Disclaimer: Anything that rings a bell belongs to J.K Rowling

Chapter Twenty Two: The Lion Tamer

30th August 2005

Harry's POV

I heard the soft scratching at the door, and blinked myself awake. I glanced to my left, smiling at Ky, fast asleep. I looked at her, her face serene, enjoying that, knowing that it would be anything but when she would come to.

I fingered my wedding ring, checking for any messages but finding none. I was glad that in the heat of anger I didn't go through the de-Vowment, even if Ky didn't explain what Theseus' weird statement about being engaged to her was. Maybe he was secretly in love with her? That would check out, he barely took his eyes off her and was extremely protective, but she was so openly affectionate with me in front of him… it didn't make sense….

I settled back into my pillow, reflecting on the chaotic last twenty-four hours. Ky had a son, an adoptive one, but a child all the same. She was a mother…I could feel the smile break on my face at that thought, a lot falling into place. Her sudden nurturing nature, her ease with the twins, her cullinary skills…her body.

I moved closer, not wanting to wake her, but taking in her form in my tee that she had climbed into after I coaxed her into bed, her bridesmaid dress hanging neatly on the back of the door. I knew she didn't birth Bane, but maybe something about her lifestyle as a mother made her softer? I wasn't complaining, I loved Ky as I knew her of course, firm and fit like a fighter, but I also loved this new more…delicate version, with less toned arms and curves, she was no less supple, and just as arousing.

I imagined what she'd look like pregnant, and I could feel myself smile into the pillow. I knew Bane was Snape's son, but I couldn't help fantasizing how perfectly the three of us would look together, and how desperately I wanted more…I want a mini Ky, so many of them, bold and brave little girls that I would be as cute as they were exhausting. And how easy it would be with Ky, because she didn't need convincing, she was already a mother, and a fiercely loving one.

You're going to be a great dad

She already felt that way…and I wanted to tell her just that…ever since I saw Bane, even after learning that he wasn't mine biologically…that I could feel her love for him, and I could easily share that too.

Wanted to share that.

Even if I wasn't madly in love with Ky, I never thought I'd ever get the opportunity to thank Snape for his sacrifice…being a father to his child, alongside Ky…

I pulled her into me, my hand on her belly, my lips at her ear. I felt a tear roll down my face and soak into her hair… there was nothing in this world that I wanted more than to make a family with her.

After a few minutes, I snuck out of bed, checking my phone which had no service, and then tiptoeing to the fireplace at the other end of the room.

Of course Malfoy's guest bedroom's were the size of my whole apartment. I threw some floo powder in and stuck my head into the flames, "Auror office, Ministry of Magic", and then saw it materialize. I spotted Ridley immediately.

"Ridley!" The dark blond man snapped to attention, rubbing his eyes and walking over, "Sorry if you were trying to contact me, my phone has no reception here. Any news on the children?"

"We've scoured the Hogsmeade caves, but nothing. We've increased security at the international floo stations, which were already being extra cautious since Dumbledore's re-appearance, so we're certain that they've not left the country by floo. We've also got International Magical Co-operation to reach out to delegates to urge extra monitoring on their international apparition spots, and some are being more difficult than others, so there is a possibility they may exit that way by making an educated guess on who isn't likely to play ball with negotiations, but Dogworth had the Crup out with the boy's scent and they were going mental in Hogsmeade, though it makes sense because he was initially taken there. Roger had the idea to trace all magic coming out of Hogsmeade in the last twenty four hours…which considering it is a wizarding village, is going to be quite the feat. The Tracers says they could potentially narrow it down in the next day." I opened my mouth but he cut across, "I've spoken to Susan myself, she's got her team working non-stop on it." I nodded, expecting no less from Susan Bones, she was one of the best Tracers we had.

"Thank you. I'll come into the office a bit later today, I have a few things to sort out here. Also…about Hannah-"

"No apologies needed. I should have known she was imperiused, she would never do something as stupid as follow a bunch of potentially dangerous men down into Knockturn Alley."

