Chapter 22

News got out very quickly that Hogwarts was now a sanctuary against the Dark Lord, and no one with a Dark Mark could enter.

When Pettigrew showed up late that morning to teach, people were falling over each other. He had stood trial as a Death Eater after all.

Showing the students his bare arms, and swearing he would never serve the Dark Lord willingly, he went to work with a will.

Even offered to help cover extra classes for the overworked professors who were trying to get a handle on things with not one but two administrators missing.

Several wives, and not a few husbands applied to work at the school immediately. Those owls were forwarded to Professors Sprout and Flitwick, but the Headmaster and Deputy had not been heard from. At least, Minerva had told them where Dumbledore was! And more.

With the permission of the Monseigneur, Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall lent a hand. Her presence was a calming influence in the chaos around them. She offered to help find new staff, and started handling the sudden onslaught of mail with practiced ease.

She took a leaf from the knights' book, and bought a slew of magical tents, and set them up on the unused quidditch pitch.

They would allow people to come, be screened and checked, before interviewing.

The knights volunteered to help with that. Something in their oaths helped them see when people were telling the truth or bending it so much it defied reason.

The next few days were intense, to say the least.

Bathilda Bagshot took her first apprentice in years, and hired two more witches she personally knew and put them to work immediately. Their salary was room and board in the castle for now, but Filius promised that he would get an audit started on the Hogwarts accounts. There should be enough gold for more than a few necessary staff, and the Headmaster had never hired his own secretary, never mind an assistant for anyone!

The Knights also did tell them where they wayward Headmaster was, and how long he was expected to be gone. Everyone had assumed that Professor Snape had scampered off due to the new wards.

**OO**

"Professor McGonagall. Lucius Malfoy is at the gate, demandin' to see the Headmaster. I wouldn't let him in." Hagrid said. After all of the difficulties that gentle giant of a man had with the blond monster at the door, they could hardly blame him.

She pulled her wand. "That man killed a friend o' mine. I'll be glad to greet him."

Filius stood and blocked her way. "I've missed you greatly, my friend. I don't want to see you in Azkaban. But I think that we should think about this, and why he's here. Draco was reported missing, after all.

Why no one missed the blond ponce student right away, she didn't know.

Of all of the times for the Headmaster to be absent!

They realized that while they couldn't hurt the so-called former death eater, watching his humiliation at the gates would be a treat. Four educators clearly vied for who would get the privilege. Pomona, Filius, Aurora and Minerva.

Eye tag quickly turned into a game of wand, stone, parchment, Merlin, dragon. Professor Sprout won in just one round with her Merlin taking out Minerva's stone and Filius' and Sinistra's wand.

She then looked as though she bit into a lemon, a bitter win.

"Fine! I'll go, but I won't go past the wards, and I won't be giving the governor a warm welcome! I don't think that he can come inside in any case!'

Lucius Malfoy had been left out in the cold, literally. "Professor Sinistra told me that my son hasn't been seen for days! I demand to be allowed in to look for him! He could be hurt!"

"Mr. Malfoy, and don't you try and push that manure of 'lord' on me! I know my history, and I didn't learn it from Binns. I don't know why you weren't notified, but your son was arrested three nights ago. He's been in ICW custody. If I were you, I'd grab your barrister and head there immediately."

"Barrister? Barrister? What? For drooling on a pretty girl. My son has a crush, nothing more. He wouldn't do anything."

"As interesting as that is, I have no idea what you are talking about. Please, I need to go teach, and we have an unusual situation here." The professor turned, and Malfoy lost it.

"Get back here and open these gates! I'm a school governor. I demand that I be allowed in!"

Professor Sprout taught the twins, before them, Miss Tonks, and even further back James Potter.

"As you command, Lord Malfoy. You are welcome to try to get through these gates." She said, bowing. Her mockery was completely missed as he took one step onto the school grounds before being flung backwards towards the village.

