Minerva released Hermione's lips and brushed her thumb over them before pulling back to meet her eyes. "Mmm, you are full of surprises, lass. Tell me, how much Scots Gaelic do you know?"

Hermione smiled coyly as she brought her hand up to adjust her lover's hair, "I know a bit." Leaning in, "'l'll share some more of what I know when we're alone."

Minerva let out one of her rare rich laughs, which turned the heads at the table in their direction. Grabbing her young lover's hand, she led them to join the others, murmuring, "I can't wait."

They each grabbed a small plate of vegetables and a cup of stew, sat down and tucked in. Before too long, the doors opened and the remaining Weasleys and Fleur strode in, each with their own look of resolve.

As they moved to sit, George spoke first, "Right then, what's the plan? Any idea where our prat brother may have sent our mum?"

Seeing Minerva had just taken a bite, Angelina wrapped her arm around her good friend and squeezed, "McGonagall has a lead on a secret place of Bellatrix's in London. The plan is for you, Gin, and Chuck to go with her and Granger to see if your mum is there. Potter, Longbottom, Shacklebolt, and I will go see if Dumbledore's really at the Veil in the Department of Mysteries. And Hagrid, Luna, Flitwick, and Fleur will stay and guard Hogwarts."

Minerva smiled and inclined her head at Angelina, "Thank you, dear." Looking at the newcomers' faces to get a measure of how they received the plan, the only one who seemed hesitant was Fleur. "Fleur, would you prefer a different assignment?"

Fleur met her gaze, "Would I prefer? Yez, but I will stick to ze plan. Four is not many to hold ze castle if there is trouble."

Minerva nodded, "Thank you, Fleur, however you won't be that alone. The other professors will still be here. Filius, please fill them in after we've departed. Neville, would you please fetch Madame Pomfrey? I'd like to discuss what we should take with us to help Molly."

Turning her head away from the table, "Elspeth, would you mind retrieving the remaining crystallised Unicorn tears from the Manor please?" Elspeth popped into view and handed her the pearl, "Already ahead of ya, Minnie, I kept it on me person just in case." Winking at Hermione, she vanished.

"Wow," Hagrid exclaimed, leaning his big form forward to get a closer look, "I've ne'er seen Unicorn tears crys'alized like tha' be'fore!"

Minerva smiled fondly at him, "Neither had I, Hagrid. It was a collaborative effort between the Unicorn and a Clabbert."

Hagrid's bushy eyebrows shot up, "Ya mean to tell me a feisty ole Clabbert and a Unicorn worked together makin' tha'? Crikey, tha's somethin'. How'd ya get it?"

Hermione swelled with gratitude once again for the precious healing gift. Minerva shot her lover a warm glance and answered with a touch of finality to prevent further questions, "It was a gift."

Hagrid nodded, "And a mighty fine gift tha' is, I'm glad you'll have it wit ya. Unicorn tears can cure mos' any'tin."

Just then, Poppy Pomfrey came bustling through the doors gesticulating, "Oh my heavens, Mister Longbottom just filled me in on the situation with Molly. Making deliberate eye contact with each Weasley, including Fleur, "I'm so sorry, loves." Looking up at Minerva, "How can I help, Minerva?"

"Percy said they needed blood from Molly, unwillingly given. He made it seem like it would not be a large amount, but we're neither dealing with medical professionals nor decent decorum here. Could you send us off with a few blood cleaning and restoring potions? I believe you have Molly's blood details on file, yes?"

Poppy drew her wand and murmured a long incantation. Words and diagrams erupted from in a scrolling fashion as she squinted catching the moving lines. "Alright, looks as though George and Ginny share Molly's blood characteristics. One of you, please come here." Ginny was closest, and she stepped forward, extending her arm in anticipation. Poppy touched the tip of her wand to the crook of Ginny's elbow, a little flash of light and a suspended bubble of red was floating magically tethered to Poppy's wand. With her free hand, she fished out a two vials from her robe pockets. Handing them to Neville, "Hold those steady, dear."

