Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warning: None for this chapter

Chapter 62 – Family Ties – New, Old and Uncertain

"I'm sure Sirius will eventually forgive us both for the unceremonious dismissal," Alphard smiled ruefully at Hal when both men had settled themselves in Alphard's study.

A flash of green light from the hearth interrupted Hal's response and both men turned to greet Albus Dumbledore as he emerged from the cavernous fireplace.

"Gentlemen," the headmaster shook hands with both men before seating himself in one of the wingback chairs in front of the sofa. He gestured toward the two men, indicating that Hal and Alphard should resume their seats. "Young Mr. Black has Floo'd back to the hotel, I take it?" No one missed the slight smile that accompanied his statement.

Hal nodded. "Not without some protest, but he is, indeed, back in the hotel. I've told Margaret that she should wait for us to return before leaving."

"I've owled ahead and the Hogwarts Express will await your arrival unless we decide to postpone their return. Any additional travel facilitators have also been notified of a potential delay. I'm quite grateful for your kind offer to put the students up in your home in London for the night, if needed," Albus smiled kindly in Hal's direction.

"Depending upon what we discuss – and potentially decide – here, it might be advisable. If we can do a little investigating before sending them all back to Scotland, we would then have time to put some additional protection in Hogsmeade, if needed," Hal looked and sounded every inch of the Ministry official he was. The older wizards knew that every possible precaution would be taken to protect the students.

"We've all been brought current with the facts of the situation at hand," Hal glanced at Alphard. "Now we need to fit the pieces together to see what can be deduced."

"How much does Sirius know?" Albus asked.

"The facts and nothing more," Alphard responded. "But he's a bright lad and I'm certain that his mind is spinning the possibilities as we speak. I will admit to you both that I am still not convinced that we don't run a greater risk by keeping Sirius in the dark on this matter."

"I appreciate that," Albus nodded. "And, knowing Sirius as I do, I can guarantee that he is trying to work it all through on his own. This is not entirely a negative situation. He is, as you say, quite bright and his perspective on the facts is a unique one. He may well develop a theory that leads us to even greater discoveries. I believe – and with your agreement, Alphard – that we should encourage his thought process and the sharing of any ideas with the three of us. As far as any reciprocal behavior, however, I think we should be most cautious. I can manage Sirius to a point; I do not want to put him at further risk by even benignly encouraging any impetuous behavior on his part." The other wizards murmured their firm agreement. "Hal, would you be so kind as to begin?" Albus leaned back in his chair and folded his hands in his lap, giving the youngest member of their group his undivided attention.

"It would appear that the heads of various Pureblood families are scheduled to meet in London tonight or tomorrow. We know this based on movements we've been tracking through the MLE as well as independent reports from a contact of mine. Abraxas Malfoy's wife was overheard to say that her husband had been unexpectedly called back to London on business," Hal reported.

"Do we know any other attendees?" Alphard inquired.

"A few. Theodore Nott, Sr., Victor Crabbe, Eduard Bullstrode and, unsurprisingly, Orion Black."

"Would that be the same Bullstrode whose daughter's betrothal to Sirius was broken off this spring?" Albus fixed his gaze on James' father.

"Yes; interesting, isn't it? It was my understanding that the two did not part as friends when the marriage contract was dissolved," Hal smiled.

"One does not have to part as friends to be allies in a common cause," Albus commented, settling back in his chair once again.

"Was Thomas O'Hanlon part of the group destined for this London meeting?" Alphard asked.

"It would appear so, but we've been unable to confirm it as certain. O'Hanlon's an interesting fellow. He's rumored to have been part of the initial movement to restore Pureblood supremacy several years ago, but for the most part, he's kept to himself. His wife died five years ago and shortly afterward, her family engaged a solicitor in an attempt to persuade the Swiss to launch an inquiry into her death - but nothing came of it. Since then, he's given every appearance of being a proper British wizard, engaged in proper British business dealings," Hal told them. "He has been quite successful in both real estate and investments."

