Harry lies curled up on the moldy pallet, no longer noticing the rancid odor it emits, waiting in intense pain for the potion to fix his broken fingers. As the effects of the potion kick in, the pain dulls to a level just below excruciating and Harry falls into a restless sleep.
As Harry tosses and turns under the pitifully thin excuse of a blanket, he has disjointed dreams. Visions of his parents, his godparents, teachers (even Snape), and friends swirl dizzyingly around in his head. Every single person in his dreams, including Snape, urge Harry not to give up, to persevere no matter how dark and hopeless things seem, to never lose faith.
When Harry wakes, a dull throb in his head has joined the dance of pain emanating still from his left hand. The bones all seem to be knitted back together but his hand is stiff and feels slightly swollen and puffy. After sitting for who knows how long while slowly flexing his left hand trying to work out the kinks, Harry scootches over to the corner where he's been working on picking at the cracked plaster.
The voices of all those in his dreams echo their support through Harry's mind as he resumes the tedious process of peeling away the plaster.
Life at the
Burrow
Author: Ian Weasley
Date: 11-04-02 20:12
Ian woke to a rooster crow in his new room at the Burrow. He missed his mother but was having the time of his life in his room trying out all the muggle devices which his uncle Arthur left in there. "Grind, grind. Hmm.. So this is what muggles use to write with?" said Ian as he sharpened a pencil he found in a pencil sharpener. Then he found a big square box with a glass tube and 2 knobs... He clicked a button and got the shock of his life when it came on, but all he could see was a distorted moving picture... "Silly muggle gits." He then came upon a multi-buttoned device with a handle, which he picked up and heard a constant tone.
after about a half hour of poking around, his aunt Molly came up and pointed her wand and made all the devices vanish up to the attic where the family ghoul was making noise with them.
"Ian! What have I told you about those muggle contraptions? They are dangerous, dear! What did Itell you about that car that uncle Arthur bewitched?"
"But Aunt Molly, that car crash is now a Hogwarts legend!"
Back downstairs, Ian found all of the family sitting around the table waiting for him to come down...
Fred said, "Finally! The Food!"
"Good morning to you too, Fred," laughed Ian.
There was a certain clinking of all the plates and bowls as if the entire family had been waiting ages for Ian to get there.
Ron, who sat next to Ian said, "Oy Ian? Ichallenge you to a race after breakfast! I saw your Shooting Star! Bet you I get on the quid team this year!"
Ian was about to accept when his aunt interrupted, "YOU WILL NOT! YOU HAVE CHORE'S YOUNG MAN! The garden needs a degnoming again!"
Ian reckons he shouldn't have made aunt Molly remember the Anglia Incident.
"Ian dear, you can go outside or rest if you like."
"No Auntie Molly. I'll help ickle Ronnykins toss the gnomies!" said a laughing Ian.
Ron couldnt help but laugh too.
Molly hugged him tightly and the two cousins set off for the garden.
The Meeting
Continues
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 11-04-02 20:51
After Michael expresses his thoughts I stand up.
"First off, Headmaster," I say. "In a case like this what I think of Severus has little to do with anything. While we are not friends, I do believe in his reformation. Dierna trusts him, you trust him. That's enough for me. I have every confidence that Severus will make a good spy. Severus is very intelligent. As for Dierna, I agree with Michael. There is definitely some connection between the disappearances. If someone does something and Dierna reveals the plans, I would say revert to plan B. In a case like this having a back up plan is essential even if it means going against orders. Dierna will understand. She's not unreasonable," I say. Most of the time, I think to myself.
A Cracking
of Plaster
Author: Miss Irma Pince
Date: 11-04-02 22:48
"Foolish ones, that is all they are foolish. Even Albus, why I believe he has finally gone mad." Irma Pince floated several feet above the library floor staring at the shelves. Her arms crossed, her entire body stiff with the anger that seethed within her.
Only her right foot moved as it tapped the air beneath her. Above her the ever-present feather duster moves back and forth removing only imaginary dust from the volumes. Occasionally a small sound emitted from the duster, a sound much as a small very irritated mouse would make. Truth be known the duster was angry too, but only because it had been forced to dust where there was no dust left.
"You know Wilkin, I do believe that the entire school, staff, students, everyone has finally succumbed to the publicity that young Mr. Potter has built up for himself. I know he is good. His exploits are well known and by my word even I, for a short time mind you, thought he was worth all the effort, they have put into his education."
