Chapter 13: A Walk in the Forbidden ForestNotes:Here is the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Did you ever get detention for sneaking a baby dragon within the school grounds?" Hazel blinked at Croaker. Why bring that up? "Sure. My first real detention, I guess. Snape gave me one every month for sabotaging Cauldrons and attempting to kill my fellow students." Croaker looked at her oddly. "What the hell were you doing in Potions?" Hazel bristled. "Nothing! Because the prick never taught a damn thing! I thought I would love the class because I actually enjoyed cooking despite never getting more than near non-existent leftovers. Instead all I got was half the classroom sabotaging me, the other half ignoring me like the plague and a teacher who was looking for any excuse to have me scrubbing Cauldrons without magic. The bastard even left me corrosive residue in many of them. I spent every night after detention in the Hospital Wing and the bastard got away with it because I was somehow incapable of vanishing it, after he forbade me from bringing my wand to detention in the first place! The only reason I picked up wandless magic was so I could get through that shit at all." Silence filled the office as her boss looked at her. Croaker didn't expect to hit a nerve. Wishing to end the awkwardness, he cleared his throat. "Well then, let's add inspecting Mr Potter's detentions to the list of things to check on and move on."
Hazel felt her eye twitch for a second before she tried to calm herself down. "Sorry, there are at least four people I will happily murder given the chance if I run into them here without witnesses. He is one of them." Croaker added Voldemort and Dumbledore to that possible list. Which left one more. "Do I want to know who else you are planning to murder?" Hazel rested her chin on one of her hands. "You'll know when I come back late and drunk." Croaker sighed. Her drinking was not a good sign, as she never seemed to touch the stuff. He might need to warn Nymphadora about that. "Anyways, detention over a baby dragon." Hazel dug up the memory in her head. "Hagrid somehow got a Dragon's Egg. No idea how or why. He hatched it in my presence because he felt bad about how I was being ignored. I actually cared a bit about the lovable oaf, so when I learned his little stunt was illegal, I found someone to take it off the school grounds. They did but we all got caught. I lost my house 150 points and earned myself detention. For the rest of the term, I was vilified as the troublemaker that lost Gryffindor House a shot at winning the House Cup." Croaker could see there was more to it than that. "Anything of note in detention?" Hazel thought for a second. "I scrubbed every bathroom in the school clean repeatedly over two months after the dinner feast and before bed."
Croaker winced. Even he could see that was an exaggerated punishment. "Susan Bones reported that Mr. Potter and two of his friends lost Gryffindor a few points too. So did Draco Malfoy for Slytherin for being out at night after curfew." Hazel blinked. "Oh, right. Malfoy was there too. His punishment was handled by Snape, so no clue what happened to him. Probably nothing but practicing potion making." Croaker pressed on. "Mr. Longbottom mentioned in his last correspondence that the detention has been set for just as Curfew is ending. No idea where, though it isn't being handled by a Professor." Hazel frowned. "That leaves Filch or Hagrid. If it was Filch, the detention would be spread out over days. If he's anything like the man I know he loves sticking it to the magical kids by making them do his job without the aid of magic." Croaker nodded. "We suspect it's Hagrid as well. Harry's friendship with the man would seem to negate any potential danger, until we looked back at another report from Susan. Hagrid had been complaining to Professor Kettleburn about Unicorn deaths in the Forbidden Forest and having trouble finding the culprit, something a third year friend of hers overheard."
Hazel eyed Croaker. "And?" Croaker sighed. "Snape did you no favors. Unicorn blood can be used to sustain a person who is near death. Taken by violent means, it behaves very much like a curse. It will sustain them while weakening them at the same time. Getting Unicorn blood, willingly given, is a Potioneers wet dream." Hazel blinked. "Huh, ok so we have a Unicorn killer around Hogwarts. You think this is Voldemort?" Croaker lowered the report and leaned back in his chair. "You mentioned the possibility of an incomplete possession. My other Unspeakables concur that this might be the case. Miss Bones noted to her Aunt that Quirrell was looking ill recently. We believe the incomplete possession is killing Quirrell. He can't get the stone on time but he can kill Unicorns while he accomplishes the theft. If Hagrid is tasked with finding the killer, while he has three students on a late night detention, what would you do if you weren't really thinking about the consequences?" Hazel stared at Croaker, realization dawning on her. "He isn't that dense, is he?" Croaker shrugged. "Maybe not, but it's a possibility. It's why I asked you here. You are to go to the Forbidden Forest and protect Harry Potter if he is out there at all from whatever he runs across without being compromised."
Rudding her hand over her face, Hazel looked at Croaker. "My partner?" Croaker shook his head. "Not as easy to conceal in the environment. Casting spells will be suspect even under disillusionment. You are our best at close range combat. You also informed me about that talent of yours. This seems like the perfect mission for you." Hazel felt her eye twitch. "This is about me lighting a fire under your sister's ass, isn't it?" Croaker grinned at her. "Her renewed zeal is appreciated, if she weren't harassing me at every opportunity. The fact she has to move quietly until summer isn't making her anymore agreeable." Hazel sighed as she stood up. "I am going to go find either Andromeda or Nymphadora to spend the night with Teddy. He gets nervous when he can't feel me nearby at night with his magic." Croaker waved his hand. "Go ahead, though the boy will be going to Hogwarts close to a year from now. He will have to get used to it." Hazel growled slightly. "I know that but between now and then I am going to make sure he gets a good night's sleep. He spends enough of them worrying about me as it is." Hazel exited the office and slammed the door.
-∞-
Never in all her years had Hazel ever wanted to kill Hagrid. Until tonight. Because of course the Half Giant took four preteen kids into a deadly forest with nothing more than a crossbow and a useless dog. She personally would have used the Cerberus to hunt the Unicorn killer down herself. Nothing like a three headed dog the size of lorry to clear the forest of all the nasty monsters hiding in it. Hazel was pretty sure Hagrid refrained from doing that because of the Acromantulas. The colony might be a wreck after that massive mutt ran into it, Aragog or not. But no, Hagrid took the four kids into the forest and then proceeded to split them up, leaving Harry and Malfoy with the useless dog. Well, maybe not useless. He was either an alarm or a meat shield. She never really liked Fang and the feeling had been mutual. He only got tolerable after the First Task. Bathing in Dragon's Blood and stinking of it for weeks probably had something to do with that, though Andromeda was sure her Magic had changed too. Maybe the legends about Fafnir weren't hogwash afterall.