Neville took one in each hand. Poppy wordlessly swished her wand and the blood sphere split into two then found their separate ways into a vial. Tapping the glass edges, she began murmuring quickly. Each filled about three-quarters of the way up. Reaching into her other pocket she pulled another bottle. Unscrewing the top to reveal a pipet, she put two drops of thick black liquid into each. Carefully stowing that away, she fished out two lids and topped the now mahogany coloured vials. Passing them to Minerva, she sighed, "These'll tide her over until you can get her to me or Mungos. If she isn't responsive to these, I'm afraid you'll have to hex her with 'Petrificus Totalis' to slow the blood flow and transport her immediately."

"Thank you, Poppy. Please ready your receiving table for any eventuality,"

Nodding gravely, Poppy turned and hustled from the room, already muttering incantations.

"Alright, clan, since there are more of us than I can apparate to London at once, I'm going to make a portkey to take us. Feel free to use the loo or grab any essentials. Plan to leave in five minutes." Hermione moved off to check her laptop and the Weasleys made their way to the WC.

Turning to those remaining, "Kingsley, I recommend leaving soon as well in case you meet any resistance at the MInistry."

"Yes, I was thinking the same thing. We have to assume that Percy has since alerted our enemies to all the information from the day. So even if Albus' message is legitimate and he is there, we may meet ill company."

Nodding, Minerva added, "If you do see Albus, would you mind telling him..." She looked over to the new fifth house table and back to the deep walnut eyes of the acting Minister of Magic, "his prediction that the school would expand came to pass, and that the inscription on the gate now says 'Hogwarts, School of Magic'? I think he'd rest well knowing that."

In a low voice, "Of course, and should he ask, may I tell him it was Hermione?"

Smiling softly, she shook her head, "There is no need, he predicted that too. It wasn't exactly the timeline he imagined but there you have it."

Kingsley's handsome face broke into a wide grin, "Of course he did. I do hope he's there. I miss him, even though he drove me mad. And still seems intent on doing so."

Minerva huffed out a laugh, "I feel the same."

Addressing Harry and Filius, "On top of everything, we have three Hogwarts elves that have gone missing: Wegby, Bilm, and Pitts. I have Wazel taking the lead in collecting clues." Turning her head slightly, "Wazel, dear," And with a pop the energetic old elf appeared.

"Hiya Minnie, the only news I has is Winky said Pitts and Bilm were talkin about Mister Albus at lunch yesterday. She dinnae hear whats exactly, just caught his name a few times."

"Thank you, Wazel, that is really helpful. Please pass on my thanks to Winky." Turning back to Harry, "Be on the lookout for them, won't you Harry? Perhaps they are helping Albus."

"Of course," Harry replied, his mind going to Dobby as his heart slid over the familiar sorrow.

Kingsley cleared his throat, "Alright then, you lot who are with me, let's head out." Looking at Minerva, "Can we agree to communicate via Coin on all channels whatever we find?"

With a firm nod she agreed, "Yes, and if one party hasn't checked in by 20:00, we shall coordinate rescue efforts. I'll send a patronus with our location once in London."

With a responding head tilt, he spun on his heel and strode from the hall, prompting Neville, Harry, and Angelina to scoot after him without further word.

Minerva moved over to where Hermione was working on her computer, "Any progress here, love?"

Hermione sighed, "Not as much as I would like, but at least the UK is back online, which I think for our purposes should be sufficient for the moment. I just wish I could get the US servers functioning, but I'll keep this running while we're gone and hopefully it will resolve before we return."

Squeezing her lover's shoulder, "Well done, Hermione. Now, would you mind replacing our Order Coins before we go while I create our portkey to London?"

Hermione nodded and moved her laptop to the centre of the table. Withdrawing a galleon from her pocket, she began the process of incanting the communication web, then the matter transference web necessary to enable it as a portkey, removing Percy's signature as she did so.

Minerva grabbed an unused serving spoon from the table for her purposes. Closing her eyes, she conjured the memory from more than twenty years ago. It wasn't too hard as she had already ruminated on that day just a few hours prior.

After bidding Patricia goodnight outside the bar, Minerva put her hands in her pockets and turned to head in the direction of her brother, Argus' flat. Feeling a piece of parchment she didn't remember having in her left pocket, she pulled it out.

In case you find your courage, 28 Bedford St.

