Quandary and Disentanglement

Impinging: to make an impression; have an effect or impact (usually followed by on or upon ): to impinge upon the imagination; social pressures that impinge upon one's daily life.

A huge thank you to my alpha reader, Arabellabloodgood, for reading this over for me, Proulxes for the Britpick and for being my locations scout, and to Phoenix, for combing through this and helping me clean up my mistakes. I really appreciate the beta help. Thank you very much.

Also, smooches and a big thank you to Jay for my banner! I really love it.

And of course, anything you recognize belongs to JK Rowling. I'm not doing this for money, and am not collecting any from it; I'm doing this because it's fun.

The warnings I have listed for this chapter are implied. I chose the rating of MA (NC-17) due to the story's overall content.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~o 42 o~

~Quandary and Disentanglement~

Cillian could read his friend well, most of the time at any rate. Yes, Severus was forcing himself to relax, and Cillian could see that. He was trying to appear calm, but it was in his eyes; Cillian knew his friend's thoughts were in turmoil over his announcement, and he didn't blame him. Nevertheless, it couldn't be helped; he had to sort out things for his mum and ol' Ben before he could return to his duties here. "A few days, maybe a week..." Cillian stated, hoping not to have an argument over this. He wasn't sure at all where he could take his mum that Bell or Marc wouldn't be able to find her. She needed medical attention and every scenario he could come up with seemed impossible. Merlin he wanted – he wished he could just talk it out with Severus about this situation.

"Where will you be if I need you?" Severus asked.

"How should I know?" Cillian snapped exasperatedly, getting up. He turned to the window and stared at the lake. He hated breaking his word to Severus, but family came first.

"May I ask what this is regarding; maybe I can help?"

"I don't know where I... or how..." Cillian fisted his hand hanging by his side. "Damn. I know I promised, and if I could – but..." He did want help, if not just advice or a suggestion because every place he could think of Bell or Marc could find her and imprison her under the Imperius again. And he wanted to have her somewhere where he could take care of her.

Elspeth was a strongly opinionated witch, and she had tried to sway Cillian, Justin, Sherri and Ling to her views about leaving England and the Dark Lord. Neither Justin nor Cillian had told Elspeth they were Marked. It was why Bell put her and dad under the Imperius; they were starting to talk like dissidents and had tried to withdraw their support.

"Cillian," Severus said, standing up. "Tell me what's going on. Is it anything I can help you with?"

The concern in his voice almost made Cillian smile. "Bloody hell," he sighed. He'd asked Severus a number of times what side he was on, hoping for a confirmation, but each time Severus had dodged the answer, hinting at the possibility but noncommittally, and then backed off. In fact he'd done that a few times this last year. Others used the same tactic, baiting a trap to ensnare those who were disloyal, but with Severus it never felt like a trap – more like Cillian was being felt out... but not baited. Then again, Severus was a master at controlling his expression and hiding his true feelings. Merlin's saggy pants, I need his help. Cillian felt like he was trapped, stuck in the mire, facing a nesting dragon.

"Try me," Severus said, now standing beside him.

He thought about it for a moment. He knew he'd have to Oblivate his best friend if he was wrong. Cillian decided to at least tell Severus what the problem was, he deserved at least that much. They'd been good friends for seventeen years and always kept each other's secrets. He inhaled deeply, his fingers sliding into his pocket and along his wand. "Severus, Mum and Dad broke free of the Imperius again. My mum is ill, and I have her – she's fine for now, but I can't take her to St Mungo's. Bell will – she's furious. It's bad enough that the Dark Lord moved out of my parent's house, favoring the Malfoy's place after the first time Grandfather Riorden broke in."

Severus nodded. "What happened to Tannis?"

Cillian shrugged, his fingers still on his wand in case. "I don't know! He ran off with Grandfather Riorden. Ol' Ben and mum's house-elf, Prissy, are with my mum. Marc's furious at Bell for not securing the house properly. He blames the escape on her. It didn't help that ol' Ben stole the vault key last August. If Bell finds them, she'll turn him over to the MRC to gain favor with the Dark Lord – after torturing him for the vault key – and she'll put mum back under the Imperius, and possibly kill Prissy for disobedience."

"Where is Elspeth now?" Severus asked.

That he couldn't admit. Cillian turned his head to look at the lake. "Safe. For now. But I have to move her, and it will take some time to sort it out? She's really weak, weighs hardly anything. She needs a Healer – and potions."

Severus looked thoughtful for a while, but then he asked, "Why not take her to the island?"

"Not an option," Cillian stated, not believing he didn't understand that. He couldn't compromise Dianne and her parents.

Severus nodded, his eyes glazing slightly.

Cillian was relieved that Severus didn't press as to the location of his mum. "So, I have to go," he said, turning to leave. "I'll contact you as soon as I can."

"Wait, I can help. I have connections in the Ministry," Severus suggested.

"Who?" Cillian turned to stare at his friend. He couldn't believe that Severus would suggest anyone from the Ministry – that's what he was trying to avoid! "So? How's that going to help? Anyone we know at the Ministry will turn them over to the MRC. Dolores Umbridge hates you, and Yaxley and Runcorn are not exactly pleased with you over the trick you played on the stairs in the Black house..."

"Umbridge was upset because I rebuffed her advances three years ago, and Yaxley and Runcorn have other concerns," Severus said with a slight smirk that didn't mask his sincerity. "But that was not what I meant."

Not anyone in our circles – you mean in Dumbledore's group, don't you? He stared at Severus, waiting. Gods, I hope I'm right about you. If not, I'm buggered. Hermione's voice came unbidden to him; you're not the only one.

Then one side of Severus' mouth twitched, not a smirk, a smile, and what Severus said next raised Cillian hopes. "Let me make a few inquiries, but I should have the answer before school starts."

Could I be right? Is Severus still loyal to Dumbledore's rebels? Merlin, I'm a fool for considering this. It all made sense, the hints, the potion, his sly maneuverings, if the answer was yes. He hoped his Occlumency skills were good enough to hide this as well as his other secrets. "Yes, but I need to be with her." He wanted to get his mum some potions. "I'm going to need something to help her gain her strength back. She's been Imperiused for months now."

Severus nodded, looking thoughtful again. "Ask Madam Pomfrey to give you any potions that Elspeth will need. She will not ask too many questions, and she's discreet. Then stop by the kitchens if you want and get the elves to pack you some food. I'll send word when I have something."

