Chapter 33

After leaving Alicia to rest, Clara went downstairs and to the kitchen where she heard the men and Maura talking. When she entered the room, the men stood up from their seats at the dining table out of habit to acknowledge her presence.

"Sit down, please" she said. The men retook their seats. She moved to an empty chair and sank down into like she were 160 instead of 29. Her entire being ached, Alicia's memories plagued her mind. She stifled them into a box in her mind but her skill at compartmentalising memories was slipping the more tired she grew. She would soon go home and empty her head of them as best she could and put them into her vault for safekeeping until Alicia was ready to receive them again.

"How is Alicia?" Warrington asked, a soft smile played on her lips at his concern.

"She will be fine." She assured him "I left her to rest and I need to go home. But first I need your reassurances that what happened here will not be related to the Aurors when they come to take your statements" Clara told them, she gave a nod to Maura who silently offered her a cup of tea.

"Won't you be the one taking our statements?" Warrington asked her, Clara shook her head.

"No, I'll be telling them how I recovered Miss Spinnet. They will consider my abilities tainted. So they want you tell your series of events. Please make sure your memories and stories are in order, no words should be uttered that I was here. As far as you are all concerned, I recovered Miss Spinnet with Cillian's assistance and you know nothing more nor do you wish to" Clara said before she took a sip of tea.

"On that note I should go and say goodbye to Alicia" Cillian said rising from his chair.

"You're not staying?" Warrington asked. Cillian threw a look at Clara and it was if the two had a conversation with one look before Cillian spoke.

"I'm not exactly on friendly terms with the British ministry of magic" Cillian said with a wry smile.

"Why am I not surprised?" Maura asked in a mocking manner.

"I would like to take Alicia with me back to Ireland" Cillian said. Warrington opened his mouth to object but Clara beat him to it.

"I recommend doing so after the inquiry is closed unless it is dire then I would suggest you seek a solicitor to act as a proxy for Miss Spinnet" Clara said looking between Warrington and Cillian, she did not envy the power struggle that was currently happening between the two men.

"I think it would be best for Alicia to rest a couple of days before travelling anywhere" Montague said. Warrington looked to Montague glad the man had spoken up as Warrington didn't want Cillian to take Alicia from him. He wanted her close, he wanted to be the one to comfort and care for her. Know that she was safe. Cillian gave a nod of acceptance at Montague's advice.

"Ok, well I shall go and see Alicia now. Clara, take care of yourself" Cillian said looking at Clara with a fondness Warrington had only see the man display towards Alicia. He quelled his curiosity knowing it was best to stay focused on Alicia. Whatever Cillian and Clara's relationship was it wasn't any of his business.

"I always do" Clara said rather grimly as she took a sip of her tea. Cillian smiled and left the room to head upstairs to Alicia.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay here?" Maura asked Clara. The young woman nodded.

"Yes, I have to go report in but I would be incredibly grateful for a pepper up potion for the road" Clara said in a warm manner to Maura.

"Of course" Maura said, she moved into the kitchen and opened a cabinet to the far left of the room and pulled out a potion vial with a dose of pepper up. She moved back to the table and handed it Clara.

"Thank you" Clara said, she downed the potion and made a face as she despised the taste of the potion. She appreciated the concern Maura was showing her, especially considering it was bad form to associate with a 'shunned' member of their class even in private.

"You're welcome. Now do you need anything else my dear?" Maura asked. Clara nodded but she looked to her brother.

"Yes, Lord Montague. I will require all of the evidence you have removed from Miss Spinnet's person" Clara said addressing him with his title and formally as she wondered if he would be steadfast in his resolve to not acknowledge her.

"I'll save you time and put it in myself." Montague said, he didn't look at her. It was better than nothing or so Clara told herself to console herself. Even after all these years it hurt to be so coldly treated by him but it was expected. She looked from Maura to Warrington who gave her looks of sympathy. She nodded acknowledging their silent support.

"Ok, then I shall be off" Clara said, she rose from her seat and bowed her head to Warrington and Montague. "Gentlemen" she said.

"I'll see you out" Maura said following Clara.

