DISCLAIMER: HP belongs to JKR. My intellectual property is the storyline, all new characters, new character development, and new developments. Glorioux

Note: Harry Potter Veelas are loosely based on Slavic Mythology. Read about them, they are female spirits. In HP they transform into harpy like creatures. Assuming they have sons, the son would be half Veela, or less.- This is FanFiction- remember that.

Chapter 24- Visits and The Pixies

Two warriors and a light meal

At the door, two Aurors stood; Lucius stepped forward and invited them in. Thallia stood by him. Lucius had been wondering, not for the first time if Serpens might be right. He reminded him they didn't emit pheromones to enthrall females like female Veelas enthrall males, but many of their behaviors were Veela like and they transform and had wings. He wondered, because of their possessive nature, knowing Veela females were not possessive. Maybe not knowing had to do with the fire in the library long ago; who knew. If not Veelas, what were they? The remaining old books only talked about the inner beast.

"Please come in. How might I help you?" Lucius asked moving aside.

The two Aurors stepped inside and lowered their hoods down; they were Rufus Scrimgeour and Alastor Moody. Moody looked all around and whispered, "Is Arthur Weasley here, and how about Remus?"

"Please follow me." Lucius brought them into his library. "And, neither is here." He answered curtly.

"Lucius, we have long fought in opposite sides of the war," Moody remarked, "not once, I thought you were nothing more than a rich, spoiled Pureblood. However, recent developments lead me to believe I might have made a hasty judgment. Yes, we were sent to check the Manor, but the time would be better spent talking." Scrimgeour appeared ill at ease with the situation.

"Remus is tied up tonight, full moon?" Lucius remarked casually.

"I should have realized," Moody grumbled.

"Gentlemen, please follow me, Mémère you don't need to stay, but if you would be so kind and send Axel to get Pépè. Could you please stay with our guest?"

They sat at the library, "Tea, a light repast, or something more substantial and a light dinner?" Lucius asked.

"It has been a busy day, perhaps tea and a sandwich, or something like that?" Moody asked looking at his partner. Scrimgeour just nodded acquiescently, he didn't want to eat at the Malfoys, but today had been a day from hell, and some food would be welcome. A stiff drink would also be nice, but they had to go back to the Ministry and file the report, damn Albus.

Lucius called for Pretzel, placed an order and reminded her to make sure the kitchen staff was taking care of the other 'guests.'

"Do you all care for a small drink of spirits? I could use something a little stronger, something to take the edge off," Lucius offered while going to the table holding crystal decanter, bottles, and glasses. The two Aurors looked at each other and shrugging their shoulders, they both accepted a glass of a finely aged Firewhisky.

"So what brings you here? I would assume this isn't a social visit, although, it would be nice if it were," Lucius smirked.

"Of course, it isn't. Believe me, we would much prefer if that were the case. I will just come out and say it; we are to check the Manor for the possible kidnapping of Master Harry Potter. Albus came today with wild allegations; specifically, about Master Harry Potter being spirited away by you. I would imagine that considering what you have been doing, you are behind it."

Moody talked while both the tough Aurors kept their eyes fixed on Lucius, who wouldn't be stared down. Serpens had stepped into the room.

"Ah, gentlemen, first, let me introduce Lord Serpens Malfoy, my great grandfather." Lucius started to be interrupted by Scrimgeour.

"I met with him when he was with you at the Ministry yesterday," Scrimgeour answered with a daring smirk and a questioning look.

Both Lucius and Serpens looked at each other. He was the one, so Moody and he were the ones who had helped, amazing. Serpens stood with a regal attitude; he made them feel as if they were in front of royalty, close enough.

Lucius spoke first, "No need to say anything else, we understand each other right? That still does not explain what your position is, and in what kind of trouble are we?"

"We have talked a lot, Alastor and I; and it is clear to us that Albus has lost focus. He has turned into a benevolent autocrat, a tyrant of sorts; he dispenses his own type of benevolent justice. We don't understand what happened to him, but he is changed; it started some years ago, and it has gotten worse. His type is as dangerous as Voldemort, what if tomorrow he decides that I have killed too many people during my years? What if he decides all Aurors should be sent to Azkaban?" Rufus Scrimgeour started his speech, pausing to look at the Malfoys. He hoped to gauge their reaction. Yes, indeed, he could sense their agreement.

"Or, better he decides who should do this or that?" He continued, "To a certain extent, he is already doing that, nobody can question his decisions; and as a result, Sirius, a young man, has lost years of his life for something he didn't do. He was not given Veritas Serum, or was Legilemance." Rufus took a pause to calm down.

"The Lestrange brothers weren't even allowed to hire defense; and who looked out for their rights? Yes, they are Pureblood bigots, but that doesn't make you a criminal. They were under an Imperium curse and also being tortured, and nobody even looked into that?" He took a long swig, visibly perturbed.

"He has set a wife against her husband, and he sent a young child to a home when he was nearly killed," Moody added and also drank half the glass.

Lucius thought this was a set-up but why? "I hear you, and I don't disagree, but why are you telling me all of this?" Lucius asked and drank a tiny sip; he wanted to be sharp around these two; these men weren't just smart; they were killing machines and could not be easily deceived.

