Chapter 8: Nemeses Of The Dark Arts

THE BINDING OF FATES

CHAPTER 8

NEMESES OF THE DARK ARTS

Summary: The Crow's Vambrace reports to Beauxbatons to finalize the Guild request, but the unexpected just seem to keep happening to them...

The main street of the magical district of Salles was deserted. All the roadside shops were closed, the homes above them windows were closed shut. The trio had hidden their brooms on the outskirts of the town and walked in. Jon was undercover, his dried camouflage gear keeping him invisible as he scouted ahead. Tonks, Richard and Harry were walking along the middle of the dusty, cobbled stone street.

"Creepy," Tonks noted, her wand still held in her hand. Richard was walking with heavy steps, exhausted and weak from his ordeal.

"Eglise," he said again, then pointed further down the road. Harry and Tonks nodded, not having a clue what that meant. After five minutes, there were sounds of running footsteps accompanied by little patches of dust on the cobblestones.

"Everybody is there. At the worship hall. Their holy man is saying prayers, and a vigil is being kept," Jon puffed.

"Good. You think there would be trouble?" Harry asked, talking broadly to the open. Jon removed his mask and brought back his cowl.

"No, most probably the opposite. We would be welcomed heartily with the rescue of this boy," Jon reasoned. "However, we are still on mission. Be wary of surprises."

Richard's eyes were awestruck with the appearance of Jon's face out of midair.

"Let's not keep them waiting, shall we?" Tonks said, walking on. Another five minutes of walking, and they were outside the main yard to the church.

"I will remain hidden," Jon said. "As a precaution." He pulled up his hood and mask and vanished. "Stay frosty, Crows."

Tonks Harry and Richard walked up the steps and through the main double doors. They halted at the entrance, the sun shining down on their backs and casting long shadows. Harry's white robes with golden trim reflected the sunlight, creating a glowing effect around his silhouette. The priest stopped his sermon abruptly, his jaw dropping .

"He has heard our prayers! The Light of the World has shown favour upon us! Richard has been brought back!" The priest declared in French.

The congregation, as one, turned in their seats to look back at the entrance. The cumulative effect of their faces contorting with astonishment and disbelief was disturbing to Harry. A middle aged couple and two girls sprung up from the front pew. Richard swayed, his feet barely holding him up. The two girls were the first to reach him, both of them taking him in massive group hug.

"Richard!" they screamed. The parents were not too far behind, the mother breaking down again before she got six feet close. Her face was red with crying before, now her tears shone in the morning light with joy.

"My god," she whispered, touching her son's face and taking him in her arms. She fell to her knees, hugging him fiercely. "Thank you," she kissed Richard on both cheeks. The father, Mr. Rabiot was frozen still, watching Harry and Tonks with awe.

"An owl came. Said a team was on its way. I could not believe it. No one has come before... when the others...were taken." He explained in English. "From the past incidents, the most I had hoped was for..." his voice hitched with unshed tears. "A proper goodbye," he choked.

"But you brought him back," he declared, still stunned. His eyes bored into Harry's. He offered his hand. Harry took it to shake, but instead of shaking it, Mr. Rabiot took it in both hands and fell to his knees.

"The Wizard of the Light has come, Alize," he said to his wife and family, tears flowing freely now. Harry felt awkward, seeing as his hand was held in a firm grip. "His robes shine with the sun," he said in amazement. "He has brought Hope, and Light, into this cursed town. He has brought Richard back to us. Come girls," he got back up to his feet. "My name is Robert. Come meet my family, oh ..I didn't catch your name.. Mr.?"

"H-" Harry began to respond.

"Hallow," Tonks interjected for him quickly. "Mr. Hallow," Tonks smiled. "I'm Ms. Dora, pleased to meet you."

The priest had finally reached the emotional scene, his flock piling out the pews behind him. The crowd remained a respectful distance behind Father. The priest faltered in his stride, slowing to a tentative halt.