Huffing out a laugh and smirking, she had to hand it to Bellatrix for her persistence. It reminded her of the young eager student she had been in her third year trying to convince Minerva to consider her for a Transfiguration Apprenticeship post passing her NEWT in four years time. Damn that Riddle for poisoning her mind. Could this be her reaching out for help? I'd never forgive myself if I had the opportunity to help reverse her course and refused. She looked again at the address and made her decision, turning around, she walked toward the night bus stop that would take her to the right borough.

Upon arriving she took in the understated elegance of the white slat and brick exterior. There were even flower boxes in the upper floor windows.

"Well well well, I didn't think you'd show, Professor," came a familiar sultry voice from the slightly ajar cherry red front door.

"Quite honestly, I wasn't sure myself," came Minerva's reply. "May I come in?"

The door opened wider and Minerva climbed the three steps to the threshold. Crossing, she met the sharp, observant eyes of Bellatrix, who waved her in and shut the door quietly. Minerva removed her outer cloak and hung it alongside her hosts on a quite modern sculptural coat rack. Taking a look around, she found the rest of the decor to be equally minimalistic and tasteful.

"You have a lovely home, Miss Lestrange."

"Oh come off it, you know I hate that name. I'm a Black, through and through, but you may call me Bellatrix, if I may call you Minerva."

Smiling kindly, "You may, Bellatrix."

Bellatrix stalked up to her guest, invading her personal space much like she had done in the bar earlier. "Why did you come, MInerva?" Holding her ground, Minerva answered honestly, "I came because I would like to restore our relationship. As teacher and student. Apprentice with me, Bellatrix. You have a beautiful mind, and I miss it." Bellatrix's eyes lit up in surprise and Minerva saw a hint of that young ambitiousness she remembered, before a shadow passed over her face and she scowled and moved away. "I'm afraid that ship has sailed, Minerva."

"And how's that, Bellatrix? I saw a flare of desire in your eyes at the mention. Whatever is preventing you, tell me, and we can work through it together."

Sighing heavily, Bellatrix leaned against the wall caving in on herself as she slid to the floor. "I went too far, Minerva. I can't even speak of what -" Before she could finish there was a loud crack from outside the front door.

"Shit, you have to go. I forgot Riddle was stopping by tonight."

"I'm not afraid of him, Bellatrix. Please don't push me away. Let me help you."

"You should be afraid, Minerva. Go. Please, we'll speak again, I promise." The sincerity in her eyes and voice was the only thing that prompted Minerva to grab her cloak and turn on the spot.

Pulling the address and visual markers into the portkey, Minerva remembered the next time she had seen Bellatrix her whole demeanour had changed and she shut down, quite rudely, any further mention of the apprenticeship. It was probably after she had split her soul, damn her. Finishing the final tie on the portkey web she opened her eyes to see Hermione watching her carefully. She really doesn't miss a thing, does she? That will take some getting used to.

"Lass, so it's not a distraction for you, I'll give you the quick version. Long ago, Bellatrix happened upon me and my then lover in a London bar and propositioned me. She planted her address in my robes and upon finding it I visited her, not to take her up on her offer, but to try to sway her to be my apprentice and off the dark path."

Hermione took in the information thoughtfully, knowing Minerva had yet to take on an apprentice despite many who requested it of her, "That's quite the offer, pity she didn't take you up on it."

Minerva was taken aback at what Hermione had chosen to take from the story. Looking down at the newly created portkey, she nodded. Lifting her head to survey the hall she saw the Weasley siblings chatting with Fleur and Filius at the far end of the table. Turning back to her lover and speaking in a soft voice, "Shall we go, gradh?"

Standing from the table, Hermione grasped her lover's right hand and turned them so Minerva was facing her, away from the rest, "This is an instance where our age difference renders me unable to fully appreciate the feeling of investing so much in someone and having them reject what you so selflessly and lovingly bestowed. Mentally, I can imagine, but I want to acknowledge, regardless of my history with her, that your feelings of loss regarding Bellatrix are valid, and I'm sorry things didn't end up the way you wished for her."

Minerva's shoulders dropped a little as she closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she reopened her eyes, meeting the kind hazel ones of her young yet wise lover, "Thank you, Hermione. It was difficult. In a lot of ways you two were very similar. Alas, she made her choices and," sighing again, "well, that's that."

Hermione leaned in for a quick embrace, then slid her hands down the sides of Minerva's arms twining their fingers. "Let's go find Molly, love." Minerva nodded, squeezing her hands before releasing them. With another breath she stood taller and turned, mentally preparing herself for what may lay ahead.