Cillian nodded, wondering if maybe the school matron was one of Dumbledore's rebels, too, as he turned to leave. He hoped the Healer would help him. "Go to the druid circle on the island, and I'll meet you there." He left the office, still deeply concerned but feeling less stressed about the situation. At least he'd have the potions he needed to help his mum recover. As he took the stairs two at a time on his way to the hospital wing, he wondered what would be the cost if the rebels did this for him.

~S~

Severus waited until Cillian left his office and then turned toward the window. What to do now? he wondered. Severus couldn't believe it, the timing couldn't be worse, but the situation would definitely work to his advantage. Cillian felt trapped; he'd seen it in his friend's eyes. But he needed Cillian at the castle, protecting Hermione.

Severus knew he'd tipped his hand to Cillian, but Hermione had persistently insisted that he had to 'show his hand' to make Cillian sway over. This was a perfect opportunity to do that, if he played his Gobstones right.

Cillian had said that his mum and family caretaker were safe for now, but they would have to be moved. The effects of being under the Imperius for a long period of time were not too hard to reverse with the right potions and plenty of rest, but it was important that Elspeth not perform any magic until her physical strength returned. Madam Pomfrey would know that and convey it to Cillian when he asked her for the potions.

Who would be my best option for watching over Cillian's mum, so Cillian could be here where he is needed most. He looked down and saw Fang lolloping across the grounds. Of course – Hagrid!

Severus sent his Patronus to Hagrid, asking to meet somewhere. Hagrid had asked for some time off away from the castle, but he'd been vague as to why, and Severus hadn't asked questions. So, the large wizard could either be visiting Madame Maxime in Beauxbatons, which would be inconvenient, or helping the Order, which would mean he was at least in England. But if Cillian's mum and old caretaker needed protection, Hagrid was trustworthy. And he could blend in with Muggles, although how an over nine-foot wizard like Hagrid blended in was beyond him, but the half-giant always managed to do it. Besides, he had to meet with Hagrid anyway about the curriculum for next term.

If Hagrid was unavailable, he would have to contact Nymphadora, she was his best bet in this situation. However, he had to be cautious when contacting her; the Aurors, those who had been with the Ministry before the Dark Lord's takeover, were constantly under surveillance by the Dark Lord's youth league, the Knights of Walpurgis.

Severus went to Minerva's office and knocked once. The door opened magically, revealing a very annoyed witch sitting primly at her desk. "You wished to speak to me, Headmaster?"

"Yes, but I've only a few minutes," he replied as he strode confidently into her office.

Suddenly, Hagrid's silvery half Irish wolfhound-half dragon-like Patronus returned just as Severus was sitting down.

"'Ello, Headmaster, sir. Surprised to hear from you. I thought I wasn' expected back until tomorrow. I'm in Cockermouth, today, getting somethin' interestin' for me lessons. Can' wait till you see her. Did ya wish to have a pint at The Black Bull?"

Bloody hell, why...? Severus stood. "This is urgent, Minerva, I'm sorry."

Her lips pursed and her back became even more rigid. "I see. Should I wait while you go and have a pint or did you wish to summon me on your return?"

"Neither," he replied, exhaling to calm himself. "First, a warning; Bellatrix will demand another copy of the School Registry – I expect you to have a suitable copy for me to give her." I shall give you as much time as I can to warn the others, but probably no more than a week. "Franklin Avery, Rabastan Lestrange, Sylvester Rosier, Herman Baddock Jr. and Thaddeus Nott will be with us for as long as the Dark Lord sees fit." Or until I cancel Quidditch. "I suspect they will be eating at the House tables – preferably the Slytherin table. If Lestrange will be staying on as Amycus' assistant in Dark Arts, it may free Amycus up to become involved in other matters. Regardless, Lestrange should be seated at the staff table. I suggest that new disciplinary practices be enforced; the students shall move about the castle in an orderly fashion and must not linger unnecessarily in the corridors. Also, put a trace on Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank and inform her she is to remain on the school grounds; Macnair has brought some accusations up against her and she may be brought before the MRC. And put a trace on Professor Vector as well – the Dark Lord is interested in her." He paused to let that sink in and all it implied.

Minerva sucked in her breath. "I see," she replied, but Severus knew that she understood everything clearly.

"Now, I must meet with Hagrid in regards to his curriculum so that he doesn't get any undue attention from our resident Death Eaters," Severus said and turned heel, walking out of Minerva's office confidently. "By the way – change your password," he said from the doorway. "It's too easy."

~o0o~

After sending his reply to Hagrid through his Patronus, Severus left the castle and Apparated into a rather dilapidated toilet block at the rear of the car park off the high street in Cockermouth. He walked out onto Main Street, turned to the right, heading down the river from the bridge for The Black Bull.

The Black Bull was an old pub, very traditional, and a favorite watering hole for the locals. Hagrid was sitting at a table at the back of the bar, taking up a good half of the booth. The other Muggles in the establishment were hardly paying any attention to the huge man, playing darts and dominoes or sipping on their ale. Severus, being a true Mancunian, ordered a Sneck Lifter and walked over to Hagrid's table. As Severus approached the table, he noticed a shrunken cage sitting on the floor beside Hagrid, and he eyed the cage with a sense of long suffering resignation.

"'Ello, Headmaster, sir," Hagrid said with a huge smile. "Did you wan' ta meet Meredith?"

The cage rattled violently. "And what, pray tell, is Meredith?" Severus asked, his fingers gently siding on the handle of his wand as he slid into the seat facing the huge man.

"She's a Goen mêrcath yearling from Bodmin Moor," Hagrid said, his small black eyes sparkling with glee.

Severus was afraid to ask, but did anyway, "As in one of the Beasts of Bodmin Moor?"

"The very same," Hagrid said proudly. ""Merck Beaglehole sold her to me. Thought I'd show her to me third years."

Well, it could have been much worse, Severus thought ruefully. He pulled some parchment from his pocket. "I reviewed your course curriculum from your previous years and made a few revisions, adding in the new creatures and beasts you have in our paddocks. You must not deviate from your curriculum in any way from now on."

A crease formed between Hagrid's thick eyebrows, and Severus held up a hand as Hagrid opened his mouth.

"Hagrid, hear me out. Macnair has brought up accusations against Professor Grubbly-Plank; she has been added to the Dark Lord's list, and you'll be next unless you appear to be doing what is in his best interests. A professional review will be conducted at the start of term, and you don't want any of his followers complaining about your lessons within the Dark Lord's hearing; he'll have you hauled in before the MRC and sent to Azkaban. You said Meredith is a yearling, which makes her breeding age and dangerous, but since there are magical families residing in or around Bodmin Moor, I'll allow it. But I must insist you to follow this course curriculum for the rest of the year."