"Rather non-specific pursuits, aren't they? Where is this real estate located? In what – and for whom – are these investments being made?" Alphard looked pointedly at Hal. "Such ambiguity allows for great anonymity, if desired."

Hal gave them a small smile. "He is nothing if not shrewd. However, we have been able to uncover a bit about his affairs. He has a grown daughter who had attended a Swiss boarding school both prior to and after her mother's death. O'Hanlon maintained the family residence – a rather large estate, really – in Geneva until the daughter married in June. It was then put on the market and our sources tell us that it has now sold – at a price quite below market value."

Alphard's brow furrowed. "Odd thing, that. Why would the man settle so quickly after listing the property? With all the wealth in Switzerland, I can't believe he wouldn't have gotten his price – and perhaps more – with a bit of patience."

Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair. "Indeed, particularly when one considers the fact that Mr. O'Hanlon is very experienced in real estate trends and practices. Do we know who purchased the property, Hal?"

"Not exactly. A Muggle solicitor from London purchased the estate on behalf of an unnamed client. We are working to identify the purchaser, however it is proving to be a rather daunting task. We will continue to pursue it." Hal paused and looked at the Headmaster appraisingly for a moment before continuing. "I don't suppose you have any highly-placed contacts in the Muggle Ministry who might be willing to share a bit of information?"

Dumbledore smiled. "As it happens, I do, Hal. I shall speak with them as soon as we finish here. Tell me, what do you know about the sister and brother-in-law?"

Hal shrugged. "Melanie and Geoffrey Hanscombe. Both in their 40's, with two…."

Albus interrupted the younger man, a look of surprise on his face. "Their twin sons graduated from Hogwarts this past spring. Ravenclaws, the both of them. Both the parents attended Hogwarts, as well. Melanie was Ravenclaw, but her husband was in Slytherin, if memory serves."

"With O'Hanlon," Hal supplied.

Albus nodded. "Yes, Thomas O'Hanlon was also Slytherin and he and Geoffrey Hanscombe were in the same graduating class."

"Along with Rosier, Antonin Dolohov and Orcus Mulciber." Hal paused for a moment, adding scornfully, "Orcus. Roman god of the underworld; one who punishes broken oaths. His parents certainly saw great things for him, didn't they?"

Alphard smiled. "Pairs well with his surname: Mulciber; also known as 'Vulcan', god of both beneficial and hindering fire. Mayhem on every front, it would seem!" he sobered and shook his head.

Albus leaned forward in his chair and fixed Hal with his direct gaze. "You mentioned that O'Hanlon's daughter married this summer. Do we have any information as to the family into which she married?"

Hal nodded. "As it happens, I do. Boadicea O'Hanlon is now Mrs. Arturo Bullstrode."

The headmaster inclined his head and gave the other man a small smile. "Imagine that. The scion of one pureblooded family takes the only daughter of another as his bride. It certainly unites two very wealthy and powerful lines, does it not?"

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer," Alphard chimed in. "So, the Bullstrodes recovered nicely from their daughter's defection. Did the bride and groom know each other long before the nuptials took place?"

Hal smiled. "Five months. The Bullstrodes hosted a dinner party and invited the Hanscombes, O'Hanlon and his daughter. Arturo was present and the rest, as the Muggles say, is history."

"So, we know that O'Hanlon has tied himself in with the Bullstrodes – an old family very familiar with the Dark Arts," Albus rose and stood before the fireplace.

"And used his daughter to do it," Alphard's tone was more than a little scornful.

Albus shook his head. "Not necessarily, my old friend. Let us suppose for a moment that O'Hanlon was already well acquainted with Eduard Bullstrode. It's entirely possible that the marriage was the result of their association – not the other way around. How would the marriage benefit O'Hanlon would be more to the point, I think."

"The benefit to the Bullstrodes would be…." Hal began, but was interrupted as Albus gave a slight laugh.

"…significant. Recall that Ofelia had announced both her pregnancy as well as her intention of marrying the child's father – a young man not selected for her by her parents. That the marriage contract between young Ofelia and the heir to the Black family legacy was so unceremoniously broken only added to their social woes, as it were. The Bullstrodes are, of course, quite concerned with appearances. What better way to deflect attention from Ofelia than to marry off their own heir to a lovely pureblood from another country? No, I think the Bullstrodes' benefit can be found in the salvage of their reputation which, though amusing, isn't beneficial to us."