"I do believe that I tried to explain it. So now I will copy a comrade, and use little words. Paris. ICW. Go. There. Good. Bye."

With that, the witch turned to go back to the front doors, leaving a disheveled and dirty wizard behind.

A light-yellow spell splashed harmlessly at the gates, improving the governor's temper not one jot.

"You'll get yours, you dumpy little witch!" Malfoy yelled, but Professor Sprout just pulled out pink earmuffs, put them on, and continued on the path.

Paris? He couldn't go there; Lucius had an arrest warrant on him for his wife's crimes. Narcissa dared not go, just in case someone decided to question her about his whereabouts. He'd have to send a minion.

Wait! Snape! If Lucius couldn't get in, maybe he could get Severus to go to Paris. Along with a barrister for his son.

What had the boy done? Or was it the Dark Lord?

Either way, they needed to send help. Not minions that would get themselves killed and rile up nosy knights. Those menaces! Lucius needed someone smart.

He sent an aged and retched elf with a hastily scribed note to Severus letting him know that his help was urgently needed, and against the Dark Lord's orders revealed just who was co-inhabiting his son.

As Snape was already there at ICW Headquarters, it was with a most evil smile that while writing back that he would do this 'favor' for Lucius.

The elf of course, had no idea where she had been, just went where told and brought back the 'yes' before collapsing.

**OO**

Barty Crouch, Jr. was furious with his father.

"Crucio! Why didn't you tell me that they were planning on changing the wards! I can't get in to the castle now!"

Professor Babbling stopped him from killing the man. They still needed him. Well, at least until the Harvest Dance. She levitated the man back to his trunks, then sent it back to his house. No need to have him overhear their plans after all.

"I can still get in the castle, which is why I am unmarked. Poor Severus. He's going to be most upset." The runes professor continued.

"We'll have to use the same arena as before. It's far enough away from the castle. I've checked." Narcissa pushed a rough map onto the table, pointing at the ward line.

"Thanks to Wormtail, we know where the best spots are to keep the captives when they get here. Our unmarked friends can keep them there, and we'll be ready for the task. Where is he, anyways? I haven't heard from him in weeks." Alecto Carrow asked.

"Why not just kill the incoming creatures?" Augusta Longbottom demanded. She knew her son getting mixed up with the likes of James Potter would be trouble.

"I give my husband so few gifts. He wants to torture the young knight. Discredit him. You want to give the Dark Lord his carcass. I want my son to be happy, magical, and ready to serve the Dark Lord. If our guests are killed during the task, we can't be charged with their deaths, now, can we?" Narcissa reasoned.

"We won't be able to go inside the castle!" Barty, the only wizard there, pointed out. Again.

The witches' eyes met. They'd get more done with Barty at home. The coven in full would meet soon. Shame they didn't have a full quorum and had to use the men to begin with. Weaklings and fools all.

"Get Bagman or Dolores to do it for you then. We're close to victory! I can feel it!" Narcissa gloated. "Victory!"

**OO**

Sir Jerome checked his appearance in the mirror, and then winked at his younger brother.

"Alright there, Squire Joseph?"

"Good sir knight. Why are we coming to see the queen? I mean, I know that we're related, and she sends us treats and letters. Pays for our schooling, but we've never been here.

"It's complicated, Joseph. I'll explain it more when you're older. Just don't ask that one question, and you will do fine."

The one forbidden question was the identity of their mother.

"Her majesty will see you now."

During the French revolution, the muggles beheaded their monarchy, but the magical one went underground, surviving by a miracle. Many thought it lost as well, but one noble member had married Veela royalty.

Queen Ifeoma was rightful Queen of France, just as Jean-Gabriel was rightful King of France. Their daughter, Apolline, had named her youngest after her father, but she had never been seen in public before or since her capture as a royal. Very few knew of her.

The boys had been taught court manners at school of course, and Sir Jerome had attended Queen Elenore more than once.

The boys were led to an informal sitting area with lovely views of the palace garden maze.

