Danger Comes On Little Cat Feet

The black cat crept its way up the dark and silent alleyway, taking caution at every sound. It crawled through the open window in the warehouse, and perched, unseen, atop a pile of wooden crates, packed and ready to ship off back to Britain. It seemed to look at the name on one of the boxes: Malfoy, Draco. On another: Zabini, Blaise.

The cat smirked to itself, and moved stealthily to the next pile of boxes. These were smaller, and lighter in appearance. The same names appeared on these, along with many other familiar ones. The cat drew what seemed to be a very small digital camera from a small pouch on its black collar. It photographed several packages, and replaced the camera. The cat's ears pricked up instinctively. There were footsteps coming near, not from the alley, but from within the warehouse. The cat moved out of sight just in time to see a large American holding a Muggle gun escorting a young brown haired woman into the room. "Here," he said. "You take this, and do as I say. If you cooperate, you won't be touched." He handed her a nail gun. "Just nail these crates here shut. Boss says we've got to keep you busy. Says you're one of them weird guys." He sat down in a folding chair, and watched her nail the crates shut. When the woman reached the crates near the cat, she looked up, and gave a small smile. The cat nodded at her, removed a folded piece of paper from the collar pouch, and pushed it toward the woman. She took it and read:

Switch the names, and only nail the corners of the one going back, but first, take the can of soda from it. Don't bother trying to harm the Muggle with a gun; he's wearing one of those bulletproof vests. He will check you over when you're done nailing to make sure you haven't stolen anything. The soda will be in your pocket. Let him have it, and make sure he drinks it. It contains a simple sleeping draught with a forgetfulness potion that should keep him out for six hours at least. Then you know what to do.

The woman nodded back at the cat, and did as she was told. When the Muggle was asleep, she took his gun, and his wallet. Then she searched his coat, taking a small black box from the inside breast pocket. She saluted the cat, and disapparated.

The cat waited until the "boss," a man with sleek blonde hair whom it recognized, had discovered his crony's body, and then crept silently back out the window, and down the alley. Before it turned the corner, however, the cat transformed into a woman, a dangerously beautiful woman with brown hair pulled back with a clip, and dressed in all black with a black leather trench coat concealing a small gun and her wand. She walked quickly down the street, ignoring several hollers from drunks, until she met a man, also dressed in black, waiting next to a black Jaguar. He gave her an expectant look. "Well," he said, "Cat in the bag, Hermione?" His breath was visible in silvery wisps from the cold February air.

Hermione nodded, and got into the car. The man climbed into the driver's seat next to her. She let out her breath. "Lauranna got out alright. Mission accomplished. She switched the names so now Malfoy is getting six pairs of house slippers instead of guns, two dragon eggs, and instructions how to build a nuclear bomb. All of that is coming to us at HQ."

Hermione Granger had graduated from Hogwarts top of her class, (and most other classes), and was now working as an auror. She did mostly undercover work with her partner, Seamus Finnigan. Ron and Harry were also aurors (most who survived were). Ron did most of the planning, and as for Harry, he was stationed at Hogwarts working on communications, where he was raising his two small children.

"Anyways," Hermione continued. "Zambini's name was on one of the boxes, so that confirms that she's in on this. They're getting Muggles on their side! After all he's done to them, they're still going to join him."

"I'll tell you how I see this," Seamus said, turning onto the freeway. "He'll make them think he's their friend, just like with the giants, and take advantage of them. I don't know how, because they're not very smart, but he'll get something. This is supposed to be our war. Muggles aren't supposed to get mixed up in this stuff. By the time this is over, our whole world will be exposed to them and ugh, I don't want to think about the possibilities." Seamus shuddered. He turned again. "Damn, I hate New York. If we just could've done all this back in Britain... At least I know how to drive there." He glared at the street signs above his head. "What does 'Fifth Avenue next six exits' mean?"

"Who knows," Hermione said. "But you've got to turn up here, past Fifth Avenue exit six. Right there, then turn left, and then left again, and then right. We're parking in spot number thirty-two. Sirius said to meet him in the parking garage."

When his name had been cleared, Sirius Black returned to his former occupation as an auror. He was now the commander of the LAD (London Auror Department), and he had requested to meet them after they had accomplished this leg of their mission.

