CHAPTER 2: Old habits die hard
A/N: Hey guys, welcome back and without further ado...
Interior, Master Bedroom, Second Floor, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Morning
Hermione let out a deep sigh as she rested her head against the headboard and closed her eyes momentarily. She turned her head to the left and gazed at the morning sky through the open window. It was a beautiful day without a speck of cloud in view and the sun shining brightly.
A half empty glass of a thick, brown liquid was clasped between her hands. She brought it to her lips and took a big gulp, screwing her eyes shut in the process. She finished the drink and placed the glass on the nightstand before wiping her mouth with back of her hand.
She got up and padded barefoot towards the bathroom.
…...
Interior, Drawing room – Morning
Hermione came down the spiral staircase dressed in a pair of loose fitted trousers and a red wooly jumper. Her hair was tied in a ponytail and she was wearing a pair of fluffy slippers.
She walked through the hall room and through the small passage that led to the drawing room. It was a spacious room, though not as big as the one she just came from. A curved sofa sat in the middle with four recliners facing it. Near the back wall on the right was a small dining table fit only for 4 chairs.
Harry occupied one of the chairs. He was dressed in his auror robes and was munching down on a sandwich. Adjacent to the dining table was an open kitchen, where a elderly female elf was bustling about, dressed in a floral frock.
Hermione walked towards the kitchen and placed the glass she was carrying on the granite shelf. "How are you feeling?" asked the elf.
"Much better, thank you, Rainy" smiled Hermione.
"Take a seat, I'll fix your breakfast in a minute"
"You're a darling"
Hermione walked over to the table and sat opposite Harry. She picked up the paper that was half folded and opened it. A huge gasp left her lips as her mouth opened in shock.
"I had the same reaction" spoke Rainy, shaking her head.
Hermione lifted her head towards her. "I-oh my-when did this" she stuttered.
"Thet found the body early morning" answered Rainy.
Hermione turned her head towards Harry who continued to demolish his sandwich with his head ducked down.
"I spoke to him just yesterday" her voice just above a whisper. She turned her gaze back down to the paper, eyes roaming over the headline. It read, 'Former Minister of Magic Sebastian Witherfield brutally murdered.'
"His head was decapitated." shuddered Rainy. "Who would do such a thing?"
"I don't know" murmured Hermione, as she read the piece under the headline, describing the incident in explicit detail. A few moments later the paper vanished from her hands.
She shifted her eyes towards Rainy and frowned. "I was reading that"
"You can do that later."
Rainy snapped her fingers from the kitchen and the next second a tray filled with 2 buttered toasts with the scrambled eggs to the side, a bowl of cereal and an apple was placed right in front of Hermione.
"But first you need to eat. Plus, you shouldn't start your day so morbidly"
"You're right" sighed Hermione. "It just...I mean it just seems so surreal. This just doesn't happen anymore"
"You mean a murder"
"Murder of a prominent figure"
"You're right" sighed Rainy.
"GodI think I lost all my appetite" she rubbed her forehead.
"No, you didn't" Rainy bustled towards her. "Just take a bite and trust me you'll feel better" she stopped next to her and rubbed her shoulder.
"I don't think so-"
"Just give it a try... for me" Rainy smiled.
Hermione let out a slow breath as she stared at her before turning her gaze towards the tray. She picked up the toast and took a small bite.
"Oh Rainy, this tastes heavenly" moaned Hermione, closing her eyes in pleasure.
"Thank you, dear" grinned Rainy. "Now, I want this all to be finished in the next five minutes and if you need anything else just let me know"
"You're too kind" Hermione put her toast down and brought her in for a hug. "Thank you" she said before whispering in her ear. "We need to talk"
Rainy squeezed her back "Yes, we do" she whispered, before pulling back and heading back to the kitchen.
Harry pushed his chair back and stood up. He picked up his empty plate and headed for the kitchen.
"I'll take that from you, dear" said Rainy, grabbing the plate from him.
"Thanks" he said, before walking out of the kitchen.
Hermione watched him from under her lashes as he walked out of the room. She lifted her head and caught Rainy's eye, staring at her with a sympathetic expression. She tore her eyes away and looked down at her bowl.
…...
