OLD MAGIC

Chapter 47: The Hunt for Peter Pettigrew

After apparating away from his home Friday evening after that very contentious meeting, Lucius Malfoy chose to hide out in the notorious Shrieking Shack near Hogsmeade. He reasoned that the Aurors would never think to look for him in this barely habitable house much less this close to Hogworts.

The windows and doors had been boarded up but that didn't stop him from apparating into the dingy foyer. His entrance stirred up the dust that lay thick over every surface causing him to cough and sneeze.

Covering his face with his sleeve, he looked around. Cobwebs hung in great sheets from nearly every corner of the entryway. He grimaced when he saw large spiders the size of his hand eyeing him from a couple of the webs. Pulling his wand he gave a quick wave and muttered word to banish the webs, nasty bugs, and dust. With the air more clear, the deteriorated state of the interior became more apparent as he carefully walked into the parlor.

Wall paper peeled in huge sections from the ceiling to the deeply stained floor in many places. What furniture still remained were barely more than kindling, as if someone had smashed them in a fit of rage. Adding to its tarnished charm, the place was said to be haunted.

It was for that reason and the fact he needed a sort of 'way station' for his minions to slip into Hogsmead without the Light detecting them, the Dark Lord had used the shack in the first place. And why it made the perfect hiding place for him now.

But it didn't make it any less disgusting. However, since he had no other choice of hiding place where he could get some rest and still remain hidden, this would have to do. Now, while his fellow Death Eaters hunted in the cold and dark, he would wait in sheltered comfort until daylight to do his hunting for Peter.

Having been here many times before he knew there was at least one fairly usable room upstairs. Climbing the rickety staircase, he avoided touching the deteriorating banister and nasty walls. At the top, he walked down the short hall, the damaged floor squeaking alarmingly under his boots, to the room at the end. The door was open so he stepped inside and stared around.

Sighing, he studied the filthy, old, four poster bed a moment before pulling his wand. He could call Dobby, he supposed, but no, he didn't want the house elf to know his location right now. So he set about making the space habitable, at least for tonight.

First, he cast a cleaning spell which took care of all the dust and cobwebs then cast a transfiguration spell to restore the bed to its former glory complete with clean sheets, quilt and pillows. Next, he added heavy curtains to keep out the drafts from the boarded window.

He eyed the room a moment thoughtfully before adding a padded bench at the foot-board, a nightstand with a small lit oil lantern atop it next to the right side of the bed, then finished with a small armoire for his clothes beside the door.

"There … as comfortable as I can make it in such dismal surroundings," he murmured. Setting his wand on the bed, he stripped off his clothes and hung them in the armoire and his many underthings in the drawer below. His shoes he placed under the small bench. Naked, he picked up his wand again then gingerly padded his way down the short hallway to the equally small bathroom.

He sighed when he opened the door. Though the place had been used no more than a year ago, it had managed to become dirty and dingy. Once again he applied his wand to cleaning this space as well then adding a small rug, a hand towel, bath towel, and other bathing necessities before closing the door and going about his nightly routine. A quick shower via a magicked rain cloud, drying off with a brief whirlwind of warm air then conjuring a set of nightwear with slippers, he was soon ready for some sleep.

In the bedroom once more, he closed the door then climbed into bed, pulled the curtains around him then blew out the lantern before snuggling down to sleep. Moans and groans filled the air but he knew it was nothing but the wind and age of the house that made the noises. However, just to be safe, he warded his bedroom before allowing sleep to drag him under.

Saturday morning light seeped through the cracks of the boards over the window but the thick curtain kept it from reaching Malfoy thus allowing him to sleep a few extra hours more before finally rising and taking care of his needs. Getting dressed he thought about his plans for the day then paused a moment to look around.

"Hmm should I restore this to its before status or retain it for a possible return?" He mused then shook his head. "Leave it. The way events have been going, I may be forced to remain here for some time." Decision made, he left the room, shutting the door behind him to keep the interior clean and hidden.

His stomach announced loudly that it wanted breakfast. He should take care of that first before attempting to find a way inside Hogwarts. He was fairly certain Peter could be found hiding within the castle in his Animagus form. He just had to find a way to draw the man out. He had heard that one of the Weasley children had a rat as a familiar though he couldn't recall which one. Didn't matter, at least he had a starting point.

