CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

DISCLAIMER: J.K. ROWLING owns Harry Potter.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

@vanshika.sharma2103- Thanks so much for your review! I really appreciated it

Sunday, 3rd November 1990

On the third of November Felicity apparated to the little cottage the Cadleys were in and knocked.

"How are you all? I'm sorry for intruding but I wanted to make sure you were settled in before I left," Felicity greeted, sounding apologetic.

Aspen gave a small laugh," I wouldn't call it intruding, Felicity, this is after all thanks to you. Come in, the girls are still sleeping but they'll be up in time to go to Mrs Culbert's."

Felicity entered the fond cottage the Culbert children had given their parents as a gift on their anniversary and smiled fondly.

It was quite moderate, with three rooms, the master bedroom having a bathroom of its own and an extra bathroom in the cottage. There was a decent sized kitchen and a workroom for Darrell as a study, a backdoor and a living room. Pictures of the Culbert children still remained on the walls and the television was in the centre of one of the walls, though it wasn't the new ones from the 21st century to not arouse suspicion. Melinda was stylish, and had chosen plush red sofas and a black coffee table. In the corner of the room there was a small dinner table enough for seven so the family could eat.

Felicity had caught sight of a picture of Jasira, Lucy and Sam on Sam's eighteenth birthday. It was just the three girls, grinning in the picture, looking like triplets. Jasira had been seventeen, taken a few months before her wedding while Lucy had been ten. A sad look crossed Felicity's eyes and she jumped slightly as Aspen said suddenly," Would you like anything? Tea? Juice?"

Felicity blinked before answering," No, I'll be going soon."

"Well, we're fine, as to your question, thanks to you," the woman shot her a warm smile as she sat down on one of the sofas.

As Felicity sat down Aspen gave a tired sigh," This war is exhausting us all. Panic and fear wherever you go," she said quietly.

Felicity glanced at her," The Aurors are the most exhausted. There isn't a day that passes where someone we know has been injured thanks to the death eaters and Voldemort."

Aspen flinched at the name but nodded her agreement. She looked at Felicity before asking hesitantly," I don't mean to pry but do you have children of your own, Felicity?"

As usual, a smile formed on Felicity's lips as she answered," Twins, they started Hogwarts this year."

Aspen smiled," They must be very lucky to have a mother like you," she said softly.

Felicity glanced at her and noticed how her eyes held the same curiosity as Cadey's and she said tiredly," You want to ask about my husband."

Aspen turned red," I don't mean to come across as- "

"No, no, it's natural to want to know actually," Felicity cut across with a murmur, her eyes clouding. She was silent before saying delicately," My husband is…injured, I suppose is the word. I am only able to visit him at times."

Aspen looked shocked and sad," Death eaters?"

Felicity's face twisted bitterly," If only," she muttered.

She got up abruptly," I'll be late. Give my regards to Cadey and Zoe, Aspen," she said with a forced smile.

"I'm sorry for being insensitive," Aspen looked regretful but Felicity shook her head," You couldn't have known. I'll see you later then."

Sirius somehow couldn't quite muster up a smile as some of his coworkers wished him a happy birthday as he made his way to James' office.

Without knocking he entered, ignoring his friend's sympathetic look.

"Padfoot," James acknowledged, not bothering with wishing him since he had been among the first ones at midnight. His brother in all but blood flopped on the seat that was usually his just as the door opened and Remus came in, shooting a small smile at them both before occupying the remaining third chair.

None of them said anything and Sirius' eyes landed on the photograph on James' desk. It was of the Marauders' at Hogwarts, though Jasira stood between him and James laughing at the camera.

He remembered this day. It was right before they had heard that Jas was to leave their world and never come back so they'd planned to have a get together for memories. They'd been fourteen at the time with the exception of Peter, whose birthday had yet to have come. Sirius had still fancied Jasira and her eyes looked alive and sparkling. Somehow those eyes always made him remember the last day he'd seen them full of anger and betrayal. He let out a painful breath and was glad when James broke the silence.

"How about a little get together at your house Padfoot? We'll invite the rest of the family and it'll be an occasion."