Hagrid nodded, apparently appeased. "All righ', Headmaster," he said, unfolding the parchment. "I still get to show 'em the dugbog, Hippogriffs and me Blood-Sucking Bugbears." Hagrid's gaze swept quickly to the door as someone entered the pub. "What about showing 'em a muscaliet?"

"A muscaliet?" Severus asked. He remembered the beasts form his school days: it had a hare's body, a squirrel's tail, and a boar's teeth and were so hot that they killed the trees they built their nests in, exactly the sort of creature Hagrid would want as a pet.

"I'm meeting Robert Hancheroff here who says he has a pair of 'em for sale," Hagrid stated, his expression hopeful.

Severus pinched his temples with his thumb and middle finger. Of course you are. He dropped his hand, knowing that being subtle never worked with Hagrid. "Yes, I'll allow a muscaliet – one of them or two of the same sex, not a breeding pair – I don't want them burning down the forest. But clear any future acquisitions through me first, please. However, you'll have to have the students write essays on any beasts you want to cover in your lessons that are not on this list." He could tell that Hagrid didn't much like the restrictions. "I have to be firm on this, Hagrid," he tapped the parchment again. "You can only show them the creatures on this list."

Severus changed the subject. "You asked me for some time off for a personal matter? How did that go? Is everything all right?" he asked.

"Oh, yes, fine, thank you for asking. I went to see Olympe," Hagrid said, smiling. "She and I were going to track down a Guivre for me class, but we had to change our plans since she was havin' some issue at the school."

Severus smirked behind his beer. Only Hagrid would consider hunting for a Guivre, a meter-long creature similar to a dragon, as an appropriate activity for a date.

"I would have liked to see the beasts up close and in the wild, but she could only spare a few days, so we had a picnic at the Tarasque Caves in Provence, instead. Them Tarasque dragons are no' as big as the common Welch green, but they are really interesting beasts..."

Severus sipped his beer, listening to Hagrid talk about his date. Oh, yes, having a picnic near the lairs of the Tarasque dragons was a much more romantic excursion. He supposed that he should be grateful that the creature in the cage wasn't a Guivre or a Tarasque dragon. Neither beast would be appropriate for a school, in Severus' opinion, no matter what age, and either beast would be as problematic as the Blast-Ended Skrewts had grown up to be. Thank Merlin all that was left of the Skrewts were fragments of the creature's shells.

"... But Olympe said that if she finds a new librarian, we can go searching for a Guivre over Easter, if'en I can get a few days off, that is."

Now that caught Severus' attention. Madame Maxime needs a new librarian? "What happened to the one she had employed?" he asked. It was nice to know that others had staffing problems, although he doubted Madame Maxime had to deal with Death Eaters, stubborn old hens and Order of the Phoenix members in her staff meetings.

"Olympe's librarian has gone missin' – her family is all in a dither about her not showin' up for Christmas," Hagrid stated.

Severus set down his beer. Too bad Elspeth is ill, she speaks fluent French. But with potions and rest, she'd be a decent substitute for the school, and she'd be somewhere she could hide... Besides, how hard would posing as a librarian be?

"She arrived in Kent, and... well, Olympe thinks she may have had a run in with You-Know-Who or his Death Eaters. There were quite a few raids down there this last week, I was told. Oh, an' she's also worried about her – how did she say it? It's pretty how she says it... Oh yes, soins de la zoologie magique professeur, I think she said, too. He was visitin' family and hasn't returned ter her school, either. She wanted me to check the list of those missin' to see if maybe either of their names are on it."

Severus had heard about the raids in Kent, quite a number of families had been attacked, but he was still contemplating on what Hagrid had divulged – Beauxbatons needed a librarian and a Care of Magical Zoology professor. Severus couldn't believe it; the coincidence was too good to believe. It was a possible answer to both of his problems: he could send Professor Grubbly-Plank to Beauxbatons Academy... as a transfer, and have Elspeth to fill in as librarian. They'd both be safe there, at least for now. He wondered if Professor Grubbly-Plank spoke French, or if Madam Maxime would accept ol' Ben in a caretaker capacity.

"Arthur mentioned something about 'Ermione getting' into a bit of trouble. Is she all righ'?" Hagrid asked. "I heard she ran away or somethin'."

Severus remembered Professor Jacques-Laure Martineau; he had accompanied the Beauxbatons students to Hogwarts in 1995, since he was equally gifted in Charms and Transfiguration as well as in the knowledge of Magical Zoology. He and Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank had got on quite well; the two of them had numerous animated discussions together in the Great Hall during meals.

He looked up at Hagrid and realized he'd asked after Hermione. "She's fine. You will see her when you return to Hogwarts," Severus said and was glad to see the relief register in Hagrid's expression. "She'll be glad to see you, I'm sure." He quickly brought the subject back on track. "You said that Professor Jacques-Laure Martineau is missing?" he asked, confused. "Where does his family live?"

"In Pourville on the coast, but he were goin' to see his brother and sister-in-law o'er the holiday. But when we returned to the castle after our picnic, Olympe learned that he'd missed his Portkey," Hagrid explained. "So, I told Olympe that I'd come back and check with Tonks abou' who is on the list of those who are missin' or dead."

Severus knew some of the targets in the London raids, but nothing on the Martineau family. "Hagrid, I need you to do something for me – a personal matter," he said, wondering how to broach the subject.

"O' course, Headmaster," Hagrid said, taking a swig of his ale. "But I made a promise to Olympe." He was about to say more when something caught his attention over Severus' shoulder. "Oh, hello, Tonks, didn' see you there."

"Wotcher, Hagrid," Nymphadora said as she slid into the seat next to Severus. "Snape."

"Nymphadora," he replied casually as if old friends, so as not to attract undue attention and forced himself not to smirk at her annoyed grimace. He hadn't known she was coming but it was quite fortuitous; at least he wouldn't have to hunt her down after his drink with Hagrid.

"Hagrid how is your French coming along?" Nymphadora asked, setting her pint of light amber ale on the table.

"Oh, it's going all righ'," Hagrid replied. "I've been learnin' the words, but me grammar is no' so good."

Severus nursed his beer as they compared French phrases. Hagrid was right, his pronunciation was passable but his grammar was deplorable, something Nymphadora found highly amusing. When the subject turned toward the beast in Hagrid's cage, Severus reminded him that the pub's patrons wouldn't appreciate seeing the Cornish panther-like wild cat.

"I'm meeting Robert Hancheroff; he has some muscaliets for me," Hagrid said.

