A/N - Starts with Remus and Dora being a bit frisky, if you are offended, skip the first two paragraphs and start reading with "Nymphadora, we are coming through ..." It's not graphic in the least, but a warning for those who want it.
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When the floo at Remus Lupin's home began to ring he growled at the disturbance. The couple who lived in the home only recently returned from having dinner with Dora's family. They hadn't made it too far into the home before their desires took over. The excitement of the day steadily grew in the pair and it was only by great restraint they lasted as long as they did.
Dora, snuggly settled under her man, only groaned and wrapped her legs more tightly around Remus's waist. Remus unsure if her moan was in frustration or pleasure, didn't pause, they were in the middle of something. "We are busy. You best ignore it." He growled and the witch moaned louder, he knew what that tone did to her as he mouth attached to her breast. She was just about ready to forget about the ringing when it happened again followed with her mother's voice.
"Nymphadora, we are coming through in three minutes. You and Remus have been warned." The couple looked at each other and over to the floo before sighing. Remus pulled himself from his witch, before helping her stand as well. They sprinted to their room, Dora flicking her wand and their clothing, strewn across the room, was sent to the laundry. They barely started to dress before they heard Andi's voice again, "Thank Merlin they listened." A second laugh joined in, but neither recognized it.
A short time later, the pair returned to their kitchen and found Andi seated at the table with Frank Longbottom. At the strange pairing and how late it was, the younger witch immediately slipped into her auror role. "Mum? Is there something wrong?" Frank cleared his throat.
"In a manner of speaking, yes but I need to speak with Luc. I think he has the ability to assist me and I hoped you knew how to get ahold of him over a weekend and so late at night." The expression on the wizard's face told everyone something was very wrong.
Before Dora could respond, Andi stood from the table, "My portion of this is done. If I can be of more help, let me know." Andi kissed her daughter's cheek and hugged Remus before waving at Frank and returning to her home.
"Yes, I'll send for him. Do you want to go to him or have him come to you?"
"Doesn't matter, just has to be a safe place. Somewhere secrets can be told without concern for being overheard." The witch watched Frank closely. "I think I've discovered what Dumbledore is after. The reason he returned to England so quickly. It's the same reason he and Grindelwald are together. I believe it to be the reason why Grindelwald saved him this morning." No other questions were asked and she immediately sent off a message.
"He'll come here and then we can decide the best place for the discussion."
Luc received the urgent request from Dora and smirked. It seemed like the witch knew when he needed a helping hand, "Excusez-moi mademoiselle, le devoir appelle." (Excuse me Miss, duty calls) Luc stood and left the bar after placing a few coins to cover his drink and tip. With a happy smile, he sent himself to the Lupin home.
As Luc removed his cloak, he didn't look around before he began to speak, "You have an uncanny ability to know when a witch is trying to woo me. There's a reason my mother likes you." When Luc turned he was surprised to see Frank Longbottom, like Dora he knew something was wrong.
"Tell Marie hello next time you see her. I should go over one afternoon, if she wants. But tarty witches aren't why I called you. We can discuss your decisions on places to spend time and the types of witches you draw towards yourself later." Dora waved toward Frank who stood.
"Thanks Tonks. Luc, I think I've put together what Dumbledore is after. But I don't feel comfortable discussing this in the open." Luc looked to the couple and slowly nodded.
"If Remus is willing, we can set up a secrecy charm here. Maybe in the basement, somewhere where people won't randomly need to go."
Thinking a bit, Remus agreed, "I know a good spot, come along." The four made their way down the steps into a dark cellar and continued to walk farther toward the back. At what seemed to be the wall, Remus flicked his wand and a door appeared. "For when Dora and I duel, it's got some other charms keeping it from coming apart when we really go at it."
"Thank you Remus, if it's ok with Frank, we can include you both so you can still use the room but don't have to be here for whatever Frank needs to tell me." The spell, remarkably complex, created a space so secure only the individuals included in the vow could even see its existence. Without resetting the charm, no other individual would be able to enter the room.