Sirius forced a smile," I bet the kids would like it much more than us. They're like a pack of wolves, sticking by each other no matter what," he said jokingly.

Remus let out a light laugh," They were raised by all of us of course, and merlin knows our family is large. Soon though, two of them'll lave and go to Hogwarts, along with Ron."

James gave a dramatic sigh," I can't imagine Nat when Harry leaves, but at least he'll have Castor and the others to play with."

"Well, we definitely know what house Harry'll be in," said Sirius with a confident grin.

"Gryffindor of course," said James, putting down his quill and quirking a brow.

Remus rolled his eyes," Merlin help the boy if he so much as lands in Ravenclaw."

"Nah, Aaron will be there," said Sirius knowingly.

James looked surprised," Aaron? I'd have thought Cathy's be the one to go to Ravenclaw. Aaron doesn't strike me as the reading type."

Remus rolled his eyes," Not everyone has to love books to be a Gryffindor. I agree with Sirius on this one. That boy's too observant and smart, but he definitely has Irena's Gryffindor side."

James shrugged," Whatever house they'll be in, I hope they're all friends."

There was a knock and Felicity popped her head," Sorry Aurors, but you're all called to Moody's office to help in training the other trainees."

James and Remus got up while Sirius was last. As they were leaving Felicity called out quietly to Sirius and the Lord Black turned.

He looked a bit uncomfortable at the intense look the brunette was giving him and had the impression that whatever was going through her mind was being analyzed carefully.

"Happy Birthday, Sirius," Felicity said quietly before moving past him.

For some reason unknown to him, the dark haired man stared at Felicity's back looking taken aback. It occurred to him that that was the first time she had called him by his name and Sirius had the feeling that he should be pleased about something, only he didn't know what. With a sigh, he followed her to Training Room 4 to help Moody feeling like Felicity Cade brought more mystery with her than Jasira ever had when she had arrived at Hogwarts in 18 years ago.

"You called for me, Professor?" Reyna asked politely after being told to enter.

Snape looked up, gesturing with a nod at the seat infront of her. Feeling apprehensive but not letting it show, Reyna sat down a bit stiffly, looking around the office as Snape finished writing something on the parchment.

The office was quite moderate sized and was dressed in a dark forest green-likely representing Slytherin. Snape had bothered with only a portrait of Salazar Slytherin right next to the fireplace, though for now the portrait was empty. A wardrobe full of potions and other things was at a corner across Snape's desk. Apart from those was Snape's desk which was practically empty save for the quill and parchment in which he was using and the chairs in which they were both occupying. In Reyna's opinion, Snape could add a bit more to lighten the place since, apart from the fireplace which was emitting light, the place was quite gloomy.

"Miss Cade, you are likely wondering why I have summoned you," Snape spoke, pulling Reyna's attention back to him.

Reyna nodded once but didn't say anything.

Severus finished his parchment, slipping it in a drawer along with the quill and inkpot before turning to look at her intensely. Unperturbed, Reyna stared back, blinking slightly when he asked next.

"How has the first two months been?"

Lips twitching, the brown haired girl fought to not smile as she answered," Apart from Vaisey complaining about me to you, uneventful."

Snape shot her an annoyed look," I see Miss Vaisey's behavior has not been forgotten, nonetheless I make it point to ask all my first years after a certain time how their time in Slytherin has been. Any troubles or feuds that are going on which should not be going on- "here he shot her a look which told her he knew of the misunderstanding between her and Flint- "or difficulty in coursework that might be holding them back."

Reyna felt a bit surprised since she hadn't heard of him doing that in the other world but gave a shrug," Everything is alright sir. The lessons are good and I get on well with most of my year."

Snape gave a small nod," All the professors seem to have no issues with you in their classes. Well, Miss Cade, I would like to inform you of something before you may go."

Reyna nodded slowly, looking curious.

Snape's face, previously expressionless turned a bit cold and his eyes bore through in a way that made Reyna thankful for the hundredth time that she had inherited her mother's natural occlumency skills.

