"Malfoy will give us information if we provide protective detail for his son," Harry said, shifting his weight uncomfortably.

Robards' eyes narrowed. "That is absurd. He wants us to waste manpower babysitting his boy?" he asked.

"He has information, sir. A lot of it. He has what we need."

"And next time we need him, he is going to ask for a lesser sentence?" Robards sneered.

"You aren't seeing the bigger picture. He can help us solve a lot of the cold cases," Harry argued.

Robards shook his head in contempt. "Well, tell him we will give him what he demands. I will work out the formalities," he muttered.

Harry wondered what that meant. Was he going to have to lie to Lucius?

"The Head Auror has agreed," Harry said.

Lucius laughed humorlessly. "Why don't you believe your own words, Potter?" he asked.

Harry looked unimpressed. "He said he would give your son the protection he needs. What we need from you are names and dates of crimes."

Lucius eyed Harry for a long while, keeping silent. Harry watched the cold greys flicker with hidden thoughts and emotions. "You have changed," Lucius noted with a vague wave towards Harry's eyes. Harry frowned in response. "You hide yourself well. Better than before. I can hardly read you," Lucius explained.

"It's the training," Harry murmured.

Lucius smiled to himself. "But you aren't as good as me. I know you are lying," he said.

"It is my superior's decision to make. He says he will cooperate if you do," Harry said carefully.

"You don't believe him. So why should I believe you?"

"It doesn't matter if I don't believe him. You can believe me when I tell you that your son will be safe," Harry said out of impulse.

"You will?"

"I have the right connections. I can bypass the Head Auror, if need be."

"You would do that?" Lucius pondered.

"I would do that."

Lucius nodded slowly, thinking over Harry's words. "You really don't think much of me, do you?" he asked.

"Should I?" Harry asked.

"I would do anything for my family."

"I am not concerned with your motives," Harry explained. "All I am interested in is solving some of the cases that are, as of yet, unsolved."

"I want you to protect my son."

Harry pushed off of the table and got up in frustration. "How often do you insist on saying this?"

"I'm being specific," Lucius said, unfazed by Harry's impatience.

"Specific?"

"I want you to protect Draco."

Harry's brows knitted. "You can't be serious," he said.

"I don't have a need to joke."

"Why me?"

Lucius gave Harry a genuine smile. "You are the best on the Auror team. I know you will keep him safe."

Harry slammed the door shut. "Fucking son of a bitch," he swore, kicking the chair over.

"What's wrong?" Katie asked, worried. Harry never lost his cool.

"He's fucking with me, that's what," Harry growled, trying to calm down by taking deep breaths.

"Who?" Aldric asked.

"Our bastard boss," Harry muttered, rubbing the back of his neck tiredly. "I went to see Malfoy again today."

"And?"

"And he wants me to make sure Malf– Draco is kept safe. Robards wholeheartedly agrees. Fuck them both," Harry said, shuffling to his desk. "I'm sick of this shit."

"We've been sick of it for years," Anthony said sympathetically.

"What do you mean, protection?" Katie asked.

"How the hell should I know?" Harry snarled, flicking open a file furiously. He closed his eyes, reigning in his anger. "Sorry," he murmured, looking at Katie. "I don't know. Robards is dealing with it. Knowing him, he'll probably get me off of all the cases to focus on this job."

"'E 'as protection already. Vat are you supposed to do?"

Being the heir to the Malfoy Empire and the target of more than a few assassination attempts, Draco Malfoy was a sensation with his lavish lifestyle and impetuous behavior. He was a celebrity – loved by women, hated by all. What right does an ex-Death Eater have to live that way? The thought boiled Harry's blood. Draco had an entourage at most times, skilled hit wizards. If Y ever went after Draco, Harry wouldn't be surprised if the killer was struck dead with four different maiming spells. While Harry had more skill than the hit wizards, the latter were trained in security and providing protection for their employer.

Harry didn't have to wait long to find out what his assignment was.