"Very impressive," Frank paused, "Right now I think I'd only like to speak with Luc but if he feels either or both of you should be told, we will pull you in. Is that ok?" The couple agreed and went upstairs. "I think it's best if I give you a little background on what happened at Hogwarts last year." Luc leaned back and listened as the man explained a deadly beast lived under the school.
"You realize this only makes me more pleased I'm French, right? We don't have these issues at Beauxbatons." Frank shrugged and explained his connection to Godric Gryffindor and how he discovered the secret room belonging to the founder. "I take it, there is something about this man that relates to what we did today?"
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Frank knew this would upset Luc and he regretted not mentioning it earlier. At least a little bit, but he also knew he wouldn't have said anything until they were in private anyway. The only difference is Luc knowing a few hours earlier.
"Yes, but there is something I didn't mention today because it didn't really matter to the outcome. I spoke with my ancestors once I got home and discovered the importance of what I heard." Luc, after working with and hearing more from the man, accepted Frank didn't keep the secret to be spiteful but because it could have been dangerous to say something in the open. So Luc didn't react beyond waving Frank to continue.
"When Dumbledore grabbed me, he spoke of the Gryffindor ancestral lands and how Neville was the key. When I got home, I discussed it with the oldest Longbottom who admitted there was a prophecy spoken almost a thousand years ago. That was the reason Godric did what he did, what drove Godric to send his son away and hide the lands. After that I spoke with Godric tonight, —" Frank paused when the Frenchman raised his hand.
"Godric?"
"Yes, last year after finding the room, the portraits of the founders remained in Godric's secret room and will remain there until some point in the future. They seem to know when the time will be, but won't say. Godric spoke of the prophecy today and I fear what it means."
Luc long accepted the British seemed to have the uncanny ability to attract the dangerously unusual. "Go on Frank, tell me about today."
"When I asked about why someone would want to access the lands, Godric started to talk about life and death and how death isn't the end. Death is only the start of the next adventure. The power to cross the veil is not in how powerful one is, but in their understanding of life. If a person understands it well enough, they can easily pass back and forth. Each pass does something that increases magical strength but decreases life." Frank gave the other wizard a moment.
"In the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry, there is a veil to the other side. It's in a secured area and there is a belief it is the only threshold to the other side. But that isn't the case. Apparently there multiple places where the separation between is thin enough to pass back and forth. A second is located on the Gryffindor ancestral lands." Luc sucked in a breath, with a knowing nod Frank continued.
"There is something else, something no one seems to be aware of. We all know Albus and Gellert had a relationship beyond friendship. They also wanted to attain a way to be the most powerful wizards in the world. After Dumbledore was sent to Ode Ore, the Ministry began to investigate him a bit more. Not just what the trial covered but other areas of his life not covered because they had nothing to do with him wanting to remove muggleborns from society."
"I wondered if there were other things he did, but with his conviction it seemed unnecessary to delve farther. But your Ministry did see the importance. Good." Frank shrugged.
"Don't give us too much credit." At his pause the men looked at each other, "The investigation didn't go on too long. By that fall it was dropped mainly because of the beast discovered at Hogwarts. I looked into the notes after I returned and asked my new supervisor if it could be one of the things I looked into as I had time. He agreed because he never trusted the headmaster and wanted to make sure we knew everything we could. This is where I've spent most of my time, unbeknownst to anyone."
Frank began to pace, "I was given a stack of letters between Albus and Gellert. These were from the time after the death of Ariana Dumbledore and sometime before their battle in 1945. The letters mention a task. It's taken me a bit of time, but I noticed something a couple of weeks ago. With all that is now going on, I have not had a chance to dig too deep. It seems quite unlikely; however, everything about the last two and half years falls into that category. Why should this be any different?"
Frank pulled a stack of letter from his pocket and set them in front of Luc. The other wizard flipped through and skimmed the letters letting out a chuckle here and there. "Ah, they were very close. I would have thought Dumbledore would be more circumspect given at this time Grindelwald was wanted for multiple murders and inciting war."