"Jerome! Joseph! Welcome, welcome!" Queen Ifeoma extended her arms. The boys, having shared many letters with this woman accepted the embrace.

"You must call me grandmere. Viens ici. Please. Come sit. I know you have to get back, but I hope that we will enjoy many visits in future. Have you thought about my offer, Jerome?"

"Yes, your majesty." At her pointed look, he paused. "I mean, yes, grandmere. It is very generous. I do appreciate it. I do."

"But you don't want the throne." She stated pointedly.

"I truly am honored. I know that you hoped that one day I would be interested. I've been offered other thrones since you first contacted me when I was quite young. Joseph here is more interested in politics, and has more patience listening to people. He would make a far better King than I ever would."

"And you, Joseph?"

"Madam, I, well." Joseph took a breath. He felt safe here. Loved by both his brother and this woman that they had only shared letters and pictures with. But she clearly loved him.

"If it's okay with Jerome. I would love to become betrothed to Millicent, and be King. I don't know if I can do a good job, but what we've heard of Britain? I have to try and help them. I just have to."

"This will leave Fleur as my heiress." The Queen pointed out to them both.

"That was always the case, madam. The Veela would never accept a male heir. No matter how it came to be." Jerome stated, clearly uncomfortable with talking about their beginning.

"If you are sure. Fleur wants this. I always hesitated for my own reasons."

Jerome gave his brother another look, and nodded to the woman.

"Come, I've had some of your favorites prepared. I need to find out your schedules. Now that we can be more open, I plan on having you here as often as your studies and schedules allow. What does your school do for St. Stephen's Day? We have the most amazing decorations."

**OO**

"Hermione! Hermione! Hermione! Did you hear? Albus Dumbledore! He's here! Well, at the hospital, but near here! Please! I need to see him! Show him that I'm magical and belong at Hogwarts!"

Kyle Rosier wasn't getting better or more accepting. He seemed worse day by day.

"Fine! Have you finished your after-dinner chores? I wanted to ask the man a question or two for the longest time. This might be my only chance."

Not that Harry cared, but Dumbledore really should know what happened to things like the Peverell silver, and the fancy jewelry that great houses accumulate. Harry would give it all to the Order of course, but it would be nice to see it. Maybe Harry could sell it to a historical museum.

They made their way to the front office. All students had to check out unless severely injured, but then their portkeys were registered in the book.

This was how Sir Hector knew where Harry was when he was hurt.

They had to be back in less than two hours, but it was only a couple of blocks. It was a full moon tonight, and there were strict orders to be inside on those nights.

Sir Jerome was just dropping off Joseph. "I'm proud that of you, little brother. Well, hello Hermione. You invented a new spell, I hear. Hello Kyle."

"Improved Harry's spell, that's all. I love arithmancy." She blushed.

"I need to get back. Goodnight all. I'll be in touch, Joseph." Sir Jerome activated his port-key and was gone.

"Hi Hermione, Kyle." Joseph greeted as he signed in.

"We're going to go see Dumbledore!" The excited boy said. "Wanna come?"

"Of course!" Joseph exclaimed eagerly. He checked the time, and signed out as well, whistling then stopping at the sharp look.

The trio waved a cheerful good-bye to the sister sitting and working at the secretary's desk.

There was a small gift shop near the hospital, and they stopped to by a few sherbet lemons and a small box of mixed local sweets that the great wizard might not have seen. The welcome witch told them which room, smiling at the gifts they held.

They showed up and Dumbledore brightened at seeing them.

"Miss Granger! What a pleasant surprise!" Dumbledore waved them in.

"Headmaster, this is my friend Joseph Kerveil, and this is Kyle Rosier. We wanted to visit you."

She allowed Kyle to hand him the treats. She was hoping that he would ask his questions then leave, but he seemed tongue-tied.

It was Joseph's reaction that was the oddest.

"Why?"

"I'm sorry my boy, I don't understand the question."