Hermione stepped past her, wanting to give her lover the extra moments necessary to recalibrate. As she approached the far end of the table, Ginny, George, and Charlie all stood straighter and took on a look of readiness. Addressing them, "Alright, Minerva has made a portkey to take us to one of Bellatrix's little known residences in London. With any luck we'll find your mum there. You ready?" Three ginger heads nodded as their eyes shifted to Minerva, who came up next to Hermione holding the wooden serving spoon.

"Alright lads and lasses, this should land us on the street about ten metres south from the townhouse I remember. Upon arrival, I will cast a muffliato spell on us," meeting each Weasley's eyes, "You've been practising your sign language, yes?" Charlie and Ginny's nods were much more convincing than George's. Smirking at him, "Shocking, you and Ronald have not been practising, eh?" George smirked despite his cheeks blooming pink, glancing at Hermione, "Oy, you know what it's like to work with Ron!" Looking back at his former professor, "I can keep up, don't worry about me."

"Alright then, once we can assess safe entry to the premises, I'd like Hermione and I to enter first. Give us thirty seconds before following. Should we encounter conflict, Charlie and Ginny, I want you to avoid engaging to hunt for your mother. If you should find her, run a diagnostic spell, regardless the level of lucidity she may display. This will accomplish several things. It will confirm it is actually Molly and not someone posing as her, as well as give a picture of any damage inflicted." Handing them each a vial of the blood concoction from Poppy, "If I am nearby I will confirm her identity by scent. Now, are you sure all of you are up to going? There is no shame staying here and guarding the castle."

"I'm going," said Ginny firmly. Charlie and George piped up at the same time, "I'm in" "Let's go".

"Very well," extending the spoon between them, she glanced at Filius, "Pull the wards if you need help here, Filius." Filius nodded. "Of course, Minerva. Here, take the veritaserum flask. You never know." Pocketing the flask with a nod, she turned to her contingent,, "Grab the portkey now, clan." Four hands reached out, and upon touching the spoon, they were all pulled by their middles into a swirling vortex with only a second of stronger gravity to orient themselves to land on their feet. Minerva, catlike, touched the ground softly, without a sound, while the others made various degrees of impact and expulsions of breath. WIth a swish of Minerva's wand, the area surrounding them was silenced with the muffliato spell.

It was a temperate evening, just after dusk. The city smells of petrichor and trash bins placed along the road, an adjustment after the crisp Scottish air. Minerva motioned in the direction they should go with two fingers gesturing twice fast, ending in a circle, meaning for them to gather close. Closing ranks, they moved forward toward a stately residence. Hermione was surprised at the elegant facade, expecting a more dilapidated building. This place was important to her if she invested this level of upkeep after her passing. Glancing at her wand tip and seeing the Clabbert pustule still black, she leaned further into her observations. No lights or signs of life emanate from the windows, but she noticed the slight light shimmer above the roof of some heat escaping the chimney. Raising her arm to catch everyone's eyes she pointed to it. One by one each caught on and took on a more intentional approach.

Hermione drew up to Minerva's side as they approached the stoop. Minerva looked at her and whispered close in her ear to avoid the spell's dampening effect, "Are you capable of casting that spell you did yesterday around all of us?

Taking measure of herself, Hermione nodded. "If everyone makes contact with me, it should be fine. The slowdown effect lasts around thirty seconds and after that there is a forgetfulness charm that lasts for about a minute."

Seeing Minerva's eyebrows shoot up, she added, "I tapped into the doorway effect. You know, when your brain resets what to expect after moving through a door, often leading to forgetfulness." With no change in understanding in her lover's eyes, "It's muggle science, love, trust me."

Nodding again and for the umpteenth time that day feeling her estimation of her lover increase, she turned to signal that everyone draw in for instructions. Once all were in earshot she explained that if they hear her disembodied whisper in their ear saying "Now" to make haste to touch Hermione. After reading comprehension on the Weasley's faces, she grasped the door knob and gently turned it, finding no resistance. Glancing at her wand tip and seeing it still its neutral black, she swung the door in further. Minerva was shocked to see the same coat rack as she remembered. Crossing the threshold with Hermione at her elbow she took in the foyer. Nothing was out of place, which was unsettling in itself. We shouldn't have been able to just walk in here.