"I am not one to meddle into my students' affairs unless absolutely necessary. As the Head of Slytherin House I believe that whatever problems my house faces can be solved within the house without the aid of a professor. If a professor is needed, then the issue should need to be without a doubt important and not in any way be based on childish or prejudiced reasons. I do not tolerate any forms of what you now call snitching on one another to me, prefects are an exception to this. What Miss Vaisey did was reprimanded and will not happen again," he said clearly.

Pausing slightly, he continued," On the first day of lessons I am not quite sure what you meant when you said you would change the reputation of Slytherin house, although I do have my assumptions, which I hope are not correct. So I ask you, Miss Cade, what exactly you meant when you decided to show Flint up on the first night, and saying that you would change our House."

Reyna's face had turned as cold as Snape's and her eyes lost whatever humour she had as she straightened.

"Professor, I believe that Slytherin is not as bad as they all say," she said quietly.

Snape arched an eyebrow, saying coolly," I see, is that why you decided to come into my house instead of joining your brother in Gryffindor?"

Reyna pursed her lips," Whether or not I decided does not matter. I was kept into this house because I hold traits of Slytherin," she said.

Snape looked amused," I will not argue with you since your talent on the first night was evident. However, your spectacle the first day in my lesson will not be tolerated again, keep that in mind if you wish to stay in my good books. Now, do not think that I see you have avoided answering the question Miss Cade," there was a slight warning in his tone as he watched her.

Reyna looked carefully at him before saying," I'm not quite sure why I have a sudden desire to change Slytherin's reputation, but all I know is that I'm tired of everyone thinking that whoever enters into this house will automatically end up in Voldemort's ranks or be a bigot, a bully and a show off. I'm not going to spend the rest of my six years here with people being scared of me or hating me simply because of a tie and a house."

Snape's eyed flickered slightly with surprise when he had heard her uttering Voldemort's name before he asked slowly," And what makes you think that you will achieve what you set out for? Might I remind you that you have just told me practically all the plans you have in mind, including your ambitions, along with the fact that you have already made some enemies in your House. Not a very good start."

Reyna gave a small chuckle," Making enemies is as natural as making friends. Without someone to hold you down people will never believe that you are capable of facing challenges. And, professor, y-I have simply told you why I want to change Slytherin, going about it simply your way of guessing," she said, hoping he hadn't caught the slip but not putting it past him.

Snape's eyes narrowed," For an eleven-year-old you seem to be too well informed," he commented.

Reyna gave a small laugh," The war does that to you, professor," she answered lightly, not catching the emotion that flashed through his eyes as he asked abruptly.

"Who is the reason behind your ambition?"

Reyna froze," What makes you think I don't want it for my own reasons?" she said, recovering quickly.

Snape gave her a dry look," You should know that there will always be someone for whom our cause is dedicated to, even if it is simply our own selves."

Reyna looked down at her hands and took her time answering.

Snape began," Perhaps I shouldn't- "

"My father," she said quietly.

Snape stared at her but didn't inquire further. He seemed to know that it was a touchy subject. Instead, he gestured towards the door," That will be enough of our time. You may leave, Miss Cade."

"Goodnight Professor," Reyna said, pushing back a strand of hair as she got up.

"The same to you, Miss Cade," Snape answered, inclining his head.

The minute the door closed the fireplace sprang to life and a bored looking face appeared, grinning lazily as he caught sight of Severus.

Snape, for his part looked merely annoyed as he shot a silencing charm at the door, locked it before snapping," What is it, Regulus?"

Regulus gave a small chuckle," Good to see you too, Severus," he said, taking his time since he knew his older friend would be quite annoyed at being interrupted at this time.

Severus rolled his eyes," We talked a week ago, Regulus, and I doubt you have called for a quick check up," he said, looking quite relaxed than he had been with his student.

Regulus cast a look around before asking," What were you doing before I called?"

Severus shrugged," Having a talk with one of my first years," he rubbed his temple," this one proved to be a bit challenging. She had in mind that Slytherin house needed to change and she would be the one to do it."

Regulus' eyebrow shot up in surprise, though probably not for the reason Severus thought.

"What's her name?" he asked curiously, knowing quite well who it was.

