A/N - I hope you all enjoy this chapter, you will get some resolution on Rita, the rest of it will come later. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 79

Mystery

3 June 2000

Hermione and Remus read through the article. The editor, Barnabas Cuffe, had written it. The last time he had seen Skeeter was the day the article about Kingsley and Andromeda came out. She and Cuffe had a meeting that morning. Skeeter hadn't shown up for a scheduled meeting on Monday about a possible follow-up story and repeated attempts to Floo-call were unsuccessful. All owls returned with their letters unopened. Worried, Cuffe had gone to Skeeter's house to check on her. There had been no sign of her. Instead of notifying Magical Law Enforcement, something Hermione and Remus suspected was to cast suspicion on the DMLE or the Ministry as a whole, Cuffe had published the article about her supposed disappearance.

"I need to get home," Remus said when he had finished reading.

"I'll come with you," Hermione said. They were both worried about Andromeda. "Let me just clean this up." A wave of her wand and the food was disposed of.

"The wards will be on the Floo," he said. "I'm going to Apparate."

"Remus," Hermione said. He ignored her and opened the back door. "Remus wait."

"Hermione, I don't have time for this," he said shortly.

"You're upset," she said. "I don't want you to splinch."

"I'm perfectly capable of Apparating," he snapped. Hermione put a hand on his arm.

"She didn't do this, Remus." He deflated.

"I know she didn't," he said. He raked a hand through his hair. "But the timing Hermione, people are going to suspect."

"I know," Hermione said with a sigh. "Let me Apparate us." He looked down at her and nodded. They wrapped their arms around each other and disappeared.

Andromeda was sitting on the couch reading to Teddy when they arrived. She looked up with a smile at their entrance.

"Good morning," she said. Teddy looked up and then climbed off his grandmother's lap.

"Daddy, My-nee!" He ran toward them and Remus swung him up into his arms, hugging his son. Teddy then reached out for Hermione and Remus passed him off to her.

"Andromeda?" Remus said. "Are you all right?"

"I am perfectly fine," she said, brow furrowed in confusion. "Why are you asking?"

"You haven't seen the paper this morning?"

"It arrived, but I have not had a chance to read it," she said. "Teddy has been busy this morning."

"I pill," Teddy said by way of explanation.

"Yes, more than once," Andromeda replied, looking at her grandson. Teddy grinned at her. She shook her head, but there was a fondness in her eyes. "What has happened?"

"I'll take Teddy up and get him dressed," Hermione offered. Remus nodded and the two left the room. He turned back to Andromeda, moving across the room to sit down beside her.

"Rita Skeeter is missing," he said. Andromeda stared at him for a moment, then summoned the paper from the kitchen table. She quickly read through the article.

"Well, it could not have happened to a more deserving person," she said when she had finished.

"Andromeda," Remus said, a bit of admonishment in his voice. She snorted.

"You cannot tell me that this is any great loss." Remus groaned.

"You can't say things like that," he said.

"I do not plan to say them outside the privacy of my own home," she said dryly.

"You know that you'll likely be a suspect then?"

"Of course, I will," she replied. "If Magical Law Enforcement knows how to do its job."

"And you're not worried about that?"

"I had nothing to do with her disappearance," Andromeda said. Her eyes narrowed. "Do you think I had something to do with it?"

"Of course not!" Remus said. She stared at him for a moment before she gave a nod.

"I am sure that there will be no shortage of suspects," Andromeda said.

"I don't doubt that," Remus agreed.

"Do you think they will question Kingsley?" she asked, more concerned for him than she had been for herself.

"Likely," Remus replied. "But he didn't have anything to do with it either, I'm sure."

"Of course, he didn't," Andromeda said, giving Remus a slight glare for even suggesting it. Remus hid a smile. Before they could continue their discussion, Hermione came down the stairs with Teddy. She looked from Remus to Andromeda.

"Everything all right?" she asked, setting Teddy down. He ran to Remus and Remus pulled him into his lap.

"Just fine," Andromeda replied. "Thank you, Hermione." The Floo flared and Remus glanced at Andromeda. It was a call; the wards kept anyone from coming through unless they were lowered. Hermione stepped up next to Remus, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Andromeda," Kingsley said as his head came into view.

"Ting!" Teddy cried, but Remus hushed him. Kingsley smiled at the little boy.

"Kingsley," Andromeda said and Remus could hear the relief in her voice.

"You've seen?"

"Yes," she replied.

"I've been called into the Ministry. Robards isn't sharing all his plans with me, given the circumstances. I know that they've sent a team to Skeeter's house to investigate. I expect that Aurors will come to question you at some point today."

"I assumed," she said.

