Author's Note: I apologise for the long delay. Thanks again for reading and special thanks to Aquatica and Travelin-Thru for reviewing. In addition, thanks to all who have followed the story! The investigation is officially under way now and things are going to start heating up. Also, the list of "Elite Families" included is intended to be an earlier list (I give the date as 1903 instead of the 1930's). I felt the cannon list would be too limiting for the story.
September 22, 1951
It was a cold day. The wind was blowing. The leaves were falling. And Commissioner Urquart was reminding his Aurors that the scope of their warrant applied only to the necklace. Any other illegal items within the shop were strictly off limits.
"This isn't our first Quidditch game," Moody growled.
"You will be respectful. Polite," Urquart said firmly as he addressed his team. "Smile."
"And if you find something, I'm your next stop," Potter reminded the team. "You don't set foot in a home without a warrant." He eyed Bones with his last statement. "I don't want this case mucked up due to a technicality."
During their initial investigation of the Pinelli family, Bones had blasted open a lock box in one of the Pinelli front businesses. The box was suspicious. Inside were number of illegal poisons. However, the warrant to search the business didn't cover illegal poisons. Although the poisons had been used in a murder, the Ministry wasn't able to use the evidence during the trial.
The four Aurors would be accompanied by six Magical Law Enforcement Patrol officers. The officers would be assisting in the search. Their involvement had been hotly contested. Minister Urquart trusted the Patrol Squad Captain Bob Ogden. But Ogden's men couldn't be trusted. There had been several leaks made from within the ranks. As a compromise, Ogden's men weren't briefed on the operation. They were unaware of where they would be going.
As Urquart finished his briefing, he wished them the best of luck. If they could find out who was behind the purchase of the necklace it might lead them to the new head of the Pinelli family.
The Aurors and patrol officers walked quickly through Knockturn Alley. Although they were in plain clothes, the patrons and shop owners knew they were from the Ministry. It was a Saturday, and the street was fairly busy. When the Aurors began walking, the street cleared quickly. As they passed, shops locked their doors.
"That was Billy Tate," Officer Montez said as the passed the apothecary. "He's got a warrant out for-"
"For theft," Black said as she cut off Montez sharply. "Keep walking. We've got bigger game to hunt."
When they arrived at the store, it was nearly deserted. There was one elderly woman browsing a section on books who looked older than Merlin himself. She didn't seem bothered by the Aurors. There was a young man working the counter. He was thin with black hair. His fingers were thin and his eyes were sunken.
"Good morning," He said with a greasy smile. "How may I assist you?"
Bones and Black exchanged glances. They weren't used to anyone in Knockturn Alley asking to assist an Auror. McGonagall handed the warrant to the young man and then asked to see the necklace and the last three months worth of financial records.
"The financial records are available in the office. I can let you in to view them. However, I can't produce the necklace your warrant asks for," he said.
"Why?" McGonagall asked. "Where is the necklace?"
"The necklace was moved to Master Declan Holver's for restoration," the clerk said. "It is scheduled to take two months."
"Is Mister Borgin or Mister Burke available?" Bones asked.
"My employers are on a trip to Belgium," the clerk said. "They are looking to purchase a set of sixteenth century alchemy books."
Bones began searching through the financial records. If the necklace had been removed for restoration, there would have to be some financial proof. Moody went back to the Ministry to track down an address and warrant for Master Holver. McGonagall and Black stayed to question the clerk.
The clerk, Tom Riddle, was dusting a small silver music box. He was looking down at the box as he spoke with the Aurors. They asked him some general questions about the store and the store's relationship with Master Holver. Next, they shifted the conversion to the necklace.
"Mr. Riddle," Tully said, "Could you tell when the necklace was shipped out?"
"It was picked up by Master Holver several weeks ago," Riddle answered coolly. "We would never trust an owl to carry something that precious."
"Precious?" Tully asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Very," Riddle said firmly. "Yes, it is quite dangerous."
