Monday came quickly upon the aurors. The weekend had been mostly uneventful, consisting largely of sleeping and sharing musings about the case. Minister Shackelbolt had not been yet available for discussion and the only real work that was done was a half-hearted attempt at contacting Lucius Malfoy.

Neither Harry nor Ron really wanted to be at Malfoy Manor again and since both were technically off the clock, felt actually showing up at the residence was uncalled for at the time. Instead they sent an owl and then contacted Draco again when there had been no answer.

Draco enlightened the aurors to his father's aggravation and refusal to waste his time with seeing them, saying that he had already given information on every deatheater and there was nothing more for him to add. It was actually the first bit of good news they'd had in this investigation as at present, they could not legally force a meeting with Lucius.

Harry found himself feeling somewhat more at ease after the busy week and sudden discoveries thrust onto him had ended. With Hermione's awkward reassurances, he began to realize that the intensity of the past several days were working hard against his mental state and there was no reason for him to feel so anxious.

Making his way up the steps of Durmstrang Institute with Ron, his confidence had returned. Neither wizard had ever been to the school or even to the country. It was fortunate for them, though, that the institute was located in Moscow where a vast portion of the population spoke at least some English. There were spells, of course, to help translate scripts into different languages, but largely, no magic had been discovered to rewire a person's brain to understand new tongues easily.

''Where exactly are we going now?'' Ron asked as the two departed from the airport.

The area was incredibly densely populated. Moreso than London even. Just outside of the air mall's doors, hundreds of people and vehicles rushed about in a desperate need to get anywhere fast. Hailing a taxi had to be murder, but they wouldn't have to find out for themselves.

Headmaster Karkaroff had sent word that he would have his assistant meet them at the airport to escort them to Durmstrang.

''He said to look for him outside,'' Harry replied, beginning a slow walk through the muddle of businesspeople, tourists, and vacationers.

''It would help to know what he looked like, yeah?'' Ron scoffed.

Harry kept pushing through the crowd for the annoyed red-head and himself, stopping every so often long enough to scan for anybody staring at them or otherwise appearing to be looking for someone.

''I'm sure that he knows what we look like and will flag is down when he sees us,'' Harry assured his friend.

The two aurors kept this pattern for the handful of minutes it took them to reach the side of the building where the flock of people greatly decreased. Both of them looked from side to side, still searching for their promised aide.

A woman pacing frantically was yelling into a phone in a language foreign to the British wizards. A young teenage couple sat on the curb in a tight side-hug and then on the outer wall of the airport leaned a tall dark haired man in a light brown sweater and black pants.

Upon their notice of him, the man turned his head toward the newcomers and lifted his back so he was standing. He then stood in a strong stance, staring at the two before nodding his head.

Harry nodded back with a small half-smile, turning to make sure Ron was on the same page and then stepped over to the man who was of a very sturdy build and stood a foot higher than either of them. He had a well trimmed black beard but his hair was unruly and pulled back into a ponytail.

''My name is Arkady Kuznetsov,'' the man introduced himself in a thick Russian accent. ''You are?''

''Harry...Potter,'' Harry responded. ''This is Ronald Weasely. The headmaster sent you?''

Arkady nodded. ''Yes. I will take you to him. Come.'' he spoke as he spun around in a rather rigid motion, leading the aurors further off the side of the building.

He took them into what Harry assumed was an employee parking lot. There was next to no commotion although the sounds from the bustle they had left could still be heard. Arkady stopped just behind a row of cars that separated the group from the others beyond. He held out both of his arms to his sides, gesturing for Harry and Ron to take hold, which they did.

The three were sucked into nothingness and spat back out into full form in a matter of moments. Harry and Ron retrieved their arms and studied their new surroundings.

Around them were several large hills and it seemed nothing else. The two guests looked to Arkady for instruction. The man did not speak; he only began walking again. So the aurors followed.

He led them to the opposite side of the nearest hill, where they could see an enormous building situated there amongst the acclivities. It was no doubt a castle but not one akin to that of Hogwarts. Instead, it appeared sleeker somehow. More cleanly constructed with less openings and incaves. It was painted a deep red with black roofs and highlights. There was a treacherous wall surrounding the whole place. All in all, it was quite intimidating.

Harry and Ron followed Arkady to the wall and down it until they reached a spot where the top of it heightened into a tall point. Inside it, they could see people standing and watching them. Arkady stopped at the base of this structure and stood in front of a closed doorway there.

Harry saw some of the people above shuffle around and after a moment the door opened so that the three may pass through. They walked into a small room and out a second door. Beyond which was yet another wall of similar style. These actions were all repeated, finally bringing them to the courtyard and the school itself.