Atrium, Ministry of Magic, Whitehall, London – Day
Harry stepped out of the gilded fireplace as the flames died down and merged in with the crowd heading west. Fireplaces connected to the floo were lined up on either side of the polished dark wood floor, with fireplaces on the left being used for arrivals and those on the right being used for departures.
The hall stretched over three quidditch pitches combined, packed with wizards and witches dressed in their work attire walking in columns.
The ceiling was a magnificent midnight blue and featured golden symbols which continuously kept changing and moving.
At the end of the hall a fountain of Magical Brethren diverged the floor into opposite directions. The fountain was made up of a group of golden statues, a witch and a wizard, a centaur, a goblin and a house elf.
Harry turned left and made his way towards the corridor through the archway. He continued forward until he reached a small open area that had multiple lifts lined alongside the back wall. He walked over the lift that had just opened and waited until people had stepped out before walking in.
"Mr. Potter, sir" said a young man dressed in blue robes.
"Damian" nodded Harry.
"Auror office, sir"
"Yeah"
Damian pressed the number 2 button. The lift moved backwards.
"I would've said usual but haven't seen you in ages. Heard you took a break"
"Hmm"
"Anyway, it's good to have you back"
The lift came to a slow pause before shooting upwards.
Harry tilted his neck back and stretched it from left to right. The lift came to a halt and the door opened. He stepped out into a long, narrow corridor that had a single wooden door at the end. A sign above it read, Department of Magical Law and Enforcement.
He headed towards it and opened the door before walking through it.
He was standing in a squared room that had a small reception area behind which a witch dressed in bright red robes was sitting behind a table. She was going through a pile of files that stood a foot long.
Adjacent to the table were a handful of chairs for guests but at the moment were empty. The wall facing him had two doors lined next to each other.
The one on the right read, Main Divisions, and the one on the left read, Sub Divisions.
He made his way forward.
"Excuse me sir, you need to-" the receptionist snapped her mouth shut when he turned his head in her direction. "Deepest apologies, Mr. Potter, sir"
"No need, Rory" he said, before walking through the door on the right.
He stepped into another corridor, this one much smaller. 3 large oak doors stood facing him.
He walked towards the middle door that read, Auror Headquarters. He opened the door and stepped inside and was instantaneously hit by a loud commotion.
Dozens of witches and wizards were huddled in a large group in the middle talking loudly over each other.
He scratched his head and sighed deeply as he looked around the room. A series of empty open cubicles, each assigned to an Auror. The cubicles were designed with pictures of dark wizards, maps, clippings from the daily prophet and other odds and ends.
"Oi! Shut up! Boss's here" yelled someone.
Everyone turned their heads towards the door as silence swept over the office.
Harry gave a little nod before he started walking.
Everyone moved away and created a little space between themselves while trying to appear more professional. Some ran a hand through their hair while others swept a hand down their robes to make sure nothing was out of place. Every person had their name sewn over the robe.
"Sir"
"Good to have you back"
"Sir"
"How are you"
"You look great"
"Love the long hair"
"Sir"
"We cracked the Romania case"
"Sir"
He nodded his head and stopped when he reached the end. He ran a hand through his hair as his eyes roamed all around the group.
"I want all your case files that require field work. I'd prefer it not be investigative work. You can work on that. Any misconducts, assaults, kidnappings, illegal activities etc. Also, bring me ten case files from the Hit-Wizards department. Drop it on the last cubicle in the corner." He finished, before turning right and heading towards the aforementioned cubicle.
"What the fuck just happened" said a man with dirty blonde hair. His name was John Ritkins. He looked around the group when no one responded and scoffed seeing a similar shocked expression on everyone's faces.
"I guess that answers that" he murmured, before clapping his hands. "Alright, you heard what the boss said"
"Why is he sitting there," frowned Kylie Roxanne, a young woman with long black hair.
"I don't know and I don't intend on asking him." responded Dave Humphrey, a tall wizard with shabby brown hair. "My advice would be to just do as he says and not question him." he pushed his wire framed glasses up his nose.
"Oh shit!" Ritkins whispered, as Draco walked past them. "This ought to be interesting."
"You think there's any bad blood between them" whispered Kylie.
"Why would there be? He took a break remember" countered Dave, as Draco neared Harry's cubicle who had his back towards them.
