Disclaimer: IT. ALL. BELONGS. TO. JK ROWLING.

Chapter Eight: Some Very Angry and Influential Visitors

When Andrew Kirke, head of the Auror division, sat down at his desk that morning, he had no idea the kind of day he was going to have. And it was a good thing, too, else wise he might have gone home and gone back to bed and pulled the covers up over his head.

He hadn't even been there for a half hour when Lillian, his secretary, activated the speaking spell that connected their two desks.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Lillian, what is it?"

"Sir, you have some very angry and influential visitors who wish to see you. Shall I send them in?"

Andrew thought fast. He hadn't done anything -recently- that would anger the conservatives. Neither had Potter or Weasly, to his knowledge anyway. Oh well. He was going to have to face the music sooner or later.

"Yes, send them in."

The door to his office opened, and in walked the Dream Team. The heroes of the War. The heroes of the entire Wizarding World. Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron Weasly and Hermione Granger - though she was a Weasly too, now - along with Potter all walked in. If they were upset with him, he had better start making funeral arrangements. These people had brought down Voldemort, for Merlin's sake. A single former Auror - albeit a good one - now a Ministry figure didn't stand an icicle's chance in hell. But why in the world would they be upset with him?

He didn't say anything, waiting for them to make the first move. And they did.

Weasly -the Auror Weasly- leaned over, placing both of his large hands on Andrew's desk. He spoke slowly and quietly. But Andrew could hear every word.

"What if I told you that there was a Death Eater abroad? A very powerful Death Eater. A high profile Death Eater? One that, at the moment, holds a muggle girl hostage?"

Andrew sighed. So they weren't angry with him. He wouldn't want to be in the shoes of the unlucky Death Eater who was the target of their hate. But who would generate so much anger-and out of people like the usually calm Percy Weasly and the logical, rational Hermione? He knew they were beyond angry. He could tell in they way they moved, ready to strike at a moment's notice. He saw the hate flickering in their eyes.

Andrew stood up, and walked out from behind his desk. Half sitting on the edge of his desk, he stroked his beard.

"Who?

It was Potter who answered, poison in his voice. "Draco Malfoy."

Andrew froze. Malfoy. He had thought Malfoy was dead. If they knew where Malfoy was…

"How do you know? Do you even know where he is?"

Hermione looked at Harry. He nodded.

"We don't know where he is. But we know someone who can help with that," she said, slowly.

Andrew sensed that there was something wonderful trying to burst out of Hermione's mouth. "And…who is it?" he prompted.

The group exchanged glances of barely suppressed joy. It was Charlie Weasly who answered, at last, his voice steady and strong.

"My sister."

Andrew did a double take. "What's that? I'm sorry, I thought you said...but it's impossible-"

Harry shook his head. "No. It's possible. Ginny is alive. And probably still asleep in my spare bedroom."

Andrew didn't know what to say. Ginny had been in his year, and a friend. He had long believed her dead, a victim of the wizard these people had brought down. He sank slowly to the floor.

Harry, Ron and Hermione crouched next to him. "Malfoy had her," explained Ron.

Andrew looked up "Malfoy? The bastard, if he's hurt her…"

Harry looked grim. "She's pregnant."

Andrew was shocked. "Malfoy?"

"Yes. She didn't choose it. She only escaped when he brought in another girl, a muggle, who wore braces. You know what braces are?" Hermione, whose parents were dentists, peered at him.

Andrew nodded.

"The girl used the wires to pick the locks on Ginny's chains. Ginny escaped, and showed up at Harry's last night. She had apparently been traveling for some time. At one point, there was a sea voyage."

Andrew tugged his ear, and thought. "Hm. I think it'd be best if I go to see Ginny, and debrief her. Soon, so she doesn't forget anything. Will she talk to me?"

Harry nodded. "I think she will, especially if it means bringing Malfoy down and saving Adie. Her muggle friend," he added, by way of explanation.

Andrew nodded, and stood up. "Let's go. Your house, Potter, I believe you said?"

Harry nodded. Only Percy looked slightly taken aback. "Now?"

Andrew nodded. "No time like the present." He led the procession down to the Atrium, where they all Appareted back to Harry's house.

A/N: Wow. That was quicker than I thought. See, my Internet was down, so I got a chance to get a bunch of writing in. I'm halfway through Chapter 9.

BTW, Andrew Kirke IS a real character, created by Jo. He makes an appearance in OotP.

As of now, no one has reviewed Chapter 7 yet; so I'm just gonna say thanks in advance and happy reading!