A/N: this chapter was originally going to be longer but I decided to cut it in half otherwise it was going to be really long. As an avid reader myself I like to true to be mindful of length. As usual I apologise for any mistakes I have missed or made. The different spell checkers and things on different applications can be really annoying. This is more of a filler chapter that is needed to get things rolling. This is the first time I have written a full story so it is a learning curve of how to piece everything together. Bare with me!

Chapter 6: Let the Machinations Begin

The Ministry, Department of Magical Artefacts and Curse Breaking

Pascale Rousseau was from an established pureblood French family, he had an easy life growing up, wanting for nothing. He prided himself on that heritage and his general caustic personality. Yes, it wasn't for everyone, but he wasn't here to make friends. He moved to England because the Ministry after the recent war could offer him a position of power and influence as well as access to the dark archives. Surprisingly, England has a rather large collection of dark artefacts. It is something that is not widely advertised and for good reason. The fact that hardly anyone goes down to the archives, is a bonus. It gives Pascale an opportunity to... how do we say... sell the items on the black market and get a rather tidy sum in return for his troubles.

"That stupid know-it-all bitch!", Pascale thundered into his office slamming the door so hard the frame shook and a picture crashed to the floor in response.

He began pacing and muttering to himself back and forth across his office. He needed to calm down so he could think properly. This was going to be a problem, that annoying swot was going to get in the way a possibly ruin everything. If she so much as get one whiff that something isn't right, she'll he all over us like dragon pox and our little side business could be uncovered. With her sniffing around the tablet, she'll be around the dark arts department a lot more and that it already interferes with my plans. We won't be able to duplicate some of the artefacts to sell off...and she never fucking leaves. Bloody bint thinks she has a right to seek out everybody's business.

He sits down on his office chair after frantically pacing and lights a cigarette. He knows he is not supposed to be smoking, but he could fucking care less at the moment. He doesn't need all this extra stress. He thinks perhaps he should call his cousin Dermott who works over in America. They are close in age, but Dermott is more business savvy than he is and often gives great advice. He'll make a note to talk to Silas this afternoon About what to do about Hermione Granger. Silas is in on it too, but he really just wants the money to help pay for his ex-wife's alimony.

He finishes his cigarette, watching the last puff of smoke dissipate into the air around him, till there is nothing left but the rich scent of nicotine. He picks up the phone and dials the international extension and hits the speed dial button that goes straight to Dermott's office. With the time difference it should be early morning in New York, but not early enough that he wouldn't be in the office.

It rang for some time and he thought that it would ring out, maybe it was too early. Dermott practically lived at the office so he should really be there. He didn't have much a home life as far as Pascale was aware.

"Rousseau speaking" a tired American voice answered the called.

"Dermott! It's Pascale, I am calling to catch up and to get some advice from you. Are you free to speak?", he tried to sound cheerful, but unfortunately his cheerful left people with wondering if was drunk or high. It didn't suit him and his brazen demeanor.

"Yes Pascale, while it is early in the morning, I always have time for family. What do you wish to ask of me, dear cousin?"

Dermott was always a lovely cousin to ask advice from and always offered an ear to listen. What Pascale failed to consider was that he was giving Dermott information freely about the British Ministry of Magic. While espionage wasn't something that was spoken about in the open, it was clandestine for a reason. All governments spied on each other, especially on the British Ministry- after two wars that wrecked complete havoc on the population they were and still are watched rather closely.

"I don't know if you have heard any whispers about the new artefact that was brought into the Ministry about 3 weeks ago? Made such a fuss over in Iraq and has killed four people already. Nobody knows what exactly to do with it", he rushed out impatiently. Just the thought of that stupid artefact and that damn woman causing problems made his blood start to boil once again.

"Killed? Four people? What in Merlin's name is this thing?", the static crackled violently in his ear as Dermott raised his voice abruptly.

"Ah it is some tablet that they uncovered from the wizarding Babylon ruins. Strong dark magic involved it seems. Disappointingly, my team seems inept at figuring out what this thing is and how to neutralise it. However, there is an insufferable young woman here named Hermione Granger, thinks that just because she helped vanquish the Dark Lord, that she can just stick her mudblood nose into everything. She thinks that it is like those horcrux things he used and of course hardly anyone has any experience with those things, and that we should be asking other ministries if they have anyone with experience in both dark arts and soul magic. I personally can't see anyone coming forward with those credentials, if would be like a placing a massive target on your head. Stupid woman I'd love to murder her with my bare hands. Kingsley the twit has now assigned her to consult on this artefact and she will be hanging around my department, which is going to cause all sorts of problems for my little side business. (sigh)... I don't know what to do Dermott, she can't find out my secret it would ruin me. Tarnish my reputation, I would lose my job not to mention the possibility of being sent to Azkaban for a couple of years. How do I deter her? If I could dispose of her I would, but she is too visible..." Pascale trails off deep in thought about Hermione Granger and what he could possible do to distract her or kill her. When really the answer was obvious.