The men were silent for a few moments then Hal spoke again. "So, if we look at this from O'Hanlon's perspective, what does he gain? His acquaintance with the Bullstrodes would buy him entry to their social circles, I should think, so it can't be that. Arturo is very young – just out of Hogwarts – so he hardly adds anything of value to O'Hanlon's position."

"He does remove the daughter from the household, though," Alphard said thoughtfully. "As O'Hanlon himself has just married, perhaps that is part of the benefit."

Albus' eyes crinkled at the corners in merriment. "I will confess that my mind had not traveled down that path, but perhaps that's a consideration – although I do not believe it is the principal reason."

Alphard colored slightly. "It removes her from danger, Albus; it removes her from danger was my meaning."

"Ah," came the still-amused reply. "Well, that makes perfect sense. Still, however, I do not believe his daughter's safety was his reason. No; but I think you might be on track with a part of your logic. O'Hanlon has recently remarried – and to a woman whose late husband was not an aficionado of the Dark Arts. In fact, Roderick Morgan went out of his way to avoid any entanglement with Dark wizards – so much so that many believed it contributed to his death."

"But the popular belief amongst the purebloods in question is that Roderick Morgan caused the death of Cygnus Black," Hal supplied.

Alphard's gaze shifted to the younger wizard. "O'Hanlon had occasion to know Cygnus; although they were not in the same year at Hogwarts, they were in the same House. It seems likely that he would have already had some introduction to the London pureblood families prior to his departure for Switzerland."

Hal sucked in his breath. "Interesting. Morgan's association with American federal law enforcement through the US Ministry of Magic made the suspicion of his involvement quite believable, indeed."

"But was he?" Albus reclaimed his seat. "Hal, I don't suppose you are aware of the details of Morgan's history before he relocated to the States with his family?"

"Not at the moment, but I can certainly look into it."

Alphard shifted impatiently. "As I stated to Sirius earlier this morning, I had only ever heard snippets of what happened to Roderick Morgan. It strikes me that you could fill in the gaps in my knowledge on that score, as well, Hal. I knew Cygnus was found dead with him and that the prevailing theory was that my nephew was responsible for the other man's death before succumbing to his own injuries. I do recall some controversy about that theory once news was received by the family in London. In fact, knowing Cygnus as I did, I found the story to be a bit incredible. You should know that both Sirius and Kate agree."

"Of course," Hal said. "As you may already know, when Black and Morgan were found late one night in an alley in Boston, Massachusetts, Morgan was already dead; Black was dying. By virtue of an onsite examination of the body, it was determined that there had been a duel, hexes had been thrown and Morgan killed outright as a result. Black had sustained irreversible spell damage and died before he could be questioned. The US Ministry determined that Black had killed Morgan and the case was closed."

"I believe the controversy of which you speak comes from those here – in Britain - who believe that the case was closed far too soon," Albus added. "Based on the extent of Cygnus Black's injuries, there are many who consider it highly unlikely that he could have sustained that much spell damage and then had enough strength to cast the Killing Curse on Morgan."

"But it wouldn't have been impossible," Hal put in. "And so their arguments did not advance very far. There was grumbling and a certain amount of threatening, but in the end the file was closed and locked away in a cabinet to gather dust. Without a credible witness to the events of that night, there was nothing to be gained from keeping it open. The secrets died with Black and Morgan, as far as both Ministries were concerned."

Alphard shook his head. "Cygnus wasn't the most powerful of wizards, you know." He glanced over at Albus. "You remember him, of course. He was always on the puny side – always trying to prove his mettle. His magic was, indeed, Dark, but he was always too impatient to fully perfect control and execution. To my memory, Cygnus didn't consider sequence and best effect for his spells – and it made him a very substandard dueler, I'm afraid."

