Chapter five: LUCIUS MALFOY: APPREHENDED.
Ron walked into the Ministry of Magic's head Auror's office somberly. He had recieved a message this morning telling him to come straight in rather than going out on the field. As Ron approched the secrataries desk he put on his best smile.
"Morning Lila."
"Morning Mr. Weasley." Lila smiled back at Ron."Oliver is waiting inside with Mrs. Morgan."
"Astra's here?" Ron looked surprised. "I'm not in that much trouble am I?"
"Trouble? Why Ron you were born in trouble, but no." Astra stood in the door way grinning. "This time you're not in trouble."
"Astra!" Ron grinned and brought the petite raven haired woman into his arms for a hug. "How have you been?"
Astra groaned under the pressure of Ron's hug. "Easy Ron!" She gasped. "You should remember that when a woman gives birth that she stays sore for awhile!"
"Oh, sorry luv." Ron let her go carefully. "So, how's Aiden doing with the new baby?"
"Surprisingly well I must say. I don't think he likes staying home mind you but he adores his son." Astra sighed. "Anyway, it's not like I can stay at home and be the Minister of Magic at the same time."
"True, but who ever thought the daughter of Severus Snape would become the Minister of Magic?" Ron grinned.
"So I have high asperations! What can I say?" Astra winked as she turned to go back into Wood's office. "Any way let's get this over with, shall we?"
Ron nodded and followed. As he entered the office he saw Wood sitting behind his desk rummaging through a stack of papers.
"Ron, please sit down." Oliver said without looking up.
"Hello Oliver." Ron smiled as he sat down.
"Hello, I called you in Ron because I have made a decision on what we are going to do about the Malfoy situation." Oliver looked at Ron with a somber look. "The only, and I do emphasize only way I can agree with letting Draco off the hook is if he agrees to be interrogated under the truth serum."
Ron nodded. "I had a feeling on that one. But what about Lucius?"
"Well, we have verified that the location in the letter is the actual location of Mr. Malfoy but we have not moved to take him yet." Astra told Ron. "This is why you're here. We want you to be the one to lead the team that brings Mr. Malfoy in, Ron."
Ron's eyes grew wide. "You want me to apprehend Lucius Malfoy?"
"Yes Ron." Wood stated plainly. "Look, you have been an Auror for quite sometime now and we feel we can trust, not only you, but your ability to handle a situation of this magnatude."
"Thank you for your confidence Oliver, but why me? Surely I'm not the best Auror you have by far. So why chose me?" Ron asked.
"Because, we feel that Mr. Malfoy may recognize you before anyother Auror that we have. He knew your family when you were younger." Oliver explained and as Ron began to protest Wood held up his hand to stop him. "Hear me out. Even though your families have never gotten along, he may still associate your face with someone he knew and not be so quick to attack first and ask questions later. Sane or not."
"That sounds logical." Ron nodded, "But you forgot one thing, Oliver."
"What's that?"
"THAT LOGIC AND THE NAME MALFOY HAVE NEVER MIXED!" Ron bellowed, "What are you mad! You want to send me into the den of the dragon!"
"Calm down Ron." Astra soothed, "We're not having you go alone, you know."
"Oh and that's supposed to comfort me?" Ron asked. "So what am I supposed to say to my children when I come home in pieces? "Oh sorry kids, daddy got blown up by Lucius Malfoy!" ? I don't think so!"
"Okay Ron, now you're just exagerating!" Astra rolled her eyes, "First of all, if you do get blown up I doubt you'll be able to say anything at all and second, we're very sure that Mr. Malfoy won't recognize you at all. We just want added options in case he does."
"Fine, I'll do it." Ron grumbled. "But let me say that I don't like it!"
"If you did Ron, then I would have to call in a mediwitch to make sure that you were alright." Astra grinned at him.
"So when do you want me to do this?" he asked with a sigh.
"Today. We have already assembled a team of Auror's and gave them instructions to follow your orders." Wood told him. "They are waiting for you in the floo corridor."
"Then I best be going." Ron sighed as hegot up.
"Good luck Ron and please be careful." Astra said as Ron walked out of the office.
Ron was almost to the corridor that led to the floo room when he saw Draco Malfoy storming up the hallway.
"Weasley, I want a word!" Draco growled as he came up to Ron.
"Yes, Malfoy?" Ron sighed.
"Wood sent me an owl this morning telling me that the only way he will keep me out of Azkaban is if I agree to be questioned under the truth serum!" Draco yelled.
"I know Draco, I honestly don't know what you expected and you don't need to yell!" Ron grumbled in irritation.
"I GAVE YOU MY FATHER'S LOCATION!" Draco bellowed.
"Yeah, you did and I promised you nothing." Ron told him. "I simply told you I would hand it in, Draco. I promised nothing!" Ron started to walk away.
"So what am I supposed to do?" Draco asked exasperated.