"Is it correct what I have heard," his English was cautious, measured. "Hallow be thy name?"

Harry was feeling very uncomfortable. "Yes," he agreed, nodding. "Go- Roderick Hallow, pleased to meet all of you," he corrected. He gave a short nod, scanning the crowd, stalling. "This is my associate," he watched Tonks' hair, "Red Dora, and another one of us is here, but he his keeping watch." He scanned the walls hoping Jon got the hint.

"His name is Mr. Black," he announced loudly.

As if on cue, Jon appeared from behind the congregation, totally wrapped in his black cloak from his neck down.

"Ah, there he is," Harry pointed behind the priest and the churchgoers. "Please let him through."

"It's Lord Black!" one of the girls said in the crowd. The crowd parted to let him pass. Even though Jon wasn't that tall, his black cloak and impassive expression was intimidating. Maybe the fact that he also held a longbow in his hand was also a bit alarming to the people.

Alize and her two daughters came forward to the trio. Robert had a sleeping Richard hitched on his hip.

"Miracles still happen," she said in a very heavily accented English. "I am Alize, these are my daughters Rylai and Ramelie." The elder girl was about seventeen, the other was probably two or three years younger. Harry would have thought them pretty if it weren't for the tear streaked and puffy eyes from the crying.

"Pleased to meet you," he nodded with a slight bow. The two of them stared, still sniffling from their tears, now tears of relief and joy. The girls came up one at a time, and laid feather-light cheek kisses on all three of them.

"Merci," they said while touching each of their hands with both of theirs.

"You're welcome," Tonks said warmly to the family, her eyes wet with emotion. Jon bowed his head in acknowledgment.

"It is truly a miracle that the wizard in White, a wizard in Black, and the Red witch would save our son. Did you, by chance... ?" Robert asked.

"It is no more. We have made sure of it," Jon nodded in finality.

"The curse has been lifted!" the priest declared, raising his arms in thanks. There was a loud Amen and a round of applause. "You have been a blessing to our small community. I am sure you are weary from your grim task. Please feel free to freshen up at... umm.." the priest spotted a face in the crowd and beckoned him closer. "This is Mr. Thomas, he has a lovely bed and breakfast establishment suitable for visitors. We must take Richard to the local healer to make sure he is healthy, and whole," the priest acknowledged.

"Thank you. We would like to send word to Beauxbatons as well," Harry said. Mr. Thomas came forward offering his hand to Harry.

"Bonjour. Jean Thomas, follow me, please. I will escort you to my hotel, I hope it will be to your liking," he smiled. "We would summon an owl for you there." The three of them said their farewells to the family and followed Mr. Thomas out into the street. A few more minutes of walking they took a left off the main street and eventually they came up to a beautiful gardened property. From the charming wrought iron front gates there was a straight walkway leading to a medium sized four storied chateau. Jon paused at the gate, watching the surroundings. He whispered in Harry's ear, who nodded. He turned to their host.

"Pardon me, Mr. Thomas, I must retrieve goods we have left and return shortly. Let your man know to expect me in maybe ten minutes time."

"Of course, Mr. Black. I will see that it is done."

"Nice place," Tonks smiled, admiring the well kept hedges and gazebos dotting the beautiful garden.

"Yes, thank you," Jean acknowledged. "It has been in my family for a long time," he explained. They walked up the driveway and into the grand front door between the classic style French pillars. He drew a wand and tapped the front door. Harry didn't expect him to be a wizard. Jean opened the door and allowed them inside.

"Please," he offered. "Have a seat while I have my people prepare your rooms. Would you like some tea while you wait?"

"Sure," Harry said, taking a seat in the grand lobby in front of an ornate coffee table.

"Thank you," Tonks said as she sat next to Harry on the loveseat. The furniture was arranged such that they would have been too far away if she took one of the armchairs. Mr. Thomas smiled, made a small bow, and turned into a doorway behind the greeting counter.

"What did Jon tell you?" Tonks said softly, leaning close to Harry. Harry was watching everything about the place.