For the first time during the questioning, Riddle looked up at the Aurors. His eyes were cold and piercing. Tully felt a chill when their eyes met. It was like Riddle was looking right through his eyes and into his soul. His mouth grew dry. He was unable to form a response. There were flashes of faces, snippets of conversations, and short memories that darted through his mind. Using all of his willpower, Tully broke eye contact with Riddle.
"That necklace is over two hundred years old," Riddle said passionately. "It was owned by Madame du Barry. It is a piece of our history."
Tully swallowed hard. "Our history" was a phrase commonly used by blood purists. They feared the customs and history of the wizarding world were at risk of being lost. As the Muggle world and the wizarding world became increasingly intertwined more witches and wizards opted to adopt Muggle clothing, transportation, and devices. During the war with Grindelwald, his supporters had undertaken great risk to protect historical wizarding artefacts, books, and art from the destruction of the Muggle war. Borgin and Burkes had provided a refuge for many of these illegal items after the war ended.
Tully was flabbergasted and disgusted by Riddle's pride in this fact. He was unable to form words. Minerva took charge of the questioning.
"Mr. Riddle," she said steadily. "Why was the necklace being restored? Why now?"
"My employers recognised the historic value of the piece," Riddle stated smugly. "We are preserving history, Miss Black."
"Why was Master Holven chosen to restore the necklace?" She asked.
"His skill for restoration is renowned," Riddle replied. "Your family has used his services countless times. I would have assumed you knew of his work."
"You seem to know an awful lot about this," she replied. She paused before adding, "For a shop boy." Minerva might have been considered a blood traitor, but she wasn't going to allow anyone to insult her.
Riddle looked at Black for a moment without saying a word. Although he was smiling, it was a cold smile.
"It appears, Miss Black," he said without blinking. "That you seem to still possess the profound attitude found in pureblood superiority." Riddle paused and then added, "for an outcast."
Tully gripped the upper part of Minerva's arm. He was ready to leave. He still felt ill after making eye contact with Riddle. She could sense his discomfort. With a curt nod the pair exited the shop.
Once outside, Minerva noticed that Tully was visibly upset. He looked pale. They started walking back to Diagon Alley. Tully wanted to be as far from Riddle as possible before speaking. Although he was no expert, Tully had a suspicion that Riddle had entered his thoughts.
"Nothing?" Yaxley spat as he listened to the report on the search of Borgin and Burkes. It had been several days since the search at the shop.
"The shop owners are out of the country," McGonagall explained. "The necklace is out for restoration. Suspicious, but not illegal."
"Has anyone seen the necklace?" Yaxley asked.
"There was the clerk," Black replied as she flipped through a small notebook that held her case notes. "Mr. Tom Riddle. He lives above Mulpepper's. According to him, the owners will be back in a few weeks."
"I will have a warrant to search Master Holver's shop in a few days," Potter added. He hoped this warrant would lead to something. It had been a disappointing day for everyone involved.
"I'm assigning Black and McGonagall to carry out the warrant on Holver next week," Commissioner Urquart commanded. "And I think you all are going to want to hear what Scrimgeour and Vance have discovered."
"We spent the day combing through the Pinelli financial records and I think we might have a lead," Vance said calmly. "Over the past few weeks they've made large payments for party supplies. This includes food, wine, bartending services, and so on."
"So the Pinelli's like to get together," Weasley said bluntly, "It's not a crime. I don't see where you're going with this."
"These parties coincide with a high number of muggle disappearances," Vance continued. "After consulting with Auror Shacklebolt we learned that the Pinelli's are now leading the way in muggle trafficking. They aren't parties. They're auctions."
"They recently made a number of large payments to a catering company for an event to be held at Malfoy Manor," Rufus Scrimgeour added. "We'd like a warrant."
"Halloween," Tully said to himself. "They're planning for Halloween."
The group turned to look at McGonagall. Yaxley was nodding in agreement with Tully.
"The annual Malfoy Halloween gala," Yaxley said in agreement. "It would provide a host of people willing to buy muggles. And the perfect cover."
"A warrant won't work," Minerva added as she considered the plan.
She was right. It would be impractical to proceed with a warrant. The Malfoy Halloween gala was an annual event attended by many witches and wizards. It would be impossible to tell who was participating in the muggle slave trade and who was there just for the gala. They would also need to have evidence of purchase.