"Blimey, I don't know how we're going to pull this off, Mione," Seamus said shaking his head. "I mean, yeah, we've got a great team behind us, and Sirius, and Dumbledore, but I don't know how much hope Ron's got. He's been missing for days. I don't mean to be pessimistic, but I'm sure that thought has crossed your mind too." They pulled into the parking spot, and got out of the car. Hermione turned to look at Seamus.

"I know he's alive, Seamus, I know it." Her voice shook very slightly.

"Mione, I know you won't give up." He placed both his hands comfortingly on her shoulders. "But we can't live on a hope."

"Oh, you're right," she sighed. "But I miss him so much..."

"Oh, Herm, don't break down on me," Seamus said, lifting her chin with his fingers.

Hermione wasn't shaken easily, but this was a subject on which she was very touchy. She gave him a small smile. "Trained killers don't break down. Not in front of other trained killers anyway."

"That's the spirit," Seamus said. Then he paused. "Listen."

Hermione could hear a faint rumbling sound, like a car engine. Sure enough, another sleek black Jaguar drove up beside Seamus and Hermione, and Sirius stepped out.

"Captain Agent 116 Granger," he said, nodding to Hermione, and then to Seamus. "Agent 173 Finnigan."

"Sir," they both said. It was businesslike and respectful to address each other this way. But more so, it was a way to disguise their friendships.

"I have some news for you two, but first, how goes your mission?"

"Fine," Hermione said. "Everything went on schedule. Lauranna took his wallet, gun and the box containing the codes. The addresses were switched and the Muggle temporarily put down. And Sirius," she paused. "Blaise Zambini's name was on one of the boxes." She knew this would please him and disappoint him at the same time. He had been after the Zambini family for years for being Voldemort's supporters, but Blaise happened to be one of the Death Eater's best spies.

"Ah, well I suppose it figures," he said, torn between hate and triumph. "Did Malfoy come?"

"Yes, but not until after. He took one look at that Muggle's body, picked up the nail gun Lauranna had been using, and nailed the Muggle's hands to the floor - anger problem if you ask me. He enervated the Muggle, and started yelling about how she was a witch and he should have been more careful. The Muggle was screaming the whole time. Not a pretty sight. I left just after that."

"Hm, and the addresses? Do we have them?" Sirius asked earnestly.

Hermione pulled the digital camera out from inside her trench coat. "All in here."

"Good," Sirius nodded. "And, you, Seamus?"

"Maddok and Bode have a meeting with Sean Avery next Monday at 9:00 PM in the Plaza Hotel basement parking garage. He is interested in buying dragon eggs, and our agents will be posing as breeders. They are to arrive alone and unarmed."

"Right," Sirius said. "The usual will be standing guard, twelve of them in various places. If they're breeding dragons, we're in serious trouble. We'll work out all the details tomorrow in London. And one more thing," he added. "They have traced Ron to the Minneapolis area. We're sending scouts out tomorrow as well. He's one of our best planners, so we've got a real motivation to get him back."

"Wouldn't we have motivation even if he wasn't a good planner?" Hermione questioned, shooting a glance at Seamus, which he returned.

"Well yes," Sirius said, matter-of-factly. "But now everybody has motivation. I suppose we'd all better get back to our respective posts. I'll see you in the morning." He nodded at them again, got into the drivers' seat of the Jaguar, and sped almost noiselessly down the concrete hall.

"He's right - let's go," Seamus said rubbing his hands together. "Come on, Mione." He pulled gently on her jacket.

"Do you think they'll find him?" she asked, looking off toward the distant Jaguar, now turning onto the street.

"Oh, Hermione, I don't know. We've got the best team on the continent, but we don't know exactly what we're up against. The odds are with us and against us. We'll find out tomorrow, but in the meantime, I want to get some sleep. You should too; you look really tired."

That was true, she was tired, but she did not know if she could sleep. When they got back to their hotel, Seamus retreated to his room, but Hermione turned on the television. She wanted to watch the news. She didn't know why, because the Muggle news had almost nothing to do with her, but she felt an urge to do so. She flipped to a promising channel.

"Today in St. Paul, Minnesota, the body of a twenty-five year old man was discovered in the Mississippi River," the reporter said. "Over to Mary with more information."

The camera changed to show a view of the Mississippi River with the Muggle police by the water's edge. Dogs were tracing the riverbank.

"The man, whose name will not be divulged pending notification of family, was presumed dead by hypothermia and severe burns at 5:15 this morning. Vincent Herdrege, who was passing by while walking his dog, discovered the body. The body appeared to have several third degree burns, which doctors say were caused by fire."