"You will be working with Mr. Malfoy's security team."

Harry all but blew up in Robards' office.

Draco was in front of the full-length mirror, pulling his cuffs down with a smart tug. The door opened a crack. "May I come in, sir?"

"Yes," Draco said, running a hand down his tie to lay it flat.

"Auror Harry Potter is here," the man said.

Draco frowned, checking his watch. "Early." He brushed his hair absentmindedly. "I will be right down."

Harry stood in the large foyer, remembering the incidents that had occurred a decade ago. It had changed everyone's lives. From the looks of it, it had changed Draco's for the better. Harry glanced up in time to see Draco walking down the stairs with one of his bodyguards, talking in a hushed tone. Harry rolled his eyes, stifling his exasperated sigh. Draco flicked his eyes at Harry, brows arching up in surprise. The man in the lobby looked almost nothing like the boy ten years ago. The Auror had his hands in the pockets of his tailored suit. His black, unruly hair was cut short to a manageable length. Gone was the slouch. The uncertain shuffling was non-existent. There was something about the man that was bothering Draco. Harry met Draco's watchful eyes. Draco saw it now. "Hmm… Got rid of your glasses, Potter?" Draco asked, a familiar smirk on his lips. Harry didn't bother answering, looking at Draco indifferently. "Good evening to you too," Draco muttered. He gestured to the large man beside him. "This is Carter. He is the head of security. He will show you around the house. I am sure you can work the details out without me." With that, Draco left for the study. Harry glared at Carter, who was glaring right on back.

"I'll show you the security office," the man said, turning on his heel and walking towards the inconspicuous door beside the banister. Harry followed wordlessly. The door opened into a large space with two desks, a wall covered with what looked like schedules, and a bed. "At least one of us will be with Mr. Malfoy at all times. When in public, all four of us guard him. When at home, we have one at the main entrance, one patrolling the manor, and one or two actively protecting him. At night, one guard is posted outside his bedroom and the shift switches off at two in the morning."

"Is he on a schedule?" Harry asked, scanning the wall of notes.

"Up at six or seven, breakfast at nine. That's it for routine," Carter said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

"What does he do after, usually?"

"Meetings, business or pleasure. Lunch could be at these meetings or somewhere else. Social events in the evening. He could get home anywhere between nine or midnight. Like I said, no real schedule."

"Four men, you said?" Harry asked.

"Yes."

"Guess it's five now," Harry mumbled, lifting a parchment to read the one underneath. "What do you need me to do?"

Carter frowned. "Oh…" he said hesitantly.

"Hmm?" Harry asked, turning to the man.

Carter's frown deepened. "Really?"

"I'm sorry?" Harry said, confused.

"I thought you were taking charge," Carter said.

Carter noticed a vague smile on the Auror. "I don't know the first thing about security detail," Harry deadpanned. "He'd be dead in a day if I was in charge."

"You wouldn't mind taking orders from me?"

Harry chuckled. "Never said I wouldn't mind it, did I?" he asked. "If I have anything to add to the way Malfoy's being handled, I'll let you know. Until then, I'll do as you say."

"First time I'm working with an Auror," Carter said.

"We aren't as awful as you think," Harry said.

"I'm starting to think not…"

That evening, Harry met the three others in the team. Dane hardly talked, looking surly and distrusting. Wes had an easy smile and a lot of words in him. Kyler was the youngest at twenty-four, eager and jumpy. Harry was impressed by the choices Carter made. Together, the four had a rather scary repertoire. Dane used to work at Azkaban before the War. Wes used to work for Muggle dignitaries. Kyler had been part of the underground army that fought during the War, keeping the vulnerable safe from Snatchers. Carter had been working in private security for twenty years. Then there was Harry.

"Alright," Carter said loudly once the casual chatter died down. "Schedule for tonight. Mr. Malfoy will be going to the Sunset." He glanced at Harry, a wicked smile reaching his eyes. "Let's put Mr. Potter to the test, shall we? Kyler and Harry will be with Mr. Malfoy. The rest of us will secure the perimeter."

