Legacy Disowned - Book 1

Chapter 11 - An Unlikely Ally

Maggie was leaning against an antique bookshelf in Professor Fig's office, her eyes narrowed as she contemplated her current predicament. She had gotten her mentor up to speed on everything that had happened, but some how recounting it all out loud had done nothing to help her organize her thoughts. 

The bits of information felt about as organized as the chaotic mess that Fig kept on his parchment strewn desk, though at least Fig understood the method to his own madness. Unfortunately the people who had orchestrated the situation she currently found herself in were long dead portraits who seemed determined to drag this out as long as possible. 

The only other person she knew who might be able to give her any insight this esoteric ability of hers was far beyond her reach... and even if she could reach him... would he be willing to help? She felt a lump rise in her throat and swallowed it down. Her hands twitched, compelled to clap to her face but Fig was observing her from the desk so she willed herself to focus on what was possible.

The 'Keepers might not be willing to divulge more now, but where else might she find answers? And more importantly, where was Ranrok getting his?

"Professor," she began slowly, "Ranrok is always one step ahead of us. How did he know about the vault at Gringotts or San Bakar's tower? If we could just find out where he is getting his information..."

Professor Fig scratched at his chin, his eyebrows knitting together in contemplation. "I have been wondering the same thing," he admitted. "We can't continue to be so reactive; we need to be proactive in our search if we are going to get ahead of him."

Maggie's gaze drifted out the window, the silhouette of Hogsmeade was just visible in the distance. "You know," she said slowly. "That day in the Three Broomsticks, I saw Sirona talking to a goblin... Rookwood seemed to know who he was, but from the way he was talking, it didn't seem like ol' VIctor's particularly fond of their kind." she paused, trying to connect the dots. "But if he's working with the Loyalists, he'd have to get acquainted with a few. Maybe he knows this friend of Sirona's through Ranrok, and if that's the case, that goblin might be worth talking to."

"Perhaps," Fig said cautiously. "Sirona is trustworthy, but you must be careful, Miss Darling. I don't want you taking any unnecessary risks."

"Course not Professor." But she had already made up her mind. She was tired of being strung along. She wanted, no needed, to start taking things into her own hands. As she left Fig's office she found fresh purpose in her steps and headed strait to the astronomy tower to hop on her broom. Hogsmeade calling her name.

As she pushed open the doors the The Three Broomsticks, she spotted Sirona behind the bar, deep in conversation with Professor Garlik. The pretty young Professor giggling uncontrollably at something the barmaid had said. Her amused smirk turned to a look of mild surprise as she noticed Maggie sauntering up to them. Garlik followed her gaze, taking in Maggie's boyish clothes curiously before exchanging a look with Sirona and excusing herself.

"Why Miss Darling, this is a pleasant surprise," Sirona said wryly. "I hope you haven't been trying too hard to antagonize the local thugs,"

"Me? Antagonize?" Maggie replied with an air of mock innocence. "Perish the thought."

Sirona rolled her eyes playfully, "So, what brings you here, Miss Darling? Can I pour you a drink?"

"Actually," she began hesitantly,  lowering her voice, "I wanted to ask you about the goblin I saw here that night. I think Rookwood called him Lodgok."

Sirona raised an eyebrow as she regarded Maggie for a moment before tilting her head, gesturing for Maggie to follow her to a more secluded corner of the pub.