"Pascale this Hermione woman has no reason to dig deeper when she clearly has a difficult task in front of her. Just over load her with all the information you can gather on it. Bury her in paper work as is commonly said. That should keep her away from your department for a while. Unless one of your accomplices are stupid and slip up when she is around there shouldn't be a problem. This tablet is intriguing, I would like to be kept apprised of this situation. I will think about the dark art expert, but you are right coming out would be dangerous, soul magic is... frowned upon and illegal in some countries. So, I can't see anyone responding to that".

"Thank you, Dermott, sometimes I just need someone to offer some perspective. Yes, I will keep you updated as best I can. Oh, and one more thing before you go, the Minister has agreed the replicate the tablet so the Muggles can display it in their museum, what a ridiculous idea, letting the muggles view our rich history! Kingsley is too much a muggle sympathiser. However, I was going to duplicate the box and now I won't be able to, it would be too risky. I have an interested party, offering a substantial amount of money now I'll have to tell him the timeline has changed. Anyway, I won't bore you with the details of my failed business dealings. You have a good day Dermott and I'll speak to you soon"

"I'll talk to you later Pascale, have good evening", Pascale hung up the phone feeling marginally better for speaking to his younger and probably smarter cousin. He'll have to put off this buyer for a bit longer, maybe Hermione Granger will be of some use after all.

MACUSA Offices Dermott Rousseau's Office Cursed Objects and Dark Arts Department

He gently placed the receiver of his standard office supplied equipment down onto the cradle. While he wasn't so keen on muggle technology, a few items did streamline the job and made it easier to communicate faster. Really us wizards are supposed to be superior, but we can't move past fucking owls? They are too slow for international communication. I roll my eyes in annoyance.

I think back to what Pascale said about this tablet, what I didn't tell him was that yes, I had heard whispers from the higher ups, so I am not all that surprised that the muggles heard about the find. My guess is that they most likely wouldn't have heard if there hadn't been deaths involved. Pascale is a flaming idiot, I only put up with him because he does give me such good information about the goings on over there. I am also surprised he hasn't been caught from selling the replicates on the black market, to anyone with half a brain you can see the increase of items flooding the market as soon as he took over the post.

Incompetent fool

I need eyes and ears over there, I feel Pascale is going to be unreliable he is too biased. The tablet is incredibly dangerous, while it is a rare find and a piece of wizarding history, I would happily dispose of it to where it cannot harm anyone. I aggressively rub my chin thinking how to make all the pieces come together.

I stand and begin pacing, tapping my chin as I think. Yes, I will send Christian, to be my eyes and ears. He is smart I'm sure he'll figure out some of the details. My mind then drifts to the woman Hermione Granger. I know of her reputation and she is rather difficult to work with, and never lets anything go. My plan isn't well thought out, very rudimentary. However, right now I just want information.

I walk out of my office and into the main area with all the staff cubicles, I know it is early but Christian like me gets to work at least an hour before everyone deigns to turn up. Sure, enough I can see his dark slightly scruffy curly hair peeking out the top of his cubicle; a contrast to the white walls surrounding him. I look around the office and there is the occasional ruffle of parchment being moved around and some clacks from the keys on the typewriters in the secretary bay. Otherwise it is silent.

"Christian", I call out just loud enough that he should hear me, but not loud enough to cause people to stop what they were doing. I see the moment he hears me; his back straightens and is stock still for a moment before his head turns and pins me with a momentary glare. If I where a person of a weaker disposition, I would be worried by that glare possibly even scared. But I have known Christian long enough, while he is prickly, cold, aloof and not at all shy of making his displeasure known, as long as I give him autonomy, he is malleable. The current consensus around the office is that his 'growl is worse than his bite', so long as you stay out of his way. I get the feeling his bite would be just as bad, if you cross him. Despite his rough nature, he is well liked and will help those that are brave enough to approach him.

