That night Harry had a disturbing dream. In the dream he saw Voldemort murder a muggle. At breakfast the following morning he mentioned it to the Bones' and decided to call Sirius. Before calling, however Susan's mother, Alasande, suggested they contact Amelia Bones. After Madam Bones arrived Harry began explaining what he had seen.

"In my dream," Harry began, "I saw Voldemort in a room with a fire in the grate. It looked like a room in an old style house. I think it may have been that old mansion near the shack where we found one of those other items we were looking for a couple of years ago, Sirius."

"I think I know the place," Sirius replied. "Carry on, Harry. What else can you remember?"

"Pettigrew was there with him. It looks as if he went to wherever Voldemort was hiding and brought him back to Britain," Harry continued.

"Harry, it sounds as though you are describing an incident as it is happening. I thought you could only see the future," Susan said.

"I have visions. They are usually about the future but not always," he replied. "Anyway, to continue; while they were there a muggle entered the house. I think he was an elderly neighbour or something similar. This muggle overheard some of the conversation Voldemort and Pettigrew were having about the World Cup and they mentioned some other event that was happening after the World Cup ended. At this point a giant snake entered the room. It told Voldemort about the muggle listening to them outside the door. Voldemort told Pettigrew to invite the muggle into the room. They killed him right there and then. Then I woke up," he finished.

"You saw a murder?" Madam Bones asked, sounding shocked. Everyone else looked just as surprised.

"That's what it looked like, yeah."

"Sirius," Madam Bones said. "You seem familiar with the area around Harry's vision. I am granting you the authority to second any person you feel may be able to help you and I want you to go to this place to start an enquiry. Keep it low key at first. It seems this is a muggle area so you will need to be discreet. Find out what you can and report to me directly this evening."

"I'll take Remus Lupin with me. Harry, I will need both elves too, if that's ok."

"I'll tell Kreacher to help you with your enquiries," Harry said.

"Madam Bones, I will contact you at your office this evening, about 7 o'clock," Sirius said.

"Thank-you, Sirius. Be discrete, and good luck," Madam Bones said before the mirror went blank.

"Harry. I would like you to be present at this meeting. I know your visions are uncannily accurate and I would like you to tell me as much as you can remember of the dream," Madam Bones said.

"May I come too, Auntie?" Susan asked.

"I hardly think you should be listening in on potentially private information, or the gory details of a possible murder," Susan's father, Charles, said.

"I quite agree," Amelia added.

Susan looked unhappy but agreed. "Let's go swimming," she said to Harry.

Harry and Susan spent the day together, mainly around the pool but also going for a walk together around the town. Susan had attended a muggle school and knew many of the local teenagers. She was on good terms with the majority and, when asked, happily introduced Harry as her boyfriend. They ended up having lunch at a local burger place where Susan introduced some of her closest muggle friends. These included a girl named Virginia Potter. At first she thought she may be a distant relation of Harry's but they soon realised there were no familiar names among their immediate family trees.

Harry and Susan returned home early evening. Once there they had a light meal before Harry used the floo connection to go to the Ministry of Magic. As he stepped out of the fireplace he was met by Sirius who escorted him straight to Madam Bones' office.

"Auror Black. What have your initial investigations shown?" Madam Bones asked after they entered her office.

"As requested," Sirius began, "I formed a team of non-Ministry officials and proceeded to the village of Little Hangleton to investigate a report of a possible murder. Team members were Remus Lupin, until recently DADA Professor at Hogwarts, and two house elves, Kreacher and Dobby. Upon arrival I examined the area and located large but run down house just outside the town which appeared to fit the description given earlier.

"At this point I asked Lupin to examine the area outside the house for any unusual scents. As you know Lupin is a werewolf and, as such, has heightened senses. He informed me there was a fresh smell of burning coming from the house. As the house is supposedly abandoned I became very curious. I found the back door leading into the kitchen was unlocked with the key in the lock. We entered the house and immediately became aware of footprints and other signs of recent habitation.

"We followed the footsteps to a staircase where we found several other tracks, including one that resembled those typically left by a large snake. Magic revealed the house to be empty of people so we ascended the stairs. At the top of the stairs we found a room which appeared to be at the centre of the various tracks. The fireplace was still warm, indicating a fire had been lit in the grate very recently and then hurriedly extinguished. It was obvious someone had been living in the room very recently. Further searching revealed a walking stick tossed aside and clear evidence that someone had fallen to the floor in that room within a very short timeframe prior to our arrival.