"She was interviewed by more than just you, and nobody knew better. It was an exceptionally good control cast." I frowned, "Any updates on Alya Bellamy? I know she hasn't been spotted in years, but she has motive to want to harm both Astoria Malfoy and Ky, and she's known for her imperius."

"Roger had the same theory, he has contacted the French Ministry, she was last spotted in Paris five years ago, but they're being a bit difficult."

"Godric is this about the damn dementors again? Did they hear about Trevor Nott's escape?"

"They think it's a non-starter until a better alternative is given, and they don't think Britain should be able to push a change like this without unanimous vote by all states that utilize Azkaban."

"So all of Northern Europe?" I sighed, "You can contact Selina Sabre, she'll help with liason with Bourbon, she'll be at the Burrow."

He nodded, writing that down. I bade him farewell and pulled out of the fireplace. I glanced at the curtains, impressed that they blocked out the sunlight so well, it was just passed midday.

I heard the scratching again, and frowned, walking to the door and opening it to find the large black dog sitting there. He didn't growl like he did yesterday, comically cocking his head from side to side, and trying to make sense of me. He jumped up, deciding I was friend, not foe, and I let out a laugh as he licked my face, remembering Sirius.

"He needs his walk." Ky had climbed out of the large bed, her hair wild, out of its poised style, and I much preferred it that way. I gulped as she casually threw my shirt off, walking naked to the bathroom and I pushed the door shut behind me as Padfoot lay down at the hearth, patiently waiting for her.

I pulled on my trousers as Ky emerged from the bathroom, tossing her hair up in a knot, and pulling open a large wardrobe and frowning at the clothes.

"Narcissa has a sick sense of humour." She pulled out an emerald green dress as I flicked my wand and my shoelaces began to tie themselves, watching as she changed. "I swear the woman hasn't felt comfortable in her clothese since ever and she thinks it's normal to be so."

I hid a smirk, feeling like it wasn't appropriate to comment on how lovely she looked in that green dress she just slipped on. She glared at me, as if reading the compliment right from my thoughts.

"And I suppose you agree with her? Pinnacle of patriarchy that you are."

I sighed, "Just because I like you in dresses-"

"You like me ornamental, not of function."

I raised a brow, she was baiting me into an argument. "You think women in dresses aren't functional?"

She bristled, "I didn't say that. I said-"

I stood, crossing over to her and pulling her into a kiss. She slackened into it, and I flicked my wand at the curtains, letting the sunshine through. "I think you look beautiful. In dresses. In trousers. In nothing at all."

She seemed to cool down a bit, glancing down at my left hand, "I suppose there's no news?"

"Hogsmeade hunt gave nothing, but the Tracers say that they should be able to figure out where that death eater apparated in the next twenty four hours, so we will at least know where to head. International travel is being monitored by a fine tooth comb. And… I thought that Alya Bellamy should be bumped up in priority, seeing as Astoria and you were targetted, and she has that weird obsession with Malfoy."

She contemplated that, and nodded. "I've not seen her in years. The last we heard she was spotted in Paris."

"Same."

She pulled on large rain boots, and I did the same, and we walked down with Padfoot, who didn't need a leash, keeping close to us. I couldn't help noticing that Ky was quite familiar with the Manor, but I suppose she had spent a few weeks here. I dismissed the thought, not wanting to focus on the fact that she was so close all this time…but never revealed herself. Now was not the time for arguments.

I took a deep breath of crisp air as we exitted the manor through what seemed to be the back door. The grounds were massive, and Padfoot took off, enjoying being able to stretch his legs.

We walked down a footpath that led to the forest that surrounded the manor, and I glanced back, the large forbodding building somehow blending into the grey skies. "It's ridiculous that one family has all of that."

Ky looked back, with a small smirk, but remained silent.

