It was time. Zel had been ready to tell the aurors all about Ira Almasy the moment that he had known for certain. Out of respect and concern for Raine, he had held back. To an extent, they would still be holding back today-- the wands that Raine had commandeered from her aunt's trophy room were still safely hidden. Zel wasn't exactly comfortable with where they were hidden, and hadn't admitted that to himself, let alone to anybody else.  Either way, Raine was now ready to let what she knew of her aunt be known to the authorities.

And the only ones Zel really trusted were Aurors Harcroft and Eleor. Adon Eleor had been a strong, steady figure in the lives of his siblings when he had gone missing. His little sister had told him the story of the strange Israeli who showed up dressed like Santa in order to cheer everybody up. He understood the risk and costs to the people around him. While most aurors understood that the kidnapping was horrible, Adon seemed to understand better the impact on the family-- not just on Zel himself.

On top of that, Eleor was careful. If they were going to take this risk, it was going to be with him.

They were in the counselor's office-- she had made them a couple mugs of hot chocolate before dashing off to, "Fight for cheese honor. I'll brie back later." Counselor Yukawa's words, not his. It was not Zel's place to question them-- all he could do was pretend like he thought she was funny when she really wasn't. He did appreciate her unquestioning willingness to let them use her office as a space to interview.

Zel took Raine's hand in his own and squeezed it for his own reassurance as much as her's. The auror would be here any minute now. "You ready?" He asked under his breath just as the door opened. The werewolf hesitated for just a moment before greeting Adon with a wan, wary smile. It seemed like him-- there were no unfamiliar smells, but there weren't any disturbingly familiar smells either. It couldn't hurt to ask a question.

"I forgot to mention in my letter, but Em likes the necklace you got her."[1] He put on a curious expression, "She said it was useful, but what was it for again?" Zel did his best to shrug nonchalantly, "I don't want to seem like I don't pay attention even though..." He let his words trail off. 

1.	Christmas Gifts to the Trumbles

After a long day of lesson, the last of which involved a charting of stars in the evening sky, Raine had taken a moment in front of a mirror to asses herself.

She tousled her hair, wiped off eyeliner. Pinched her cheeks until they were that pink and ruddy shade of youth. Smudged a bit of ink on her writing hand. Took off her regular shoes, which had a slight heel, to slip on a pair of flats. Untucked her school blouse.

The last time Adon Eleor had met her, she had looked too much like someone about to follow in the footsteps of Ira Almasy. Raine had to change that about this meeting. She had to bring out her younger, more vulnerable qualities. Trustworthy qualities. The Auror trusted Zel of course but she didn't assume his trust would extend to her.

By the time they were Maiko's office after dinner, she felt at ease in spite of the tension. The hot chocolate helped. Being with Zel helped more.

"I am," she replied in a whisper as Eleor arrived - and lapsed into silence as the two wizards continued an exchange from some previous correspondence or talk. Raine sat a little straighter in her chair and only fixed Adon with a curious, appraising gaze that she did not try to hide.

Adon had barely even entered the room, giving a subdued "hello" before questions were put to him. Trivial ones.  Automatically, Adon gave a sympathetic smile.  There had been enough significant cases of life-threatening, mistaken identities in Adon's recent past to pinpoint Zel's rather rational paranoia. That confirmed it: Zel knew.  He'd made the case that Raine was not like her--Like Ira Almasy.  He also likely knew the unsettling fact that Ira--or at least someone involved in his abduction--could change appearance.

Adon's gaze turned momentarily to Raine Almasy.  She looked .... different.  Wasn't dressed in the same sort of precious dress as before. It was a uniform, that was to be expected.  But she was rumpled, carefree--the sort of girl you'd imagine would be running off to early morning Quidditch practice, stealing kisses in hallways...

It was jarring.  She didn't look like the sort of girl who would be emotionally prepared  to date a werewolf with recent trauma.  The kidnapping and aftermath doubtless became a topic of daily conversation.  That was Old Soul territory.  If you weren't one already, you'd sure wind up there quick enough.  And now, with her untucked shirt, she didn't seem prepared to talk to an Auror about a grave matter regarding an investigation.  And Raine Almasy had come across, both in his own observations and Balfour Spectre's, as a capable, sensible young woman  who was, most certainly prepared.  There was a sort of unsettling disingenuousness of it--either in her first appearance or the second.  In short, Raine Almasy did not--or, perhaps, had not--looked like herself.

Perhaps that changeability also ran in the family.