"At this point I asked Remus to take Dobby and investigate the grounds while Kreacher and I continued searching the house. When we met again Remus informed me the caretaker's house on the grounds was empty but that someone was living there and had apparently left in a hurry. The evidence was they were expecting to return within a very short period of time."

"Can you be more specific with this evidence, auror Black?" Madam Bones asked.

Sirius quickly checked his notes before continuing. "There was a kettle full of water on the stove which had recently been boiled but had cooled down again. It appeared the occupant had boiled the kettle then become distracted by something he had seen out the window. The window faced the old mansion and afforded a clear view of the building, including a window into the room we had just searched."

"Very well. Please continue," Madam Bones said.

"Having determined that the caretaker was missing we proceeded to the nearby village. I left the elves behind to guard the house and ensure no-one entered the grounds. Their instructions were to alert me if anyone did so. As it transpired nobody entered the grounds.

"Upon arrival at the village we went to a local Public house as this appeared to be the focal point of the village. Once inside I asked the landlord about the old house on the edge of town. He informed me it was called the Riddle House and that it had been the scene of a triple murder some 50 years earlier. Knowing the significance of the name Riddle I enquired about said murders and was informed that the caretaker, a man named Frank Bryce was believed to have been the killer, although he was never charged. The reason being lack of evidence. The landlord stated that Mr. Bryce still lived there.

"I informed the landlord we had uncovered evidence that the caretaker was dead. I didn't go into too much detail, of course, but I said it appeared he had entered the house and had been attacked by someone who had been squatting there. The squatters were gone and there was no sign of the caretaker apart from a walking stick. I said the police were investigating and they would undoubtedly want to talk with locals. We returned to the Riddle house and collected the elves. Next, we put preserving charms around the property to protect the scene and left the town. Lastly, I advised the muggle authorities in the nearby town of Great Hangleton of our suspicions. I pretended to be with the government's anti-terror group," Sirius finished.

"Thank-you auror Black. I shall follow up on your report by sending it to the muggle authorities. I have a number of contacts in the muggle police force who are aware of the presence of witches and wizards and who can handle the situation for us until after the Quidditch World Cup."

Thank-you, Madam Bones," he replied.

Madam Bones turned to Harry. "Lord Potter. Thank-you for your information. It appears as though there is nothing we can do for the Muggle so I think it best you return to my brother's house. I have spoken with Arthur Weasley and it has been agreed that you shall stay with my brother until the day before the final. You are to use the floo network to travel to the Weasley's house on the evening of the day prior to the World Cup Final where you will remain for the next 2 weeks. I expect you will be returning to my brother's house for the last few days before returning to school although you may wish to remain with Weasleys as per your invitation."

"Thank-you. I will decide closer to the time where I will spend the last few days of the holidays. If I learn anything more about today's events I will let you know via that scroll," Harry finished.

Over the next week Harry was able to spend a great deal of time with Susan. They generally relaxed around the pool or, if the weather was against them, they watched videos. They had finished all their holiday assignments and Harry wondered whether or not Ron had finished his yet.

"Susan?" Harry began.

"Yes, Harry?"

"Thank-you for inviting me to stay over the holidays. I have enjoyed my time here."

"That's fine. You're welcome to stay but you obviously want to join the Weasleys. Don't let Ginny get any ideas, though."

"Don't worry. I won't think Ginny is as interested as she used to be."

"I guess you're right. We'd better go tell my parents, though," she said as she led him out of the kitchen and into the back yard.

After telling Susan's parents Harry used the floo network to contact the Weasleys. It was Mrs. Weasley who answered the call. "Hello Harry, dear. It's good to see you," she answered.

"Hello, Mrs. Weasley, how are you?" He asked.

"I'm fine, Harry. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Is Ron there?"

"Just a moment, I'll call him." Mrs Weasley left the kitchen. While she was away Harry looked around the room. She was obviously cooking something for their evening meal but he couldn't make out what it was. Mrs. Weasley returned with Ron a minute later.

"Harry. Good to see you, mate," Ron said upon entering the kitchen.

"Hey, Ron. How are you?"

"Good. Hermione's here too. She's with Ginny at the moment. Everybody here's fine. So, are you all set to join us?"