"But now?" Her words are cut short as she begins to hear a sound, coming from, where?! "Wilkin, stop that noise. I don't care if you are tired." As she looks up she notes that her duster has stopped its' work and is shaking, but not from anger, from fear. "What is the matter?" Once again she stops. That sound, where is it coming from?
"Come Wilkin," and the duster flies into her outstretched hand. "There had better not be mice in MY library!" But she knows better. This is not the sound of gnawing, but the sound of something or someone scratching against a wall and the sound of plaster cracking.
Viktor is standing near enough to Koyla to hear him instruct that the blood be drained from the poor Muggle man Irina just murdered. He also overhears Koyla when he whispers to Stefka that the man's blood will be used to create a binding potion. Already in shock from seeing the Muggle so casually put to death, Viktor's thoughts reel at learning Koyla has plans to make a binding potion.
Though not on the same horrible level as the unforgivable Imperious Curse, such a potion is used to bind a person's loyalty to another. The bound person is unable to act against or speak against the one who's put the potion to use. Because a binding potion requires a large quantity of blood, preferably Muggle blood, and because in the wrong hands the potion can be used for evil purposes, Ministries around the world considers the binding potions to be dark magic and have outlawed them.
As a teenage girl is brought in, Viktor struggles internally to maintain his outward facade of a cool, composed follower of Koyla's calmly waiting to do as bid. Viktor, however, is still taken aback when Koyla nods to him, signally that it's Viktor's turn. Realizing he's holding his breath, Viktor slowly, silently releases it as he steps toward the now kneeling girl.
Viktor's eyes widen as the girl seems to mouth his name. Koyla's voice sounds far away as he orders, "Cruciatus curse." Viktor's already rapidly beating heart increases its tempo, causing a rushing noise in his ears and the feeling that someone's playing drums on his chest. Viktor raises his wand while his mind races for a reason to stall. Suddenly a vision of Hogwarts during the Tri-Wizarding Tournament and Cedric Diggory introduing Viktor to his Hufflepuff Quidditch teammates flashes before Viktor's eyes. Kendra. Her name is Kendra Beck. He turns to look at Koyla who smiles and nods at Viktor, an expectant look on his face.
"I know zis girl, Koyla. She iz a vitch."
Koyla's brow furrows in a frown. "Gunther, where did you find this girl?"
The hulking, muscular Gunther quickly replies, "She was in a historical Muggle church taking the tour, sir. Misha nor I could have known she wasn't one of them."
Koyla slowly nods, "I agree. It was a quite honest mistake." Turning back to adress Viktor, Koyla smiles benevolently. "Since you are acquainted with the child, I will allow you to spare her the pain of the Cruciatus curse and instead kill her immediately."
Kendra, her body violently quaking, hunkers down as if trying to make herself small, a rivulet of tears streaming down both cheeks. "No! Please!" she begs, her voice wavering and quivering in terror.
Viktor stands there staring, wanting to vocalize a reassurance to Kendra that help is on the way. He glances at Ethan, his gaze filled with the question, "Where are they?" Ethan, his features white and strained, looks at Viktor, his eyes filled with such evident worry that Viktor knows without a doubt that Ethan's thoughts are echoing his own.
Koyla's voice impatiently cuts through the tension filled space. "Come, come, Viktor. I understand that it's a shock that you know this girl but let's not prolong this any further."
Viktor, struggling even harder to maintain his composure, turns once more to Koyla. "She iz one of us. Vy moost she be killed? I could obliviate her memory and plant ze zuggeztion zat she got zeparated from ze tour group."
Koyla approaches and puts his arm around Viktor's shoulders in a comforting gesture. "Ah, yes. Now I understand your hesitation. You see, my dear Viktor, even doing as you suggest there is the risk that her family, in an effort to make sure she's truly all right, could stumble upon the fact that an obliviate spell had been used. The child's memories could be recovered. That would leave us in a very uncomfortable situation."
Kendra suddenly shrieks out, "I'd never tell! Please, please believe me! Obliviate my memory and let me go!"
One stoney glare from Koyla abruptly silences Kendra.
"I know zis girl. If Kendra saiz she vill not tell, zen ve can belief her, Koyla. You could ewen uze ze binding potion on her!"