Zel practically bristled with anxiety. "Moonstone," Adon answered primly, "is a feldspar mineral valued for bringing intuition and clarity to the holders; its healing properties are strongly tied to cycles of varying kinds.  It is mainly found in Sri Lanka, Burma, India and Madagascar.  The most powerful time to use moonstone is at the full moon which, in your sister's case, might be when it is of most use."  Now smirking, Adon clucked his tongue disapprovingly. "Honestly, Zel, you're a prefect.  Someone would get the sense that you aren't paying attention."

"Miss Almasy," Adon said, formally, with a slight nod. His tone was restrained. "Happy to meet under better circumstances."  Zel was not missing.  Her aunt was not in the room.  There was no an overly affectionate creature rubbing up against him. (Maiko'd been sensible enough to leave Maslow and Crepe at home.)  He was not feeling vaguely threatened.

...Scratch that last one.  He regarded Raine a bit more sternly. 

No, Raine was very different.  There were several possible conclusions:

1. Raine-from-the-Manor was, quite literally, a different person than Hogwarts-Raine.
2. Raine-from-the-Manor was forced to act differently than she truly was: this Hogwarts-Raine.
3. For some calculated reason, Hogwarts-Raine conducting herself differently than Raine-from-the-Manor .   
And, sure. Why not add:
4. Coincidence.

Despite the fact that he was now certain that Adon was, well, Adon, Zel was still tense. His shoulders felt tight, no-- his skin felt tight. All of it. He took a slow, deep breath through his nose and exhaled. It helped marginally.

Now that Adon Auror Eleor was here in all his aurory glory, Zel wasn't sure how to begin. He didn't want to overstep his bounds with Raine. After all, it was her family they were talking about. And family was complicated. It was always complicated. Perhaps then, the subject should be broached by her.

Either way, Zel was certain that the man before them was Adon and not an impostor (Ira or otherwise.)

"Well." He glanced down at Raine, "We have some information about-- about my..." The Hufflepuff nearly cringed, "Abduction."

Raine watched the auror carefully, recognising by his mannerisms at least that he was the same man who visited her aunt's mansion in east London in December of last year. She wished she could read his mind so that she could know what he knew... or what he suspected. Her own thoughts were a vague white mist, in which Ira Almasy loomed like a dark silhouette. For a moment she could almost feel her aunt's cold hands resting gently on her shoulders.

But no. It was only Zel next to her, arms pressed together.

She understood from the look that the Hufflepuff gave her that she was good to go. This was Adon Eleor. Now was the time. Raine drew in a breath and reached into her skirt pockets.

"Here. It will be easier if you read it now," she drew out a rolled up sheet of parchment[1] and offered it to the older wizard. "This is everything I saw and experienced on the 17th of February, before I returned to school."

Her brow was tense, serious - she crossed her legs and leaned forward with a businesslike air. When she spoke, her words were careful and deliberate. "It has given me cause to believe that my aunt Ira Almasy is responsible for Zel Trumble's abduction."

Raine didn't blanch at the thought, she only held Adon's gaze: aware that this was the only first impression she had to give of her testimony in-person. "I have the wands from the room as evidence. If you'll let me, I can go to fetch them right this moment. Professor Storm has helped keep them safe."

1.	Formal testimony, as witnessed by Ignan Storm here.

Adon did not look up from the letter as he held up a single finger, held it there, brows knit, as he scanned over the lines.  No, no--he didn't want her leaving just now.

Raine's presentation as it was on paper, as it was in-person was now consistent with what he expected. Systematic, principled.

"The seventeenth of February," he repeated, tone level.  He thought of all the things that had happened since February 17th.  All the things he hadn't--the closed doors, the frustration...

Adon took a preparatory breath.  So many options branching out from this moment.  Wanting to know why she was acting--did her affections for Zel truly win out over those for her aunt? Or was this another elaborate chess move?

Did her aunt suspect her? That would shape how he proceeded--particularly concerning these children. 

Was there a chance her aunt had let Raine Almasy know of this, hoping that this might happen? No, no. That did not make sense.  Ira Almasy might want to toy with Aurors like puppies, goading and dangling food overhead, but it was horribly inefficient--too many unknown factors, and leaving success too much to just... very good odds.  Ira Almasy could not have been certain his niece would respond this way.  Couldn't be certain she'd even go to the Aurors... Couldn't be certain how the Aurors would respond.

