Chapter One
Lady Sophia Aydin leaned back into the comfortable seat of her Bentley and took a little time to admire the ease with which Montgomery maneuvered the limo through London's morning traffic. She felt a familiar tingle on the back of her neck and grimaced.
Her old family talent was making an appearance, she thought. Over the years, Lady Aydin learned to trust that little tingle. Her families' talent for sensing magic and feeling its currents was the reason a one of its members had served as an advisor to the rulers of Britton for nearly two millennia.
She last felt a tingle like this five and half years ago. About a month before the London headquarters for the Watchers Council exploded, followed a few months later by Sunnydale, home to the worlds oldest and most active Hellmouth, turning into a giant sinkhole and somehow dozens, if not hundreds, of Slayers suddenly appearing around the world. Her people had not been in any position to aid in whatever supernatural battle had been fought over those months. But in its aftermath the world changed.
And now that same feeling returned. Somewhere in the world forces gathered, the magical currents, the balance on which the world rested, shifted. Lady Aydin knew what that tingle meant. The world was readying itself for another change. She just hoped this time her people would be able to help. She knew where to start. She mentally reviewed her responsibilities for the day trying to find the time she needed.
The Bentley made a sharp turn into an underground parking garage. Lady Aydin felt the familiar presence of the buildings protective wards. Montgomery showed the duty guard his pass. The guard waved them forward and Montgomery drove the car to it's reserved parking space.
As she stepped out of the Bentley and made her way to entrance Lady Aydin turned to Montgomery.
"I should only be about hour Monty. Please cancel my appointment at the club this afternoon."
Montgomery maintained his solid composure, "Consider it done My Lady. May I inquire as to your new plans for the afternoon?"
"I believe I need to spend some meditating."
After long years of experience, Montgomery knew what his charge meant. "As you wish," he stated, turned and headed back to car to make the necessary arrangements.
Lady Aydin handed her pass card to the guard at the security desk and signed in. The guard swiped the card to verify her clearance and doubled checked the signature on the sign in sheet. After a quick retinal scan she entered building housing the Special Projects division of MI5.
-----
It was a typical looking conference room. A large table, capable of seating 15 people (although only six were present), dominated the room. Signs that the room had been retrofitted over the years to keep up with changing technologies abounded (the most obvious being the large plasma screen and assorted wiring for a teleconference/presentation system at the room's far end). The upgrades included devices to block electronic eavesdropping in addition to some odd, at least to average person, changes to prevent magical surveillance.
Lady Aydin entered the room in full stride and quickly scanned the faces of those assembled, gauging the mood and making a quick decision on how to proceed. She took her seat at the head of the table and began the meeting.
"Good morning everyone," there were nods and murmurs of "morning" from around the table. "I have a meeting scheduled at 10 Downing with the Prime Minister in two hours. I therefore ask that we skip the preliminaries today. I reviewed the weekly packet so I am up to speed on most esoteric activities, all I need this morning are the highlights or anything new that developed over the weekend." Lady Aydin nodded to the opposite side of the table, "Sir Ian, why don't you begin?"
Director Ian Buford, head of MI5's Special Projects division, looked every bit the English gentleman, right down the once auburn, now white, mustache. He spent the past 40 years in the intelligence business. The first twenty- five matching wits with the KGB in counter-intelligence and the last fifteen trying to figure out the far more interesting and confusing world of the supernatural. The past eleven of those years had been spent reporting to Lady Aydin after she took over the post of "Special" advisor to the Prime Minister from her aging uncle.
In those eleven years Sir Ian had learned to read his superior's mood quite well, despite the well-practiced calm demeanor she displayed. Lady Aydin always preferred a thorough briefing, even when pressed for time. Her abruptness at starting the meeting and her desire to end it quickly told the Director that his superior had other things on her mind. Knowing a little of her families talents he could guess the reason for her somewhat odd behavior.