"I know that you didn't have anything to do with this," he said. "I'm sorry."

"It is hardly your fault," she said. "I hope you know that I never thought you had anything to do with it either." He smiled.

"I'll come by as soon as I can." She nodded and Kingsley disappeared. Andromeda sighed and sat back down on the couch. Remus looked up at Hermione, then motioned with his head to Teddy. Hermione nodded.

"I'll call Ginny and see if she can take him, since Harry's working today," Hermione said. "I have to cancel our plans anyway."

"I hope that you are not doing that on my account," Andromeda said. Hermione looked at her, a bit surprised. "I assume this has something to do with the wedding."

"Yes, but-" Hermione began, but Andromeda shook her head. She took Hermione's hand.

"I appreciate you wanting to support me. But I will not have you changing your plans just because of a silly misunderstanding."

"We need someone to take Teddy," Remus reminded his mother-in-law. Teddy looked up at his name and Remus realized his son was playing closer attention that Remus realized. "Teddy, why don't you go and play for a few minutes."

"No," Teddy said, pout on his face.

"I'll play with you," Hermione said. Teddy seemed to think about it for a moment, then finally climbed off his father's lap and ran towards his toys. Remus waited until Hermione had him occupied, then cast a Muffliato around Andromeda and himself.

"I don't want Teddy here when Aurors show up," Remus said.

"You could take him to Hermione's for the day," Andromeda suggested.

"I'm not leaving you here alone."

"Remus, I can take care of myself."

"And if they take you to the Ministry?"

"Well, you can hardly sit in while they question me," she said dryly.

"Andromeda, I am not leaving," Remus said firmly. "You are my family; I am going to be there for you." He saw a slight crack in the mask she had been wearing all morning. For as much as she tried to pretend otherwise, he knew she was worried. She would be their top suspect if anything had happened to Skeeter. Remus leaned forward and took her hand. She squeezed it and nodded.

"Hermione should still go ahead with whatever she and Ginny were planning on doing," Andromeda said.

"She's not going to want to do that," Remus said. "You're her family too." Andromeda pressed her lips together and Remus could tell that she was trying to keep her emotions under control. She finally pulled in a breath through her nose and gave him a shaky smile.

"Their time is limited given Ginny's training schedule and Hermione's work. The wedding is only a few months away. Help me convince her."

"What about Teddy?" Remus asked, doubtful that Andromeda was going to be able to convince Hermione of anything of the sort.

"I'm sure Molly would be more than willing to mind him today," Andromeda said. Remus glanced at the corner where Hermione and Teddy were playing. In truth, he wanted to keep Hermione as far away from all of this as possible. He had no idea what the Aurors would find in their investigation of Rita's house and he had no way of knowing what kind of records, if any, she kept about her sources. He nodded at Andromeda and dropped the Muffliato.

"I'll just call Ginny then," Hermione said when she realized the spell had been dropped.

"I think you should go," Remus said.

"Sorry?"

"We think you should still go with Ginny." Hermione looked between the two of them.

"I am very grateful that you want to stay," Andromeda said. "But any questioning is just going to be a formality. I had nothing to do with Skeeter's disappearance and the Aurors will soon know that. I do not want to ruin your plans."

"You're not ruining anything," Hermione said. "And you still need someone to watch Teddy."

"We were thinking of asking Molly," Remus said. Hermione's eyes narrowed at him.

"Can I speak to you in private?" She didn't wait for an answer, just stalked into the kitchen. Remus sighed and followed her. Hermione threw up a Muffliato as soon as he reached her side.

"What are you trying to do?" she demanded.

"Only what Andromeda asked of me," he said.

"She doesn't want me here?" Hermione asked, looking a little hurt.

"No, that isn't it," Remus insisted, taking her hand to reassure her. "She just doesn't want to be a burden to anyone. She didn't even want me to stay." Hermione moved towards him and he wrapped his arms around her.

"I don't want you to have to deal with this on your own."

"We'll be fine," he assured her. "Like Andromeda said, it's a formality. She didn't do anything."

"I'm sure the Aurors aren't thinking of it that way."

"Likely not," Remus agreed. "But once they talk to her, I'm sure they'll realize she is innocent." Hermione sighed. "Go with Ginny. Taste your cakes and don't worry about this." Hermione snorted.

"Like that's possible," she said.

"Andromeda will probably be more upset if you don't go," he said.

"All right," she said. He kissed her forehead and she dropped the spell. They walked back into the living room so Remus could Floo Molly.

"They're not letting Harry have anything to do with it," Ginny said as they sat in the bakery. They'd made it through five different cake flavors so far and Hermione was glad there were only two left. Despite what Andromeda had said, she wanted to get back to Remus'.