"What?"

"I don't know, aren't you like the richest bachelor in Wizarding Britain? Not exactly man of the people."

I rolled my eyes, "So says the Prophet, which is no more a reputable rag than it was a decade ago, and that's only the case because of you. And, well, I'm not a bachelor. So wrong on both counts."

She offered a small smile, "I'm teasing. I agree, but Draco doesn't really have a choice in the matter. As the Malfoy heir he has to have his primary residence in his ancestral home, if he didn't then he'd forfeit it to the next in line, which now, is Scorpius, and obviously he lives where Draco does, so after him would be…Garrick Mulciber, who is serving time in Azkaban the last I checked."

I was surprised she knew that much about Malfoy's family, and was reminded yet again that she and he had spent a month cooped up together.

We squelched down a small hill, nearing the forest but not entering it, and we remained silent, enjoying the reprieve from the rain. I watched as Padfoot chased a bird, and looked down at Ky.

"So…are we going to talk about it?"

"What?" She asked as I pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Why Theseus Scamander claimed to be your fiancé? Why you mentioned my grandmother yesterday? Why you didn't tell me about Bane, right from the start?"

We stopped walking, but she continued staring down at the forest before us. She was quiet for a few moments, and I wondered whether she would answer me at all.

"Let's go back to the Manor." She turned to me, hand on my chest, placating my argument before I gave it life, "Some of it Theseus doesn't really want out, so I need him to say that bit."

I nodded, glad that she was finally going to fill in the blanks, and she patted her thigh a few times and Padfoot turned and ran at us.

We walked into the Manor, finding Kinky waiting for us at the entrance. Padfoot carefully nuzzled the little creature, and she petted him affectionately. "Everyone is in the-"

"Miss Ky, Mister Potter, everyone is having lunch in the main dining room." A tall house elf appeared, curtsying gracefully and I could see Kinky's face glow red in the background, "I have brought your change of shoes." She clicked her fingers, and our shoes appeared. She looked up at Padfoot with wary eyes, but never showed an ounce of fear, "I have food for the dog in the kitchen."

"Padfoot will take his food in the dining room with the rest of the guests!" Kinky declared, clearly, "And in future, this is my Master and Mistress and Kinky will be bringing their shoes. Kinky would know that Miss Ky does not like these ones." She clicked her fingers and the black heels were swapped for a pair of white sneakers.

I looked at Ky, confused at the house elf interaction and not knowing how to respond, but she just hid a smirk, thanking both house elves and began changing shoes, and I followed suit.

We walked in to find everyone sat around the table which had an impressive lunch laid out.

"Good morning! Or should I say good afternoon!" Hermione said overly optimistically from her side of the table, "We popped over to ours in the morning and was briefed by Sarah-"

"I spoke to Ridley an hour ago."

"Ah." She said disappointed, clearly eager to share new information and I felt guilty for shutting her down. "Well, do you have any updates?"

I began adding some bits and bobs to my plate as Ky poured me some coffee and I was impressed that she remembered how I took it. I put a comforting hand on her thigh under the table and left it there, "I've told them to increase priority on Alya Bellamy."

Hermione was quiet for a few moments and then gasped, "Of course, Astoria being targetted, and Ky."

"I don't suppose you've heard anything from your cousin of late?"

Malfoy shook his head in the negative, "I'd have said if I did. She is still wanted by the Ministry."

"Well, so was Theodore Nott." I muttered into my chicken.

It was Ky's turn to rub my thigh, silently urging me to shut up, and I sighed.

"Thank you, for last night." I bit out and Malfoy cocked a brow, smirking smugly at me. "What?"

"Nothing?" He smirked over the rim of his wine glass.

"No, if you have something to say."

"I was merely thinking I was impressed at how well Ky had trained Padfoot, but I see it's far more impressive how well she's trained you."

I straightened in my chair, and glanced annoyed at Rolf and Theseus Scamander who let out chuckles at Malfoy's words, but was glad to see Ron glaring at him.