"My Lady," he nodded in her direction. "There was an incident this weekend. A museum in Wales was robbed late Saturday night and a guard murdered. It seems from initial reports that the perpetrators used magic. I'd say they were wand wielders. Ms Sinclair along with agent Grayden left yesterday morning to investigate. They should be reporting in", he glimpsed at his watch, " about an hour."
"What makes you so certain this was a magical attack and that it was carried out by wizards?" Lady Aydin inquired.
"First, the lack of any visible means for the criminals to enter or exit the museum," He replied. "The other guards on duty heard loud popping noises before the assailants appeared and disappeared. Sounds consistent with apparation. Second, the museums security cameras only failed in the rooms they entered. Again, consistent with the effects wand based magics have on unshielded electronics. Third, the guard killed had no visible wounds. The local coroner's initial finding was a heart attack brought on by stress. Agent Grayden will be examining the body to check for more esoteric causes. Fourth, the nature of the attack fits the pattern of increased harassment of normal citizens by members of the Wizarding community."
"This incident dovetails with my concerns about the information coming from the Wizarding community," he continued. "In particular a rather steep rise in the number of crimes that look to be caused by wizarding magic. Very few of the occurrences appear in the reports the Ministry files with us on wizard activity in the Commonwealth."
"The Ministry can't catch every instance of some wand wielder hexing people or every prank."
"True enough Talerie," replied the Director. "But they are required under the Covenant to report all known instances where a wand wielder harmed a citizen. Over the past eight months we've documented five separate instances of British citizens being hospitalized due to deliberate magical attack. We know from our agents in the Ministry that Aurors were dispatched in three of those cases and that memory charms were placed on the victims. None the incidents were reported to us even though the Aurors on the scene logged them into the Ministry's official records. No arrests were made in any those instances. In fact, the investigations seemed to have stalled before they even started."
"We only caught the other two," he continued, "because our field personnel arrived on scene before the Aurors. When they returned here to report, we detected the memory charms the Aurors placed and removed them. This is troublesome because according to our agents in the Ministry neither of these occurrences appeared on the Auror's official logs. That suggests that not only is the Ministry deliberately hiding this information from us but that elements within the Ministry are covering for whoever is committing these acts."
"You've expressed these concerns before Sir Ian," Lady Aydin replied. "We are still left with the same dilemma. Do we confront the ministry with proof of the cover-ups, jeopardizing our agents in the Ministry and revealing our ability to counter their memory charms or do we do nothing and hope Fudge and his subordinates decide to take action."
"With respect My Lady," Sir Ian replied. "There are other alternatives."
Talerie reacted with gasp. "You're not suggesting that we go after these wizards."
"If Ms Sinclair confirms this attack was carried out by wizards, as I'm certain she will, and the Ministry does not notify us of this incident, as they are required to, then they are in clear violation of the Covenant," Director Buford took a moment to look study the faces of those present. "Under the Covenant if the Ministry is found either unwilling or unable to exercise its duty to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth then we are allowed to take unilateral action to end the threat."
"It's been years since we've taken such action," Talerie replied. "Not since Riddle disappeared."
"It's Tom Riddle that I'm thinking of," the Director's tone grew more serious. "The current pattern follows very closely with the build up of attacks on, what wizards call the "muggle" world, that preceded Riddle openly declaring himself 'Lord Voldemort' and launching his terror campaign."
"You believe he is preparing to return?" asked Lady Aydin.
"I was under the impression Riddle was dead," Jerry Cromwell, liaison to the rest of British intelligence, spoke for the first time.
"I believe Dr. Marshall can best address that issue," Director Buford nodded his towards the young man.
Dr. Marshall, head of research, was in his early thirties and already considered a brilliant theoretical physicist, perhaps the next Hawking, when a few papers he had written on abstract realities had caught the attention of MI5. They managed to lure him away from offer to cross the pond and teach at Cal-Tech to serve Queen and country. It was decision he had never regretted. While most of what he studied most likely would not be published for years, if ever, he relished the opportunity to advance a field that most of the world didn't even acknowledge existed.