"I'm not surprised," Hermione said. "Conflict of interest and all that." The baker came out and set down two more slices in front of them. Hermione barely listened to her explanation as to what the cake was, her thoughts consumed with what was happening with Skeeter.

"Hermione?" Ginny said and Hermione realized her friend had been trying to get her attention for some time.

"Sorry, Gin," Hermione said.

"I asked if you wanted to go."

"No, no, I want to help you with this," Hermione said, forcing her attention back to the slice of cake in front of her. Ginny shook her head.

"Who are we kidding?" Ginny said. "None of these are as good as Mum's." Hermione smiled.

"You're going to let her make it, aren't you?" Ginny groaned.

"Yes," she said. "And I'm not even going to say anything when she gives me that knowing little smile of hers." Hermione laughed as they stood from the table. Ginny assured the baker she would let her know when they decided and they walked out of the bakery. The made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron where they had planned on having lunch. Hermione turned to Ginny as they walked into the pub.

"I know we said we'd have lunch, but," Hermione paused, biting her lip.

"Of course, we're not going to have lunch," Ginny said. "Go, I promised Teddy a fly anyway."

"Thanks, Gin," Hermione said, hugging the other woman. "I'll Floo as soon as I know anything." She hurried to the fireplace in the corner and stepped in to Floo to Remus'.

When she stepped out, she heard voices in the kitchen. Hermione paused to listen. She heard Andromeda's voice, but there was another that she didn't recognize. The Aurors were here then. Before Hermione could take more than a few steps, Remus appeared in the living room. He hurried to her side.

"What are you doing here?" he whispered.

"Ginny and I finished," Hermione said just as quietly.

"I thought you were going to have lunch."

"I wanted to check on you." Remus sighed and Hermione looked up at him uncertainly.

"Remus, what's the matter?"

"I didn't want you here," he said. She took a step back from him, shocked and hurt.

"Not like that, love," he said quickly, pulling her into his arms. "I just, I wanted to keep you away from all this. I don't know what they'll find at Skeeter's house and I don't want you implicated in anything." She relaxed against him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"If she kept records about me, they're going to find them whether I'm here or not." Remus sighed again.

"I know." Hermione looked up at him.

"It's going to be fine," she said. He nodded.

"Will you go to the Burrow?" he asked. "Take care of Teddy for me?"

"Molly and Ginny are there," Hermione said.

"Please, Hermione." She looked up at him. She knew he was worried about Andromeda. She didn't want to add to that by making him worry about her too.

"All right," she agreed. She saw him relax. "But you'll let us know as soon as there's news?"

"I promise." He leaned down and kissed her, then watched her step into the fireplace.

Remus hurried back into the kitchen when Hermione had gone. Andromeda and the two Aurors looked up at him.

"Everything all right?" Proudfoot asked.

"Yes, just checking in about my son," he said. Proudfoot nodded and went back to his notes.

"We've covered your whereabouts through Thursday," he said, reminding them what he had been asking before Remus left to check the Floo. Remus hadn't told Hermione that he was being questioned as well. She never would have left if he had. "What about yesterday?"

"We were home most of the day," Andromeda said. She looked up at Remus. "You left around half-six?"

"Yes," Remus said. "I gave Teddy his dinner, then left when you took him up for his bath."

"And you went where?" Proudfoot asked.

"I went to the Leaky Cauldron," he said. "I had dinner and drinks with Hermione Granger and a couple of her co-workers."

"And after that?" Remus paused. Proudfoot looked at him expectantly.

"I went to Hermione's," Remus said.

"And returned when?"

"This morning after I saw the article in the Prophet."

"The two of you were at her place all night?"

"Yes," Remus said. He knew why he was being questioned, his relationship with Andromeda immediately made him a suspect. That didn't mean he liked being asked about his private life.

"Miss Granger will corroborate this?" Remus swore in his head. Of course, Hermione was going to be involved whether he liked it or not.

"Yes." Proudfoot nodded and made a note. Remus glanced at Williamson, who was leaning against the wall. He smirked and Remus glared, then turned his attention back to Proudfoot.

"And you, Mrs. Tonks?"

"As Remus said, I gave my grandson a bath after Remus left, then read him a story and put him to bed."

"And you were here alone the rest of the night?"

"No, Teddy was here as well."

"Besides your two-year-old grandson," Williamson said. "Who, obviously, cannot give you an alibi." Andromeda turned her glare on him. To his credit, the man didn't flinch. Although the smile did slide off his face.

"Are you insinuating that I would leave my grandson alone while I went off to do whatever it is you think I did to Rita Skeeter?" Remus had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing at the look on Williamson's face.