"That would seem to support his poor performance against Morgan," Hal observed. "But I'm not sure that it would support the theory that he couldn't have cast the Killing Curse once Morgan thought he'd bested him."

"Roderick Morgan was rumored to be an excellent dueler," Albus stated. "I cannot imagine that he would have turned his back on an opponent while that person still had the capacity to cast any spell at all."

"Are you suggesting that there was a third person present?" Alphard asked, glancing between the other two men.

"It was suggested at the time, but dismissed due to the fact that all evidence pointed to the deaths being the result of a duel between the two wizards present," Hal explained. "The Muggle FBI purported to have completed a thorough forensic sweep of the area and they advised our Ministry that no evidence was found to suggest that there was anyone present other than the two men who were found on the scene."

"But Muggles wouldn't know to check for trace magic or spells to clear a magical footprint from an area," Alphard rejoined.

"You're right, of course – and there was a mention made of our Ministry officials going in and performing just such a sweep after the FBI was finished with the scene."

Alphard looked directly at Hal. "And, of course, they found nothing."

Hal shook his head. "Their results were inconclusive. The FBI utilizes various chemical agents to retrieve impressions from soft earth, the clothing and other items found both on the bodies and around the immediate scene. These agents can pollute some magical properties – and completely dispel others. Such chemicals were used that night."

"I can't understand why they would not permit our Ministry officials to perform the first sweep of the crime scene; they had to know that there was time sensitivity in addition to the chemical interaction to consider," Alphard's voice rose in frustration.

"Perhaps they didn't know," Hal reasoned, his voice calm. "Perhaps they weren't told. You must remember that the relationship between the two governments was in its infancy – and quite restricted to the Muggle/Magical Law Enforcement agencies. The Muggle officials would very likely not have known what questions to ask and, sorry to say, I would imagine that there was a fair amount of skepticism on their part to begin with. Roderick Morgan was the chief liaison from our MLE and was responsible for building much of the relationship as well as educating their agents. When he went down, well … much of the Magical world's credibility was impaired as a result."

"You said, "chief liaison"," Albus said. "Were there others?"

Hal nodded. "Yes, but they were not all globally identified. Some of our representatives worked undercover to protect themselves and to give us greater flexibility to assist in the investigation of Muggle corruption within their ranks. To this day, there are operatives in place both in America and throughout the UK who are working covertly. Only the highest ranking officials in both governments know their identities."

"So, there could have been a traitor – a double agent or sorts – who could easily have vanished evidence…"Albus began.

"…or have been a third party to the duel – either as a participant or a witness," Hal finished.

"All of which brings us to the obvious question: what relevance do these events have on our current situation?" A note of impatience had crept back into Alphard's voice. It was obvious to all that his thoughts had never strayed far from his great-nephew and the potential danger these circumstances posed for him.

"Hal?" Albus deferred to Hal.

"Well, first of all, let's review what we know based on our discussion here today." Hal began ticking off items on his fingers as he spoke. "Thomas O'Hanlon has been party to two recent marriages: his daughter's – to the scion of a very old, pureblood family – and his own, to a woman who was born of one old and respected pureblood line – while also the widow of a man born of another. A woman, we might add, he has known for a relatively short period of time. O'Hanlon has become enmeshed with a group of wizards who are huge supporters of the Dark Arts, a group that includes his new son-in-law's father, Eduard Bullstrode, Orion Black and Abraxas Malfoy, among others." Hal paused and looked at the older wizards. "As we think about it, gentlemen, Thomas O'Hanlon also connects to Kate, not only through her mother, but by virtue of his affiliation with Orion Black, through Sirius, as well."

"And through you, Alphard," Albus remarked. "By virtue of his appearance here today."

"Brandishing a photograph of Sirius, which he claimed to be courtesy of Orion," Alphard's tone was sharp. "And the boy is more concerned about the danger posed to Kate – and to me – than he is about himself."

"Typical Sirius," Albus replied. "And not completely off the mark, either. Kate and he are both safe whilst at school. You, however, do not enjoy the protection of Hogwarts' castle and are, therefore, more vulnerable."

