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(Magnus & Eileen) Course Day
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 03-03-19 07:48
"The worst part are the two extra classes. The good part are the Hogsmeade trips. We don't need to be stuck in the castle as if we were little children anymore."
Ned was explaining to Magnus the advantages and disadvantages of being a third year. Magnus was grateful the school was hosting a Course Day at the Great Hall. As a Muggle-born he had no idea what other classes the school offered and although he had heard older students talking about theses classes he still did not have a clear image of what exactly they consisted of.
"We should take Muggle Studies together. You would excel at it and you would let me copy your homework right?" Ned asked Magnus, as they approached the Muggle Studies booth.
Professor Miller explained the subject to the two friends. Indeed it was tempting to sing up for such subject but at the same point Magnus thought it would be a complete waste of his time.
"Then again who would want to learn about Muggles?" Ned asked as they left the booth. "No offense of course," he added.
"I find them fascinating," Eileen McCourt said, joining the conversation. She too had been at the booth hearing Professor Miller's explanations. He had showed them an object called 'telephone' and he had told them that Muggles used it to communicate. They used to write letters but according to Professor Miller most Muggles opted to use the telephone these days.
"That's because you're a Ravenclaw. Everything is fascinating to you," Ned justified.
"Are those crystal balls?" Magnus asked, directing himself to another booth, where he met Professor Saffron Sacheverelle.
He felt completely mesmerized. In Arithmancy & Divination he would learn all sort of divination arts, such as reading the future on a crystal ball or by tea leaves. Magnus wondered what his parents would think of this subject. The idea that he could guess the future was very alluring. However Eileen ruined his expectations when she informed Magnus that this was no easy subject.
"My sisters Sophie and Patricia take this class. It's not an objective subject like Potions or Transfiguration. You have to have a certain inclination to it. It's not something you can simply do by studying the textbook."
"I think it would be cool to spend the entire class drinking tea, instead of copying things from a blackboard," Ned commented.
"It cannot be that easy," Magnus said.
"It's not," Eileen assured them.
The trio then split, because Eileen had already visited the other booths. Having three older sisters gave her the advantage to know a little bit more of all the classes. Each one had good and bad things to say about them. Belinda for example, told Eileen not to choose Muggle Studies. Belinda was taking the class herself but she explained to her sister that she considered it a weak subject since all Muggles were weak. There was no point in learning about them and she had only chosen that class because she thought it would be something easy to study. Sophie on the other hand suggested Care of Magical Creatures. Most classes were outside and never a bore for Professor Kent always presented interesting creatures in class. Patricia wanted Eileen to try Ancient Runes. She said Eileen would like it because it was quite challenging and at the end of the day she would gain a useful skill. Eileen left the Great Hall with a clear idea of what she would choose next year.
Meanwhile Magnus and Ned continued their tour around the Great Hall. Ned was complaining about Eileen to his friend.
"These Ravenclaws, they think they know everything! I just hope I don't get in her classes next year."
They stopped at the Ancient Runes booth. Professor Hodfuffer was a familiar face. Magnus liked the shape of the runes the Professor showed them. Ned thought it would be tricky to learn all sort of runes but Magnus thought this was something he might like to study in the future.
Then they checked Professor Kent's booth. Ned seemed excited with the idea of one day working with dangerous beasts. Magnus on the other hand was unsure if he would like to work directly with magical creatures. He did not think he would be very good at it, as he had never been an animal person. Even the students' cats wondering around the Slytherin common room were somewhat indifferent to him. But Ned would always pet them, sometimes he even stopped what he was doing to play with them.
The last booth they visited was the Alchemy booth. Magnus was disappointed to learn that only sixth and seventh years were allowed to take that class. Ned was upset as well with that fact. The two friends left the Great Hall, discussing between the two what classes they intended to choose.
Alchemy
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 03-03-19 09:16
The table for Alchemy is covered with a golden cloth. There's a brochure holder with information about the class, which is only available to sixth and seventh year students and is considered an optional, additional class––not a true elective. There are also a few contraptions showing alchemy in process. Fritz finds the experiments are what tend to draw students to his table.
If there's enough interest, then next year will be the fifth year Fritz teaches Alchemy at Hogwarts. He can hardly believe that he's been on the faculty at his alma mater for so long. Then again, he can hardly believe that it's the middle of March, that next week is the end of Winter Term, and that Easter break is around the corner. Soon it'll be summer!
