Harry Potter was in a brilliant mood when he entered the office that morning. It was a brilliant weather, and the girl he had brought home the previous night had been up for another round in the morning. So having had his morning shag, he could start off his day of work.

"G'Morning Sir!" He greeted Alastor Moody, and poured himself some tea. "To what do I owe the honour of your visit, chief?" He plopped down in his office chair and pulled closer. Alastor was not one for small social visits normally. When he did pop up at his aurors' offices it was either to check their 'constant vigilance' or because he had a rather important case, that he'd rather do himself but as he had half-retired he was only allowed to do the standard paperwork.

Alastor's magical eye took 180 degrees turn to check if there were any outsiders in the room. Satisfied with his check-up he pulled out a large file from his briefcase and handed to Harry.

Help the Police: Investigation of missing boys.

Last night two boys of 18, Michael Jones, and 16, Jack Rivers, went missing. They drove from Prittlewell about 9 PM and where headed for Petfey where they were expected at Michael Jones's aunt. However when the boys were not there by morning she raised alarm. Michael Jones's car was found in the outskirts of Kents Hill and there were no signs of the two boys.

Harry looked up from the newspaper clipping and frowned. "But what has this got to do with our department, Sir? These are muggle-news!" he proclaimed and threw the file down on his desk "Since when do we interfere with the muggle problems?"

"Since we got a tip that Lucius Malfoy was seen in Prittlewell that very same night!" Alastor boomed and looked enraged. Harry groaned and rubbed his temples. It was common knowledge that Lucius Malfoy had been an inner circle deatheater, but they never had enough proof to nail him. Lucius Malfoy, and his son Draco whom Harry had went to school with, was a thorn in Harry's eye and it was Harry's goal to get them both convicted before retirement. But the task had proved very difficult in the past.

"We need you to go investigate this. Read the file on your way." Alastor commanded.

"On my way, sir? It hardly takes that long to apparate to the nearest auror headquarters." Harry objected.

Alastor smirked "Yeah well. You won't be apparating. Your partner for this case insists on driving there. Apparently it's for team building." He snorted at this ridiculous notion, "You'll have the pleasure," another snort "of working with Hermione Granger this time."

Harry nearly choked on his tea. Though he never had the opportunity to work with Granger before, he had often heard his co-workers complain about the bossy know-it-all auror and her insistence to quote Hogwarts; A History, at every possible chance she got. "She's like those muggle… intermet portal things! She knows everything by heart. But she possesses no social skills. At all!" Ronald Weasley, his best friend, had told him once.

"How long shall I stay there, sir?" Harry asked with caution. He wasn't quite sure he'd be satisfied with the answer.

"As long as I see fit, Potter!" Alastor thundered, but after a slight consideration pause, added "but at least a week, most likely more. Granger's booked you in on the local motel. You're driving off at noon."

With that Alastor whooshed out of the room, ending the deal.


Harry nervously fiddled with his backpack as he leaned against the doorway to the aurors' headquarters. Ron and Thomas were sniggering at him and every once in a while made a parody of a Hogwarts; A History quotations.

"It says right here in chapter 311, paragraph 10, line 12; that a crumbled-horned snorkark only appears on the fullmoo-."

The door slammed shut and a firm voice rung out "There is no such thing as a crumble-horned snorkark, Weasley." Harry turned his head towards the end of the hallway. There stood Hermione Granger, a high rang auror, a typical busy-body in all her glory. She was wearing a couple of worn out trainers, sweatpants and an at least too sizes too large plain t-shirt. Her bushy hair was swept back in a loose ponytail, and she was wearing no make-up at all.

This wasn't what Harry had imagined at all. His co-workers description had given him the impression of a stereo type business woman, in a black suit and everything. He'd even dressed for the occasion. His nicest blue suit, white shirt and blue tie, and he'd spent ages trying to get his hair to lie down!

Hermione gave him an once-over "You might want to change, Potter. Where you and I are going; that is not going fit in very well." She smirked "I'll be waiting in the car."

"Yes Ma'am" Harry agreed stunned.

As soon as she'd left the room Ron and Thomas fell to the floor laughing. "The look on your face, mate! Priceless!"

Harry glared at them and quickly took off both the jacket and the tie. He tried making his shirt look a bit casual and decided that was the best it was going to get.


"R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Find out what it means to me!" Hermione sang and adjusted her back-way mirror again. Harry was staring out the window trying not to listen to her singing. Team building? Ha!

Hermione glanced at him, and finally turned off the radio. "So, er, Harry – Have you read the file yet?"

"Yes, I have, Ma'am" He said sourly "It's got quite the few faults."

She frowned and looked at him sceptically "Like what?"

"Like the lack of evidence. The only actual thing we've got on Malfoy, is that he was in the same village the same day. And we have no motive! Why would Malfoy risk exposure for a couple of muggle-boys?"

She scowled, "You know damn well, Potter, that is has everything to do with it. There is no way his presence was a coincidence. And as for motive; there doesn't have to be any. He's been a nutcase since you defeated Voldemort."

He stared out the window, and bit back a nasty reply. She was wasting his and her time, but if that's what she wanted. He got paid no matter what.

She leaned across his legs and reached down for a bag by his feet. He pushed against the seat to avoid her touch. She pulled up a soda, and threw him a dirty look before concentrating on the traffic again. "I don't bite, Potter."

Could have fooled me, he thought, relaxing again.

A/N: Read and Review, pretty please? Constructive critism is encouraged ;)

Disclaimer: See prologue.