"Yes, Albus seems to have believed he was above the law for many years." Frank picked up the letters and set each letter in its own stack. He pointed to something on each letter, "This is the biggest clue." Luc's expression gave away his confusion. "It's a symbol for the deathly hallows."
"From the fairy tale?"
"Yes, apparently it is true and to have the hallows and access to the veils, would make the person near impossible to beat. It's why he wants access to my family lands. The question is where the hallows are right now. He couldn't have taken them to Ode Ore and the fact you surprised him when he was arrested I don't believe he could have hidden them if he had them with him at the school."
"Oui, I agree. When I took his wand, we checked for anything and there was nothing on him. When he was processed and sent to Ode Ore, he had been given new clothes and checked for any contraband. So if he had them, they are somewhere else. The question is where and who do we trust about this." Luc leaned back in his chair with a speculative expression.
"Who to trust is something I struggle with. We are talking about a substantial amount of power, there are people who normally would be trustworthy, but this could tempt them."
"We will work it out. I believe Dora and Remus to be trustworthy and beyond reproach. Individually, they each have skills that could give them the ability to gain control and yet neither has used them for such. As a couple, they could be very dangerous if they desired it."
"I'll get them and thank you for confirming what I believed. We can tell them about the Gryffindor lands and Albus trying to access them. The rest I'd like to keep to ourselves for a bit longer."
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While Frank and Luc discussed what they would do, a young French auror settled her son in his crib after changing his diaper. The boy loved hearing his mother's voice and she spent the last hour reciting every story she remembered from her childhood. Once the babe finally gave in to sleep, his mother remained in the room thinking.
She continued to go over what she read in the various sets of notes that day at work and came to a startling conclusion. Standing, she returned to her room and snuggled into bed with her husband. She would contact the head of the department the next morning and explain her concern.
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At the incessant tapping noise Luc rolled over and glared at the window. He'd only been home a few hours and was exhausted. The owl, one from the French Ministry held a request for him to come in. He groaned before sending the bird off with his response and showering. Some days he wondered if the title was worth it.
When Luc arrived, the only person in the office was Maya Robert. "Maya, is there something wrong?"
"Luc, thank you so much. I know it's the weekend, but..." she looked around while gathering some papers. "Do you think we could meet in your office?" The wizard, thinking this was the second time less than twelve hours he had a request for privacy, motioned for Maya to enter his office.
"Richard had me transcribing the notes from the interviews on Ode Ore yesterday. And last night Julien would not settle. I swear I told him every story I could remember. But it made me think." Maya flipped through the pages as she spoke and only looked up when she found what she was looking for.
"Maya, what do you think?" Luc didn't believe it would be a coincidence one of his aurors brought up childhood stories after what he discovered the day before.
"Those on Ode Ore all mentioned how Dumbledore talked about the Three Brothers. The only fairy tale he and Grindelwald discussed." Luc waved her on without making a comment, it made Maya wonder why he didn't say anything. "I was thinking about what the notes said and after Julien fell asleep, my mind wouldn't stop. Do you think they are searching for the deathly hallows?"
Luc had a decision to make, what exactly did he tell her. "If I were to agree with you, what do you think the next step is?"
Knowing what Luc said, without saying it, Maya smiled, "I looked into the transcripts from his trial. There wasn't much there, so I looked into the notes you added to the file. I think if he was looking for the hallows, he found them or at least knew their general location."
"Why?"
"I think his wand is the one from the story. You mentioned how he reacted when you took it. It isn't the same wand noted from Ollivanders and yes that isn't the only wand shop, but it is arguably the best. I found a reference to his wand changing after he battled Grindelwald. The wand you took is the one that seemed to have been Grindelwald's. But that wand wasn't the one noted as Grindelwald original wand either." Luc stopped her.
"Have you said anything to anyone. Explained why you pulled the trial transcripts or my notes?"
"No, I stated it was to support some of the things found at Ode Ore but nothing else." She paused, "Am I correct?"
