Chapter 23 It's in the Blood

"You aren't going to believe the git that just showed up," Ron said as he passed the binoculars to George.

George took the pro-offered set and held them up to see. "What? I don't believe it. I thought he was drinking his way through his wine cellar in Kent!"

"Who?!" Ginny asked as she snatched the binoculars from George.

"Lucius," hissed an angry Ron. "I should have known a Malfoy was behind all of this."

"I don't believe it," said Ginny, even though she had seen Lucius with her own eyes. "Don't give me that look, Ron. I don't like the Malfoys any more than you, but they have nearly gone into hiding since youknowwho was killed. Astoria said they are ashamed."

"Well, they should be," George said, then turned his head and spit.

Ginny rolled her eyes and shook her head at his old habit of dealing with the mention of youknowwho. She couldn't criticize him though when she couldn't even say Voldemort's name aloud. She could barely think of it. It had been years, but no one could forget the merest whisper of his name would bring death eaters to your door. Frustrated, she mentally shook herself. None of it mattered anymore. Voldemort and his death eaters were either dead or in Azkaban. It was time to stop waiting around. They needed to do something.

"What are we waiting for?" She demanded.

"We're trying to determine exactly what we will be walking into. It won't do to go in and get them hurt or killed because we didn't check things out first." Ron chewed on the pad of his thumb, then pointed to the manor.

"We haven't seen anyone other than Lucius go inside. He might be the only one in there, but what if he's not? We need to see inside! If we could just disapparate…"

Ron paused, then snapped his fingers, "Winky! Winky is an elf! She can get inside, just like Dobby did. She can get in and talk to Harry and Hermione!"

"Great idea, little brother!" George cheered.

"I'll stay here. Key an eye on things. You lot go find her," Ron ordered.

Ginny narrowed her eyes at Ron but nodded her acquiescence. She gripped George's hand and then they were gone.

Ron paced, still keeping hidden behind the bank of trees and bushes. Fifteen minutes later, George and Ginny were back holding the tiny hand of Winky.

"Winky, we need your help," Ron began.

"They already told me." She squeaked, and then was gone.