"We could place a number of individuals on the inside," Potter suggested.
"That will prove difficult," Vance stated. "We obtained a preliminary guest list. All sacred families."
Elite families were a group of families that had been certified as pureblood. In 1903 a list had been published naming 56 pureblood families. In the last 20 years, that list had dropped to less than 30 families. This discovery supported the theory that there was blood cult involvement.
Minister Urquart looked around the table. There were a number of individuals from sacred families in the group. However, not all sacred families associated with one another. Minister Urquart was muggle born. He didn't know, or care, about blood status or breeding. In truth, he couldn't tell the difference between a Bones and a Black.
"Let's assume my invitation was lost in the mail," Bilius Weasley laughed. It was common knowledge that the Weasley clan did not associate with Malfoy family.
"I will be on stakeout," Kingsley said. "I cannot attend."
Potter, despite being from an elite family, would certainly not be invited. He'd prosecuted too many of Malfoy's associates to warrant an invitation.
"Someone might get the wrong idea if I show up with McGonagall," Yaxley said with a smirk. Tully flashed a grin at Yaxley. He'd certainly make better company than Dolores. She reveled in pureblood social parties. It was the perfect environment for her to rub elbows.
However, Tully wasn't comfortable bringing Dolores into a potentially dangerous environment. Even if he were to go alone, Dolores could find out. If she did, he would be in hot water.
"Dismissed," Urquart said sternly. "Black, Yaxley, Vance, Scrimgeour. I need to see you about your paperwork."
Urquart waited patiently for the team to clear out. Once the group was gone, Urquart turned the floor over to Emmeline Vance.
"We asked you to stay behind because we think you'd be the best option to go in," Vance stated.
"That's impossible," Minerva said as she shook her head.
"I'm a friend of the family," Yaxley said to Urquart. "He usually issues an invitation. However, I want to make clear that I am uncomfortable attending."
Both Yaxley and Black looked quite uncomfortable with the situation. Urquart noticed this. However, this revelation about the guest list could be their only way in.
"Sir, I don't think this is a good idea," Black said with difficulty.
"This could raise suspicion," Yaxley agreed.
"Explain," Urquart said as he eyed the pair. "You're from an elite family. Black's and Malfoy's are close. Why is this a problem?"
"I'm a pariah, sir," Black explained. "I don't care to go into detail, but I'm considered a blood-traitor. A pureblood defector. A muggle-lover. Many would find it highly unusual if I were to suddenly re-enter pureblood society."
"I'm still missing the pariah part." Urquart said as he shook his head. "Your partner favours Muggle equality but is still a member of pureblood society. I will never understand how it works."
"Black's case here is a little different," Yaxley explained.
"Thank you, Yaxley," Minerva interjected, trying to cut him off.
"While it is frowned upon, it is not grounds for expulsion to hold a Pro-Muggle viewpoint," Yaxley explained. "And although many wizarding males have relationships with muggle females, the same freedoms are not granted to witches in pureblood society. They are M.F.T.s."
"Thank you, Yaxley," Minerva repeated harshly.
"What is an M.F.T.?" Urquart asked out of curiosity.
"A muggle-fucking tart," Yaxley answered trying to suppress a grin as he glanced at Minerva. She was pale and looked like she was about to vomit. He'd pay for saying that, he knew, but he always laughed at how her feathers were ruffled.
"In light of the gripping revelation," Urquart said shortly, wishing he'd never asked his previous question. "Can we make this work?"
"Sir," Yaxley asked, "I'd like to ask around. Perhaps I can ask Malfoy if I could invite Black. Test the water. Then we can make a decision about attending."
Urquart agreed to their plan. Yaxley would send out a test balloon. They had close to two months to set up a relationship cover. If they played their cards right, Minerva might be welcomed back into the arms of the Black family. This could prove to be a huge asset in their investigation.
Tully, Moody, and Bones were sitting together at the pub for their usual Friday evening happy hour. The group wasn't planning to stay long. The place was packed. The Department of International Magical Cooperation had just received word that the proposed free trade agreement with the Wizarding Republic of Kashmir had been approved. The place was lined wall to wall with officials celebrating.