If all goes to plan, then Fritz will also continue teaching at St. Emrys next year. Yesterday wrapped the end of Hilary Term, and Fritz got all his finals marked and grades submitted. He rushed to get it done, knowing that he would be busy today and tomorrow with his duties at Hogwarts.
Tomorrow is the annual Easter egg hunt. Fritz volunteered himself to chaperone. The Easter egg hunt brings in a lot of visitors, so it's good to have extra eyes and ears about.
In between today's Course Day event and the Easter egg hunt, Fritz and Coco have a double date with Otto and Coco's old roommate Gertrude Hatcher. Fritz ran into Gertrude at St. Emrys last week. After graduating from Hogwarts, Gertrude delivered singing telegrams and worked as a fortune teller at Muggle carnivals. Finally deciding she needed to do something better with her life, Gertrude enrolled at St. Emrys University this past January to study nursing.
Knowing Coco would like to catch up with her old roommate and thinking it might be nice for Otto to meet someone, Fritz arranged for the four to eat dinner at the Crown & Cauldron tonight.
A pair of third year boys come up to Fritz's table. They look intrigued by the bubbling beaker and other devices set up on the table, but neither boy lingers when they learn the subject is only for NEWT-level students. Fritz starts to remind them about Alchemy Club, which is open to everyone, but the boys are already gone.
Mrs. Spratt
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 03-04-19 08:21
"Good morning, Mrs. Spratt. My name is Nathaniel Ross, and I work for the Muggle Relations Department at Ministry of Magic. May I come in, please?"
The old witch opened the door, allowing Nate to enter her apartment, but only after he was forced to present her with some identification. This was his first job in the field since he was hired. She invited Nate to seat on a yellow sofa with pink flowers. He noticed that on the coffee table there was a large bowl filled with Bertie Bott's beans. Mrs. Spratt installed herself on an armchair.
"I confess I am quite surprised to have a visit from the Ministry. If I knew someone was coming I would have baked a pie. Is this about my husband's will? It's been years but I know there are still some disputes regarding his golden pocket watch...a nasty little goblin claims he stole it! My Hubert was no thieve. He won it fair and square at a card game, he told me."
"I am afraid that is not the reason why I am here, Mrs. Spratt. We have received some reports that you are doing magic in front of Muggles. "
"Muggles?Who told you that? Was it Mindy? Oh that woman could not tell the difference between Dumbledore and Merlin."
Nate had no idea who Mindy was. He explained to Mrs. Spratt that the Ministry of Magic knew she was doing magic in front of Muggle children that lived in her building.
"It was just a spell or two. You should have seen their faces when I turned two of their backpacks into turtles. We had a race on the corridor! Besides they are just little children. Their parents would never believe them, they will think they were making it all up!"
"Nevertheless Mrs. Spratt what you did was illegal. And I came here to warn you not to repeat yours deeds. The Ministry decided to let this go with a warning...but I am afraid next time things might get serious...you could go into custody..."
Nate tried to be firm but it was hard to do so. The old witch had gotten a bit pale and she started to justify herself. She said she had been lonely since her husband's death and that her grandchildren did not come to visit her often and she missed being with children. She asked Nate if he had children, since she noticed his wedding ring. He told her had two sons. She asked him what would he feel if he suddenly felt deprived of his children.
"My granddaughter Verena, she used to love my company. But since she received her Hogwarts letter she decided she was too old to spend time with me. And of course her mother encourages that. I never got along with Mindy. She works for Bertie Bott's." She pointed at the bowl filled with the colored beans. "She offered me these last time she was here. I was considering offering them to the Muggle children..." she confessed.
Nate kindly offered to take the beans with him. Mrs. Spratt thanked him and after making him drink a cup of tea she promised she would not do any more magic in front of Muggle children. He said goodbye to her, hoping his visit had been enough to make her stop her behavior.
Twelve Going On Forty (Mira & James)
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 03-04-19 14:38
Standing in what is about the center of the tables set up for each Hogwarts course offering, Mira turns a slow circle. When fully turned around she looks to James. "Well?"
He shrugs. "We only have four choices and that table's nearest so there first," he says gesturing towards Professor Sacheverelle and her Arithmancy & Divination table. He does not tell Mira that he's been considering taking whichever two electives she does not. It might be nice to have classes that are his alone.
