Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter Warning: A few curse words

I'm not afraid to take a stand

Everybody come take my hand

We'll walk this road together, through the storm

Daphne straightened up the parchment on her desk. She had come to realize that if everything was in its place she would know if someone messed with her things. It had been two months since something seemed off to her, which was strange as very few people have access to the Department of Mysteries. She remembered the story from fifth-year about the battle that took place here, the one Hermione had confirmed. No the Department of Mysteries was not as safe and secure as people thought.

"Unspeakable Nott?" Daphne looked up to see the Department secretary standing there. "There is someone here to see you. It's not your sister. I remembered you mentioned you have a healer appointment today. I would have just let her through."

"Who is it, Lynette?"

"Luna Lovegood. I remember she was a Ravenclaw a few years behind me in school," Lynette leaned in and whispered, "A bit of loon if you ask me."

"I did not ask you, Lynette. I know who Ms. Lovegood is. Please send her in."

Lynette gulped and nodded. Luna hadn't changed. Her eyes were still a bright silver and her hair could rival that of Draco's. The Butterbeer cork necklace still hung around her neck as did the dirigible plum earrings on her ears. Her robes were bright red with golden tipped sleeves. She looked like a Gryffindor, but Daphne knew better.

"Channeling a phoenix today, Luna?"

Luna smiled. "You were always so insightful, Daphne. Congratulations on your child."

"Thank you, Luna. Theo and I are excited. How are you? It's been quite some time. Do sit. I can get us some tea too. I seem to always be craving it."

"I shan't stay long, Daphne. You're going to raise such a lovely girl, Daphne. With a child craving tea so young, she's going to be quite the lady."

Daphne chuckled. "Oh goodness if it is a girl and she is like that. We don't know yet though if it is a girl or not, Luna. I want to be surprised."

"And Theo?"

"He has been informed that he wants to be surprised."

Luna smiled at the expecting mother. "I am not at all surprised by that. I do think it is a girl when considering your tea craving and the amount nargles at bay around you. They have only increased in population."

Nargles is what had started their so-called friendship. Daphne wasn't sure if that is exactly what was between them, but she always knew that Luna Lovegood would be honest to her and treat her just like anyone else. Not a pureblood princess. Not a fragile doll. Not an object. A second-year Luna had approached a third-year Daphne to remark about the copious amounts of nargles surrounding her. Normally thieves, Luna told her the nargles seemed to act as protectors. Perhaps these nargle hybrids with bowtruckles and something she had told her. Or maybe they were different creatures entirely.

"I don't believe you came here today to inspect my nargles, Luna. Though I do like your company, we must have tea sometime by the way, it is not your modus operandi to just drop by to exchange pleasantries."

Luna smiled. "You know me well. I've come to you because of your job. I have something to tell you."

Theo sighed as he reclined back in his chair. Tomorrow would mark 4 months since the Battle at Hogwarts happened. It had been 3 months since he stepped into this new job running the MLE. He had spent his time sorting out protection for people against the bombardments that occurred from the remnants of the radical Order. Outrage from them came when the wizarding community accepted Tom's self-appointment as Chief Warlock and his appointment of Hermione as Minister.

There was a light knock at his door. "Come in," he said. Astoria popped her head in before sliding in and shutting the door. "What can I do for you, Tori?"

"I just wanted to tell you Daphne's appointment went well, but she went home afterwards. Her feet have been swelling, though I'm sure you know this," Astoria informed him. "Adrian said the baby is good and is on track for the end of December like you assumed."

Theo smiled. "That's good to hear. How are you, Astoria? I'm sorry I haven't seen you lately. This job—"

"—is a lot," she finished with a chuckle. "I'm not even in a head position in MAC and I still know the feeling. Luckily I get treated well there. No one is strange towards me because of Tom. I just do my work like everyone else."

Theo chuckled. "Tori, you'll never be like everyone else. How is Longbottom? I know he started as an apprentice under Professor Sprout."

Astoria's brow furrowed. He watched her shift slightly. "I don't know. That's a question for the Minister."

Theo held a chuckle in. "Whatever you say, Astoria. Thank you once again for taking Daphne."

Astoria nodded. "Of course, Theo. Take care now."

"Same to you, Astoria."

Theo looked down at his paperwork. In the hall, he heard Astoria say something but paid no mind to it. "Mr. Nott?" Theo looked up and reached for his wand. "I'm not her. She's dead. I'm the other sister."

"I apologize for my rash response. Please sit down, Mrs. Tonks. What can I do for you?"