"So, I guess we'll have something to work with soon." Hermione said loudly, pereventing any more back and forth, "The Tracers should have a location by tomorrow morning."

I nodded, chewing my food, still annoyed.

"Well I have my men at MACUSA on it and they said they should have something by nightfall. So, sooner." Theseus added smugly.

"How? They don't even have access to our Trace Records."

"Robards gave them every access necessary."

"Okay, but that still doesn't change anything. It takes days to pinpoint magical signatures, it's incredible that Susan and her team are managing a twenty-four turn around."

"Maybe in Britain." He shrugged, "We're more streamlined at MACUSA."

"You mean you have less of a problem infringing on the privacy of your constituents." I was surprised that help was coming from Malfoy, "I hear that everyone has to re-register their magical signature annually over the pond."

"Well I can understand why that's a problem if you're a death eater, but why would that be a problem if you're a law abiding citizen?"

"You don't actually think tracking adult witches and wizards to that degree is a good thing? You're treating everyone as if they were a criminal." Hermione was doing well keeping her voice level, I knew she felt very passionately against this idea, which had been floating around our ministry the passed few years.

"Which wouldn't be a problem if you were not a criminal."

"I disagree. I think as a society our rights being maintained as civilians is far more important than protective measures against a minority of dark invididuals. Especially in peace time."

"Which is perhaps why your peace time is always so short lived." Theseus muttered, flicking a page in the newspaper.

Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but I cut across her, "Our Ministry won't take well to any of our privacy laws being broken."

"Well that sounds like a you problem. Me, I'm trying to get my godson back."

"Godson?" I turned to Ky, with a raised brow, but she had just been glaring at me, her hand now noticably absent from my thigh, "What?"

She didn't respond, and I glanced around the room, catching Hermione sputter.

"I mean, of course we only care about finding Bane as fast as possible. It doesn't really matter how."

"Oh." I just realised why the arguement would be upsetting, "Yes. If MACUSA finds him faster, then that's fine."

She silently chewed her food and I caught a smug look on Theseus' face.

Shit. It wasn't exactly the time to debate such matters.

"So, Theseus." I turned to the man, "What did you mean yesterday when you said you and Ky were engaged?"

That wiped the smug smile off his face, and he straightened in his chair.

Good. You be uncomfortable for a change.

I noticed he glanced at Ky, and Rolf did the same. She nodded her head slightly and I shook my own head, half annoyed and half amused, Malfoy was right. She did have us all trained like circus animals.

"Well." Rolf spoke first, "As I said, I'm the grandchild of Newt Scamander, author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. And Theseus is my second cousin."

"I'm his second cousin." Theseus rolled his eyes, and proclaimed clearly.

We looked at him, puzzled, "That's what he said."

The brunette man frowned, glancing at Rolf and then Ky in confusion, sipping from a metal bottle and it was my turn to frown.

Why was Theseus drinking from a personal bottle at a formal lunch?

"Are you okay?" Ky was looking at Rolf, pulling my confused look from one Scamander to the other, "You usually proclaim to be Theseus' brother." She glanced at me, "I know it's weird, but their grandfathers, Newt and Theseus the first, were a magizoologist and an auror, and they were brothers, and well Rolf has a bit of a way of making family members of everyone around him."

"I do." He laughed, scratching the back of his neck, "I just thought fact over fantasy would be best in explaining our current situation."

"Huh." Hermione looked contemplative, "Theseus Scamander. I've read about him. He was very active against Grindelwald, a war hero. He moved over to the States and he is the only person-"

"To ever have been head of Magical Law Enforcement in Britain and the US. Yes." Theseus' face was severe, and he drank a bit more from his bottle.

"Is the wine not to your liking?" Malfoy was curt, and clearly a tad offended.

"Oh, he's paranoid. Ignore him." Ky cut in, "Auror habit."