"Yeah. I'll come this evening if that's ok."

"That will be fine, Harry," Mrs. Weasley interrupted. "We were just about to eat. Would you like me to keep something hot for you?"

"No, thank you for the offer but Susan's cooking here so I better stay and enjoy her meal," Harry replied.

"That's probably a good idea," Hermione said. She and Ginny had just entered the kitchen. "How are you anyway, Harry?"

"I'm good, thanks. So I'll see you about 9pm."

"Ok. We'll be expecting you. And remember, all of you, you have to be at 5am so no late night talking," Mrs. Weasley intoned to everyone.

Mrs. Weasley insisted Harry have a hot drink before going to bed. While he was drinking Ron's two eldest brothers came in. Bill, the oldest, was tall like Ron. He had very long hair that Mrs. Weasley clearly wanted to cut. He also had a fang earring that Mrs. Weasley didn't approve of. Harry liked the look, however. Charlie was built much like the twins and looked very fit. Harry knew he worked with dragons and guessed this must provide plenty of opportunities for keeping fit.

Harry exchanged pleasantries with Bill and Charlie and learned a little more about them. Bill was working in Egypt as a curse-breaker for Gringotts. Harry was fascinated with what Bill told him and wished the conversation could have gone on longer but Mrs Weasley said he needed to get some sleep. Harry said goodnight before finishing his drink.

Once he'd finished Ron led him up to the top of stairs to the room right under the ghoul in the attic which he would be sharing with Ron for the remainder of the holidays. Harry pretended to be surprised by the ghoul and asked if Ron could tell him more about it after they got back from the World Cup final. As they climbed the stairs Harry looked around him. The house was just as he remembered it although, as far as Ron knew, this was his first visit to The Burrow. When they reached Ron's room Ron asked, "Well? What do you think?"

"I like the house. I would like to see the outside before I give you a considered opinion but the interior is fascinating. Susan's house doesn't look much like this but then they live in a muggle area so they have to keep everything looking normal," Harry replied.

Ron looked delighted. "Tell me more about Susan's house. How does it compare to muggle houses or wizard houses," he asked.

"Not now," Harry replied. "We have to get up early tomorrow, remember?"

Ron looked disappointed. "Oh, yeah. I suppose we should get to sleep."

Ron and Harry were woken very early the following morning. Mrs. Weasley dragged everybody out of bed and gave them a quick breakfast. Ron complained Percy wasn't with them but Mrs. Weasley told him that Percy was going to apparate along with Bill and Charlie, the two eldest Weasley brothers so they could sleep in.

Mr. Weasley was already in the kitchen, dressed as a muggle, when Harry and Ron arrived. They were soon joined by Fred and George and, a little later, by Hermione and Ginny. After a quick breakfast Mr. Weasley led them out and over the hills to a Portkey. Two other people were waiting for them; Amos Diggory and his son Cedric, the Hufflepuff Quidditch captain. At 5 past 7 the Portkey activated and carried the group to a field where they were greeted by a Ministry of Magic official who was trying, and failing, to dress as a muggle. A second Ministry official was there too and he was just as poorly disguised.

The Weasley group separated from the Diggory's and made their way to a camp ground where a man greeted them. This man was obviously a muggle and was already becoming suspicious of the people around him. A Ministry official appeared soon after and obliviated him, explaining that he needed to perform the charm regularly to preserve the secrecy of the event.

After they arrived at their allotted campsite Mr. Weasley insisted on doing everything the muggle way. This meant putting up the tents, something they eventually succeeded in doing after several attempts, and using matches to light a fire. Hermione took over after Mr. Weasley had used over half a box of matches without success.

While the fire became hot enough to cook with Harry, Ron and Hermione were sent off to get water from a tap on the other side of the campground. They met several people from Hogwarts and took a long time to return to their campsite. They found out that Oliver Wood had received a contract from Puddlemere United and was playing professional Quidditch. They congratulated him on getting his wish. Along the way they saw many examples of magic being displayed despite the fact they were in a muggle environment and several times watched Ministry officials trying to regain order.

After returning to their campsite they found Bill, Charlie and Percy had arrived. They sat down and had a cup of tea while listening in on Mr. Weasley who was introducing some of the people he worked with, among them Barty Crouch and Ludo Bagman who had done so much work organizing the event. Harry found it amusing that Percy, who worked in Mr. Crouch's office, would insult Bagman behind his back but, to his face, he was completely polite. Although Percy worked in Crouch's office Crouch apparently didn't know Percy's name. The others found it amusing when Crouch referred to Percy as 'Wetherby.'