Hazel, taking on the form of a dark brown owl, flew from tree to tree, watching the disaster waiting to happen as the two kids moved along the dark woods. The sudden glint of moonlight on white fur caught her eye, as well as a sickly sweet scent. The fact that the boys stumbled on a dead unicorn didn't make her pause, as that was the unfortunate point of the evening. The fact there was a hunched over figure in a black cloak did, as it seemed to feed on the creature's blood directly. Watching Malfoy scream like a coward was amusing but Harry seemed frozen in place, backing up slowly as the cloaked figure spotted him. Hazel had seen enough. She jumped into the air and shifted. The cloaked figure stilled his movement at the sight of a full sized Griffin landing in front of it before Hazel screeched and reared up, exposing her talons. A swipe to its midriff caused the cloaked figure to scream, the voice that of a man as he retreated back into the shadows of the woods. Making sure he was gone, Hazel sniffed her wet claw and nearly gagged. The scent of the blood on her claw was that of a rotting corpse. She swiped it against the ground before turning to the Unicorn on the ground, watching its side lift up slowly. It drew shallow breaths, its life fading before her eyes. Harry came up beside her and approached the downed creature, unaware of how dangerous that could be with a real Griffin. She needed to send him a copy of Newt's Book as it might save him some future grief. Maybe the annotated one with a larger section on Dragons.
He knelt down against the creature, rubbing its fur. "Is there anything we can do to save it?" Hazel blinked at the boy. A visit with a Mind Healer would seem to be in order too, as she had no idea if actually expected an answer from her. Mentally sighing, Hazel knelt down and looked the Unicorn in the eye. The creature glanced at her, it's dark eye searching hers and Hazel knew. The creature knew what she was. It nodded at her, closed its eyes and presented it's neck. Hazel used her wings to shove Harry back and did her best to obstruct his vision. Her talons sank deep into the flesh of the gentle creature, allowing death to come swiftly. She could hear the boy take a breath and she cursed in her head. Seeing no way of forcing him to leave without blowing her cover she knelt down and unfurled her wing. Clearly bothered by what she did, the boy still pulled himself up onto her back. She started walking away from the Unicorn and closer to where she last saw Hagrid. Hazel felt tears land on the feathers of her neck and back. "There wasn't anything we could do to save it, was there?" Hazel shook her eagle head and the boy hugged her. They continued walking along the forest in silence for a bit before Harry spoke to her again. "I keep feeling like I have a guardian angel watching over me ever since I got to Diagon Alley. Hedwig, the Troll, a book about my family and now this. Are you… are you here to protect me?"
Hazel stopped and turned her head so he could see her eye. He stared at her and his breath caught as he saw the eye was as green as his in the mirror. "Mom?" Hazel shook her head. Harry seemed to be saddened by that. "A friend?" Hazel nodded her head and the boy smiled. "Thank you." Hazel gave a light positive screech and continued to walk towards the edge of the Forest. She heard the lumbering footsteps of the Half Giant before she saw him. "Harry!?" Hagrid appeared from behind a tree, his crossbow still in hand and stilled at the sight of her. "How… where… are you ok, Harry?" The two boys and the girl gaped at Harry as Hazel lowered herself to the ground before extending out her wing. He patted her neck. "Thank you." Hazel nodded her head and watched as he got down to the ground before pulling up her wing. The boy looked at her as she pulled back. She moved towards Hagrid and unfurled her wing, pointing behind her. Hagrid looked from wing to Hazel before Harry chimed in. "She's pointing to the Unicorn we found. It's dead now." Hagrid closed his eyes and nodded. "I will take care of it." Hazel pulled her wing back and turned around. If she looked at the other three she might be tempted to end them. She found a suitable gap of trees and took a running start before taking flight into the sky. With enough of a distance away from sight she landed and shifted to human form. She eyed the castle, it's windows darkened this late at night. Fitting really, as it made it look haunted. There were real monsters in those halls and they had nothing to do with the giant snake sleeping underneath the Castle. Her thoughts drifted back to the man she herself knew, here driven to a most desperate act, as she made her way home.
-∞-
OW April 1992
"You insufferable girl. How dare you drag one of my students down with you. I ought to speak to Filch and have you clean my cauldrons every day for the rest of term. Maybe then you'd learn a thing about Potions. Did you hear a word I said? Of course not. Hazel Potter has no time to hear about anything that inconveniences her. If you were in my house I would…" Hazel listened as the man went on and on, feeling her emotions cracking. It wasn't fair. Hagrid was given an illegal egg by a stranger. He would have gone to prison if she hadn't helped him. She had remembered Weasley talking about his older brother from the Dragon Reserve and asked him for help with the Dragon. She had no idea that they would get caught. No, she did have a thought that they would have gotten caught. What she didn't expect was the treatment that came from it. The entire house now hated her because they wouldn't get a cup that only their teacher would look at. They weren't the ones who had to clean bathrooms by hand for the foreseeable future. All she did was help Hagrid. So why? Why was she punished for making sure her friend didn't go to prison? Why?
"Professor." Snape stopped talking and Hazel felt her nerves go down. Quirrell rested his hand on Hazel's shoulder for a second. "I believe the Deputy Headmistress has already decided on the punishment of Miss Potter and while I disagree with the severity of it, I do consider it to be settled. Your student's punishments are already under your discretion. I suggest you go see that he learns his own lesson. I will escort Miss Potter to her next detention. If you would excuse us." Snape stared at Quirrell before glaring at Hazel. He turned around and marched away, his cloak billowing behind him. Hazel lowered her eyes, her voice soft and tired. "He hates me." Quirrell pushed her gently along the hallways. "Yes, I am afraid he does." Hazel looked at the man. "Why? I was one the last time I was around wizards. What did I do?" Quirrell sighed. "I am afraid that you did nothing. Your father and his band of Marauders, however, did antagonize him for much of his school life." Hazel frowned. "But that was years ago. They were all just kids." Quirrell nodded. "And yet old wounds linger, perhaps worst of all when inflicted on a child."
A shiver went down her back as Hazel listened to her Professor speak. There was such… feeling behind his words. Like he lived the same painful things he is trying to tell her about. She thought of Snape and his issues with her. "If he hates me for something like that, then there is no point in me asking for forgiveness or peace from him, is there?" Quirrell eyed her. "In a way that depends on you. His past has shaped who Snape is as a person. Does that excuse his behaviour and merit some conciliation, or does it damn him as being petty, immature and self centered? Unfortunately, Snape is unlikely to make any gesture of goodwill. Meaning it's now in your hands. Could you forgive him for being so vile for a sin you have no blame for, or will you condemn him for being no different than the people who tormented him in the first place? The answer, as with many in this world, isn't an easy one." The two walked silently for a bit until curiosity got the better of Hazel. Maybe the Professor would know? "Sir, why was I so harshly punished? The dragon is safe with Handlers and no one was hurt. So why did the Deputy Headmistress, my Head of House, punish me as she did? It… doesn't feel right." Quirrel looked at her with a sad expression. "No, I don't suppose it does. McGonagall, for all her talent as a teacher, is divided in her duties. As a Head of House, your wellbeing should be her top priority."