Taking steps in Professor Sacheverelle's direction Mira corrects, "We have five choices."
"Fitness & Athletic doesn't count. Not really. We've been able to take it since first year."
"It's still a choice. I've heard one or two saying they will drop it so they're only taking two extras instead of three."
"I'd rather only take it but we have to take two more so," James voice trails off and he shrugs again.
"I wish we had a fashion option."
"Huh?"
"You know. Hair. Make-up. What clothes are in and what's out. How to update an old wardrobe without spending lots of money."
James shakes his head. "You're twelve. What do you need with all that?"
Mira's sigh is sad, pitying. "I won't always be."
James, head still shaking, points out, "You're part Veela. You could have chipped, crooked teeth, a hooked nose, spots, jutting chin, thin lips a single eyebrow, crossed eyes, hunched back, splotchy skin, hairy knuckled while being bald and you'd have the lads slobbering after you. Why waste galleons on make-up and whatever's new in dress robes?"
Mira flips her hair. "Girls, that is women, don't look nice for the lads. That's just a bonus for your lot."
"Who then?"
"To show up each other. You could learn a lot in the elective I want, James." Mira's tone is that of someone who finds her companion's lack of knowledge almost criminal.
James turns to his twin. "I was wrong, Mira. You aren't twelve. You're more like forty."
She makes a face at him then quickens her pace, arriving at the Arithmancy & Divination table before him.
The Diagon Alley Inquiry
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 03-05-19 02:07
Tiberius had not been assigned to Course Day so he took advantage of his free Saturday to go to Diagon Alley. The past week he had received an alarming letter from Gringotts and he wanted to clarify its content with one of the goblins that worked there. He entered the bank and directed himself to the counter, where a free goblin was ready to receive him. Tiberius placed the parchment over the counter and asked without any ceremonies:
"What is the meaning of this?"
The goblin picked up the document and read it.
"This letter could not be clearer Mr. Nott. We have been contacted by a few stores and establishments that requested the payment of several items you had purchased. Since there were funds in your vault we decided to pay them."
"So now my vault is almost empty!"
"Yes..." the goblin did not seem very satisfied with that situation either.
"Well, I did not spend that money," Tiberius declared. But he decided there was no point picking up a fight with a Gringotts goblin. Instead in the most polite tone he could produce, he asked the goblin for the list of shops and establishments that he supposedly had visited.
The goblin made him wait a few minutes after returning with an extensive list. Tiberius walked out of the bank analyzing the list's content. The list included Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occassions, Flourish & Blotts, The Cauldron Shoppe, Astronomer's Nook, Scribbulus Writing Implements, Slug & Jiggers Apothecary and Ollivanders, among others. It was clear that someone had been buying school supplies using his account. He decided to visit Ollivander's first for he thought the old wand maker would be able to provide him with some useful information.
The bell on the door rang when he entered the dusty wand shop.
"Mr. Nott, what a surprise!" Ollivander greeted. "Fir, dragon heartstring, 12', yielding....I hope your wand is still in good conditions, or does it need some maintenance?"
"My wand is fine, thank you. I came because it seems like someone gave you my reference as credit..."
Ollivander's eyes glowed in recognition.
"Oh yes, I remember. She did not have enough money to buy the wand for the boy. She asked if she could put the purchase on your account."
"Who was she?" Tiberius inquired.
"I am afraid I do not know, Mr. Nott."
"That is impossible. You claim you remember all your clients."
"Not the clients Mr. Nott, but their wands. And truth to be told I never sold a wand to that woman. Now the boy..." Ollivander smiled. "It was his first wand, so of course I remember. Pine, unicorn hair, 10'. He was a hard client but I think in the end he was satisfied."
Tiberius did not know what to make of the information Ollivander provided him. It seemed like a witch had been shopping for school supplies for boy and used his name as credit. He tried to get a description of the pair from Ollivander but the old wand maker claimed he couldn't recall very well. He had a great memory when it came to wands but he was not able to give him a name or any other reference. Tiberius left the shop and visited all the other establishments in the list. None seemed to remember their clients but Madam Malkin said that she had met a very polite boy the other day who was going to Hogwarts and whose mother demanded the best set of robes she had in the shop for her son. At the Cauldron Shoppe the store clerk declared he had persuaded a thought client from not buying a golden cauldron for her son who would be a beginner potion brewer. He then admitted to Tiberius he was afraid he would be tricked by the witch as she did not seem to have any galleons in her purse and she asked to pay in credit, giving his name as reference.