"He is bringing the broomsticks and the diablo. Stay alert," said Harry, his wand hidden up his loose sleeves.

Tonks nodded. She leaned back on the loveseat draping her arm on the top of backrest. She crossed her legs towards him, bouncing her ankle.

" 'Red' Dora, huh?" Tonks laughed. "I like it." Her hair grew longer, the red turning more brilliant. She leaned in on him, her chest touching his elbow. "You, of all people, can't go around announcing who you are to strangers," she warned, speaking low in his ear. "That's careless. We need to decide on code names. Aliases."

"Agreed. I wasn't thinking," said Harry, his neck tingling with her proximity. She smelled of her sweat, and the dusty earth. He was probably also sweaty and dirty from this morning's long flight and walk. Her warmth on his arm felt amazing.

"Ah," he acknowledged. A mature woman was bringing a serving tray with tea, and biscuits.

"Bonjour," she greeted with a smile "My name is Rosie," she said simply in English. "I will prepare breakfast for you. It will be brought to your rooms, or you may come back down in the dining hall if you wish, after you have been settled in, of course." She placed the tea service on the coffee table in front of them. "If there is anything else Mr. and Mrs. ...?"

Tonks smiled and shook her head. "I'm Red and this is Mr. Hallow," she offered. "And thank you, this is fine."

"You are welcome. I believe Mr. Thomas will let you know when your rooms are ready. And I am to expect the Black Wizard as well, non?"

"Yes," Harry nodded. "He will be in shortly." She nodded and arranged the cups and spoons just so on the table.

"There is a desk over there with writing supplies. The owl will be sent down shortly for your use," she indicated a writing desk near to a set of lovely French windows opening to a patio outside. "Please, call if you need anything. I will be in the kitchen down the hall." She nodded with a slight curtsy, and turned into the hallway.

Tonks, just sat there, her head propped on her hand, staring at the side of Harry's face with an amused expression.

"You didn't tell me your wand wasn't fully compatible with you," she stated.

"I didn't? Must have slipped my mind..." Harry said, embarrassed at the horrible fib. He smiled, still slouched against the loveseat, scrutinizing the tea set on the table. It seemed familiar, somehow. Tonks' close presence was distracting him.

"Must have.. eh?" Tonks repeated. She said in a low, soft whisper in his ear. "You are insane, you know that, Harry Potter? You are doing things that no young wizard would attempt to do, even with a matched wand. Yet here you are," she waved her free hand. "In a grand chateau in France sipping tea."

"Well, I haven't actually drunk any yet," Harry said, stretching forward to serve, breaking contact with her. She immediately put her palm flat on his chest and pulled him back to where he was against couch.

"Oh no you don't..." she reinforced, putting more of her weight on his side. "I am talking to you. And we are not eating or drinking anything here, especially from a wizard home. You might be crazy, but I am still older and still looking out for us. All of us."

Harry grunted. She was probably right, anyway.

"What is up with you two?" she hissed in his ear. "You two are the bravest, hardest wizards I have met who aren't even legal to drink. Hell, even harder than some who are."

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. We got through, didn't we?" Harry challenged.

"Jon is a trained combatant," Tonks said softly. "You are supposedly a fabled boy hero, who is a legit hero in reality." She watched his face with a fond expression. "Almost as if you are living beyond expectations. Something is up. Spill it."

Harry thought a second. He wanted to explain to her why they were doing what they were doing, yet still not tip her off to the full truth. He needed to get pointers from Dumbledore on this aspect of magic. Harry was not one to bend the truth out of habit. He now came to realization that the Old man had merit for his reasons. Harry frowned as that earned Dumbledore a newfound grudging respect.

He sighed.

"I need a proper wand. So does Jon. Ollivander can't fix mine, so he gave both of us a project to acquire components to build them ourselves, and bracers to match. Only fitting that his new apprentices should design their own."

"Ollivander has put a lot of faith in you. I didn't expect him to think you guys would succeed with those," she indicated his wand arm.

