Narcissa grabbed Hermione's hand, clutching it with both of hers before turning to the elves. "Remmy, Plumb, and Tom-Tom — bring whatever food reserves we have at once. Yipper and Boppy, fetch the essentials. Hix, check the grounds and report back as soon as you can. The rest of you can fill in as needed."

The elves nodded and scampered away, still sniffling. But Mippy stayed behind, twirling her ear.

"Mippy." Narcissa's voice trembled. "I'd like my mother's earrings and the jade necklace. You know the one. Please bring it here and keep it safe."

Mippy bowed and tottered to the door, the collar weighing heavy on her thin shoulders.

A detail clicked into place as Hermione watched her leave. "They can't Apparate in the chains," she said aloud.

"No." Narcissa stood. "The True Order put those on before they were Rennervated. They block their magic."

She helped Hermione to her feet, and together they crawled out of the enchanted passageway.

A boom greeted them the moment they reentered the corridor. Hermione's eyes widened at the ceiling, her breath coming in quick pants.

"Is there a way out? A Portkey, or a secret passage, or—"

"Not that I know of," said Narcissa.

Another explosion, rattling the paintings as it rippled overhead.

"You should go, Hermione. If you leave now, I'm sure all will be forgiven."

Hermione spun, her eyes wide at the suggestion. "And turn you over to them?"

Narcissa was silent. The floors trembled. Hermione threaded her arm through Narcissa's and walked with her down the corridor.

"Have they been decent to you here?" Hermione asked her.

"As well as could be expected. I haven't been physically harmed, at least." Narcissa squeezed her arm. "And how have you been?"

As they walked together, Hermione told Narcissa about St. Mungo's and her meeting with General Pierre and General Jacobs. She tread carefully when she reached her visit with Lucius, telling Narcissa as much as she thought she could manage.

"You shouldn't have defended him, you know." Narcissa sighed, and she sounded so much like Draco that Hermione's heart clenched. "If I know my husband, his death was mere castling. I'm certain he has other chess pieces that have yet to move."

They turned the corner to the entry room, stopping cold when a huffing Hix and Jot nearly barrelled into them.

"Mistress," Hix said. "The intruders can't get in. They try and try, but nothing. The Generals are here—"

Hermione moved quickly to the tall window facing the front, clutching the doorframe as she peered through. The crowd outside the gate had grown larger and more organized. Most were in black military robes. Her eyes caught a pair of gold sashes near the front — Generals Pierre and Jacobs.

Pierre's silver hair caught in the sunlight as he strode to the guards around the perimeter, directing them away from the gates. Jacobs huddled with a group of blue-robed soldiers, pointing somewhere above the Manor.

"They came to question me in Azkaban," Narcissa said over her shoulder. "They brought in a Legilimens, but they soon found out I had no idea where Lucius, Draco, or my sister were."