"Where's your partner?" Amelia yelled above the music.
Tully shrugged. Minerva had been on her way out of the office when Minister Urquart had pulled her aside to review her report on the execution of the search warrant. Urquart lived by the book. He expected all of his Aurors to follow his example. Reports were due on time. Paperwork was kept in order. And above all else, investigations always followed the law. Minerva was arguably the most precise in her paperwork. It was usually Moody that got stuck after class making corrections.
Tully felt a little like a third wheel when he was with Bones and Moody. There was no romantic relationship between the pair. However, their relationship could easily be construed as romantic. It happened to partners over time. Moody and Bones had been partners for several years. They had come up through the Auror Corp. training program together. Before that, the two had spent their post-Hogwarts years serving together in the Great Wizarding War. Tully suspected there was a deeper relationship between the pair than they portrayed to others.
An hour later, Moody and Bones were deep in discussion regarding recent legislation of racing broom manufacturing. Tully was lost in his own thoughts. He'd spent the week trying to gather information about Tom Riddle. Something about Riddle had unsettled Tully. Since their meeting, Tully had tried to find if Riddle had any training in legilimency.
Tully was interrupted from his thoughts by someone placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Potter standing near the table. He was dressed in a muggle suit and tie. Moody motioned for Potter to sit down. He slid into the booth next to Moody and ordered a drink.
"Where's your partner?" Potter asked McGonagall.
"We thought she was with you," Tully said. He knew that the pair was planning to go to the theatre. "She must still be back at the office."
"What's bothering you?" Potter asked Tully. He could see the man was upset about something. "Is it the case?"
"I'm tired," Tully lied. "Lots going on with the wedding and such."
The truth was that all he could think about was Tom Riddle. Tully wasn't comfortable sharing his revelation with the group yet. Even his partner was in the dark on this one.
Tully groaned internally when Potter sat down next to him. Tully couldn't explain his dislike for the man. Potter was friendly and well liked by Tully's friends. Although they had only recently met, Tully had heard a great deal about Potter from Black, Bones, and Moody. In truth, Tully didn't want to admit what he knew was true. Potter wasn't all that different from Tully. Both were from old pureblood families. They both shared similar a similar political ideology. Both were ministry employees with promising careers ahead of them. Although Potter was roughly ten years younger than Tully, he was already making waves at the Ministry.
The only thing Tully didn't like about Potter was that somehow he'd manage to capture the attention of a woman like Minerva. There weren't a lot of women like her and Bones at the Ministry. Tully had spent the better part of the last decade meeting well-to-do debutantes that wanted nothing more than the traditional pureblood marriage. Pureblood society marriages often resulted in the couple producing an heir, a spare, and then leaving each other alone.
Tully was jealous. Potter and Minerva wouldn't admit they were an item, but Tully knew better. Truth be told, he'd gotten the scoop from Moody. In a few years they'd be happily shacked up and Tully would be living alone while Dolores used his money and name to live the life she always wanted.
He didn't mind Dolores. She was a respectable young woman. She was attractive, career focused, and his parents were fond of her. He stared blindly at Bones and Moody as they talked. As he watched them they seemed happy, truly happy with one another. He decided then and there that if he ever met a woman like Bones or Minerva he'd leave Dolores.
"I say, when is the wedding?" Potter said loudly as Tully snapped back to reality. Bones and Moody stopped talked to look at Tully.
"Are you alright?" Moody asked out of concern. It was unlike Tully to lose focus. Now, it happened twice in one night.
"I'm going to get some fresh air," Tully said as he stood up to step outside.
Just after dark, Yaxley rounded off from Diagon Alley and through the archway into Knockturn Alley. There was a gentleman's club called the Serpent's Folly. It offered private parlours for both witches and wizards. There was also a co-ed parlour, overnight lodgings, and a billiards room.