"Of course, he isn't," Proudfoot said, glaring at the man himself. Apparently, Harry and Ron weren't the only ones who had issue with Williamson. "But, is there anyone else who can confirm you were here all night?"

"Is the Minister enough corroboration for you?"

"Minister Shacklebolt was here?"

"Yes, from around eight until just after eleven," Andromeda said, her voice clipped. "After he left, I went to bed. No, no one can verify that." She glared at Williamson again, as if daring him to say anything. The man wisely kept quiet.

"What were your feelings about the article that Ms. Skeeter wrote about you and the Minister?" Proudfoot asked.

"I was angry that our privacy was violated, of course," Andromeda replied.

"Angry enough to make Ms. Skeeter disappear?" Williamson asked. Drawing herself up to her full height, she turned to face him, her 'Black' mask in place.

"I have no idea as to Ms. Skeeter's whereabouts," Andromeda said. "I have never spoken to the woman, nor would I. She is a poor excuse for a journalist, relying on sensationalism, innuendo and flat out lies instead of facts. She is not worth my time." Remus faked a cough to cover his face with his hand and hide a grin. The way Proudfoot was pursing his lips and clearing his throat around made Remus think he was doing the same.

"And you, Lupin?" Williamson asked. Proudfoot glared at him for his rudeness. Remus ignored it.

"I was upset about the article because I was concerned about my mother-in-law," Remus said. "But she and the Minister handled it with the press conference. I have no idea where Ms. Skeeter is." Proudfoot made a few more notes.

"I think that covers everything," he said as he stood. "We may have more questions for you in the future."

"We understand," Remus said as he rose as well. "You can Disapparate from the back garden. I'll show you out." The Aurors had arrived at the front door, obviously having Apparated in somewhere else and walking to the house.

"Mrs. Tonks," Proudfoot. "Thank you for your cooperation." She nodded once. "Let's go, Williamson." The other Auror sneered at them both before he followed Proudfoot to the door. Remus ushered them across the garden to the oak tree.

"Don't leave town, Lupin," Williamson said. "Your mother-in-law either." Proudfoot yanked on his arm, giving Remus an apologetic look as both men disappeared. Remus scrubbed a hand down his face. While things had gone smoothly today, he wasn't so naïve as to think this was over.

Hermione, Remus, and Andromeda were sitting in the living room talking quietly. Hermione had come back after lunch to put Teddy down for a nap. Remus and Andromeda had relayed the events of their interviews with Proudfoot and Williamson. Hermione, deciding she would rather get the questioning over with, had gone home to find Proudfoot outside her front door. She had answered his questions to verify Remus' alibi for the night before and Andromeda's for the night they visited Caroline. It only took a few minutes and she had gone back to Remus' after.

None of them had heard anything for the rest of the day, not even from Kingsley. They assumed that he was still at the Ministry and didn't want to be accused of leaking information to Andromeda by Flooing her from his office. He would stop in when he could.

They'd had a quiet dinner and Teddy had just been put to bed. Hermione was contemplating going home when the Floo activated. Remus released the wards and Harry stepped out.

"They've finished searching Skeeter's house," he said without preamble.

"I didn't think you were on the case," Hermione said.

"Neville's been keeping me informed," Harry said.

"And what did they find?" Remus asked.

"Nothing to indicate where she's gone," Harry said. "But they did find something." Hermione glanced at Remus.

"Just tell us, Harry," Hermione said.

"They know she's an Animagus," Harry said.

"How?" Remus asked.

"There was a book on Animagi in her study," Harry said. "They found a picture of her in beetle form inside it." Hermione frowned. Why would Rita be so stupid as to leave something like that lying around?

"How do they know it's her?" Remus asked.

"Obviously, without her being registered they can't be certain, but the markings make it rather apparent."

"What does this mean for the investigation?" Andromeda asked.

"They've called Cuffe in to be questioned again," Harry said. "They want to find out if he knew."

"What if he did?" Hermione asked.

"If he employed her, knowing she was using her form to spy on people, he'll probably be charged," Harry said.

"If he knows, do you think she would have told him who else knew she was an Animagus?" Remus asked.

"I don't know," Harry said. "If she did, I'm sure he'll spill it to try and get himself a better deal." Remus blew out a breath and raked a hand through his hair.

"I don't think she would have done that," Hermione said, biting her lip in thought.

"Why not?" Remus asked.

"Because it was leverage for her to use as she saw fit," Hermione said. "She wouldn't have shared that with someone else."