Alphard waved him off impatiently, but Hal leapt into the discussion. "He's right, Alphard. You are technically out of my jurisdiction, as well. I think that you have far more exposure than either Sirius or Kate at this point." Hal withdrew a small, wire bound notebook and a biro. "Tell me again about your visit with O'Hanlon."

"Wasn't much of a visit," the older wizard snorted. "He introduced himself as someone acquainted with my family through his recent relocation to London – and his past acquaintance with Cygnus Black. I informed him that my family and I were no longer … close. A little warmth went out of the room at that, but he recovered quickly enough. O'Hanlon produced Sirius' photograph and said that he'd obtained it from Orion. With that, he proceeded to paint a portrait of a very concerned father, anxious to make connections with his estranged son. Even had the gall to comment that given my own situation with the family, I should understand how lonely Sirius might be without his proper family. I asked him how he happened to be so well acquainted with my nephew to be taken into his confidence about such a personal matter as Sirius' relationship with his blood relatives. He seemed a bit flustered at that and made mention of the fact that he and Orion were business acquaintances and that over drinks one evening, Orion had spoken of Sirius' estrangement and how he had turned his back on all that his family had stood for. He recounted the incident with Bellatrix and Edgar Bones' son in Hogsmeade as an example of how far off the rails his elder son had gone – denouncing the family in public and taking up for a non-pureblood child in the bargain. O'Hanlon also brought up Sirius' responsibility in the breaking of the marriage contract with Eduard Bullstrode's daughter and said that my nephew – and his wife, mind – were 'distraught' over it all. He indicated that his wife was so distraught that she had recently been quite unlike herself."

Hal stopped taking notes for a moment. "Interesting that he raised Bullstrode's name – and the broken marriage contract – but never indicated that his daughter had married the Bullstrode heir."

"Never indicated that he had a daughter, come to that – or a new wife." Alphard caught and held Albus' gaze. "Truth be told, I saw him as something of a blow-hard from the off – a newcomer who had set about to make the acquaintance of prominent families in London to advance his own cause. At the time, I thought his 'cause' was to improve his financial and social prospects. His casual repetition of a comment supposedly made by Orion about Walburga seemed odd to me, though at the time I couldn't have said why. He was on to the next comment before I could pause for thought."

"What did O'Hanlon say was his purpose in approaching you?" Hal flipped the paper over and prepared to take additional detail.

"Two-fold," the older wizard continued. "Orion had mentioned that Sirius was close to only one member of the Black family – me. Of course, this is untrue as the boy is also very fond of his cousin, Andromeda, as well. She married a Muggle-born, which is, of course, unconscionable to the Blacks. I found it curious – but somewhat relieving – to know that Orion hadn't mentioned Andie's name, too."

"If he even mentioned yours," Albus put in. "It's conceivable that O'Hanlon learned about you from other sources; Abraxas comes to mind as he, too, is related to the Blacks."

"I hadn't thought of that, but you're right, of course," Alphard agreed, twisting the ends of his beard where they rested in his lap.

"You were talking about O'Hanlon's purpose in visiting you," Hal prompted after several moments had passed.

"Ah, yes," Alphard roused himself from his thoughts. "As I say, Orion spoke of his terrible disappointment in Sirius' defection from the family and his certainty that Sirius would find a way to contact me about his departure. O'Hanlon – altruistic wizard that he'd have us believe he is – offered to contact me on Orion's behalf during his upcoming trip to Paris. He saw it as a way to assist a business associate with a great deal of family friction on his plate. He created the impression that it would strengthen their business relationship."

"Oh, I'm sure that it would," Albus spoke very quietly. "My concern is that the relationship that would be strengthened is one that we are all trying to desperately to knock down before it gains any firmer a foothold in our world. Alphard, please continue."