"Your people managed to smuggle not one but two babies out of the country. That implies that you knew where my mother was. Why did it take you so long to rescue her?"

"I am so sorry my boy. I had nothing to do with your mother's capture or rescue. I did hear rumors that James Potter helped rescue kidnapped people, helped smuggle out children. I don't know who your mother is."

"Neither do I sir. I was a baby. I can't remember her."

"War is an evil time. I'm sorry. At least you were saved." Dumbledore said sincerely. Joseph nodded, and moved to the side.

Hermione asked for a private minute, but wasn't any happier than Joseph was with his responses to her. All a form of no, no clue, sorry.

Hermione and Joseph waited in the hall for Kyle. As much as she wished that they could be rid of the pest, she knew that outcome before he came out. She knew that she wasn't being very kind; however, she was sick of his entitled attitude.

Shouting erupted. "But you don't understand! I can do magic!"

"Borrow my wand lad, just a moment. Now, cast lumos."

Now, to be fair, not one of the magicals could have made a transfigured skewer cast lumos, except possibly Dumbledore. But a wand might as well be a skewer for the boy. He was barely above a squib, and far below Hogwarts standards of getting a letter. Magic knew.

"I'm so sorry, my boy. This is the best place for you. You'll be around people that understand, and will help you find the best job possible. I'm sorry."

"You won't let me try?"

"I'm sorry. No. You are not the first to write to me begging. Lily Potter's sister Petunia did too. And became very embittered with the no I sent her. Don't let this eat at you, Kyle. Reach for your best self, not what you expected life to be. Be what you are meant to be."

"Wise advice, Headmaster. Let's go back, Kyle. I still have money. What's your favorite? We can get a few treats to take back for the little ones too." Hermione suggested.

"Why would I spend MY gold on THOSE mudbloods?!"

Hermione ignored his outburst, but Joseph gave him detention. And wouldn't let them stop at the sweet shop on the way back.

They were waiting for a bus to pass, when suddenly all three were spinning, The navel-sucking action of a port-key.

When they landed, neither Hermione and Joseph had time to become orientated before they were stunned.

"Wonderful job! Wonderful!" The wizard clapped.

"I just saw Dumbledore! He said he wouldn't give me a chance!"

"Now, now, Mr. Rosier. Mind your manners. And your tone. You did as required; and I promised as school governor, that I would make sure that you were given a chance. And you will be."

"Thank you, sir! I knew I could count on you!"

The boy found himself pushed into a cell, the door locking.

"Hey! You can't leave that boy here! It's a full moon tonight! And I saw Fenrir Greyback with you earlier! No! You can't do this to us! You can't!"

"Really? Well, my associate was promised a young man for his pack. And now he'll get two." The man turned to the boy. "Don't fret now Kyle. If you have magic, you'll live and be fine. If not, then you'll know."

"That's not what you promised me! I want my mother!"

"Your mother sold you to become a werewolf boy!"

"No!"

"Yes! Because then at least you'd be magical and in service to the Dark Lord."

While Kyle wept bitter tears, Hermione and Joseph were being treated with kid gloves and kept unconscious in a different cell until a woman came to get them.

Lucius knew he had to be very, very cautious here. Knights! If he wasn't careful, he would have them storming his manor with or without a mandate. He needed those children out of his home soonest, and he needed to get going himself.

The barrister was already in Paris with Severus, but Lucius needed to be seen at least in the Ministry of Magic. Otherwise, people would think that he didn't care about children. Especially his son! Malfoy made his way up the secret stair case in the back long before the people in the basement were visited.

With the light of the full moon illuminating the cell, the last thing the boy ever saw was a strange half-man half-wolf came down the stairs, the last thing he heard was a growl as the cell door was unlocked.

**OO**

Harry and Charles were in Paris, and had answered questions, sat and ate. Bored, and still a bit tired from his spell to reunite the body and spirit of Sirius Black, Harry had gone to bed early.