Various sales people apparated among the tents over the day selling souvenirs and programmes as well as other items. Bagman was taking bets on the outcome of the match and Fred and George, despite warnings from their father placed a bet on the outcome. Even when Harry told the twins he'd had a vision and that they shouldn't trust Bagman they insisted on placing their bet. Harry bought everyone Omnioculars, a special set of binoculars that allowed the user to slow down events to a more manageable speed so they were easier to follow. Hermione bought them each a program and they all bought souvenirs; green rosettes for Ireland and a miniature figure of Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian seeker as well as other items.

Toward evening the visitors were summoned to the stadium. Mr. Weasley led them all the way to the top box. It was empty when they arrived except for a house elf sitting in the corner. Harry made sure his wand was securely hidden out of sight before sitting next to the elf.

"Hello," Harry said. The elf looked at him. He immediately recognised her as Winky, the Crouch family elf and realised that Barty Crouch junior was sitting on her other side. When he spoke the Weasleys and Hermione all turned to look as well.

"Is Sir speaking to Winky?" the elf asked.

"Yes. I was only being polite. You are all alone up here," Harry replied.

"Winky is a good elf you does what Master tells her. I is to stay here and watch masters seat."

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Winky," Harry finished.

Harry turned away before making sure his wand was still in his pocket. He noticed Winky was covering her face and remembered she was afraid of heights. Briefly Harry considered exposing Barty Crouch junior but he soon decided against it. He couldn't be 100% certain Crouch junior was there although he was almost certain of it and, if he had been wrong, he could have gotten into a lot of trouble.

When the Bulgarian delegation arrived Cornelius Fudge, the British Minister of Magic, attempted to communicate with them but it appeared none of the Bulgarians spoke English. Harry knew this wasn't true but he enjoyed watching Fudge make a fool of himself. When one of the Bulgarians saw Harry's scar he quickly informed the rest who Harry was. Harry didn't need to understand Bulgarian to know what they were talking about.

Over the next half hour or so many more people entered the top box, including the Malfoys. Lucius Malfoy made his dislike of Arthur Weasley clear even though Fudge was right there. It was from Fudge that the others found out Winky belonged to Barty Crouch and that she was supposed to be saving him a seat.

When they had all settled in Ludo Bagman, who would be providing the commentary for the match stood up and began addressing the crowd. He used the Sonorous charm to magically magnify his voice so everybody in the stadium, about 100 000 people, could hear him.

Across from the top box was a giant scoreboard that up until now had been playing various commercials. When Bagman began speaking the scoreboard had changed and was now reading Ireland: zero; Bulgaria: zero.

Firstly, Bagman introduced the Bulgarian mascots, Veelas. Harry remembered the affect Veelas could have on people, especially men, and quickly covered his ears. Ron and the other Weasley boys didn't, however, and soon Ginny and Hermione had their hands full trying to stop them doing stupid things. Bill and Charlie didn't seem affected so Harry guessed they already knew what Veelas were capable of doing.

Next Bagman introduced the Irish mascots. These turned out to be hundreds of Leprechauns who were all carrying either green or orange lanterns. As they flew around the stadium they threw out handfuls of gold coins, many of which hit people on their way down although no-one was injured. Ron, thinking the coins were real, grabbed several handfuls and stuffed them in his pockets after giving several to Harry to pay for his Omnioculars. Harry decided to wait until after the game before telling Ron the coins were not real and, therefore, worthless.

Once all the mascots from both teams had settled down at opposite ends of the pitch Bagman began to introduce the players, starting with the Bulgarian team: "Dimatrov, Ivanova, Zograf, Levski, Vulchanov, Volkov and Krum." Next he introduced the Irish team: "Connolly, Ryan, Troy, Mullet, Moran, Quigley and Lynch. Briefly, Harry remembered back to his 1st year at Hogwarts when three of the Irish national team had played for Ravenclaw in the Quidditch match against Harry's Gryffindor team. It had finished in a draw with Harry catching the snitch but only after Ravenclaw had scored 15 goals. That was the only time Harry hadn't played on a winning team; unless, of course, you counted the abandoned match against Slytherin the previous November. Harry didn't because the game had been abandoned and, in his mind at least, had not been official.