"Hermione is right," Andromeda agreed. "Remember, Skeeter was a Slytherin. We do not generally volunteer information like that unless it benefits us in some way. If she were arrested, then yes. But I do not think she would have told Cuffe."

"We can only hope," Remus muttered. Hermione slid her hand into his.

"What happens now?" Hermione asked.

"The investigation is still ongoing," Harry said. "Just because she's an Animagus doesn't mean she isn't still missing. They're still running down the list of people that might have had a grudge against her."

"That sounds like it will be quite a list," Andromeda quipped. Harry nodded.

"They're going to question us, aren't they?" Hermione asked. "Because of the articles during the Tournament."

"If they don't get any information as to where she might be, yes, it's likely," Harry said. "They're working their way backward though, so it will be a little while yet. She's pissed off plenty of people."

"And now that they suspect that she's an Animagus," Hermione trailed off. Remus' hand tightened around hers. Harry nodded.

"Well, there's nothing for it, I suppose," Hermione said.

"They could find something before it comes to that," Remus said. She gave him a small smile.

"There are no leads as to what might have happened to her?" Andromeda asked. "Is it possible she went after a story and is just out of communication with everyone?"

"It's entirely possible," Harry said. "But there's been no indication of that. Neville did tell me that they found a proof of her next book. It's about me."

"Where is it now?" Hermione asked sharply.

"Still at the house, I assume," Harry said. "Why?"

"Because if it was a proof that means it's nearly ready for publication," Hermione said. "That's likely the final copy to be edited."

"Don't worry, Hermione," Harry said. "They've set wards so no one will get in without the DMLE knowing. Plus, they've posted someone to watch the house in case she comes back."

"What about a beetle getting in?" Hermione asked.

"There are Animagus wards too," Harry said. Hermione relaxed slightly. "You don't seem surprised that she wrote a book about me." Hermione shrugged.

"I'm not." Harry's eyes narrowed. "Come on, Harry. She wrote about Dumbledore and Snape. Did you think that you were going to be far behind?"

"I guess not," Harry said with a sigh.

"What's going to happen to her things if she doesn't come back?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know, it's a little early for that, don't you think?"

"You have to get that book, Harry."

"That's the least of my worries right now, Hermione."

"They suspect me, don't they?" Andromeda asked. Harry looked at her for a moment before he sighed again.

"You're the frontrunner right now, yes." Remus swore.

"She's got an alibi for the entire week!" Remus said.

"Williamson thinks that either you're covering for her or that she snuck out during the night."

"Fucking Williamson," Remus growled. "Sorry, Andromeda." She waved off his apology.

"I have to admit, I do not hold that man's opinion in very high regard," Andromeda said.

"Neither do I," Harry said. "But he's being very vocal about it."

"What does everyone else think?" Hermione asked.

"Proudfoot is inclined to believe you, but Williamson thinks that's because Kingsley believes you. Proudfoot has never made it a secret that he supports Kingsley completely as Minister," Harry said. "Everyone else is somewhere between the two opinions. Except Neville, he thinks this is just as much a farce as I do."

"He hasn't made that opinion known, has he?" Hermione asked.

"Of course not," Harry said. "He'd be pulled from the case immediately." They all fell silent for a few minutes. "Listen, I didn't come over here to worry you, I just wanted you to know what was happening."

"We know that, Harry," Andromeda said.

"I'm not going to let them blame you for this, Andromeda," Harry said. She smiled and took his hand, giving it a squeeze.

"I appreciate that, but please do not lose your job over this." They were interrupted by a tapping at the window. Andromeda rose before anyone else could. "I will get it." They all watched her leave the room.

"How's she doing really?" Harry asked quietly.

"She's been like this all day," Remus said with a sigh. "She's saying it's all ridiculous and acting as if nothing is going to happen, but I think she's worried. She just won't admit it."

"This is so infuriating," Hermione said. "Andromeda had nothing to do with this."

"We'll figure this out, Hermione."

"If you were investigating, Harry, I'd agree," Hermione said. "But I feel like everyone has already made up their minds."

"Not everyone has," Harry said. They fell silent as Andromeda walked back into the room.

"Everything all right?" Remus asked.

"Yes," Andromeda said. "I need to go out for a bit." Remus' eyes narrowed.

"Where?"

"Nowhere in particular," she said. "I am just feeling the need for a bit of a walk." They all stared at her, but Andromeda smiled reassuringly. "I will not be long." She turned on her heel and left the room. They heard the front door open and close seconds later.

"What the hell is going on?" Harry asked.

