That had Riddle frown. From his single Unspeakable Death Eater follower, Rookwood, he knew that Deep Secret was the strongest security the Department had. MacNair would not learn anything of that matter unless he was both an Unspeakable and high enough up in their ranks to be cleared to know. That meant Section Leader, or a member of a section upon which the Deep Secret was focussed.
MacNair had no idea why an Unspeakable was at the Granger house and, apparently, Obliviated and Compulsed him. He expected to be cursed for that, but wasn't.
Continuing he said, "While in the ward records office I also discovered news concerning the wards of Hogwarts, My Lord; and was eager to learn of them for your benefit."
"Well?" demanded Riddle. "Let's hear of it, then."
MacNair explained how the Ministry ward masters had been requested by the new Headmistress of Hogwarts and ordered to help by the Acting Minister, Bones.
He explained about the anti-bullying, dangerous artefacts, dark magic and assault wards that had been reactivated. He then explained of the new wards that had been erected when the deactivated wards were reactivated; the use of magic in corridors outside of class and a location charm, linked to a map, that will allow the staff to know who and where someone is in the castle at all times.
"Of most concern though, My Lord, is they've managed to create and erect an anti-Dark Mark ward over the school. Anyone bearing your mark―"
"Crucio!"
MacNair was left writhing on the ground in agony for ten seconds before the curse was lifted.
"You should have informed me of that last one... first!"
"Yess, My Lord; s-sorry, My Lord," the man grovelled, trying not to stutter or show any further pain.
"An anti-Dark Mark ward, you say?"
"Yes, M-my Lord."
"What happens if the ward is triggered?" Riddle demanded.
"It's a n-notification w-ward keyed to the sstaff," replied MacNair, trying to get off his side and back onto his knees. "As soon as someone b-bearing the Mark enters the grounds, the staff w-will know of it and know where that person is to be found."
MacNair, still looking at the ground, waited for his master's next demand.
A few seconds later Riddle hissed, "Isss that allll?"
"Yes, Master," MacNair was fast to reply.
Again the long silence.
"Very well," Riddle finally said. "I have decided you have provided the information I expected, plus exceeded what was required. You get to live... for now."
"Thhhank you, My Lord."
"If you do not hear from me beforehand, you are to report back here on Friday night."
"Yes, My Lord."
"You may leave my presence," sneered Riddle.
"Thank you, M-my Lord," said MacNair, rising to his feet and backing out the door.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a quiet Monday afternoon and evening spent doing and completing their assignments for the day, both Harry and Hermione were early to bed.
The next morning, Harry was up early and had planned, if Hermione also rose early, on an early breakfast.
He had just entered the living room, collected his school satchel and changed the contents to load it with the necessary texts and fresh parchment for the day when an owl flew in through the charmed window, circled the room and landed on the owl perch Dobby had set up for such visits. As soon as he saw it, Harry recognised it as Ted's 'office' owl; a Northern Hawk Owl named 'Justice'.
A quick cast or three of detection charms over the bird and he had the owl released of its load. Irrespective of recognising it he knew Ted could have been compulsed to send him parchment with a curse or two embedded in it.
Summoning the letter from off the floor where it had fallen, he was quick to check what it was. He was unsurprised to find it to be a shrunken document or package.
Taking the package to the coffee table as the owl helped itself to water and the treats, he put it on the table and unshrunk it. It opened into a somewhat thick document.
He then used upon it the parchment 'flattening' charm Marchbanks had taught he and Hermione and picked it up.
Straight away he knew what it was. Ted had even left a note as a 'cover letter' for it.
~ # ~
Lord Harrison J. Potter
Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
c/- Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scotland
Lord Potter,
Included, as you have no doubt already seen, is the most current negotiated Concubine Bond Agreement between the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter and the Noble and Ancient House of Greengrass, regarding yourself and Heiress Daphne O. Greengrass.
Please read it with all due haste and seek to immediately inform me if you will accept it in its current form, or seek to make additional changes. I inform you Lord Greengrass has been most compliable with your demands for escape clauses. He has even taken them further, as you shall discover on reading the agreement.
If you choose to accept it in it's current form please send a note back with Justice that simply states you accept. If you choose to make additional changes please send a note back that states so.
If I do not hear from you otherwise, Lord Greengrass and myself will meet with you directly to sign the agreement.
I look forward to hearing from you soonest.
.
.
.
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