Koyla's arm around Viktor gives his shoulders a squeeze as Koyla chuckles, "Viktor, my friend, one thing I like so much about you is your loyalty. I have no doubt what you say is true. And yes, I could use a binding potion. Nonetheless, there is still a risk involved with that. The same type of risk we'd face if we let her go with her memory obliviated. She's gone missing for hours. Her family is bound to press for a thorough investigation of where she has been all this time. If she were to say she was lost that wouldn't explain for them why it took an unreasonably long time for her to show up again when they should have been able to find her in a relatively short time somewhere in the vicinity of that Muggle church. I cannot allow this girl to be released. On the other hand, I do hate to see you distressed. Since the girl is a witch and she is someone you know, I won't have her blood drained. Instead, she shall become a martyr for our cause. The Wizarding World will believe the poor child was kidnapped, abused, then murdered by evil Muggles. Our people will rally to her cause. If children her age were allowed to use magic outside of school and if she'd been allowed to use certain dark magic, she would have triumphed over her captors and gained her freedom. But alas, because of the restrictions placed by the various Ministries of Magic, the poor, dear, beautiful young woman met her untimely, tragic end at the hands of vicious, lustful Muggles."
Moving away from Viktor, Koyla grandly orders, "The Avada Kedavra curse now, Viktor."
Slowly shaking his head no, Viktor moves protectively towards Kendra.
"No, Koyla. Zis is vrong. I cannot kill Kendra." Koyla heaves a great sigh. "Ah, Viktor, you do disappoint me. But, she is someone you know so this one time I will overlook your failure to obey. Ethan, I'll let you do the honors."
Ethan moves near Viktor, his stance and expression relaying to all in the room he backs Viktor. Koyla's features harden, his jaw clenched as he bites out, "You too, Ethan? I have been trying to be flexible and accommodating. Kill her now or suffer the consequences."
Ethan and Viktor both are fervently praying that the auror team will come crashing in at any second and stop this madness. It seems to Viktor that each second ticking by seems an eternity in length. Sobbing quietly, Kendra huddles behind the two men. Knowing they are outnumbered, Ethan and Viktor are unsure of how effective they will be in a fight but as if reading each other's minds both of the men raise their wands simultaneously and point them at Koyla.
A voice rings out from behind, "Expelliarmus!"
Ethan and Viktor turn to watch their wands go flying into the hands of Grigori, a mixture of sadness, disappointment, and disgust marring his usually handsome face. With a barely discernable nod to Gunther, Misha and the other followers in the room, Koyla motions for them to hold the two men.
Refusing to be taken without a fight, Ethan and Viktor throw punch after punch while Kendra adds to the meleé by kicking and biting anyone who comes close. Despite their fierce determination, they are subdued very quickly. The now very disheveled and bruised Ethan and Viktor are rapidly bound and while still struggling they are dragged to the side of the room. Hands tied and physically restrained by a man on either side of him, Viktor looks on helplessly as Kendra is shoved forcefully to the floor in the center of the room.
Koyla slowly approaches Kendra, who to Viktor suddenly looks like nothing more than a very small, very frightened child. Both he and Ethan continue struggling but it's to no avail. Their only hope now is that the auror team arrives in time to save the day.
Ignoring Kendra for the moment, Koyla looks pointedly at Viktor then at Ethan. He sadly shakes his head. "What a pity. I had such high hopes for you both. I put trust and faith in you, showed you friendship, brought you into my inner circle faster than I've ever allowed anyone. You will destroy the power I offer over one, silly girl?"
Acting as though that is a rhetorical question, Koyla then turns his attention to Grigori and Stekfa. "I know you both would like to stay and watch but I need you two to make certain preparations for me. After everything here in concluded we shall need to show these traitors how we punish those who fail to obey. Grigori. Stefka. Neither of you have ever failed me. Do not start now."
With a curt nod, Stefka replies, "You haf our invinate, oondying loyailtee, Lord Koyla. Ve vill nefer betray your vaith or convidance een uz."
Nodding his head in agreement, Grigori adds, "May your vizdoom ant glory reign zupreme, Lord Koyla."
As the Petrovas pass by Ethan, Viktor hears Stekfa murmur to him, "I vas valleeng in luf vit you. Vat a vaste."
