-Missing-

Chapter 1: The Missing Auror

"I'm sorry, Hermione, but Blaise has gone missing."

Harry had asked her to come to his office from her home in Hogsmede, but she had never expected this to happen. Especially since it was her Blaise.

"No Harry, you must be mistaken. Blaise went out on a routine job for the Ministry this morning, promising to see me at home tonight. Blaise always keeps his promises. Especially when they're to me." She said, tears quickly welling at the edge of her eyes. The tears only truly fell when Harry gave his friend of ten years, a note that he had received that morning.

To: Minister Potter
Ministry of Magic
London

Minister Potter,

We hereby inform you that we have captured the Auror Blaise Zabini.

In order for his safe return, you must quietly hand over management of your position as minister of magic. Instructions of what to do in order to do so quietly will arrive by owl at a later date.

Pausing, she looked up from the letter. "How do we know for sure that they really have Blaise?"

"Continue reading the note," he replied solemnly.

You are most likely thinking that we are lying, having caught the Ministry's best Auror. Well, we have caught him and to prove it, we have included a magical recording of Mr. Zabini's voice…

When she looked up, quizzical look all over her paled face, she found Harry holding a very colorful version of a hand-held recorder to her. She took it and pressed the 'play' button, gasping in shock as she heard the plea from her husband to not give over to the Death Eaters and that he'd be okay; just don't give in just for him. Tears formed in her eyes as her husband's voice was suddenly cut off in the middle of him telling Hermione that he loved her.

"What are we going to do Harry? You can't turn over power; it will be like it was at the end of the 7th year with Voldemort." She exclaimed with earnest, forcefully wiping away unshed tears.

"I don't know, Hermione. Though whatever we decide to do, Blaise will be all right. He's our best Auror and he's smart. He'll find a way out." He assured his sobbing comrade, pulling her into a hug so she could cry on his shoulder like he'd done so many times in the past. "Everything will turn out alright, 'Mione. It always does."

But things wouldn't turn out OK on this occasion. Harry, Hermione and Ron (Head of International Games and Sports) decided to do as the Death Eaters wanted, all the while searching diligently for Blaise, to no avail.

The Death Eaters hadn't said that if they found out that they were looking for Blaise, they'd kill him, but there came a note along with the day's usual instructions that did.

Minister Potter,
We feel that our instructions are not being fulfilled to our wishes. We also have information that you have been sending people to look for Zabini. DISCONTINUE YOUIR SEARCH. If you send any more people, we will torture and kill said Auror.

Do not doubt us, minister. You know that we are good with our word.

"Harry, just what do they want, please? Blaise will be alright, just like you said." Hermione reassured him when he visited her the moment he received the letter.

"Are you sure Hermione? Death Eaters really do keep their promises when it comes to death and destruction. You've been so miserable with out him and you know I hate seeing you miserable." He told her, pleading look in his eyes and on his face.

"I'm sure. He's smart. Just look at it positively." She told him, knowing that the outlook looked dim, but trying to reassure herself just as well.