He straightened in his chair and began speaking in his 'teaching' voice, "As you know Riddle directed an 'Avada Kedavra' curse at Harry Potter. While the Wizarding world may believe that such a curse can not be blocked, we know from our own studies that there are in fact three principle means to deflect such a curse." He paused for moment to collect his thoughts.
"Given that he was only a year old at the time Mr. Potter could not have used one of the active methods to block the curse. That means either one or both parents sacrificed their lives to save his. Such an act would have caused the 'Death Curse' to deflect back on its castor, albeit at a greatly reduced level."
"But it was still a 'Death Curse'" wasn't it?" Cromwell asked.
"Yes, but from reviewing the files we learned that Riddle was obsessed with his own mortality, or more precisely, gaining immortality. Many of the artifacts he stole were believed to have healing properties, the ability to extended life, protective charms and other similar properties." Dr. Marshall answered. "It is fair to assume he used these items. The Orb of D'Karsh, for example, is reputed to protect its owner from very family of curses the Avada Kedavra is derived from. Riddle would have had ample protection from such a curse. He would have been weakened and, given his disappearance, most likely crippled but all the available evidence indicates a strong possibility he survived,"Marshall concluded.
"There is the added factor that the current pattern of harassment began only a few weeks after the 'Dark Mark' appeared in the sky at the Quiditch World Cup." Director Buford picked up. "If it isn't Riddle, then it is probably one of his servants making a power play. Sirius Black escaped two years ago and has not been seen since. It is possible he is behind these events in an effort to become the new 'Dark Lord'."
Director Buford was cut off when the room's intercom buzzed. "Sir, Ms Sinclair just called in," the secretary reported. "I informed her you were in the weekly briefing, but she says its imperative she speak with you immediately."
"Put her through."
"Yes Sir."
A burst of static came over of the speaker, "Director Buford?"
"Yes Ms Sinclair, I'm in the conference room briefing Lady Aydin," he replied. "We were just discussing the robbery and its implications. What do you have to report?"
"It will easier if I show you. We managed to recover several images from the museums videotape. Oh, if Dr. Marshall is there, your theory was correct, but it's going take more work to make it effective in the field." The sound of typing could be heard over the speaker. "I've uploaded the images to the server, you can access them from my public folder."
Dr. Marshall took the liberty to switch on the presentation system and pull up the necessary files. Soon three somewhat blurry images could be seen in on the room's plasma screen. Despite the poor quality all three images showed two men wearing dark robes and masks, the uniforms were very familiar given the previous conversation. In two of the pictures the men could clearly be seen wielding wands.
Director Buford spoke first, "Death Eaters."
"Yes sir," came agent Sinclair's reply over the speaker. "Agent Grayden examined the body this morning and confirmed the guard was killed with an Avada Kedavra curse."
"Have you seen any evidence of Aurors or other Ministry officials at the scene," asked Lady Aydin.
"No Ma'am. Thus far no Ministry officials have appeared."
"What exactly was taken?"
"According to curator the only item stolen was a worthless 9th century ceremonial dagger. He has no idea why anyone would want to steal it. I haven't been able to learn anything more about the dagger beyond the fact that it was bequeathed to the museum 15 years ago following the death of its owner," answered Sinclair. "I can tell you that we are not the only ones interested in finding out what was stolen."
Director Buford spoke first, "What do you mean?"
"The curator received a call from an appraiser the museum occasionally contracts with while I interviewed him. From the half of the conversation I heard he seemed very interested in finding out everything about the dagger," she responded.
"The Watchers Council employs a number of appraisers for intelligence gathering," Cromwell pointed out.
"My thinking precisely," came Ms Sinclair.
"Anything else to report Ms. Sinclair?"
"No Director Buford. Agent Grayden and I will be returning tomorrow."
"Thank you. Report to my office for a complete debriefing as soon as you arrive. Have a good flight," with that Director Buford clicked off the phone. He looked across the table in time to see his superior's face harden.