"Obviously, O'Hanlon's first intent was for me to agree to facilitate some sort of reconcilement between Sirius and his family – work to convince Sirius that he must listen to his father and put the family ahead of any outside influences he might have encountered. Even went so far as to suggest that in these troubled times, families should band strongly together – especially the old families – to shut out those who would seek to separate us," Alphard said. "O'Hanlon offered me the opportunity to set up the meeting on a date and time of my choosing and at a location that felt safe to both Sirius and me. Once he brought the proposal to Orion, O'Hanlon felt certain that he would agree to it. We would, of course, keep the entire plan between ourselves to enhance the security of our meeting and, of course, to avoid disappointing Orion if the meeting had to be postponed. There seemed to be little question in his mind that Orion would be able to convince Sirius to come back into the family fold – once he was able to bring the two of them together."

"I'm certain that he did not," Hal said grimly. "We've seen sufficient evidence of how the Black family convinces its members to yield to its wishes, haven't we?"

"You said that his reason for seeing you was two-fold," Albus reminded the other wizard. "What was the second?"

"Wondered if I might not be able to assist him with making some connections here in Paris – business connections, as it were. He said that it was his understanding from my nephew that I had been living in France for quite some time and might be able to introduce him to some of 'the right people' that would assist him in his own business endeavors," Alphard smiled. "Most unfortunate of him to ask, wouldn't you say, Albus?"

"Indeed," Albus' smile was nearly as broad as Alphard's own. "Quite an error in judgment on his part, I believe."

Hal looked between the two older wizards as he stilled his pen over the paper. "Would either of you care to enlighten me on your sudden good humor?"

"I believe, Hal, that in the re-telling of his meeting with O'Hanlon, Alphard has had a bit of an awakening."

Alphard nodded. "I'm ashamed of the fact that it didn't occur to me before. Your comment about the potential for O'Hanlon to have other sources of information started me thinking. I'm convinced that O'Hanlon's a very gifted storyteller, indeed. I'm certain that O'Hanlon learned his facts elsewhere."

"How so?"

"Orion Black holds his reputation in very high esteem, Hal – and guards it carefully. Unless O'Hanlon had stumbled over her while wandering through the halls of the Paris sanitarium where Walburga had been 'evaluated', and Orion was therefore forced to do so, he would never have even alluded to any possible defect or weakness she might possess – particularly not to a virtual stranger," Alphard stated. "But that was not his true mistake; that came when he asked for my assistance in introducing him to the 'right people' for business purposes – at the suggestion of my nephew. Orion Black wouldn't utter my name without a curse behind it. To suggest that he would recommend me as a reference for O'Hanlon's Paris business dealings is more than laughable. I could have accepted that his plea for intervention where Sirius was concerned was the bothersome, self-obsessed meddling of someone unfamiliar with our history and anxious to advance among purebloods. Once he finished speaking, I realized that O'Hanlon is a man who doesn't do his research – and apparently thought me too doddering or himself too crafty – to be caught out." Alphard glanced over at Albus with a self-deprecating smile. "It would seem that at first, he might have been right."

"Not at all, my friend," Albus assured him. "He came into your home, unexpected, waving a photograph of Sirius, whom you love dearly. It is completely understandable that you would focus on the threat rather than the inconsistencies of his tale. What matters is that you've seen them now – and we can act on them."

"I only wish I had had this epiphany whilst Sirius was still here. I'm afraid that he's left with much concern that Kate's new stepfather poses a danger to her."

"He still might," Hal said. "It's obvious that O'Hanlon wants access to Sirius; the reason why is less clear with so many possibilities from which to choose. Does he wish to use him to get to Kate? That hardly seems likely given the fact that he's married her mother and will have much easier access to her through that connection. It strikes me that his desire to access Sirius may very well have more to do with his own agenda and he doesn't have much compunction about dropping some fairly important names to try and get it. Orion Black, Abraxas Malfoy, Eduard Bullstrode, Roderick Morgan, Cygnus Black, Edgar Bones … there's been no lack of influential families mentioned in his tale." Hal closed his notebook. "I don't mind telling you that my head's spinning. If you don't mind, I'd like to postpone further discussion of this until I've had the chance to return to the office and do some research of my own. If you're agreeable, I can be back in touch by tomorrow evening and we can speak again."

The older wizards nodded in agreement.

"What about the young people?" Alphard asked.