Severus shot him a look before saying," I doubt you know her, Reyna Cade, she has a twin brother in Gryffindor and will cause nothing but trouble for both houses. I shudder to think what would happen if she were placed in the same house as Rylan Cade."

Despite himself Regulus couldn't help the small laugh that escaped him," Change our house? You'll have to keep an eye on her," Regulus sounded a bit strange as he said that, almost as though he wanted Severus to know something.

Severus looked at him suspiciously as he answered," I already am. Now, enough of my students, what did you call for?"

Regulus sighed," Always one to go straight to the point, weren't you?" at Snape's glare he went on," I'd actually want your help for a potion. It's for Lucy."

At his wife's name Severus' face softened," And what do you want that can't be bought in an apothecary?"

Regulus grimaced," It's nothing dangerous, but I'd feel safer if you were to brew it. I'm worried enough as it letting Lucy move around Diagon Alley with the attacks becoming more frequent, but this one's sold out to the ones in St Mungos' and Hogsmeade is shut down for now. I'd wait but it would mean Lucy would have to endure a while of violently getting sick."

Severus sighed," I assume you want the Potent Potion then? Keep in mind that it will take a while to prepare so you will probably receive it tomorrow. But Regulus, the potent potion- "

"I know, Melinda's already told us the risks but merlin Severus, you should see the state Lucy's in. she already has Melinda, Molly and Larissa taking care of her but she seems to get worse," Regulus cut in, his voice sounding harsher than he had intended.

Severus gave a small nod," Al right then. Give my regards to her."

After bidding him a goodnight Regulus disappeared in a whoosh of flames and Severus sighed, glad that it was a weekend so he could start early before returning to his duties.

Monday, 4th November 1990

As soon as she finished morning training and had her one-hour break on Monday Felicity flooed away from the Ministry before apparating to Regulus and Lucy's house.

"I smacked your head with my bag in your third year when you tried to nick my wand," Felicity said before Regulus could open his mouth to question her.

Her brother in law gave her a small smile before letting her in.

"She's upstairs on the second floor, three doors from your left," he said quietly, guessing the reason she was here.

Felicity returned his smile before following his instructions and going upstairs. When she reached the room she knocked before entering, flashing a grin at her sister before closing the door.

They were the only ones there but Felicity didn't remove her glamour.

"Hi," Lucy croaked, not bothering with a smile as she patted the space across her with her leg, seeming too weak to move her hands.

"Merlin Lu, what got you?" Felicity asked her worriedly.

Lucy managed a weak laugh," Mum said it's probably just a bug and will go away soon. Just my luck getting an added sickness apart from pregnancy sickness," she said with a roll of her eyes.

"Regulus must be worried sick," Felicity said quietly.

Lucy turned serious," Stop looking like that, I'll be fine. Reg's asked Severus to brew up a Potent potion so I'll get it today to make all this tolerable. I'm tired of going to the bathroom five times at nigh just to vomit my head off," she grimaced.

Felicity winced," Potent potion will make you weak once the sickness is gone," she warned.

Lucy shrugged," As long as my baby is alright, whatever I endure will be worth it."

Felicity smiled at her words," I brought you some Honeydukes candy but I've given them to Regulus so you don't get an addiction," she said sternly.

Lucy's eyes lit up," You're the best Jas!"

Felicity laughed," You sound just like Reyna and Rylan," she teased.

They talked for a while more before Felicity got up.

"You leaving?" Lucy asked disappointedly.

Her sister nodded," Sorry Lu, but I only have a one-hour break before Moody gets my head at being late," she squeezed her sister's arm before saying," Mum said she'll bring you lemon and ginger tea and a few other pregnancy potions at around a lunch, so go easy on your food."

Lucy nodded before saying suddenly," Wait, Jas, mum mentioned an Aspen occupying their cottage with her daughters," she said with a raised eyebrow.

Felicity nodded," She came to for help since we had met before and she was in difficulties. Mum offered her cottage till they could get back on their feet."

Lucy shook her head, giving her a small smile," Even as Felicity Cade you still save people enough for them to never forget you."

Felicity's face turned sad for a moment before she forced a smile and left the room with a goodbye. Just as she was going to enter the living room to say goodbye to Regulus she caught sight of Severus Snape, who raised an eyebrow at her questioningly from where he stood in front of Regulus.