Sir Romano had not been best pleased. Despite knowing that yes indeed, the 'diary' had been found. Well, that half of soul. Scrying no longer worked to find anything about the Dark Lord, but the wards at the ICW were top-notch.

With everything going on, Harry thought he would have trouble getting to sleep, but he didn't. Instead, he had a very vivid dream.

A radiant being of light, flew side by side with him. Both of them with gold wings spread wide.

"Greetings, Sir Harry. You are needed at St. Michael's hospital in Rome."

"You're an angel?"

"Yes, and it's not Luna's time yet."

"You're an Angel of Death? I thought you'd be dressed in black."

"And have a scythe? That's more dementor. They do not eat souls, you know. Just feed off the magic of the people they Kiss before the souls are sent on to judgement. Evil monsters that look it. Even the son of the morning looks more radiant than that, though we don't speak of the Lord of Demons oft."

"I can see why. Please, can you tell my mother that I love her. My father too."

"You may tell them yourself, but after that you must give me one of the Hallows. Your choice of which one, but it is not wise for one human to have all three. Your family has been guardians of these relics, but never carried them together. I will allow you this one additional rescue, then no more, son of Adam."

"May I keep the cloak, please?"

"Yes, between the other two Hallows, which do you choose?"

"The wand, please. I gave up the seat of the house, and really have no interest in politics. You can have the ring with the house sigil."

The being laughed. "I will take up the ring when you have finished this task given. Wake now, and go."

Harry woke. The dream had seemed so real.

"Sir Hector, can we please go to Rome? Right now?"

"You want to make nice with the commander. Sure. One moment."

Harry didn't know how to explain his latest mission. What if it was just the rich French food? He fidgeted between hurrying and worried that it was all a mistake.

Harry's emergency portkey to the school activated the minute his brother's knight's pen hit the desk as he finished his thought.

**OO**

Sister Margit had the check-in desk tonight, and saw it was close to sundown.

"Sir Gerard? The trio of students that went to visit Dumbledore aren't back. Should I send a runner?"

She loved the mirror in the office. So much better than floos, and she sat comfortably in her chair.

"I didn't see them, and the gift shop is closed. No students there. I just came back from there. Initiate a search of the map of the school. I'll head back to the hospital."

He had a bad feeling about this. He tried to raise the seer girl, but she didn't answer her mirror. He made another call.

"This is Jack."

"Sorry to bother you so late, but we've three missing students, and Luna Lovegood is not answering her mirror. She shares a room with Hermione."

"I'll send my lady wife to check on her. Perhaps she's asleep.

Penelope ran over to the cloister dorms, and found the girl on the floor. Vomit was next to her mouth.

"She's not breathing! I need emergency transport!"

Luna Lovegood hovered very near death. She'd been poisoned.

**OO**

"Where is she? Where's Luna? Harry demanded of the welcome witch.

Harry and Sir Hector had arrived at the school to find out that Luna had been sent to the hospital. She was dying. Harry went on to the hospital while Sir Hector stayed at the school to find out more information.

"Alpha seventeen." The sister pointed.

He knew this hospital too well, and ran for the indicated room.

"Harry! What are you doing here?" Persephone Malone queried as he passed her in the hall. The newlywed looked pale and wan, clearly crying, not that Harry stopped to chat. She turned and jogged with him.

"I'm here to help." Harry rubbed his family ring, the burned one, the one of his family. The one that he used the other day, and was about to use again.

There she was! Luna looked washed out, almost ghostly, talking with a group of people, but holding hands with a woman not that many years older than them. A woman who looked just like Luna.

"Harry! Not yet! I just got here, and wanted to visit my mother!" Luna whinged.

"You need to come back now, or you'll be joining her." Harry warned, unsure how he knew that.

Harry noticed that she was with others that were shadowy, but one couple looked familiar.

"We love you, son. You've made so many good choices. I'm so proud of you." Lily Potter said, hugging her son. "Tell Peter we understand. He made a mistake. We love him. Tell him."

