It was one week and five days ere Remembering Day. The beginning of, as the aurors so kindly put it, Raynor’s annual nesting syndrome duration. For the next twelve days ties would be straightened, fingernails glistening, desks organized, and forms completed in a timely fashion. Some might even work to improve their handwriting. For the next two hundred and eighty eight hours every auror would wear protocol like a protective shroud – that way you were more likely to fall under her radar. It was natural selection at its finest. The weak and the young were sacrificed so that the rest could survive. The unlucky victims that fell into her grasp were nagged mercilessly on regulation, their knowledge of auror traditions and costumes tested, and their skill of basic drill that would be needed for the memorial scrutinized. It was not wise to draw undo attention to oneself until the second of May had come and gone.

As Raynor stood checking the time in the shadow of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, no doubt those same aurors were celebrating their temporary freedom. However short it may be. Snapping the lid of her pocket watch closed, Tamis was irrationally overcome with the image of the Ministry’s elite table dancing on their desks in loose ties. Her eye twitched. The parallel universes the mind could wander to in idle moments of forced patience.

It was almost noon. She was expecting the Headmaster soon to discuss the technicalities of Remembering Day. Belisario was expected as well, if his schedule permitted. The concept tried to pull Raynor’s lips back into a smirk. Knowing of the touchy relationships between the Ministry and Hogwarts in the past the Head Auror had informed Greyfriar that she would meet him on the grounds in front of the school. Since most of their arrangements would concern the Hogwarts environs more that it’s interior she had no intentions of entering the building unless invited. Knowing that the Headmaster also taught, she had suggested the current date, a Saturday, for his convenience.

Gazing at the stone structure before her, Raynor was overcome with a rush of sentiment. As she always did. There were so many emotional ties to Hogwarts, both joyous and painful. It always felt as if she was returning home, but that she was no longer a wanted house guest. The school, and the people in it, had been the one stable foundation in her life growing up. At one time she had known it better, she felt, than anyone. The two had harmonized. But so much had happened since her graduation seventeen years ago. It had changed her. Altered her to where the person she had been all those years ago was a complete stranger. It was as if the school recognized that and loomed before her in anything but welcome. As if it rejected the changes. It sent a shiver of unease down Raynor’s spine and she forced herself to look away.

There were more important matters at hand than manifestations of her own insecurities with her past.



[Greyfriar/Belisario/Thread Crashers?]

It was always a strange feeling stepping on the grounds of Hogwarts.  There was a lot of mixed feelings towards the place that had been essential to his development as a wizard and as a person.  It was this place that responsible for him meeting Ariella Merriweather, who eventually became Mrs. Belisario.  He learned a lot about himself and his reasons for living.  He wondered though if he was asked that question now, if he had an answer.  Aside from that he was here on business. 

Soon however, it would be the tenth year anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts.  Where Harry Potter, a 17 year old boy defeated Voldemort.  The tale was famous all over the world in the wizarding world.  For Alex, that had only been the crux point that had turned everything around.  After that Harry Potter was able to enjoy life for a while.  The Auror department had scrambled to catch the Death Eaters.  And it had been one hell of a time.  It was also what got Alex most of his reputation, based on the number of Death Eaters that he had put behind bars.  Of course, that all came back on all of them in the Azkaban Uprising in 2004.  That was a different matter though.

Walking with a purpose he saw Ms. Raynor waiting at the Entrance Courtyard of Hogwarts.  He had to suppress a smile as she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts as well.  He could sense it in a way...probably a lot better if Tamis wasn't so good at occulumency.  Then again he felt better to have her directly beneath him with that skill.  Knowing that she and himself would be able to withstand any mental inquiries, and keeping all their department secrets strictly between them.

"Tami...Ms. Raynor," he stopped himself switching to all business.  "I know you could have dealt with this alone but I thought it would be better if I was here as well.  I hope it isn't a bother to you."

Even if it was she wouldn't admit it.  They worked well together, but mostly irritated each other.  Alex's neglect for paperwork...and Tamis sometimes questionable interpretation of his orders.  Still when they worked together there was rarely a team more effective.  But that never happened very often.

