Prologue
Thomas Greengrass felt unnerved to say the least. He resisted the urge to shudder as he took a glance into the cold, dead eyes of his guest. No emotion could be seen in those green eyes; no fear, hate or compassion. Nothing what-so-ever. Thomas prided himself on being able to read people, it was a skill he used and required on a daily basis being a politician. Having that skill rendered useless was disconcerting to say the least. His throat dry and lips chapped, took a sip of water before speaking.
"I assume you understand why I've summoned you"
The boy just stares at him from across the desk, not moving an inch. Thomas looked away, not wanting to maintain eye contact. Looking into those eyes brought a strange feeling of dread and despair, the very same feelings he was hoping to avoid.
After a moment Thomas continued, "There have been rumors spreading around lately that certain neutral families will soon be 'persuaded' to choose a side in the upcoming war. I am under no illusion, I know The Dark Lord is not dead and will soon rise. I speak on my families behalf when I say we have no interest in joining either faction, we will remain as we always have, neutral. However, with the new school year starting soon I have to prepare for the worst. My daughter, Daphne, is in Slytherin where she'll be surrounded by the children of very influential dark families, the very same families that may want to cause trouble." Thomas paused, the very thought of his only daughter, his angel being harmed was almost too much to bare. "If anything were to happen to her, I honestly don't know what I'd do or how I would react. There's only one thing that matters to me Mr Rivers, Family. I can protect my wife as I'll be around her at all times, but once Daphne boards that train bound for Hogwarts next week, I'll have no control over what happens"
"And that's why you need me".
Thomas couldn't suppress the shiver that coursed down his spine that time. The boy- no, mans, voice was as cold as his eyes. No emotion, just an empty void.
"Yes, that is where you come in. I've looked over your previous work, I must admit I'm surprised that someone your age has managed to build up quite a strong reputation in your field of work. The amount of criminals and dark wizards you've bested alone is impressive to say the least"
"I was better prepared"
Thomas waited, expecting more of an explanation, nothing came.
"There's something else I should mention before we leave" Thomas said nervously, "You may have heard that the TriWizard Tournament is going to be held this year in France. Daphne, having just turned 17, has been offered a place in the Hogwarts team that will be competing. I've tried convincing her that participating in the event may not be the best idea considering the situation we're in, unfortunately my pleas have fallen onto deaf ears"
"Force her to remain in England"
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Thomas couldn't help but chuckle. "If only it were that easy Mr Rivers, unfortunately teenagers aren't easily controlled and have very short tempers. When provoked, they'll turn from a laughing adolescent teen to a wild animal in a blink of an eye"
Thomas could see Rivers processing everything, considering his options and undoubtedly the large amount of gold he was being offered to take this job. After a few minutes of silence, the man looked up, eyes cold, face void of all emotion,
"We have a deal Mr Greengrass"