Andromeda Tonks smiled and sat down across from Theo. At first glance, Theo did panic that Bellatrix was entering his office, even though he knew the witch was dead. Now looking closer at her, he saw the differences. Andromeda had light brown hair, with long waves similar to Bellatrix, and warm grey eyes. Her nose was similar to Narcissa but her facial expression was softer than the hard one Narcissa normally wears. The three Black daughters ranged on the spectrum from dark and cold to warm to light and cool.

"Andromeda, please. Mrs. Tonks makes me feel old, which I do not want to be. I want to first offer my congratulations, Mr. Nott. I heard Ms. Greengrass. I didn't mean to, but your door was still open a tad. Anyone could have heard. A baby is exciting," Andromeda smiled.

Theodore nodded. "It is. Daphne and I are looking forward to its arrival. I think it is a girl but Daphne disagrees. She wants to wait until the birth to find out too, much to my disappointment."

Andromeda chuckled. "My husband and I were the same way when we were expecting Nymphadora. He was so sure I was having a girl. He wanted a girl. He regretted it later on, especially with her abilities. She was a daddy's girl and he was protective of her. He'd do anything for her," Andromeda pursed her lips and straightened up. "As would I."

"I would say it is a Black family trait because Narcissa is the same way, but then I look at the rest of your family."

Andromeda nodded. "I'm sure you understand what I mean though, Mr. Nott."

"I do and please Theo or even Theodore. Mr. Nott was my father."

"I remember Leopold. I only met him a handful of times before being burned off. He was the embodiment of a Slytherin. Very cold on the outside and always calculating. I know he wasn't like the others. Your mother, I did not know her. I can only imagine though."

Theodore frowned at the woman. "My father was a man with ambition who did what he had to in the most favorable ways possible that would benefit himself and his family. His cold exterior was a calculated use. He was sick the past decade and needed to use that facade. As for my mother, do not bring her up."

"I meant no disrespect, Theodore."

"Let's get to business, Andromeda. I have my guesses as to why you are here, but please tell me yourself."

"My grandson and I need protection from the new Order. My daughter and her husband were a part of the group and our house was used as a safe house for a time. Harry Potter is also my grandson's godfather," she explained. "I have been receiving threats from them for not joining them. I need my grandson protected. I care about his life more than mine, but I don't want to leave him without any family since Harry is incapacitated right now."

Theo nodded and grabbed a file. "I'm sure you know that you are not the first person to approach this office with an issue with the new Order. What threats have you received?"

"Well, it has normally just been howlers. I have wards around my home, but they have weakened since my husband, daughter, and son-in-law have passed. With Teddy around, I haven't had the time to strengthen them to the level I want them to be at, and ward magic has never been my specialty. That was Ted's. Then last night I heard a crash and Teddy crying. Running into his room, I find glass everywhere, even on him. From the window, I saw a fire in the yard and coming closer. I threw some things quickly into a bag. It was the yelling that clued me it was done by the Order. I can't tell you what they were yelling. I was too rushed and scared, but I knew the voices were the same ones from the howlers. I grabbed the bag and Teddy and flooed to the Leaky. I had originally tried to apparate but they put anti-apparation wards up. I returned this morning and found my house burned to the ground."

Theodore frowned. "Who is with your grandson right now?"

"Hannah Abbott. She's been working at the Leaky. I trust her. The Abbotts are a good family. Hannah has an older sister who went to school with Nymphadora. They were good friends."

Theo nodded. "Good. The Leaky isn't safe still though. We need to get you out of there quickly. We're very sure there are Order informants in the Alley. Is it just protection you want or—"

"I want us hidden, Theodore. Put us somewhere we won't be found. I'd be willing to go muggle but Teddy inherited his mother's abilities. I preferably do not want to go abroad unless Ireland counts as abroad."

"I want to get you moved today, Andromeda, mainly because of your grandson Teddy. I don't want to see anyone hurt but children just shouldn't be involved, and yes I am well aware of the irony in that statement. Would you mind moving to a temporary location before a more permanent one? It will be just as safe." Andromeda nodded. "Please then stay at my family home then. House-elves will be there to help serve you. You will not be a bother. The house is quite large. Besides, I'm sure Daphne would love to learn from you about children. As would I. I insist, Andromeda. I will look for another place for you to go to that will feel homier but Nott Manor is the safer option at this very instant."