"Time to be off, but first..." He pointed his wand at his head then down his body, muttering a quick spell. Instantly his entire appearance changed.

A brown woolen cap now hid his distinctive blond hair. Black, wool pants, gray jumper over a plain white shirt and a pair of black, sturdy work boots made him look like anyone walking the streets of Hogsmeade. Pulling on a heavy gray cloak and a pair of plain gray gloves with rabbit fur lining, he was ready to begin his hunt.

To arrive with little notice, he apparated behind the Three Broomsticks Inn where the food was much better than what could be had at Hog's Head Inn. It was taking a great risk appearing behind the inn but it was early enough in the day he figured or hoped no one would be in the alley.

He didn't realize he had been holding his breath until he appeared in the snow covered alley and found it empty much to his relief. Releasing the air with a brief whoosh, Malfoy shrugged his shoulders to release tension then walked to the front of the building pausing to study the street for danger.

The street was already bustling with people beginning their work day. No one glanced his way as it was actively snowing and most just wanted to get where they were going quickly. More importantly, no Aurors were around. Perfect. Moving like those hurrying by, he stepped into the street and made for the door of the inn a few feet away.

Once inside, he found a quiet booth near the front window but with a wall at his back. Shucking his cloak and setting it over the booth back, he looked around and was pleased to note it was already quite busy.

Once seated, a waitress hurried up to take his order of poached eggs, toast, a rasher of bacon, a mug of hot tea and a meat pastry for later.

No one bothered or noticed him as he ate his meal in a leisurely fashion, keeping watch for danger outside and listening to the gossip around him hoping to glean anything about what the current state of affairs were on the war, Death Eaters, and his former leader. But, to his disappointment, conversations floating about him were of the most mundane sort ... the weather, price of food stuffs, the latest doings of the local council, etc.

Drinking his tea, he sighed inwardly. Perhaps he would have better luck at Hogs Head Inn but, no, it was too early to go unnoticed there. It was more of a late evening kind of crowd but it was his type of crowd so later would be better for going there.

Sighing, he decided the Leaky Cauldron would be the best place to hear anything of note although it was also where hiding his identity was harder and being there a much more likely way of being caught. But he needed to know what was going on and the Leaky Cauldron was the perfect location for that.

Thanking the girl servant and accepting the meat pastry she handed over, he paid for his meal. Before rising from his seat, he pulled his wool cap more firmly over his head and down his forehead a bit more to hide his fairer features. Then he went to use the fireplace in the back corner that was normally used for transit from place to place. Taking a pinch of floo powder he tossed it into the fire, then speaking clearly and firmly he said, "Leaky Cauldron" and stepped through the now green flames.

Stepping through into the Leaky Cauldron, he was pleased to note how busy it was … the better to be unnoticed. Perfect for his purpose. Working his way to the bar and disguising his voice, he gruffly ordered a butter beer, then took the full mug to a dark corner seat and settled in to listen.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

The night before found Fenrir Greyback apparating near the Riddle Manor backyard. He kept clear of the wards and ranged back and forth as well as all around the manor trying to pick up Peter's scent. He finally located a trace near the back gardens and though faint, his wolf nose could still track it. He wondered briefly why Peter had gone in this direction but dismissed the mystery. All that mattered was he had a starting point for his hunt.

He spent the rest of the night following the scent which lead him through a nearby village then into the Forbidden Forest where he was unwelcome. Too many eyes, ears, teeth, and claws waited to take their vengeance on him and his kind. But this was where the scent led and he had to follow it. Keeping his senses on high alert he quickly raced through the dark woods pausing only when he lost the scent briefly. A couple hours later the scent led him to the edge of Hogwarts' wards. As they had surmised, Peter had disappeared within Hogwarts, possibly as a familiar to one of the students.

Confirmation made, Greyback retreated swiftly as he had already heard and scented hostiles on his trail. Taking a different and faster route away from Hogwarts, he galloped through the forest keeping ahead of his enemies. It was time to get some sleep then meet the others tonight to give them his findings.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

"He left the forest near Hogsmeade then took the train for an hours distance before apparating away," a Fae warrior was reporting, another stood at his side, as dawn seeped through the trees.