"Oh, muscaliets!" Nymphadora said, watching Hagrid with great interest. "I always wanted one as a kid."

"Of course you did," Severus drawled. "Who wouldn't want a pet that could set your home on fire?" She turned sharply and he shook his head. "I have something to talk to you about." He drew his wand and cast a Repelling Charm so anyone walking near them would suddenly need to go to the loo. "I have to ask you to keep this just between us, strictly confidential."

"Depending," Nymphadora said, her eyes narrowing, but Hagrid readily agreed, "Oh course, Headmaster, sir, you can count on me."

Severus seriously hoped so; Hagrid was infamous for his slip-ups. "I've already told Hagrid that Wilhemina Grubbly-Plank is in grave danger," Severus stated, and Nymphadora made a sharp inhalation in surprise. "He's told me that Professor Jacques-Laure Martineau, Beauxbatons Care of Magical Zoology professor, has gone missing."

"Yes, I came here to let Hagrid know about the two Beauxbatons staff members," Tonks said sadly. "The Cotillard family is on the lists of casualties in Ramsgate, Kent. I'm sorry, Hagrid, but it's confirmed; her librarian is dead." The big man hung his head and she turned to Severus. "I checked for anything on Martineau, but the closest I found was the Marceaus in Marlborough, Wiltshire, and Simon Morisset in Presteigne, Powys. There was a horrible raid in Hebden Bridge yesterday we haven't sorted out yet. Thankfully, we were warned about the raid planned in Framlingham, Suffolk and the one in Louth, Lincolnshire in time."

Severus nodded to her. He was glad that he'd heard about the two raids in Framlingham and Louth early enough, but regretted that he'd not had enough warning for the one in Ramsgate or the Hebden Bridge raid. "I am hoping that Wilhemina could replace Professor Jacques-Laure Martineau as the Care of Magical Zoology professor at Beauxbatons."

"I'm sure that Madame Maxime will hire Wilhelmina," Nymphadora said. "Her mother is from Abbeville, France so I know she speaks French."

Severus was pleased. One problem solved. "There is another person I'd like to send to Madame Maxime for protection – two people actually." He considered how much to tell them; Nymphadora would be discreet, but if Hagrid made the wrong comment to the wrong person... Still, it was worth the risk. "It seems that one of my friends is disenchanted with the Dark Lord," he said, and Nymphadora's eyes widened in surprise. "If I can find a place to hide his mum and caretaker, it might show him that our side is more effectual than what he's been led to believe," Severus said, glad they were listening. "But we must move quickly on this matter."

"All right," Nymphadora drawled out, and she angled her head slightly as she regarded him. "What do you have in mind?"

"Hagrid, you have just given me the perfect solution; if you can get Madame Maxime to agree, she could fill in as her new librarian," Severus stated. "The woman has been under the Imperius for some time, but if Madame Maxime agrees, she'd have a new librarian and an extra hand at the school as well."

"Does she speak French?" Hagrid asked.

Severus nodded as he set down his glass. "Yes, the woman speaks fluent French as would her caretaker. They have property down in the south of France, but it would be too risky to have her hide there."

"Especially if her son is Marked," Nymphadora agreed.

"Sons. And a daughter, so having him on our side could be beneficial," Severus stated. "He is the one who told me about the Hebden Bridge and Louth raids."

"And once his mother is safe...? You really believe he'd come around to our side?" Nymphadora asked, clearly intrigued.

Severus nodded. "He's disenchanted to say the least. This would help him, knowing his mum was somewhere safe."

Nymphadora nodded, thankfully believing him and not demanding to know who. "You said she's been under Imperius for some time. How much time?"

Severus wasn't sure. "A while. She's recovering from depletion, malnutrition and dehydration," he stated. "Madam Pomfrey is seeing to her needs." It was not an outright lie.

That appeased Nymphadora. "How do you propose to get her there?"

"I'll send all three to Beauxbatons by Portkey," Severus stated. Concern had been high since the incident on the train when a half dozen students used unregistered Portkeys to help their friends escape the Death Eaters. Everyone except those who worked in the MRC were watched for any signs of conspiratorial conduct, especially those in Magical Transportation and the Floo Network, since both of those offices had to monitor public transportation round the clock now.

Hagrid sat up straighter. "I have to go talk to Olympe, but I think she'll help out as long as I can assure her they are not on You-Know-Who's side."

"They are not; I can assure you of that. I'll make you a Portkey to France, but make haste," Severus said and turned a salt shaker into a Portkey, ignoring Nymphadora's shock of outrage about magical secrecy as he applied the spells necessary to return Hagrid to Hogwarts on the pepper shaker. "No, I'm not above using unregistered Portkeys," he said to her and turned back to Hagrid. "Have Madame Maxime activate this to port you back to the school; it will return you to your hut. I'll want to know immediately. I'll wait here and purchase your muscaliets from Robert Hancheroff. Send me a Patronus as soon as you return – I'll be someplace safe to receive it."

Hagrid nodded, clasping the saltshaker Portkey in his fist and pocketing the other. "I'll let you know immediately, Headmaster."

"Too bad I can't stick around to see the muscaliets," Nymphadora stated. "I'm not sure Robert Hancheroff would be delighted to see me," she added as Hargid's Portkey activated and he disappeared from the table.

"No more than he'll be delighted to see me. But should anyone trace the Portkey, it's wouldn't do for them to find you here with me," Severus stated and finished his Sneck Lifter.

"Good point," she said, changing her features to resemble someone else. "So what's the next step?"

"Tonks," he said, hating the nickname, but he needed her help. "This situation is delicate. The wizard in question has been my friend for years. He's only now coming to know my position in all of this. I will need you to take his mother and caretaker to France for me."

"Why? Can't he go?" Nymphadora asked. He scowled, and she held up a hand. "All I'm saying is that you are about to have me stick my neck out for a Death Eater, right?" He nodded, and she continued. "Which will put us all in an awkward position. I'm being watched, but I've been able to throw You-Know-Who's little Auror wannabes off enough to keep out of Azkaban. You're about to, if you haven't already, tip your hand to a Death Eater, who may come over to our side, and I want to know. Who's side are you on?"

Severus scowl darkened. "After everything you still question me? You were the only one who believed me after I – after I..."

"Killed Dumbledore," she finished for him. "I saw the extent of the curse's destruction of his left arm and shoulder, and I believe you about the vow. You also saved Hermione's life – and Harry's. I know what happened in the gorge – you let him go. You do that a lot, save people who you should have killed or turned over to your Dark Lord. So yeah, I trust you about as much as I would an armed Centaur. But this... this is... How can I explain using an authorized Portkey to France and back?"