Luc withdrew his wand, "A vow Maya. You are very close and this information cannot go farther." She didn't question it and shortly thereafter Maya was part of the select few. "Yesterday I discovered evidence that supports your theory. And what you've pulled lends credence to what we found." The witch preened at the compliment. "I will assign you a special case and you'll work directly with me. I want you to research the other two gifts and see if you can find any clues on their current location."
"Of course, thank you." After Maya left, Luc sat back in his chair and thought about the conversation. A slow smile crossed his face. A quick detour to the evidence room confirmed the mysterious wand remained secured in the vault.
After sending a note to Frank telling him there would be news by the next evening and asking if it would be possible for him to be at Dora's home at eight, Luc placed a tracking spell on the wand, in case something happened in the next thirty-six hours and went home. He did need to get some sleep.
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On Monday afternoon after completing the work from Hogwarts for the day, Draco returned in his room and pulled out some papers he hadn't looked at in quite some time. The first was a picture of the home he would build one day in the future. He added a bit of detail to some of the rooms and relocated where the duck pond should be. He wanted it visible from the library.
He decided he needed a section of the house for entertainment. His mum gave his dad a hard time with the telly. She claimed it ruined the aesthetic of the main sitting room. So Lucius ended up converting one of the smaller studies into a man cave. It was a term Jean used and Draco liked it. So he added some space to the side of the home and dedicated it to whatever new technologies his father and Rich brought to their world. After spending a fair bit of time, he placed the blueprints to the side and looked at what his father provided him at the end of the last school year.
"I can't believe we own a bloody quidditch team and no one ever mentioned it." They weren't one of the best teams in the league, but they didn't embarrass themselves either. At the moment, the team managed their own affairs with no input from Malfoy Industries. The ownership agreement allowed for the company to step in if the team ended up losing money. Draco didn't want the team to go bottoms up just so he could run it.
After reading the agreement again, one of the things Lucius spent time teaching Draco was how to read a contract and understand it, he noticed the addendum included language allowing him to take over if he wanted. That made him smile, "Good". Draco also set the pages to the side. He already had plans for the team, not that anyone knew them. But that was one reason he needed to get back to school.
Draco checked the time and knowing he had plenty until dinner, pulled his notes from the discussion with Remus. He thought about his wrist cuff. While his and Harry's cuffs were still charmed to Hermione's necklace, Blaise didn't have one and it seemed unfair for him to have something different. Plus, until they got a larger size, neither boy could wear their respective cuff as they were now too small. So Draco took to figuring out what sort of item could be charmed but would not look out of place.
The front runner was parchment. It wouldn't be out of place for them to be reading or writing at school. When they were away from school, it could lead to questions, but why would they need to communicate in secret away from school. Until he figured out something better, it would stay at the top of the list.
He thought about using a galleon, but there was a risk of spending it if you didn't pay attention. He could see Harry or him doing that. So he took that one off the list early. He sighed and looked at the cuff. One reason he didn't mind it when he out grew out of it was he thought a lot about Hermione.
He didn't want to send her notes every other minute. He remembered his embarrassment the first time he sent a message because he was thinking which flowers from his mum's garden would Hermione like. She smiled and didn't seem upset when he finally admitted to it, but even after that he couldn't stop his thoughts from making their way to her. So whatever they selected needed to be something that would only send with intent.
Finally he looked at the write-up Remus left on Saturday evening after dinner. Draco was quite excited to begin learning how to cast silently. Remus warned him it was difficult. Draco was confident in his ability and looked forward to the next visit. Narcissa thought once a week would be more than enough, and set up the schedule with Remus. Wednesday afternoons would now be defense work. Draco wanted to do some dueling as well but Remus nixed that idea. At least until the summer and Draco could practice against one of the other children.
As the sun started to set, Draco realized how much time passed and dinner would be soon. Cleaning up the paperwork, he changed and went downstairs. After dinner, Draco and Lucius took their spots in front of the large television that now existed in the former small study of Malfoy Manor. "Did you finish the book Nils sent?" Draco nodded and pulled out the book and some notes. "Good, I did the same. According to Ted, today is the 30 kilometer freestyle."