"Wonder who or what he was sniffing after?" Magorian muttered more to himself then the hunters.

Would suggest asking the aid of someone with a nose for scents to see if they could suss out what the wolf be tracking, or check with our contacts within Hogwarts keep for answers," the Fae suggested.

"Brilliant idea and one I will look into," Magorian agreed. "As for where he be going, I have a fair idea Greyback will go to ground for the day. Insure the night hunters are alerted of the wolf's trespass and possible return. Whatever brought him here must be important for him to risk our woods. Stay alert."

The pair nodded and silently made off deeper into the forest.

"What could the werewolf be searching for, I wonder, to make him risk our wrath?" Ronan, Magorian's second in command, asked, frowning. He stood keeping watch next to his leader.

"Perhaps Hagrid or Severus might know. Send a message through to Firenze and ask," Magorian ordered. Ronan nodded and took off at a gallop. Magorian continued to stare off into the growing light of a quiet Saturday, his thoughts dark and troubled.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Much later that night a group of individuals apparated into the cold confines of an old magical prison. A stiff, cold wind whipped around the stone walls. It was an immense, towering castle-like building made of black rock and surrounded by high walls of gray stone. It sat atop a ridge of high mountains located somewhere in the huge forests of Germany. It was a lonely, barren, and forbidding place.

"It's freezing in here," Bellatrix complained as they huddled in their cloaks and looked around in what was apparently the old warden's office.

"Easily remedied," Mulciber rumbled, casting a large heating spell over the space then making wood appear in the huge stone fireplace on the far wall before setting it a blaze. Now they had more light to see by in the formerly dark space.

"Should we even have a light? We don't want to be caught in this God forsaken place. And you said there is someone actually here in a cell." Nott asked, nervous and not too happy being in a prison, unused or not.

"Grindelwald is in the highest tower to the north of our location, and yes, he is the only one in residence. Never mind him, we have business to discuss so let's get situated and get down to it, " Malfoy snapped. He didn't like this place either even though he was the one who suggested. It made the thought he might be locked in such a place very soon if the Auror's caught him more front and center than he liked.

"Why the hurry?" Greyback rumbled. "Like you said, no one would know we're here. And Pettigrew is within Hogwarts somewhere. I found a faint trail and tracked it to Hogwarts' wards. There is no trace of him leaving. As old as the scent was, I'm guessing he went inside the school but never came out again since classes began. I did find the Dark Lord's fading scent in a small glen a few miles from Hogwarts but it was mixed with some stranger then that combined scent went into Hogwarts. That scent came and went in the forest a few times, mostly near spots where I scented dead unicorns. The freshest scent led into the forest the night the Dark Lord died. I'm suspecting that is where he was killed. That area was filled with multiple scents especially that of centaurs. I couldn't spend too much time there as I was being hunted." Having finished his report, he studied the barren room a moment before pulling his wand and making a small settee appear beside the fireplace. Grunting in satisfaction, he flopped down and waited for the group to respond.

Stunned silence greeted his report and it took several moments before anyone reacted, the first being Bellatrix.

"I knew it!" She snarled. "They did kill him. Did you scent that brat Harry Potter?" She demanded.

"There were too many scents and not enough time for me to do a finer search. I had no intentions of being taken prisoner," Greyback growled.

"You did well," Malfoy interrupted before Bellatrix could take the wolf to task. "So now we know where and when it happened. That will have to be enough for now as we don't have the ability to take on the forest dwellers yet. We also know for certain Pettigrew is within Hogwarts. It is he we need to find a way to retrieve as he may have information about what our lord intended us to do next."

Bellatrix snorted. "That may be true but I still want to know why our master's scent was mixed. Since he was but a bodiless soul, do you believe he might have taken a member of Hogwarts to use?"

"That's certainly a possibility but, again, the only way to get answers is to get our hands on Pettigrew," Malfoy repeated.