"Honestly? Take the serum and clear your name. That's the only way you can stay out of Azkaban." Ron told him. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have to be going."
"Where are you going?" Draco inquired.
"Auror business." was all Ron said as he continued to the floo room.
True to Wood's word there was an able bodied team waiting there for him. As he walked up he was greeted by a very familiar but odd looking head of black hair.
"Sarul?" Ron said in surprise.
"Ron?" Sarulan Snape turned to greet Ron.
"What are you doing here?" Ron asked.
"Well, to be honest I had just passed me tests to become an Auror last week, so they gave me license and well, here I am." Sarul explained.
"Does your father know?"
"Know what? That I am an Auror or that I've been placed on your team?" Sarul raised an eyebrow. "Either way you look at it, he won't be pleased so why let him know?"
"Why won't he be pleased that you're an Auror?" Ron asked confused.
"Well, Since father had wanted Astra to follow in his foot steps and as we all know, she didn't." He told Ron, "He then placed his hopes on me. Well, as soon as he finds out about this though, let's just say I won't be going home for the holidays this year."
"I can understand that." Ron nodded, "Given that your father has a history of being unforgiving."
"Not unforgiving mind you." Sarul corrected. "Justa bit hard headed."
"Well I remember a different Snape." Ron grumbled. "Any way, let's get going shall we?"
"Alright, so where are we going boss?" Sarul asked with a mock salute.
"Oh sod off!" Ron growled at Sarul before turning and raised his voice so all could hear. "Qkay you lot, gather around please." as everyone turned to gather around him, Ron told them their assignment. "We are going to apprehend Lucius Malfoy. Now I must warn you all that Mr. Malfoy is not in his right mind at the moment and should be considered dangerous. I want you all to be on your guard and I must ephasize that we leave no man behind no matter what the situation turns out to be." They all nodded their agreement. "Alright then, lets move out. We will be going to the Little Digby Hotel in Sussex.
Slowly the team of Auror's moved toward the floo exits. One by one they entered into a fireplace then dissapeared. As Ron got into his fireplace for departure he looked back toward the corridor and saw Draco standing there glaring at him. Ron simply shrugged his shoulders and gave Draco a sympathetic look before he dissapeared.
Shortly after arriving at the Little Digby Ron caught up with his team and realized just why fifteen grown men and women should never be in one small room at once. Ron had a funny feeling that he knew just how a sardine felt at that particular moment. Ron stepped forward as someone stumbled backward onto his foot.
"OW!" Ron growled. "Could we please move out the door!"
"Sorry sir." The Auror muttered as he moved off Ron's foot.
The Auror's filed out into the hallway and Ron took the lead. He made his way to the front desk and asked for the room that Mr. Malfoy was in.
"Malfoy?" The front desk clerk repeated. "Don't remember that name but let me just check my log."
Ron waited patiently.
"Well yes, aparently I do have a Mr. Malfoy here. He's in room 278, are you friends of his?" The clerk eyed him suspiciously.
"You could say that." Ron said, "Thank you."
The man nodded as Ron and his team made their way to the second floor of the muggle hotel. As soon as they found room 278 they paused and brought out their wands before entering the room. What they found however none of them were prepared for. Lucius Malfoy was sitting on the floor of the room stark naked. He was rocking back and forth mumbling to himself and looked as if he hadn't eaten in a month. The windows were wide open and there was a draft blowing through the the room.
"Get me a blanket!" Ron demanded. "How in bloody hell could Draco leave him like this!"
Someone handed him a blanket and Ron carefully placed it around Lucius's shoulders.
"Mr. Malfoy?" He said softly as he came around to face the once handsome man. "Mr. Malfoy my name is Ronald Weasley. Do you remember me?"
Lucius didn't reply. He looked at Ron as if he didn't even notice he was there. He just kept staring and mumbling.
"Mr. Malfoy, we're here to help you." Ron told Lucius. He then nodded at his team and two of them moved beside Lucius.
They carefully lifted the man to his feet and waited for their instructions.
"Sarul, take him to St. Mungos. I have to go and have a word with Draco." He said cooly. "And no one is to talk to the press."
With a nod from Sarul the Aurors aparated to St. Mungos. Ron however returned to the ministry of magic with his face showing his visable rage. He stormed into the head Auror's office and demanded to see Wood.
"I'm sorry Mr. Weasley, but Oliver is down in the interrogation department with Mr. Malfoy." Lila told him.
"What room?" He asked through gritted teeth.
"I don't know sir, but the interrogators would know more than I would." Lila looked at Ron's reddening face with surprise.
Ron stormed back out of the office and made his way to the interrogation department. As soon as he had arrived Astra was there to meet him at the door.
"Lila called us, what's wrong Ron?" She asked watching his face light up like a light bulb.
"THAT GOOD FOR NOTHING FERRET FACE LEFT HIS FATHER IN THAT HOTEL ROOM WITH NO CLOTHES OR FOOD AND THE BLOODY WINDOWS OPEN!" Ron Bellowed. "THAT POOR MAN LOOKS LIKE HE HASN'T EATEN IN A MONTH OR MORE!"