Knox Greyfriar clapped his hands.  "My friends! Welcome!" He lit down the stairs, his arms spread wide.  It was an ironic sort of greeting.  The Headmaster of Hogwarts was traditionally not pleased to have the Ministry on the grounds.  But since Rufus Scrimgeour had left office, Hogwarts and the Ministry had got on quite well. 

Tamis Raynor and Alexander Belisario.  They were standing in the courtyard looking a little stiff.  They were both of that magical generation that occupied the vast space between his own schooling and the time he began as a teacher.  They were neither peers, really, and he didn't have to feel too grandfatherly. But neither Head Auror Raynor or Mr. Belisario were at all diminutive, both of them warriors.

Knox had chosen to be exceedingly positive about this occasion, especially with all the dark omens that the world was growing grim about.  But this Remembering Day, Knox Greyfriar would not allow those in his sway to give unproven augery any credence.  This was not a freak show, this was not some sort of ball game.  This was Remembering Day and he'd have no undo theatrics or accidents.

"I'd invite you in, but well, you're Aurors! You know how it is," he joked.   "But ah, Madam Raynor. Down to business of course."

The old Hufflepuff was being cheeky, but Remembering Day had become very complex sort of joint-operation between the wizarding populace at large, the community of Hogsmeade, Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic.  It had to be a careful ballet so the event didn't ever fully fall under the control of any party, save of course, the people of Wizarding Britain.  The Ministry played security.  Hogwarts and Hogsmeade played host. 

"Much of the castle will be open to the public, naturally," the Headmaster said.  "The Great Hall, the Room of Requirement, if of course, it makes itself available.  It should, it should.  But other wings need to be sealed off.  How many can you give me for the castle proper?"

Another shadow encroached on Tamis, this one much more immediate than the imposing presence of the castle. Her gaze travelled upward until they met the face of Alexander Belisario. Naturally. It was amazing what the Department Head consider priority. If there was a catastrophe between Catastrophes and Law Enforcement, he conveniently disappeared leaving his Head Auror to deal with sputtering big wigs. But, if it was a simple matter of confirming final arrangements of routine security on an annual procedure (something that the Head Auror was capable of doing solo), he was present. And on time.

Face apathetic, Raynor considered the much taller man. He was up to something. The man was more conniving that he ever let on; it did not fool her for a second, though she might lead him and others to believe otherwise. The little wheels in that mind of his were turning again. He was not going to tell her, he seldom revealed his ulterior motives and Raynor never asked. She was not about to start now.

“Sir,” was her only curt response.

Quite welcomed, Greyfriar conveniently (and quite theatrically) presented himself, stemming further conversation. The man always seemed to Tamis like a giant, eccentric bear – she was uneasily never sure if he would suddenly try and crush her in a burly hug or bat her around like a chew toy as bears often did with their victims when angered. She believed he was easily capable of both.  His jovial disposition made the two battle-hardened Aurors seem as animated as statues.

"I'd invite you in, but well, you're Aurors! You know how it is.

A small smirk graced Raynor’s lips in response. “You know what they say about dogs, Headmaster. Best to leave them outside until you know they’re properly trained.”

The Aurors had a reputation of being the dogs of the Ministry. They had a history of doing its bidding, whether the orders were for the better or worse of the country. The Corps was only a handful of years of recovering from the pimple of a reputation it had earned during the second war; thanks to the help of a child prodigy now enlisted in its ranks. However, she did not add that, in her case, “Dog of the Ministry” was a bit of a more personal alias. More than a few found her animagus form ironic.

"But ah, Madam Raynor. Down to business of course... How many can you give me for the castle proper?"

“I would like to utilize some of Hogwarts’ innate defenses for basic crowd control within the castle. If you permit it, the gargoyles and suits of armor should deter most people from developing wandering feet. A small detail will be assigned to assist in making sure no one gets too cheeky, however. A pair to patrol each of the major corridors leading to the other wings and restricted areas. I assume that the school is internally taking precautions with sealing passageways leading in and out of the castle?”

The Head Auror had little trouble getting “down to business” as it were. She, however, did not add that, through personal discovery as a student, she knew of many (if not all) of those secret passages. It would not be political to set up aurors (at least on the record) at those locations. The secrets of the castle belonged to Hogwarts and its caretaker.