"Na that tisn't the only way," Mulciber interrupted, his face thoughtful. "If he managed to take someone within Hogwarts, then that person's death should have been announced by now and we'd know what position he held there and, perhaps, what he had been doin' before his death."

"You're right," Malfoy grudgingly agreed. "But we are still faced with trying to either get into Hogwarts or finding someone willing to talk outside the school."

"It would be much faster if we could get one of the children to answer a message," Goyle grumbled. The others eyed him questioningly. "I've been trying for days but my son hasn't responded, but then he's not very good at writing in the first place."

"Let's take a seat and discuss this further," Malfoy suggested putting action to words by making a sofa chair appear and sitting down. The rest followed his example and soon they formed a circle before the fire. The heat took more of the cold out of the room and with an added curtain that Avery decided should be placed on the only window to better hide their presence, it felt more homey and secure.

Nott was the first to speak once they were settled. "I've tried to reach Teo several times but I too received no answer."

"Not very obedient are they," Alecto sneered.

Nott snarled at her. "You be a parent and see how easy it is."

"No thanks ... pass."

To head off any further snarking, Malfoy jumped in. "She's correct. I still haven't gotten a response from Draco on his kidnapping much less these other questions and he isn't like that. It almost feels as if he has been closed off from me," he grumbled discontentedly.

"Your wife mayhaps have anythin' to do with that?" Mulciber asked archly.

Malfoy colored but managed to keep from snapping at the man knowing Mulciber was only trying to get him to lose his temper. "I very much doubt Narcissa has seen Draco either since she is ... elsewhere."

"Elsewhere? You mean you don't even know where she is?" Bellatrix demanded.

"It's none of your business, Belle. She simply had other matters to deal with ..." Malfoy snapped.

"I'll just bet she does," Greyback drawled insolently.

"What do you mean by that?" Malfoy snarled, feeling backed into a corner. He wasn't happy that Narcissa had decided to avoid him and anything to do with the Dark Lord ever since he had spoken with her about Draco's next initiation before Christmas. He really didn't know where she was and that didn't sit well with him at all but he had no intention of letting the others know that.

Greyback leaned forward and stared at Malfoy coldly. "She has decided this war isn't worth it and ran off to sunnier places. And don't try to lie about that. A group of my wolves saw her in Spain recently though she has since moved on."

Malfoy swallowed the response he wanted to give the insolent wolf but restrained himself. "I wont dignify that with an answer," he managed to ground out. The wolf just laughed and sat back in his seat, one leg draped over the arm of the couch.

"Obviously, he knows where she is and you know she should be here with us, Lucius. There's too few of us for her to be skipping out on us now," Bellatrix hissed, angry at her cowardly sister.

"Could we just get back to why we're here?" Avery pleaded wanting to deescalate the anger rising around him.

"And what would that be?" Aymcus asked snidely, just to be annoying.

Huffing Avery spread his hands. "How about all these questions ..." He raised one hand and began to tick off each item. "Why haven't the children answered? Is there someone or something keeping them from responding? Are the Aurors looking for us? What are the forest people up to now? What does that message from them mean? Where are the rest of our troops? How do we gather our forces now that they are scattered everywhere and where would we have them congregate that wouldn't garner the Auror's notice? And who is to be our new leader?"

His cohorts stared at him in astonishment.

"Uh ... thank for giving us that summation, Avery," Malfoy said somewhat taken aback. Avery wasn't known for being that organized or attentive in the first place. But he did ask the right things and it did get the focus off Narcissa so he would take that and run with it. "Now that he's brought our attention back to business perhaps everyone will now report what they've found that might help answer some of them?"

"Fine ... I say before we report our findings ... all those with brats should send another owl out right now and pray they give a speedier answer this time," Alecto snorted, sweeping Lucius, Crabbe, Goyle, and Nott a penetrating look.

"We have sent messages, Alecto. What part of "not receiving an answer did you not understand," Goyle snarled.

"That be the point I'm making here," Alecto growled in annoyance. "It's days later, best needs try again while we be all here. We're stalled until there's some answer from that quarter."

Scowling at her but not having any good reason to argue. She was right after all. The four quickly made scroll and quill appear and scrawled down short missives. Goyle was the first to rise and head for the attached admin office looking for a window or door to allow an owl to take the messages. Nott and Crabbe were right behind him followed slowly by Malfoy.