Andromeda nodded, though Theo could tell she was doing it reluctantly. "I will accept because I know the threat that is against us. I will also be happy to bestow my parental knowledge upon you and Daphne. It's the least I can do."

"Excellent. Go back to the Leaky and ready your things and Teddy. I will send an owl to Daphne and instruct her to send an elf to your room at the Leaky to bring you back to the house. Just stay there. Don't go anywhere and don't let anyone in. Do you understand?"

Andromeda nodded and left Theo. He sighed and grabbed a piece of parchment. He hoped Daphne would be okay with this. She hated it when he brought work home.

"Healer Pucey?" Adrian looked up to see medi-witch MacAvoy standing in the doorway of his office.

"Can I help you, Heidi? Has something happened?"

"There's a witch here to see you," she glanced behind her. "A Ms. Pansy Parkinson. She says she won't leave until she speaks with you. She's from the Prophet, sir."

Adrian sighed. Of course it was Pansy. They had become close friends in the past months. In a way their friendship was mutually beneficial. He reminded Pansy how beautiful she was and she helped him acknowledge his feelings. Pansy also made him pies.

"Let her in, Heidi. She's not harmful."

"Not harmful?" Pansy frowned as she pushed her way past the medi-witch. "That hurts, Adrian. It hurts deep, deep down. Draco says I'm like a cactus."

"Draco still refuses to eat the crust on sandwiches. Since when do you listen to him?"

Pansy shrugged and sat down across from him. Adrian saw her bat her eyes. He sighed and cleared off his desk. She smirked and kicked her feet up. "How are you, Adrian darling? Is the office life everything you hoped for?"

Adrian grimaced as he glanced over at all the paperwork he just removed from his desk. He missed the bed from the on-call room. "Do you think Tom would let me have my job back and just forget about me?"

Pansy laughed. Adrian swore she may have even cackled. "If you ask he might let you demote yourself, but forget about you? Never. That man will never forget about us unfortunately. We both know too it is unlikely he would accept your demand because then he would lose control of an area."

"He's not controlling Hogwarts," Adrian argued.

"Neville is there. It's close enough."

"Adrian," Pansy frowned, "Enough. I'm not going to sit here and listen to you whine and complain. If you're going to be like this, no more pies."

Adrian's jaw dropped. "No more pies?"

"No more pies!" Pansy snapped. Adrian huffed. "Theo says the radical Order has escalated. Attacks are becoming more frequent and more violent."

Adrian nodded. "I know. I've been trying to be in the emergency department as much as I can but the increase of attacks has caused more paperwork. I'm understaffed in every department. Pansy, Tom may not like it, but I have to go back to being an emergency trauma doctor. There isn't much of an option. I've been trying to pull healers from other departments but it's not the same. They don't know what to do. Why are you telling me this stuff, Pans?"

"First, I didn't know if I could get any statements from you for the Prophet. I'm releasing a story tomorrow documenting the effects of the attacks."

"Per Tom's order? And yes of course. I don't have any other option anyway. Get some other healer and medi-witch quotes too."

Pansy shrugged. "More or less. He implied but the people also demanded. They feel unsafe."

The medi-witch popped her head back in. "Healer Pucey, you're 10:30 is here. He's in room 3E."

"Thank you, Heidi," Adrian stood up and pushed Pansy's feet off his desk. "That's your cue to leave, Ms. Parkinson."

"Ms. Parkinson? Are you serious right now, Adrian? You're really going to do this?" Pansy sneered. Adrian didn't answer. "You're pathetic. It's pitiful. You're not doing a single thing to help yourself become better. You're just being a shell of a person who walks around thinking he has an awful weight to bear. You're not the only one who has to bear it, Adrian. We all do. Remember what we agreed to."

Adrian didn't say a word as she stormed out. She was right. Pitiful. Absolutely pitiful.

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Blaise chuckled as Marcus walked into his office covered in bruises. He hopped off Marcu's desk. "Beaters hit you hard I see."

Marcus growled. "What the hell do you want, Zabini?"

Blaise smiled. "I just came to see if you approved the exhibition matches with the Italian league. Their ambassador has been asking me for confirmation for days now. He won't leave me the hell alone."

Marcus sighed. "Blaise, like I told Signore Rossi, I don't think those games will happen this season as promised because our quidditch world is rebuilding."

Blaise's smile was replaced with a scowl. "That's not good enough, Flint. I'll talk to Riddle about this."

"Go ahead, Blaise," Marcus said. "Go tattle to Riddle. He won't do anything. This isn't a pressing issue."