"I'll manage," Harry said. "We also found something interesting with this. Spells that connect with me seems to I dunno, be recorded by this wand. My gut tells me getting it to fully work is not so easy though."

"Why?" said Tonks. "What you mean?"

"I am guessing that if the caster knew that his spell would be able to 'unlock' it on this wand, the magic won't work. It needs to be done unwittingly, and not like a training exercise. Like, it actually needs to be used on me, not tested out."

"A copying wand?" Tonks said, her eyebrows shooting up.

"Ollivander may be many things, but he doesn't make crap. He said this wand was useful for wizards who were having a hard time with casting their magic. Also, the lumos and winguardium class of spells were excellent. Ever heard the school expression, 'Dumb as a troll' ?" Harry chuckled. "This is made from troll hair and holly. The books we're studying gives some history to the uses and compatibility charts of different combinations. Holly supposed to ward against or capture evil spirits. Trolls are dumb, but can be trained with the right methods. Also the hair growing charm is pretty good too. Probably due to the fact that trolls are right awful hairy. Light, be it from the sun, or spell class Lumos, on a whole, cast good defense against evil creatures and dark magic. Some cultures link Holly to the Sun, and Lightning. I think it might be closer to lightning since another Holly wand gave me this," he pointed to his forehead. "Trolls can be trained to learn new stuff, but usually through force. Kinda like how this wand works."

"Wow. Okay so you guys are learning," she nodded in agreement. "At the church ... I caught a bit of what the priest was saying ...my French isn't great, but he did say something that roughly means 'Lord of the Light'." She smiled. Harry realized that her whispers had them very close and her eyes were twinkling. "The sun did give you a bit of oomph!" she made a fist, "for your entrance. You surely made an impression in those white robes. "

"Yes. He fits the tales of a White Wizard extraordinaire," came a voice. Tonks jumped away from Harry. Harry noticed that one of the French doors was open.

"Jon," Harry grumbled, peeved at the interruption. "You could have used the front door." Jon pulled back his hood, and only his eyes and forehead were visible.

"We must leave. Let us be on our way to Beauxbatons; quickly! We can complete our business there," Jon warned. He looked down at the still dry cups of the tea set. "Good, you have not drunk from this, correct?"

"No," Harry said, confused. Tonks was immediately on her feet, wand drawn, stepping towards the exit. She peered outside, then scanned the halls for any sort of threat. "What's up?"

Jon beckoned him outside. The three of them made their way out into the garden. Jon had their brooms and the sack against the wall.

"I recognized the symbols and metalwork on the front gates and along the fence. It is the same design as Mr. Malfoy's cane. Look," Jon pointed to the decorative metalwork on top of a gazebo. Harry had to squint, but he did see the etching of a serpent with fangs bared engraved into the design. "Look at the emblem on the tea set," Jon indicated. "It is similar to their family crest pattern on his cloak."

Harry's face turned a deathly calm.

"They... he couldn't be behind these Diablo attacks... could they?" Harry whispered, anger pooling inside of him.

"I am not versed in investigations. They could be innocent. However we must leave, and make haste." Harry did not move, his body tense as he drew his wand, looking up at the four storey building.

Tonks yanked him by the back of robes, almost making him fall on his back. "Come," she commanded. "Now is not the time to be the War Mage version of a White wizard. We need more information about these people before you even think about starting a war between France and us. Get on your broom, let's leave!"

Harry nodded and all three mounted, making their escape and flying south towards Beauxbatons.

The trip took only fifteen minutes. Harry followed behind Tonks, flying on autopilot. What he was really concerned about was the Rabiot family. Would they need to go back and check in on them? Was Mr. Thomas' household dabbling in Dark Magic? Were the Rabiots magical? Someone had recognized Jon in the church when they called out his title. The Daily Prophet might have subscribers here. He needed to find out if all those people were magical or was it a few people alone had the gift.

Jon was right. Until the mission was finished, they were not to drop their guard.