"How are you feeling?" Warrington asked as he gently rubbed Alicia's back. She was curled up on the bed in the fetal position with the blanket over her. When he had come back up with food for her, he found her on the bed in her current position, just staring into space.

"Tired" Alicia said breaking her stare to look up at him.

"But better?" he asked, he watched a small smile play on her lips. It was incredibly encouraging for him to see as he was afraid she would slip into a morose state for months or longer. He brushed his hand up to her face.

"Yes" she answered, she turned her face into his palm closing her eyes enjoying the tactile feel of his hand against her skin. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Lie with me" she said.

Warrington kicked off his shoes and Alicia straightened her body out and shuffled over to his side of the bed giving him space. He lifted the covers and slid under them. Alicia moved into his welcoming embrace and rested her head on his shoulder.

"You appear to be somewhat unburdened" he remarked.

"I am not going to tell you what I was burdened with" Alicia told him.

"I would not ask you to share the intimate details of Clara's life with me but Montague may ask" Warrington said.

"I thought he didn't care for her" Alicia said as she listened to the steady beat of his heart. It gave her immeasurable comfort to be held in his arms, to feel his strength.

"He does but he won't allow himself to show it" Warrington told her, he kissed the top of her head. Glad to have her in his arms pressed against him.

"I don't understand your Slytherin customs. They are archaic and brutal" Alicia said with a sigh as she snuggled closer to him.

"I do agree with you on that" Warrington said, he had grown up in the strict social practises of his and Montague's social class. It was not an easy childhood and one Alicia would not recognise or approve of for their child. Something he was glad of as he wanted his child's younger years to be filled with more joy than his had been.

"You know what I don't get?" Alicia asked him.

"What?" he asked.

"Why me? Why am I so important now? I wasn't hiding myself from the world. Knott could have found me anytime he wanted. If I were so much of an obsession to him why not find me four years ago?" Alicia asked. She lifted her head and looked at him.

Warrington frowned as it was a question he asked himself as well. He didn't understand Theo's obsession but at that moment it clicked in his mind and he knew who would've helped him. His Grandmother, her dislike for Alicia and her bloodlines was enough for her to help Theo. Why it hadn't come to him sooner astonished him.

"What is it?" Alicia asked him as he wore a pensive expression. He looked at her and gave a slight smile as if to reassure her.

"Nothing, it also has me curious" he told her, he didn't want to cause her worry when it wasn't necessary. Alicia frowned and looked down for a moment.

"I'm never going be safe am I? Dolohov had many fans, what if they are going to come after me?" Alicia asked him.

"I will protect you, I know I did a lousy job but I promise you there will not be a next time" he promised her.

"And how will you prevent it?" She asked, he tried not to feel offended by the question but she was right in asking him.

"We will get married as soon as possible. Our wedding rings and our vows will give you extra protection and we will reside in Ireland where we have a lovely home that has been fortified by two of the most powerful people I know. You will be more protected than the Queen of England. What?" he asked as Alicia was looking at him as if he had grown a second head.

"You just sound so gung-ho about marrying me." Alicia said a smile playing on her lips.

"That is what you're focussed on? I'm setting out my plan to protect you and you have an issue with the fact that I want you to carry my last name and love for the rest of my days?" he asked her incredulously.

"It's not an issue and I could torture you for the rest of your days" Alicia teased.

"You're a Gryffindor, it's not in you to do anything but bravely love me" Warrington scoffed. Alicia gave a short laugh and shook her head.

"I think you've got Gryffindor mixed up with Hufflepuff" Alicia said tongue in cheek, he smiled at her levity. Glad that she was teasing him and smiling for the moment. She gave a yelp as he rolled on top of her. He caught her hands and intertwined his fingers with hers and brought them above her head. Alicia gave a murmur of pleasure as she wrapped her legs around his hips.

"No, definitely not. You're just more rough than a Hufflepuff would be and I like it rough" he told her. Alicia groaned at his insinuation and rolled her eyes.

"Oh now you're being ridiculous. I think you need a nap more than me" She told him.

"I will sleep when I'm assured that you have confidence in me to protect you" he said as he looked down at her, she saw his uncertainty, his fear that she didn't trust him. He released her hands and kept his upper body propped off her and she moved her hands to cup his face.