A scoff from his left made him turn his head. "Oh please" Kylie rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me you're that naïve. Anyone with two cents know it was much more than that"
Dave shrugged his shoulder as he turned his head back towards Harry's cubicle just in time to see Draco put a hand on his shoulder and lean down to say something in his ear. "Whatever it is I'm sure they'll figure it out."
"C'mon, let's skip" said Ritkins, seeing Draco walk back towards them with Harry trailing behind him.
"Morning, team" Draco greeted everyone with a nod as he passed by their cubicle. Everyone reciprocated his greeting with "morning, sir" while trying extra hard to look busy.
A smirk came over Draco's face and he looked over his shoulder at Harry and arched an eyebrow. Harry's lips quirked upwards as both shared a hidden smile.
They made a left turn around the last cubicle before heading right into a small corridor. It had two doors a little further on the right. They passed the first door that had, Deputy head office, written on it.
They stopped before the last door that had, Head office, written in gold on the square glass window above them timber.
Draco pushed open the door and walked in before holding the door for Harry and closing it as he stepped inside.
"Where's your stuff?" asked Harry, as he looked around the spotfree and empty room except a large table and a chair.
"Where do you think" Draco put his hands in his pocket as Harry turned around to face him.
The two men stared at each other for several seconds before Harry shook his head. "No"
"Yes"
"I'm not having this argument"
"It doesn't have to be"
"Look..." Harry clenched his teeth and closed his eyes. He breathed heavily through his nose as he reopened his eyes and stared him in the face. "I meant what I said and nothing's changed"
"I understand"
"Good"
"But..." Draco lifted his finger. "What you need to understand is that we made a deal, right here in this very room before you left." he swirled his finger around. "You remember that."
Harry didn't respond, but simply kept staring at him with an impassive expression.
Draco moved his feet as he continued. "You asked for a break, fine"
"I resigned" growled Harry.
"You said to not contact you while you were gone, fine" Draco ignored him and continued as he circled around him.
"Don't hear from you for 6 months till yesterday. And what's the first thing you say..." he arched an eyebrow, waiting for Harry's response, which never came. "Give me a hit...first words we had spoken in 6 months. No, I'm back, no, how are you or where you had been-nothing. And what did I say...fine"
"What do you want me to say, huh. You wanted to know where I had been, is that what you wanted to hear. You wanted to know what shit I got up to. Is that it?" snapped Harry.
"YES!" yelled Draco, as he stopped walking and faced him. "Anything...except, give me a hit. I knew then you didn't keep your end of the deal, and I still gave you what you wanted, I gave you that case...because I didn't know what you would have done if I didn't. I feared you would go back into whatever hole you came from and that was not an option." his chest heaved as he breathed heavily.
"Look, Draco, what do you want me to say..." Harry widened his arms before dropping them to his side.
"Just be honest"
"I am!"
"No, you are not! And don't try to bullshit me Harry because we both know you can't fool me." he glared at him as Harry ran a hand through his hair and shook his head.
"I said to think about your decision with reason. I said to not be selfish. I said to think about your future, to think about your family. I said to ask for help. You did none of that...not fine" he shook his head before shrugging his shoulders. "That's all I asked. It's fairly simple. It's not fair when I've kept my end of the deal and you didn't. So, I decided to make those decisions for you because you are in-fucking-capable of making them" he walked towards him with every word and by the end just an inch separated them.
He tilted his head a little and lifted his gaze to stare him in the eye.
"I think that seems fair, doesn't it"
"Don't do this" whispered Harry.
"Do what"
"You're one of the few people left I still care about." He gritted his teeth as he continued. "Don't change that"
"Then you know why I'm doing this...because I care about you too and..." Draco took a deep breath before he continued. "You need this, Harry, now more than ever. You need to go back to normal. It will keep you out of trouble"
"What's normal" scoffed Harry as he turned around and put his hands on his hips. "Because believe me it hasn't felt like normal in a long time" he finished, turning back around.
"It will...if you give it time"
"I GAVE IT FOUR FUCKIN YEARS!" His yell echoed off the walls as his face turned red with rage.
Draco pointed his wand at the door and muttered "Muffliato"
"That was different and you know it" countered Draco, before shaking his head. "Can't believe we are having this conversation now. Didn't think it would happen this fast...oh well, fuck it."
