Miles climbed off the ferry and shivered. No matter what time of year, Azkaban was a cold and foreboding place. Fortunately he didn't have to come here very often, but on certain occasions - like today - it could not be avoided.

The guards were expecting him, and he went through the various security checkpoints with no hassle, eventually being led into a private room where Tracey Goyle would be brought to meet with him. He only had vague recollections of the girl with whom he'd been Housemates. She was a friend of Pansy's, of course, and quiet, generally tagging along with the group of friends that had run with Draco Malfoy. Life had served some harsh realities to Mrs. Goyle since her school days, though, and Miles had no idea what to expect from the woman he'd meet with today.

Tracey had been led out to a visitor's room, and she was quite surprised to have a visitor. To be perfectly honest, she was hoping for Simone or Blaise. That was not who was waiting for her. She recalled him, vaguely, but could not place a name with the face. She watched him with a guarded expression as she took a seat.

"You look as if I should know you," Tracey said quietly, her voice loud to her in the tiny room though, "but I will have to apologize, your name escapes me. You were in Slytherin -- that much I do remember."

"Miles Bletchley, Mrs. Goyle." Miles offered his hand to the pretty, if rather thin and pale, witch. "I was in Slytherin and these days I'm a solicitor. I've been hired too look after your interests both legally and in regard to your late husband's estate."

As she placed her smaller hand into his, Miles bent and placed a kiss to her knuckles. Straightening, he commented, "That's a very pretty bracelet you have."

Tracey let out a surprised huff of air. They have come for me. Oh thank Merlin.

"Thank you, Mr. Bletchley. I was very surprised to be allowed its return," Tracey said in a demure tone, trying to recapture being a proper lady after so many months of not even being treated like a person.

He made it easy. Miles Bletchley was not treating her as if she was wearing gray prison garb. Also, knowing her hair as she did, it was probably positively wild. She had not had a proper bath or even a shower in an age. That would be one of the first things she would do -- have a nice, long bubble bath.

"Thank you for looking after things. I appreciate it greatly. I only have two questions. When may I leave this place behind me? And was Pansy Parkinson found alive and well?"

"You're quite welcome," Miles replied, giving Tracey a small smile. As for your questions, I'll start with the one for which I have a definitive answer. Pansy is fine. She escorted me to Stone Walk just a few weeks ago. She's been very anxious for your return."

His expression became more subdued as he broached the subject of her release. After months of confinement Miles could hardly expect Tracey to be happy with any answer other than 'right now'. Unfortunately, that was not an answer he was able to give today.

"I've filed a motion to allow you to be released until it's determined if charges will be filed against you, but the Ministry process is rarely as swift as one would hope. Rest assured that I'll have you safely in your home as soon as I possibly can." He looked pointedly at her silver jewelry. "We are not without recourse. In the meantime, I'll speak to the guards about making sure you have adequate supplies and access so that you can attend to your personal needs. You may contact me at any time and the guards may not review our correspondence since I am your solicitor. Anything else is read before it goes out. I don't know who has been alerted to your new location, but I will be happy to pass on the information to anyone you like."

Tracey nodded. It was not what she wanted to hear, but he seemed competent. That was good.

"Please inform Simone Capper and Blaise Zabini where I am."

Anyone else she would tell was dead. Blaise would inform Draco and Pansy. She could see gears moving more swiftly with the four of them knowing. She hoped Simone would understand. She hoped Simone would help her. Tracey was thinking she would be the one. Blaise and Draco tended to be a bit less discreet. She adored the boys, but they tended to choose more dramatic means of getting things done or expressing themselves.

"I'll notify them as soon as we've finished up," he assured her. Simone would be thrilled. He knew she'd been missing her friend something fierce. "Is there anything else you need me to do for you?"

Be swift. "Thank you, no, Mr. Bletchley. Just knowing you are working on my unfortunate situation is enough for me for now. I would, however, like to be kept informed of the progress though. They must allow me correspondence with my barrister. It will give me something to break up the monotony."

Unfortunate situation? Precisely who do I think I am fooling?

Miles gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll let you know how things are progressing. Hopefully we'll have you back home where you belong very shortly. If you need anything, send me an owl." He lowered his voice, fingering the silver band he wore. "Should you need to get word to me regarding anything of a particularly sensitive nature, alternate means of communication would probably be wise."

Tracey just nodded. She hated to have him go, but Tracey knew the sooner he left, the sooner she could likely leave.

"Thank you for calling," she said politely, then laughed at herself. Thank you for calling? As if he'd popped in for tea?

Restraining himself from chuckling at her formality, Miles rose and tipped his head to her. "I'll be in touch soon, Mrs. Goyle. In the meantime, try to keep your spirits up. You've not done anything that isn't completely understandable given the circumstances. It was a pleasure seeing you."

"You as well, Mr. Bletchley," Tracey replied.

She tried not to flinch as they closed the door behind him. Tracey hated when her own thoughts were her only company. Mostly because lately they had been thoughts of her friends. At least someone was finally willing to help her.


Summary: Miles visits Tracey in Azkaban and tells her he will be working to get her released.