Minerva had never liked the taste of polyjuice potion. Nor did she like how the change it induced felt, but it was a necessary evil in this case. Something to be endured, no more. Once the writhing of her insides had faded, she looked into the mirror and saw Poppy staring back at her, wearing the dress Aurelius had sent earlier that day. "Well, that is a good thing." The voice that emerged was Poppy's. "At least the dress fits now."

"Min, come out and let me see," Alastor called through the bedroom door. Minerva opened the door to see Alastor waiting for her. He took in her appearance and nodded. "Just like Poppy, except for one thing."

She raised an eyebrow. "What is that?"

"This." He held up a poppy necklace. "Poppy always wears it."

She nodded, remembering when Alastor had given it to Poppy. "Of course."

"May I?" he asked, gesturing with the necklace. She nodded again and turned her back to him. He fastened it around her neck and resisting the urge to let his hands rest on her bare shoulders for a moment. She wasn't Poppy, even if she looked it. "I put an eavesdropping charm on it again, only it's transmitting to Stew, Griff, and I instead of Aurelius. Stew will be near the back door of the Viper's Den, I'll be near the front door, and Griff will be near the basement doors. We'll all be Disillusioned. If you need help, just say phoenix, all right?"

She nodded a third time, feeling as if butterflies had taken up residence in her stomach. "Yes, Alastor."

"One more thing," he held her in place. "Poppy isn't as 'stiff' as you are, try to relax a little."

"Right, of course." Minerva took a deep breath and Alastor released her shoulders. At least Poppy was safe at Fianna's cottage with Fianna, Loupe, and Rremly. Alastor and Minerva had both thought it best that Poppy not remain at her home that evening. Since Fianna had been dreaming about this all the while, dreaming about a dark figure haunting her friend's every step, it had not been difficult to situate Poppy at her cottage. They'd been lucky in not having to explain everything.

Alastor helped her into the cloak that matched the dress, this time a deep blood red, and kissed her forehead. Tapping the top of his head with his wand, he completely blended in with his surroundings, within moments, and Minerva could only see him if she watched for movement. "I'll see you." With a soft 'pop', she knew he was gone.

Taking another deep breath, Minerva apparated to the Viper's Den. It was as darkly impressive as she remembered. Reaching into her pocket to assure herself that the vial of extra polyjuice potion was secure in her pocket, Minerva stepped forward and rang the doorbell. After only a short wait, the door opened to reveal Aurelius Moody, a cold smirk on his face. "You've returned to me. I presume then that my dear little brother was not successful in winning you back? I'm quite flattered." Minerva bit her tongue, knowing Poppy would have kept silent rather than dare antagonize Aurelius and, thus, risk her friends' lives. He beckoned her inside and she allowed him to slip the cloak from her, his fingers grazing the bared skin of her shoulders. She fought down a shudder of revulsion, wishing the dress was more modest. When he had hung the cloak in the closet, he turned back to admire how the dress fit. She struggled with the urge to fold her arms over her chest. "Ah, my dear, you are quite lovely." He took one of her hands and kissed the back of it. "It's a pity it's wasted on my dear little brother."

He might as well have called his brother worthless, with the way his tone changed at the end of that statement, Minerva thought as he led her into the dining room. The candles were lit in the candelabra, blood red roses arranged around the table, which was complete with goblets of wine. So far, so good. This is exactly what she described their first evening to be like.

He held her chair out for her, leaning in close to her when she'd seated herself, his lips close to her ear, "I'm glad I was able to stop by and see your place of work, not to mention meeting your co-workers. That Theodosia," he let the name linger on his lips for a moment, as if tasting it, "is quite lovely."

Minerva already knew of his having visited Poppy, as she'd tried vehemently to dissuade them from their plan, fearing that he'd see right through the Polyjuice as he'd used it himself. However, Alastor and Minerva had been adamant, they'd continue with the plan. He may have used it, but he'd certainly not expect for them to use it, particularly after Aurelius' visit to Poppy where he'd admitted to using it. It'd be too obvious, and therefore sure to be overlooked by Aurelius, Alastor pointed out.

