Summary: Harry, Ron and Hermione are missing. Ginny is in a coma. Which odd folk will be charged with finding them, and just what does the Wizarding Mafia have to do with it?
Ratings: T (downgraded for now, because it doesn't seem as though I'll be doing anything too profane)
Timeline: Post Goblet of Fire, pre Order of the Phoenix, though keeping in mind the various character and spell introductions of the final books.
Chapter Six
'My, my, what an assorted bunch.' Severus Snape's words had the uncanny ability to sound threatening, even if they weren't. 'A Metamorphmagus Auror, an Animagus convict, a new age Ravenclaw student and a radical house elf. Have you thought about starting a band?'
'Not without our cynical Potions Master,' said Tonks brightly, stepping through the open door. Sirius, who walked through after her, gave his old enemy a look of nothing less than pure hatred.
The door opened into what was essentially a sitting room, though its expanse of books could have it doubling as a library. Snape did not offer them a seat.
'Tell me why it was so vital to intrude on my private dwelling. You are aware of my mission with the Death Eaters; if they were to discover you had come here, my cover would be well and truly blown.'
'You know Harry's missing?' asked Sirius sharply. It felt unusual for him to talk to Snape without insulting him.
'I am aware of Potter's disappearance, along with that of Weasley and Granger, though I fail to see where I come into it.'
'We were questioning Xenophilus Lovegood; their kidnappers went right past his house on the night. They ambushed us, killed Xenophilus.' Tonks threw an apologetic look at Luna, who was humming a song under her breath, eyes gazing across the bookshelf. She smiled at Tonks.
'It's quite alright. "To the well organised mind, death is but the next great adventure."'
'Didn't Dumbledore say that once?' Sirius asked Tonks, who shrugged.
'Perhaps I could make some tea,' suggested Luna, who sensed that the adults in the room were keen to talk without her present.
'That is a most excellent idea, Miss Lovegood, and I propose you take the house elf with you. The kitchen is through that door.' Dobby bowed low, but said nothing. He and Luna hastily exited through the appointed door.
'What is it you wish to tell me then, Black, Nymphadora? What urgent information possessed you to come knocking on my door?'
Tonks started pacing, her hand under her chin. 'Strange cases; evidence of a group of wizards – and witches – using their collective talents to control the Wizarding underworld. Not dark magic – nothing that obvious. Small things – illegal Veritaserum trading, dragon smuggling, a few assassinations. A lot of them are fond of using muggle methods, as a way of passing the quaffle, or to make up for their lack of magical skill. Uneducated, for the most part, or expelled even. Idiot enough for one of them to come knocking on Xenophilus Lovegood's front door looking for Chloroform.' She scoffed, in a manner that suggested that she was surprised that anyone could possibly be that stupid.
'What's Chloroform?' Sirius, the pure-blood, had little contact with the muggle world. Surprisingly enough, it was Snape that answered.
'A muggle drug. Useful for inducing unconsciousness. Really, where a simple Stunning spell or Sleeping Draught would suffice. The Wizarding Mafia indeed.'
'You've heard of them?' Tonks perked up, wondering if they were due for a break in the case.
'Indeed. Before my days as a Death Eater, I researched other possible avenues. The Wizarding Mafia was one of them. I am capable of reading clues as much as you, Nymphadora.'
Tonks gave him a look that was not unlike the ones she often gave him in her days as a N.E.W.T level potions student. 'What's that supposed to mean?'
'It means that the Dark Lord is just as eager to find Potter as the Order. He has charged me with finding him. By any means possible.'
'By any means possible?' Sirius raised an eyebrow. 'Does that mean...?'
Tonks grinned. 'Looks like the cynical Potions Master's down to become our new backup singer.'
Sirius could almost howl.