Astra gaped at Ron. "But I thought he didn't know his father's location."
"Yes, well he did once his mother sent him that letter telling him the bloody location." Ron growled. "He went to see his father once after he got the letter, but he told me that his father didn't recognize him. Not that he didn't have any clothes on and the bloody windows were open!"
"Oh my. Well Wood's already given him the serum and is interrogating him. Let me see if we can't impliment this into the questioning." Astra turned around and entered the interrogation area.
Ron followed on her heels and as she entered the room, Ron waited and watched them from the window.
Astra talked with Wood for a moment and Oliver nodded. He then turned back to Draco. Ron couldn't hear what was being said but he did see the look of worry Draco grew as Wood asked the questions. Finally Oliver nodded with satisfaction and Astra came out with Wood following close behind her.
"Ron, He had no idea about his fathers true condition. He went to visit his father that one time but Lucius had clothing on and the windows were closed." Oliver said as he came out the door. "He also told us precisely what he had told you and he was telling the truth. So at this point Draco will not be going to Azkaban."
Ron nodded, his anger dying down as Wood explained what had occured in the room.
"So Ron, how is Lucius?" Astra asked.
"I had my team escort him to St. Mungos for an evaluation while I came here." Ron explained. "I was going to return to St. Mungos as soon as I had found out why we didn't know his true condition."
"Ron, I also wanted you to know that as of today that team you were with will be your team permanently. I am making you a lead Auror." Wood told him. "Hermione will be given a team as well."
Ron looked at Wood. He was speechless. "I...d-don't...know what to say Oliver." Ron stammered.
"A thank you would be nice." Oliver chuckled.
"Th-thank you."
"Find out Lucius's condition and report back to me." Olver dismissed Ron.
"Ron nodded and aparated to St. Mungos.
Ron arrived at St. Mungos and immediatly went in search of his team. He was half way down the corridor when he spotted Sarul.
"Sarul!" Ron called. "How is Mr. Malfoy?"
"Well, he's terribly mal-nourished and has hypothermia but they expect him to live." Sarul told Ron as he caught up with him. "As for his sanity returning? They say they're not sure what caused the loss in the first place, so wether it will return or not they can't say."
"I see. Who is the Mediwitch in charge?" Ron asked.
"I am." Said a voice behind Ron making him jump.
Ron spun around to face a stern looking woman. "Hello. I am the Auror in charge here and I was wondering.."
"Well it's about time someone in charge got here!" The Mediwitch interrupted him. "I have been trying to get some answers as to why this man came here in such poor health!"
"Madam I assure you that if we knew the answer to that we would tell you." Ron sighed. "But the only thing I know for sure is that his wife left him because he was not in his right mind and his own son has only visited him once."
"What a shame." The Mediwitch clicked her tongue.
"Yes, well." Ron sighed again. "You have to realize that he wasn't exactly the nicest person when he was sane."
"Nice or not sir, he's still a human and sane or not he still needs human contact." The Mediwitch retorted.
"True. So any chance he will recover?" Ron asked.
"Only time will tell on that one." The Mediwitch replied and walked away.
"Well, I must report back to Wood." Ron told Sarul. "I will leave you in charge whenever I leave. Contact me if you need me."
Sarul nodded and Ron aparated back to the ministry. As soon as he did though he was greeted with Wood's sour face.
"Someone has leaked it to the media that we have Lucius." Wood stated.
"What? I ordered my men not to say a word!" Ron looked surprised.
"Then it was someone else at St. Mungos. Either way we had better keep gaurd on Lucius around the clock." Wood grumbled. "Once the remaining Death Eaters get wind of this all hell is going to break loose!"
Ron sighed. "And that means alot of overtime for me."
"It sure does." Wood managed a weak smile. "I'll call Hermione for you."
Ron nodded and aparated back to St. mungos. As soon as he arrived there he was over come by reporters.
"Don't you ever give it a rest?" Ron grumbled.
"Mr. Weasley, any comment on Mr. Malfoy's condition?"
"You should know the answer to that one Skeeter!" Ron growled as he walked away.
Ron sealed off the corridor that held Mr. Malfoy's room from anyone but the staff and ministry officials. Then he told his team just what they were in for.
"Someone has leaked to the media." Ron looked at them sternly. "We have already ruled you all out because the news arrived in this mornings news paper which was released shortly after you arrived here."
Sarul held up a copy of the Daily Prophet. On the cover in big bold letters was the headline:
LUCIUS MALFOY: APPREHENDED
And it showed a picture of Lucius being escorted by the Aurors.
"I can't tell you how serious this is to Mr. Malfoy's safety." Ron told them. "I want who ever is responsible for this found now!"
The Auror's sprung into action and went to interrogate the staff in the hospital.