"You'll come up with something," he stated. "If you want, I can give you a lead on two French Death Eaters and their location." He chuckled when she perked up. "They are related to Dolohov."

"That would help," she said, smirking as she sipped her beer.

He dropped the Repelling Charm and rose to get himself another beer. He'd have to Obliviate Robert Hancheroff after their meeting; it wouldn't do for him to remember seeing him and Nymphadora together should her impersonation fail.

~C~

Cillian looked out the window in the Long Salon at the thick trees and an expanse of snow covered grass, deep in thought. He had no idea what Severus was doing or where he was. Severus had arrived at the druid circle, looking rather haggard and the sleeves of his frockcoat and shirt shredded by some creature. "Nothing of import," he'd assured Cillian. "A new acquisition for Hagrid's lessons."

He then told Cillian that he was pursuing a viable option for his mum and ol' Ben, but Severus hadn't given Cillian too many details, only saying that he'd sent his contact to France, and he should hear something definite in a day or two, hopefully sooner. Even though this was encouraging news, it still left the matter unresolved, and although Cillian should have felt some of his fears lessen from the news, he still felt apprehensive.

Severus had left as soon as he'd changed his clothes.

Cillian turned to look out of the north-facing window at the place where the Druid circle stood in the trees beyond the magical boundary. Hermione sat in one of the padded wicker chairs behind him, reading a Muggle novel. Dianne was upstairs crying. He'd hated the argument he'd had with Dianne, and it tore his heart out, but he didn't know what to do, so he'd sought solitude to think things through. Now, he was waiting – waiting for word from Severus – waiting on Dianne to be willing to speak to him again, if she ever would. He hated waiting.

At least Hermione wasn't barraging him to turn traitor; although after these last few days, he was about ready to concede she was right. But how much he was willing to give... how much he would allow or how obvious he could let his position be known, or by whom, was still something else he had to sort out in his mind.

He was expected to be at the castle with Hermione tomorrow afternoon, to watch over her as the Hogwarts staff prepared for the students arrival. He doubted he would be. He needed to remain here until the situation was finally settled.

In fact, Hermione hadn't tried to engage him in a debate about his choices since his return, well since his fight with Dianne, which seemed odd, as he was certain she hadn't given up so easily. In fact, her silence grated on his nerves. Each time he sneaked a glance in her direction, she just sat there, reading. "How do you know so much about his past?" he asked.

"Know about whom?" she asked as she turned the page.

"The Dark Lord, who else?" he snapped as turned to face her.

"Dumbledore showed Harry, and Harry told Ron and me," she said casually, her eyes never leaving the book.

"How do you know he wasn't lying?" he asked. He had already checked; everything she'd said about the graveyard was true.

Hermione set down the book. "What's wrong, Cillian?"

"Nothing." What is taking so bloody long? I can't stay here all day.

"Something's irritating you, you're pacing," she said calmly, her head turning as she watched him.

He stopped and turned to face her. "Nothing that concerns you." He was irritable, but he couldn't help it, and knew he was being a git. Severus still hadn't returned. He wanted to know what Severus had done, what plans he'd initiated, and he needed to move his mum soon. He hated waiting and being in the dark.

"Is it your family then?" she asked.

He turned and faced her again. "What do you know about my family?"

She shrugged, clasping her hands together over her knee. "Nothing. I just assumed that, considering the events going on and your agitation, it must be something rather big."

Well, that's an understatement. "I'm not agitated," he said, turning on his heel to face her again.

"Did he threaten someone? Your brother or sister?" she asked.

Impertinent witch. "No he did not threaten my brother or sister," he snapped irritably. He was not going to think about what might have happened to his sister when she told the Dark Lord her news; the last time she'd displeased him, she had been chained to the Malfoy's drawing room floor and cursed till she bled.

"I have friends that can help you," she said softly.

Her words made him stop. Same thing Severus had said. "You're little friends cannot help me," he spat.

"Not my friends in school," she said in exasperation, "My friends out there. I can ask for help, and it will be given to me. You don't have to be alone. There are others."

He didn't need to hear this right now.

"I have friends – people who were in Dumbledore's Order who are still on Harry's side. I know that they would help you."

At what price? he thought as he rounded on her. "I'm a Death Eater, Hermione. Even if I wanted to, there is no way out."

"Harry can win this," she said softly. He rounded on her again, but she didn't even flinch. "I told you the prophecy has been enacted, the qualifications and conditions were met – the final showdown will be between them..."

"And your little boyfriend will beat the greatest dark wizard of all time," he sneered.

"He can. I believe it," she persisted. "He's the prophesized one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord. The Chosen One. Marked by your Dark Lord as his equal, and the one that the Dark Lord can't defeat. He's tried. He's failed."

He didn't want to hear this. Her faith in Harry Potter and that damned prophecy was completely unwavering. "And if he wins, I'd be hauled off to Azkaban."

"No, I'll stand up for you," she said, touching his arm.

He jumped. He hadn't realized she'd approached him.

"I will stand up for you. I swear. In the end, if Harry wins, I swear I won't let them take you to Azkaban."

He ran his hand over his face. He wanted to believe her.

"Please tell me what is going on," she pleaded. "I have friends, people I know out there who can help, whatever it is. I just have to send my Patronus and ask. Or a letter by owl, but the Patronus is faster and can't be fabricated. They will help."

"And why would you put yourself at risk for me?" he asked, leaning his forearm against the cool glass.

"It's what friends do," she said, coming up to stand beside him.

Her expression was so sincere. She really believed in what she was saying. "Tell me what you need, and I'll have a better idea of whom to ask."

He turned to stare out of the window.

"You're a good man, Cillian, I can see it even if you've lost sight of it. Dianne and her family see it – they trust you. I know, given your word, I can trust you. Please trust me," she pleaded and swept her arm up as she added, "You've hidden all of this from the Dark Lord." Her arm lowered to her side. "I know you have. I'm sure you've hidden other things from him. It's not that different if you aide me in the castle, help us from within. Even little things, warnings, would help. But in the end, who do you really want to win? I'm offering you not only a get out of Azkaban free card but my support and my friendship. I wish I could say there were no strings attached, but in these times, there are strings. Stand up for what you know is right and undermine that which is not."

He hung his head, leaning heavily on his arm still pressed on the glass. "I need to know, is Severus on your side?"

She gave his arm a slight squeeze. "I think you already know the answer to that."

He felt her walk away.

"Why don't you ask him? I know he wants to tell you."