Hazel's snort made the Professor smirk. "Yes, she is clearly failing there, isn't she? As your Deputy Headmistress, she needs to set a precedent. You, as an 11 year old, were out past curfew, bringing a dangerous creature into the castle and handing it off to visitors that didn't check in with the Administration. For one large but ultimately harmless offence in your actions, she levered several penalties onto you. Separately it would have been fine, but the amount of detentions and the damage the point reduction did to your standing in your house has turned a well planned punishment into an abuse of her power. Sadly, this is all too common, even more so when your action was born of good intentions." Hazel frowned. "Then what's the point? If you're bad you're punished, if you're good you're punished. How does this make anyone want to do the right thing?" Quirrell stopped just outside of the next bathroom as Filch dropped the mop, bucket and scrubbing brush infront of her. Quirrell turned to her and gave her an understanding look. "I am afraid that such a system doesn't encourage much good behaviour at all, Miss Potter. Everything is left to the individual and as you said, what good is it if you know you will be punished for either way? In this case, the choice falls to you. The next time you are asked to decide for yourself what you should do, what will your choice be? Time will tell."
-∞-
NW April 1992
"Well, you certainly managed to maintain your anonymity." Croaker dropped the letter onto the desk in front of him and Dora picked it up. "Harry Potter saved in the Forbidden Forest by a Griffin!? How did you manage that?" Hazel glared at Croaker. "Now you are being mean on purpose." Croaker chuckled merrily. "You could have picked something else." Hazel rolled her eyes. "Like what? A Grim? A Nundu? A Wyvern? What other choice did I have?" Croaker drank from his coffee. "There are Hippogriffs and Centaurs in the area." Hazel waved that comment away. "And Hagrid knows all of them. I needed something that would chase that thing away without leaving me with a kid begging not to be eaten or get my cover blown. As a Gryffindor, I expected the mascot of his house's founder to be among the list of creatures he might not fear. The fact he had no fear whatsoever, while heartwarming, is a point of concern. A real Griffin or even a Hippogriff might tear him into ribbons if he isn't careful." Croaker nodded. "You have a point. At least Dumbledore hasn't reported the issue, so that helps our cover."
Dora sat down and glared. "How are you able to become a Griffin? You were a lynx in Acquisitions." Hazel eyed Croaker who shrugged. She sighed and turned to Dora and shifted. Dora blinked as she looked at a pretty kitty cat before it turned into an owl, before it turned again into a pup before one last time into a dragon hatchling. She even shot a burst of fire at her partner, making the metamorphmagus jump back. Hazel shifted one last time into her human form, a little winded. "Like that?" Dora blinked at her. "I've never heard about anyone doing that… ever!" Hazel shrugged. "Because I am hundred percent certain only a Metamorphmagus can do it." Tonks blinked. "None have done that before! We aren't supposed to have an Animagus transformation at all!" Hazel rested her chin on her hand as she crossed her legs. "That's the fault of the process. The animagus transformation most people use isn't designed for a Metamorphmagus. It looks for a singular form, not an infinite number. You need to adjust the transformation or force a particular form into your mind to get the first transformation in. Once you get through the first transformation, changing forms is no different than applying a Transfiguration to yourself, just like you do to change your hair."
Hazel watched Dora slump in her seat. "Say's the only person in the room with a Transfiguration Mastery." Hazel blushed. Croaker and Horatio had forced her to take her NEWTs in December, which came back as a surprise. She got O+ in Defense, Charms and the rare Dueling elective, while she scored O++ in Transfiguration. Horatio dragged her in front of a panel of oathbound observers and demanded she go crazy as soon as he got the results of her tests. She did. The judges looked terrified at the level of detail she could manage, especially as she created several magical creatures with their magical traits replicated to near perfection, her spell resistant fire breathing Wyvern being quite the specimen. They gave her a Mastery on the spot. The spooks tried to get her to do the other NEWTs but she refused to make a fool of herself. She knew she would barely pass Herbology and Care, she had no way of passing History of Magic and she refused to touch Runes and Potions. Hazel sighed. "If you are interested, Dora, I would be happy to teach it to you, on the condition I am no longer singled out on missions for Animagi once she gets it down." Dora's face lit up. "I'll take it!" Croaker looked amused. "Go right ahead. Having another rare Animorphmagus under my payroll would be most welcomed."
Dora grinned before she remembered something, "So, what was that cloaked figure you chased away?" Croaker nodded to Hazel, who then turned to Dora. "Voldemort ain't dead. Best guess is that he is a talking head attached to the back of Professor Quirrell who is now so deteriorated from a failed possession that he is forced to depend on unicorn blood to survive." Dora looked from Hazel to Croaker repeatedly. "Well, shit. Our orders are to end him?" Croaker shook his head at her language. "Yes, but in his current form that is not advisable. Instead we are focusing on keeping him from harming anyone and diminishing his pool of recruits. We will remove the possessed Professor as soon as the right opportunity presents itself, our new allies in the Gamot will slow down or impede any laws that give further aid to his supporters or could add more supporters to him, and we will selectively intervene where a less delicate approach is needed." Dora looked at Hazel. "I am guessing you have a few more secrets that I need my Occlumency defenses for?" Hazel nodded and Dora sighed. "Well, I am going to tell Mom to crank up the exercises before I head to bed. Goodnight Boss. Later Partner."
-∞-
Hazel hugged Andromeda. "Thanks for watching over him. I know it was a bit last minute." Andromeda pulled back and smiled. "Not at all, I was happy to look after him. Dora even managed to make an appearance. I had her do some Occlumency exercises while Teddy distracted her. Quite effective." Hazel chuckled. "I can imagine. Just to let you know, Harry is perfectly safe. He even got to ride a Griffin." Andromeda eyed her carefully and shook her head. "Of course he did. At least the boy has a pleasant memory attached to this night. Thank you, as always. Now, I need to head home. Ted is probably waiting up on me. Have a goodnight, Hazel." Hazel walked her to the door. "Goodnight, Andromeda." Hazel closed the door and after checking that the door that led to Nymphadora's apartment was locked, she walked into her son's bedroom. She could feel he was still slightly awake so she sat next to him and played with his hair. Teddy turned towards her and smiled, his eyes a bit sleepy. "Hi mom." Hazel smiled. "Hi, Teddy. Mom's home in one piece." Teddy smiled and hugged his pillow tighter. "I'm glad. Did you see Harry?"