"Do you blame me. There's only so many times a man gets snuck a love potion before he starts bringing his own drink to the table."

Ky rolled her eyes, and I cleared my throat before they got side-tracked, "You were saying?"

"Ah. Yes." Theseus sighed, standing up and crossing over to a window, "Well." I tried not to grit my teeth in agitation at them for dragging this situation out, and I felt Ky's hand on my thigh once more, "I found out a few years ago, that my father was not the man I thought he was. My mother was already pregnant when she met Aegus Scamander. My biological father was Regulus Black."

"What?" Ron asked, wide eyed, "Regulus Black, like RAB, like Sirius' brother."

Theseus continued to stare out the window. "Yes." He turned around, looking straight at me, "So, I'm not actually a Scamander."

"Theseus, grandfather-"

"I don't want to talk about what uncle Newt says." He stated clearly, cutting over Rolf, his jaw clenched. I could tell this was hard news for him, his grandfather was an exceptional wizard, and to find out he wasn't related to him must have been quite the blow. "Actually, speaking of, have you heard from my mother? She's not responding." He gestured to his phone, and I realised he had actually walked away to get reception.

Ky shook her head in the negative, and Rolf grew contemplative, "Hmmm, I think she mentioned something about the Hamptons when I called her last week. Reception's awful there."

"Huh." He nodded, "Anyway, I suppose this is important, because it's how Ky and I are in each other's lives. We're related."

I frowned, turning to Ky, "Related? How?"

Her hand grew tight on my thigh, "Through Regulus."

I let out a cough, choking on my orange juice, gobsmacked. Before I could say another word, there was a sharp noise and we all flinched.

"Sorry, it's the office." Theseus flipped his phone open, exitting the room to find better reception, just as Flopsy walked in.

"Master Malfoy, there is someone at the door." Malfloy gave the elf an inquiring look, "Aurors, and Mister Zabini's father."

Malfoy groaned, "Let them in."

"How?" I croaked, still confused as to what Ky said, "What?"

Ky however, rushed to the door, understandably anxious to find any news about her missing child. I followed her, and frowned as we left the dining room, expecting Ridley or Alex to be waiting in the long passage outside, but finding it was Robards himself, accompanied by the head of Magical Co-operation, Ewan Thatcher. They nodded at me and I returned it.

They weren't the type to relay updates on a kidnapping unless…

My stomach fell.

"Miss Dumbledore, if you'd accompany us to the Ministry, your presence is needed."

"What's wrong?" I stepped forward, in front of Ky who seemed to be frozen, thinking the same thing that I had.

The only reason such higher ups would be here would be to relay grave news, such as a death.

"Potter. Stand down. That's an order. Miss Dumbledore, if you will." Robards gestured to the door, and I narrowed my eyes down the passage, the front door was still open and I spotted a handful of men standing outside.

"Sir, what's the meaning of this."

Robards glared at me, "Potter, I've told you, for the last time, stand down. Now move aside."

I stayed put.

Thatcher stepped forward, adjusting his pointy blue hat, "Potter, as of thirty minutes ago Miss Dumbledore was placed on Carmine Status from the International Confederation of Wizards."

"What!" Hermione snapped, also following us out of the dining room, "Why! That's Wanted status for Voldemort level criminals!"

"If we do not hand her over immediately, we'll be in breech of ICW law. Now, Miss Dumbledore, if you will." Thatcher gestured for Ky to follow and Ron and Hermione stepped in front of her.

Thatcher sighed, "Really, Granger? Potter? Your jobs mean nothing to you?"

"You're not leaving here without giving us an explanation as to why the ICW wants her." Hermione bit out, "Is that an admonitor." She looked horrified at the metalic handcuffs that Robards held casually in his hands, commonly used on Azkaban prisoners to prohibit magic, "What-"

Robards stepped forward, flicking his wand and Hermione responded with a shield charm that protected us from his blasting curse, pushing us all back into the dining room.