He turned around, but she was gone. Her book, Silent Honor by Danielle Steel, lay on the chair. He knew this book; Dianne and her mother had read it. It was about a Japanese girl who survived the segregation camps in America. "If she can do this, so can I," Dianne had said after finishing the book.

He turned to look out of the window. Snow frosted everything and the sky was cloudy and grey. If she can do this, so can I, he thought. Hermione is right; I've hidden all of this from the Dark Lord as well as countless other things. Right is right, and if I'm really careful, I can undermine what's being done to those children in the school. She's not asking me to do it, just to help her. So what if she sends letters to Potter? It's not like the Dark Lord isn't expecting her to try and help him. But letting her send owls was really risky – it was one of the things he was to prevent her from doing. But not her girl friends, I don't have to stop them. He couldn't believe his was seriously considering this.

Making a deep sigh, he strode out of the house and Apparated to the hotel. Prissy opened the door to his mum's room when he knocked.

"Mistress is nots wanting to stay here," the elf informed him.

"The problem is, mother, you need to get your strength back before we move you to some place safer," he said, walking into the room. He was pleased to see her sitting up, but she still looked like a waif.

His mum gazed up at him with watery eyes. "Where is Tannis? What happened to him?"

Cillian shrugged and fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. Ol' Ben watched him from one of the chairs by the window with a look of pure disappointment. "Mum don't cry," Cillian pleaded, sitting on the edge of the bed. He picked up one of the potion bottles, noting that it held less than it had the night before. "I promise you things will be better. I just have to work out somewhere safe for you and Ben."

"Some place your sister can't find me?" she asked angrily, and Cillian cringed at her tone as ol' Ben turned to stare out of the window. "Is that why you have me in this Muggle inn?"

He nodded. "Bell will not look for you here." He turned to look at the small table. "Did you eat your breakfast and lunch?" he asked.

"Yes, Prissy held my plate for me," his mum answered, but seeing Prissy ears droop spoke volumes. Her appetite wasn't back yet, but at least she was taking her potions. He knew the elf would be diligent regarding the potions. "Apparently I am not to do magic here..."

"Or the MRC will find you," Cillian finished for her sharply. "Bell is not happy with you..."

"She wants my money for that Dark Lord!" his mum snapped, cutting him off. "How can you follow someone so... so... inhuman, Cillian? I raised you and your siblings better than that!"

Cillian hung his head. "Mum, he's powerful and brilliant. He made sense; he made promises and wants to bring us out of the shadows, to let us be who we are without..." He inhaled deeply. "This is the same argument as before. Wouldn't you like to relax beside the fire in the lounge? They have a nice view of the valley and Lakeland Fells. Or how about the conservatory? We could have afternoon tea? Get some sun?"

She turned away, and he could tell she was very disappointed in him too. "How could Belinda turn on us like this," she stated, and he knew she was starting to become irritable again as more tears slid down her cheek. "Marc and Justin wouldn't listen either. You boys followed along with Marc like you always did, and now look at us."

Cillian handed her a tissue, not sure what to say.

~S~

Severus sat in his sitting room, trying to concentrate on the book in his hand. He hated waiting, but he had to remain somewhere close to the castle where Hagrid's Partonus could easily find him, uninterrupted or overheard by anyone else. As far as knew, Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank was in Minerva's office making arrangements to hide the per diem professor in a safe house. He hoped that wherever the ladies decided, Hagrid would be able to find Wilhelmina to take her to Beauxbatons.

Swearing, Severus rose and was about to leave to return to the island, when Hagrid's Patronus bounded into the room. "I'm back, Professor Snape, sir, and I have good news. Olympe is delighted to have Professor Grubbly-Plank at Beauxbatons as her Care of Magical Zoology professor. However, she was somewhat reluctant to accept someone targeted by the Dark Lord as her new librarian."

Severus opened the window and shot out into the sky in a streak of black smoke, landing behind Hagrid's hut as the furry, half wolfhound-half dragon Patronus leaped into the hut.

The back door opened forcefully, and a startled wizard lowered his crossbow while Fang barked at him from the doorway. "Startled me. I though' you were one of 'em comin' to get me," Hargrid replied opening the door wider for Severus to enter. "Oh shut up, Fang."

"What did she say precisely?" Severus asked.

"Just what I told you. Olympe remembers Professor Grubbly-Plank from her visit here. She was most happy that the professor could transfer to her school," Hagrid replied. "She was a little apprehensive of your friend's mother, but I explained what you told me, and she's willing to trust me. But she wants them in the school as soon as possible so she can orientate them before the term starts."

"So, we have to move quickly," Severus stated. He had to keep Minerva in the dark about his duplicity. He slyly cast the Inception Spell on Hagrid. The huge man's eyes glazed over. "You will not tell Minerva or anyone about my involvement, Hagrid. Inform Minerva that Madame Maxime needs a Care of Magical Zoology professor. Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank is in Minerva's office now, I believe. Get Minerva to reactivate the salt shaker to take you back to Beauxbatons, and tell Madame Maxine, her new librarian will be along shortly." It was a long suggestion, but not too off from what Hagrid would do anyway. Maintaining eye contact, he mentally reinforced the suggestion with Innuomency. The huge man's eyes began to refocus when Severus released the connection, and he shot up into the air for the school gates, leaving Hagrid to this task.

He wasted no time, Apparating away as soon as he cleared the magical boundary. He arrived on a London street and slipped into the alleyway. He had to find Nymphadora. The hard part was finding an Auror, a specific Auror, and that wasn't an easy thing to do with the current state of the Ministry. The Dark Lord had full control of the magical government now. Aurors rotated shifts round the clock in case of emergencies–which meant Undesirables detections and apprehension. He took a chance that Nymphadora would be at home or hopefully out of the office, preferably alone... if he was lucky. She could still be in the Ministry, or on assignment someplace, or on a mission for the Order, so sending his Patronus would be too risky. "Peren. Dobby," he called out, hoping the elves would come.

He was not disappointed. "I need you to find someone for me," he told them as soon as they appeared. "I need you to find Nymphadora Tonks, the witch whose hair changes color. Have her meet me at the Derwent Lodge Hotel in Portinscale."

"Of course, Headmaster, sir," Dobby said happily as Peren nodded, repeating, "The Derwent Lodge Hotel in Portinscale."

"I's can do that's," she replied as Dobby extended his ears.

"I can hears her."

That worked out better than he'd hoped. "Make sure you are not seen by anyone but her. Tell her Hagrid returned and Madame Maxime has agreed. Tell her to come alone – no back up and no subterfuge. She will not be harmed, I swear it."