Adjusting herself better to lie down on the side of the bed next to him, Hazel nodded. "I did. Bad guy tried to hurt him but I chased him away. Did it as a Griffin too." Teddy pouted. "He got a ride on your back, didn't he?" Hazel chuckled. "He did. Want to scare Dora tomorrow when she comes over for dinner? I can shift into a small Hebridean Black Dragon and you can ride my back." Teddy brightened at that. "Promise?" Hazel kissed his head. "It's a promise if you go to bed soon. Mom's Boss is being mean and wants Mom bright and early. Dora also asked me to teach her how to shift into animals so you can ask her for rides later too." Teddy yawned. "Ok. I'll go to sleep. Night, Mom." Hazel got up from the bed and turned off the lights in the apartment. "Night, Teddy. Pleasant dreams." She checked the rest of the apartment and the wards before heading into the shower. She spent a lot more time than usual cleaning her nails and hands since she carved into both a Unicorn and a rotting body.
She laid back onto the bed and thought of Harry. If the reports out of Hogwarts were accurate and the boy she had a silent conversation with was being genuine, then the differences between his life and hers were already having a marked difference. He was a lot more mature for his age, understanding that there was nothing left to do for the Unicorn and not being terrified of her, even though she would be sending him Newt's most detailed book so that he wouldn't walk up to the next Griffin he saw. That he was friends with Ronald Weasley concerned her a bit. She might need to ask Financial if they can check the Weasley finances. She had discovered that her world's Ronald had been receiving payments from her Trust Vault since her first year, even though she hated the boy. How she ever believed him as a possible friend in her final year was something she had trouble understanding. A potion maybe? Her doubts always came the longer she went without being near him after all. Hermione Granger was the mystery. Hazel assumed she was encouraged to be her friend after the Troll incident and she had been a good friend until after the Triwizard Tournament. Did that mean she was still innocent now?
Hazel wasn't sure but for now she would let things play out until Croaker sent her in to take care of Voldemort. She then had a summer to spend inspecting the situation Harry had at home, documenting everything in case Amelia had enough for a case to get him away from the Dursleys. Any Blood Wards repurposed by Dumbledore would be all too easy for her to adjust. As she was technically Harry's family, her wards could be stronger than the butchered ones Dumbledore probably applied. Time. That was the only thing that would be in her way for a bit. Waiting for time to march on. She thought of Teddy and smiled. She would accept all the time she still had left with her son. She still had a little over a year's time before he went to Hogwarts. His last name, any of them really, would cause a stir in the Castle. She needed to secure anything she could manage of the Peverells of this world. The moment Dumbledore heard that a Peverell was up and about, he would start looking for threats. He was holding the Elder Wand after all, Croaker confirmed as much. Her only concern was if he dared to threaten Teddy. If he did, death would be off the table for him. She would show him what pain really was if he ever dared to harm her son.
Notes:So, how was it?
Next Chapter?: Back to Work
I have such a headache right now. RL sucker punched me and I am seeing a lot of sleepless nights in my future. It's not a pleasant thought. Part of my delay in posting was from that. Made little progress updating the story further but I atleast have an idea on the how many Chapters are in the Year 5 section and I have the climactic end figured out. I just need to write it and my current headache addled mind isn't cooperating.
Leave a comment, discuss and see you all in three days.
Chapter 14: Right Back on the HorseNotes:Here is the next Chapter. Hope you like it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Name?" Dora swallowed briefly. "François d'Éon here for the evening with my guard." The man looked over his list and nodded. "Wands?" Hazel, disguised as Dora's buff male guard, pulled her wand out from a vest pocket and handed it to the Bouncer. She knew her friend was protective of her real wand so she was glad Quetz had basic spare wands in Acquisitions that could last for centuries. The Bouncer turned to Dora, also in the form of a much older man in a modern mix of a suit and robe, and she shook her head. "Sorry young man but I never bring a wand to events like this." The Bouncer smirked. "Smart man. Need to check for a holster on you and your man. Turn around." After a thorough check, Dora and Hazel were allowed to enter the establishment without further delays. Dora's eyes scanned the large open space and mentally cringed. Leave it to Wizards to have an illegal Dueling Circuit look like it was being held at the most high end of establishments. The place was dripping with crystal chandeliers, rooms decorated with gold reliefs, expensive seats and a whole lot of booze that Dora was sure she had never heard the brands off. There was also the smell of tobacco everywhere. She wanted to gag. "This way, Monsieur."
Dora followed Hazel's direction and she sat down in a viewing gallery overlooking a lower floor and a large cage. She watched as two young wizards stepped up to the dueling platform as the announcer introduced them. She saw the spectators discuss among themselves as the last few people went to place their bets before the match officially started. "Not interested in placing a bet, Monsieur d'Éon?" Dora swallowed her nerves as the man who approached her, Sir Leon Burbage, the owner of the club, spoke to her. Dora stood up as Hazel gave the man a respectful bow. "Sir Burbage, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I would love to provide some funds to your establishment, but I never bet not knowing the odds. Most unsightly. I prefer to see the caliber of a man before betting on them." Sir Burbage nodded at him and looked to the fighters. "A wise policy. I personally enjoy our selection of Irish duelists." Dora nodded back. "Most grateful for the recommendation. I look forward to seeing a grand performance from them." The older gentleman bowed and left to check on the other guests. The two wizards in the ring fought each other, casting spells no Dueling Circuit would allow. Blood and limbs flew across the platform until one man collapsed and the referee called the match.
"A most impressive display. Wouldn't you agree?" Dora stilled. She knew that silky smooth voice. She noticed Hazel took a more aggressive posture. "I am afraid we haven't had the pleasure, sir?" The blonde man bowed his head, his snake headed cane in his hand. "Lord Lucius Malfoy." Dora bowed her head in response. "Monsieur François d'Éon." Lucius gave him a calculated look. "Not familiar with your family's name." Dora waved her hand dismissively. "We had withdrawn from the political arena some time ago. The Napoleonic Wars left much bad blood between my family and others. Wouldn't you agree? If my memory serves, your family was chased out of the Continent under some unpleasant and clearly trumped up charges at about the same time." Lucius gave her a satisfied smile. "Yes, France isn't what it once was. Seeking to expand into Britain? I know quite a few men here who would welcome business with families of good stock." Dora sighed. "Not today, I am afraid. The wife is looking at the offerings of Edinburgh's Magical District. I will be here in a week from now, if you are interested. I will be more inclined to discuss business then. Today I am here to unwind from a long shopping trip."
