I will contact you again when I learn something. You have been such terrific friends and it has been an honor to know you.
In love and friendship,
Andaxia
The group was silent as Arthur folded the letter. "So she has become a rogue," Shacklebolt noted. "May she remain safe."
"I am contacting Dumbledore," Arthur simply said. "Are you okay?" he asked Remus, who still looked stricken. Remus slowly nodded. Without further word, Arthur strode out, Bill following.
"Sirius, wherever you are, please watch over our friend," Remus murmured. Looking upwards, he whispered, "Andaxia, I pray you really know what you're getting into. Stay safe."