“Sir,”

That was the only thing he got from Tamis.  And it threw him off for a moment.  He had no idea why, but it did.  Alex, for some unkown reason wished he could be greeted in some other fashion by Tamis.  But there was no point in thinking about it, after all he was her superior.  Something that he still hadn't gotten used to, even though most of his job had fallen into routine.  He hadn't come last year for the last Remembering day though.  This was different though.

It would officially be ten years since then.  It was going to be a big day.  And he had a bad feeling about it.  And that was something that he always paid attention to.

Before he could think anything else, the Headmaster approached with a smile and greeted them both.  Alex knew that most never regarded his department that way.  Most saw him as a necessary evil on some occasions.  He understood that, since in a time of peace, a lot didn't think an old dog of war wasn't needed as the head of the Department.

You know what they say about dogs, Headmaster. Best to leave them outside until you know they’re properly trained.”

Of course, Alex knew about the nickname that some called Tamis.  More people from the old days referred to her that way, and any new trainees or the younger crowd that tried to do the same should be properly hexed.  Alex had never referred to her as such a way.  Then again he never really spoke to her outside of work or formally.  It usually was Ms. Raynor.  But lately he had started calling her by her first name, and he wasn't sure if that bothered her or not.  Hell, he didn't even know why he had started to do so.

"How many can you give me for the castle proper?"

"The whole of the corps, shall be in attendence, and working," Alex added after Tamis finished.  Something about her voice made him feel imperative that he add, well something.  He planned to put his whole department on alert for the event.  Alex didn't have a solid as to why he was doing such but he rarely ever gave such things anyway.  "The main of it shall be of my Hitwizards and witches."

With them doing the majority of security, it let Tamis focus only on the major area's that would potentially be problems.  And he needed her focusing only a a certain number of area's.  If something did go wrong he could worry about the majority of it and she could focus the Aurors in certain locations.  He hoped he would be dead wrong about this.  But ignoring it was something he couldn't do.  So for that reason...he would just have to make plans, just in case.

He would need to walk around the grounds and the castle to confirm it himself though.  But he would have to get permission from the Headmaster to wander about.  And to be able to do so alone.  He looked back to Tamis for a moment before looking out into the grounds of Hogwarts.

This place was a symbol to the whole wizarding community.  And that reason alone meant that he'd have to do all he could to ensure its continued reputation.  As the safest place in the wizarding world.

The Headmaster nodded his large head as Raynor spoke and Belisario augmented with his own assurances.  The Department was well-oiled and in good practice for Remembering Day by now. 

"Yes quite. Suits of Armor have been practicing formations, and the elves will have them gleaming.  Passageways will be properly sealed - you're quite right, we don't need any nostalgic alumni getting wholloped by any of our flora.   We'll keep the one to the Hogs' Head open, of course - there will be tours going through there."

He paused for a moment, clearly something was on his mind.  "I spoke with Mr. Belisario about it breifly one morning at the Daily Prophet, but I wanted to bring it up again.  What kind of intelligence - official intelligence - do you have on any foretold situations." 

The Department of Mysteries was almost completely closed to him.  They were secretive, and on top of that, Department Head Snark and himself were not exactly owlpals.  Perhaps Raynor or Belizario would be able to let him in on any prophecies or information about disruptions.  He'd already sorted out the Hairy McBoon this Thursday, but that was a rather tame issue in comparison to the potential ruckus of so many witches and wizards in one place.

Unease rolled off her Department Head for a brief and almost indiscernible moment. If Raynor had not been in tune to reading the subtle nuisances in the man’s composure, she would not have noticed it at all. Her gaze drifted to him once in question before returning to the enthusiastic Headmaster. More and more often she was becoming unsure how to relate to Belisario – harder to determine what was considered appropriate and inappropriate conduct.  The only safeguard was pure professionalism.

"The whole of the corps shall be in attendance, and working. The main of it shall be of my Hitwizards and witches. ”

“The majority of the corps’ goal will be to remain visible and look pretty,” the Head Auror confirmed.

Even You-Know-Who himself (Tamis to this day had problems with his name) had fled from the Ministry after the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in 1996 once the Aurors showed up. It would be a pure act of audacity to attempt anything foolish with the entirety of the Aurors so evidently in attendance. The hitwizards were going to play the more “behind-the-scenes” roles. Raynor grunted as she thought about how a particular one of those might complain about having to do the Aurors’ “dirty work” again. Perhaps they could station Travers somewhere remote enough to keep the man out of her hair. The catacombs of the dungeons would be preferable.