The sun was beating down on them in the mid morning summer heat. They landed near to the front main doors of the artistic, beautiful castle with fairy tale spires and grand circular towers. The sun gleamed off the pearl white walls and shone off the stained glass of the windows of what Harry guessed was their main hall.

"Excanduscent!" Tonks said, pointing her wand upward towards the sky. A red flare of magic shot up, then exploded in a pretty cascading shower of magic. The effect should be visible to anyone who had a window.

"Nice," Harry said. "Now what?"

"Now we wait for someone to let us in."

"Okay." Harry agreed, looking around for Jon. Jon was nowhere to be found. "Jon?" he called.

"Right here," he said, waving his wand.

"Okay, gotcha." Harry thought he was paranoid before, but Jon didn't care how suspicious he came across. Harry was happy for it though. That tea could have been poisoned, or fatal. He was at that moment completely grateful to both of them for being a team.

A window above opened and a loud voice rang out.

"Bonjour? Qui est la?"

"Hullo!" Tonks shouted stepping back so she could see the person speaking out the window.

"We're here to see the Defense Instructor!" Harry shouted up, joining Tonks so he could see.

"Defense?" came the response in English. "You the British Hunter Clan?"

"Yes!" he replied.

"Here, so soon?" came the reply.

"Yes!"

"You wish to see the Defense Teacher?" another shout.

"Yes!"

"Oui! Wait a few minutes we shall come!" the window closed.

Harry shrugged at Tonks, and once again they stood in front the doors. Before long, the right side creaked open and a beautiful woman stepped forwards, dressed in dark, heavy, monk-type robes.

"Hello," she said. "Please come in."

Tonks stepped forward, but Harry stopped her.

"Hello, we are the Crow's Vambrace from London. If you don't mind me asking, might we get your name?"

"So sorry, I am Valerie Valmont. I am the caretaker here."

Harry was pleasantly surprised that the Beauxbatons' caretaker was so pretty. Filch really brainwashed him into what a school caretaker would look like.

"I am Roderick Hallow, this is Red Dora, and Mr. Black is hidden. Black, you can come out," Harry said, holding up Jon's cloak. The cloak wrapped around a figure and Jon pulled back his camo hood, and pulled down the mask.

"We are here to see the Defense teacher. We have clan business with him," Jon said.

"Yes he is on his way down. Would you come in?"

"Until he meets us, we prefer to wait outside, if it pleases you," Jon said, eyes cold.

"Very well," the lady said, looking at Jon. A couple minutes passed. There was an awkward silence where she actually blushed at Jon's penetrating stare. She cleared her throat. "I will go fetch him, he was up late in the town last night, and is having a bit of a lie in. He should be here any moment, ah.."

The door opened wider and a man came out, his robes hastily put on. "Yes, these are the clan wizards?" he asked abruptly, watching their faces.

"Yes," Jon replied. "And you are the defense against dark magic instructor here?"

"Yes," he responded. Jon stared at the man.

"I'm not so sure. Can you prove it?" Jon challenged. Harry and Tonks kept a straight face, even though inside they were squirming with how aggressive Jon's attitude was.

"Hm. How do you suggest I prove it?" he inquired with a tilt to his head.

"Answer a couple defense related questions," Jon proposed, clasping his hands calmly behind his back. Harry now had second thoughts. Jon seemed quite sure of antagonizing this wizard. Valerie looked between the two parties, her hands wringing.

"Very well, garcon," he said, folding his arms.

"How would one find, and nullify a Diablo?" Jon asked.

The man did not move, but his arms tensed. Tonks and Harry drew their wands in plain view, holding it loosely at their sides. Valerie stepped a bit behind the man. The man noticed the aggressive gesture, but did not reach for his.

"Follow its tracks," the man said. "Then a blasting curse should do it."

"And why would a teacher of defense need a clan to do this work if it were so simple?" Jon asked. "In fact, why couldn't any moderately trained wizard do this?"