Arkady continued on inside the building, taking the guests down a long, echoey hallway. Harry figured it had to be in between classes since everything was so empty. Even so, the place also felt empty which added to its intimidation factor.

''Here,'' their guide stopped suddenly and turned around. ''Headmaster will be waiting for you.''

Before anything else could be said or done, the man spun on his heels and kept on down the corridor. Harry and Ron turned to look at the small space in the wall where they had halted.

It was a rounded opening seemingly plated with gold. The curve dipped into the wall making a place barely big enough for two people to stand in. Shrugging, Ron waited for his partner to act first.

Harry took the few steps forward into the way. When nothing happened, he turned and looked at Ron. Suddenly, the compartment swirled, nearly knocking Harry off kilter. When it was still once again, the wizard found himself in a new room...an office. And Igor Karkaroff sat alone in the distance, not acknowledging the new presence.

Harry glanced behind him long enough to make sure Ron had also found his way inside before aiming himself for the headmaster.

The room was dark and mostly bare. There were a few chairs and of course the desk full of papers and a random assortment of broken trinkets where Karkaroff sat.

''Welcome to Durmstrang Institute,'' the headmaster said flatly, finally looking at his guests. His face was also expressionless if not a bit angry. This demeanor seemed to greatly contrast the kind cooperation his letters betrayed. Even so, Harry was sure he wasn't being intentionally rude.

''Thank you for seeing us, Headmaster,'' Harry nodded politely as he and Ron took to the seats across from the wizard.

''What is it, exactly, that you wanted to speak with me about?'' Karkaroff continued.

''We wanted to ask if you were aware of any other associates of Voldemort. Anyone that hasn't been brought forward yet,'' said Harry.

Karkaroff paused, tilting his head slightly, ''You're asking me if there are any more deatheaters free?''

''Well not necessarily deatheaters,'' Ron clarified, ''but anyone that Voldemort may have had dealings with.''

There was a pause as the headmaster looked thoughtfully. ''No,'' he finally answered. ''I can't think of anyone alive and not pardoned or imprisoned. Of course, you see,'' he added, ''I can't possibly know everyone he associated with.''

Harry took a breath, ''Of course. Yes, we know. However,'' he reached into his pocket and retrieved the photographs that had not left his person since the start. ''Would you mind taking a look at these and tell me if you recognize this man at all?''

Karkaroff glanced quickly at Harry's hand and then returned his gaze to the auror and nodded. Harry stretched out his arm to let him take the photographs and as always, the aurors watched him for any facial clues to his true thoughts and reaction.

Flipping the photos over to see Gerald, Karkaroff's eyes immediately widened and then squinted, his head tilting again and more obviously. He looked from one to the other a few times before he began shaking his head. He put the pictures down on the desk in front of him. He stayed with his eyes glued to them as he rested one arm on the desk as well, strumming his fingers.

''Yes...I've seen him before,'' his voice was hushed. ''Different hair...less played up look too, but I'm sure it's him.''

Ron and Harry exchanged a quick glance. ''Was he a deatheater?'' Harry pressed.

Karkaroff looked up, ''Certainly not. He was never with any of us...except...'' the man's brow furrowed and he looked away from the aurors and back to the pictures.

''Sir?'' Harry poked quietly.

The headmaster looked up again. ''I've only ever seen him once. In passing. I was approaching a common meeting place for the deatheaters at the time. Lord Voldemort was standing outside with that man...and Lucius Malfoy. I don't know what they were doing or who he was, but,'' Karkaroff lifted his brow, ''I have good intuition. I knew whatever was going on, I wasn't supposed to be there. So I left. Returned later. It was the first and last time I saw or heard of him until now.'' Karkaroff sat back in his chair, pushing the photos across the desk and back to Harry who picked them up and replaced them into his robes.

''I see...'' Harry mumbled downwards at first then put his attention back on Karkaroff. ''You're sure you didn't overhear anything or see anything else?''

''I'm certain.''

Harry nodded and started to stand, ''Thank you for your time. Please alert us if something comes up.''

Headmaster Karkaroff's gaze followed the aurors to their way out, his body remaining still. When the two were almost stepping out, though, he spoke again, ''Is that man still alive?''

Harry and Ron turned back around, hesitating. ''We're not-'' Ron began but was cut off by Karkaroff.

''I know,'' he said, his eyes hovering on the aurors for just a moment. He went back to looking at his work. ''I will let you know. ''

Harry gave Ron an aggravated look and inhaled sharply. Karkaroff didn't need them to answer...he had read their reaction and facial nuances himself.