Draco nodded and opened a couple of the books to the portions that specifically about the 30 kilometer length. "Does Rich know you are doing this?" Lucius shrugged. "So probably, but with Hermione at school she can't watch right now. I wonder if Rich will record it for her."
"Probably, I heard Jean telling your mother about him recording all sorts of things. Now that we've finished putting together those books from Reg's library we all have a bit more free time." It was a great day when the last page was placed in the proper place. "But I told him you and I had to work a bit on some other things with Malfoy Industries and wouldn't be available."
"He knows, he is like Hermione in that regard. He can sniff out a rat almost better than Crooks." The Malfoy men didn't notice Narcissa standing in the doorway. She shook her head knowing her boys were busy for the night. "What time does it start?"
"Soon"
The two men spent the first Monday of the Lillehammer Olympics watching the muggles race faster than either truly thought was possible. At the end of the night, after watching Norway take the top two spots by almost two minutes, both wizards vowed to get better.
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Rich settled into bed and tried to ignore his wife's expression. "Rich" he made a noise that could be taken as a response if Jean didn't think too hard on it. "Which events did you watch?" She knew of course, she looked at the television schedule earlier in the day. When he didn't immediately answer, she started to poke at his side.
"Fine, the 30 kilometer. Norway destroyed the field. It was amazing." Jean snorted, "Matt mentioned Lucius asking some questions how popular the Olympics are." He shrugged and only heard his lovely wife snicker. "So I assume Lucius and Draco were camped in front of that huge telly and probably taking notes. I still think I can beat him. He hasn't had time to return to the mountains and I've not stopped my training."
Rich pulled Jean into his arms and gave her a smug look. "True, Cissy mentioned Lucius writing one of his contacts in Norway. Probably about some business venture I'm sure." Rich twitched at that and only caused Jean to chuckle. "I sent Hermione a note and told her you would record the games for her and she could watch them when she comes home."
"I love you Jean. Thank you for letting me know about Lucius. He is a sneaky man, but I can be when I want to be." His wife's laughter made him smile, "Or have my devious and sexy wife help me beat him and his son."
The couple laughed and fell asleep knowing one of the dangers to their daughter was severely injured and could very well be dead.
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At lunch on Monday, Sophie announced the second round quidditch matches were postponed until the end of April in order for Hufflepuff and Slytherin to replace their seekers. Cedric knew he wouldn't be ready to fly by then and grudgingly accepted it. He still had next year. Cedric started training one of the fourth years, suspecting she would replace him after he graduated, so her promotion happened a couple of years early.
"Now we will be competing for the position next year. Don't think I'm just handing this over to you for good." Cedric tried to be stern but the boy was just too good hearted and the two seekers laughed. "In all seriousness, I do plan to try out for the position. If you are better, you will get it, but you will need to practice and train. You have the talent and the skill for sure. But even the most talented of players need practice."
Cedric pulled a set of papers from his bag and flipped through them. He took out about a quarter of them and handed them over, "These are tactics I came up with for this year. Some of them you've already seen in practice, but most are new to you. At least I haven't shown them to you. Go over them and next week we can talk about them. I don't think I'm clear to fly for at least another month, but I can help train you."
Anne Kettleburn took the pages and smiled at them, before she could say anything Cedric spoke again, "Keep those to yourself. I have them charmed, but if you were looking at them someone might be able to see them." He shrugged at the comment, that was another new charm he was working on perfecting. He wanted to become a charms master and knew he needed a portfolio of his skills to show potential master for his internship.
"Of course Cedric. I'll only look at them when I'm alone, that should be safe." Cedric nodded before pulling his crutches toward him. "Let me help you."
"Thanks Anne, but I'm good. Madam Pomfrey said I'm really close to being able to change to the walking cast and I can be done with these things." The pair of puffs laughed and separated. Cedric headed toward the sixth year dorms, he had a date with Sicily and needed to get ready. After washing and changing into a nicer set of robes, Cedric entered the common room for the sixth year students and saw Hermione Granger talking to Neville Longbottom.