"I am not paid to ..."

"You are not ... paid ?" Harry cut him off. "You are paid to pass on the art of defense! You should be ..." Harry seethed until Tonks put restraining hand on his wand arm.

"What is your name?" Jon asked simply.

"I am Professor Allemons," he said.

"Magic blasts are not effective against the Diablo," Jon calmly stated. "It also leaves no tracks."

"Oh? Says who?"

"Says true nemeses of the dark arts," Jon proclaimed as he picked up the sack with his gloved hand, and emptied out the contents. Both Valerie and the man looked stunned at the appearance of the decapitated head of the ugly creature. Allemons dug into his robes, reaching for his wand.

Jon slashed his wand in a swift, final stroke. The man slumped, falling asleep immediately. Valerie cried out, trying to shut the door but Tonks kicked it back in and had her wrapped in the manacles charm immediately. She began to scream, kicking on the floor with chained ankles and wrists.

Jon walked up to her with powerful strides, drawing his heavy dagger. He held it to her cheek. "This dagger has cut through that creature's neck like soft cheese. Who are you, and where are the persons you hold captive?"

Her screams quieted as the blade was held close to her eye. "Mercy," she whimpered, crying. "Mercy!"

"Speak," he commanded, pressing it against her beautiful face. He began to apply pressure to the bone underneath her eye socket. She struggled to keep her head away from his grip on her hair.

"My name is.. is..Blake Wellman- Castor. That is Gordon Castor, my husband. They are in the cellar, keys are in my pocket," she said, her eyes burning bright with tears. Jon took out the keys.

"I do hope Master Ollivander comes in time to awaken you both," Jon waved his wand in her face and she fell asleep.

Harry had his hair in his hands.

"Well, that escalated quickly," he said. He levitated Castor and the dead diablo inside the double doors and closed it behind them. "So, what happened there?" he asked Jon. Jon was sheathing his dagger and removing his cloak.

"Those robes did not fit that woman, and her hands were extremely smooth and unblemished. What sort of defense professional would allow the pretty caretaker to open the front door to strangers who suddenly appear when there is a crisis nearby. And if he was at the town last night as she proclaimed, he should still be there maintaining vigil until reinforcements or some sort of update had arrived. Untrustworthy to the last," Jon spat.

"Manacle them both, Milady," Jon said. "To an steadfast object. We do not know if they have allies inside the castle." As she did this, Jon strung up the longbow once again. "Harry, you may need to use this. You are to take a rearguard role and protect our backs. I will be point and mistress Tonks would be our main spell caster in the middle. Tonks use your homing beacon spell on me so that you know where I am at all times. Maintain five paces between us. Let's rescue these people and be out of here as soon as we can. This mission has gone beyond the initial call of duty."

Jon made his way down the cellars, a tiny red blip flashing periodically. He began checking the doorways in the basement, some leading to food storage vaults, others leading to storerooms filled with school chairs, desks and other maintenance items. Some doors led to valves for the castle such as plumbing and fresh water pipes. They made their way steadily, cautiously, checking behinds crates and shelves for signs of the prisoners. At the end of the longest hallway they came upon what appeared to be a dungeon type door. Jon stopped, crouching fifty feet away from the door. He whispered to Tonks. "Can you cast the global reveal spell, without making a sound."

"Yeah," she nodded. She did so and three red outlines reflected back from the doorway. The reaction was immediate.

"Help!" a voice cried in french. "In here!" The voice sounded exactly like Allemons'.

"Each of you speak your names!" Tonks called back.

"Aloysius Allemons!" said one. "Defense teacher!"

"Paige Poulsen!" cried another female voice. "Healer!"

"Valerie Valmont!" an identical voice as the woman upstairs said. "Deputy headmistress!"

"We are coming to get you out," Tonks said. "We are a Clan from London, we caught the two upstairs. Are there any others?"

"None that we know of," Allemons replied.

"We got the keys," Jon said, inserting it.