"I do, what happened tonight could not be predicted and I was saved from a very horrible fate" she told him.

"But you were not saved by me" he said it made Alicia want to laugh as he was being petulant at not being the hero of the day but she didn't laugh.

"Maybe not this time but you saved me a long time ago" she told him. She pulled his head down to hers and pressed her lips to his in a slow kiss.

Half an hour later, Clara sat at her desk finishing up her reports and paperwork that needed to be finished and filed into the system. She had gone home for a quick shower and change of clothes before she returned to work. No rest for the wicked but then a glamour spell covered up the truth of her exhaustion.

Once she had sat down at her desk she had immediately sent Kingsley a note reporting the return of Alicia Spinnet. She had also sent a note to Warrington informing her of her report and for him to retain legal counsel with him for the day. She knew he could afford it and frankly she had a feeling he would need it considering the looks she had been receiving since she arrived.

"Auror Velasquez"

Clara looked up from her desk to see Kingsley standing at the open door of his office.

"Sir" she said acknowledging his presence. He made a motion at her to come into his office.

"A word in my office" he said, Clara rose from her chair and walked across the room and entered his office. She closed the door behind her and turned to Kingsley who sat behind his desk. His calm façade did nothing to hide the anger he obviously felt as he glared at her.

"Take a seat" he said, Clara did and he pulled out a photo from his desk. "I know we have an understanding that you sometimes cross into a grey area to get your work done but in saying that it was also understood that you would be discreet about it. Care to explain this?" he asked, he turned the photo to face her and she saw herself and Cillian walking up to the front steps of Warrington's townhouse. She remained silent.

"Mr Potter informed me that you dismissed him from your services and when he followed you. He witnessed you speaking with this man and Lord Warrington. Cillian O'Loughlin" Kingsley said, he pointed to Cillian in the picture.

"Yes, he was one of my resources in locating Miss Spinnet" Clara said casually.

"He's one of the four fathers-"

"Sir, that is just legend and we all know its bullshit" Clara said in annoyance only because it wasn't bullshit and her affliation with Cillian made her character questionable which was why they did their best not to be seen together. She hadn't been informed that they were investigating Warrington and watching his dwellings. If she had then they would not be having this conversation.

"Do we?" Kingsley asked.

"I've known the man for over a decade. Sure he has connections with unsavoury people but who doesn't these days? Trust me, I think I would know if I was dealing with one of the four notorious Warlords of Ireland" Clara scoffed, it was what the British Ministry of Magic had called them but in reality there were 12 men and women not four men and they acted like Village protectors and elders for the pocket magical communities in Ireland that revolted against being under the ruling of the British Ministry of Magic.

"Internal Affairs and they are taking issue with it. As you know they are breaking down on Auror corruption." Kingsley told her, Clara sat down in the chair and rolled her eyes at the mention of Internal Affairs as they were useless at their job but excellent at making a lot of noise.

"Then send them to look at Adler" Clara said.

"Adler has been in the force longer than you and while; yes, he gets into scuffs. He doesn't openly socialise with the underworld. Not too mention with someone of the likes of Cillian O'Loughlin who has a rap sheet longer than Diagon Alley" Kingsley said.

"Yeah in the muggle system not ours or Ireland's" Clara said, she didn't want to mention that the Irish Ministry of Magic was more concerned about maintaining their own identity and preserving the old magic ways that they worked in unison with Cillian and the other men.

"Ireland has loose definition of moral legality and just because he hasn't been caught does not mean he is innocent" Kingsley said.

"Fine, but I do not see how one photo with one man constitutes as corruption on my part" Clara said in an exasperated manner.

"It raises questions, questions that mean I have to suspend you until you're cleared" Kingsley said.

"This is insane, I find our missing person in less than 24 hours and I'm being suspended because I use questionable resources?" Clara asked watching Kingsley closely, she felt he was grasping at straws to suspend her from active service.

"Tell me have you found the person who kidnapped her?" Kingsley asked, Clara shook her head.

"No, she was alone when we found her. I took Cillian O'Loughlin as my back up and because he knew the location and he wouldn't share it with anyone besides me" Clara answered.

