Ron Weasley sat at his desk sipping his second cup of tea for the morning. It had been an early start to the day since Kingsley Shacklebolt had asked to speak with Ron regarding an upcoming mission. Lately, the Aurors had been seeing an increase in activity over the past few months, but this time it seems as though there have been a turn in events.
Someone was out killing those related to anyone who sided with Voldemort or had a history of Deatheaters in their family, including men, women, and children. It made Ron shuddered at the mass murders the Aurors had been cleaning up the past few months. Ron looked at the current family photo on his desk. There was him, the bloke who managed to marry the woman of his dreams and had three beautiful and clever children with her. Hermione Weasley's mind was still as sharp as ever and her ambition seemed boundless. Her brown hair was still curly but now she preferred to have it pinned up in bun or plait to look more professional.
His eldest child Rose was next to him, the apple of his eye. The sixteen year old had Hermione's eyes, hair, and personality. All she got from the Weasleys was a shade of ginger in her hair and some of Ginny's spunk. At Hermione's side was Hugo, now fourteen, had every bit of Weasley in his lanky body; freckles, eyes, and hair. He did inherit Hermione's teeth and luckily, her intelligence. And finally there was two-year-old Hattie, the miracle baby. She was the perfect blend of Ron and Hermione with her growing curls, more chocolate than ginger, and blue eyes.
He thought of the parents without children, the children without parents, and those families who had been completely obliterated. It made Ron sick to his stomach but soon it went away with Kingsley's formative and dominant figure entering Ron's office.
"Weasley," he said reaching his hand out to shake Ron's hand.
"Shacklebolt," said Ron, returning the gesture. "How can I help you today, sir?"
Shacklebolt sat down in the "As you know, this recent events have prompted some unwelcomed coverage to the Ministry. Many families are resorting to going underground. Did you remember Theodore Nott?"
"Yeah," said Ron, remembering the Slytherin in his year when he was at Hogwarts. If Ron recalled correctly, he was one of the "good" ones. "Doesn't he work for the Department of Agriculture?"
"Well, he recently left the position because he fears he is in danger," replied Shacklebolt. "And he's not the first." Then, Shacklebolt conjured a long scroll listing names of other families and levitated it over to Ron for him to read over. "Many families are going into hiding. Recognize a name on there?"
"I recognize a bunch of names," said Ron, trying to skim the list. "I went to school with many of them…wait a second, Malfoy?"
"Yes. Because of Lucius Malfoy's compliance after the war, the Malfoy are considered to be at high risk and therefore Draco, his wife, and their son have sent a request to go into hiding." Ron sighed, never expecting in a million years would his mortal nemesis be in the same position his family faced during his final year at Hogwarts.
"Draco and his wife are fleeing the country," said Shacklebolt. "But their son is staying in Britain."
"Scorpius?" said Ron, unfortunately familiar with that name as he was one of Rose's best friends.
"Yes," said Shacklebolt. "You have to understand this Weasley, they are looking for Draco. It's safer for the boy to be away from his parents."
"But surely whoever is doing this can kidnapped Scorpius and use his as a hostage," countered Ron, who understood the Malfoy family's legacy better than most.
"If Scorpius is living in a place with upmost security, it shouldn't be a problem," said Shacklebolt.
"Surely Malfoy Manor has that…" began Ron.
"Draco says that the curse left on the Manor by his aunt prevents any sort of proper security," said Shacklebolt.
"That barmy witch put a curse on the Manor?" groaned Ron, who refused to ever say that witch's name eve again.
"Yes," sighed Shacklebolt. "But now, here's what I need from you…"
"Find a place for the boy?" asked Ron.
"We've found a place already, Weasley," said Shacklebolt, giving a Ron a stern look.
"Where?" asked Ron.
"Yours."