"No!" Allemons said. "The dungeon keys are enchanted to only be opened by staff. Anyone can lock it, but only staff can open it. It will petrify the key holder until the remedy is used."

"Very good," Jon said. "This person sounds like a true defense instructor," he whispered to the rest of them. "How are we to get you out?"

"Oil the hinges with a lubrication spell. Then aim a cutting charm on bottom of the door. Finally Lumos through the keyhole is the combination of spells that would remove the hex on the lock. Then the key would work."

Tonks did as instructed then opened the door using the key. The three staff members hastily exited and greeted them.

"Thank you for your speedy response. They came shortly after we sent the post. I don't know what they wanted, but when they took our hair I knew it was for the poly-juice potion." Deputy Headmistress Valmont explained. "And who are you?"

"We are the Crows' Vambrace," Tonks said. "I'm Red, this' Hallow, and he's Black." Tonks pointed, but Jon was nowhere to be seen. "He's incognito. But he's around," Tonks shrugged.

"I have a counter potion for the polyjuice, " Allemons said in a thick heavy accent. "Where are they?" he began running down the long corridor.

"Front hall. Manacled," Harry responded. "We got back Richard as well. He's home with his folks."

Allemons stopped suddenly. "Quoi? Deja?" he barked. "Already?!" he beamed a big smile. "That's a lie! He is alive and well!? Fantastic! Who are you guys?"

"Crows' Vambrace," Harry repeated. "Let's round up those two then we can talk business."

Thirty minutes later Madame Maxine and two French Aurors were at Beauxbatons. The two imposters were processed and escorted out of the school by the authorities, their heads covered with black sacks. The Aurors notified them that they were low ranking but noted pure-blood radicals associated with Grindelwald's legacy of hidden followers. The trio was now seated in Madam Maxine's large and airy office. They were discussing the events at the castle.

"Organisation informally known as 'Purificateur de Sang'. It's a seedy network designed to intimidate and force new-bloods and non-pure magical families out of historically strong magical locations. Only new-bloods were targeted in Salles, Richard and his sisters are all magical, but the parents are not. It is a shame. They don't understand that the Ancient magical families are disgusted by these tactics and have also left some of these towns." Madame Maxine explained in her study. "Both Rylai and Ramellie are my students. We hope to get Richard in a couple years, who seems the most promising of the group, but I fear now that Dumbledore would swoop down and snatch him, as he usually does with gifted wizards."

Tonks grinned. "And what makes you think that?"

"Being rescued by The Boy Who Lived and Lord Black may have some influence on him," she said, watching the two boys. "Knowing Albus, he would definitely use that to his advantage."

"You know who I am?" Harry asked.

"Oh yes. As part of the Council of International Mugwumps, I am informed of particular children who have been directly affected by war, or family that was attacked by notorious criminals. Which is why your presence is even a bigger mystery," Madam Maxine probed, watching Jon.

Jon tilted his head upwards, acknowledging the headmistress' statement but not having anything to say in reply.

"Your clan association and identity would be our little secret Harry... of, House Hollow, was it that you said Jon?" she teased him. Jon bowed slightly. "Exceptionally good work here. There will be a bonus accredited to your guild account on top of the fine work you have accomplished regarding le Diable. The rescue of our staff was timely, and rather fortuitous, for them. I'm sure they would not mind throwing in a little extra in the pot. "

Madame Maxine checked the Hunter's Almanac and Trade request parchment initially drawn up. She placed her spectacles on her nose.

"So. Here is the remuneration list:

"Core request: Retrieval 'Alive and well' check. That is two thousand. A paltry sum in truth, but that is only because this feat has not been achieved in so long. No child in recent history has been brought back alive. It seems almost as an afterthought considering the rate of successful recovery. Truly a shame this is the agreed upon payment. You have definitely changed the game, Crows." She stamped that request.

"Core request: Diablo slain and proof of death. Twenty Five thousand. You say you would be transporting the corpse back to England. I will offer you a fine price if you change your mind. No?"