Greyfriar informed them that the Suits of Armor were already undergoing preparation and she nodded her approval.  She did not like leaving the connection between Hogsmeade and the Room of Requirement so publicly open, it was a major breech in security. But its significance to the Battle of Hogwarts and Remembering Day was indubitable.

Another glance from her superior before he inattentively looked away again. One of her eyebrows arched, exemplifying an unspoken “what?” The woman had grown accustom to interpreting her cryptic boss’ mannerism. However, unlike Belisario, she was not a mind reader.

The Headmaster grew silent and Raynor could almost hear the wheels in his complicated mind turning. That never bode well for protocol. Therefore, quite unsurprising, he spread his feelers, looking for any intimate details that they might divulge. Uncharacteristically, the Auror’s expression softened. It was not a crime for him to be concerned about his students’ safety.

“Despite common belief, Headmaster, the Aurors will not be present just for show. Our duty is to ensure that there will not be any situations. That is why we take as many precautions as we do.” It was an assurance with disproving or confirming rumors about possible disturbances in relation to remembering day. That information had political ramifications, so she left it in the hands of her more political counterpart.

“Despite common belief, Headmaster, the Aurors will not be present just for show. Our duty is to ensure that there will not be any situations. That is why we take as many precautions as we do.”

"While the Hitwizards will be doing the majority of security, the Aurors shall be more focused on the more high populated locations during the events," Alex added.  "I don't think you have any reason to worry.  There has been some rumors that something was predicted to happen at this event, but I can assure you that it simply isn't true."

Then again, Alex never put much stock in what was predicted because in his experience there was just too much room for changes.  The future was always in motion and so even the Department of Mysteries Prophecies were open to interpretation.  The problem was that most of the common wizards and witches bought into them too easily.  Maybe it had more to do with the fact that Alex didn't like the thought of not being in control of his own destiny.  Which to him the thought of it not being was absurd.  He sighed and looked at the Headmaster.  He might as well put in his attempt.

"However, I'd like to have a chance to walk about the grounds before Remembering Day.  Not today, but perhaps sometime next week.  This way I can confirm if we might have any gaps in our security detail.  I haven't been on these grounds since that day ten years ago," his voice kinda faded out as he looked towards the direction of the Forbidden Forest.  He had heard from Covi that there had been a Quintaped, which they had recovered only two days earlier.  And it was certainly not a creature that should ever be found on school grounds. 

He found himself wanting to laugh.  Hogwarts had always been the safest place you could ever be.  But the school itself had a load of dangers on its grounds.  But every wizard faced a level of danger on a regular basis for many different reasons.  But honestly he wasn't worried about there being any gaps in security detail, not with Tamis around.

Raynor and Belisario both craftily avoided actually answering his question.  He rubbed his forehead with his hand.  They assured him instead that all was well and that their people were prepared.  Prepared for what!  Beaurocracy! He had no doubt the Aurors and Hitwards would be on point.  But he needed to know these things.  If they wouldn't tell him, he'd find a Seer who could.

"Your confidence in your people matches my own," he said, a picture of diplomacy, "but I must know the details.  I had been under the impression that Annwyl's Ministry was one about openness, that the Departments are talking.  Talk to me.  What can I expect your people to have prepared for?"

He took time to look them both in the eyes.  Hogwarts was his home, but more than that it was a sort of temple for the whole of the Wizarding World for that week.  If something were to come up, it shouldn't be a surprise to the master of the castle.  Surely they intended on sharing everything they knew with him? Or would they really plan to keep him in the dark and just trust their wands?

Greyfriar was not satisfied with their answers. The corner of her mouth gave the slightest ‘tick’ under the scrutiny of his gaze.

”I'd like to have a chance to walk about the grounds before Remembering Day.  Not today, but perhaps sometime next week.  This way I can confirm if we might have any gaps in our security detail.”

 “I think that is an exceptional idea.” Raynor suddenly chirped.  It was uncharacteristically… cheerful of her.