"Are you willing to testify under veriterserum to that?" Kingsley asked.

"Of course and I wished to continue the search for the kidnapper and their benefactor as I believe Miss Spinnet is still in danger" Clara told him.

"How do you know if it is one person and if they have a benefactor?" Kinglsey asked.

"I originally believed it was Theodore Knott. He had motive but he has no means to procure an illegal port key. Not many people do, I planned to check into Antonin Dolohov's associations today. I think they may have bandied together about the idea of having this woman." Clara said speculating at best of course.

"How do you know?" Kingsley asked.

"It's a gut feeling. Antonin had a fan club, one of them might have a infatuation in possessing Miss Spinnet as she was Dolohov's victim." Clara said, she winced as she knew the words barely covered the true extent of Dolohov's obsession with Alicia. Even though she had removed majority of the memories, the emotions attached to them still remained.

"Well, you'll have to pass the information onto another Auror as I still have to suspend you from active duty" Kingsley said with a reluctant sigh.

"This is wrong. Can't you give me a reprieve to finish this case, then I'll go on suspension with grace" Clara bargained but Kingsley shook his head.

"I can't and I won't. Pass on your case work to Gillings and Potter" he told her, Clara looked at him incredulously.

"You're putting a kid on my case work with Gillings? The man can't find his way out of paper bag. Please let me wrap up Miss Spinnet's case first" Clara begged, frankly it wasn't beneath her to try as she knew Gillings was useless. Potter was too new to their profession to make ground.

"Not possible, hand over your workload to Gillings. You're on suspension until further notice. You're Dismissed" he told her. Clara rose from the chair and gave a nod as she knew there was no point in arguing. Kingsley had made his decision there was nothing more she could do but walk away.

"Warrington, while appreciate your business is there a reason that I am here at such an ungodly hour?" Flint asked as Warrington let him into the house. Warrington closed the door behind him and gestured for Flint to enter the study. Warrington couldn't help but notice that Marcus Flint was immaculately dressed and looking fresh as the proverbial daisy for a man who complained that it was an 'ungodly' hour.

"Yes, Alicia was recovered early this morning and is safely ensconced away" Warrington said, he had slept only a few hours before he was woken by Hetti his house elf with an urgent message from Clara. As much as he hated leaving Alicia's side he had to get up and deal with mess that was about happen from the fallout of Alicia's kidnapping and safe recovery.

He had been given the early Daily Prophet and read the news of Alicia's disappearance. Draco Malfoy and his wife Astoria had managed to use the media to their disposal giving interviews about the 'event' and their heartfelt hopes for Alicia to be saved. He didn't mind them using the kidnapping to boost their public profile as a couple who cared deeply about their society but he did take offence at Alicia's past being written about like it were fodder for masses.

The reporter had anonymous sources who gave great detail to Alicia's days of being a P.O.W. something only one of Dolohov's followers would know or the Malfoys. If it were the Malfoy Family, Warrington would withdraw his investments from their company. His public shunning of their family would definitely mar any chance Draco had of making it into Politics.

"That was quick, I'm amazed it didn't hit the Daily Prophet morning edition" Flint remarked as he took a seat in one of the two guest chairs opposite Warrington's desk.

"That's because we haven't told anyone. Have you read this morning's paper?" Warrington asked him as he sat behind his desk.

"I may have glanced the front cover, usually I get up at a more respectable time and take my breakfast and read paper." Flint told him. Warrington fought the urge to roll his eyes and picked up his copy of the newspaper and held it out to Flint. The man rose from his chair and took the paper before sitting back and opening it.

"You should because I want to know their sources, who told them this information" Warrington said. Flint opened the paper and skimmed the articles quickly. His eyebrows rose in surprise at the information printed before him.

"What difference will it make? The Prophet will not retract it and if they do it's too late" Flint said closing the paper and looking at Warrington.

"I realise the damage has been done and I'm not looking for a retraction but I do want to know if the anonymous sources are the Malfoys" Warrington said.

"And if it is?" Flint asked out of curiosity.

"I gladly allow the Malfoy's to use our association to bolster their station in society but I will not have this kind of publicity. Alicia is to be my wife and yes like many she has a tragic life story. I will not condone my associates to use it as fodder for the masses or to boost their public profile" Warrington said darkly.