Lady Aydin took a moment to collect her thoughts. The little tingle on back of her neck returned. She remembered what happened the last time the Death Eaters walked openly. The paralysis of the Ministry and the unsolved murders of innocents. Her Uncle came within days of declaring the Covenant void. He taken steps to see that such drastic measures would not be needed. Sir Ian was correct they had far more options this time around. The tingle grew stronger and Lady Aydin made her decision.
"Whether it is Tom Riddle or one of his followers, I will not permit a repeat of thirteen years ago," Lady Aydin's voice echoed with authority. "The last time Tom Riddle assaulted the Wizarding world we were forced to sit back and watch. This time we have the power to stop this before we are left with declaring the Covenant void as our only option. Director Buford, I want you to start surveillance on suspected Death Eaters. I know it will difficult to penetrate the enclaves but take whatever means you deem necessary."
"Yes My Lady."
"Major Chisholm, I believe it is time to start retraining your men in how to combat wand wielders. Hopefully your people won't be needed, but I want to be prepared."
"Yes Ma'am."
"Agent Cromwell, since it seems the Council already shows interest in this incident, I want you make a formal request with their research branch for any information they have on the dagger that was stolen."
"I can do that, but are you sure that's wise Ma'am," responded Agent Cromwell.
"We've done a good job building trust with the new Council over last few years. I don't want our people to working at cross-purposes," she replied. "Besides, the Watchers posses the finest database on occult artifacts in the country. I'm scheduled to meet with Watcher O'Leary on Friday. I'm certain he can have answers by then."
"The Covenant prevents us from telling them about the Wizarding world," Cromwell pointed out.
"For the time being. But the main reason the Council did not get involved last time was because the two Slayers who were activated over those years were busy outside the country. By our present count 15 Slayers live in England right now. How long do you think they'll stay on the sidelines if Wizards start killing people again."
"I understand Ma'am."
"Very well. For moment we step up our surveillance but I want a plan of action to take apart the Death Eater organization. Director Buford, keep me appraised of any further developments." With that Lady Aydin took one last look around room. "I have to brief the Prime Minister and the Queen. Meeting adjourned."
Lady Sophia Aydin leaned back into the comfortable seat of her Bentley and took a little time to admire the ease with which Montgomery maneuvered the limo through London's morning traffic. She felt a familiar tingle on the back of her neck and grimaced.
Her old family talent was making an appearance, she thought. Over the years, Lady Aydin learned to trust that little tingle. Her families' talent for sensing magic and feeling its currents was the reason a one of its members had served as an advisor to the rulers of Britton for nearly two millennia.
She last felt a tingle like this five and half years ago. About a month before the London headquarters for the Watchers Council exploded, followed a few months later by Sunnydale, home to the worlds oldest and most active Hellmouth, turning into a giant sinkhole and somehow dozens, if not hundreds, of Slayers suddenly appearing around the world. Her people had not been in any position to aid in whatever supernatural battle had been fought over those months. But in its aftermath the world changed.
And now that same feeling returned. Somewhere in the world forces gathered, the magical currents, the balance on which the world rested, shifted. Lady Aydin knew what that tingle meant. The world was readying itself for another change. She just hoped this time her people would be able to help. She knew where to start. She mentally reviewed her responsibilities for the day trying to find the time she needed.
The Bentley made a sharp turn into an underground parking garage. Lady Aydin felt the familiar presence of the buildings protective wards. Montgomery showed the duty guard his pass. The guard waved them forward and Montgomery drove the car to it's reserved parking space.
As she stepped out of the Bentley and made her way to entrance Lady Aydin turned to Montgomery.
"I should only be about hour Monty. Please cancel my appointment at the club this afternoon."
Montgomery maintained his solid composure, "Consider it done My Lady. May I inquire as to your new plans for the afternoon?"
"I believe I need to spend some meditating."
After long years of experience, Montgomery knew what his charge meant. "As you wish," he stated, turned and headed back to car to make the necessary arrangements.
Lady Aydin handed her pass card to the guard at the security desk and signed in. The guard swiped the card to verify her clearance and doubled checked the signature on the sign in sheet. After a quick retinal scan she entered building housing the Special Projects division of MI5.