Koyla quickly regains Viktor's attention. He struts in circles around Kendra, occassionally making taunting gestures with his wand. Each time she visibly cringes an immature giggle erupts from Koyla. He flashes a sadistic grin towards Viktor. "I was going to let you give her a quick death but now...
Koyla pauses as another giggle bursts forth. "But now something much more entertaining is called for."
The grin grows even broader as he looks around the room at the others gathered there. "Say, let's make this into a real sporting event. Let's make a couple of wagers. For the first, place your bets on how long you think this lovely, young lady will last before succumbing to her eternal rest. For the second, make bets on how long you think it will take for Miss Kendra to lose that musical, lilting voice due to constant screams of pain?"
With Koyla's words, an icy fear grips Viktor. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see that Ethan's feelings and thoughts once more mirror his own. A mantra repeats over and over in Viktor's mind, "Oh, Lord, please let the aurors get here in time."
Apparate/Disapparate
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 11-05-02 05:47
Get it in the zone, Fred. Get it in the zone. The boy with the fiery red hair repeated those words over and over again as he prepared to receive his apparation license. He just needed to complete the final test–apparate from one marked location to another without getting lost or splinched. Examiners were positioned at each zone to ensure that he completed the task successfully.
"Ready, Mr. Weasley?" asked the examiner at the disapparation zone.
Fred exhaled and nodded. "I'm ready."
"Very well. Go on," coaxed the examiner. "Remember what you've been taught today."
POP
He didn't even give his mind the chance to panic. As soon as he had been given the word, Fred disapparated and appeared in the correct location, several kilometers away. The examiner at the apparation zone smiled warmly and scribbled something down on a piece of parchment before encouraging Fred to disapparate to the original zone.
Upon arrival, Fred was given a certificate of completion. "Congratulations, Mr. Weasley. You are now licensed to apparate."
He left the testing area and found George nervously anticipating his own examination. "Just get it in the zone, George. It'll be all right." George smiled, suddenly with renewed confidence.
"Weasley, George!" called the examiner.
George smiled. "Here goes nothing!"
"Just remember, George. You don't pass, and you'll be stuck degnoming the yard with Ron and Ian."
"How's that for encouragement?" George rolled his eyes. "Wish me luck!"
"Good luck! I reckon you'll need it!" Fred winked and watched his twin slip into the examination room.
Disapparate/Apparate
Author: George Weasley
Date: 11-05-02 13:09
Well, here goes nothing! George thought as he concentrated hard on what he had to do. Maybe that wasn't such a good saying to use?
"You may begin, Mr. Weasley." The instructor said, clipboard and quill in hand.
George squeezed his eyes shut. Okay. Go.
A loud "POP" and George was suddenly across the room. "Whoa, hey, that was great!"
An examiner smiled and checked his list, then nodded to George who disapparated again.
POP again.
"I think I like this!" George said and a lady witch marked her paper.
POP
"Whoa!"
POP
"Yeah, baby!"
POP
"WooHoo!"
POP
The first examiner smiled at George. "Welcome back and Congratulations! You are now licensed to apparate." He handed George a certificate, who thanke the examiner and left.
"WooHoo, Freddy-Boy! I did it!" The twins high-fived each other and grinned. "Hey, are we meeting Maj today?"
Dobby, Professor
McGonagall, and Me
Author: Angelina
Date: 11-05-02 16:29
Dobby handed me back my handkerchief and I told him he could keep it. Dobby smiled at me and the two of us walked up to McGonagall. "Professor I have my schedule ready for next year if you wish to see it." I said and we entered the office.
McGonagall looked over the paperwork and nodded then put them aside. "Angelina we do need to talk about your teaching here next year." I felt a lump in my throat and Dobby became wide-eyed. "Professor ma'am, please don't sack Missy Gryffindor. She's been kind to Dobby. She's done nothing wrong."
McGonagall looked at the elf and sighed. "Dobby, please. This concerns her at the moment. Now do calm down."
Dobby began to breathe heavy and his eyes started to tear up again. I looked at the elf. "Dobby can you count to ten?" I asked and he nodded. I reached into my belt pouch and took out a small paper thin item and handed it to the elf. "Put this in your mouth and count to ten." Dobby did as he was told and he seemed to relax as he tried to count. "Mint paper, something I came up with to help relax. Takes ten seconds."