Lucius chuckled. "Indeed, my wife can also leave one seeking the company of good men and fine drink after a day in the Alleys. A pleasure, Monsieur. I look forward to doing business with you." Dora watched as Hazel's eyes followed the man's movements before he sat next to another man. She knew him to be Lord Nott, who looked less than pleased to be sitting next to Malfoy. She scanned the crowd haphazardly, knowing Hazel's position as her guard made her the best bet for scouting the area. She felt her stomach recoil as several more matches took place, watching blood spray across the floor from men and women alike. She would have nightmares from this, she was sure of that. Feeling Hazel tap her shoulder, Dora relaxed as much as she could. The gruesome sight continued to get worse and worse, as the organizers refused to clean up the blood splatter on the floor. After several hours watchung she had enough. She stood up and buttoned her suit jacket as she headed for the men taking the bets. She placed fifty galleons and gave two to the man. "Fifty as a donation to Sir Burbage for the fine evening. The two are for you." The man nodded and counted the coins before sending word. The teller returned. "Sir Burbage is most grateful for the donation and would enjoy seeing you return at a future event. Good evening, sir." Hazel retrieved her wand from the Bouncer and the two made their way further out into London's dark streets. "I need a bath and I feel sick." Hazel nodded as she took Dora's arm, preparing for an apparition to the nearest safehouse. "Same here."
-∞-
Croaker and Horatio eyed the reports and the memory vials. "This is worse than expected. The establishment has Muggles and Wizards mingling and placing bets on a bloodsport. Are you sure some of those fights were rigged?" Hazel, back in her typical form and wearing her open backed halter top, nodded. "They picked guys with similar looking skill sets but it was clear who the favorites were. Pretty sure they use Polyjuice too, letting them mix fighters and get different results from everyone, especially with how unbalanced the fighters were at times. Everyone but the crowd favorites, of course. Those get the royal treatment and the big bets." Horatio grunted and lifted one of the memory vials, eyeing it carefully. "I will look the memories over but I trust her judgement. I wouldn't be surprised if they had death matches later on. Gods damned vultures." Dora sat back, looking ill. "So, what happens now?" Hazel gave her partner an understanding look. "We go back next week and keep documenting everything. By the time they get arrested we can slap several ironclad charges on the spectators and the establishment. The more names we get, the larger the dent we can do to the illegal operations, their finances and their wider recruitment operations ."
Dora shuddered. "I don't fancy another night of this." Worried about Dora's distress, Hazel turned to Croaker. "We should switch who takes the d'Éon persona. Dora isn't used to mindless violence and while she may get numb to it, it's not going to be soon. I can last longer, though I might be needing some stress relief brawls before and after. If I have to deal with Lucius Malfoy, I am going to be suppressing a lot of my instincts." Croaker eyed Dora and Hazel. "Are you sure you can manage not to go against orders and kill any of them?" Hazel sighed. "Get me exhausted and the temptation will be lowered. I would drink but that would be a bad idea and I made Teddy a promise about when I am about to drink. I am not breaking it over the scumbags." Croaker turned to Horatio who nodded. "I will help R1 decompress before and after the missions. R2 needs more practice spotting exits and potential threats, as well as reading body language. These missions will help her with that if she takes the guard role." Dora nodded slowly. "I should be fine by the next infiltration. Switching every week should work." Croaker sat back. "Then it's decided. Despite everything, good work you two. I will get in touch with MI5 and the ICW. We will see just who was attending and how to approach this from a legal perspective."
Horatio touched Hazel's shoulder. Hazel looked at him and followed the gesture on his head. She nodded. Stretching out of her seat, she walked behind Dora and gently lifted her up. "Come on partner, I think you need that bath we talked about. I got a few tricks to help you unwind." Dora nodded and stood up. Croaker watched them leave, Dora's movements rather stiff. He sighed. "This might have been too much too soon for Nymphadora." Horatio nodded. "I don't disagree. She is a bit gentler in nature than we typically look for in an Operative. Seeing witches and wizards gut each other while the members of high society cheered them on was too much." Horatio eyed Croaker. "After this mission is concluded, I would suggest you put them to work for Amelia as Hit Witches for the Aurors. Let them walk around guarding people, just mingling. It will do Nymphadora good and Hazel can learn to relax." Croaker snorted. "Good luck with that. Without her son, relaxing seems unlikely." Horatio hummed, his eyes back on the door where the two witches just left through. "Perhaps not."
-∞-
Nymphadora felt numb. She had never seen people be so vicious or brutal with each other. The worst part of watching the illegal circuit fights was the audience. For every limb lobed off they cheered, for every near death they cheered louder still. The bastards waited until the people were displayed like prized bulls before placing their bets, some even going higher if the winner ended up killing the competition before the referee called the match. Dora was glad no one died tonight. The audience, once the bets were placed, would then just sit back and watch the slaughter. Half the time they didn't even seem to mind if they lost their bets, if it meant they got to see a good show by the end. Their definition of a good show made her sick. The worst part is that the d'Éon mission had been offered to them both, as the guard would be focused more on scanning the room and the audience, getting as much detail as possible for identification purposes. They spent weeks perfecting their performance, looking up the appropriate behaviours and vernaculars, just so that they wouldn't be singled out as a fake businessman from France. That part had gone flawlessly. Even Lucius bloody Malfoy took the bait. No, Dora knew exactly what she was walking into. Hazel had warned her just before they apparated next to the place. She said she would hate it completely. Dora had believed what her friend had said and thought she could handle it. She thought wrong.
Dora blinked lazyly as she looked around her apartment. How did she get here again? The noise of a locking door drew her attention to Hazel, who approached from the opening to her own apartment. "Sorry, I needed to tell Teddy I would be here with you." Dora nodded numbly. She felt Hazel move her towards the bathroom and then she felt something odd. She felt her clothes dropping to the floor. She eyed her friend as the woman undressed her. "What did you say about waiting?" Hazel looked up at her and Dora blinked. Those green eyes weren't filled with any emotion other than concern. "Since we are both adults and I have already seen you in your knickers, I hope you don't mind if I strip you. A shower and a bath aren't as comfortable with clothes on and while a bathing suit might work, we aren't children." Those gentle hands never strayed, never lingered. They pulled every article of clothing off of her and then she felt herself being pushed into a shower stall Dora knew was bigger than she remembered. There was also a bench on which Hazel pushed her down onto. "Hazel, I can shower myself." She heard a snort behind her. "Right, and leave you to spend hours as you try to drown yourself under a shower? Not happening. Now sit quietly."