Now however, Minerva kept her expression neutral as she sat down, drawing in her breath with a hiss as his hands grazed her shoulders once more. "Indeed, I am glad you enjoyed your visit." She responded, the words heavy on her tongue, heavy with the tongue lashing she sorely wished she could unleash upon him. Aurelius glanced at her long and hard before moving around the table to his own seat. Minerva then realized she ought to have stayed silent. How had Poppy managed this? Had she simply refused to speak throughout the whole affair?

The dinner was almost exactly like the one Poppy had described, the only difference being the fact that Minerva managed to sneak a sip of the polyjuice potion before her time was up. When Aurelius had finished, the plates vanished, leaving behind the wine. Minerva had taken no more than a few tiny sips, preferring to have a clear head. "Such a lovely evening with likewise company. Pleasant wouldn't you agree?"

She took a moment to answer, recalling Poppy's mannerisms as best she could. "Yes, pleasant." Rather than tap the wizarding phonograph with his wand as she expected, he took her by the hand and began to lead her from the room. She resisted. "Where are we going?" Minerva asked him, keeping her feet rooted, not moving along with him. "You'll see," he told her, tugging painfully at her arm. "It's a surprise."

With a powerful yank, he managed to overcome her resistance and she had no choice except to stumble along behind him. I don't like this at all. They descended into the basement and Minerva stifled a gasp of horror. He intended to keep her prisoner. It's now or never, I can't let him do this. Whipping out her wand, she fired a Banishing Charm at him. The charm caught him by surprise, but he recovered in time to duck the Stunning Spell she sent his way. A short, but intense, duel followed. "Give it up, Aurelius."

"You're not Poppy." It was more of a statement than a question. "She doesn't fight."

She sneered, even as they continued to duel. "Well, you managed to figure that out at least."

"Who are you, then?" he asked conversationally as he ducked another Disarming spell. "Fianna? Minerva? Stewart? Certainly not the werewolf, Rremly. Perhaps, my darling brother?"

She arched a sardonic eyebrow. "Do you really think I would give that away?"

"No, you wouldn't," he mused, dodging another Stunning Spell. "Really, couldn't you be more creative?"

She barely managed to cast a Shield Charm in time to protect herself from a jet of flame. "Oh, I can, but why should I waste that creativity on a bastard like you?"

"My, my, such language." His Blasting Charm caught her full in the chest, slamming her into the wall behind her. "Well, as amusing as this has been, I can see that it would be wise to depart." He gave a deep, mocking bow as she struggled to her feet. "Until we meet again, whomever you are."

Before she could cast an Anti-Apparation Jinx, Aurelius had disappeared with a loud crack. Wincing, she made her way up to the entrance hall of the Viper's Den, anxious to get away. Grabbing the cloak from the hall closet, she pulled it around herself as she left the building. She felt rather than saw Alastor assist her with the cloak. "Thank you, Alastor."

"You're welcome, Minerva." He replied sounding worried. "Are you all right?" She waved off his concern as she drew the cloak tight around herself. "I'm fine, Alastor. He just caught me by surprise."

"Right," Stewart's skeptical voice sounded from somewhere to the right. "We'd better get moving. There's no telling where that bastard is now."

"I'm with Stewart," Griffith's voice sounded then, "he could be anywhere."

Minerva nodded and, mustering her strength, apparated to Fernside. Even as Poppy's home materialized around her, she felt the polyjuice potion's effect wearing off. Making a noise of frustration, she Transfigured the dress into something more modest and watched as Alastor and Stewart appeared in front of her, both looking worried, Griffith not far behind them. "I'm getting Poppy."

"Alastor, no." She didn't want Poppy fussing over her, but her protest was too late. He'd already tossed some Floo powder on the fire and stuck his head into it. She could hear his voice, but couldn't make out what he was saying. By the time he withdrew and stood up, Poppy had appeared with a crack. "Really, there is no need to fuss."

Ignoring her friend's protests, Poppy herded Minerva over to the chaise and had her sit down. "The least I can do is make sure there's no lasting damage." She said firmly, with a level gaze aimed at Minerva.