“But, you maintain such a rigorous schedule, Sir.” Flat out lie. “It would be more practical to conduct your evaluation now, while you are already here.” She virtually danced over to the Headmaster, linking arms companionably. “We can continue this discussion while you see to more pressing matters. Right, Headmaster?” She asked in that same sing-song tone, drilling the question home by driving the heel of her boot non-too-kindly into the burly man’s foot.

For the past four years the Head of the Auror Office and the Headmaster of Hogwarts had organized security measures for Remembering Day. This was the first time Alexander had chosen to become personally involved. The first year, at his own admittance, that he was even planning to attend. It only exemplified his growing anxiety about the future. The next couple weeks I will be watched by the Prophet and other news reporters more than usual… I can't afford to slip up. Words spoken to her in confidence earlier that week. For reasons his own, Belisario felt that he could not afford to be anything but upmost cautious at the moment. To be the perfect politician. There would be no straight answers from her superior. Not that there ever were.

But Knox Greyfriar was not the enemy. He was a concerned citizen charged with protecting the very grounds they stood on. Tamis Raynor was an Auror, not a politician. She did not want to brandy words with the bear. By separating the two men, she could speak frankly and the Department Head could remain oblivious to whatever happened to be exchanged. He would remain protected from anything that might leak to the press. Her gaze narrowed on the surrounding trees. Those devils could be uncannily sneaky.

 “It has been years since I’ve seen the whomping willow. As ferocious as ever, I hope?” She continued conversationally, pleasantly attempting to steering the much larger man away.

It took a moment for Knox to comprehend why the hardened, terse Tamis Raynor was at his arm like a cooing dove.  Luckily her boot explained it too him. 

"Oh rather!" he blustered, not exactly subtle at first.  He cracked a casual smile.  "You have my leave Mr. Belisario, take all the time you need.  Inquire with a gargoyle or oil painting should you lose your way or require refreshment." He urged the Department Head, amicably.  He would not usually be so open about visitors from the Ministry prowling about, but this was a matter of security.  And he was trusting Auror Raynor to get down to brass tacks.

He began to stroll slowly away with Tamis Raynor to the far side of the courtyard where a terraced balcony over looked the field the Whomping Willow had inhabited for decades.

"I think you'll find our WIllow is as gnarled and ornery as ever.  Maybe a bit thin in the twigs these days, but I think you'll be surprised at its continued youthfulness.  Still manages to maintain the flexibility of a seedling! All the vim and pep of a much younger, sexier maple..." he prattled as they moved out of ear shot.

As soon as they were clear, he all but dropped the charade and cast an almost reprimanding glance down at the small woman.  The same sort of look he'd give to a disappointing student.  "You were saying?"

When she felt they were out of range, the pleasant demeanor she was protruding retracted in on itself, resuming its more natural apathetic state. Disapproval was met simply with a quirked eyebrow and a steady gaze. Politely detaching from his arm, the Auror took a couple more steps closer to the edge of the terrace, as if attempting to get a better view of gnarled willow below.

“I expect you understand, Headmaster, that whatever I tell you is said in confidence. It is off the record.”

There was no threat in the words, simply an unmistakable firmness. No doubt Belisario was going to lecture her later, but it would fall onto her patiently deft ears as it normally did. She had her own opinion on what classified as maintaining secrecy. But if any information leaked and it came back down on him…

“There are no confirmed facts,” she finally told him. “Just old wives tales, rumors, and speculation. No one will say as much aloud, but there are many people that think the upcoming trial … won’t end well.” That was a stretch of the truth and as close to it as she was going to admin that her boss had flat out told her that Kingstreet was going to be released. “Regardless, there are far too many coincidences. An increase in recent petty criminal activity, rumors of omens, a lot of political hogwash” her lips compressed and Raynor shook her head.

She shifted so that Greyfriar could see her face, but the back of her was still precautionary aimed back into the courtyard. Tamis offered him a rare smile, “We’re warriors on Level Two, Headmaster. We’re paid to worry and be over vigilant.  This will be the celebration of a decade; it never hurts to be too cautious.”

Yes, time alone was exactly what he needed on the grounds of Hogwarts.  Though he wasn't sure Tamis' lie was quite necessary.  However, he would not waste such a moment in that thoughts.  This after all was something he couldn't share with anyone other than the Minister himself.  Such was the way Marcus and Alex did things.  He needed to make sure he looked for any and all changes that might have happened or moved over the years since the battle.  As the pair of them had little to nothing to do with its rebuild.  They had been busy rounding up dark wizards and earning his reputation that would eventually lead him to getting his current position.