After his inquiries Tiberius reached to the conclusion that this witch had been using his name to buy her son school supplies. She did not seem concerned with savings because as far as he could tell she bought all the best supplies any first year could have, including an owl. Tiberius was glad that at least she did not bought a broomstick. Since she used his name as reference the shopkeepers accepted it as guarantee. His family name was known and no one knew he was ruined.
He returned to the castle, unsure if he should call the authorities or if he should investigate a little more. One thing was for sure: on September 1st he would be face to face with the person who almost emptied his bank account.
Birthday Party
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 03-05-19 07:14
Hugo sat in his mother's lap and watched the other children running around, screaming, laughing, and playing games at the Gaming Center. The majority of children present at the birthday party for Octavia Faircloth were around the 11-year-old's age, though there were younger children there, too.
Among them was Rose, who kept collecting prizes and giveaways from the games she either won or participated in, and she repeatedly brought the goodies to her mother for safe-keeping. Rose, looking flushed, ran over between games to get a sip of pumpkin juice and to nibble on a slice of pizza.
Hermione ran her hand over her daughter's hair and commented, "You're all sweaty. Are you having fun?"
Rose nodded, swallowed her bite of pizza and said, "Yes. I'm beating some of the bigger kids."
"I see," Hermione remarked, looking at the growing pile of winnings. "Will you win something for your brother?"
Rose drank a big gulp of juice and said, "Yes. I know just what to get for him." And then she hurried off to play another game.
Ron dropped into the empty seat next to Hermione and Hugo and commented, "Our daughter is very competitive. I wonder where she got that from." He grinned at Hermione and held out his hands to take Hugo. Hugo switched laps and wrapped his tiny arms around his daddy's neck.
"She's also outsmarting and outplaying some of the older children," Hermione added, nodding her head at the goodies by her side.
"I wonder where she got that from!" Ron quipped.
"She's having fun. I'll have to thank Castoria again for thinking of us," Hermione replied. "It's nice to have something we can do as a family, and something that doesn't involve hunting down criminals."
Hermione had managed to cull most of the abbeys off of her list by using the dark detection device she invented. She knew that there was a possibility that she would get through the entire list and never find the Death Eaters, but Hermione was hopeful that she would track them down. The device worked, after all; she just had to use it in the correct place.
"Mummy, look what I got!" Rose exclaimed, rushing over with a dragon stuffed animal in her hands. "It's a Common Welsh Green for Hugo." Rose presented the toy to her brother, who smiled big and took it from her.
"Your Uncle Charlie would be proud," Ron commented. "Do you know all the kinds of dragons?"
Rose gave her dad a look and said, "Yes," and she proceeded to rattle off all the names and provided facts here and there.
After she finished, Ron turned to Hermione and exclaimed, "She really sounds like somebody I know, and I don't mean Charlie!"
Hermione laughed and ran her fingers through her little know-it-all's hair.
Easter Basket Delivery
Author: Majandra
Date: 03-05-19 20:11
Miranda meanders from table to table not stopping at any until she reaches the one set up for Potions. "Hi, Mum. Did you bring my basket?"
Majandra pulls a decorated Easter basket from under the table. "Hello and no, sorry, I did not bring this basket."
Miranda rolls her eyes at her mother's lame attempt at humor but doesn't forget to say, "Thanks, Mum. I can start collecting tomorrow without having to wait on you, Dad, and Georgie to get here."
"You could put eggs in your pocket or bookbag or a purse."
Miranda rolls her eyes again. She starts to tell her mum ta only to ask instead, "Why are you here?"
"You mean other than bringing your basket?"
"Yeah, because Potions isn't an elective."
"It is for sixth and seventh years."
"Oh. I forgot," though in truth Miranda isn't sure she ever knew that. She isn't sure. Maybe she did actually forget. "You're lower years so why isn't Uncle Sev," at the odd look a student, who'd been peering into a cauldron to see what's giving off bubbles, gives her as she says Uncle Sev Miranda quickly cuts off saying Severus to say, "I mean Professor Snape. Why isn't he here since he's upper years."