Harry shook his head. She tut-tutted and stamped that line.

"MLE Bonus: Auror's bounty of fifteen thousand each for the capture of the Castor siblings. Thirty thousand." Another stamp of approval.

"Siblings?" Tonks said. "I thought they were married?"

"And so they are, now; that is. Blake borrowed her mother's names to sort of hide the fact. Her birth name was Genevieve Castor. "

Jon and Harry looked disgusted. Tonks frowned.

"Professional Bonus: No Collateral Damage. No Breach of Wizard Secrecy. No violent altercation with rival clans or locals. Four thousand each." Three stamps followed.

The trio nodded in appreciation. Jon offered his fist and Harry connected in reflex.

"Special Bonus: Professional Services to Beauxbatons School of Magic. Rescue of staff and non-disclosure of breach of security- Twelve thousand. This special bonus can be retracted if the Guild leaks information of the attack into the public sphere. This bond of secrecy is to be upheld for up to one year and can be reversed through Gringotts transfer if breached." She took out a different stamp and pressed on that line. "Quite a haul, Ms Tonks. You should be proud of your lads. You look quite young to be a huntress of such caliber, and to have recruited these two? You must be something special."

"Ammm yes, thank you, headmistress," Tonks bowed her head, blushing.

"Grand total: Eighty One thousand galleons. Professional execution rank S Class. Guild commission Eight thousand one hundred galleons. Clan allocation Seventy two thousand, nine hundred." She made six copies of this document. "One for each of you personally, and take the copy to both your guild representative and Gringotts for confirmation of your pay. These funds would be in your vault but only verified for use when you submit these documents."

Tonks, Harry and Jon read through the list and the sums of money involved. Harry glanced at Tonks, who looked pale, as if she wanted to faint.

"You ok?" he asked, concerned.

"That means...twenty four thousand..plus..each," she whispered. "Wow," she breathed.

Madame Maxine stood up, her giantess frame dwarfing the room around her. The trio stood up as well, hands at their side at attention.

"You should be commended for your speed and accuracy," the headmistress said. "Too bad we can't reward you for that. Your Clan name would definitely get a boost after this." She drew her wand, and made a X shape with her arms across her chest in a salute. Her wand pointed to the ceiling at the side of her face.

"Victory belongs to the Crow's Vambrace. Glory to the Guild," she announced, smiling. "I hope to not need you for future tasks, but I will call upon you if I do. "

"Glory to the guild," both Harry and Jon replied, returning the salute. Tonks quickly did the same.

"If you need any more assistance for your travel back to London, please check with Madame Valmont. I am needed at the French Ministry of Magical Law Enforcement to see about the Castors."

Tonks smiled. "Thank you. I think we all definitely need a bath!"

"And some food," Harry said with a laugh. Madame Maxine stepped around her desk and opened her office door.

"Of course. Feel free. Madame Valmont would be happy to attend," she said. "Thank you once again, young lady. And to you too, lads."

Jon bowed and the others said their thanks. On the way down to meet the deputy headmistress Jon spoke up. "We need to check back with Salles as soon as we can. Mr. Ollivander should still be meeting us there."

"We need to warn him. I wonder if we could send a message to the Calais port about Jean Thomas," said Harry.

"He seemed confident of this mission. I believe either he already knows about them, or has other means of short term abode in the town. We will still send it, just in case. "

"Come on. We'll deal with them afterwards," Tonks grumbled. Harry and Jon did not tell her about the entire dream. "Let me get clean first. And some breakfast."

"An army marches on its stomach," Jon agreed.

"And Gold wins wars," Harry finished, looking at the remuneration list.

No wonder warriors risk their lives to do this work. Jon's performance was outstanding. They may have fallen into two traps if it weren't for him. Greyback was right. This job wasn't playing around.

No second chances if you messed up, as both he and Tonks nearly did with their trusting nature.

AN: Thank you for reading. Tune in midweek for the new one!

Until we meet again.

TDLN