I sent a stunner at Robards which he deflected quickly, shaking his head at me in disappointment.

"If you'd just explain-"

Hermione's words were cut off by a silver spell hitting her in the stomach and Ron shouted, his wand on the old auror but Thatcher disarmed him.

Ky still hadn't made a move or a sound, and I turned to her, a fearful look on her face.

"Now, I know you're Ministry officials, but this is my house, and I won't have you treating my guests this way!" Malfoy shouted, still at the head of the dining table, feigning authority. "Ah. Mister Akingbade! I'm sure we can talk about this." He stepped forward as a tall old black man stepped into the room, his beetle black eyes sweeping over us all, and fixating on Ky. Akingbade? Wasn't that the name of the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards? "If this is about Blaise-"

"This is not about my son." The man said, his voice deep, "Dumbledore. I thought you a woman of your word. I was wrong. An old man's mistake, one that I will not make again. You have nowhere to go."

"My son-" Ky croaked out.

"NO!" The man thundered and I stepped protectively in front of her, and his face grew angrier if possible at the act, "You push me! You push me too far! Come! Quietly."

Ky took a step forward and Hermione shouted for her not to, and I held my arm out, "I don't know what's going on, but you'll take her over my dead body."

The man cocked his head, "As you wish."

I was ready for the spell this time, lifting up a shield charm and quickly sending a stunner at the man, as Hermione and Malfoy took on Robards, and Rolf and Ron were on Thatcher. I could hear noise from outside as their backup ran down the passage, and flicked my wand at the door and it flung shut, giving us some time.

"Tsk tsk. Do they not teach you the most basic art of duelling in auror school these days." Akingbade wandless and wordlessly threw a ball of ice at me, which I just about dodged, shocked at his power, "Never take your eye of your oponent." I shouted in pain as suddenly the ball of ice flew at my back, hitting me like a wrecking ball and I fell to my knees.

My pain seemed to snap Ky out of it, and she quickly threw a flame spell at the large ice ball which Akingbade wanted to use again. He turned angry eyes on her, "Foolish girl."

He flicked his hand up and Ky fell to her knees, clutching at her throat and I realised he had a strangling spell on her. I threw a stunner at him, but he merely blocked it with his other hand.

His level of wandless magic was astounding, and I would have revelled at if he currently wasn't trying to kill my wife. I ran forward, physically attacking the man which he didn't expect, and it successfully broke his spell on Ky.

He flicked his hand at me and I flung across the room, hitting the wall painfully hard and I fell to the floor, groaning.

Just then the door was flung open and half a dozen witches and wizards ran in, wands raised.

"Stop, now!" Robards shouted, "You're outnumbered!"

Hermione faltered, as Ky lay unmoving on the floor.

Malfoy and I ran to her at the same time, but suddenly, as if she were a ragdoll, her body rose and hovered a foot off the black tiles, and I watched Akingbade hands as they moved her like a puppet. I aimed my wand at him, but before I could say another word, a blur of black descended on the man and he yelped, grabbing his hand in pain as Padfoot bit into it.

I had a shield on the dog as at least three spells were targetted at him, and Ky's body fell to the floor with a crash. I watched a blue spell fly at me, but Hermione had a shield on me in time.

Suddenly, it was as if the sun went out and the room went pitch black.

Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder.

There was a cacophony of sounds as people tried spells which were useless, and I felt something latch onto my arm and yank me forward. I just about made out the rope around my wrist by touch, still blinking in the dark.

Just as suddenly the room was bright again, Akingbade clearing the powder with a large gust of wind, that accumulated into a tornado that ripped a wall clean off Draco's dining room.

Before I could even let out a gasp of surprise, I felt a lurch in my naval and felt my body move through space, just as I saw a green spell fly over my head.

My feet suddenly clamped onto steady ground.