"Given what we've deduced thus far, I believe that having them out of London is paramount," Hal said. "Not that I wouldn't enjoy their company for another evening, but I think they should be in your safe hands, Albus."

The headmaster nodded and turned to Alphard. "Speaking of which, I believe the same applies to you. O'Hanlon knows where you live, my friend. I cannot believe that he will not return."

Alphard shrugged. "I sincerely doubt it, Albus. I told him that I gave up knowing "the right kind of people" years ago and suggested that he pursue a list of contacts elsewhere. And, while he was about it, he might want to give up on his attempts to reunite the Black family – at least until he tried to understand a bit more about what he faced in doing so. He left in quite a huff."

"That's as may be, but I still believe that his purpose – known or hidden – will compel him to come back here to make a second attempt to convince you," Albus said. "You must know that if anything untoward should happen to you, Sirius would be devastated. As you also are aware, the boy has a habit of acting rashly when his emotions are running high."

"And you have a suggestion that will prevent Sirius from doing so, no doubt," Alphard crossed his arms over his chest and met Albus' look with one of his own.

"As it happens, I do," Albus replied pleasantly. "I received an owl yesterday from our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Quirenius Quirrell has, regrettably, suffered a nasty fall whilst attempting to escape a rather persistent Mountain Troll in the Pyrenees. He's in hospital and will need a significant time to convalesce before he can return to his duties at Hogwarts – poor man. Professor Quirrell will be able to return to us sometime after the New Year, however until then, his misfortune leaves us in rather dire circumstances."

"Albus….."

"I'm sure that you can appreciate that a qualified DADA program is critical – particularly in these times…"

"Now, see here…"

"And you, my friend, possess all of the qualifications and war-time experience to be a most effective teacher for our students and of course, it's only temporary…"

"Albus!" Alphard's voice boomed loudly through the room.

"Yes, Alphard?"

"I am not a teacher!" The wizard's voice was slightly quieter, but no less firm.

"You are not a formally certified teacher; a small matter given the topic – and your vast practical experience," Albus replied.

"My 'vast practical experience' was decades ago," Alphard's tone was slightly less adamant.

Albus smiled. "Which makes it no less valuable, my friend."

Alphard was silent and, sensing that victory was imminent, Albus went in for the kill. "And, of course, you would be able to watch over Sirius yourself – at least for half the year, as well as to spend time with him that you would not ordinarily have."

"It's blackmail, no less," Alphard grumbled.

"Such an ugly word," Albus said, smile firmly in place. "I prefer to think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement between two old friends." He paused. "In addition to your housing, there's an excellent financial compensation attached to the position."

Alphard shook his head. "I don't need the sal…," he paused, a shrewd look settling on his face as he looked at the other wizard. "Then again, perhaps I do. Albus, I will agree to your 'mutually beneficial arrangement', provided that you agree to one request."

"And that is?"

"I would like my salary deposited directly into Sirius' vault at Gringott's. I am fortunate enough to have enough gold in my own to more than satisfy both my needs – and my extravagances. My great-nephew has been disowned by his parents and, although his tuition, room and board have been paid in full, he will have nothing extra once his own savings have been depleted. I want to remedy that. If you agree to my terms, I will agree to temporarily take over your class. Have we a bargain?" Alphard extended his hand to Albus who immediately grasped it firmly.

"We do!"

"When do you require me?" Alphard asked.

"Students arrive one week from tonight and classes begin the following morning," Albus replied. "How much time would you require to settle matters here?"

"I am concerned about your suspicions regarding O'Hanlon and his potential return. My housekeeper, Marie, makes this her home and I should not like her to be in danger whilst I am gone. I would like to suggest that she take herself off on a holiday while I'm in Scotland. I do not know how long it would take her to make her plans," Alphard said, quietly. He looked around the room wistfully. "While my life – any life, come to that – is more important than any material possession, I shall be very sad should anything happen to this old place. I have enjoyed having this lovely apartment to call my home for so many years."