"Should have chosen someone with a cleaner reputation" Flint said, Warrington glared at him and Flint gave an amused smile. "I will have someone look into it and as for the media I think you should have a press release where you announce Miss Spinnet's safe return and appreciate if the media keep their distance and respect Spinnet's right to privacy in regards to her past or something along those lines. Now is there anything else?" Flint asked.

"Yes, the methods of how I procured Alicia's safety were less than legal. I received a note from the Auror on my case alerting me to call my counsel immediately. Hence the reason I called you" Warrington said settling back into his chair in a lazy fashion.

"Ok tell me what you have done and with whom" Flint said mirroring Warrington but he wore an excited smile.

"The whom are Clara Velasquez and Cillian O'Loughlin-" Warrington started to explain but at the mention of Cillian's name Flint's smile disappeared and the man sat up straighter in his seat.

"Cillian O'Loughlin? What in Merlin's name are you doing associating with such a man?" Flint asked in a careful tone.

"He is Alicia's Grandfather" Warrington said wondering why the man was looking so concerned.

"And he was here on British soil?" Flint asked. Cillian O'Loughlin was well known in the criminal arena and it surprised him that Warrington had no clue.

"He's visited a couple of times. Why?" Warrington asked, he frowned wondering what the man was having issues with.

"He's supposedly one of the Four Fathers"

"Should I be aware of this?" Warrington asked. Flint laughed.

"Dear Merlin, did you not research the woman's family before you became entangled with her?"

"Of course, it didn't bare anything nefarious"

"Obviously you weren't looking in the right places or asking the right people" Flint said. Warrington frowned at him not enjoying the fact that everyone around him seemed to be one up on him.

"Then enlighten me to my follies" Warrington said.

"Ireland is a small but strong magical community. They have elders or in this case 'Fathers' very patriarchal society. Lovely country and the Guinness" Flint started but Warrington cut him off.

"Flint, cliff note it" Warrington told him sharply.

"Ok, there are pockets of magical communities in Ireland and these father figures are like village leaders. They help magical folk out and protect the village from unwanted influences. Apparently when Voldermort sent many emissaries to conscript them to his side of the war the Irish sent back body parts. Pretty medieval and from what I heard it got right up his nose but by then he was more focussed on Scarhead" Flint said with a shrug.

"That's comforting to know. How do you know any of this?" Warrington asked, he felt he should fired someone for being inept but could only blame himself. Over 5 years out of the country and obviously his sources were outdated or worse had taken him for a fool. Either way he would have to rectify the situation along with the situation of talking to his grandmother.

"Well, I was involved a minor incident in Ireland. One that meant I could never return to their country but I found my travels quite illuminating while I was there" Flint remarked casually, while his smile was one of smug pleasure.

"Of course" Warrington said dryly.

"And what has Montague's sister have to do with this?" Marcus asked.

"She's the Auror"

"Yes, I know she's an Auror. I've worked in conjunction with her for years and I saw her last night at the party. I was amazed she bothered to socialise in our circles" Flint said, Warrington raised an eyebrow at him.

"You knew she was in town all this time?" Warrington asked.

"This isn't news and yes, honestly man you really need to catch up. She's been back in London for the last 4 years for what reason I do not care to be privy of. The only thing I do appreciate is that she does her job well unlike the others in her department" Flint said.

"She blurred the lines last night."

"Obviously if she was seen cavorting with Cillian O'Loughlin" Flint scoffed.

"They know one another, I'm not privy to the extent of their relationship though" Warrington added.

"Fantastic" Flint said dryly.

"How so?" Warrington asked as Flint's expression was grim.

"I.A. is coming down on Corruption. I hope for your sake-" Flint stopped talking when the door to the study opened and Hetti his house elf came in.

"Master Warrington, pardon the intrusion. There are Aurors at the door insisting entrance into the house" Hetti said.

"Was Auror Velasquez with them?" Warrington asked.

"No Sir" The elf replied.

"Thank you Hetti, I will deal with them myself" Warrington said, the elf bowed her head and then apparated out of the room.