"He's been here until a few minutes ago. I'm standing in so he can have a break."
"Doesn't everyone know by sixth and seventh year if they want to take Potions?"
"The answer to that isn't as clear cut as a yes or a no. A student might not want a certain NEWT level course but should take it for the career the student has in mind but for some careers the courses one should take isn't always obvious. Take your dad and Uncle Fred for example. They knew for a long time they wanted to have a joke shop and they were creating their own joke items even while here at Hogwarts. A class like Potions doesn't necessarily seem obvious for creating something like Extendable Ears but having a firm understanding of potions is necessary for items such as the ever popular Skiving Snackbox."
Miranda sweeps a hand at a small display. "You have to have an Outstanding on the Potions OWL to take a NEWT class?"
"For Potions. That's Professor Snape's minimum requirement. Other professors have their own requirements."
"So if I wanted to have a job that needed Potions but didn't do well on the OWL, I couldn't have that job?"
"Used to be that was true to a point but now with St. Emrys you wouldn't have to depend only on how you do here at Hogwarts."
"What do you mean true to a point?" Two older students walk up as she's asking this so before her mother can say anything more she hastens to add, "Nevermind. You can tell me later."
Majandra reaches out to smooth down one of Miranda's stray curls. "If not later today then definitely tomorrow."
Miranda nods then walks away swinging her Easter basket, eager to find some of her friends to figure out how to spend the rest of the day.
Potions
Author: S Snape
Date: 03-06-19 19:57
Severus watches as student after student passes by the Potions table. As each is a lower years student he is not perturbed at having no visitors. Since returning from a longish break, during which Majandra Weasley covered for him, Severus has only had two students stop to speak with him. Both are fifth years who wanted to verify what his requirements are to be enrolled in the sixth year NEWT level course. Severus has never said anything to anyone, not even Filius Flitwick and Minerva McGongall the Hogwarts deputy headmaster and head mistress, respectively, but has had given consideration of late to changing the NEWT level enrollment requirements.
There was a time when most students went straight into an apprenticeship, training program, or job almost immediately upon exiting Hogwarts. With many fields requiring a strong background in potions being associated with people's health and wellbeing, in Severus's opinion those taking the NEWT level Potions should demonstrate outstanding knowledge and ability. The way to do that is to work hard and do well enough on the Ordinary Wizarding Level Potions exam to actually be scored as Outstanding.
With a number of fields now having university programs a student interested in one of them requiring a good grasp of potions, such as that of apothecary, a student has longer to hone and refine potions skills. That witch or wizard often does not need to demonstrate quite as high a level of potions mastery upon leaving Hogwarts. For this reason Severus might lower his minimum requirement to take NEWT level Potions to Exceeds Expectations. The notion is difficult to stomach but Severus concedes that times have changed and he, quite possibly, should consider bending ever so slightly to those changes.
Bending ever so slightly. Despite his better judgement he's just done that. He gives an almost imperceptible shake of his head. With some recently discovered accounting oddities that tie to the Knights Walpurgis Severus agreed to return to the organization to learn what he can for the Ministry and the Order.
Veronica has not stopped harassing him about returning so while on that longish break earlier he'd sent an owl to let her know he'd be attending a function this evening. She was in Hogsmeade with Aberforth so received the owl far more quickly than he'd anticipated. The break had not been meant to be on the long side but she'd not only sent a reply but said she was coming up to the school straight away.
Severus thought about sending the owl right back to tell her no, don't come but then decided he'd walk in the direction of the main gates. He ended up walking farther than he thought he'd have to because Veronica was pushing a baby pram at a leisurely pace. She'd broken into a broad smile upon seeing him, stepping up her pace but still going somewhat slowly because, as she explained, "I don't want to jostle the baby so much that he wakes up."
"You did not need to bring him out. You could have said whatever you wished in the owl."
"I know but I am just so excited to have you back. I thought you could be my official escort this evening and that we could coordinate outfits."
Appalled at the thought Severus hoped he hid the emotion from his expression. "I shall wear black as I always do."
"I thought you might say that but was hoping you'd consent to a dash of red."
"You will not want me as an escort as I do not intend to stay long."
Veronica pouted. "You must stay to the end, or at least nearly so. This is going to be the best function yet."
"I shall consider staying longer but cannot promise."