"It would make the country look good. Like we are healed."

"It would make you look good," Marcus corrected. "Blaise, we just finished rebuilding stadiums. We have no teams. The Puddlemere team was completely wiped out except for myself and Oliver Wood. The Magpies were also all killed. Other teams had players go into hiding. Some of them died. I'm trying to locate where the remaining players are hiding. This season, sadly, isn't happening."

"You just want me to look bad to Riddle."

"What?" Marcus asked, confused. "No. That's not it at all. This has nothing to do with you."

Zabini scowled and walked out of his office. Marcus sighed. "What the fuck just happened?" Marcus asked himself. The past 3 months had been difficult for them. The world had come to know that there was something special about the eight of them, but no one knew about the circumstances. Marcus pulled out a piece of parchment and jotted a quick note. He popped his head out into the hall and saw someone walk by. "Excuse me. Can you send this off for me please?"

He needed to talk to Oliver.

Hermione groaned as Draco handed her the stack of parchment as she was heading back to her office from lunch. "What in Merlin is this, Malfoy?"

"Expense reports that your office asked for about the financial status of the Ministry from the past 5 years," Draco replied.

"Who asked for that?" she asked. "I don't remember asking for it."

"Tom did. He wanted it done in your name though. He wanted files on Gringotts too, but I'm sure you can guess how the goblins reacted to that request."

"Did he at least tell you what he wanted me to do with them?"

Draco shrugged. "He did not. If I were you, I would go through and see how the budget was allocated. These past 5 years were probably the most corrupt of the past decade or two. Well, the most corrupt with recent, relevant information. I think he's looking for something, Granger."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She walked over to her desk and opened a drawer. Pulling out a notebook, she handed it to Draco. "I've been keeping record of all the different things he's been looking into along with policies passed."

Draco grabbed the book. "Hermione, that's dangerous—even for you. If Tom found out…"

"He won't," Hermione urged. "Trust me, Draco. You must remember that that man practically raised me the first 11 years of my life. He may have used no magic, but all of his skills and talent were still there. Take it and read it. We can discuss it over dinner Wednesday night."

Draco smirked. "Dinner huh? That's becoming more frequent. Some may call these frequent "work" dinners dates."

Hermione pursed her lips. She knew exactly what he was implying. 2 months ago they started having dinner to discuss furthering courses of action. She did take him to a movie one night though, and he did take her to a wizarding village on the coast that is known for carrying rare tomes. They had become friends after mutually agreeing to some things and calling a truce to their animosity. Many days though Draco was still a prat and the two argued over everything.

"Oh shut up. No dinner then."

Draco frowned. "What about that Indian takeout place you promised you'd take me to?"

"Well, find someone else to take you. Ask Theo."

Draco snorted. "We both know that man would not come with unless Daphne was craving Indian. He is in way too deep."

"Well, is there anything wrong with that?" Hermione asked. "They love each other so much and are going to have a child together. They are so deep in this shit and keep going because they can't bear to separate for Daphne's safety. They believe they can make the world a better place. So tell me, Draco, is there anything wrong with being too deep?"

Draco shoved the notebook into his robe pocket. "I don't have that kind of choice, and I'm not sure if I ever will. Good day, Minister."

Hermione watched him quickly leave her office. She sighed as she sank into her chair. None of this had been easy, and it didn't help her that Neville had left that morning. She was alone now. "The Ferret, Hermione? Really?" Hermione's head snapped in the direction of her door, which was closing. She whipped out her wand but it was suddenly out of her hand. "None of that now, Hermione."

Hermione gasped as the figure stepped out from behind the door with her wand in his hand. "George? What in Merlin's pants are you doing in my office?"

"I needed to talk to you," he told her. "And there would have been no way for me to get an appointment with you or send an owl without raising suspicion. Plus I didn't figure you'd be by the shop anytime soon or over for Sunday dinner."

"I won't go down without a fight, George."

"What are you talking about? I'm not here to kill you, Hermione. I could never do that. I just need to talk to you...about everything," George said. "I've talked with Oliver and Terence. You know they were a part of the Order and they have ties respectively with Marcus Flint and Adrian Pucey. The three of us want nothing to do with this radical Order. They can kind of get out, but the ties they held previously stops them doing anything and we both know there is no hope for me just leaving the Order. I don't agree with Ron, Hermione. I know there is more to this story. I know Oliver feeds Marcus information."

"Oliver Wood? Oliver Wood is his informant?" Hermione gasped. She hadn't seen that one coming. George nodded. "You still have the shop then? Everything okay there?"