Hell, Adon didn't even know how he was going to respond.  Or in what capacity.  He wasn't the lead on this case.  He was hoping it'd lead him to answers about the Mungo's poisonings, but so far it hadn't.  His case file was empty, and his personal stores in his flat were getting more and more full, crannies and nooks packed with notes from meetings with Balfour, with Trumbles, Almasys, potential witnesses, dead-ends... all catalogued.  Testimonies. Hearsay.

But nothing official as of yet.  No memorandums of understanding.  And certainly nothing as concrete as evidence.

"A minute," he said.  He needed to get her talking to see where she stood; he didn't doubt how much she knew nearly as much as she doubted how much, perhaps, Ira did, "Why now.  Why not February 17th, when this happened?"

It was a lot to take in. Raine could understand that, as it had been a lot for her to process as well when she entered the mirrored room  in Aunt Ira's manor - and Adon did not have the benefit of seeing it in-person. Words were insubstantial. He didn't have to see Zel pull apart another human being.

       "Why now.  Why not February 17th, when this happened?"

Next to her, Zel tensed up. It was obvious to the eye but Raine didn't have to look to feel his bearing change.

"I have a family." The Gryffindor paused, glanced down as if to check her nails as she frowned to cover up the worry she felt. "I didn't... I wanted to see if she was going to do anything to my mother or father, when I left. If she would threaten to and then refrain, on the condition that I returned."

Raine had not been close to her parents since her twin passed away but she didn't want anything to happen to them. They had buried a child already and wasn't that enough? They didn't need to suffer anymore. She looked back up at Adon and bit her lower lip, thoughtful.

"Ira hasn't done anything, not even written. I think she's waiting to see what I'll do next...." she swallowed, hand reaching to take Zel's. "They used to kill werewolves, my family. It's possible she's trying to gauge my suitability."

It didn't make sense that Ira would risk her reputation and record for such a thing; but Raine also knew that Almasys were not always inclined towards self-preservation.

"I have a family."

There were two things that made people do stupid things: family and fear, and this case had plenty of both.  Waiting this long was, from an investigative standpoint, unwise.  But fear of--and for--family? Holding off had been the right choice, from Raine Almasy's standpoint.

But it had hurt them. 

"Alright," Adon said, tone neutral.  "So Ira Almasy knows."  He regarded her, eyebrows raised.  "And is watching you? Testing you? It's good that you know that; it's likely."  Very likely, from what Balfour had characterized. It's why they were meeting on Hogwarts grounds, during a counseling session. It's why Adon had not conducted any of this investigation officially.  He was not the lead on Zel's kidnapping. To the extent possible, he'd kept Level 2 in the dark.  Even Riordan, who came across as sort of a hands-off manager, was starting to wonder what Adon was doing with his time.  "So why come to me now, then?"  He glanced over at Zel, who looked about ready to either turn statue or squirm out of his skin.

---

Zel knew why Adon asked about their hesitation-- he had to when being presented with information like this. But it still rubbed him the wrong way. Why couldn't he just assume that it was because Ira was a dangerous, messed up person and move on? Did it really matter why they waited? And why was he questioning his trust in Adon? Didn't aurors like to be told, eventually?

Zel was squeezing Raine's hand harder than he meant to.

"Are you saying that we shouldn't have gone to you?" His words were crisp, enunciated carefully.  asked shoulders rigid, jaw tense. "You seemed like someone I could trust." Adon may not have been on the official Trumble case, but he had interviewed Emeline. He had, Zel thought, seemed to care about them. He wasn't just another indifferent law enforcer. Zel also didn't think he had to spell it out for everybody, either.

"You made us sure that you were who you said you were." He straightened his posture, eyes meeting Adon's coolly. "Is that enough, Auror Eleor?"

---

"It isn't," Adon said firmly.  His expression softened somewhat as he settled back in his seat, the wooden chair creaking under the weight.  "I'm not being punitive, Zel." He looked at both of them before adding, "Truly. I'm glad for the trust, I'm indebted for the information, but I want that trust to be well-placed.  I need to know what has changed."  Zel was defensive, Raine on edge, and it was founded, but they were both of age now, and it wouldn't help to guard them from realities; they were now in the midst of this. 