I watch as he stands removing his reading glasses, and then grabbing the navy blazar off the back of his chair and slipping it on over is crisp white dress shirt. He is always well dressed, in muggle designer clothing. I resist the urge to shudder at the grotesque feeling coiling in my stomach at the thought of muggle clothing. I know he is a half-blood but still. Have some decency.

"Dermott", Christian replies through gritted teeth. I see the flash of anger in his eyes and suppress a shiver. The magic that rolls off of him wraps around my own and starts to squeeze. I pretend not to notice the tight feeling centering in my chest cavity. Show no weakness, and I Dermott Rousseau do not show weakness in front of my subordinates.

"Christian, I know you are working on the Wollstonecraft project at the moment but that can wait. I have a proposition for you. Come, we will talk more in my office I think that you will be intrigued", I wave my hand in an ushering motion urging him to follow me to me office.

I shut to the door behind us and put a do-not-disturb sign on my door indicating to my secretary that I am in a meeting, and not to interrupt unless it is an absolute emergency. I hate being interrupted.

"Christian, take a seat. Now I was on the phone earlier to my cousin over in the UK, while the man has the brain the size of a pea and is as prideful as a Hippogriff, the combination makes him make imbecilic and he gives out far too many details about the British Ministry. The man can't stop yabbering once you flatter him and stroke his ego. He mentioned the tablet they had found in Iraq a couple of weeks ago. I don't know if you caught wind of it?", I look back at Christian waiting for his answer. He shook his head, whether it was a lie or not I couldn't tell. The man was good, using him for this part of the plan is a stroke of genius. The man could be the perfect spy. I mentally patted myself on the back.

I stood behind my desk and leaned forward on it, palms face down. I stared Christian in the eye as I said my next words, clean and crisp.

"I want you to go to England and collect all the information you can about this tablet. Stealthily. Do not reveal yourself unless you have too. I don't want the British Ministry to get wind of this. Knowledge is power and I want all the power I can get", Christian raised his eyebrows at that last statement. I believed what I said knowledge is power, it will also make you prepared. And I want to be prepared if that tablet is as dangerous as Pascale said it was. But I also want a fresh pair of eyes, eyes that are far smarter than dear cousin, I sneered internally.

I sighed and rubbed my forehead.

"Will you go?"

It was Christians' turn to sigh. " Fine, I'm intrigued. Can you tell me what your moron of a cousin said?", he smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. His sleeve pulled back and revealed a rather large looking wrist watch, with a black face, silver edging and three smaller looking dials, complete with a black leather band. I was always curious about wrist watches; most wizards use pocket watches... I shook my head getting back on track.

"(clears throat) ...uh yes...the tablet. Well it has killed four people, that includes those in Iraq and an idiot Unspeakable. That I know from other intelligence, not from Pascale. He hasn't said much, because I think he doesn't understand the information about it. He isn't the brightest bulb. He did mention them making a replicate for the Muggles so they can display it in their museum. He also mentioned a woman by the name of Hermione Granger, apparently, she has been sticking her nose in and has been given clearance to consult on the case since Pascale's team seem to be idiots as well and she seems to know a little about horcruxes. Other than that, not much else, which is why I want you go, I don't trust anyone else on this. It is sensitive information, that could cause mass panic. Do what you must without getting caught...if you know what I mean". I willed him to follow my meaning.

He nodded and stood up.

"When did you want me to go?", he almost sounded bored.

"I'll give you a couple of days to let you get organised, because I don't know how long you will be gone for. I'll organise approval of some funds, on top of your salary. If it is not enough, you'll just have to spend your own money, is that clear? I don't have to do this, but I think I am being rather generous. I'll email you this afternoon, with the details. Now go back to work and don't tell anyone what you are doing", I rolled my office chair back to its original position and Christian left without a word. Yes, this is going rather nicely, everything will fall in to place.

Cursed Objects and Dark Arts Department MACUSA, Christian O'Toole's Cubicle, Later that afternoon

I must say that meeting with Dermott was rather interesting. I can't believe I am going back to England after all these years. Was I ready to return? I mulled this question over in my mind as I enjoyed my afternoon cup of tea. I couldn't fathom the dark bitter rubbish they drank here at the office, add some milk and it's a 'cappuccino', have they ever actually had proper Italian coffee? I rolled my eyes, nothing beats a good cup of English breakfast tea.