Yaxley rarely attended these sorts of clubs. However, his blood status afforded him membership and he knew Malfoy frequented the location. This club was distinct compared to the typical pubs, bistros, and pool halls located throughout the area. Many of wizarding hot spots had modernised after the Great Wizarding War. More and more establishments were offering Muggle drinks, dishes, and entertainment options.
The Serpent's Folly was an exception to this rule. It still featured traditional wizarding lighting and decor. All alcohol served at the establishment was produced by wizarding distilleries and breweries. There were no muggle entertainment options. Traditional wizarding billiards was available. In addition, a strict wizarding attire only dress code was enforced. Finally, the club only admitted purebloods or specially permitted guests of pureblooded patrons.
Once inside, Yaxley checked his coat with one of the coat check boys at the counter. After Hogwarts, Yaxley had spent a great deal of time at the club. It was a natural place for a young Slytherin to schmooze with Ministry big shots. After the war, Yaxley had drifted away from the pureblood society crowd. If he remembered correctly, Malfoy was usually found upstairs in a private bar reserved for elite club members.
Sure enough, Malfoy was upstairs in the private bar. Malfoy's signature look involved bold colours for his robes. Tonight he was wearing a crimson set of robes. They were high collared and contrasted well with his light skin and pale hair. He smiled coyly when he noticed Yaxley. With a small wave, Malfoy directed Yaxley to the seat on his left.
"I haven't seen you here for some time," Malfoy said ordered Yaxley a drink. "Allow me to introduce my associate, Tom Riddle."
Yaxley nodded to the young man. Yaxley knew Riddle from his time at Hogwarts. The two men were housemates, but from different years. Riddle had always seemed aloof. Yaxley had been two years ahead of Riddle and didn't recall much of the man. Yaxley had been captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team his final two years of school and a Prefect. He was frequently busy. He vaguely remembered Riddle seemed to keep to himself and his close circle of friends.
"What brings you here, Yaxley?" Malfoy asked. "You haven't been here in ages."
"I'm waiting for a date," Yaxley said. Malfoy grinned. This was all part of Yaxley's plan. He would pretend to be waiting for Minerva and meet later for drinks. It was their test balloon. If all went well, then Yaxley and Minerva would be infiltrating the Malfoy Halloween Gala.
"A date?" Malfoy pried.
"Yes," Yaxley said gruffly as he played with an ice cube in his drink. "What brings you here?"
Malfoy smiled wider. Yaxley wanted him to think he was trying to avoid the question.
"Are you meeting your date here?" Malfoy asked with a hint of curiosity.
"No," Yaxley responded. "None of your business."
Malfoy purchased a round of shots for his group and raised one to Yaxley.
"Here's to your date," he smirked. He slammed the shot and looked back to Yaxley. "Why are you being so coy? Don't tell me she's a Muggle."
"None of your business," Yaxley repeated.
The three men sat in silence for a moment. Yaxley continued to stare at his drink. He didn't care to look around at the sleazy environment of the private room. The wealthy and power purebloods with perverse inclinations loved this place. There were vices to suit all perversions. Alcohol, illicit substances, gambling, and high priced escorts were easy to come by.
"You work with her," Riddle said coldly without looking up from his drink. Suddenly it clicked. Yaxley didn't care for Riddle because he had a knack for reading people. He'd have made a great asset to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but Riddle had never been interested in a career with the Ministry.
"And if I do?" Yaxley said, accepting the bait.
"You've got to stick away from those Ministry tarts, old boy," Malfoy chided. "They're all society hopefuls there with one purpose- to find and marry a man, such as yourself," he raised his drink to Yaxley, "In hopes of bettering their blood status. We're a dying breed Yaxley."
"She's not like that," Yaxley grunted.
"So what is she like then?" Malfoy pried, his eyes greedy for information. "One of those career girls? Please don't tell me it is that Bones woman." He laughed coldly. "Or worse-Black's sister. What a cock-up that was when she left home."
"Oi!" Robert Black slurred as he stumbled next to Yaxley. "Watch what you say about her. She might be a muggle-fucking tart but she's my sister."
Black took a swig of his drink and slammed the tumbler down roughly on the bar counter. Yaxley could smell the heavy scent of alcohol. His eyes were red and hazy and he was leaning heavily on the bar. Robert Black was Minerva's younger brother. Yaxley hadn't counted on Black being present. Perhaps this could provide an advantage to his situation.