Some of the warm air escaped the room during the transfer but soon it was restored when all parties had returned to their seats. While the rest were waiting most had made drinks and food to appear.

After making a glass of scotch appear and taking a healthy swallow, Malfoy decided to get the ball rolling by reporting how his day had gone or better yet how it didn't. "My recon in Hogsmeade netted exactly nothing. Except for this little bit in the Daily Prophet." He pulled a torn piece of newsprint out of his vest pocket, spread it out and read, "Near the small seaside town of Portree Aurors got a tip about some Death Eaters attempting to steal a boat to escape Auror warrants for their arrest. Thanks to the sharp eyes of a local fisherman, six criminals were arrested and carted off to Azkaban..."

"More lost to the damnable Aurors," Bellatrix snarled nearly spilling her glass of whiskey.

"They be picking us off a few at a time," Karkaroff observed, bitterly.

"I would say that was a fair assumption," Malfoy acidly agreed. "So has anyone any good news to impart? Like where our army might be? I know many did escape and should have gathered somewhere otherwise the news would have reported such a large capture."

"There be rumors a plenty, but none with certainty to them," Alecto snorted, her brother looking equally disgusted.

Well what did you hear?" Belle snapped

"Mind you we had to flit about from town to town rather frequently but the word we heard whispering among the disaffected and criminal scum is the Dark Lord is dead and the Forest people were responsible. I'm wondering how that got out in the first place if those forest idiots haven't announced anything yet since the message we got from them. Beyond that there is the rumbles from our allies that we should be getting revenge and why aren't we."

Malfoy frowned. "Rumors are the hardest to prevent so it isn't that far fetched that some have slipped free of the Forbidden Forest especially something as big as the death of the Dark Lord. And anyway, those whose tattoos have disappeared would have been the first to know that fact is true and not rumor. Can't see all of them keeping their mouths shut about it. Though, surprisingly despite the criminal element knowing, the ordinary people don't seem to know anything at all."

Bellatrix huffed, glaring at everybody but for once not going off on a rant. "Same for me. No one has any real information only heresy and rumors."

"When I was tracking Pettigrew, I could smell centaurs watching me but none stopped me or tried to take me prisoner though I didn't linger long enough to allow them too. But there were too many shadowing me while I was there. Tis odd behavior and makes me suspicious of what they could be waiting for. We know they have magic which means they be a real threat to us but still they held back." Greyback growled

"That does sound ominous," Karkaroff muttered. "Don't look at me. I heard nothing in my search either."

"I slipped into town and spoke with Borkin but he hadn't heard anything except that some of our troops are searching for us. They told him they wanted to know what was going to happen next. Word is the Aurors have been putting the pressure on, taking many to Azkaban so they are hiding and running scared. From what I can tell, they've scattered to the four winds. Seems a smart thing to do since we have nothing to tell them anyway," Barty Crouch, Jr. reported.

"Seems I had the most success besides Fenrir, I did find out where some of our army is camped at," Mulciber announced drawing everyone's immediate attention. "The Chateau."

"What! Not that falling down place Grindelwald blew apart?" Karkaroff exclaimed.

"Yep. Only place they figured the Aurors wouldn't look as it were where so many had died before," Mulciber said with a shrug. "From what I heard, they managed to set up a passable camp there."

There was a moment of stunned silence before Malfoy asked, "So who is leading them?"

Mulciber snorted. "That arrogant sod Corban Yaxley."

"You've got to be kidding me?" Bellatrix snorted in disbelief.

Mulciber shook his head. "Nope. It's the truth. The informant is trustworthy," He assured them. "However, Yaxley isn't exactly leading them as much as the grunts are willing to follow him because there isn't anyone else."

"I can't imagine what's left for him to lead in the first place," Crouch mused sourly.

"The informant tells me by last count there were a couple of giants, though those things most likely have wandered off as they wont to do when there's no booty or booze to be had, about six vamps, same number of werewolves, and hundreds of assorted others. Estimated number is around 375."

Malfoy grimaced. "That's not an army that's a small squadron," he said disgusted. "Though there must be at least another 1000 or so scattered everywhere."