-----
It was a typical looking conference room. A large table, capable of seating 15 people (although only six were present), dominated the room. Signs that the room had been retrofitted over the years to keep up with changing technologies abounded (the most obvious being the large plasma screen and assorted wiring for a teleconference/presentation system at the room's far end). The upgrades included devices to block electronic eavesdropping in addition to some odd, at least to average person, changes to prevent magical surveillance.
Lady Aydin entered the room in full stride and quickly scanned the faces of those assembled, gauging the mood and making a quick decision on how to proceed. She took her seat at the head of the table and began the meeting.
"Good morning everyone," there were nods and murmurs of "morning" from around the table. "I have a meeting scheduled at 10 Downing with the Prime Minister in two hours. I therefore ask that we skip the preliminaries today. I reviewed the weekly packet so I am up to speed on most esoteric activities, all I need this morning are the highlights or anything new that developed over the weekend." Lady Aydin nodded to the opposite side of the table, "Sir Ian, why don't you begin?"
Director Ian Buford, head of MI5's Special Projects division, looked every bit the English gentleman, right down the once auburn, now white, mustache. He spent the past 40 years in the intelligence business. The first twenty- five matching wits with the KGB in counter-intelligence and the last fifteen trying to figure out the far more interesting and confusing world of the supernatural. The past eleven of those years had been spent reporting to Lady Aydin after she took over the post of "Special" advisor to the Prime Minister from her aging uncle.
In those eleven years Sir Ian had learned to read his superior's mood quite well, despite the well-practiced calm demeanor she displayed. Lady Aydin always preferred a thorough briefing, even when pressed for time. Her abruptness at starting the meeting and her desire to end it quickly told the Director that his superior had other things on her mind. Knowing a little of her families talents he could guess the reason for her somewhat odd behavior.
"My Lady," he nodded in her direction. "There was an incident this weekend. A museum in Wales was robbed late Saturday night and a guard murdered. It seems from initial reports that the perpetrators used magic. I'd say they were wand wielders. Ms Sinclair along with agent Grayden left yesterday morning to investigate. They should be reporting in", he glimpsed at his watch, " about an hour."
"What makes you so certain this was a magical attack and that it was carried out by wizards?" Lady Aydin inquired.
"First, the lack of any visible means for the criminals to enter or exit the museum," He replied. "The other guards on duty heard loud popping noises before the assailants appeared and disappeared. Sounds consistent with apparation. Second, the museums security cameras only failed in the rooms they entered. Again, consistent with the effects wand based magics have on unshielded electronics. Third, the guard killed had no visible wounds. The local coroner's initial finding was a heart attack brought on by stress. Agent Grayden will be examining the body to check for more esoteric causes. Fourth, the nature of the attack fits the pattern of increased harassment of normal citizens by members of the Wizarding community."
"This incident dovetails with my concerns about the information coming from the Wizarding community," he continued. "In particular a rather steep rise in the number of crimes that look to be caused by wizarding magic. Very few of the occurrences appear in the reports the Ministry files with us on wizard activity in the Commonwealth."
"The Ministry can't catch every instance of some wand wielder hexing people or every prank."
"True enough Talerie," replied the Director. "But they are required under the Covenant to report all known instances where a wand wielder harmed a citizen. Over the past eight months we've documented five separate instances of British citizens being hospitalized due to deliberate magical attack. We know from our agents in the Ministry that Aurors were dispatched in three of those cases and that memory charms were placed on the victims. None the incidents were reported to us even though the Aurors on the scene logged them into the Ministry's official records. No arrests were made in any those instances. In fact, the investigations seemed to have stalled before they even started."
"We only caught the other two," he continued, "because our field personnel arrived on scene before the Aurors. When they returned here to report, we detected the memory charms the Aurors placed and removed them. This is troublesome because according to our agents in the Ministry neither of these occurrences appeared on the Auror's official logs. That suggests that not only is the Ministry deliberately hiding this information from us but that elements within the Ministry are covering for whoever is committing these acts."
