The idea I came up with required me to get in touch with my old friend Emile Martine. Emile is the current Muggle Studies professor at Hogwarts. He is also the infamous art and jewel thief known as The Spectre. The latter fact is known only to a few. I met Emile a few years ago when I got him off of a murder charge. You could say Emile owed me. In a world of unique individuals Emile stood out.

I sent an owl to Emile asking him to meet me and waited for his reply at my desk, reading my mail.

A large multicolored macaw flew into the room and landed on my desk. I smiled to myself. Only Emile would have such a pet. The bird held out its leg for me to remove the message.

"Draco, my dear boy. I would be delighted as always to speak with you. Meet me at the Three Broomsticks next Friday after classes.

"Your friend, Emile."

Today was Wednesday so I had time. I would need the help of both DCI Dursley and Blaise if I was to pull this off. I leaned back in my chair and looked at the Muggles passing by, oblivious to the wonders that lay just beyond the store fronts that included my offices and the Leaky Cauldron among many others. I watched the people scurry about and wondered how many of them were just as oblivious to the plight of those girls I'd met. It made me shudder with disgust and anger, remembering the girls' sunken eyes and hollow expressions.

Something had to be done. Did I think I would solve the problem by myself? Obviously not. But at least if my plan worked Yuri Nievsky would never again be able to hurt another girl. That prospect made me smile.

-000-

Two days later I was in the Broomsticks waiting for Emile to show. I ordered a butterbeer and was nursing it. When I came to Hogsmeade I preferred to meet at the Hogshead. I was not sure if it was my imagination or not, but I always got the feeling from the woman who ran the place that I was not welcome. Considering my past and all that entails I couldn't really blame her. Hannah Longbottom's husband had done a remarkable job trying to forgive if not forget. His wife however, not so much.

I was sitting at a small out of the way table when the doors opened and Emile glided in. He was resplendent as ever in his maroon crushed velver jacket and grey tweed trousers. His grey hair was pulled back in a ponytail and his pencil-thin mustache and goatee were trimmed razor sharp. He was accompanied by a younger man in non-descript robes. Catching Emile's eyes I raised my eyebrows at the other man.

"Draco," Emile said in his velvet voice. "This is my valet Eric. I trust him implicitly." Emile's tone showed the matter was not up for discussion. I nodded.

"Eric, I will take a cognac. The proprietor should have a fine bottle. Get yourself whatever you desire." Eric nodded and went to the bar. Emile waited until he returned with the drinks. He brought me another butterbeer without being told. Emile nodded and Eric took up a seat at another table, far enough so as not to overhear but close enough to be called if needed.

Emile asked after Astoria and Scorpio. I told him Astoria was fine. I also told him my concerns with Scorpius and Rose. He listened and nodded sympathetically.

"Draco, Scorpius is a smart boy and Rose is probably the only woman who presents enough of a challenge to keep him in line. They will work it out," he said, sipping his drink.

"I know. It's just that it's so hard to see him struggle and know that it's best to just let him be." I finished my first bottle and started in on the second.

"Part of parenting," Emile smiled sadly. "From what I hear." He took another sip and put his glass on the table. "As much as I enjoy talking with you I assume you had a reason for contacting me?"

I explained the case I was working on. Emile's eyes darkened.

"What can I do to help you?"

"I need you to put me in contact with a person with a certain skill set. This person must be good. Probably just as good if not better than you."

Emile stroked his pointed goatee. "I think I have just the person." He seemed to be talking to himself. "Yes, yes. She should do fine."

"She?"

"The woman I have in mind is good, and she has had a..." Emile paused. "Colorfull past. Which should make her very motivated to help."

"Muggle or Witch?" I asked.

"Squib," Emile answered. "Most of the best thieves are. They can work anonymously in both worlds."

I nodded. I still didn't like the idea of using a woman but Emile insisted she was the best. "When can I meet her?"

"I will get in touch with her and give her your office address."

I nodded.

"Now if you will excuse me I have a dinner to attend in London." I smiled as Eric appeared at Emile's arm as though summoned. He helped Emile to his feet and draped a cloak I had not noticed previously over his shoulders. It was then that I noticed Eric's face. It was not the gaze of a servant but that of a lover.

-000-

Two days later I was opening my office. I had given Gertie the morning off. I stopped at my office door. Something was wrong. I took out my wand and slowly opened the door from the lobby to my office. Seated at my desk with her feet propped up was a young lady. She had bright purple hair and was dressed in black jeans, a black t-shirt espousing the the skills of some band I had never heard of, and high top sneakers the color of her hair.

"You really should get better security," the girl sniffed.

"Nothing in here worth stealing," I quipped, putting away my wand.

"There's always something worth taking," she said standing up from my desk and tossing me my spare wand.

"I take it you're Emile's friend?"

"More like his newest protege," she aswered. "Ariel," she said, holding out her hand.

"Draco Malfoy," I took her hand. "But you already knew that."

She smiled in a way that did not quite reach her eyes.

"Did Emile fill you in?" I asked.

She shook her head. "She just said that you need a thief and that I would enjoy the target."

"The target is Yuri Nievsky," I said.

Ariel's eyes grew dark and her mouth narrowed. "What do I need to do?"

"I need someone who can break in to a very secure area and steal an original copy of a video recording. You will have a diversion."

"What about resistance?" She asked, her smile suddenly resembling a shark.

"Use your judgement," I answered.

"That I most assuredly will," she smiled again.

I almost felt sorry for Nievsky and his goons.

Almost.

A/N: Thank you for following this story. I really want to thank the members of the Teacher's Lounge for helping me post this. For my readers who don't know I am going through a very rough time personally and writing helps me escape.