McGonagall watched as Dobby became calm once more. "Now what do you wish to discuss, Professor?" I asked somewhat nervous myself.
Lucius relates to the Dark Lord all that took place with the auror and the boy. As the Dark Lord nods and smiles his approval, Lucius can't help but give himself a mental pat on the back. He's worked hard to regain Lord Voldemort's complete faith and trust over this past year. Competently handling the interactions with both Potter and Ní Cíaran has given Lucius even more esteem in the Dark Lord's eyes. Lucius will not let anyone or anything jeopardize his current high standing.
Lucius will definitely keep a close watch on Snape. Not only because Lord Voldemort directed him to do so but because the amount of trust Lucius has in Snape would fit on top of a pin head with a great deal of room to spare. Keeping watch on him for the next few days though will be a slight problem. Lucius will have to make sure some of the other more competent Death Eaters are on their constant guard with Snape.
Lucius had taken a leave of absence from the Ministry in order to give full time dedication to the Dark Lord's work. He's been out of touch with the office long enough that both Lord Voldemort and Lucius are of the opinion that it would be extremely prudent of Lucius to put in an appearance there. Get his finger back on the pulse of the Ministry.
As Lucius takes his leave from Lord Voldemort in preparation to apparate home, Lucius assures Lord Voldemort he will keep the Dark Lord appraised of any goings on at the Ministry, which might affect Lord Voldemort and his followers. Lord Voldemort signals his approval so after making a slight bow Lucius withdraws from the room, fetches a brightly wrapped package, then apparates home.
Once home, Lucius dumps his coat on a chair for a house elf to take care of then strides through the house to his son's room. Knocking on the door but not waiting for a reply, Lucius enters just as Draco calls, "It's open!"
Beaming proudly at Draco's prone form lounging on his spacious bed, Lucius holds out the package. "I got word yesterday of your O.W.L. scores. Proud of you, Draco. Decided you deserved a present for much higher than expected marks."
Draco eagerly snatches the present from his father, ripping into without hesitation. He grins as he pulls out a withered hand perched ceremoniously on a cushion. "The Hand of Glory! Crabbe and Goyle are going to be soooo jealous! I'm going to try this out right now!"
Lucius chuckles to himself as he walks back into the hallway, pulling the bedroom door shut behind him. Giving himself another mental pat on the back for remembering how several years ago Draco had practically begged Lucius to buy the Hand of Glory for him at Mr. Borgin's shop. Lucius had popped over to Knockturn Alley last night to pick up some ingredients for a few potions Lord Voldertmort was making. By chance he saw the Hand of Glory on display in Borgin's window. It had taken some haggling but Lucius got Borgin down to a reasonable price and had gotten the gift wrapping thrown in for free.
Reaching his den, Lucius sinks down into his favorite spot by the fire. Calling for his slippers, Lucius impatiently waits for a house elf to bring them, remove his shoes, and put the slippers on his feet. Leaning back in his chair while bringing his feet up to rest on the ottoman, Lucius reflects over the past few weeks. That pesky Ní Cíaran captured, Dumblebutt's granddaughter under the Dark Lord's control, Draco surpassing himself on the O.W.L.s, and best of all, making that brat Potter howl in pain. A smug smile on his face, Lucius murmurs aloud, "Ahhhhh, life is grand."
Slowly Starting
to Accept and School Supply Shopping
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 11-05-02 19:52
As Orei left her parents bedroom she smiled and looked down at the letter. She moved to the second page, which had her list of supplies that she would need. "Well I guess that answers that question." she said as she entered her bedroom, unaware of the fact that her parents still had yet to fully accept the fact that their daughter was a witch.
"What exactly does this mean Jacob?" Celia asked her husband.
"You know what it means Celia. She's a witch. I guess this means that those rumors about the child born to a member of every generation divisible by three." Jacob said with a sigh as he looked at his wife. "I'd be fifteenth generation."
Celia nodded. "Well I guess one of us will have to take her shopping for whatever she needs for this magic school," she said laying back in the bed. "I'm bedridden because of this illness, you'll have to do it Jacob."
Jacob nodded and slipped from the bed. "Is there anything you need while we are out?" He asked once he had finished dressing. "No nothing that I can think of Jacob," she said and kissed him goodbye.