Hermione turned off the TV, not wanting to hear anymore. The thought and possibility that it was Ron was too unnerving. She went to her room, and gave herself a potion for a dreamless seven-hour sleep.

When she awoke in the morning, Seamus was already awake drinking juice on the balcony. She wrapped herself in a dressing gown, and joined him.

"Morning," he said.

"Morning," she returned.

"Just talked to Harry - our meeting is at one o' clock. It's ten o' clock now, giving us a few hours to burn. We've got no assignment, and we have to check out of here by eleven."

"I don't want to stay in New York; I'm sick of it. I think we should go to Minneapolis. You know, just check things out. Besides, I want a word with an old friend."

"Who do you know who lives in Minnesota?" Seamus asked, doubtfully. "We're not going to find Ron on our own."

"Oh, I know that. His name is Vince. Vince Herdrege. Old friend of my parents."

So, with a lot of prompting on Hermione's part, they checked out of the hotel, and apparated to Minneapolis. Remembering that the newscast had been in St. Paul, however, they took another black LAD Jaguar across the river and into the capital city. Hermione gave Seamus directions, and they eventually ended up at the home of Vincent B. Herdrege, who recognized Hermione at once.

"Hermione Granger, is that you?" he asked excitedly when they rang the doorbell.

"Oh, it's so good to see you again, Vince," she said, giving the old man a hug.

"And who is this fine young man?"

"Oh, this is my partner Nathan Cerman. We work for our government now. I'll explain more inside." They always used fake names, but Vince already knew Hermione's.

Seamus grabbed Hermione's arm and whispered uneasily, "Are you sure we can trust him?"

She glared at him. "Of course. He's not even a wizard. I've known him since I was about five. He's like an uncle to me."

Vince led them inside and seated them on a surprisingly comfortable couch, and offered them drinks.

"No thanks, Vince. Actually we aren't here just to visit. We've got a problem, and I think you might be able to help us."

Seamus looked at her, but she ignored him.

"I'll be glad to do what I can," said the old man. "What's your problem?"

"Well see, one of our government friends disappeared last month, and was traced to this area." Seamus was still looking at her in bewilderment. "Anyway, I was watching your news last night in New York, and heard that a body was found by you in the Mississippi River. I was wondering if you could tell us anything about the man you saw." Seamus opened his mouth, and then shut it again.

"Well, I guess so," Vince said slowly. "What do you want to know?"

"What he looked like, for one," Seamus said, finally catching on.

"Let's see, he was tall. Definitely over six feet, with brown hair, I think. They said afterwards that he was foreign. From England or Ireland I think."

"Are you sure his hair was brown?" Seamus asked, almost anxiously.

Vince thought for a moment. "Yep. Definitely brown." Just then, a little beagle came trotting into the room.

"That's not Luke," Hermione said.

"Nope, Luke died a couple years back. This one's just a pup. His name is Will."

"Hello Will," Seamus said whilst patting the exited little dog's back.

"Anyways, you've got a lot of explaining to do, Hermione Granger. What have you been up to these past nine years? I haven't seen you since you were nineteen after you graduated."

"Well, government work mostly. I started to tell you a bit about that. We work for the London Auror Department, so we're kind of like police. We've been in New York on assignment for a few days. Forgive me, but that's about all I can tell you."

"Course," said Vince with a wave of his hand. "My cousin's in the CIA, and we never know what he's doing. And he's not aloud to say a word. So, tell me a little about you these days. Married or anything yet?"

"Not married. If I got married, you would know." She smiled broadly. "You're like an uncle to me."

"Ah, thanks, Mione. I don't have any kids of my own, you know, so you're the closest thing I've got to a daughter. You'll always be welcome here, you remember that - both of you." He smiled at Seamus. "Any friend of Mione's is a friend of mine."

"Thank you. Same here, sir." Seamus shook his hand. "We'd probably better be going, it's almost twelve o' clock."

"Yeah, you're right. Well, I'll definitely see you again soon, Vince, and thank you. Always keep you're eyes and ears open."

"I taught you that when you were five," Vince said, hugging her again. "Remember that one. It works."

When they had driven off, Hermione wondered to herself if it would be good news they received at the LAD meeting or bad. So much had happened since the last meeting. At least three people had died, and two had disappeared. And the LAD had gotten a whiff of rumor about a strange group of people in the north of Scotland who seemed to be behind several disappearances, though there was no hard evidence. Yet.