"You seem to have someone waiting for you," the Potions Master said, gesturing his head behind Regulus.

Felicity sighed irritably, of all people to meet it would have to be the one person she knew who was teaching her daughter and son and would probably connect the dots in due time. She couldn't help the small smile though as Regulus turned, looking uncomfortable before his mask came into place and he wordlessly told Felicity to come forward.

Without another choice, the brunette entered the living room, standing a few feet away from them but looking unbothered.

"Well, Severus, thank you for the potion," Regulus said with a tone of finality and a pointed look at the fireplace.

Severus, for his part did not move. Felicity watched him in quiet amusement as he seemed more inquisitive than when he had been at school.

He raised a dark eyebrow," Aren't you going to introduce us, Regulus?"

Regulus shot her a discreet, apologetic look before saying smoothly," This is Lucy's friend, Felicity Cade. Felicity, an old friend of the family, Severus Snape."

Severus, upon hearing Felicity's last name, looked at her with interest before asking," Cade? Any relations with Reyna and Rylan Cade?"

Felicity put on a surprised expression," Yes, I'm their mother. Do you know them, then?" she answered pleasantly, looking at Regulus slightly annoyed expression and ignoring it.

Snape nodded," I happen to be their Potions professor. The similarities are quite there, now that I look closer. Forgive me, but I feel that this is not the first time I have seen you before."

Wow. Her friend had quite changed from the once sullen boy she had known.

Regulus opened his mouth to say something but Felicity got there first," We have, actually, the night of Hogsmeade's attack. I was one of the people from the Ministry who had gone to help," she confirmed.

"Ah, so you're an Auror the, I take it?" Severus looked at her for clarification but Regulus got there first.

"She's a trainee Auror, Severus," he said in a bored voice.

Felicity smirked slightly as Severus looked skeptical," But- "

"Not exactly a trainee the normal way. I'll be training for a year before being qualified," she elaborated. Without giving him a chance to answer she looked at Regulus before saying," I've got to reurn before I'm late. Thank you Regulus, nice meeting you Severus-and uh, I hope my children aren't causing too much trouble at Hogwarts."

At their nods she left, leaving them to their thoughts.

"How in merlin's name did she mange to convince Mad eye and Scrimgeour that she was qualified enough to train for a year?" Severus demanded once they heard the door closing.

Regulus chuckled," She dueled Irena and won the fight. That pretty much shows she's good."

Severus looked disbelieving," She won against Irena? No wonder Reyna Cade is as good as she seems in class," he said with a slight scoff.

Regulus raised an eyebrow," Well, what does that tell you?" he said with a drawl.

Snape narrowed his eyes before saying slowly," Regulus, there was something that Cade told me last night, about why she wanted to change Slytherin."

Regulus looked at him curiously. He wondered what his niece had said to make Severus take such notice of her. Outwardly though, he kept on a nonchalant expression as he asked," Oh?"

Severus looked at him intently before saying," She said her father was the main reason."

Regulus had to control the slight flinch that almost showed before saying smoothly," I don't know much about Felicity Cade and her family. Lucy introduced me to her a while before but I barely see her seeing as we work two different jobs."

Severus pursed his lips before nodding," I'll take my leave. Don't forget what I told you about the potion," he reminded.

"Thank you again," Regulus called as he got into the fireplace. With a curt nod, Snape disappeared in a whoosh of flames.

"I should really give Jas some pointers on controlling emotions," Regulus muttered with a shake of his head ruefully.

There was another attack that day, two hours after Felicity had returned to training. She was currently in one of the dueling training rooms, practicing her aiming when the door burst open, startling her.

Tonks ran in, distressed as she caught sight of Felicity and asked hurriedly," Hiya, seen Moody? There's another attack and nobody's able to find him."

Felicity inhaled sharply," Last I saw him he was in Training Room 2, if not there then he must've gone to Potter's or Longbottom's," she answered, following quickly-only to barge straight into Moody.

"Sir! I've been- "Tonks began.