Jacob walked down the stairs and called for Oreileah. "You've got one minute Orei or we aren't going to get your supplies until the end of the week." It took her no more than thirty seconds to dart down the stairs and join her father.
"Alright Dad! I'm ready!" She said and they left the house.
The drove the ten to fifteen minutes to the Fisherman's Wharf. They wondered around the wharf for a bit, finally stopping at an old fashioned restaurant called "Billowing Sails." Jacob ordered a cup of coffee while Orei sat next to him and simply let her hands rest in her lap.
A gentleman came up and said something to her and she nodded. Then he motioned her and her father to follow him. He led them to what could only be described as the back door of the restaurant. Jacob looked curiously at the gentleman. "What are we doing back here?" he asked the man.
"Ah, you are Muggles." he said with a slight laugh before looking to Orei. "Muggles are non-magic folk. Going to a school of Wizardry and Witchcraft are ya?" Max looked offended but the gentleman took no notice of it.
"Yes sir I am. Just received my acceptance to Hogwarts this morning. We are going to buy my supplies," Orei said with a smile.
"Well then, you'll want to go to the W&W Bank and trade in your muggle money for knuts and galleons." He said with a nod and opened the door. "Welcome to Gryphon Gateway."
Orei blinked before stepping through the door, the obviously still stunned Jacob not too far behind. Orei looked down at her list:
3 sets of plain work robes
One plain pointed hat for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (Dragon-hide preferred)
One winter cloak (black with silver fastenings)
She nodded and looked up at her dad. "First the bank then the clothing store?" Jacob nodded "Alright, lets get this over with." Jacob said taking Orei's hand and leading her through the crowd.
After their stop at the bank they went directly to "Lady Madrigal's Robes and Cloaks" where Orei was fitted for her robes and cloak. Soon they were out of the store and on their way to "Parchment & Quills" the bookstore.
When the entered the clerk met her at the door and took her list. "Ah yes. A first year student. I was wondering when you'd be here." He said before handing her books. The items were paid for and they left the shop. Only a few more things left to purchase.
One wand
One standard size 2 pewter cauldron
One set of glass or crystal phials
One telescope
One set brass scales
Their third stop was MacKenna's Magic Nook for a wand. Six wands later and Orei had a unicorn hair, willow, 10 inch. Then they headed to the Apothecary for the rest of her supplies. Finally they made it to Olyvia's Owls and Others.
She looked at all the cats, and all the toads, and about half way through the Owls she stopped. "I'll take this one." She said and lifted it's cage up and smiled. "I'll name it Aage."
Finally all her supplies bought they headed home. Orei ran straight to her room with her supplies and quickly put them on the bed and waited for her father to bring in the trunk. Once the trunk was in her room she quickly packed it up, tough she kept out one of the books. She kept out the "A History of Magic" book.
Jacob walked to the mail box and checked the mail. There was the usual, bills and junk mail, but there was something from his company. He opened it as he walked in the door. "Well this will make things a bit easier." He said with a sigh. He walked up stairs to Celia. "Well, you will be traveling after all Celia. I am being transferred to the London office."
Michael Turin paces the fireplace of his London home, considering (as usual) the missing persons and how to deal with the situation. He knows the problem with fining them is that no one knows where Voldemort is based. Well, Lucius Malfoy does, but he isn't about to be receptive to questions similarly.
Michael's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a frantic tapping at the window, the cause of which was an owl with a paper flashing red and white - something urgent.
Michael tears open the message and reads its contents: the newest developments in the case Ethan Somerset and the Viktor Krum. The message is late, VERY late.
"Merlin's beard, how could this have taken so long to reach me?!" Michael throws a large quantity of floo powder into his hearth.
"All Aurors not currently on assignment! Apparate to my flat NOW!!! EMERGENCY!"
Suddenly the room is filled with the aurors.
"I need... 30 aurors to get to Bulgaria immediately. As in right now. Other are to stand by as back-up if necessary."
Michael read the letter as quicky as possible. The fact that 45 volunteered to depart immediately made him proud. Michael would have gone himself, but he needs to keep fort at the MOM HQ. He also knows Dierna would have taken this mission, had she been here.
When the room is again empty, Michael pours himself a stiff drink, downs it and pours another. If messages were being delayed, they were likely being intercepted. If people were reading the messages how much did they know? And who where "they?"