"Hey Cedric, hope you don't mind, Hermione wanted to talk and I thought it might just be easier to have her come here." Cedric smiled in that sweet and kind way he had.
"No worries mate. Hey Hermione, what can I do for you?"
"I know we've been back for a bit of time, but I've been a bit scatterbrained. I wanted to thank you." Cedric noticed the eyes of the witch starting to water and he suspected he knew what she wanted to thank him for and wanted to stop her, "No I have to say it. If you hadn't been there, if you hadn't noticed something was wrong, Draco would be dead." Neville pulled Hermione to his side and tried to give her the strength she needed.
"Please Hermione, I wish I could have done more. It kills me to know he and Hannah are suffering. Their friends are suffering. It's one of the reasons I came up with one of the charms I used on Draco." Cedric looked around and nodded toward the corner, "I want to keep this quiet."
Hermione and Neville followed Cedric to the far corner away from those still loitering about the common room. "I want to be a charms master and have been working on strengthening or creating new charms for protecting people. Hannah really was the impetus for me. So I've been spending a lot of time since she was cursed trying to figure out a way to protect people."
Hermione sniffed and started to thank God, Merlin and anyone else she could remember. Cedric waved her off when she opened her mouth, "It didn't work as well as it should have. If it did, I wouldn't have been knocked out. I need to work on it but might need a master to really get it to where I want it."
"What did you cast Cedric? I don't know much of what happened, well much of what you did. I know more than I want to about other parts of that day." Neville pulled Hermione a bit closer and she laid her head on his shoulder. She really missed Draco.
"It is sort of like a bubblehead charm. I doubt you've heard much about that. It's a charm people use to go under water. I want to create a version that cushions a person from injury. So if it had worked, my leg wouldn't have shattered and I wouldn't have lost consciousness because the landed would have been cushioned."
"That sounds like an exciting idea. Please let me know if I can do anything. Actually, on behalf of the Malfoy family, if there is anything any of us can do, ask. We owe you more than you realize." Cedric was surprised when Hermione acted on behalf of the Malfoy family, although he shouldn't have been too surprised, Hermione seemed to be tied to Draco and the Malfoys from the beginning.
"I will, but I do need to leave, I have a date with Sicily and I see her waiting." Hermione thanked Cedric once more and watched as the boy made his way to the pretty witch across the common room.
"Thanks Nev," Neville stood and walked with Hermione to the third year common room. All their friends were there. "I still want to do more for him, you know? He is the reason I still have Draco." Neville nodded.
"I'll keep my eyes and ears open, if I hear something, I'll let you know." Hermione hugged Neville once more and the pair split to go sit with different friends. For the first time since November, Daphne noticed Hermione slowly coming back to herself. Until Draco was safe and home, Daphne swore to be by her friend's side.
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That same Monday afternoon found Luc and the rest of the aurors involved with the escape from Ode Ore going over the notes from the questioning at the island before they discussed what happened in Hogsmeade. Everyone knew a battle of sorts occurred, but only those part of Saturday's team knew all the details.
"Our counterparts in Britain began to research Albus Dumbledore after his arrest. They wanted to make sure they knew absolutely everything there was to know about him." Those sitting around the table seemed impressed at this since they knew the Brits hadn't been top of the charts on many things. "They had to pause their investigation last year, but it was picked up again this past summer."
Luc stood and walked to the door before activating the secrecy and privacy charms built into the room. "What I am about to provide is highly confidential and extremely dangerous." The aurors all sat up, almost everything they did fell into that category, but for Luc to state that, told them all something extreme was going to be explained.
"The answers given by the inmates at Ode Ore only confirmed a theory that started to form Saturday evening. After reading some of the documentation obtained in the British investigation of Dumbledore, I am confident on the reasons Dumbledore and Grindelwald returned to Britain."