As I sat drinking my tea and eating my delicious chocolate croissant. Yes, I am thoroughly addicted to pastries with chocolate especially the chocolate croissants. But I am rather particular about the taste. The pastry must be flaky, but buttery not oily. The chocolate must be oozing, a bitter dark chocolate around 65-70%, I want some sweetness and the pastry to chocolate ratio must be just right. Salazar, if someone had just given me a basket full of chocolate croissants after I was resurrected that magically refilled itself, I may just have ignored the prophecy and told Potter to fuck off. Hindsight and all.

Now back to this tablet, killing four people now that is a mystery I'd like to solve. So many questions and very few answers especially if what Dermott said was correct that Pascale's own department couldn't figure it out. And Hermione Granger Potter's mudblood, one third of the ridiculous 'Golden Trio', that frizzy haired mess of a girl getting involved makes this case even more appealing especially the comment about horcruxes. Could someone else have made one or are they just using that term because they have nothing else to call soul magic? This could be my chance after 5 years, to take the temperature of the political climate, who are the power players and who aren't. My ultimate goal now is too eventually be the power behind the Minister of Magic. I'm not interested in being the 'face' and being a dictator is out of the question, but to be the top advisor. Politics is about influence, while the Minister is a powerful figure, he or she generally is not the one that makes the decisions, it's really the Wizengamot. I just need a puppet that I can attach my strings to.

I am concerned about going, there is a small niggling feeling at the back of my skull that tells me this may not turn out how I expect it too. Mostly I am just worried about showing my face, is five years long enough? I have all my paper work in place as planned, but somehow that may not be enough. I will just have to be on guard and not do anything suspicious. I snorted at that. This whole situation is edging towards illegal. I will most likely have to do something shady, not that I have any objections to that, but it won't look good if I get caught and Potter gets suspicious of my appearance. I need a backup plan... something he won't see coming.

Later that evening I call a round to Maria's place for my usual bi-weekly dinner, this will be that last time I see her for a while. I feel a sense of melancholy come over me, strange I didn't think I was that attached to her. She offers me a glass of wine with dinner of a hearty serving of mashed potatoes, various roasted vegetables and beef roulade. I tell her the about the 'investigation' that Dermott has assigned me too.

"I don't know how long I will be in England for. I suspect he will ask me to leave the day after tomorrow", I say as I cut my roulade into more manageable pieces.

"Are you nervous about going back after so many years away? You are worried about being recognized?", she said as she took a sip of wine. I stilled my actions and flicked my eyes up to her face. She showed no fear just curiosity? And concern? I suspected she knew who I really was, it was an unspoken rule to not directly bring it up. This was a close as it had gotten to acknowledging my real identity. I wasn't entirely sure how to proceed. There was no point in hiding it since she already knew. I relaxed my tense shoulders and placed my cutlery down on the plate and pushed it out of the way.

"Yes, I guess I am. I'm worried it maybe too soon, even though I'm not going over there for him. While I don't remember everything that happened at that time as my insane alternate self... there is so much history", I scrubbed my hand through my hair, probably making it stick out at funny angles. Sensing how uncomfortable I was with this topic, I was grateful for the change.

"Would you like some dessert?", Maria said standing up flicking her wand a clearing the table of leftovers. She gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze as she walked past, I was not used to these friendly affections and took her absence to compose myself. She came back moments later with a platter full of lovely homemade assorted pastries all featuring chocolate.

"You spoil me", I said looking at the assorted array of deliciousness in front of me, a small smile on my face.

"I need someone to spoil", she says as she watches me devour one of her creations in three bites.

"I have a favour to ask, if it's not too much trouble? Would you be able to paint this portrait?" I ask as I slide the picture of the beautiful young couple towards her.

"I understand if you can't imbue it with portrait magic, as they have been dead for some time". Maria looks at me with a knowing glint.

"I will try my best. I think I understand why you are doing this. Do not be afraid to let people see another side of you", she reaches over and cups the side of my face with her hand, gently stroking my cheek with her thumb. It is the kind of affection I am unaccustomed too. It makes me slightly uncomfortable. Is this what it is like to have a mother?

I open my mouth to answer, but she shushes me and removes her hand. My cheek feels cold now.

"I will do this, and you come back when you are done no matter how long it takes. I will be waiting, you are always welcome here. Now go, you have packing to do", with that she flicks her wand and thrusts a container filled with the pastries into my hands.

"Be safe, young man". I leave and return home, looking around somberly thinking if this will be the last time, I see my apartment. One thing I remember from my previous life is that anything can happen. I will not make the same mistakes twice.