"And the dash of red?"
"Perhaps."
She'd clapped her hands in glee as if she were a small child. "I'm so happy you're coming back. The Knights Walpurgis is not the same without you."
"Yes, well, I must be getting back. Hogwarts is in the middle of a student function. Someone is covering this break for me but I am needed back."
When Veronica enveloped him in a massive hug Severus tried not to outwardly flinch. He stiffly patted her on the back. "I will see you at the gathering tonight."
He watched as Veronica carefully turned the pram around and started back for the village before also turning to go back the way he'd come wishing now that he'd told Kingsley not only no but hell no at returning to snooping around the Knights Walpurgis.
Severus pulls his thoughts from the dreaded function this evening to tell a student that yes, being able to brew potions well might be useful to someone looking to brew his own line of magical ales and beers and concoct a line of magical mixed drinks.
A Death
Author: Eoghan
Date: 03-07-19 21:34
Eoghan raises a hand. "Stay back. Don't want to compromise the scene more than it has been."
The house elf nods. Eoghan doesn't think she's trembling from the late afternoon chill of mid-March.
Clara Smarts, the other auror sent when the report of a body came in, asks the house elf, "You found him?"
"With the young master." Her quivering head bobs a yes in such a way Eoghan half expects the movement to topple her over.
The young master is sitting on a garden bench, head in hands. Eoghan tells Clara, "I'll speak with him."
At Eoghan's approach the pale blond head comes up. He gives the tiniest of nods at Eoghan's, "I'm sorry for your loss."
"And yours." At Eoghan's surprised look he clarifies, "I know who you are." He glances Clara's direction. "Don't worry. I won't give it away."
Eoghan sits with sigh. "Thank you. I'm not ashamed of who my birth parents are but we've seen how Harry Potter's been shunted off active cases for merely being Fairchild's cousin." He looks in the direction of the body then back to the wizard on the bench. "You found him?"
Draco glumly responds, "Unfortunately."
"With the house elf?"
"Yes, with May. I'd brought her with me." Anticipating the next possible question he adds, "I was coming to pick up a few items that belonged to Cygnus Black and Violetta Bulstrode Black." At Eoghan's quizzical expression he explains, "The great greats."
"So you were expected. When you arrived was the door open?"
"Mortifer let us in. A house elf. I wasn't expecting him to be here as he tends to be wherever Bellatrix is."
"She doesn't live here?"
"You don't know?"
Eoghan shakes his head as he replies, "Not really. We've not spoken all that often and when we have only Malfoy Manor was ever mentioned. Okay, so this Mortifer answered the door. Then what?"
"He told us Rodolphus was in the library only he wasn't when May and I got there. The doors to the garden were open so we went through thinking he'd come outside. When we didn't see him I called out and started walking the path with May following me."
"Where was Mortifer?"
"I'm not sure. He hadn't come with us to the library."
"Where is he now?"
"When May and I found Rodolphus I must have cried out because Mortifer was suddenly there. I sent him to notify the Ministry. I've not seen him since. Perhaps he went to find Bellatrix and Rabastan."
"When you were looking for Rodolphus did you notice anyone else? Did Mortifer mention another guest?"
"I didn't notice anyone. I don't know about May. If she did she didn't say. Mortifer didn't mention anyone either."
"I should think Rodolphus made a few enemies over the years. Anyone that you know of who's been a problem of late? Anyone recently released from Azkaban or other prison?"
"No one that he mentioned to me. My father or Bellatrix might know."
"Anyone who comes to your mind who should be checked out?"
"As far as I know Rodolphus wasn't one of Fairchild's followers. Some of them might have an issue with him."
"Do you know anything about whether Voldemort has returned or who is impersonating him?"
"No, nothing. I've not associated with that lot nor has my father. I don't know about Rabastan or Bellatrix."
A piercing scream calling Rodolphus's name comes from the direction of the manor's garden terrace. Draco looks that way and though the view is blocked from the vantage of the bench they're on he says, "Bellatrix is here. Guess that means Mortifer did go find her."
Eoghan rises. "I'd best go confirm the news."
Draco stands as well. "I should come with you."
They walk in silence towards the terrace where a pair of officers are keeping Bellatrix from coming further into the garden, Eoghan not looking forward to not only confirming for Bellatrix that Rodolphus Lestrange has been murdered.