Andromeda quickened her pace and tightened her hand around the note in her pocket. She had suspected this since she had read the article this morning, but there had been no time to speak with her until now. While Andromeda did not think she was being followed by the DMLE just yet, she guessed it was only a matter of time. Still, she had cast a disillusionment charm on herself as soon as she had left the house. She knew that she could still be seen, especially as quickly as she was moving, but at least any Muggles would not know what they were seeing. She doubted the Aurors would question her neighbors anyway. Andromeda was just glad she had gotten the note when she did. She needed answers.

Stepping into the park, she moved towards the small grove of trees just beyond the swings. Drawing her wand, she stopped to look around once more before she stepped around a large oak. She dropped the charm.

"Cissy," she whispered and Narcissa dropped her own charm, appearing just to Andromeda's left.

"Andi," Narcissa said calmly. Neither lit their wands, not wanting to attract attention. Andromeda could just make out her sister's outline.

"I assume I have you to thank for the scrutiny I am now under?" Andromeda said.

"That was not my intention," Narcissa said.

"And just what was your intention, Narcissa?" Andromeda demanded. "The woman in missing."

"I had nothing to do with that." Andromeda stared at her incredulously.

"Where is she then?"

"I do not know," Narcissa replied.

"Cissy, what did you do?"

"I simply wanted to give her a bit of incentive," Narcissa said with a sniff.

"What. Did. You. Do?" Andromeda repeated.

"I forced her into her Animagus form and cast a binding spell on her to keep her there," Narcissa said.

"And then what did you do with her?"

"Nothing," Narcissa replied. "I left her in her house and told her I would be back in a week to check on her." Andromeda blew out a breath and leaned her head back against the tree trunk behind her. She pinched the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger.

"What was your plan, Cissy? Were you going to force her to remain a beetle forever?"

"Only if she did not agree to my terms," Narcissa said.

"Which were?"

"I wanted her word that she would not expose Draco or Miss Granger," Narcissa said. "And I wanted her to stop writing lies about my family."

"Wait, you did not want her to say anything about Hermione?" Andromeda asked in surprise. Of course, Narcissa would want to protect Draco, and Andromeda could even understand her being angry about writing things about Kingsley and Andromeda. But Hermione?

"She is part of your family, is she not?" Narcissa asked. Andromeda stared at her for a moment.

"Yes, yes she is," she finally said.

"Family is the only thing that matters," Narcissa said. Andromeda was quiet for a moment before she reached out and squeezed her sister's hand. "Besides, I owe Mr. Potter a debt for what he did for us during the trials. I did not think that he would want Miss Granger in Azkaban either."

"No," Andromeda agreed, glad that the darkness meant she did not have to hide her smile. "What was your plan?"

"I would have had Skeeter take an Unbreakable Vow," Narcissa said. "I thought a bit of time stuck as a bug would convince her."

"You have no idea where she is?"

"I do not," Narcissa said. "When I left, she was sitting on the table in her study, glaring at me."

"You know she could have easily flown away and found someone else who knew to help her," Andromeda said. "She could have implicated you." Narcissa waved off her sister's concerns.

"No one that would help her knows," she said.

"How do you know?"

"I had the Dark Lord living in my house for more than a year," Narcissa said. "I thought it prudent to learn Occlumency. Discovering I was a natural Legilimens was simply a plus."

"Her editor does not know then?" Narcissa made a derisive noise.

"The man is an imbecile." She looked up at Andromeda. "And I, dear sister, am not. There are many wands in the Malfoy vault. It was not difficult to find one that worked for me." Andromeda smirked.

"Now, what is this about you being under scrutiny?" Narcissa asked.

"I am the number one suspect," Andromeda said. "Of course, because of the article, I have motive. Although I have given the Aurors an alibi for every day this week, there are still some that think I managed to fool Remus or that he is covering for me. And they have discovered that Skeeter is an Animagus."

"They found the photograph?" Narcissa asked.

"You took it?"

"No, I found it," she said. "She took it during her little stand-off with Miss Granger. I suppose she toyed with the idea of registering after not working for such a long period of time."

"You 'found it'?" Andromeda asked doubtfully.

"Discovered is likely a better word," Narcissa said. "I knew just where to look after I took a trip through her mind."

"I assume the photograph was your insurance in case she did find someone to help her?" Narcissa smiled evilly.

"Plans and counter-plans, dear sister." Andromeda shook her head.

"The fact remains that she is missing. If you did not do it, who did?"

"Another thing I learned; the woman has no shortage of enemies."

"But if none of them knew she was an Animagus, how could they have gotten rid of her?" Andromeda said. "And before you suggest it, no, it was not Hermione."

"I did not suggest that," Narcissa said airily. Andromeda snorted. "They do not have any other leads?"

"They are questioning Cuffe again," Andromeda said.

"I told you, he does not know."