"I love you son. Tell Moony, Wormtail and Padfoot that they are loved and missed. We're waiting for you all. Make us wait a long time." James Potter added, also giving his son a brief hug.

Luna gave a final hug to a woman there. "Okay Harry. Let's go."

Harry wound up on the floor, as shadow Luna jumped into the Luna on the bed. That Luna took a huge breath, and started breathing again.

"Who was that woman you were with, Luna?" Harry asked.

"My mother, Pandora Lovegood nee Malfoy. And oh, do I have gossip to share with you!"

"That's nice." Harry said, before dropping back onto the floor.

Luna, who had been given up on, and left for the coroner, rang the bell for the assistant. Persephone was missing, and presumably looking for a healer.

The volunteer who came saw the dead girl, sitting up with the bell that had summoned her, and a boy on the floor. She nearly joined him in shock.

"Harry really shouldn't be left there. It's cold. And he's tired. He travelled a long way to get me."

Luna leaned over to whisper to the witch assistant. "You mother says hello and says that Alphonse is a fine fellow. She approves."

The woman nodded, crossed herself, and went to find a healer.

**OO**

"What do you mean Hermione went missing after visiting the Headmaster of Hogwarts? He must know something! He must!"

The sister gave him a look, and clearly eyed his dessert as though she was thinking of taking it away for his shouting at her. Her glare was enough of a warning.

"Three students went missing, Sir Harry. Not just your friend." The sister informed him before leaving.

Harry tried to call Hermione on the mirror, and then called for his elf.

"I know she is alive, but sleepy, sleepy, Master Harry. Soda cannot get to her."

"Well, we've used elves in the past. They are on to that strategy now. It's not your fault."

Harry felt the difference, now that he looked for it. The ring was gone. He didn't have the same insight into the living and the dead. But the Angel of Death was right. It was far too much power for one human to wield. None of his ancestors had carried the bits together, making Harry feel that they had been saved for this time.

He felt blessed to have saved both Sirius and Luna. He just hoped that he hadn't traded Luna for Hermione. She just had to be alright!

**OO**

Princess lessons were going well. Fleur was a natural. She had grace, beauty, and the empathy needed for the job.

If she could just focus!

"No! I want to be betrothed to Harry Potter." Fleur stamped her foot.

"Your highness, please do not raise your voice. Not to me, and especially not to the queen." The tutor stated. "I'm sorry that you are disappointed. I sent a request to Monseigneur Brown. Sir Harry has a contract with a girl that he truly loves. You know how magic works! That contract couldn't be broken. Now, let it go, and let's move on to your allocution."

"The queen is just punishing me since she doesn't have a closer relation to be her heiress."

A silent wave brought up a privacy spell.

"I know the truth, and so do you. The queen is your grandmother, and only a few know. You need to keep it quiet as well to protect your mother. A distant relation works for the court. I don't know how your father did it, but he recreated a new image for your mother that works. Let's not ruin it." The tutor whispered despite the privacy bubble. She took it down and continued.

"That must be it, your highness. She is clearly wanting you to quit by teaching you dancing, singing, fine art, deportment, manners and public speaking."

Fleur pouted, but the woman was unaffected.

"Do you need a break?" The tutor asked.

"Non. Let us continue. I need to prepare for the last task, and I have no idea what it is. I need to finish here."

"Bon. Now, please read this passage, clearly. Enunciate carefully…"

**OO**

Dan Granger took an emergency port-key to the interior room of the Prime Minister's. Due to the threat to the life of his daughter, the government had issued tracers to Captain Granger to put in his daughter's shoes.

Hermione was not told, as she couldn't reveal what she didn't know under veritaserum.

Upon arrival, Dan took the elevator to the secure conference room. A very solid looking military laptop was open, the beeping presumably the tracker.