Hazel then proceeded to wash Dora's back who went from silent to groaning as muscles she hadn't known to be sore suddenly ached. Hazel rubbed and massaged her way over the next hour until she washed Dora clean with water. "The bath is set. Get in and soak. I will be back soon. Just get your mind off everything from today. And I do mean everything. I know Andromeda has you on the relaxation exercises for Occlumency. Go through those now." Dora, covered up to her neck in scented water after stepping into the bath, nodded absentmindedly and closed her eyes. She pushed aside everything from today and focused on the feeling of the warm water. The warmth felt so comfortable, her mind just started to wander. Eventually she just fell asleep. She had no idea how long she slept. Dora woke up when she felt a gentle hand on her cheek. It felt warm. Those pretty green eyes were back and she smiled. "Did I oversleep?" Hazel smiled softly. "A little. Time to get dry. Dinner will be ready soon." Dora nodded and got up. She blushed a little when she realised she just gave Hazel a full view of her naked body. She then noticed that Hazel wasn't wearing regular clothes. It looked like a one piece swimsuit. "You wore that the whole time, didn't you?" Hazel raised an eyebrow. "No Dora. I didn't get naked with you. Get that mind out of the gutter for the next two hours. You can get it back in there as soon as your head hits a pillow and you slip into your dreams."
Dora's hair and face were a soft red as Hazel helped dry her off. "Not that I am complaining but why?" Hazel proceeded to dry Dora's hair. "Something I learned on my trainwreck of a life. A little human warmth goes a long way to help dispel some of the numbness. Teddy can tell when I have a bad day and would cuddle up with me. His Grandmother and I… we were never romantic or physically close. But on a night like today, when I got home feeling numb from the things I saw or did… On those nights she would drag me into the shower and do to me what I did to you. It's hard to explain and I am sure some people would call it silly but there are moments when you need physical reminders of kindness and warmth. My Godmother who practically raised me for all of three years did something similar, spending hours with me after a warm bath just brushing my hair and talking. The world can be a cold place without the small reminders that people care." Dora felt warm all the way to her core as Hazel dropped her off in her bedroom. "Wear something comfortable. I need to shower. Cross to my apartment and bring your toiletries. You're spending the night." Dora nodded and picked some of her pajamas that she wore at Hogwarts. They were a bit tight but an expansion charm made them comfortable.
The moment she opened the door to Hazel's room her nose was assaulted by a hefty smell. Teddy jumped down from a stand he and Leafsby used to reach the stove top and grabbed Dora's hand. "Mom made beef stew and mashed potatoes. Do you want lots of vegetables or few?" Dora smiled at the kid. "I'll take an equal serving of both." The elf nodded. "Mistress Peverell made plenty. Mistress Peverell also brought out some bottles of wine." Dora blushed and looked at Teddy. "Hazel mentioned she doesn't drink as a promise to you. This isn't a problem, is it?" Teddy shook his head, his purple eyes full of warmth. "Mom says you had a bad day and might need a drink. We agreed to one bottle of wine for today and you get to share. Mom get's weepy on a full bottle but she should be fine." Dora rubbed his hair. "So your mom is a weepy drunk. Good to know." A voice from behind made her smile. "He shouldn't have told you that. I swear, if you repeat it or try to get me drunk on purpose, I will ask Andromeda for all your dirty secrets."
Teddy giggled as Dora pouted. The three sat down and dug into the meal, even if it was mostly Dora and Teddy eating. Dora breathed out deeply after finishing her glass of wine. "How is it you never eat as much?" Hazel shrugged. "You two have a high metabolism, I don't. I also don't go around changing my appearance as much." Hazel drank a little from her wine and Dora waited. Sure enough a blush became visible on Hazel's neck and cheeks by the end of the meal. Dora sat down with Teddy and the two went over Hazel's vinyl collection, the two sharing their favorites and Hazel playing a few while they chatted. While Dora stuck to her opinion of liking the Weird Sisters, she had to admit to enjoying a few of the other artists. Hazel played the Scottish Folksong disc Dora sent them for Christmas and Dora watched as Teddy started swinging from side to side. Hazel led the kid to his room. Her friend returned and sat by her on the sofa. "Big meals like that make Teddy sleepy. He's out like a light. I am glad I asked him to shower before dinner." Dora nodded and after a few minutes listening to relaxing music, Hazel started turning off the lights. Then Dora got pulled into Hazel's room. "Won't Teddy be mad?"
Hazel shook her head. "I asked him for permission and he gave it to me. He also said you aren't allowed to steal me, but he might eventually agree to sharing." Dora giggled. "Weird kid." Hazel playfully slapped her shoulder. "No, he is perfect. Now get under the covers and sleep." Dora did as she was told and got under the covers. Sleep came slowly as the warm presence of another body in her bed, while nothing new, was making her feel extra warm. "You're allowed to cuddle but those hands aren't allowed under my clothes." Dora swallowed and reachout to hug Hazel. She spooned her and the moment she closed her eyes, she felt a peace settle into her. As she felt sleep take her, Dora realized what Hazel did for her today. She treated her as family, showed her the warmth she could get from just any other day. An ordinary day. No violence, no bastards, no plots. Just a comfortable day with family. She felt something inside of her shift and she breathed deeply. As she slipped fully into sleep she wondered to herself if this was something she would enjoy for the rest of her life. She wanted it to be.
-∞-
A cold wet nose kept poking her on the face as the light of the morning pressed into her closed eyes. Dora grumbled as she tried to fall back asleep but the nose kept insisting. She opened her eyes and stared at a pup. A wolf pup. She blinked. Right. She had fallen asleep in Hazel's apartment. In the same bed as her partner. Her work partner. Her exceedingly hot and steamy dreams notwithstanding, Hazel was her work partner, who also admitted to wanting a relationship with her but not wanting it right now because Dora was vulnerable. Dora really wanted to jump her bones right now. Except there was a wolf pup currently eyeing her from atop the bed. Had there been a wolf pup in the apartment last night? Dora couldn't remember but after last night and the few drinks she had, she was sure she could have missed it. "Hazel, when did you get a pet?" She felt the bed next to her shift a little. She could see from the corner of her eye that Hazel had turned to look at her and then eyed the wolf pup. She lifted her blanket and the pup shot under it. Dora was about to ask again until a raven haired boy popped his head. "Morning." Dora blinked. "Morning. How are you an Animagus? You're ten."
Teddy's tenth birthday had been a surprisingly quiet affair as it landed during the Easter Break. Hazel had gone out with Teddy for most of the day, having fun at an amusement park and just enjoying the day out together. Dora and Andromeda had been invited to a short dinner with birthday cake afterwards. Ice cream birthday cake. Hazel had been amused watching Dora and Teddy essentially competing for who could eat the most cake. Dora won, but just barely. She partially regretted it later, as the sugar high kept her awake for most of the night. Hazel had apparently predicted a similar thing with Teddy and the two went out to an Arcade in London, which sufficiently drained Teddy's sugar high. Hazel had looked at her dead tired friend with a bemused smile the next day and Andromeda refused to give her a Pepper Up Potion. Horatio had not taken it easy on her at all right after. Still, Dora couldn't be mad with Teddy about the cake. She could be jealous though. Because the kid was barely ten years old and was an Animagus. Dora eyed Hazel. "Is he an Animorphmagus too?"