They returned the American Ministry car and apparated back to London. Hermione decided to go to her apartment for a bit before going to the meeting. She wanted to unpack, eat lunch, and just be alone for a while. She was tired from their assignment and irritated at Seamus. He had been rather negative lately, and little overprotective of her, which she thought was absurd. She could take care of herself quite sufficiently, thank you. She would have no more of that, she decided over her bowl of chili. They were not students at Hogwarts anymore, and he, Harry and Ron no longer had to stand up for her. In fact, she sometimes stood up for him now. She got so lost in her thoughts that she almost apparated on the spot, forgetting that she could not apparate from the building or into the LAD Headquarters. She walked through the double doors of the upscale apartment building, and then apparated to the front door of LAD Headquarters.

Several people nodded to her as she made her way up to the sixth floor. She was in a high position, captain of the undercover division, and well respected. However, to everyone else, she was a dangerously infamous auror. Sirius greeted her when she reached the council hall. "Harry hasn't arrived yet," he said. "Any idea where he is?"

Hermione shook her head. "I went home after I got back, and haven't heard from him. Is Seamus here?"

"Yes, he's over there talking to Justin."

Hermione walked over to the two of them. "Have either of you heard from Harry?"

Both men shook their heads. "Last time I talked to him was before we left," Seamus said.

"I went up to Hogwarts yesterday, and he said he'd be here. Probably having kid trouble," said Justin. "That little one's a handful."

"Oh, I know," Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "Nick is a bit, er, hyper, as one could put it. Alex will whip him into shape one of these days though."

Nicholas and Alexandra were Harry's two children. Nick was four and Alex was eight and a half. Harry had been raising them at Hogwarts ever since his wife had died. Most of their friends had died or disappeared. There were only four Weasleys left: Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, Fred, and Ron. Percy, George, Bill, Ginny, and Mr. Weasley had all died in various battles and attacks. Dean Thomas had died in the Battle of Connery Hill with George, Bill, and Lavender Brown. Lee Jordan had died in the attack on Paris. Percy, Ernie McMillon, Cornelius Fudge and several other Ministry employees had died when Dublin was captured, though it had been repossessed. Ginny, however, had died in her fifth year, when she was captured by Voldemort.

"Anyways," Seamus said, his smile fading, "Justin was just telling me about their new lead in the States about those weird people up in Scotland."

"Yeah, they Americans say they've been spotting similar ones. In certain parts of Colorado and Pennsylvania and even northern Maine. Some say they're elves. I didn't even know elves really existed."

"They don't," said Hermione. "They're a myth."

"Well how do you know?" Seamus asked. "They've been seen before."

Justin continued, ignoring them. "Wizards have started disappearing. One gone in Colorado, two in Pennsylvania, and one in Maine. Nobody can explain it."

"Well, in my opinion, we've got bigger problems and bigger fish to fry. Particularly Malfoy and Zambini."

"So she is involved then?" asked Justin.

"Her name and address was on one of the boxes containing highly dangerous weaponry," so yeah, I'd say she was involved," Seamus said sarcastically.

Sirius clapped his hands upon entering the room. "If we could all just sit down, we have a lot of ground to cover today." He seated himself at the head position. Hermione and Seamus were on one side of him, and Justin and Harry's empty seat on the other. The others also seated themselves in their usual spots.

"As you may know-," Sirius began, but was cut off by Harry, who had just burst into the room.

"Hello, Harry," Sirius said calmly. "Nice of you to join us."

"Sorry, sir," Harry said, breathing heavily. "But we've got a problem."

Sirius jumped up. "What has happened? Does Dumbledore know?"

Harry nodded. "He knows alright. We've just received word that Voldemort is planning an attack against the States."

Almost everybody flinched at the sound of the name, but said nothing. Sirius sat down - slowly. "Does anyone else know about this?" he asked wearily.

Harry shook his head. "Not as far as I know. Dumbledore wants to speak to you though." He looked at Hermione and Seamus. "And you two as well."

"Whom did you receive this information from?" Sirius asked.

"That's what he needs to talk to you about, sir. It was from Ron."

"He's alive then?"

"I don't know. It was in his handwriting, but I suppose it could have been forged or under the influence." This meant under the influence of the Imperius Curse.

"Well, bring it in then, and have it scanned. We'll be able to tell if it's forgery."

Harry sat down in his seat across from Hermione, and gave her a small smile, which she returned, followed by his "I-need-to-talk-to-you" look. She nodded as Sirius began to speak again.