"Captain Granger, wish we met under better circumstances. I'm sorry I have no good news for you. We tried three times when the tracker was in Wiltshire to find the house or anything. Three times our blokes were found wandering and dazed. The third group had a wizard."

"Had?"

"His memorial will be held next week. Not your fault and not your daughter's! He reported in about wards, and was ordered to return. He either couldn't or disobeyed. We're not sure. His tracker moved suddenly and forcefully to the middle of the Atlantic."

"But then Hermione's tracker moved?"

"It did. To the area we've identified as Hogsmeade. Your daughter is being held at Hogwarts itself. I'm sorry Captain. I can't get authorization to storm a place full of children. Not with lethal force. If she's still there during the holiday break. Well, then I can act."

"If she's at Hogwarts, I can let my friends know. Can you please give me a map that has the coordinates of where she was? And also, is this enough to get a warrant to search the grounds in Wiltshire?"

"A warrant?"

"Some of these people actually follow the law, commander. Some are very decent."

"I'd rather lob a bomb and be done with the lot. AFTER we extract your daughter, of course."

Dan's eyes narrowed. He wasn't too sure about he meant that. Dan was seeing prejudice now on this side against his daughter. Didn't they have any true allies?

**OO**

Remus Lupin was hearing rumbling in the pack. He had hired a few werewolves. Like himself, bitten as a child. Like himself, wanting nothing to do with Fenrir Greyback.

Then there was the body on the road. A message of terror. Poor boy.

Wait? Wasn't that the boy he had taken to the school. What was Kyle Rosier doing here? Dressed in first year Slytherin robes and busy being dead?

Glad that he hadn't been seen, Remus had Rosmerta call the aurors.

Something was seriously wrong. He got out his mirror to call Rome.

**OO**

The Knight High Council had been meeting far too often lately. This situation was serious, however.

"The evidence points to the new boy having an unauthorized port-key. Mr. Rosier has most sincerely paid for his crimes." Commander Chariton stated.

"Yes, if he was older, and betrayed fellow students, he'd have been tried for treason against future knights. This blasted tournament! I have a report here from the acting Deputy that the boy wasn't integrating with his peers. She was worried for his mental health and wanted him checked. I deferred to the headmaster of the Lower School. I should have approved it." Sir Gerard stated glumly.

"The boy was not apprenticed yet. That safety net was not in place. Though I hear that both Squires Hermione and Joseph had tried to help the boy."

"My lord, the timing of this smells like a trap. Joseph has not been announced yet, but he took his first oaths yesterday of becoming recognized as Prince of the Blood." Rock opined.

"What? We have a kidnapped royal as well as a muggleborn? I will file the report of them missing with Italian authorities." Sir Gerard stated.

"Already done. As soon as Miss Lovegood was found, well, not dead but near so, the acting deputy filed a report with the local government. Of course, she didn't know about Joseph's change in titles. They are being tracked by muggle means, and we're scrying for them." The Knight Commander informed them, then continued.

"Sister Gisele was murdered by these people. I do not seek vengeance but justice. Let us add to the current crimes her unresolved murder. We have friends in Britain."

"We need to make sure that these people never go after a soft target again." Sir Gerard stated.

"With all due respect sir, have you seen some of Miss Granger's inventions? She's very capable." Rock informed them.

"I hope so, Sir Rodney. We need to keep an eye out for them. Thank you, everyone. Dismissed."

Everyone left the Commander's office except Rock Chatham.

"Sir, I don't like it. The tasks of the Tournament. In the past, they've held hostages. The British will justify the kidnapping as 'essential' for the tournament." Sir Rodney stated. "We can't let them get away with it."

"You're right. We can't. It's well past time the evil boil in Britain was lanced. Hermione Granger wasn't just anyone. She's Harry Potter's betrothed, and he is very attached to that young lady. If he finds out where she is, someone is going to get to see that lance. Up close and personal."

"Amen sir. And I don't think I could stop him."

As Rock left the office, he thought he heard the commander mutter. "Why would you want to?"