"Poppy, I can take care of myself," Minerva objected as Poppy cast a Diagnostic charm. "Really, there's no need--"

"You've just returned from the serpent's pit and you tell me there's no need? Minerva, do kindly sit back and deal with a friend's concern, as you should know what it's like. If not for your concern for me, you'd not even have had to see the likes of that place." Poppy cut in, her voice tinged with a bit of anger and pain, aimed more at the situation rather than at Minerva.

Minerva sighed, conceding that there was no point in arguing with Poppy. It was over quickly enough, in any case. "It seems you'll just be a little sore from that Blasting Charm. I have something for that," Poppy murmured, looking pleased there had been no real and lasting damage. She conjured up a little tin of creme, handing it to Minerva. "Now, I must know, he escaped didn't he?"

"Yes, unfortunately, he did," Minerva replied, setting the tin in her lap so she could remove the necklace and offer it to Poppy. "I believe this is yours?"

Poppy frowned at the thought of Aurelius' escape, but accepted the necklace with a grateful smile, even if there was a slight tremble in her hand. "Thank you, Minerva."

"You're welcome, Poppy," Minerva replied, watching as Alastor wordlessly took the necklace, ended the Eavesdropping Charm on it, and fastened it around Poppy's neck.

He rested his hands on Poppy's shoulders when he finished and she unconsciously leaned into him. A lump forming in her throat, Minerva looked down at the tin in her lap. She was glad her friends were together at last, but the sight of them together made her long for the same closeness, with one who was far away at the moment. "That was quite a duel there, Min," Griffith commented, breaking the silence.

"Don't call me Min," she answered automatically, struggling to regain her composure.

Alastor chuckled softly. "Min, we need to report that we know for certain who 'Natrix' is."

"Alastor, I told you not to call me that," Minerva answered sharply, carefully rising to her feet.

One arm sliding around Poppy's waist from behind, he wagged a finger at her. "And you need to give that a rest."

"Must you go?" Poppy asked, turning in Alastor's embrace to look up at him.

He nodded, resting his forehead against hers. "Yes, Poppy, we must."

Poppy nodded reluctantly, apparently steeling herself for quite the restless night's sleep. Her gray eyes were tinged with worry. "How do we know that he won't come back from wherever he'd disappeared off to? How do we know he won't k-harm any of you, or the others?" She asked, her voice heavy.

It was Griffith who spoke then. He gave Poppy a sad sort of smile. "Trouble is we don't, and we can guarantee nothing. We'll be fine, but if you wish, I can tell everyone else to be on the alert and perhaps perform a ward or two on their residences?" He offered, hoping to assuage her worry.

"Aye, and I can also have our friend Bella come here and stay the night to keep an eye on things if you wish," Stewart chimed in, "Though, I'll be staying here in any case, as someone has to lull you to sleep with 'God Save The Queen' you know."

Barely smiling the smallest of smiles, Poppy nodded assent. "I thank you, all of you for your help. 'Constant Vigilance,' all right?" she responded.

"Of course, Poppy," Alastor assured her with a chuckle. "I'll come by in the morning before I go to work."

Her smile brightening slightly, she tilted her chin up slightly to kiss him softly and whisper something Minerva couldn't hear. He whispered something back and looked at the others. "Shall we go?"

"Yes." Minerva rose easily to her feet and walked over to her friend. "Do not worry, Poppy. We can take care of ourselves, all of us."

Poppy hugged Minerva tightly. "I'll still worry, and you know it, Minerva McGonagall."

"I would be surprised if you did not, Poppy." Minerva hugged her friend back and, looking at Alastor, nodded. He nodded back and they had apparated from Fernside with simultaneous pops. They took care of business at the Ministry and Alastor saw Minerva to her flat. "Take care, Minerva. Thank you for your help."

"There is no need for that, Alastor," she answered firmly. "I wanted to help."

"I know." He kissed her forehead and she slipped into her flat. Sighing, she cast protective wards and made her way to the bedroom to begin getting ready for bed. It had been a long evening, but well worth the effort to make sure Aurelius Moody would not be bothering Poppy, or anyone, for a long time.