"Anyway, as I was saying, you all know of the disappearance of Ronald Weasley, and a few of you have brought a strange report to my attention. Apparently a British wizard was found dead in the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota yesterday, and I am relieved to confirm that it was not Weasley." There were many sighs of relief, including Hermione's. Sirius continued.

"Anyway, we had four of you out on assignment this week, I believe. A report, if you please, starting with you, Hermione."

Hermione gave her report and account of what had happened in the warehouse. When she mentioned Blaise Zambini, many people gave looks of triumph.

"I knew it!" Terry Maddok said, slapping his hand on the table. "Always knew there was something funny about her."

Seamus went next, explaining to Terry Maddok and Ashlyn Bode that they were to take up the roles of Michael Carmen and Laura Vernon. The two were quite thrilled to act as illegal dragon breeders.

The other two were Jaimey Caldwell and Luke Mitchell. Luke explained that they had been in Monaco, following a group of Death Eaters. He said they had been using an abandoned house as their headquarters, and they had been quite hard to track down, as their address was under the name Tabatha Grenuty. He was able to confirm Harry's claim about the Death Eaters planning an attack on the United States. Jaimey told Sirius that they had planted Muggle recording devices all over the house to pick up any sound the Death Eaters made. Many people had been skeptical of the recording devices' reliability, but they had proved to be quite successful in previous instances.

"Well," said Sirius, clapping his hands together. "Good work, you four. Now we might be getting somewhere. Now, I've got assignments for eight of you. Hermione, Seamus, Jaimey, Luke, Christopher, Harry, and Michael, if you would stay please. The rest of you may go back to your current tasks."

He turned to the eight of them. "Christopher, Michael, you know what I'm going to ask you. We discussed this before."

They nodded. "Do you want us to stay for three days or four?"

"Four I think," Sirius said. "Yes, leave in the morning. A car will be waiting for you when you arrive."

When they had left, he turned to the remaining six. "Harry, I want you to tell Remus Lupin to come back here and that you will take over his teaching duties for the day. I need to speak with him. Tell him that we will be meeting with Dumbledore in about three days. I want him here and the rest of you too. Go to him now, Harry. I need him ASAP."

Harry nodded and left. Sirius turned to the rest of them. "I have a little job for the four of you," he said. "All of you together."

The four knew each other well, and were good friends. They awaited Sirius's task.

"I want you to go to the States," he continued. "You are to go undercover there. We need a little information and some dead Death Eaters."

"Wait, how long are we going to be there?" asked Luke.

"As long as is necessary to get the information and connections we need. You will be stationed in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I'm sure you all know why."

They nodded. They knew that their task was to find out where Ron was, get him back, and find Malfoy, if possible.

"You will of course have the aid of a team of thirty hit wizards. We have connections with the American Ministry and you will be joined by two American aurors."

"What?" Seamus said. "We're going to be helped by Americans?"

"Yes, and you're going to be good about it. There is nothing wrong with Americans; you just don't like them for some reason or another."

"I've got my reasons," Seamus muttered under his breath, and Sirius gave him a look.

"You will not let your own bias get in the way of your assignment."

"Yes sir."

"Anyways, yes. Sarah McDillon and Dominic Morghan will join you. Girls in one apartment, and guys in the other. Both of them are from the area, so they will be able to show you around. You will be tracking Death Eaters again, so you will be equipped with all the usual weapons, and you will be allowed your animagus powers, Hermione and Luke. We need to take extreme caution because if any of you are seen, you will be ambushed, I can guarantee that. You are all well known to Death Eaters, you know that. I think things will be slightly different than they usually are, but you will be informed of that later. I will be giving you daily instructions."

"Where exactly are we going?" Seamus asked.

"You will be in the northern end of Minneapolis. You will be given fine living conditions - don't worry. You will be given profiles to stick to before you leave. You aren't to get to close to anyone, and if possible stay mostly unnoticeable, don't attract attention, everything you were taught in training. Do nightly explorations of the city, and investigate anything that raises suspicion. Oh, and Hermione," he looked at her meaningfully, "Don't tell Vince too much. We can't fully trust anybody, not even old friends or relatives. Nobody."

Hermione nodded, not surprised that he knew about Vince. "When are we leaving?"

"In four days, on Saturday. You will be at Hogwarts until then, all right? All of you. Dumbledore wants to talk to you all. Remus and I will be up on Thursday. I will see you all then."