Hazel chuckled and kissed her son on the cheek. "Nope, not yet. He had some stray magic in him from his sperm donor that reacted oddly with his Metamorphmagus trait. He was essentially a natural born Animagus in the form of a wolf. One day he might learn to shift between them but he is comfortable with his form currently, so there is no urge to find another form." Dora blinked at the two before she sighed. "At this point I should just give up expecting to understand you two." Teddy giggled and then he turned to his Mom. "You keeping her?" Dora pouted. "Oi, I am not the pet in this household." Hazel chuckled. "That might be a no, Teddy. Though if things are still bad she can stay over a few nights. Work will be rough for a while." Teddy nodded and hugged his mom. "Ok. Leafsby says breakfast is ready." Teddy shifted back to his wolf pup form and ran out the room as Dora watched Hazel lay her head back. Those green eyes focused on her and Dora felt her hair shift all over the place. "Want to talk about it?" Dora ran her hand through her hair. "It's a lot to take in and I am getting such mixed signals from you." Hazel pulled herself up into a sitting position and leaned towards Dora. "Let me fix that."
Dora froze as her partner leaned in and kissed her on the lips softly before deepening it, causing Dora to moan. Hazel pulled back, enjoying the blush on Dora's face. "I am interested in keeping you in my bed, Nymphadora. At the same time, you went through trauma. Again. I care about you and I will make sure you come out of this a better person but I refuse to take advantage of you or your feelings. If we get together I want no doubts between us. We will be together because we want to be together. For now, just know that I am here for you as a friend and a partner. One day I hope it will be as a lover. But not today. Are we clear?" Nymphadora nodded but she leaned forwards and kissed Hazel back. She could see desire in Hazel's eyes as she pulled away but it was buried quickly. Dora smiled. "I understand. But don't think I will make it easy on you anymore. I want you and after all of this I want you even more." Hazel glared. "You tease as much as you want, but if you traumatize my kid, we will have words." Dora shivered. Why did her mind find that sexy? "Noted. Teddy stays innocent."
Teddy's shout of "Mom!" got both of them out of bed. Dora salivated at the stack of blueberry pancakes on her table. She and Teddy devoured their stacks before Dora felt a spoon smack her head. "Hey!" Hazel eyed her and then Teddy. "Teddy, Grandma taught you how to eat properly and I haven't discouraged that, especially since you know eating too fast can make you sick. Please don't forget that. Dora, you're an adult and Teddy is a kid. Don't encourage him or I am calling Andromeda." The two Metamorphmagus ate in a more sedate manner and finished up their breakfast. Dora laid back on the couch nursing a cup of coffee. "Sorry about earlier." Hazel sat beside her and sighed. "To be fair, it happens some days. There is a reason I whacked you though. Teddy likes you and wants to be a bit like you too. If you do decide to pursue me, remember it's a packaged deal and that Teddy will come first." Dora could see that and nodded. Hazel kissed Dora's cheek. "Though that doesn't mean you will be second, just tied for first. Eventually. Got that?" Dora smiled and drank from her coffee. "I think I am going to go see Mom. I need to talk to someone about what we saw."
Hazel drank from her own cup. "And since I was there, it's not enough. I understand. I meant what I said, Dora. You need me and I will be there. We are partners in this and I won't abandon you." Dora nodded and finished her coffee. "Thank you for everything since yesterday, Hazel. I am going to change and head home." Hazel nodded and Dora left for her apartment before heading out. As she rode the elevator up, Dora took deep breaths as she felt some of the numbness from the day before settling back in. She knew the job she signed up for would be bad. Being an Auror might have been simpler but it was probably even more dangerous. She could see that now. She could see how despicable people could be. Being an Auror would have left her feeling exactly what she felt now: powerless. But as an Operative? She could get better. She could do more. She could make a real difference. Dora steeled her mind as the elevator ride ended at the main lobby. She would seek her mother's help in dealing with everything her job threw at her, but she refused to give it up. She had a great partner that cared for her and a chance to make a difference in her world. She wouldn't give any of that up.
-∞-
"Such a shame. Mr. Thomspson was a crowd favorite. Though it seems you won your bet, Monsieur d'Éon. Enjoy your winnings and we will see you again next week." Hazel nodded and followed the movements of Burbage and his guards as they returned to his private viewing gallery. She turned her eyes back to the arena floor, watching as a man she was certain was under a Polyjuice Potion, was dragged away, a gaping hole in his chest. She tried her best not to grind her teeth as she checked on her partner, Dora's male face being quite composed, even if her body language showed some stiffness still. This was their fourth visit to the underground Dueling Circuit, though "dueling" wasn't what any of her companions were calling what was actually happening. As expected, several fights ended with casualties and Hazel had to spend a few more nights consoling Dora. Croaker was looking for a way to end this assignment with the largest possible arrests, but getting enough intel on other criminal activities beyond watching an illegal duel wasn't easy. They did get a few interesting leads that could be used later in the year. Lucius Malfoy had admitted to owning a large collection of dangerous magical artefacts that he was willing to sell that simply didn't fall under family heirlooms. Therefore they were highly illegal. Lord Nott, on the other hand, was proving to be a mystery. It was clear he didn't enjoy the spectacle as his fellow companions did and didn't bet much on the fights. Croaker wasn't exactly sure what to make of the older gentleman from a traditional family highly associated with Voldemort in the last war but as this was the fourth visit they had nothing to go on. Lord Nott simply sat at the viewing gallery and didn't approach anyone. They would have to keep a closer eye on him.
Hazel turned to look at Dora who nodded. Her partner was getting better at handling these events, though a lot of that had to do with her getting dragged around London by Teddy and Andromeda, with Hazel close behind. Andromeda had spent many long days talking with her daughter, using her Mind Healers training to just help Dora speak of her troubles. Having her mother supporting her and then taking her out to dinners with her father was helping Dora get better. She had also slowed down her alcohol intake, though the fact she would try and make Hazel share drinks with her had been exacerbating as much as amusing. Another change had been Dora taking her Occlumency and Physical training much more seriously. Hazel could understand the feeling. Watching someone die made a person feel weak and powerless. Doing it repeatedly only reinforced that feeling. Dora was doing what any person in her place could. Work harder to be able to make a difference. Hazel knew she was looking forward to tearing this place down. She was too. A voice on Hazel's earpiece made both of them still. This mission was supposed to be radio silent. Even so, they always carried their communication devices, the earpiece stored safely in the wristwatch before being placed in the ear, a notice-me-not charm keeping it from being spotted.