Luc picked up the notes and began to read parts of them. "I know you all chuckled when the Three Brothers was mentioned, but that is exactly what they wanted." Luc handed out copies of the letters, "These are reproductions of letters sent to Grindelwald from Dumbledore. At the bottom of each is a hieroglyph. The symbol of the deathly hallows."
The aurors were stunned silent. "I do not know if the stories of our childhoods are real or not. Many of the myths of our world are based on fact. That means there is a chance these items exist. What we need to determine is if Dumbledore believed he knew the location of the items."
At his wave, Maya Robert stood and started to provide what information she'd thus far been able to find. "As you can tell from what Mya has found, we don't have much and aren't even sure if the items are real. We must be careful as the rumor of these items could cause many to begin the hunt for them."
The meeting continued for a time longer while some of the aurors made suggestions on other avenues for Mya to research. "I would like to meet on Thursday and see where we are. Henri please remain, I have something for you." After the rest of the team left, Luc and Henri resumed their seats. "I want you to follow up on some of the places Dumbledore discusses in these letters."
The auror nodded and began to flip through the pages. "It seems like he believed the gifts remained in Britain." Henri paused and thought about what he read, "If that is the case we are not the best positioned for this. Would your contact be agreeable to assisting me with this?"
Luc smiled, "My contact is no longer in the DMLE, —" Henri smiled knowing the contact, "— but he said he would be available if we needed him. I'll inform him of your request. That said, if needed you have full authority to investigate under the rules of the ICW." Henri left the room and Luc remained for a bit longer thinking on what exactly was at stake. "He would burn our entire world to the ground, we must stop that from happening."
With a firm nod, Luc left the conference room and gathered his things before locking his office. Dora stood from her desk when Luc arrived and the pair left the Ministry.
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When they arrived at the Lupin home, Luc hung his robe while Dora went to change. "Remus should be around, maybe in the basement." Luc nodded and palmed the extra wand in his pocket. At the sound of someone coming up the steps, Luc relaxed and smiled at the werewolf.
"Evening Remus, thank you again."
Remus shrugged, he grew to hate the former headmaster and learning more of his secrets did not endear him to the other man. "He is evil and will probably need to be killed. If he already isn't," If Remus wanted to say anything else, it was stopped when the floo lit up. Frank stepped out hearing the comments from Remus.
"I can't imagine he survived, the results of the clean up in the apothecary came through before being forwarded to your office Luc. The amount of blood on the floor could only result in his death. I'm surprised he was still conscious when Grindelwald grabbed him actually."
"As nice as that would be, we can't leave the investigation until we find him or his body." Frank and Remus agreed with Luc. Remus waved the pair toward the basement.
"Call us if you need us." The two entered the secured room and pulled out what they brought.
"Is that it?" Frank looked, but didn't touch the wand. Its aura was wrong.
"Yes, I believe so at least, there isn't a lot of information on it."
"I have an idea about where it might be safe." At Luc's interested look, Frank continued, "I think the Gryffindor lands. There are only three people who can access them. Neville is safely ensconced at school and between you and me, the wards around the school are a hair's width from being illegal. Not that I'd allow that to come out should something happen."
Luc chuckled, "Not that I have a child, but I would do the same. Beauxbatons has a few protections on it that would probably fall into that same category."
"What we do for our children, other than Neville and I, my daughter Aggie is the third person. She is too young for school and stays with Alice. Let's say I've upped the wards on our home over the last bit of time."
"I agree with your idea, we should do this soon."
"Would it be safe to leave it here for the night? With the spells the only people who could get near the room are the four of us and we've all taken an unbreakable vow." Luc agreed without pause, "Good, tomorrow, if you are available we could go. I found a book last fall and have only had time to look at it recently, but imagine my surprise when it included a description of the lands belonging to the Gryffindor family. Not a location or any way to locate it, but the size of it. I suspect I know where the home stood or maybe still is standing. If it still stands, there should be a place to hide the wand."
Frank and Luc returned to their respective homes comfortable in the knowledge the most deadly of the hallows would soon be secured.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