"What does that mean?"

Kyler nudged Harry with a smirk. "Means we're going clubbing," he said.

"What?"

Sunset was an exclusive club for millionaires and the likes. And in that very moment, Harry hated his life enough to contemplate murder. Murder of Draco Malfoy. Kyler seemed to be enjoying himself. Which only caused Harry to hate his life even more. The modern club was crawling with half-drunk women hunting for wealthy men. From the looks of it, the wealthy men were hunting for half-drunk women as well. Mutually beneficial, Kyler had said. Harry was in the shadows, nursing his drink while keeping an eye on Draco. Neither had spoken since the first meeting. Harry planned on keeping it that way. He let the slow thumping music lull him into his thoughts. Lucius had stayed true to his words. Cases were being reopened at record speed – disappearances, unknown deaths, tortures, and such. Harry supposed he should be happy that he helped with those cases. If his mind weren't filled with Y and his victims, he would be happy. But that was not the case. Harry wondered if Lucius had any names of suspects with regards to Y. He wondered how difficult it would be to convince Robards into letting him keep working on Y. Somehow, Robards' thoughts were that the next victim would provide another clue into Y. Harry didn't want there to be another victim.

"You're Harry Potter, aren't you?"

Harry looked up, blinking to focus on the inebriated young woman in front of him. "Yes," he said.

"Wow! What are you doing here?" she asked, crawling onto the plush white leather sofa. Harry gestured to his drink. "I didn't think you were the type to come to clubs," she breathed, leaning in.

"Not usually," Harry muttered, leaning away.

"Care to dance?" she asked hopefully.

"I'm not big on dancing," he said. "Ask him," he pointed to Kyler who was already dancing with a blonde.

"He's not as cute as you," she said, batting her lashes.

"Hmm…" Harry murmured. "Still, the answer's no."

She pouted, wrapping an arm around Harry. "I guess I'll just have to make you say yes," she said, biting her lip.

Harry was about to push her away gently when his gaze slipped to the familiar woman behind his ardent fan. The brunette tapped the drunk girl on the shoulder and whispered something into her ear. Harry was surprised when the girl let go of him glumly and slid out of the booth. The brunette smiled faintly, slipping in beside Harry. "Hello," she said.

"Um… No?" Harry said, uncertain.

She laughed musically. "I heard. I'm Astoria," she said.

Harry put the name and face together. "Oh! I knew I had seen you before," he said. "A year below me, right?"

"Yes. Slytherin."

Harry smiled back. "Didn't think I'd find a familiar face in here," he said.

"Besides Draco, you mean?"

Harry glanced at Draco. "I'll rephrase. Didn't think I'd find a friendly familiar face in here."

"You came in with him… Which is weird," she said, motioning for the waitress.

"It's even weirder if I tell you why," Harry mumbled.

"Oh?"

"I'm his security."

"Oh!" Her expression showed her shock.

"I know…"

"Aren't you an Auror?" she asked.

"Apparently Auror means the Head Auror's lackey."

"You were ordered to protect Draco? That sucks," she said.

"You're telling me… What have you been up to?" Harry asked.

"Dad insists I take over the business, so I've been learning the tricks of the trade," she said.

"You have a sister, don't you?"

"Yes. Daphne. She's not interested in what Dad's doing. So I'm the next 'heir'."

"Good luck with that."

Astoria nodded distractedly. Then she looked back at Harry. "You know the reason I'm talking to you, right?" she asked.

Harry shrugged. "You're being nice?"

She thanked the waitress and taking her martini from the tray. "That's sweet of you," she said, grinning at Harry. "But no. I have an ulterior motive."

"Ah, you Slytherins," Harry said, shaking his head.

She leaned in conspiringly and said, "I'm trying to make Draco jealous."

"Oh. Damn."

She laughed happily at Harry's response. "You're refreshing!" she exclaimed. "I know, I know… Pathetic, right? But whatever works. He keeps looking at us. Score one for me."