Moving carefully toward what looked to be a living room, Minerva leveraged her animagus senses, trying to detect anyone present in the residence. She was about to have them all turn around when her nostrils caught a slight whiff of Wegby the house-elf. "Elspeth, Wegby is either here or been here, can you feel him?"

"Aye Minne," came Elspeth's whisper, "I think he's below us, his signature is barely registering."

The Weasleys had waited their thirty seconds and entered, three sets of green eyes roving around the pristine modern interior. Minerva turned to face them. Making a stair stepping motion downward then a circling motion, they closed ranks again and followed her. Not knowing exactly where the basement door was, Minerva led them around the flat until they found a subtle catch in the wall panelling just past the sleek white marble kitchen counter. Pulling it, a beam of light was cast across the room then a barely audible moan was heard. Rushing down the steps Minerva was first to take in the scene, followed by Hermione.

This was no ordinary utilitarian basement, it looked to be a well loved part of the house. Warm lighting cast from ornate table lamps illuminated what looked to be a study. Books lined the walls and a large desk stood on one end of the room. Minerva immediately guided them behind a large leather sofa, where one-by-one each gasped as they saw blood splattered across the back of the couch and pooled around a prone Wegby who had a hood covering his face cinched with a metal collar. Minerva recognized the choker as an elf-magic dampening device. Releasing the muffliato spell and speaking softly, "Wegby, it's Minerva McGonagall, I'm going to remove this restraint from you now, okay? Give me just a moment." Receiving no response, she glanced at Hermione, who was already scrolling through a diagnostic chart and murmuring some healing spells. Hermione had gotten a crash course in elf biology while helping Madame Pomfrey tend to the injured elves after the battle.

Pulling her magic to her, Minerva touched her wand to the collar, "Liberatas dryadalis". A series of clicks and then with a pop a seam appeared. Gently pulling the two sides apart, she removed the face covering, then slid the collar completely off. Wegby's big eyes were squeezed shut against the light, his ears flat against his head. Minerva spoke again, "Wegby, you're safe now, and Hermione is here, tending your injuries. Can you tell us what happened here? Have you seen Molly Weasley?"

Opening his bright blue eyes, Wegby tried to speak but it came out in a rasp. "Aguamente," Hermione conjured a glass of water and helping him get into a sitting position, she handed him the cup. Drinking it all down, Wegby set down the cup and spoke in his clear timber, "Thank yous, Headmistress and Miss 'Ermione. I dunno if Molly Weasley was here. You see, I's went to meet a friend at St. Mungo's when I was captured and collared by the twins Lestrange. Theys brought me here, but the collar prevented me from hearin' or sensin' nothing. They's pricked me and prodded me and kicked me, but I don't knows why, then yous came."

Hermione spoke up, "Did you ever work for the Black family, Wegby?"

"Aye, I was Lady Narcissa's elf, but when she married Mister Malfoy, she gave me to Lady Bellatrix, since he had Dobby you see, but Lady Bellatrix never liked elves, so she gave me clothes. Master Dumbledore took me in and I've been with Hogwarts ever since." Remembering hearing that old wizarding families were afraid to blend elves in case they joined forces and revolted, Hermione processed the information swiftly and nodded. Meeting Minerva's eyes and seeing she already had come to the same conclusion she looked at the Weasley siblings, "In addition to needing her assailant's blood, your Mum's, unwillingly given, Bellatrix would need a servant to sacrifice something as well. Wegby's spleen has been removed." Looking at Wegby, "I've cauterised the internal bleeding, but you should see Madame Pomfrey, there may be enough tissue left to regrow the organ."

Minerva looked to her left, "Wazel, please take Wegby to the Hogwarts hospital wing, my dear." And with a pop both elves were gone.

Ginny spoke up, "I've run diagnostics on the blood in the room, most is Wegby's, but the splatter here on the couch is Mums." Standing, Minerva gestured around, "Alright clan, let's fan out and look for clues." Banishing the pool of blood from the floor, Minerva went around to the front of the couch and started removing the couch cushions. Hermione went to the desk. Charlie walked the perimeter of the bookcases murmuring as his wand slid across the old spines. George got closer to the blood spatter and magically cutting a square of spotted leather, he cast the affinity charm. "Good thinking, George," came Minerva's praise from above. After several seconds and nothing happening, he pocketed the square.