"No" Harry said, more like commanded. A finality to his tone. "I'm not having this conversation and I suggest for your sake that you stop" he warned.
"Yes, we are. The entire world may fear you but I never had and never will. I am going to say what I want to and if you want to stop me, give it your best shot" he challenged him, his jaw set in determination.
The air surrounding them was so palpable it was as thick as butter and the tension so sharp you could nearly cut it.
Suddenly, the fire inside the chimney roared to life, averting both their attentions to it.
They watch as a moment later Martin Locke, the minister of magic, stepped out of the green flames. He patted his cloak to clean off the soot that clung to it before lifting his head. A relieved smile came over his face as his gaze shifted towards Harry.
"Harry!" he greeted, jovially, as he walked over to him and brought him to a hug. Harry reciprocated the gesture with an awkward pat on his shoulder before Martin pulled back and held him at arm's length. "You look great and it seems you haven't lost a step. "He winked, as a cheeky smile came over his lips. "I ordered all ministry employees to inform me if they heard from you and low and behold count me shocked when yesterday I got a message from the review team that not only are you back but you completed a covert mission all on your own." He arched an eyebrow as he continued. "Though I must say I'm was a tad perplexed as to who authorized the mission" His eyes briefly shifted towards Draco before snapping back to Harry. "But who cares about that. Hey, if you needed a little piece of action to get back into form, I don't see a problem with that. Plus, you did great"
"My report would say otherwise"
Martin waved his hand as he walked over to sit on the chair on the other side of the table. "Oh, don't worry about that. You were a little rough, big deal." He made himself comfortable in the seat and folded his hands over his lap. "I must say your timing couldn't have been more perfect though" He shook his head and sighed. "It's grotesque. I mean Sebastian and I never saw eye to eye but...no one deserves that and certainly not a man who once led this ministry"
A saddened expression came over his face as silence enveloped them for a few moments. "I was speechless when I was told...it really changes your perspective...and suddenly you don't feel invincible...all this power suddenly means nothing because you feel your immortality slipping away...I mean if they can get a former minister then no one is safe" He finally lifted his gaze and stared up at Harry.
"We need to find out who did this, Harry, as soon as possible. They need to be made an example of so that the whole world knows that they won't get away-"
"I'm not doing it." Harry's words halted his speech.
A perplexed expression came over Martin's face as if he wasn't sure what he heard. "What?"
"Look, I've already said this to Draco, so I'm going to keep it short. I resigned, if you remember, and I meant it."
"But-"
"NO!" Harry brought his fist down on the table, creating a crack in the middle. "I never said I was going to take it back. I even told you to release the official statement to the press but instead you fed them a lie."
"It wasn't a lie! You did take a break"
"And I also said I was never taking the job back"
"Then why are you back!" exclaimed Martin.
Harry glared down at him as his chest heaved with rapid breaths.
"Tell me then, why are you back" reiterated Martin, though his voice was much lower and calmer this time.
Harry ran a hand through his hair as he looked to the side, his eyes briefly flicking over to Draco, who had his gaze turned down.
"It's none of your fucking business why I'm back" he said, turning his gaze back to Martin, whose eyebrows rose up to his hairline. "I was an auror before I was the head of the department, a change I never liked but I went with it. But I've done my part, longer than I should have." he whispered the last part. "Anyway, I'm going back to where I started from. Working day to day cases, doing hit work. That sort of stuff."
"Doing hit work?" Martin said incredulously. "You want to go back to being a Hit-wizard." He turned to Draco with shock written all over his face before turning back to him. "Harry, that...that makes no sense."
"I don't bloody care if it makes sense to you or not" growled Harry.
"Harry-"
"Look, I'm going to make it plain and simple for you. You either want me or you don't. If not, then I have no problem sending my resume to the French ministry or dozen others who'll hire me without even opening the letter"
"Harry, please" Martin got up from the chair and walked towards him. He put his hands up in a placating matter. "Let's not make rash decisions, okay" he chuckled. "Let's talk this thoroughly." He put his arm around his shoulder. "We are not going to talk about why you are doing this, alright. We don't need to but Harry you need to understand that things are a bit tricky right now.
