Chapter 20

Ron Weasley rapped on Headmaster Dumbledore's office. Hearing the old wizard's call to enter, he opened the door. Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk, a large eagle owl rested on a perch beside him. Ron didn't recognize it and wondered whose it was.

"Sit down Ron," Dumbledore said, gesturing to a chair. He did and waited for the man to explain why he'd been called. Ron had been visiting Percy, who was currently working at Hogwarts as part of something to do with the Ministry of Magic. As usual, Percy was being tight-lipped about Ministry matters. Ron didn't care much, it gave him an excuse to come see his old school.

"This is an interesting letter," Dumbledore said, absently holding it out to Ron.

"Who's it from?" He asked curiously, leaning forward in his chair to try and read it.

"Draco Malfoy," Dumbledore replied. At the Slytherin's name Ron narrowed his eyes. "It's a strange letter, I haven't heard a word about him in several years." Dumbledore continued as Ron seethed over old wounds. They'd never been friendly, in fact Ron doubted friendly was even in Draco's vocabulary. Just thinking about him put Ron in a sour mood. "It says that he needs my help and hopes that I will meet with him," the Headmaster continued, ignoring the angry look Ron's face was making. He motioned towards Zephyr who hooted in reply. The bird settled back down, closing his eyes while Ron fixed him with a glare.

"Draco Malfoy needing help?" The red head spat. "What'd he do? Lose his wand? He can always buy another one," he sneered not noticing Dumbledore's sigh. He'd heard the rumors that Malfoys had fought, causing Draco to leave Britain, but he didn't believe them. Draco was supposed to follow in his father's footsteps and be a Death Eater. He was probably out spreading Death Eater joy all over the continent.

"I think it's more serious than that. The Death Eaters stole something precious from him." Dumbledore skimmed the letter once more. "I sent him an invitation to talk further with me here. He'll be arriving soon. I've alerted Hagrid to show him to me as soon as he gets here." Ron growled in his throat and crossed his arms defiantly.

"So why did you summon me here?" He inquired upset at being forced to deal with Draco.

"Because you're an Auror and if he's in trouble with the Death Eaters, you need to know about it." Dumbledore responded, folding the letter and replacing it in the envelope. Ron snorted.

The last time he'd seen Draco Malfoy, he was shorter than Harry and getting pudgy around the middle. That was probably due to the amount of sweets his mother sent him. Ron smiled to himself. The image of Draco after nearly six years of his mother's treats tickled him. He couldn't wait to see how rotund he'd gotten.

"I've taken the liberty of sending an owl to Harry. I would like him here as quickly as possible. Mr. Malfoy may have information that we could use." Dumbledore said, trying to ignore the smug look that Ron now wore.

Abruptly there was a loud knock at the door. The red head looked up as Dumbledore said "Come in." Hagrid stepped in first, his large frame filling the doorway.

"Ya told me ta bring Mr. Malfoy to you when 'e got 'ere. Well, he's 'ere." He announced, his voice echoing in the high ceiling room. Dumbledore nodded and waved for him to move. Hagrid stepped aside. Ron eagerly turned in his chair to see how life had treated young Mr. Malfoy. He felt his jaw go slack as he entered the office.

"Ah, Draco Malfoy. It has been a while hasn't it? What can I help you with?" Dumbledore inquired standing up to welcome him. Ron just stared, his brain unable to comprehend what he saw. Draco stood at least a head taller than he remembered. His skin had a slight tan to it and he appeared to be in excellent physical condition. He was wearing faded jeans that had dirt and grass stains on the knees and cuffs. Heavy work boots, leather jacket and a turtleneck completed the outfit. He'd grown his hair out and currently had it bound in a ponytail at the nape of his neck.

"Thank you for seeing me Professor Dumbledore." The blond bowed slightly as he spoke then straightened. Draco hoped he looked calm and composed despite the dread that clawed at his stomach. Facing Dumbledore after all these years was more frightening than he'd imagined. The old wizard was a fair man, but he didn't know what Lucius had been doing and how it reflected on the name Malfoy. He was still considered Lucius' son by everyone in England, even if he wasn't.

Dumbledore nodded and sat back down. "Now why don't you explain why you've come back to Britain?" He waited as Draco recomposed himself.

"As I stated in my letter, Lucius has stolen something extremely precious to me." Draco began his confidence creeping back. He had to do this; Heather had told him Dumbledore would listen. At the sound of his voice, Ron snapped out of his shock.

"Let me guess, he took you're new Quidditch broom?" He sniped from his seat. Draco turned, realizing for the first time that he was in the room. They glared at each other.

"I happen to have flown here on a broom," Draco said coldly. "This is more precious than some stick with bristles." Ron jerked back as if he'd been slapped. That wasn't the response he'd been expecting.

"Ron, please." Dumbledore shot him a warning glance. "Mr. Malfoy, please continue."

"Three hours ago, two Death Eaters stole my most precious possession. I know Lucius is behind this theft; he's been threatening to do so for years. I'm asking for your help in retrieving what's mine before he destroys it." Draco finished. He wasn't ready for them to know about Cassie. Heather seemed to trust Dumbledore, but Draco didn't completely. Besides, a full explanation would waste time. He'd already wasted precious minutes by coming here, but he couldn't take on Lucius and the Death Eaters by himself. After they'd found Cassie he'd tell them what they needed to know.

"I see," Dumbledore said slowly. "Is this something irreplaceable?" He asked, pressing slightly for a bit more information.

"Yes. I will kill Lucius if it's harmed." Draco's eyes flashed with barely controlled malice. Ron's eyes widened. Maybe there was some truth to the rumors after all.

"Then I will do what I can for you." Dumbledore nodded towards Ron. "Mr. Weasley, I want you to go with Mr. Malfoy," he ordered. "Start combing the countryside. Maybe you'll find some clues to where they've taken it." Ron wasn't pleased, but he had a job to do. He was an Auror now and it was his duty to give aid to those in distress. Draco seemed indifferent to the idea; he was more concerned with finding his stolen good.

"Thank you Professor," Draco said feeling relieved that he hadn't been turned down flat. Without another word, he strode out of the room leaving Ron to catch up. Once they were gone Dumbledore turned to Hagrid.

"What do you think of Draco Malfoy?" He asked standing and ambling over to his long time friend.

"I donna know. He's different than when 'e was 'ere. I can see't in his eyes." Hagrid admitted, reaching into his coat pockets. "That treasure must be worth a lot."

"Something so rare that it's irreplaceable," Dumbledore said softly, patting him on the arm. "So fragile that it can be broken, and so precious that he'd kill for it."