"Why don't you just… I don't know, talk to him?" Harry asked. He didn't like the idea of being used that way, although it was rather amusing.

"He's not a talker. He's more a – um…" She looked at Harry suggestively.

Harry blanched, pulling a face. "Ugh!"

"Anyways, my friends are giving me the evil eye, so I have to go. Thanks for the chat. Maybe I'll see you around?"

"I'll be around as long as Malfoy's alive," Harry said in defeat.

She kissed Harry's cheek and winked. "You'll do, Harry," she said. She sidled out of the booth and walked away.

Harry sighed in confusion, sitting back. The table shook as Kyler bumped against it in his hurry to get to Harry. "Whoa, watch it," Harry said, saving his drink from falling.

"Dude, what the hell are you doing with her?" Kyler asked in trepidation.

"Um… I didn't do anything," Harry said, wondering if he had broken one of Carter's unwritten rules.

"She's Mr. Malfoy's woman."

"What does that mean?"

"What do you think it means? Mr. Malfoy kind of likes her, you know."

Harry snorted in derision. "Well, that's just great," he said sardonically.

"He's going to be in a bad mood tonight," Kyler grumbled, slumping against the couch.

"Whoa," Harry said, holding his hands up in surrender. "I didn't do anything, remember? She likes him too. She's just trying to get him jealous. Guess it's working."

Kyler blinked at Harry. "Wait, wait, wait," he said. "She likes him?"

"It's what she told me."

"No way!" Kyler gushed, suddenly scheming. "She's making him jealous? You're sure?"

"She thinks she's sure," Harry said helplessly.

"Smart lady," Kyler said, amazed.

"This doesn't strike you as desperate?" Harry asked.

"A lot of women are desperate to get with Mr. Malfoy," Kyler explained.

"I think I'm going to hurl," Harry muttered, taking a swig of his drink.

Harry jerked awake when the doorbell rang. He glanced at the clock and groaned, falling back onto his pillows. "Go away," he said hoarsely, hiding his head inside his covers. The bell rang insistently. After the sixth ring, Harry decided to get up. He was scowling as he opened the door.

"I am so sorry," Ron said, hugging Harry.

"I was sleeping," Harry grumbled, pushing Ron away and trying to close the door on him. Ron easily overpowered Harry, getting into the house before Harry could shut him out. "Go away," Harry whined, shuffling back to his bedroom blindly.

"You aren't going to ask me how the honeymoon was?" Ron asked, leading Harry into the drawing room instead.

"I'm so tired," Harry sighed, sitting on his sofa heavily. Ron sat beside him. "How was the honeymoon?"

"Fantastic!" Ron said excitedly.

"Good to know," Harry yawned, closing his eyes.

"Sucks that you get stuck with Malfoy, though," Ron said, poking Harry awake.

"I know," Harry mumbled.

"Have you talked to Kingsley?"

Harry nodded. "He thinks I should do as Malfoy– um… Lucius Malfoy says. We're solving those cases now, aren't we? Once we find Y, I won't have to bother with Malf– Draco Malfoy ever again."

"He's still a prick?"

"More so now than ever."

"Your luck's never gonna turn, is it?"

"Doesn't look like it…"

"Heard you were sweet talking Astoria Greengrass last night," Wes said, laughing maniacally.

"I wasn't!" Harry insisted. "She was sweet talking me!"

"You want to know what Mr. Malfoy did to the last person who tried to have a go at her?"

"I wasn't having a go at her!"

"Well… He didn't really do anything. Just scared the guy shitless. Haven't seen that joker around the clubs since."

"But I –"

"Didn't do anything," Kyler and Carter said in unison. "We know."

"Word of advice? Don't bother with her. Not unless you want Mr. Malfoy to make your life a living hell."

"He's already doing that," Harry groused.