"She may not have told him, but it is possible that he suspects."

"And if he does not?"

"Then I expect that the Auror department will be paying me another visit."

"This was not my intention," Narcissa said again.

"I know that," Andromeda said. "And anyway, I am innocent. They will not be able to find any proof to arrest me."

"We both know that the Ministry has never needed proof." They fell silent.

"I need to get back," Andromeda said. "Remus and Hermione will be worried."

"I will find her," Narcissa said. Andromeda cocked her head in question. "I still have a few contacts that would do anything for a price."

"Cissy, do not get yourself mixed up in this further."

"I do not intend to do anything to the woman, just locate her."

"And how in Merlin's name are you going to find a beetle of all things?"

"Do not worry, Andi," Narcissa said. "There are always ways." Andromeda chose to ignore just what her sister meant by that. They had both grown up with the Black library. Andromeda was sure that the Malfoy library was no different.

"Stay away from that house," Andromeda warned. "The DMLE has put up wards and there is likely someone watching it." Narcissa inclined her head in agreement.

"I am sorry," Narcissa said. Andromeda smiled and squeezed her hand again.

"I know." Narcissa disappeared with a small pop. Andromeda sighed and leaned back against the tree for a moment. After Narcissa's comments about doing anything to protect Draco, Andromeda had not been surprised that she'd had something to do with Skeeter's disappearance. Not entirely, of course. But that begged the question. Just who had?

4 June 2000

Andromeda sat tiredly at the kitchen table. She hadn't slept well, and from the looks of him, Remus hadn't either. When she had returned from her talk with Narcissa, Harry had been gone. Neither Remus nor Hermione questioned her about where she had been, but Andromeda knew they were concerned. Thankfully, Kingsley had come through the Floo before they could ask her too many questions.

Kingsley was as frustrated as Harry had been. Robards was keeping him mostly in the dark about what was happening with the investigation. The Head of the DMLE claimed that the Minister was too close the entire thing. Which, while true, still irritated the man. Kingsley, of course, had his sources just like Harry did, and had managed to get most of the same information that Harry had given them.

"They're watching me," Kingsley said.

"Watching you?" Andromeda repeated.

"They want to make sure you and I aren't in some grand conspiracy, I suppose," he said with a sigh.

"If you were just going to make her disappear, why the bloody hell would you have done the press conference?" Remus demanded, incensed.

"Cover, I would guess," Kingsley said. "Honestly, I'm not sure what they're all thinking."

Kingsley had only stayed for a short while, not wanting to draw more suspicion to the two of them. Hermione had still been there when Andromeda had gone up to bed, although she had been gone this morning when Andromeda rose.

Teddy was the only one who was in a good mood this morning, but even his enthusiasm had been subdued by the reactions of his father and grandmother.

"What do you suppose Cuffe had to say?" Remus asked as he took a sip of the coffee he'd resorted to.

"He didn't know," Andromeda said with certainty. Remus didn't ask her how she knew, nor did she offer the information. She trusted him implicitly, but the less people that knew what Narcissa had done, the better.

They sat in relative silence as Teddy finished his breakfast. Neither adult had much of an appetite. Remus reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. She smiled at him gratefully.

There was a crack in the back garden. Andromeda sighed and Remus scowled as he looked at the clock.

"They couldn't have waited another hour?" Squeezing his hand once more, Andromeda let go of it and turned to Teddy.

"Are you finished, darling?" Teddy nodded his head and reached up his hands to her. She smiled, casting a gentle cleansing spell, before she picked up the little boy, cuddling him to her. If the Aurors were back to question her at this hour, they could bloody well wait until she tended to her grandson.

There was a knock at the door and Andromeda glanced at Remus. He nodded and walked to the door, expecting a couple of Aurors to be on the other side. They were both shocked when Kingsley appeared.

"Kingsley?" she questioned in surprise. He smiled at her.

"Ting!" Teddy said with a grin.

"Good morning, Teddy," he said. Andromeda and Remus stared at him.

"What on earth are you doing here?" she asked. After he had told her he was being watched, Andromeda hadn't expected him to return so soon.

"I am here to tell you that you don't have anything to worry about," he said.

"What?" Remus said.

"You're not going to believe this." He said, trying to hide a smile.

"Did they find her?"

"No," Kingsley replied.

"Then why are you smiling?"

"We have strong reason to believe that Rita Skeeter was an illegal Animagus," Kingsley said. Andromeda managed to cover the disappointment on her face. She was extremely glad Kingsley was focused on her because Remus was not as successful.

"All right," Andromeda said hesitantly, not sure how, exactly, this was good news.

"What kind of Animagus?" Remus asked, having got himself under control and playing along.