"Yes, master, Peren and Dobby understands," Peren said and both elves vanished.

Severus Apparated to the island and ran to the druid circle.

Cillian appeared a moment later. "Well?"

"I have a solution if your mother will agree to it. I can send her to Beauxbatons," Severus stated.

Cillian looked skeptical. "As in the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic?"

"Yes," Severus stated. "She will have to pose as a librarian, but if she's willing, Madame Maxime will give her room and board in her school. Bell would never think to look for your mother and caretaker there."

Cillian ran his hand through his hair as he stared out through the trees. "I dunno. Mum work?"

Severus shrugged. "How hard can it be working as a librarian?"

"You're kidding me, right?" Cillian asked. He turned, his face expressionless as he considered. "You're right, Bell would never think to go there. Are you sure that she agreed? Mum's never worked as a librarian before."

"It's arranged," Severus replied. He saw Peren peeking around one of the stones. "We need to go to the Derwent Lodge Hotel." Cillian's eyebrows rose and Severus waved him off. "To meet our contact. She will escort your mother, ol' Ben and her house-elf to the school. Madam Maxime is expecting her, and it will keep our cover as loyalists."

"Loyal to whom?" Cillian asked, his eyes narrowing.

Merlin, I hope I'm right about this, Severus thought. If I'm wrong... Nope, he was right about Cillian. No point second guessing now. "To each other and the outcome we both want," he said confidently.

"I'll meet you there," Cillian stated and disappeared with a soft crack.

Severus arrived on the street near the sign for the hotel and walked up to Cillian. Together they both approached the hotel, walking up the drive. Nymphadora rose from her chair as they walked up the stairs to the outside patio. "Is this the wizard?" she asked, her wand held loosely in her hand at her side.

Cillian reached for his, but Severus placed a hand on his arm. "Trust me," he said as he moved closer to Nymphadora. "Yes."

Cillian glared at him, but remained quiet.

"So, where is your mum?" the Auror asked.

Cillian turned to look at Severus. "How much does she know?"

"Enough," Severus stated. "Nymphadora, this is Cillian; Cillian, Nymphadora," he said, making introductions.

"It's Tonks," she replied, crossing her arms. "You're the one following Hermione around in school."

"I'm her protector," he replied. "Alecto and Amycus Carrow don't like her much."

"Yeah, I bet," Nymphadora replied. "So...?"

"How are we going to get there?" Cillian asked.

Nymphadora pointed to Severus. "Ask the Headmaster, he's the one planning all this."

Severus laid out his plan, and Cillian chuffed a laugh. "Mum is barely able to sit up in bed." He turned to Nymphadora. "She's been under the Imperius for awhile now."

Nymphadora nodded. "So I was told." She dropped her arms, hooking the thumb of the hand holding her wand on the front pocket of her jeans. "How bad off is she?" she asked, much kinder and quite concerned.

Cillian relaxed somewhat. "She's magically depleted. She's doing better with the potions, and she's still really thin, but at least she's not as weak as before. She suffered from malnutrition and dehydration, but I think she's better."

"I bet she was. I can't imagine being under the Imperius for such a long duration," she replied. Severus was glad that there wasn't any accusation in Nymphadora's tone. "Can she travel?"

Cillian shrugged. "Depends on the means."

"I was going to suggest Portkey," Severus stated, but Cillian shook his head.

She looked at Severus. "I can take her by airplane and then see about getting a car?" Nymphadora suggested.

Severus crossed his arms. "Quickly would be better than prolonging the trip the Muggle way."

"But if she's still recovering and weak, the Portkey arrival might harm her," Nymphadora pointed out to which Cillian agreed. "Airfare is pricy, and it takes longer, but it's perfectly safe," she stated to Cillian. "I've flown before."

In the end, it was agreed that Cillian would go with Nymphadora by plane to Tarbes near Lourdes in Midi Pyrenees and take a taximobile from there. "But if we're taking the airplane, you'll have to wear Muggle clothes."

"Might I suggest Fat Face or the Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Keswick," Severus suggested. "They have men's and women's clothes."

Both Cillian and Nymphadora looked at him with identical expressions of disbelief.

"Honestly, where did you think I took Hermione to buy her new coat and sweater?" he asked Cillian. "And you can pick up something for your mother and caretaker as well. If it doesn't fit properly, adjust it."

Nymphadora rolled her eyes. "Fine, let's go shopping."

~o0o~

Elspeth had not been surprised to see Severus enter her room, which had surprised Severus, but she had been surprised to see him accompanied with the Auror. It took several minutes to assure the woman that she and Ben were not being given over to the MRC, but instead that Severus had helped Cillian in regard to her plight.

Apparently Elspeth had always believed that Severus was Dumbledore's man and was certain that the Prophet had "misconstrued the facts as they always do," in regards to Dumbledore's death. "After all the rubbish they published that year about Dumbledore and that Potter boy, blatant slander and allegations, any witch with a reasonable mind could tell the editor was off his broom."

In a way it was a relief. Severus carefully outlined the situation to the now rather alert witch and explained the plan in as much detail as he could.

"So, Cillian, you've finally made up your mind that I'm right," Elspeth said, looking at Severus. "Or have you finally made my son come to his senses?"

"I assure you that he came to his decision of his own accord," Severus said, ignoring Cillian's not to subtle clearing of his throat.

Elspeth, who agreed to use the name Gwendoline Clark, had not been happy with the arrangement, but Ben, now assuming the name William Bentley, had promised to do all the reshelving of the books. Severus had pointed out that school libraries now charmed the books to automatically return to their proper shelves if the students put them in the wrong places, and there would be only minor paperwork necessary for the job. The school's house-elves did all the dusting and would polish the wood.

While Tonks and Prissy helped Mrs. Clark and Mr. Bentley change into Muggle clothes, Severus found a man with a suitable vehicle who was willing, with a bit of magical persuasion, to take them to the nearest airport. He did pay the man four Galleons, which made the car owner very happy, spouting some idiocy of ancient gold and the lost city of Gringotts.

At the airport counter, Nymphadora helped Cillian purchase the tickets for one way flights to the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport. Severus left as Nymphadora and Cillian escorted Mrs. Clark and Mr. Bentley into the terminal.

With Cillian gone for an indeterminate, but thankfully short length of time, Severus went to Malfoy Manor to have Draco return to the school early as Draco had done the start of term. Draco eagerly sent his house-elf to pack his trunk as Severus explained to Narcissa the need for the boy's early departure. His second surprise that day was how cooperative Narcissa was to his request.