All the Irish team were riding Firebolts, the latest version of racing broom to come on the market. Harry knew they were very expensive, he had looked at one the previous year but the notice had said 'Price upon request.' Both he and Sirius had realised what that meant. By zooming his Omnioculars in he was able to read the Firebolt brand on each broom in turn.

When all the players were on the pitch the referee, Hassan Mostafa, blew his whistle and the game began. Harry had never seen such a fast or aggressive game of Quidditch. The speed and skill of the players was amazing. Harry watches as much as possible, deciding he would use the Omnioculars' playback feature later to review the match in more detail. For now, he just wanted to see the action.

The World Cup Final finished spectacularly, with Krum catching the snitch for Bulgaria but only after Ireland had built up an unassailable lead. Even with Krum's catch Ireland had won the game, the final score being 170 – 160. The match had ended in a riot with both teams' mascots charging onto the pitch and fighting. Even the referee had been caught up in it; one of the Veela had set his broom on fire and he had missed Krum being struck full in the face by a bludger. The Irish seeker, Lynch, had also been badly hurt. In attempting to catch the snitch he had crashed at speed into the ground whereupon he had been trampled by the Veela and looked to have suffered a severe concussion.

The Irish team were ecstatic with their triumph, however. As they performed a lap of honour flanked by their mascots the World Cup itself was brought into the top box. Harry was briefly dazzled by the bright light that suddenly filled the box. First, the Bulgarian team entered the top box to receive the congratulations of the Ministry officials. Harry noted Krum seemed a little uncoordinated when walking. Next, the Irish team entered. Lynch was clearly concussed and Harry wondered at the wisdom of allowing him to receive his winner's medal before receiving appropriate medical treatment. No-one else seemed to notice, however.

After Bagman used the Quietus charm to return his voice to normal Fred and George approached regarding their winnings. Harry watched as Bagman handed over a large bag of coins which he knew were only Leprechaun gold. Mr. Weasley admonished the twins about gambling but when they said they had plans for the money he decided the less he knew the better.

After returning to the tent they all had a hot drink before Mr. Weasley finally sent everyone off to bed. Harry made sure he stayed awake, however. He knew what was about to happen and even told Mr. Weasley of his vision but Mr. Weasley said such an occurrence was very unlikely. Harry debated whether to call Sirius but decided against it. He didn't know if Sirius was still awake or where exactly he was anyway.

Suddenly Mr. Weasley was shouting for everyone to get up. A riot had broken out in the campsite and a band of masked men and women were marching across the field blasting tents and people out of their way. Bill, Charlie and Percy hurried off to join the Ministry officials who were trying to regain order. Harry could see three people being hung in the air by magic. They were being flipped and contorted into grotesque poses. As he watched he realised there were actually four people in the group, not three. And two of them were children.

"All of you," Mr Weasley shouted, "into the woods, hide. Fred, George, keep an eye on Ginny. Make sure you stay together." Mr. Weasley then hurried off to join the Ministry officials.

They ran into the woods. Harry pulled out his wand and cast a "Lumos" spell. Next he summoned Kreacher and Dobby.

"How may Kreacher help Master?" asked the first elf.

"Dobby is here," the second one called.

"I need the two of you to stay here and protect us," Harry explained. "A riot has broken out in the campground."

A loud bang startled everyone. Clearly the rioters were getting closer.

"Hang on," Ron called. "Where's my wand?"

Hermione had just lit hers as well and turned to help Ron look for it. "When did you last see it?" she asked.

"When we left for the top box," Ron replied.

"It may have fallen out of your pocket while you were there, then," Harry said, adding to himself it may have been stolen then although he didn't voice that opinion.

"It could be anywhere," Hermione said, sounding resigned.

"Come on," Harry said. "We need to catch up to the twins."

"You'll lose a lot more than a wand if they catch you," a nearby voice said, making them jump.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Ron snapped.

"Manners, Weasel," Draco sneered.

"You seem quite at ease, Malfoy," Harry said. "What do you know about the riot that we don't?"

"Just that they are hunting muggles," Malfoy replied. "I suggest you hide her, unless, of course, you want to see her knickers." Draco looked at Hermione as he spoke.

"Hermione's a witch," snarled Ron.