"Oh ho! Found something," Charlie exclaimed, and they all rushed over to see him pulling out their family clock from atop some large tomes. "So this is where it went...bloody Percy."

Looking at the hands with their family's names on it, Molly pointed to Mortal Peril ; Percy pointed to Lost ; Arthur, Ron, and Bill pointed to Home ; Ginny, George, and Charlie pointed to Working . George piped up, "Or maybe Mum just had it on her when they captured her. You know how she took to carrying it around when Ron was off with Harry and Hermione." Just as Charlie was about to respond, they noticed their three names start to move, every eye was fixed on the hands in motion, when suddenly there was a creak of a floorboard above them. Eyes and wands darting up, two tips of which were glowing red, Minerva motioned for them all to hide behind the couch as she recast the silencing spell. Hermione moved herself to be in the center and motioned for everyone to touch her. As they each laid a hand on her back, Charlie placed the clock in front of her so all could see that the three hands now joined Molly's pointed to Mortal Peril .

Harry had to trot to keep up with his three tall companions as they strode across the lobby of the Ministry. The offensive Magic is Might statue had been covered in a large tarp. Once Kingsely assumed the position of Acting Minister he had tried to have it torn asunder, but Umbridge pointed out in one of the archaic law books that only an elected Minister had the authority to erect or destroy Ministry property. However, by her own words the sculpture was in limbo since it was erected by her government while she was serving as Acting Minister. The Wizengamot, tired of their constant bickering, determined the best course of action was to just cover it until the election, due to be held in January, and pass off the decision to the newly elected Minister.

Stopping in front of the elevator, Kingsley turned and addressed the group. "If we should happen upon Umbridge or any of her cronies, let me do the talking." Cocking an eyebrow at Harry, he looked at him pointedly. Harry raised his hands with a sheepish grin, "Fine, fine."

The elevator dinged and opened to an empty car. The four released their breaths and quickly stepped inside. Kingsley spoke clearly, "Department of Mysteries" and the car lurched backwards and then plummeted down at an uncomfortable speed before slowing to a stop and opening to a pitch black hallway. With a near simultaneous "Lumos" the path was illuminated by bluish-white wand light revealing rows of doors on either side. Kingsley murmured something and an orange glow appeared about a dozen doors down to the right.

"What was that spell?" Angelina asked.

Kingsley gave her a half smile, "It's a directional revealing spell. It only works if you are a part of the warding structure. Perks of being Acting Minister, I don't get lost here anymore." Striding forward, the others followed. Stopping in front of the door, Harry cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention and pulled out a Weasley's extendable ear from his robes. Neville huffed out a laugh and whispered, "Brilliant."

Feeding it under the door they all leaned in to listen. They all startled when they heard the unique timber of young house elf, Pitts.

"Oy, when's Mister Dumbleydoo supposed to return, Bilm?"

A protracted sigh was heard, "For the lasts time, Pitts, his name is Headmaster Dumbledore, and he saids a little before twenty-hundreds didn't he? I knows yous hungry, but he asked us to stay so we're stayin'."

Harry retracted the ear with a slight smile and a racing heart. So it really is Dumbledore. Kingsley shook his head fondly and made to turn the door handle before changing his mind and knocking. "Bilm, Pitts? It's me, Acting Minister Shacklebolt. We've come to see Albus Dumbledore at the veil."

The door swung inward, "Oh 'ellos Minister, oh and 'ellos Harry, Neville, Angelina," said Bilm politely bowing at each of them. "We's was expecting Mister Weasley to come soon. Is he on his ways too?"

Kingsley replied, "We've come in his stead. Tell me, have you been helping Albus send his messages today?"

They both beamed proudly back at him nodding. Bilm answered for them,"Aye, Headmaster's portrait in the kitchen asked me to come here to meet him at the Veil, and well, Pitts overheard and so he's here too, since he can't keeps his mouth shuts for too long and Headmaster told me to keep it secrets. It's not my faults Pitts was hidin' eatin' puddin' nearsby."

"Oy, Mister Dumbleydoo said it was fine that I's here, so give it's a rest will ya." Pitts said geticulating his arms, "Nows, any of yous have food? I's starvin'!