"Zel, we established last time that you needed to be cautious and I respect that; and I need to be, too. It would seem from this statement," he rustled the sheaf of parchment slightly, "that Ira Almasy has all but revealed herself to you and asked for this. Raine has reason to fear for her family, and she's already gotten to you, Zel.  Knowing this, I need to know..." he sighed as he regarded them both.  Of-age, but children still.  Too old for their age. "I'm going to be honest with you both, here. It would appear that Ira Almasy has fed this to you, and that's suspect to me."  They'd rest their whole case upon those wand, upon this testimony.  If they brought her to trial and Ira could call into question their legitimacy, she'd be worse than a criminal at large--she'd be deemed innocent.  They wouldn't get this chance again.  "I have to protect the case and you two.  I can't just take your word at face value.  The Wizengamot won't." 

Heaving another sigh, he said: "So. How can I know that your reasons for coming forward now are not precisely what Ira Almasy wants?"

---

Zel didn't know what punitive meant. He didn't care.

Wait, Ira fed this to them? What? He shook his head at the very mention of that. "No, no." Zel protested, "Who else would know Raine well enough to--" Cheeks red, he stopped mid sentence. No. He wasn't going to go there right now, it wasn't relevant.

He glanced over at Raine, hoping she knew what to say. She was better with words.

---

Raine made a mental note to kiss Zel Trumble later, and to kiss him well. 



She felt his tight grip on her hand - it was hurting slightly - but more than that she could sense the emotion behind his words. Zel being defensive to Adon Eleor exhibited his loyalty to their own interests rather than the Ministry’s. Somehow she knew that he would always be on her side of things, and she did not want to let him down by being unworthy of that friendship. That particular brand of love. 

Her quiet gaze shifted from the Hufflepuff to the Auror as the exchange continued, and she cleared her throat in as placating a way that one could: as if to say gentlemen, please.



“Someone has to make the first move.” Raine reasoned, leaning forward in her seat and extracting her hand from Zel to fold her arms across her stomach. “The whole problem is that nothing has changed, don’t you see? I’m waiting for her to do something and she’s waiting for me to do something, it’s like a ridiculous chess game that we haven’t even started yet.” 

The Gryffindor could feel her frustration building, not knowing how to explain what it was like to live with Ira and talk to Ira and understand parts of Ira other people didn’t get to see.

She knew what Adon was trying to tell them but she didn’t think she was a pawn in this game; Ira didn’t like her pawns.

“White goes first. It’s our move, I’m telling you what I know.” Raine glared at the older wizard, not malicious but determined. “The longer I stay silent, the longer she has to… to do whatever’s planned next, without anyone suspecting.”

---

They made quite the pair--jaws set, hands clasped in a vice-like grip.  Adon gave a haphazard smile, despite himself.  He was glad. They'd need this fight in the coming months.  "Alright," he said simply, with a decisive nod.  "And move we will. But you," his finger pointed at the two of them lazily, "are done for now.  You did not speak to me. I was not here. This did not happen, and you will tell Professor Storm and anyone else you need to as much."  It all went without saying, but it he needed to hear it from them.  Raine Almasy was right: her aunt was going to act on this once she found out; Adon needed to be sure it wouldn't mean acting out against them, or any of his informants.  Ideally, Ira Almasy would not yet know they were making a move, and so would have precious little time to act against him.

---

Zel didn't relax, but responded with a taut nod. "I didn't speak to you." Easy enough, he could say he was in this office having another counseling session. Or taking a nap. Or whatever it was students did in here to check off the 7th year bucket list. A faint blush appeared on his cheeks and he could not, would not look at Raine.

Well. There was their reason. Bucket list. It wouldn't be hard for him to look appropriately guilty.

"Should we leave first, or?"

---

Her boyfriend’s face, white as parchment (whiter really), made his blush obvious. Raine would have to ask him about that later - she had to focus on what they were doing right now. The wands. Professor Storm. Should she give them in right away? It didn’t sound like Adon was rushing to present evidence before the Wizengamot right away…. 



“Wait,” she cautioned Zel and looked at the auror with a worry in her eyes. “Do you want me to fetch the wands or not? They’re the best proof we have, better than my word alone.”

---

"Leave them with Professor Storm."  He was a former Auror. Presumably trustworthy.  And if he wasn't, the analysts on Level Two, once they had them, could date the spells and any tampering through a priori and other means. "We'll need them for the warrant, but I'll need to pave the way on Level Two for that, first."  Like informing Carstairs that he even had a suspect. 

"When I'm ready, I'll write Storm directly." He'd make it about...Career Day. Arrange a meeting and gather them himself.  "Well," he said, clapping his hands together and rising to his feet, "you two better scurry off. And why don't you send Mai--" he fumbled a millisecond, "--Biladeau-Yukawa back in, hm?"