...

There was a muscle twitching above his eyes in annoyance as he looked at the three packs. How in the hell did these three make it this far? There were a couple of pots, a small amount of dried meats and beans, a bag of coins, and a change of clothes each. These kids had no supplies or even something as simple as a fire started.

Harrison pinched the bridge of his nose and asked, "It is a miracle the three of you made it this far without starving to death. How in the name of the Blessed Mother did you make it this far?"

Malfoy sneered, "It's not that bad! We survived to make it this far!"

"Which is a miracle in itself," snapped back Harrison.

Tom asked, "What do you suggest we carry them?"

Harrison sighed, "We will need to get you a couple more changes of clothes, food, a fire starter each, and medical supplies."

Nott frowned at the thought of the extra weight, "I thought Rangers could make fire without aid."

That was true but it wasn't the whole truth. Explaining would take too much time however. So he indicated for them to follow him into one of the other rooms. There he picked out clothes that would fit them. Other supplies were easily found with the exception of food. Food would be retrieved from the inn.

Harrison did not want to go to the inn. Anne was there and she would want to know exactly what was happening. That woman would want to know where he was going, how long he would be gone, and who these new people were. Still they needed plenty of supplies for going into the Wilds and crossing out of the Kingdom.

Still they needed supplies and she was the best option. So he helped them pack up the clothes and firestarter. Then they left towards the inn and as they passed locals they called out greetings. A small village meant everyone looked after each other. As he expected they were looking at the three newcomers and then back at him.

Slowly he shook his head indicating not to ask. They turned away and went back to whatever they were doing before. What they didn't know they couldn't tell if Sirius came back. If they suspected the Slytherin Heir came through here they would question everyone. Only Alastor would be able to lie effectively to them. The less they knew the better.

The inn was empty as they entered it. A fireplace on the west side of the building was cold. It made him wonder if Anne was out as she usually kept the fire going no matter what time of year it was. He frowned as he heard raised voices coming from the kitchen.

Harrison held up a hand and indicated the three should stay put. Then he went towards the kitchen, his hand on his knife. As he got closer he recognized Anne's voice and that of the local drunk. An annoyed sigh escaped him as he released the knife hilt.

"Mundungus," he snarled out, "If you don't leave Anne be I'll put you in the jail at the Ranger Station."

"Ranger Evans," squeaked out the drunk man, "I thought you were out hunting. When did you get back?"

"Yesterday," snapped the Ranger, "Now what are you doing here bothering Anne?"

"Nothing Ranger. I ain't doing nothing."

"Then leave," growled Harrison.

From his side of the door he heard the drunk Mundungus scurry out the back door. A moment later Anne came out with a glare on her face. Anne was a short woman barely coming up to his shoulder with brown hair and hazel eyes.

She turned to him and began snapped, "Ranger I do not need you to protect me! I can handle Fletcher and his antics."

Harrison smiled and said, "I know you can Anne but I was here anyways. It was faster for me to get rid of him rather than wait for you to scare him off."

She snorted and got a good look at Harrison a frown crossing her face, "Why are you dressed to go back into the Wilds? You just got back. Don't lie to me Ranger I can tell you're heading out."

Harrison let out a breath before glancing towards the Nobles. They were watching him with barely hidden curiosity. Brats. Anne caught his look towards the Nobles and her nose scrunched up.

She asked noting their features, "Who are they? Wait isn't that the Baron Malfoy's Heir?"

"And Lord Nott's," grumbled Harrison, "I'm taking them into the Wilds."

"What?" She questioned loudly, "You just got back from the Wilds. Going into the Wilds so soon after you get back isn't healthy."

Harrison sighed, "I don't have much of a choice. They need someone to lead them through it into another Kingdom. If a Ranger doesn't lead them, they will die during their first encounter with the Dark Kind. It's a miracle they made it this far. On top of that we are going to look for the Twins who are still missing. I came to a couple of weeks worth of supplies."

She looked him up and down considering. They were good friends and she knew that there was more he wasn't saying. She considered Tom with a look not understanding who he was. Knowing Anne she would figure out that it was Tom that was the reason this was happening.

After a moment she asked, "Who is he? He has a strong affinity towards High Magick and even a small affinity towards Low Magick."

"He is the reason we have to leave immediately. There isn't time to explain things, Anne. I need to get them out of here before the King considers sending Black out here again."

"Is it that serious?"

Harrison nodded.

She didn't say anything for a moment instead she headed back into the kitchen. Knowing she would be gone for a little while he walked back to the three Nobles.

Malfoy sneered, "What was that about, Evans? Who is she to question you? Rangers only answer to the Commandant and the King."

Harrison shrugged, "Typical small village drama. She looks after all the Rangers to ensure that we rest as we are supposed to. It helps that she is also the local healer."

"Healer?" Squawked Malfoy, "She doesn't look qualified to be a healer."

Harrison wanted to smack the entitled brat upside the head. Most healers used High Magick but it wasn't always effective. Empathy at it's strongest point could transfer the pain and jump start the healing. It could bring someone back from the brink of death. Most empaths could not do it at that level however. Anne was the only one he currently knew of that could.

He decided not to explain this. It wasn't worth fighting with them over it. It wasn't his place to go into Anne's past either. Just as it wasn't her place to go into his past. So he said nothing and waited for her to return with the supplies. He dropped his bag onto one of the tables.

Anne came out with bags of food in her hands and she handed them to him. He put one bag of meat, dried beans, and rice. The others did the same if a little reluctantly. Eventually he slipped his bag over one shoulder and

"Are you sure about this, Ranger?"

Harrison slipped his bag back over his shoulder and asked, "What do you mean? Its my duty as a Ranger to help them."

Now the three were interested, watching them interested in her answer. Harrison knew what she meant though. She could feel the heavy tugging on her soul. The same tugging that called him back to the Capital.

"You know what is coming, Ranger," she said in a cool voice, "You can feel it just as I can. What do you plan on doing with it? Hide in the Wilds?"

Harrison shrugged, "It's not my problem, Anne. I left the Capital for that reason. I'm not going to get involved no matter what."

"You can't avoid it forever," she reprimanded, "You know this."

"Watch me," snapped back Harrison.

Malfoy growled, "What in the hell are you two talking about?!"

It was Tom who answered, "The Investigor. Why are you looking at me like that?"

Anne stared at him dumbfounded. Harrison understood how he knew. Tom felt the pull just as he did it. The tug of Ancient Magick that called them into the fight for power. Harrison had ignored the slight tugging and would continue to ignore it. No matter how much it increased or how painful it became.

"Well said," Harrison said finally, "At least someone knows about what is coming."

Tom frowned at him, "What I don't understand is how you are being drawn into it. I can understand us, we have Noble Blood but Evans is not the name of Nobility."

Harrison shrugged, "It's nothing that concerns you. Now are you three ready? We need to leave before anyone from the Capital decides to visit. And I have to find my missing Rangers."

The three unhappily shared looks. Then they nodded indicating they were ready.

Anne grabbed his arm before he left and she demanded, "Come back in one piece Ranger. This conversation isn't over."

Then she released him.