"No time to waste. We need to gather all the Aurors for the attack. Tonks, finish off your training but stay on the alert for any other attacks. Cade," his expression became unreadable," Scrimgeour says you ought to come with us. Try not to get killed regardless of those little skills of yours," he barked out before thundering down the corridor.

The two woman looked at each other before Tonks said grimly," Good luck."

Felicity nodded before hurrying after Moody, wandlessly summoning her other wand and holding it tightly. Merlin, she hoped there wouldn't be any casualties.

Remus frowned as he assessed the attack as the Aurors immediately began battling with two or three death eaters at once. He caught sight of Dimitri tackling four death eaters and stunning two of them. He heard a scream from the right and wasted no other time firing off spells rapidly.

Jets of light were everywhere and the small Wizarding village which was being attacked was not looking its prettiest. There were burned houses-death eater specialty-Remus noted bitterly as he knocked out another death eater, though this one left a burning feeling under his left forearm. Already he could see Aurors on the ground, dead or injured though he noted with satisfaction that there were more death eaters.

A flash of brown caught his eyes as he ran across the field to a burning workshop, wanting to check if there was anyone to be saved. Despite himself he couldn't help the slight admiration as Felicity Cade proceeded to stun one death eater, bind the other one before tossing one who had turned his wand onto an Auror into the air. She didn't look the slightest bit tired and scanned to see if there were others in need of her help.

She caught Remus' eyes and the werewolf yelled," Check the shops to make sure no one's inside."

Her eyes widened and Remus instinctively dodged to the side as a spell narrowly missed him. He turned his attention to the death eater who'd come behind him, seeing from the corner of his eye that Felicity was now being involved in a duel between two death eaters fiercely.

Remus didn't recognize his opponent as he put up a shield charm to deflect the stray of spells that came his way. his eyes behind the silver mask watched him impassively as he advanced, not seeming tired at Remus's shield. The Auror faltered in time to send a spell the death eater's way before letting out a groan as a spell came from behind and knocked him to one knee.

"It's a pity you have to die," the death eater murmured, raising his wand as he shot a spell at Remus' other leg, watching in amused pity as he fell to the ground numbly. He couldn't feel his legs.

A rush of adrenaline came at him as he bit out," Only I get to decide how I go down," before flicking his wand and watching as it caught the death eater by surprise. He let out a groan but Remus shot two spells in quick succession at him before finishing off with an incarcerous.

He cursed as he looked down at his numb legs, taking cover quickly behind a large boulder as a spell came his way. blood dripped from the side of his head and his left arm was scratched as beads of sweat formed on his face. Just as suddenly he heard the familiar pop and glanced round. The death eaters save for the ones that had gone down had disapparated, leaving exhausted Aurors to clean up their mess.

"Moony!" James shouted, skimming over the Aurors and death eaters before jogging over to Remus and extending a hand to help him.

His friend grimaced," Can't Prongs, dark spell got me. I can't feel my legs," he explained when he failed to accept.

James swore before saying," Take your portkey and apparate back to Headquarters. A healer will be waiting."

Remus gave a tired sigh," Padfoot and the rest?"

"All well, though Alice and Marlene will need to check healer as well," he answered distractedly before giving his friend a pointed look.

With another sigh Remus reached in his robes to pull out a small muggle tennis ball courtesy of Sam Floris, tapped it twice and disappeared.

Everyone's face was grim at the Auror Headquarters as they got their injuries tended to. Felicity glimpsed Sirius nursing a swollen lip while Dimitri was holding his arm gingerly. James was talking heatedly with Dawlish who was glaring angrily at the Senior Auror. Neither of them looked worse for wear. Felicity herself had come out unscathed save for being covered in soot and coughing from going into three of the burnt houses. Luckily there was nobody inside any of them so she was able to quickly remove the fire and check around for any serious damages.

With a tired sigh, the brunette moved to Kingsley who was engaged in a serious conversation with Frank Longbottom.

"How many did we lose?" she asked quietly.

The two men turned their attention on her and Frank let out a sigh," We took twenty Aurors, including you. Two of them are dead while five were seriously injured," he listed off, eyes looking dull and resigned.