"If I may," Hal interjected. "Contrary to the Muggle world, the Magical Ministries of France and Britain have a very strong accord – a mutually friendly working relationship. I could ask my counterpart to keep a discreet eye on your home in your absence."

Alphard's expression cleared. "I would be most grateful for that, Hal – mostgrateful, indeed!"

"Now that Hal's sorted this out for us, when do you feel you can join us?"

"I will speak with Marie when we've finished our discussion and, if all goes well, I should be able to leave this evening," Alphard said.

"I have a suggestion, then," Hal smiled. "If your housekeeper is unable to leave quickly, perhaps you would allow us to place someone here to provide interim security until she can go. If Albus agrees, perhaps you can surprise your great-nephew by joining them all on the Hogwarts Express later this afternoon," Hal glanced over at the headmaster who was smiling broadly, "if that can be arranged, Albus."

"It can, indeed, Hal!"

Alphard nodded. "I very much look forward to seeing the look on Sirius' face when he sees me aboard the train!"

"Speaking of which, we should depart and allow you to settle things with your staff," Hal remarked. "I need to make arrangements for an on-site MLE detail here, as well. And," he paused to glance at his watch, "I suspect Margaret may be wondering where I've got off to!"

"Feel free to use my Floo if you wish, Hal," Alphard offered. "I should speak with Marie. Albus, would you like to stay behind until we know the exact schedule so that you can alert your contacts for the train?"

Once the three wizards had set about their tasks to finalize all loose ends of their arrangements, things moved very quickly. After doggedly questioning both her employer and Albus until she was satisfied that Alphard would be safe in the castle, Marie contacted her sister in Nice and made arrangements to stay with her for the duration of Alphard's assignment at Hogwarts. As the two women did not see one another as often as either would like, this was an unexpected and happy opportunity.

With Marie sorted and the rest of the staff given a month's holiday pay after which their agency could find them temporary employment until Alphard's return, the wizard directed his efforts toward packing which he completed swiftly. In the interim, Hal had made contact with Margaret and confirmed that she and the students were at the hotel, awaiting his return. He had brought them up to speed with the plans – absent Alphard's return with them later in the day – and assured them that he would be along shortly to accompany them on the journey to London. Alphard and Albus were going to travel together as far as Kings Cross, where the headmaster would see his friend safely on the Express, then Apparate to the school to await their arrival.

Once they had bidden farewell to Hal and to Alphard's staff, the two wizards prepared to leave. "I do wish I was able to travel with you and the students," Albus said, smiling. "It could be one of the few times that Sirius and his friends are stunned into silence!"

"Come on, Prongs; just drop the trunk in this first compartment so we can get our seats!" Sirius heeded his own advice and shoved his trunk between the two benches until it thumped against the compartment wall.

"Can't imagine your hurry, Pads; we're the only students on the train, for the love of Merlin!" James slid his trunk in after Sirius, grumbling and muttering under his breath the whole time. It was with much less drama that Remus, Kate and Lily disposed of their trunks and soon, the five friends were moving, single-file, down the narrow passageway.

James was still muttering to himself as he brought up the rear of their little party and so did not realize that everyone had come to a stop until he crashed into Remus.

"What in bloody hell is going on?" The boy straightened his glasses and tried to peer 'round his friend.

"There seems to be some sort of distraction in that end compartment," Remus replied. "Sirius! Move on or step aside!"

At the front of the line, Sirius had, indeed, frozen to his spot. "Uncle Alphard?" His voice was incredulous, pitched so low as to be heard only by the wizard seated in the compartment in question.

"Yes, my boy?" Alphard grinned, cocking his head to one side. When Sirius still stood in the entryway, his mouth moving but producing no speech, Alphard laughed aloud. "Surprised, are we?"

Sirius managed a shaky nod, at which time the others had managed to elbow their way around so they could see the object of their friend's focused attention. Their reaction tickled the old wizard as four additional jaws simultaneously went slack.

"Hello, children," he called, smiling.

Sirius finally managed to find his tongue. "Uncle, I don't…what are you..."

"Why don't you come in and sit down? We've a long trip ahead of us and it's a fascinating story, indeed!"