"Yassley," Robert slurred. "Haven't seen you in ages. Why are you here?"
"He's got a date," Malfoy explained with a smirk. "Apparently he works with her at the Ministry. And he doesn't want to bring her around here. I, for one, would like to meet her. I promise I won't bite."
"No thank you," Yaxley said shortly. He continued to sip his drink. He had to be careful how he proceeded.
"Are you worried we'll scare her off?" Malfoy chided.
"Hardly," Yaxley said as he met Malfoy's eyes. "She can handle herself. She's an Auror."
Malfoy's eyebrows shot up. This wasn't the typical type of woman Yaxley was known for being involved with. Malfoy racked his brain, but couldn't remember the names of female Aurors. He scanned the room and spotted John Alton leaning against the wall near the door. Malfoy got his attention and Alton shuffled over to the bar.
"Yaxley, I believe you know John Alton," Malfoy said as he introduced Alton. "John here's an Auror."
Yaxley knew John would be able to pinpoint all the female Aurors- as there weren't many in the department. Alton smiled and gave Malfoy all the information he needed to here.
"Well there's Bones," Alton said.
"Yaxley wouldn't be caught dead with her," Malfoy asserted. "He knows better."
"Fox Vance's daughter," Alton added, "But she's engaged."
"That hasn't stopped me before," Yaxley shrugged.
"She not the type," Alton declared. "McKinnon is on assignment abroad. Bursnell, who's not into wizards," Alton winked deviously, "And Black's muggle-fucking tart of a sister."
"And what if it is your sister?" Yaxley said seriously as he eyed Black. "What then?"
Robert's eyes were bleary and he was leaning heavily on the bar. But when he made eye contact with Yaxley he snapped. Within seconds, Yaxley was pinned down against the bar.
"Are you using her?" Robert spat. "She's not some floozy. You hear me? She might be a blood traitor, but she's still a Black."
"And you might be a Black, but you are still a drunk," A voice said from behind. Standing in the doorway was Minerva. And to Yaxley's surprise she had forgone her muggle-inspired attire and wore fully acceptable, designer, wizarding attire.
"Let him go, Bobby," Minerva said calmly.
"This place has gone so downhill," Yaxley heard someone murmur from across the room.
"Well, well, well," Malfoy smiled. "Minerva Black. I'm surprised they let you in the door."
"Let's go," she said calmly, ignoring Malfoy's statement.
Robert loosened his grip on Yaxley. He stood and straightened his robes. Yaxley finished his drink, nodded to Malfoy, and made towards the door.
Riddle caught his shoulder on the way out and whispered "Watch for my owl."
Outside the temperature had dropped. Yaxley was buttoning his coat when he found himself facing Minerva. She tugged the sides of his coat to pull him closer, before planting a chaste kiss on his lips.
"They're still watching," she whispered.
"I can't believe that worked," he responded as they linked arms and headed down the street.
Once out of sight, they went their separate ways. They were off to a good start with their plot. However, they hadn't noticed Bill Weasley walking out of the pub across the street. He was in disguise waiting for a target. But the target hadn't shown so Weasley decided to call it a night. But he would have one last stop before heading home.
Across town, Tully McGonagall was leaning against the wall outside of the pub. He was startled by a crack as Bill Weasley appeared in front of him.
"Mr. Weasley," Tully nodded. "Fancy a drink?"
"No, thank you," Weasley replied. "I thought I'd make you aware that I just witnessed your partner coming out of the Serpent's Folly."
Tully laughed. It was a known dark wizard-supporting hang out. Minerva would never set foot in a place like that. In addition, he knew she wouldn't be welcome.
"They'd never let her in," Tully responded with a chuckle.
"She was with Yaxley," Weasley said seriously. "Snogging Yaxley."
"Why are you telling me this?" Tully asked defensively, "I don't care who she sees. It's not like were married."
"That's not what I'm implying," Weasley said. "We've had cracks before from within the Ministry. Her family has ties to a lot of dark wizards. I just thought you should know maybe all those family ties aren't severed."