Severus returned to the island feeling like a weight had been lifted from his shoulder. He entered the house in search of Hermione and found her with Dianne in the dining room, talking together quietly while stringing beads on wires. The conversation stopped abruptly when Hermione looked up, and her expression became deeply thoughtful with a tinge of sadness. He didn't have to guess why.

"Hermione, it's time to go," he said softly.

"Okay," she said quietly.

"Do you have time for her to finish?" Dianne asked him as Hermione set the strand down on the tray in front of her.

Both girls looked up at him expectantly.

He shrugged. "Finish."

A soft smile spread across Hermione's face as she quickly added several more beads. Dianne took the strand and finished off the piece with a loop, and then gave it back to Hermione. "To remember me by," she said softly.

"I won't forget, thank you," Hermione said, and Severus rolled his eyes as the girls hugged. He was certain that Dianne whispered something in her ear, because Hermione nodded as she stood up to go. "I promise. You too, okay?"

Dianne nodded with a solemn but reflective look in her eyes. She looked up at Hermione imploringly and asked, "Look after Cillian, will you?"

"As closely as he does for me," Hermione promised. She turned and followed Severus from the dining room, but Hermione became pensive, biting her lip.

"What?" he asked.

"I was wondering...," she started to say and bit her lip again.

He raised his eyebrow in question, and she quickly asked if she could borrow some money until she could get her funds from Gringotts. "For...?" he asked.

She looked back at Dianne sitting at the table and resuming her beading. "Christmas gifts for my friends. Dianne said I could buy a few..."

He placed a hand on her arm. "Go ask her. I'll pay for a few," he said, hoping the beads were not expensive. Hermione ran back into the dining room.

Thankfully they were not, but she hadn't bought as many as he'd thought she would, considering the number of girls she'd befriended this year. Realizing he had plenty of time before dinner, he offered to let her shop one last time in Keswick. Hermione instantly beamed at him in delight. Severus summoned Peren to collect Hermione's trunk and took her shopping one last time. She bought something that unsnapped and opened, revealing a pouch, several novelty things in the gift shops that he thought were a bit tacky, and some hand-blown glass bottles in a glassware and arts shop, and a pair of silver earrings in a jewelry store.

Dinner that night at the castle had been an uncomfortable affair. Alecto kept glaring at Hermione all through the meal, and Amycus had mentioned something to Hermione that greatly upset her.

~H~

"To think that good, upstanding witches like Bellatrix Lestrange and Belinda Morederk should be punished so severely for only tryin' to stop you from runnin' away," Amycus sneered softly. "Don't think that you'll be given such a loose leash now you're back here, girlie. You'll be watched, and He has others here to see to it. You'll not get away again, I assure you. Lestrange is going to be here, too."

Hermione stilled, the hand holding her goblet up to her lips clenching slightly. Lestrange? Which one? Surely not Bellatrix?

"Helping me with me lessons, and he ain't liking you at all, neither."

Professors Flitwick and Sprout both stopped talking and turned to see if everything was all right.

"Problem, Amycus?" Severus asked in a low drawl.

"Nope, just talking to the Mudblood," Amycus replied. "Telling her that Rab Lestrange is going to be helping me with me lessons."

Severus casually resumed his conversation with Alecto and Minerva, but Hermione could sense that he was likewise paying attention to her as well. Amycus continued to talk about his lesson plans, "Teaching you things you should know," and "reversing such a waste of energy. Why cast 'em if you is going to undo it?" but even VanHalal and Travers were not listening to him.

No one else was talking to her, but then with the Death Eaters all dispersed along the table, it wasn't surprising. As soon as she finished her sprouts and pork chop, Hermione asked to be excused. "No, you'll wait until the meal is over," Severus replied somewhat coolly with a warning edge to his voice, but she could see that there was no malice in his eyes. She'd have to remain until he was finished eating.

Hermione slunk slightly in her seat, listening to Amycus drool on about his lesson plans, VanHalal and Travers' gasconade about the latest raids in Ramsgate, Kent, Presteigne, Powys and Hebden Bridge, Lincolnshire, and Alecto wanting to be given the title of Adjutant Headmistress in charge of discipline and incentives. And down the table, Draco and Goyle sat in reasonable silence, both of them eyeing her with speculative glances that were hard to read.

~~o0o~~

Author's Notes:

Want to see a great drawing of a muscaliet?

http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition-overlay.html?seqNo=17&status=Accepted&keyword=Other&year=2009

The Beast of Bodmin Moor (also known as the Best Goon Brenn or Best Goen Brenn in Cornish) is allegedly a panther-like phantom wild cat purported to live in Cornwall. The majority of these sightings centered on the Bodmin Moor region over recent years: mostly occasional reports from farmers in the area of their mutilated slain livestock being found on the moor, consistent with an animal attack. These reports seem to have evolved into the belief that a large wild cat was carrying out the killings. People started "seeing" the beast as well, although, no true evidence of the panther-like beast has ever been found. I made up the name, Goen mêrcath: Cath or kath is Cornish for cat; goen I'm guessing is Cornish for moor. Cornish and Breton word for large or great is mêr (mur, meur).

I made up Innuomency to be similar to Legilimency – only one is able to hint or suggest something, to project something into the mind of another person as opposed to seeing or reading their thoughts and emotions. I see it as harder to use, but stronger if the wizards is accomplished enough to use it. It differs to the Confundus, which a strong-willed person can throw off like the Imperius can be, and the suggestion is stronger than with the Inception spell.

In regards to the exchange rate of the wizarding Galleon, at today's gold prices, a 1 oz. gold coin (like a Galleon, Krugerrand, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, or American Gold Eagle Bullion) is about £1,110 – 1,125. I don't know what the rate of exchange would've been in 1998, but I'm sure the Goblins knew. JKR has stated that a Galleon is worth about £3, but she's also said that it is worth about £5 in her interviews; and internal evidence in the fourth and later books seems to match this, however, JKR is hardly consistent in her calculations. However, evidence in the first three books could suggest that a Galleon has a value closer to £50 to £200.

In the first book, Hagrid instructs Harry to pay the owl 5 Knuts for his copy of the Daily Prophet, however, in OOtP, Hermione pays an owl 1 Knut for the Prophet. If the price of the Prophet is in line with Muggle newspapers this means that 1 Knut should be about US $0.20 to US$1.00 (the price of a newspaper being about US$1.00 in 1991). This makes a Sickle worth somewhere between $6.00 and $30.00, and gives a Galleon a value of between $100 (£50) and $500 (£200). Well, sort of. See this link for a better analysis:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Muggles'_Guide_to_Harry_Potter/Magic/Money