A disembodied gravely sound made everyone turn, Harry being the only one who recognized the sound as Kreacher's laugh. Before anyone could comment there was a pop and two bowls of yellow curry were on the floor in front of the elves.

"Ah, Kreacher, thank yous!" exclaimed Pitts as he slurped up the food. Bilm shook his head at his young companion, "These born free elves, I tell ya, they have no idea what it was like to wait for food."

"I didn't know Kreacher was with us," stated Kingsley evenly.

Harry gave a half smile, "Uh yeah, Minerva asked him to keep a low profile and stay close today while we were sorting out who the mole was and all that." Turning to where he thought the elf might be, "Thank you for bringing them food, Kreacher. You can be visible now if you'd like."

A low voice grumbled slowly, "With all due respects, I'd rather be invisible." Smiling at his introverted friend's preference, "Very well, Kreacher." Looking at the two elves devouring their meals, Bilm having given in and eating his bowl with just as much gusto as Pitts, Harry wondered just how exactly they had written those notes. Once they were finished he asked as much.

"Oy, it was fascinatin' really, 'Arry," said Pitts, "Dumbleydoo can't come through the veil you see, so he has us pop over parchment and ink with our elf magic into his hand and then pop it back through."

Angelina was the first to respond, "Blimey! I didn't know elf magic could cross the veil." Looking at Harry, Neville, and Kingsley, she asked, "Did you all?" Met with unanimous head shakes, she looked toward Bilm, "You lot are incredible. I hope with the new house at Hogwarts, we get to learn more about your type of magic." Seeing their confused faces, "Oh right, you were already here when that happened. You'll see, when you get back to Hogwarts. Anyway, has anyone else been by while you've been holding court?"

Just then a cat patronus appeared speaking to Kingsley in Minerva's voice, "We are in the basement of 28 Bedford Street, London. We found Wegby injured, and Molly's blood. Unknown enemy on approach, may require assistance. Standby. If you don't hear from either me or Hermione in 15 minutes, come at once."

Two distinct sets of footsteps made themselves known on the basement steps, "I hate runnin' errans, Amycus. Why they dinnea just take the elf wit them in the first place is beyon' me." the surly voice of Alecto Carrow grumbled. "Yeah," came her brother's reply, "I had a feelin' it wunnea work, bein' as she gave the elf clothes. Not really a servant then, eh? Beats me why they insist on tryin' again."

Hermione pictured the stairs in her mind and when the sounds of the steps reached what she expected to be the bottom, she pulled her magic to her, put the tip of her wand on the floor and cast her spell, "Doorwallia Momentum Reducto" A strong wave of light burst from around those who were in contact with her. After a moment she risked peaking above the couch. Sure enough the Carrows were not quite frozen in time at the base of the stairs.

"It worked," she looked to Minerva who immediately rose and strode toward the pair, who's eyes flared in recognition and frustration at their paralyzation. Removing her flask she deposited three drops of veritaserum in each mouth. Hermione was right behind her and deposed them of their wands. Charlie, George and Ginny were standing behind the couch mouths agape at the scene.

"Blimey, 'Mione, how'd ya do that?" came the wonderfilled voice of George. Charlie came around and asked, "How long do we have before they snap out of it?" Watching as they were still slowly moving in the direction they had been, just in extreme slow motion.

Hermione cast a body-binding spell just as she answered, "About now." Looking back at Minerva, she added, "They're not going to remember what they were doing here for about a minute, but their mid to long term memory should be intact."

Minerva nodded, glancing at the now squirming siblings, released the bind on their mouths only, "Tell me, where is Molly Weasley?"

Alecto made a hocking sound and Minerva gracefully took a step to the left to avoid a mass of spit hurled in her direction. "Now now, Alecto, answer me."

Face contorting, the witch had no choice, "Probably dead by now." Minerva pressed, "Where, exactly is Molly Weasley?"

Amycus blurted, "She's at the Malfoy's." Minerva pointed her wand straight up murmuring. A silvery wisp escaped, letting her people know she alerted Kingsley of the new information.

"Let's go get Molly, clan." And with that they moved around the bound witch and wizard and climbed the stairs. As the Carrows began to protest, five wands produced the same silencing spell at once, blasting them off their feet, immobilised and silent on the floor.