Weasley turned and disappeared into the night. Tully slunk down against the wall and sat on the pavement. It was probably a misunderstanding. He would ask her when he saw her next.
"But what would she think of me?" He thought to himself.
He didn't have long to think when none other than Minerva rounded the corner.
"What kept you?" He said harsher than he had intended.
"I received an owl from Professor Dumbledore," she replied.
"I don't care," he added, overcompensating, "But Potter was asking and I-"
"And what did you say?" She asked as her eyes narrowed.
"I shrugged," he said, suddenly nervous at the way she was looking at him.
"Will you tell him you forgot I had a meeting with Dumbledore," she asked. "That's where I was."
Minerva hadn't told Potter about her plan with Yaxley. They weren't a couple. But they had been exclusively more than friends for quite some time. She was worried that by explaining her plan to Potter she would scare him off. In addition, she was equally worried that if he found out he would be also be upset. Potter knew Minerva could handle herself, but he feared for her safety with this investigation. They'd had their fair share of arguments over her participation in it.
"Are you asking me to lie for you?" Tully asked with a hint of concern. Minerva had never asked Tully to cover for her. Usually Moody was the one asking for an alibi.
"No," Minerva said shortly, "Of course not. I had a meeting with Dumbledore. I swear. I just don't want him to think I was avoiding him."
Earlier That Day
Minerva was just packed up to leave after her meeting with Urquart. She wasn't exactly keen on the plan. It could easily backfire. Faking a relationship with Yaxley would be difficult for both of their friends to accept. They would try the pureblood circle first. There was no use lying to their friends at the Ministry if the plan was going to fail. However, that meant keeping their false relationship secret until it was solidified with Yaxley's old friends.
She was putting on her jacket to leave when a small owl popped through and dropped a note. There was familiar loopy handwriting on the note that she recognised as Dumbledore's.
5:50 PM. The Mysterious Death of Varian Gamp: Death or Transfiguration? 3 Galleons. 8 Knuts.
She thought for a moment. There was a time, an item, and a price listed in the note. She snapped her fingers and she realised the cryptic message. She was to meet Dumbledore at Flourish and Blott's near that book's location.
It was already 5:28. She would have to move fast to make it on time. She had to meet Yaxley later to test their first encounter with his friends. She grabbed the door handle and rounded the corner quickly right into her boss, Commissioner Urquart.
"Auror Black," he greeted.
"Sir," she said nervously. "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
"That's quite alright," he said as he helped her gather the contents of her briefcase that were now strewn about the floor. "May I see you in your office?"
She smiled weakly and they retreated to her office. She was always embarrassed about the boss stepping in. Minerva was a very organised person. Her files were neatly arranged and she kept detailed notes on her cases. On the other hand, Tully was more of a free spirit when it came to organisation. In addition, he had a nasty habit of leaving half-eaten sandwiches, dirty cups, and partially smoked cigars on his desk.
"Is there something I can help you with, Sir?" She asked.
"I just wanted to say that I hold no opinions about what Mister Yaxley said earlier," he said softly. Urquart was such a keen man. He'd been an excellent Auror in his day. He could pick up on the slightest change in human behaviour.
"You seemed uncomfortable," he said to relax her. "Your personal life is your personal life. This is 1951. You are an accomplished Auror, a war veteran, and an intelligent woman. I know plenty of the men around here have had their fair share of Muggle encounters. Why I recall back during my tour in Italy I was quite enthralled with a certain local Muggle woman-"
"Um, Sir," she said hesitantly. "Thank you, I don't think-"
"Sorry, I'm rambling," Urquart said sheepishly. "I just wanted to say that regardless of Yaxley's comment, my opinion of you remains unchanged."
"Thank you, Sir," she said quickly. "Have a nice weekend."
Minerva left as quickly as she could, trying desperately to put the conversation with Urquart out of her head. She needed to meet Dumbledore. She did not need to think about Elphinstone Urquart and a young Italian woman. As she walked outside of the Ministry she shook the thought from her head and disappeared with a crack.