Rufus Scrimgeour and Alastor Moody were old fighters and forces to be reckoned with. Rufus was the head Auror, and if they came to their side, the new Order would have a tremendous advantage.

"We talked to Arthur, and we all feel the same. We must fight against he-who-must-not-be-named, since he is surely coming back, and the new Order is the best way to present a united front. However, alerting Dumbledore would only create additional problems, and Arthur has told us something interesting." Moody talked this time and was going to continue when the food was brought in by three house-elves.

The 'light repast' was a buffet, a small feast, several kinds of cured hams, French, Italian and English soft and hard cheeses fat olives, prosciutto, salamis, little dried sausages, a couple baskets of assorted rolls and breads, small finger sandwiches, creamy butter, raw vegetables, sauces, and a tray with miniature cakes, pastries, puddings, tarts, and biscuits.

The Aurors decided just to eat and enjoy the treat. They pointed out what they wanted to Perdu, one of the kitchen elves who fixed an artistic plate for each of them, and a few smaller plates for the Malfoy men; finally, they brought a cart with the hot water, coffee, water, and pumpkin juice, and then left.

The hard-boiled Moody, in a rare moment of humor, made a joke, "Lucius, if you treat us like this every time we come to inspect, you might be harassed by us regularly."

At this, they all laughed. However, Lucius was thinking, that is precisely what I want you to do; I want to keep a close eye on you. His feelings were shared by each of the room's occupants. They might have one goal as a whole, but real trust had to be earned.

"So what did Arthur have to say and tell me how is he? I have not heard from him," Lucius asked, almost afraid of the answer.

"Arthur said that his children come first, and he will try for a while, with his wife that is. I am glad that I'm not in his position. He did tell us that you have a marriage contract for your heir, soul mates, with a Muggle-born? He wouldn't disclose more; he said to ask you. I must say, his opinion about you is much changed." Moody looked at Rufus who assented.

"So we talked between us, and we conclude that you're either mad, or you're telling the truth. I don't know how Arthur is doing. I saw him briefly today, and he appeared rather upset. Albus has called for all of us to meet, and before we do, we wanted to talk to you." Scrimgeour, the politician at heart, once again spoke for the two Aurors.

"Yes, and I will go one step further, but before that, you aren't to repeat this information to anyone but us, the group in here, unless I authorize you otherwise." Lucius decided to be direct.

The two Aurors agreed, the vow was made, and Serpens witnessed it. Lucius told them about his other nature, not specifying one, saying they were possessive and wouldn't survive the dead of a mate, but in specific circumstances, and why he needed to protect his son and his future. He also made a revelation when asked about future Malfoy children, why not have more?

"Bella made sure that wouldn't happen again. I was in a mission when Cissy went into labor, she was having difficulties with the delivery, and Muctis recommended bringing her to Mungo. But, Bella refused and said that I had ordered for Cissy to stay here while I was gone. It wasn't true, she made it up. Muctis had already said if intervention didn't happen very soon, both Draco and Cissy could die."

Lucius had to take a break, his voice was shaky; so Serpens stood up and brought him a glass of water. Without any embarrassment, he put a hand over his great-grandchild's shoulder; anyone could tell he was furious, his eyes were blazing and his mouth was tightly closed.

Lucius continued, his eyes were unfocused, "She was bleeding profusely, and was already in an out of consciousness, making everyone really scared. Everyone, but Bella was sitting, drinking red wine, with a leg hanging from the chair, looking bored and not one bit upset. She told me, "She is only having a baby, mother had three at home." I could have killed her. If I had not arrived, Cissy would be dead and so would Draco. We Apparated at Mungo's, Narcissa had to fight for her life. During the delivery, they found her womb severely damaged, and there were traces of a curse, but we were unable to prove Bella's wrongdoing. Cissy and Draco survived, but her uterus is badly scarred and well."

Lucius' eyes had a far-away look, they had wanted more children, Black women were fertile, but alas, not for him. Damn Bella, she was full of poison and evil. Of course, hope for more children had not left him, and he stayed open to the possibilities. His sister-in-law was a damaged creature; she had given herself to the dark before he had even known her.

Alastor Moody was shocked to know that people like Lucius had problems and suffered the same than the next person. They were all a bit shaken with the revelation; nevertheless, he continued the conversation.

"Lucius, we cannot openly come to your side and would prefer to stay as we are, for now at least. Arthur is not aware of our involvement, and until he is not in sure footing, we would not want him to know. After the Peter Pettigrew incident, we must take precautions if we are going to put a strong front. Things like Unbreakables should be in place. War is coming back, is a matter of when, and we must be ready. We will work with you if you would let us, but of course, after we hear your plans." Moody concluded.

"Alastor, Rufus, my plans aren't all defined. We should call for a meeting after I find some additional facts. I plan to take a page from the Muggles. They are fighting a 'cold war,' meaning not open hostilities, but it is vital to make sure you know where your enemy is at; to keep open ears and eyes, and to be prepared for open hostilities. I will let you know the next time we will meet, and now as soon as you finish eating, you can follow me." Lucius served another glass of Firewhiskey.