George nodded once more. "Yes. Oliver and Terence stay there with me. It's the safest thing for them, and it gives Oliver access to my polyjuice and the bar he and Marcus meet up at. Business is good too. Actually, some of Riddle's economic policies have helped me."

"And…" Hermione hesitated, "And Ron?"

George frowned. "I'm sorry, Hermione. He's...he's not the same Ron. I'm not sure if he ever will be again. He's proclaimed himself the new leader of the Order. Harry is still alive, by the way. Still unconscious though; I think Ron believes that Harry is as good as dead and just wants to avenge him."

Hermione nodded. "Tell me, Mione," George whispered. "Tell me what happened. How did you end up here?"

She thought for a moment. Hermione had never thought bad of George. She always thought he and Fred were brilliant but they could do better by not testing products on first years. He, and Fred, had always treated her well. She was a little sister to them in every way but blood. "My parents were killed by death eaters during a spree when I was a baby," she told him.

"I didn't know it was death eaters until fifth year when I came home for summer and lifted the rug that had been on my floors for years covering up this mysterious burn that I now know was the dark mark. Muggles were obliviated to believe a spree killer had done the damage. My aunt and uncle took me in. I never lied to any of you about them except the fact I said they were my parents. I didn't want pity. I saw the pity Harry got and wanted none of it. Thomas Marvel was my next-door neighbor. He took care of me because my aunt and uncle were always gone. I even had my own room in his house. He took me to everything and even showed up to my major school events. He was practically the only family I had. I couldn't bring myself to obliviate him either that day. He said he was moving anyway so I thought things were okay. It was during the final battle that I realized Thomas Marvel was Tom Riddle who was Lord Voldemort. I got a letter a week after the battle from him. He wanted to speak. Neville, and Harry of course, was the only one who knew about my aunt and uncle and neighbor. Neville covered for me. I had to speak with him, George. That man cared for me my whole life. Yes my aunt and uncle loved me but they were always busy. Their lives were not meant to include a child. Thomas was my family. I needed answers."

"Did you get answers?"

Hermione shrugged. "I found out what happened the night my parents died. Bellatrix killed them. Tom spared me. That's all I want to say on the matter."

George nodded. "I'm sorry about your parents, Mione."

Hermione shrugged. "Perhaps that is why I was drawn to Harry. He understood."

"And he will. I heard your conversation with Malfoy. You don't Riddle to win."

Hermione shook her head. "It's not that simple, George. We are in deep, and I can't tell you everything. I'm sorry."

"It's okay," he replied. "Oliver and Terence have explained some things. Hermione, I don't support Riddle and I certainly do not support this new Order—neither would Fred—but I do support you. I want to help you, Hermione. I want to help you bring this all down."

She knew he was telling the truth. George was here for her. He always had been. She had never seen him flinch, not even when Fred died. She smiled and nodded.

Daphne glanced around as she walked quickly to the elevator. She pressed the button several times. Theo would be home soon. Hopefully the elves still had Andromeda occupied. She shouldn't be here. The door opened and Daphne rushed in. She let out a big sigh as she hit the button for the Atrium.

"In a hurry, Mrs. Nott?" Daphne jumped. She hadn't realized anyone else was in the elevator. "Your husband mentioned earlier you went home after an appointment with the healer."

Daphne smiled. "I had. I realized though I had left some work here that I needed to take home," She patted her bag, hoping, praying he didn't ask her to open it. "I just wanted to get it quickly before he comes home. He worries too much. How are you, Tom? And Daphne please."

Tom smiled. "I am doing well, Daphne. I'm quite happy to see you actually. I had stopped to see you earlier but encountered your husband who had informed me of your absence."

"Is there anything I can help you with right now, Tom?" She quickly glanced over at the door. Three floors left.

"You are in the division of prophecies, correct?"

"Yes I am."

"Any new ones lately? I heard through a grapevine that there was a new one. I wanted to hear it."

Daphne shook her head. "None that I am aware of, Tom. That must have been some strange grapevine you were talking to. Would you like me to inquire with the other unspeakables in my division?"

Tom shook his head. "No need to, Daphne. I trust you," The elevator called out the Atrium. "I will see you soon, Daphne. Have a good evening."

"Same to you, Tom." She smiled and walked off towards the floo. As she reached over to grab the floo powder she caught a glimpse of the glowing blue orb. She prayed and hoped Tom was none the wiser.