"You've expressed these concerns before Sir Ian," Lady Aydin replied. "We are still left with the same dilemma. Do we confront the ministry with proof of the cover-ups, jeopardizing our agents in the Ministry and revealing our ability to counter their memory charms or do we do nothing and hope Fudge and his subordinates decide to take action."
"With respect My Lady," Sir Ian replied. "There are other alternatives."
Talerie reacted with gasp. "You're not suggesting that we go after these wizards."
"If Ms Sinclair confirms this attack was carried out by wizards, as I'm certain she will, and the Ministry does not notify us of this incident, as they are required to, then they are in clear violation of the Covenant," Director Buford took a moment to look study the faces of those present. "Under the Covenant if the Ministry is found either unwilling or unable to exercise its duty to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth then we are allowed to take unilateral action to end the threat."
"It's been years since we've taken such action," Talerie replied. "Not since Riddle disappeared."
"It's Tom Riddle that I'm thinking of," the Director's tone grew more serious. "The current pattern follows very closely with the build up of attacks on, what wizards call the "muggle" world, that preceded Riddle openly declaring himself 'Lord Voldemort' and launching his terror campaign."
"You believe he is preparing to return?" asked Lady Aydin.
"I was under the impression Riddle was dead," Jerry Cromwell, liaison to the rest of British intelligence, spoke for the first time.
"I believe Dr. Marshall can best address that issue," Director Buford nodded his towards the young man.
Dr. Marshall, head of research, was in his early thirties and already considered a brilliant theoretical physicist, perhaps the next Hawking, when a few papers he had written on abstract realities had caught the attention of MI5. They managed to lure him away from offer to cross the pond and teach at Cal-Tech to serve Queen and country. It was decision he had never regretted. While most of what he studied most likely would not be published for years, if ever, he relished the opportunity to advance a field that most of the world didn't even acknowledge existed.
He straightened in his chair and began speaking in his 'teaching' voice, "As you know Riddle directed an 'Avada Kedavra' curse at Harry Potter. While the Wizarding world may believe that such a curse can not be blocked, we know from our own studies that there are in fact three principle means to deflect such a curse." He paused for moment to collect his thoughts.
"Given that he was only a year old at the time Mr. Potter could not have used one of the active methods to block the curse. That means either one or both parents sacrificed their lives to save his. Such an act would have caused the 'Death Curse' to deflect back on its castor, albeit at a greatly reduced level."
"But it was still a 'Death Curse'" wasn't it?" Cromwell asked.
"Yes, but from reviewing the files we learned that Riddle was obsessed with his own mortality, or more precisely, gaining immortality. Many of the artifacts he stole were believed to have healing properties, the ability to extended life, protective charms and other similar properties." Dr. Marshall answered. "It is fair to assume he used these items. The Orb of D'Karsh, for example, is reputed to protect its owner from very family of curses the Avada Kedavra is derived from. Riddle would have had ample protection from such a curse. He would have been weakened and, given his disappearance, most likely crippled but all the available evidence indicates a strong possibility he survived,"Marshall concluded.
"There is the added factor that the current pattern of harassment began only a few weeks after the 'Dark Mark' appeared in the sky at the Quiditch World Cup." Director Buford picked up. "If it isn't Riddle, then it is probably one of his servants making a power play. Sirius Black escaped two years ago and has not been seen since. It is possible he is behind these events in an effort to become the new 'Dark Lord'."
Director Buford was cut off when the room's intercom buzzed. "Sir, Ms Sinclair just called in," the secretary reported. "I informed her you were in the weekly briefing, but she says its imperative she speak with you immediately."
"Put her through."
"Yes Sir."
A burst of static came over of the speaker, "Director Buford?"
"Yes Ms Sinclair, I'm in the conference room briefing Lady Aydin," he replied. "We were just discussing the robbery and its implications. What do you have to report?"