He realized the need to contact Arthur again; he didn't envy his situation. Damn Dumbledore, his father, had never trusted him, he had called him a zealot.

As soon as they finished eating, Lucius insisted that they would take a box with a meal for each.

"Please allow us to pack a small meal for later since you have an evening shift."

Pardu, their French elf, a great cook, came and fixed a masterful plate for each as they made their selection. He also put several sweets and fresh fruit in a carrying cardboard box and did the same for bread, and condiments. He packed two plain white porcelain plates and small salt and pepper shakers, silverware, bottled waters, and put it all in a basket. Moody wiggled an eyebrow to Scrimgeour, and they both smirked. A pay-off of sorts, but it wouldn't leave a trail.

"Ah, if you have Harry, treat the lad well. What we found at the aunt's home makes me want to hurt all involved. His parents were good and loyal, why did Albus send him there, it is not important, but why did he let him stay? Hide him well, because Albus will keep searching." Scrimgeour said before getting ready to leave.

"Wait, I have someone you need to see. Let Perdu finish packing your dinner." Lucius said.

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

Once that was done, Lucius took them to see Harry. They were appalled to see James' and Lily's son in such a state. Snape stood by the bed, and his heart nearly stopped when he saw the two seasoned Aurors.

"Severus all is well, I will explain later," Lucius reassured him. He asked Muctis to show them Harry's scarred body, and both the Aurors appeared shocked and somewhat angry at the little boy's state. Rufus cringed remembering the cupboard niche.

"Who is responsible for this? How could this happen?" Mad-eye Moody whispered in Snape's ear.

"Ask Lucius, he has more details, Rufus saw something as well," Severus answered. His answer was enough, the relatives and Albus were covering their tracks. Severus didn't want to say more, he didn't trust anyone who had to do with Albus. He had been deceived along with everyone else. As far as Severus was concerned, Albus wouldn't get his hands on this child ever again.

They would all make sure of that. Later Alastor and Rufus would talk about the fact that a Death Eater, a Pureblood supremacist, was the one taking care of the child of an enemy; war did make strange bedfellows.

Harry was exhausted, and Muctis told them that Harry had been asking for the children to no avail. After crying non-stop for a couple of minutes, he had just gone to sleep. "Severus, please ask Axel to get the family from the Grangers."

"I know you want to see Sirius, but he isn't in this property, can this wait? I assure you he is fine." Lucius didn't want to take the Aurors, even if they were his associates, to the hidden side of the house.

After a few more minutes, they agreed to tell Dumbledore that nothing was found at the Manor, not even a trace. Make sure that others would think his allegations were ridiculous.

They also agree on Lucius' recommendations. His idea was not to do anything to the relatives, for now, other than stopping the money paid for Harry's care which came from the Auror's budget. That was their belief, except that Albus paid triple that from Hogwarts budget.

"About the property, specifically the house, since it is protected by the blood wards, they might need it later. Petunia is a blood relatives and blood-wards are easy to cast; but I think he might have done something else. I will let Dumbledore make his move and then I will intervene." Lucius explained.

They agreed, and he told them that he wanted to scare the Dursleys, to keep them on their toes. There were a lot of decisions to be made.

He walked the Aurors to one of the gates outside of the Manor wards, "Lucius, be aware, Dumbledore isn't going to quit. He has spies everywhere; hence, he will be sending others after Harry. You should go away for a couple of years if you are able." Moody suggested.

Lucius was quiet, still not wanting to share too much.

"We might need some more money to pay the families of the prisoners playing the parts of your rescued group. If you let us know when we can see Sirius, we would like that. Please be careful they will need new identities, a durable glamour, the works, and we can help. And thanks again for the small tea." Scrimgeour concluded, and at his last remark, they all laughed again.

Healing Harry-

They shook hands, and as they left, the Floo lit up. The Grangers, Narcissa, Draco, and Dobby were back. Elly did not come with them, she was taking the children to her parents' home and had a long drive. She wished that the Floo between the houses would be activated again.

Narcissa couldn't get over that Elly was a Granger who had children with one of her cousins. It made her think, not for the first time in her life, that everything was ordained, and that it was all too strange. Nevertheless, it made her happy that Evan had left children and Elly was around. At least that branch of the family was still alive.

Too bad that Bella couldn't know, it might have made her happy, or not. She wished that she could tell Andy, Evan had been a favorite of them all, a sweet wizard with a mean father.

If Narcissa was in awe, Grant and Jeanie were very much so. Besides, Grant was angry and disappointed, and he couldn't find a good reason why his mother had hidden things from him. Yes, she had sent Jones, but because of her secrecy, she had also allowed his younger sister Madeline, or Maddy for short, to recommend that evil woman, Miss Rose, to be Hermione's nurse.

As soon as they touched the Manor's floor, Mimi ran to the stairs, "Arry, I must see 'im. I fink he is very sad, and a little cranky because we weren't here. C' mon dear," Hermione stretched her hand calling Draco and ran to the room.

A/n a character list can be found on chapter 23