"BM to R1 and R2, Aurors are launching a surprise raid on the location. Someone made an anonymous call and the force is on its way. Neither D or HA have authorized it." Hazel eyed Dora who shook her head in exacerbation. Great. This wasn't how they wanted to proceed. Hazel casted the smallest privacy ward she could, around her watch and mouth as she leaned in, appearing to have a closer look to the match while blocking the view of her lips. "Orders?" She felt Dora move into a more covered position. Haratio spoke up. "The owner is too highly placed to be detained properly for this. Eliminate Priority One target. Decide who is better suited." Hazel turned to Dora and saw the surprise in her eyes. Horatio was letting her go for a kill. Dora thought for a second and closed her eyes. She had recently redoubled her commitment but was she ready to kill in cold blood again, especially after all this? She opened them and looked at Hazel, shaking her head slightly. Not yet. She wasn't there yet. Hazel nodded softly and turned forward again. "R1, on task." Horatio's voice responded, sounding soft and understanding. "Roger. Get to work." Hazel stood up and buttoned up her jacket. She made her way towards the bathroom when an obnoxious voice cut her off. "Leaving so early, Monsieur?" Hazel gave an awkward smile to Lucius. "Not at all. My wife simply dared me to try the Haggis during lunch in the Highlands. It doesn't seem to have settled well with me."
Lucius gave him an understanding look. "One would think our love for foie gras would translate well to that and other odd culinary concoctions, but it doesn't. My condolences. I hope you don't miss much of the entertainment." Hazel nodded weakly. "Indeed. By your leave." Lucius nodded and Hazel walked down towards the bathroom in a less than dignified gait. Once inside she picked a stall, checked for surveillance and placed a small ward around her and Dora. "Guard my stall. I will try to be quick." Dora nodded and Hazel closed the stall, taking off her shoes and pants and leaving them on the toilet, using a bit of magic to conjure some fake legs to fill them. She pulled on her magic, shifting her appearance back to normal while transfiguring her clothes into an approximation of her tactical suit, while willing the Cloak to manifest around her. Hazel connected her magic to it and slipped through the wall behind the stall. She crossed the viewing platforms and passed into Sir Burbage's personal suite. With four conjured knives in her offhand Hazel positioned herself behind Burbage until she slit his throat with the knife in her main hand. The gurgling noise drew the eyes of the guards and Hazel launched two of her knives into the chests of the guard in front, followed closely by those behind her. She casted AKs at the four guards, ending their lives before they could fight back, dispelling the blades in process.
Hazel eyed the room and felt something off about the ambient magic. She neared the desk, pulled open a once locked drawer and grinned. Casting a small ward, she spoke into the comm. "Priority One down. Located building wardstone. I can trigger a partial lockdown. Orders?" Horatio sounded like he was discussing it with Croaker, before he responded. "Do it. Seal all exits minus primary entrance. Return to R2 and blend in. Maintain cover." Hazel eyed the dead Burbage. "R1, acknowledged." She dispelled the ward and conjured a glove that she then wore on her hand. One blood soaked glove on a wardstone later, and Hazel had bypassed its control scheme and sealed all the other exits. A few minutes later Hazel, looking like the d'Éon persona again, walked out of the bathroom stall, a toilet flushing behind her. "Remind me never to have Haggis again. Ever." Dora nodded and Hazel washed her hands before they both returned to their viewing gallery. After a few more gruesome minutes watching two witches curse at each other, the crowd started to move and shove each other as the doors bursted open. "This is the police! Everyone, kneel on the ground now! You are hereby arrested for participating in an illegal dueling circuit. Wands and firearms down!"
Dora kept a stoic face as she and Hazel were cuffed and pulled out of the building and slapped with a portkey. After the disorienting ride they looked around at the detention cell they were dropped into. "So, fancy a few games of Blackjack? Loser pays for dinner?" Dora chuckled. "Sure. But you better not cheat." Both Dora and Hazel shifted their hands and wrists and slipped the cuffs off their arms. Hazel conjured the deck of cards and the two sat down for the long wait. One exceedingly long hour and a half later and their cell door was opened, revealing a set of familiar faces. "All right you two, you can drop the shift." Hazel and Dora shifted back to normal and both sighed in relief. "Thanks Boss, wearing that form was getting tiring." Croaker shook his head and turned to Amelia and Rufus. "Rufus, meet R1 and R2. They will be in your employ temporarily starting summer as Hit Witches. Try to keep them away from certain properties. This last mission has both of them itching to exact some payback on the people your Aurors just arrested today." Rufus eyed them both before looking at Croaker. "How long were they in cover?"
Croaker raised an eyebrow. "Four undercover missions, four weeks of work, not counting the months of preparations prior, all partly wasted with your Aurors jumping the gun. Your Department will be lucky to see any of our intel on this." Rufus winced. "I will bring in Shacklebolt and Proudfoot. Can't punish them too hard but an extended stay of desk duty should get them to understand that the chain of command is there for a reason." Hazel spoke up. "Who was the person to call the Aurors? Were you able to identify them?" Croaker turned to Hazel. "A witch who had been looking for her missing brother. He was one of the duelists, a lucky man to have survived the circuit for three weeks. She's staying by his side in St. Mungos currently, and admitted to calling the Aurors as soon as she heard the place was an illegal dueling circuit after failing to enter through the door." The group went quiet after that as Amelia eyed Hazel and Dora. "Should I even ask if you two were responsible for the five corpses found, one being Burbage, the owner." Dora and Hazel looked at each other before turning to Amelia and speaking in stereo. "Can't say." Amelia pinched the bridge of her nose and glared at a grinning Croaker. "Take them back to your basement and send them our way once they are free. With a few Aurors now being assigned to desk duty, we need some boots on the ground in Diagon Alley." Croaker nodded and turned to his Operatives. "All right, Recruits. Mission Complete. Let's get your debriefs done so we can all call it a night." Hazel nodded and grinned at Dora, "Dinner?" Dora sighed. "I'll get it."
Notes:So, how was it? Undercover work isn't the most pleasant of jobs but it has it's place in law enforcement. The idea for the illegal Dueling Circuit came from animerocker646's "The Last Peverell." I did modify it to my idea of what the more corrupt members of society would indulge in for the decor and atmosphere. As for the cover identity of d'Éon, well that is both an FGO reference and a historical one. I found it to be quite appropriate.
Next Chapter?: A Forbidden Corridor
So, remember when I said the next few days were going to be a problem? Well, they were. Just got back from the ER (not me needing medical care), though I did go over the chapter earlier. I will try to get the chapters up as usual but if I am late by 6+ hours, I am probably dealing with RL problems. Got to finish another chapter in the year 4-5 summer gap. A few more and I start Year 5 proper.
Leave a comment, discuss and see you all in 3 days. Hopefully.