The men laughed at Harry's expense, reading over their schedule for the day. Hell started at ten. Harry felt Draco's scathing glare, but chose to ignore it as always. The first appointment was at an investment firm. They disapparated from the manor to the business centre of Wizarding London. As they made their way to the elevators, Draco said, "Didn't know Father's authority reached so high up, Potter." Harry had to stop from smiling at the low blow. He didn't answer, keeping his eyes on the elevator. "Good to know that he hasn't lost his touch," Draco added, tightening his tie. "Are you that awful of an Auror that they couldn't wait to get rid of you?"

"I'm that great of an Auror."

Now Draco had to stop from smiling. "First words out of your mouth and it's self-praise," he murmured.

"You must be rubbing off on me."

The rest of the security team look at Harry in horror and tried to signal him into shutting up. "I'm your boss right now, you know?" Draco asked.

"Keep telling yourself that."

Draco looked at Harry sharply. Harry didn't meet the glare. The elevator doors opened. The men stepped inside, atmosphere tense. "You probably used Kingsley to make your way into the force, huh? Did you even pass your NEWTs?" Draco asked.

"I was so good, I didn't even have to write it."

Draco felt a fierce scowl growing on his face. "At least I didn't have to kiss arse to get this far," he said.

"No. You just mooched off your Death Eater father, didn't you?"

Draco whipped around. "Fuck you, Scarhead," he spat out.

Harry didn't even flinch. "Name calling. Real smooth," he said quietly.

Draco clenched his fists and turned away, humiliated.

"Ferret."

Draco snorted in amusement before he could stop himself. He clapped his hand to his mouth in horror. Harry smiled as the elevator reached its destination and pinged open. Draco was the first to get out, conflicting emotions playing in him. Harry followed. The four other men were too stunned to know what to do. Harry looked back and motioned for them to get out of the elevator. They stumbled out and walked faster to catch up to Harry and Draco. Draco entered the boardroom, not daring to look at Harry again. Harry closed the door after him, turning to face the wide-eyed men.

"What the hell?" Kyler asked breathlessly. "How are you not dead?"

"You two know each other?" Carter asked.

"Hmm… Sure," Harry said, trying to keep his mirth at bay. "It was always Dementors, then Malfoy, then Voldemort, then Death Eaters."

"What?" Dane asked.

"We went to school together. He was in Slytherin and I was in Gryffindor. We… hate each other. Have hated each other for most of our lives."

"Whoa…"

"Now you can imagine my surprise at being asked to protect him, can't you?" Harry asked.

"No way," Wes said, looking off into the distance. "I've never seen anyone get the upper hand when it came to a conversation with Mr. Malfoy. You're something else."

"He's one of the handful who would dare talk to me like that," Harry murmured, realizing that fact. "Weird…"

"You're the only person who would dare talk to him like that, I'd bet."

Harry shrugged. "Like I said, we go back a long way."

"I can't wait for the next fight!" Kyler said in excitement.

"Trust me, you'll know when we start fighting. There's blood and gore."

"But he is so put together," Wes said. "I think this is the first time I've seen his lose his temper like that."

"Or laugh like that. He snorted, did you hear it?" Kyler asked, laughing jovially.

"Wait… You called him a ferret?" Carter asked, chuckling as he said the words.

"He called me Scarhead, so… yes."

"Won't tell us why?"

"He wouldn't appreciate it," Harry murmured. "So… yeah, I'll tell you," he grinned.

"How's the case coming along?" Harry asked Ron, biting into his sandwich.

"The problem with the suspects is that we can't find any of them. They've probably all gone into hiding or changed identities. So we're absolutely nowhere," Ron said.

"How about finding possible victims?"

"We are starting on that this week."

"Hmm..."

"How is the job?"

"I'd go crazy if it were just me. Malfoy's security team's pretty cool actually. It's relaxing. Gives me time to think about these cases. I'm getting my head cleared, which is good."

"He's not giving you a hard time, is he?"

"No. I'm giving him a hard time, though."

"Perfect," Ron said, grinning evilly.