I looked around, Rolf, Theseus, Ron, Hermione and I fell to my knees…Ky…unmoving on the floor.

I sighed in relief as she stirred, rising to her feet disorriented and I rushed forward, pulling her to me as I watched Theseus cast protective charms on the house we must had been magically brought to. It was much smaller than Malfoy's, and I noticed he wasn't here with us.

I was still holding the rope, which must have been a portkey, so I let go of it as if it burned.

I glanced outside, the sea nearby, as close as it was in Shell Cottage.

"What? Where?" Hermione didn't know which question to latch onto first, and I was very much on the same boat.

"Are you okay?" I leaned down to look Ky in the eye, she was distant and glassy, "Ky!"

She nodded, looking around as if she just realised we left Malfoy Manor.

"It should be safe. I'm secret keeper here and I've brought you all in, so I guess you will be too. I didn't really know if that would work with a portkey, but I didn't have much time." Theseus had been looking out of the front window, as if expecting people to show up.

"What's going on? Why would the ICW want you? Why does the Supreme Mugwump of the most powerful organisation in the world want you?" Hermione looked half angry, half scared.

"I'm sorry, I know this is not good." Ky muttered.

"Not good?" Ron looked at me, confused, "A bit of an understatement."

"I should go. You'll lose your jobs. The Ministry will get in trouble, we can't afford to lose ICW protection right now."

"You're not going anywhere." Theseus and I stated this at the same time and we met each other's steely gaze.

Ky covered her mouth as if she were going to be sick, "Will they stop looking for him now? For Bane? Because I'm Carmine Status?"

"No, no." I shook my head in the negative, "Whatever's happening they won't do that." I looked to Hermione for support, who knew the law better and she nodded.

"They'll continue looking for Bane, even if it is undecided whether he's British or American, and whose responsibility finding him should be. Actually it will work in your favour since both Ministries will be looking into it, until they have clarity on that. And Chloe Zabini is definitely British, and we assume they're both together. And Roger and Alex wouldn't let them stop, or our family." Hermione looked to Ron, whose face turned soft.

"Our family." He gave her a smile. "I like the sound of that."

"As touching as that is," Theseus turned to me, "Do you think you can trust Alex, or Roger. The call I got was from my Minister, telling me about Ky's Carmine status and pausing their search."

Ky's face paled, "MACUSA are not tracing the magic out of Hogsmeade anymore?"

Theseus swallowed, "They've been instructed by the ICW to re-focus all their attention on bringing you in. I'd be surprised if your Ministry wasn't asked to do the same."

"How can that be more important than finding two kidnapped children!" Hermione practically shouted in frustration.

"So if I go back, they'll go back to putting everything into looking for Bane?"

"NO!" I shouted, physically holding Ky to stop her doing something reckless, "Look, trust Alex, and Roger, and the Weasleys." I held her by the arms, "Susan is good, she's kind. She'll not stop tracing the magic, yeah it might take longer than them," I glared at Theseus, "But she'll get it done. I have faith in her. She'll find a way to get a location to me tomorrow."

Ky didn't look convinced and Hermione looked around the house, "We're in France. Bella île. Snape's place."

"It's mine now." Ky said, "Well, until Bane is older. It's one of our safe houses."

"One of?" Ron enquired, "You have reason to have many?"

Ky settled into a sofa, "Perhaps, it's time now." She looked up, and Theseus and Rolf left the room. She held her hand out to me, and I took it, "It'll be easier if I show you, than tell you."

"What?" Hermione muttered, as Rolf and Theseus emerged once more, floating the largest pensieve I've seen into the middle of the empty room.

"Everything."

I watched as the pensieve illuminated before us, almost like a child's paddling pool, and without letting go of my hands, Ky stepped in.

A/N: Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed that update. Hopefully the puzzle pieces are coming together - please do let me know if you have any feedback - positive/negative, it will be helfpul for my growth as a writer!

Have a lovely day,

Kalina