Chapter 21

"Hullo darlin'," Marcus replied, "I hear congratulations is in order, Headmistress."

"So it would seem." Minerva remarked hearing Elaine laughing in the background; "Though it is rather a pile of stone at the moment."

"Well, make your rooms extra large when rebuilding."

"I had planned on it."

His chuckle rippled across her the air before he asked, "Will you be able to have it done by the start of term?"

"I wish I had time to speak of such matters, but that is not why I called."

"Oh," Concern fell across his face, "Is everything alright?"

"I am calling in a favor."

"Of course."

"It's regarding a muggle couple, Wendell and Monica Wilkins; a …" She found the word student, unwanted and friend – to close for her comfort at this point; but yet, Marcus wouldn't do it without cause. "…friend oblivated their memories to save them."

"Who are they to your friend?"

"Her parents." Minerva replied without pause.

Marcus nodded, "I'll make the call tonight and we'll wake up Jayne, Edmund and Eryn. We should be able to give you a location by this time tomorrow."

"I'm afraid…that isn't good enough."

At this Marcus expression froze voice uncannily quiet. "Minerva, what do you need?"

"Not only the location, but if they are alive, a detail ensuring their safety for the next several days until I can arrange for their safe transportation back to England."

"I…" Marcus was interrupted by his wife, Elaine. "Minerva, if they are under cover, our presence would highlight…"

"I am aware of what I am asking Elaine."

"Then tell us who they are, really."

"I will, after you find them."

Minerva watched as both Elaine and Marcus pulled themselves back, murmurings back and forth as they decided what and whether they would do what Minerva asked. Fortunately or unfortunately, she could hear their deliberations – and at times like this, she detested her keen hearing.

"We'll take care of it." Marcus finally stated, and Minerva felt the burdensome weight marginally increase at what they would be potentially risking at her bequest.

"Thank you." She stated, feeling if at all possible, more tired.

"Rest easy and tell your friend not to worry; I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Minerva carefully replied, ensuring any worry she felt for them had been removed from her voice. "Remember to be careful."

"And remember you can't fix the entire castle in a day, there will still be holes tomorrow and the next day; so pace yourself."

"Till tomorrow." Minerva bravely smiled at her friends and pulled herself from the fire; hoping that they'd be able to find Hermione's parents – trying not to worry anymore about her friends and that Hermione's parents would escape the same fate that once befell hers.

Xoxo

A/N: Happy b-day Tigertales.