He moved with a sense of urgency that was typically seen of him when he was motivated.  As he did he imagined the crowds on the grounds of the school...attempting to see how they would move...and then within that where the most ideal of hiding spots would be.  Questions, answers and then riddles moved through Alex's mind about placement of Hitwizards, Aurors and the masses in attendance.  Yes, it was quite the event, one he really hadn't gone too.  But with the event happening after the Kingstreet hearing, and knowing that she would most likely go free...made it even more important to get everything right.  The Remembering Day was a perfect day for things to go wrong.  And every bone in his body was telling him to be cautious.

The down side to that was that he was letting himself slip in front of Tamis because of that.  And leaving her completely in the dark left a bad taste in his mouth.  Though there was a lot of things he wasn't supposed to tell her at any rate.  That was beside this point.  

Alex reached the castle and entered.  Old feelings went through him, and not many good ones.  He could still remember the battle, and those that had died that day.  He remembered a lot of what had fueled him in his capture of many of the Death Eaters...

He shook his head of those thoughts and instead refocused on his task.  That task...well, it might be what saves the Ministers life, if the need arised.  And Alex hoped that it wouldn't.

The Headmaster watched quietly as the Auror laid down the Departments clandestine suspicions, his arms crossed.  Mr. Belisario had gone by now, to step foot about the castle and grounds.   But Knox had complete confidence in this magical castle.  It had stood for hundreds of years.  The Battle of Hogwarts was only the second affront on its structure proper, the first being a minor battle during the third round of Goblin Rebellions. 

Raynor seemed to be trying to placate Knox, as well she should.  There was no great pressure on the Headmaster to ensure a certain level of quality during Remembering Day.  That and even the Ministry's most honorable and dutiful intentions felt intrusive.  It was a conflicting sort of feeling - to know they must be here, then to resent the intrusion.  He tried to smile, appreciating this show of honesty.

"Auror Raynor, you'll have much more to deal with than me.  I'll stay out of your way.  I will be as tame as a well-fed Abraxon, Madam.  All you need to know is keep me completely informed of any threats to the castle.  I won't ask about Hogsmeade, nary a question about Diagon Ally.  But keep nothing about Hogwarts from me and I am a docile puppy."  He smiled.  He hoped that didn't sound like a threat. 

Almost sounded like a threat. This time, the smirk she offered was far more genuine, “daresay, I hope not, Headmaster.”

The Old Bear and the Auror did not maintain much interaction outside the realm of the annual planning of Remembering Day. Secretly she believed they both hoped it would remain that way. Neither of them wanted the Ministry to be involved anymore than it had to. While they were politely cordial in their relations, it never seemed to go beyond pleasantly civil. He was a good man. For that, he had her grudging respect, and it was out of that respect that she shared some insight. But it was doubtful if the two would ever form a friendship. Besides, Analiza Snark might drag her on one of those shopping sprees she kept threatening if Tamis befriended another one of her enemies. The woman was rather crafty at revenge.

“You’ve never occurred to me as a docile man, I hope you wouldn’t start now for the Ministry’s sake.” She offered him a wink, the hardened aura cracking. But she was quick to plaster the holes. Troubled, she gazed down at the Whomping Willow again, currently dormant in its solo existence. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry still remained among the safest places in the World. Yet, it was overshadowed in surreptitious secrets. Secrets to remain in its attentive caretaking. “If I may speak frankly, this is your home. I ask that you allow us to do our job, but don’t allow us to become too comfortable.” She mentally searched for the most appropriate word choice. “We can be quite… domineering.”

Looking back up at him, the immensely petite woman clasped her hands behind her back, regarding him with an Auror mask. It was devoid of emotion, the epiphany of indifference. “But that is the opinion of a lowly Law Enforcement official, I am sure the Ministry would not approve.” Her face gave away absolutely nothing.
 
The truth, however, was that if security could be the best that it could be, there needed to be a slight foundation of distrust. If each party did not entirely hold conviction in the other, they would ensure the quality of their side that much more. They couldn’t afford lax measures as a result of overconfidence.