"Have it your way, then," Draco replied. A moment later Draco found himself hanging upside-down from a branch. "Hey, put me down," he shrieked.

"Not until you says sorry to mistress Hermione," Dobby said, pointing his finger at Draco.

"Nice one, Dobby," Ron said.

"Dobby. Thank you for your help but let him down, please," Harry said. "We need to keep moving."

"As Master Harry wishes." Dobby released Draco who fell face first into the undergrowth.

"At least that was funny," said Ron as they hurried off further into the woods.

"Let's just find a quiet place to wait until the riot's over, then the elves can take us back," Harry said.

They moved deeper into the woods. Soon they came across a clearing where a group of young men were trying to make some Veela like them. Harry felt like laughing but Ron suddenly joined the group spouting some nonsense about brooms and Jupiter. Hermione dragged him away while Harry and the elves left the clearing. A short while later they found another clearing. It was empty and quiet so they decided to stay there until things settled down.

No sooner had they stopped then they heard someone moving behind some nearby bushes. Before any of them could react it went silent, then a voice called out "Morsmordre."

A vast, smoky green, glittering cloud erupted into the air. It formed into a skull with a snake poking out of the mouth like a tongue. Harry whipped out his wand and, pointing it the direction the voice had come from, yelled "Stupefy." A bolt of red light burst from his wand and through the trees.

"What the…" Ron began before Hermione cut him off and tried to drag him and Harry away.

"Ron, Hermione, Kreacher, Dobby, when I say duck, do it," Harry said to the others.

Moments later several loud pops filled the clearing. A moment later Harry yelled "Duck," and dived for the ground.

Almost immediately dozens of voices shouted "Stupefy," and a salvo of stunners burst into and through the clearing. Nobody was hit, however, thanks to Harry's warning.

"Stop," shouted Mr. Weasley. "Stop, that's my son."

"Harry, what happened?" shouted another voice. Harry recognised it as Sirius.

"The Dark Mark came from over there," Harry called out, pointing toward where he had fired the stunner. "I shot a stunner at a loud male voice I heard coming from that direction."

Several Ministry officials hurried off to look but most remained where they were, including a man who now addressed Harry and the others. "Which one of you did it?" he demanded.

"Barty," a woman said. "These three are children, and they've told us where they think the spell came from."

A man called from a short distance away. "We got him. There's someone here but… blimey it's an elf."

A man Harry recognised as Amos Diggory entered the clearing carrying a house elf. He placed it on the ground. Immediately, Harry said "We heard a human voice, not an elf's, and certainly not a female elf." Harry now recognised Winky lying on the ground.

Mr. Crouch looked at her in shock. "No, it cannot be," he said before dashing off to look where they had found her.

"Well, that's embarrassing isn't it," Sirius said. "The man who sent me to Azkaban without a trial now finds himself in potentially the same boat."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked. By now he, along with Hermione and Ron, was sitting on the ground with Dobby and Kreacher either side of them.

"This is Barty Crouch's house elf, and she is accused of casting the Dark Mark," Sirius explained.

Harry was annoyed. "First of all, I have already told you a human man cast the spell, not a female elf and secondly, to cast the spell you need a wand."

"She had a wand," Mr. Diggory said, still glaring at the unconscious elf. He produced a wand to show the others just as Crouch re-entered the clearing, a look of shock and anger on his face.

"Find anyone, Barty?" asked one of the others.

"No. It must have been her."

Harry was about to speak but Mr. Weasley cut him off. "Can anyone prove she cast the spell? I am well aware how much damage baseless accusations can do to innocent people." Harry noticed Mr. Weasley eyeing Sirius as he spoke.

"We can check the wand," Mr. Diggory said. He touched his own wand to one on the ground and said "Priori Incantatem," a much smaller reflection of the Mark hanging in the air above them emerged from the wand.

"That only proves the wand cast the spell, not who was holding it," Sirius said. He looked closer at the wand; "Isn't this your wand Ron?"

"You did this," shouted Crouch, pointing his wand at Ron.

"Don't be ridiculous," Sirius yelled. "We already know the spell was cast from over there." He pointed in the direction Winky was brought in from. "Remember what happened the last time you falsely accused someone of something they didn't do?"

"Are you threatening me, Black?" Crouch yelled back.

"Yes I am," Sirius replied. "I'm threatening to arrest you…"

"ENOUGH," Mr. Weasley shouted over Sirius. "Both of you, calm down."