"It will easier if I show you. We managed to recover several images from the museums videotape. Oh, if Dr. Marshall is there, your theory was correct, but it's going take more work to make it effective in the field." The sound of typing could be heard over the speaker. "I've uploaded the images to the server, you can access them from my public folder."
Dr. Marshall took the liberty to switch on the presentation system and pull up the necessary files. Soon three somewhat blurry images could be seen in on the room's plasma screen. Despite the poor quality all three images showed two men wearing dark robes and masks, the uniforms were very familiar given the previous conversation. In two of the pictures the men could clearly be seen wielding wands.
Director Buford spoke first, "Death Eaters."
"Yes sir," came agent Sinclair's reply over the speaker. "Agent Grayden examined the body this morning and confirmed the guard was killed with an Avada Kedavra curse."
"Have you seen any evidence of Aurors or other Ministry officials at the scene," asked Lady Aydin.
"No Ma'am. Thus far no Ministry officials have appeared."
"What exactly was taken?"
"According to curator the only item stolen was a worthless 9th century ceremonial dagger. He has no idea why anyone would want to steal it. I haven't been able to learn anything more about the dagger beyond the fact that it was bequeathed to the museum 15 years ago following the death of its owner," answered Sinclair. "I can tell you that we are not the only ones interested in finding out what was stolen."
Director Buford spoke first, "What do you mean?"
"The curator received a call from an appraiser the museum occasionally contracts with while I interviewed him. From the half of the conversation I heard he seemed very interested in finding out everything about the dagger," she responded.
"The Watchers Council employs a number of appraisers for intelligence gathering," Cromwell pointed out.
"My thinking precisely," came Ms Sinclair.
"Anything else to report Ms. Sinclair?"
"No Director Buford. Agent Grayden and I will be returning tomorrow."
"Thank you. Report to my office for a complete debriefing as soon as you arrive. Have a good flight," with that Director Buford clicked off the phone. He looked across the table in time to see his superior's face harden.
Lady Aydin took a moment to collect her thoughts. The little tingle on back of her neck returned. She remembered what happened the last time the Death Eaters walked openly. The paralysis of the Ministry and the unsolved murders of innocents. Her Uncle came within days of declaring the Covenant void. He taken steps to see that such drastic measures would not be needed. Sir Ian was correct they had far more options this time around. The tingle grew stronger and Lady Aydin made her decision.
"Whether it is Tom Riddle or one of his followers, I will not permit a repeat of thirteen years ago," Lady Aydin's voice echoed with authority. "The last time Tom Riddle assaulted the Wizarding world we were forced to sit back and watch. This time we have the power to stop this before we are left with declaring the Covenant void as our only option. Director Buford, I want you to start surveillance on suspected Death Eaters. I know it will difficult to penetrate the enclaves but take whatever means you deem necessary."
"Yes My Lady."
"Major Chisholm, I believe it is time to start retraining your men in how to combat wand wielders. Hopefully your people won't be needed, but I want to be prepared."
"Yes Ma'am."
"Agent Cromwell, since it seems the Council already shows interest in this incident, I want you make a formal request with their research branch for any information they have on the dagger that was stolen."
"I can do that, but are you sure that's wise Ma'am," responded Agent Cromwell.
"We've done a good job building trust with the new Council over last few years. I don't want our people to working at cross-purposes," she replied. "Besides, the Watchers posses the finest database on occult artifacts in the country. I'm scheduled to meet with Watcher O'Leary on Friday. I'm certain he can have answers by then."
"The Covenant prevents us from telling them about the Wizarding world," Cromwell pointed out.
"For the time being. But the main reason the Council did not get involved last time was because the two Slayers who were activated over those years were busy outside the country. By our present count 15 Slayers live in England right now. How long do you think they'll stay on the sidelines if Wizards start killing people again."
"I understand Ma'am."
"Very well. For moment we step up our surveillance but I want a plan of action to take apart the Death Eater organization. Director Buford, keep me appraised of any further developments." With that Lady Aydin took one last look around room. "I have to brief the Prime Minister and the Queen. Meeting adjourned."