Astoria had spent all morning in the records room tracing a parchment trail.

It frustrated her that they had let all their archivists go months ago. She was suggesting they reopen the position. This was ridiculous. It would not have taken half as long if she'd had help. It was also frustrating because this was the most bizarre paper trail ever. Lots of dead ends, but she had a slight advantage. It was a bit disconcerting to see some of the things she knew on actual paper though.

Now Astoria was hurrying to the accounting department. She'd told Marcus she'd take care of this. She was not in the habit of letting people down. When she wanted something, she got it. She didn't mind working for it either.

She was also studiously ignoring the fact that she was sore today and had a bit of an issue when sitting for too long. She could not believe she'd had sex with Jared Vaisy on a whim. That could possibly come back to bite her later. Especially if Ethan Vaisey ever got even a slight whiff of it. He was not someone she wanted to deal with.

"Can I help you, Miss..."

Astoria puffed up to her full height. "Mrs. Dolohov. You can tell Wilbur Hurlbutt I wish to speak to him. Now."

"Do you have an appointment-"

"Maybe you did not hear me properly. I am Astoria Dolohov, Head of the Misuse of Magic Office. I wish to see Mr. Hurlbutt now."

The receptionist actually jumped up and hurried off. Other workers in the department were looking at her with wide eyes. Astoria began drumming her fingers on the counter. She could hear so many thoughts right now. Most of the people were wondering what Wilbur could have done to warrant a visit form the Misuse Office.

"He's waiting for you, Madam Dolohov."

"Thank you, April."

"How did you..."

Astoria gave her a look.

"I know a lot of things. Besides, you're wearing a name badge," Astoria said, tapping it.

She moved on into Wilbur Hurlbutt's office. He was standing and looking nervous. Astoria kept a severe look on her face. She was certainly not Mafalda Hopkirk, but he didn't need to know that just yet. She kicked the door closed with her patent leather pump. Astoria sat down slowly.

"I can't imagine what I have-"

"Silence."

His eyes were wide, but he had stopped trying to explain.

"This isn't about my office," Astoria narrowed her eyes. "What does the name Eloisa Flint mean to you, Mr. Hurlbutt?"

She didn't think it possible, but Wilbur's eyes got even more wide.

"Does... does..."

"Don't say it aloud," Astoria snapped. "No. He does not know I am here. I'd hate to think what he would do if he knew I had tracked his paper trail. He and his can be so funny about people knowing things, don't you think?"

"How did you..."

"That is not important, Wilbur," Astoria snapped. "The point is that I did track it to you, and I know what you have been doing, so unless you would like to meet a very sticky end, I suggest Eloisa Flint start getting her pension checks again."

"You wouldn't-"

"Oh no, Wilbur dear, not me. Her son Marcus, but I would not go counting me out. My married name is Dolohov, and yes, I am related the THAT Dolohov. He's my father-in-law. My maiden name is Greengrass."

Wilbur Hurlbutt swallowed nervously. He was thinking so loudly and so frantically that he was giving Astoria a headache. He knew who Marcus was. He had a cousin who'd been beaten up by Marcus for owing Chance Proctor money. There was also a lot of who didn't know who Antonin Dolohov was going on in there too. He was also wondering since she was a Greengrass if she was related to the Greengrass who was arrested for illegal potion distribution.

Good. A proper amount of fear here was good. Not that she'd ever have anything done to poor Wilbur Hurlbutt. He was just a man doing his best under slightly unfavorable circumstances.

"So we are understood then?"

"How will I-"

"Wilbur, I do not care how it is done. Just that it is done. You were creative before. Let's see some of that again."

"Should I-"

"No," Astoria said. "You leave him out of this. He has enough to deal with. If you run into any problems, come see me - not him. Are we clear, Wilbur?"

"Can I ask one question?"

"You just did," Astoria said grinning. She knew what he would ask, but she was not giving herself away to this man. Astoria sighed. "Go on then. Ask."

"What do you care about Eloisa Flint?"

"I don't," Astoria said honestly. "I care about her son."

"But he's-"

"My business. Don't trouble yourself, Wilbur. Just do as I ask, and you'll have no problems from me. I'd hate for you to have to meet Marcus."

He swallowed nervously. She could tell he'd hate to have to meet Marcus as well.

"Have a good day."

Astoria left his office and the department feeling quite chipper. She decided to go out for lunch. Yes, lunch at the Happy Hearth sounded good. Perhaps she could see Angelina.


{SUMMARY} As promised, Astoria takes care of the money situation for Marcus' mum.