Everybody quietened down. One of the Ministry officials revived Winky who sat up, looking scared.

Just then Madam Bones and Ludo Bagman apparated into the clearing. Bagman appeared very flustered. "I have just been informed the Dark Mark has been cast from this location. Tell me what has happened," Madam Bones demanded.

"We caught a suspect," Crouch informed her, pointing at Ron.

"A child?" she sounded incredulous.

"Don't be ridiculous, we know it wasn't Ron, or Harry or Hermione, either," Mr. Weasley said.

Madam Bones looked around the group before turning to Sirius. "Auror Black. You tell me what you saw first."

Sirius finally stopped glaring at Mr. Crouch. "We were at the campsite attempting to suppress a riot. Death eaters, judging by their masks. We were then distracted by the appearance of the Dark Mark. This clearing appeared to be right below where it was cast so we all apparated here to try and catch them. Harry Potter here had already fired a stunner into the woods where he believes the spell was cast from. All we found there was this elf." He pointed to Winky who was by now quietly sobbing.

"Very well," said Madam Bones. "Arthur. What did you see?"

"I saw much the same as Sirius, here. After the Dark Mark was cast I apparated here and shot off a stunner, as did everyone else. I then realised my own son was here along with his friends. I called everyone to stop. This elf was found by Amos, along with the wand used to cast the Dark Mark."

"Amos. Where exactly did you find the elf?"

"Just through those trees there," Mr. Diggory said, pointing to the trees off to the side. "Barty here immediately went to search the area more fully."

"Barty," Madam Bones said. "Why did you go through those trees after Amos had already searched there?"

"I was merely double checking. I wanted to ensure nothing had been missed," Crouch said.

"Is that because this is your elf? Were you, perhaps, hoping to find someone you could blame this incident on?"

"No," Crouch snapped. "I was merely being thorough."

"Madam Bones," Harry said. "We already know Winky didn't cast the spell. Ron, Hermione and I all heard a male human voice cast the spell."

"Which is why I was double checking," Crouch added.

"Why don't we ask Winky how she came to have a wand?" Harry asked.

"Elf," Mr. Diggory said. Winky jumped at being spoken to. "I am a member of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Explain to us how you came to be at the scene of the crime and to be in possession of the wand that cast the Dark Mark?"

"I is finding it. I is not knowing how to cast a spell with it," Winky sobbed, rocking backward and forward as she spoke.

"She must have been only feet away from the person who did cast it," Mr. Weasley said. "Winky, did you see who cast the spell?"

"I is seeing no-one, sir; no-one," Winky replied.

"Whoever cast the spell must have disapparated right after doing it, leaving Ron's wand behind. Clever thinking, not using their own wand," said Mr. Weasley.

"I think this elf has told us all she can," Crouch interrupted. "I know you would normally take her in for questioning, Amos, but I would ask you if you would allow me to deal with her."

Mr. Diggory didn't look happy but agreed to the request.

"You know what this means," Crouch said to Winky.

"No," she cried. "Not clothes." Crouch nodded.

"Mr. Crouch?" Harry began. "If you don't want Winky any more could I suggest you order her to go work for someone else?"

"How many elves do you want, Harry?" Sirius asked.

Harry shook his head. "I was thinking Mr. Weasley might be able to take her in?"

Mr. Weasley looked surprised, as did Ron. "You want us to have an elf?" asked Ron.

"We really don't…" Mr Weasley began.

"No," Crouch interrupted. "Winky has failed me and I am dismissing her."

"But..." Harry began.

"No. My decision is final." Crouch yelled over the group.

After a few moments silence Madam Bones spoke, "I suggest we all return to the campsite and get some rest. It's all going to hit the fan tomorrow so you will all need to be in top form."

The Ministry officials began disapparating until soon only Madam Bones, Bagman, Crouch, Sirius and Mr. Weasley were left.

"Winky?" Harry asked. "If you need a new job then you can always go to Hogwarts. I am sure Professor Dumbledore will take you on."

Mr. Weasley watched as Harry spoke. "Well, we'd best be getting back to the camp. Ron, Harry, Hermione bring the elves. Sirius, would you like to come, too?"

"Thank you, Arthur. I think I will," Sirius replied. They left the clearing, leaving Bagman, Crouch and Madam Bones alone with Winky.