"She's a beetle," Kingsley said.

"Well, that explains quite a lot," Andromeda said.

"Yes, but that's not the point," Kingsley said.

"Then what is?" Andromeda asked, trying not to let her exasperation bleed into her voice.

"Last night, when they questioned Cuffe, he swore that he didn't know she was an Animagus. When he was shown a picture that was discovered at Skeeter's house, he nearly passed out."

"Why?" Remus asked in confusion. "Did he have something to do with it?"

"Not purposely," Kingsley said. "But when he went to look for her, he apparently was in her study. A beetle was crawling on the table towards him. Cuffe, who is apparently deathly afraid of bugs, picked up the nearest thing he could find. Which, by the way, happened to be a copy of Skeeter's new book about Harry."

"Kingsley," Andromeda said, her voice tight. "This is all very entertaining, but might you get to the point?"

"Of course, of course," he said. He glanced at Teddy. "Teddy, how about finding me that dragon again?" Teddy nodded enthusiastically and Andromeda set him down. The little boy ran off into the living room. Kingsley continued.

"The beetle, who we are very sure was Skeeter, tried to fly away, but Cuffe swung the book at her and actually hit her with it. She flew into the window and he, thinking the beetle was dead, opened the window and pushed her out into the garden."

"She's dead?" Andromeda said breathlessly.

"Well, we don't know for sure," Kingsley said sobering. "If she were killed in her Animagus form, she would have transformed back after she died. Her body isn't anywhere on her property or near it. The Aurors are still searching. The point is, we've both been cleared. Her disappearance has been ruled an accident."

Andromeda dropped down into her chair, letting out a breath. Was it really that simple? Her editor had accidentally hit her with a book and left her for dead?

"I don't understand why she didn't just transform if she thought he was going to hit her," Remus said. "Why risk getting hurt or worse, just to protect her secret?"

"I don't think she expected that to happen," Kingsley said. "She likely thought she could just fly out of his reach and still protect her secret at the same time." Andromeda said nothing. There was no way that the woman could have transformed, even if she'd wanted to.

"She could still be out there," Remus said.

"It's possible," Kingsley said. "If she is and she's either dead or hurt badly enough that she transformed back, she likely would have been found by someone by now. It's been two days."

"So, you think she's still a beetle?"

"Maybe," Kingsley said. "She might have been eaten by something. I'm not sure how that would affect an Animagus." He looked thoughtful.

"What about the meeting she missed? And the returned owls?" Andromeda asked, trying to calm her racing heart.

"She was probably after another story and she just forgot to cancel the meeting," Kingsley said with a shrug.

"You don't look overly concerned," Remus said.

"I know it sounds callous," Kingsley said. "But this woman was a thorn in more than one person's side. The list of people who might have wished her harm is longer than my arm. Publishing speculation and gossip is one thing. Using illegal means to get it is quite another."

"I have no idea what happened to her," Kingsley continued. "She's not in St. Mungo's or any other magical hospital in Britain. They're checking Muggle hospitals now. Maybe she's still flying around as a beetle, disoriented, and not knowing how to transform back. For all we know, she could have been caught by some Muggle child and is living in a jar right now." Remus choked, covering it with a cough. Kingsley gave him an odd look but continued talking. "The point is, we may never know. But no one is going to be arrested."

"Ting!" Teddy called running back into the room. Instead of the one dragon, he had four. "You pay?" Kingsley chuckled.

"I think I can do that," he said. He glanced at Andromeda. "As long as your father and grandmother don't mind."

"Let's get dressed first," Remus said, picking up his son. He glanced between Andromeda and Kingsley and smiled. "I'm glad it's over." He left the room, taking Teddy upstairs. Kingsley walked toward Andromeda, pulling a chair next to her and sitting down.

"Remus is right," he said, covering her hand with his. "They'll keep looking for her, of course, but the investigation is over. Our part in it, at least." She smiled.

"I suppose it is."

"If she comes back, we'll arrest her for being an illegal Animagus." Andromeda nodded, knowing that even if Skeeter did return, Cissy would have to release her from the binding spell. Although, spending an indeterminate amount of time as a beetle, not to mention all the trauma she had already gone through, would likely make Skeeter amenable to whatever Narcissa wanted her to agree to.

"What are you thinking?" Kingsley asked. Andromeda smiled, realizing she had gotten lost in her thoughts.

"How happy I am that you are here and no one is following you," she said. He grinned and leaned forward, capturing her lips with his. Andromeda let herself relax into the kiss. Yes, Skeeter could spend the rest of her life as a beetle for all Andromeda cared. It was fitting punishment for hurting her family.