"Lot of good that does us when we need them as a unit," Mulciber grunted.

"Well that's a whole lot of not so great news," Bellatrix muttered making smoke rings with her wand.

Malfoy frowned. "No, that isn't bad news at all. All we need to do is get the word spread of where the army is and have all the scattered head there."

"Good idea but how we do that without word getting out to all those ears just waiting to hear about something like this?" Crouch demanded.

"Some risk will have to be taken if we expect to get our army gathered at all," Malfoy insisted.

"True." Karkaroff seem to think about that a moment before suggesting, "So you mean for us to use our contacts, owls, and other means we use presently to accomplish this?"

"Yes but be as circumspect as you possibly can to keep from being discovered," Malfoy said. "Now, then, that answers where the army is, where to have them gather, and how we're going to notify them. Anything else?"

"That leaves the still unanswered questions on what the forest people are up to; if there be warrants for our heads out there now; is there more the children might know; and who we want as a leader," Avery helpfully summed up.

Malfoy couldn't help but shake his head in bemusement at Avery.

Before anyone could say anything more there came a loud hoot and banging against the window in the other room. Bellatrix jumped to her feet and ran out to check. Minutes later she returned with a rolled note. She took a seat and unrolled the message much to Malfoy's annoyance.

"Dear father, only news I have is the return of Draco and Professor Snape. And there have been rumors of the Dark Lord's demise. Don't know if that is true or not. Nothing else for now. Teo" "Well that was a whole lot of nothing," Bellatrix snorted, handing off the note to Nott, Sr.-

Another hoot made Bellatrix whirl around and run for the other room again. With another scroll in her hand, she paused in the doorway and read the missive. "Da, Draco has returned as did Snape. Also Professor Quirrell is dead though I don't know why, Greg"

"Who is Professor Quirrell?" Mulciber asked, frowning.

"The Dark Arts teacher," Malfoy said. "A good position to hold and keep informed of what is going on at Hogwarts. Now we know where our lord had been but not what he had been doing and that still means getting Pettigrew."

"An now we're back to figuring out how we do that when no one seems able to breach Hogwarts wards that have been strengthened by now since they know the Dark Lord was among them," Mulciber growled.

"I think the first thing we need to do besides keep trying to get our children to give us answers is to learn if we in the inner circle are being hunted by the Aurors? After all, until that's answered we are hampered in our efforts in doing anything else like actually visiting our children or the Ministry of Magic to ask our contacts there for more information," Malfoy said slowly as his mind worked on the problem.

"I may still have a contact in the ministry that could help us but I'll have to be very careful contacting her," Crouch said, thoughtfully.

"That would be marvelous if you can get to her without being seen," Bellatrix said acidly.

Crouch shrugged. "It's all I have to offer. You got anything better, Belle my dear."

She scowled at him but huffed a negative. "No, I don't ..." She paused in thought before saying, "...but there might be someone..." she trailed off a moment. "I'll just have to feel him out and see."

When she didn't say anything more, Malfoy took up the topic of the school again. "Somehow we need to find a way to get information from Hogwarts so I say keep pestering our children until someone says something back. Meanwhile, we simply have to wait while everything we intend to set in motion has time to come together. I suggest we meet here again in about five days or sooner if there has been something more substantial than rumor to impart."

As he looked around at the others waiting for their response, Malfoy felt they might have a chance to get an army together again and take revenge for Voldemort's death. But, he paused in thought, was there enough impetus to continue this war and actually win? There were too many unknown variables that made him uncomfortable and worried. The real question was, did he really want to keep banging away at this war? By the looks on the rest of the others faces it seemed half of them were beginning to feel tired of this while the other half was still willing to keep fighting to the death. He needed to think, to plan, to decide what to do next with his life.

"There is one more thing...," Mulciber said. "We need to send word to that fool Yaxley that we are intending to send the rest of the army to him and that he needs to sit tight, keep them hidden and not wandering about, and to question all that come to him. Who knows? There might be at least someone or many someone's that have heard something important."

"You're right. I'll write up an order and send it off..." Malfoy began before being loudly interrupted.