"And the death eaters?" Felicity inquired, her lips pursing as she realized the loss in their numbers.

"We managed to capture six of them and this time we checked to make sure there were no illegal portkeys," Frank said with small satisfaction.

"I'm off to deliver the news then," Kingsley said, his deep voice sounding solemn as the two nodded.

Felicity also made to leave but Frank said," Just a minute, Felicity," at the brunette's questioning look Frank handed her some parchments and explained," I know you probably want to go home for a break but if you could do me a small favour. I'd like you to take these to Alex Culbert in the Magical Law Enforcement. He's assistant head and we need to keep him in touch with the attack."

Felicity had frozen at the mention of her older brother's name and she blinked twice before giving a nod," Right. Fourth floor was it?"

"Second," Frank corrected gently," thanks," he called as Felicity made her way there.

She waved a dismissive hand, internally trying to steady her beating heart at the prospect of talking with her brother. Despite herself, a small smile crossed her lips as she entered the lift and exited without delay.

The DMLE was not unlike the Auror Headquarters, though it had less of the chatter and more of a business like atmosphere. There were two per cubicle, though the space was large enough to have fit in four Ministry employees. The corridors and walls were painted a cheery grey with white stripped lines that made it look surprisingly not gloomy and simply-grand. Owls flew in smoothly delivering letters and important reports to Ministry officials but Felicity did not see anyone whom she knew. Her brow furrowed slightly. Unless she was wrong, Amelia Bones was Head of DMLE.

Scanning the rows of cubicles for her brother's dark hair, she didn't see him so she opted to ask a blonde woman who was scribbling furiously.

"Er, sorry to interrupt, but I'm looking for Alex Culbert. Have you seen him?" she said politely, the papers in her hand held loosely.

The woman looked up with a sniff," You mean Lord Culbert? He'll be with Lord McKinnon in the door across the corridor on your right. And dearie, you'd best learn to be polite with the titles if you don't want to get into a spot with the wrong sort," she said curtly.

Felicity looked taken aback and swallowed the annoyance," Right. Thanks for the help," she replied before making her way to where she was instructed.

She paused to balance the papers before knocking and waiting for a response. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the familiar 'Enter' and with a slightly nervous breath and arranging her expression to neutral, Felicity entered.

The room was to say, quite large, larger than James' office in the Auror HQ and was furnished spaciously. It had two large oak desks on opposite ends and floor to ceiling windows that showed a rather stormy weather that Felicity guessed was charmed. Two chairs sat in front of each desk and Felicity was not surprised to see that her brother's was neat. Messy with a few papers but surprisingly neat. The same could be said for Malcolm's desk though his mostly contained parchments so huge his face was practically hidden. As for Alex, her brother's desk was crammed with papers on both ends and it was a wonder the inkpots and photograph, not to mention the tray of lunch currently on one of the seats could fit in.

"Lord Culbert, Auror Longbottom said to hand these over to you. These are the paperwork of the raid that happened today in one of the villages," Felicity said respectfully as she handed over the pile of parchments, wincing at the weariness that flashed in her brother's eyes before it was gone.

Alex took them, eye skimming over them as they turned grim," Thank you, Miss…?"

"Felicity Cade," the brunette replied, her heart regaining its momentary pause beating at her brother's voice. She froze slightly when Alex gazed at her intently for a minute before nodding.

"Right. Well, Miss Cade, please give Frank my thanks," he said with a small nod before hesitating slightly. "I'm sorry but I seem to have seen you somewhere before. Have we met?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"I'm currently staying at your mother's house for a while," she offered.

Alex's brow cleared and he nodded slowly," Ah, yes, but I could swear- "he stopped himself before saying instead," Well, thanks again, and give my regards to my parents," he added with a rueful smile.

Felicity couldn't help smiling back and gave a small nod and made to leave before her eyes caught sight of the photograph on Alex's table. It was a picture of the Culbert family taken around when Alex had turned seventeen. Felicity had a similar one at home and she felt a pang of guilt. She glanced at Alex before giving another smile when she noticed him looking at her with a tilted look and a thoughtful expression. She left quickly after that, delivered her message to Frank before flooing home.