"Now wait just a minute there, Malfoy," Crouch barked. "We haven't picked a leader yet!"

"That's right. It was something else we needed to get done," Avery said, nodding his head earnestly. "And I need to add, we need to feel out all our Death Eaters to see if they are still of one mind about this war."

"Where is Avery? This person isn't familiar to me," Malfoy asked only half jesting. Avery reddened.

"I just been thinking is all..."

"Careful you don't hurt yourself little man," Greyback sneered.

Avery frowned at him but didn't respond.

Shaking his head, Malfoy just couldn't reconcile how Avery had changed so much but what he had said was very true and he'd be a fool to not listen.

"No matter what, Avery is right, despite the strangeness of that statement. I would say have Yaxley ask of everyone he has there and those coming his way. An attempt at restarting this war will be based on whether we even have an army to fight with. As for who should lead, shall we just vote on it or what?" Malfoy asked knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere until this was settled.

Everyone looked at everyone else.

"I don't want you Malfoy," Mulciber growled.

"Well, we don't either but he does have the skill of one much as it pains me to admit. What? Are you wanting to take this on, Mulciber?" Aymcus demanded.

Mulciber grunted but didn't respond at first. "Nay, not much for leading. Would, however, prefer to share the leadership so no one gets a big head."

"Huh, now there's a stupid idea," Greyback snorted.

Mulciber looked like he wanted to smash the wolf in the face but held off.

"Someone has to take the lead and direct what to do next and much as I don't want it to be Malfoy, he does have the ability to do it. I do like that you want to share though but you would have to decide between you who does what or you'll be fighting all the time. And if that happens we've lost already," Bellatrix said firmly.

"Hmmm, I think she has the right idea. All in favor..." Crouch asked, forcing everyone to make some kind of decision.

Silence fell for a five minutes then hands reluctantly went up.

"Looks like we have a winner. Joint leadership. That should go to Yaxley as well," Crouch suggested. "And now I think it's time we got out of here. Nothing more to be done but wait."

"Sounds good to me. My wolves need a bit of a break to recover then I'll send them out to see if they can sniff anything more from our contacts," Greyback said, shrugging.

Unhappy but not seeing anyway to change what just happened, Malfoy sighed and capitulated. "Alright, seems we have some kind of plan." Grimacing he looked over at Avery. "Want to sum it up for us before we all leave?"

Avery blushed but nodded. "A message will be sent to Yaxley telling him that Malfoy and Mulciber are co-leaders, that he is to stay put, keep the army out of sight, await the arrival of the rest of the army, question them on any information about our enemies and to feel out how they stand on the war; keep trying to get answers from Hogwarts; find out if there are warrants for the inner circle's arrest; keep trying to find answers ourselves; meet here in five days."

Shaking their heads the group had to agree Avery did have a way of paring down everything into its simplest form so there was no question what actions needed to be taken.

"I do have one more thing to say ... I vote Avery as our secretary," Bellatrix smirked. Avery scowled at her. "No, really I'm serious. You've done a great job already."

"Yea, I agree, Avery for secretary," Crouch said, also smirking but serious at the same time.

Nods of agreement all around had Avery blushing with pride that he had something worthwhile to contribute.

"Any problem with some of us staying here if need be," Goyle asked as everyone moved to leave. "Aurors are getting a bit too close for comfort and I don't plan on being sent to Azkaban."

Malfoy shrugged. "It's safer than anywhere else, if you don't mind the isolation, cold, and weird noises, go ahead." Turning away from them, Malfoy went to Mulciber. "Is there anything we really need to discuss right now? Do you want me to draw up the message then have you read it and you send it on?"

Mulciber looked surprised that Malfoy capitulated so easily. He wasn't so sure the man wasn't going to pull a fast one on him. With a mind to keep a close watch on Malfoy, he nodded his agreement. "Sure, that works fer me as you're the writer and I'm not. Get it to me soon. I'm leaving. I have others things to check out."

"So have I," Malfoy muttered turning away. Everyone else except Goyle, Nott, and Crabbe had left. Behind him there was a pop that told him Mulciber had left as well. With nothing more to do, Malfoy did the same. He had a message to write.