I can't have you leave and take a job at some other ministry right now with the elections right around the corner. You know that would be the biggest blow to my campaign. And I also can't have this killer roam around freely, you know how much public opinion matters and all eyes are on me at this moment. Everyone's waiting to see how I am going to react. I need to find whoever did this and I need you" He pulled his arm back and faced him. "You're the only one I trust with this" he tilted his head towards Draco. "No offence, Draco"
"None taken" Draco waived his arm.
"I'm giving you free reign" he said to Harry. "You work however your like, no one is going to question you. You don't even have to be on the field if you don't want to. You assemble your own team. Anything you need you have it. You answer to no one. I just want to be reported daily, that's all. And after this is all behind us, you can do anything you want. You want to work as a hit wizard for the rest of your life, be my guest. You want to join the patrol team, or work in the misuse of magical artifacts department, hell you want to become an unspeakable, you just need to say and I'll grant it"
He put his hands on his shoulder. "Just come back for this one last job. Believe me when I say that everyone will breathe a sigh of relief to know that Harry Potter has come back to take back his position and will lead the investigation, including me." He stared up at him with hope shining in his eyes. "C'mon, what you say. One last time." he urged, gripping his shoulders more firmly.
Harry turned his head to the side as his eyes roamed across the walls. He closed his eyes briefly for a few seconds before he dropped his gaze back to Martin. "I don't want any interference."
Martin's eyes lit up with glee. "Done"
"I'm going to assemble my own team, and I'm going to lead them. If we want this done as quickly as possible, I'm going to be on the field"
"Done"
"I don't want any repercussions regarding what happens with the case. I'm not going to hold back and I'm not above bending rules"
"Done"
"After this, I want you to appoint me on the Hit-wizard squad, no questions asked"
"Done"
"You're going to have to deal with the press"
"Absolutely"
Harry stared at him for a long while before nodding his head. "Alright" he moved out of his hold and ran a hand through his hair. "You can leave now"
Martin nodded his head. "I'll leave you two to it. If you need anything let me know" he took a step towards Harry and patted him on the arm. "I'm never going to forget this. You are a great man" he said in a low voice, loud enough for just him to hear.
He turned around and walked over to the fireplace. He grabbed a handful of floor powder before stepping inside. "Minister of Magic office" he shouted, before becoming engulfed in green flames.
Harry let out a long breath through his nose as he walked over to other side of the table. He placed his hands on the table and leaned forward. He lifted his eyes and drifted his gaze towards Draco who was staring at the wall with an unfocused gaze.
"I need you...are you in" he asked.
Draco didn't respond immediately. He slowly turned his head towards Harry, a contemplative look on his face. "Why are you back?"
Harry huffed an annoying breath. "Can we not do this now. Let's just focus on-"
"More specifically, why did you come back on the same day Hermione was receiving her award. You weren't even there, so why-"
"Look, I don't have time for this. Are you in or are you out?" Harry arched an eyebrow. His tone suggested that he was getting irritated with this line of conversation.
Draco stared at him for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. "You even have to ask" his lips curving at the corner.
An involuntary chuckle escaped Harry's lips as he turned his gaze down. He looked back up after a moment to see a full-blown smile on Draco's face and couldn't stop his own lips spreading apart.
In a flash both men closed the distance between them and had their arms around each other in a powerful hug.
"Missed you, mate" whispered Draco, his voice thick with emotion.
"Yeah...same" replied Harry, eliciting a chuckle from Draco who pulled back and took a step back.
"Still can't say it, huh. Even after twenty fucking years later"
"Old habits die hard"
Draco's gaze turned serious as he said "We're going to talk about this, Harry" The smile dropped from Harry's face before he reluctantly nodded his head. "Later" Draco patted him on the shoulder before taking a deep breath. "Now...what do you need"
Harry took a couple of steps to the left and ran hand through his hair. "Get me five of your best officers, and make sure two of them are hit-wizards." He pulled at the collar of his shirt and rubbed his hands on his trousers.
"Done. Conference room?" inquired Draco, a frown marring his face.
"Yeah"
"You alright"
"Hmm" Harry hummed distractedly.
Draco watched him turn his back towards him as he continued to rub his hands against his trousers.
"Alright, see you in 5?"
Harry rubbed his temple before twitching his head to the side. "Yeah...yeah see you in 5"
"You sure you alright. You are profusely sweating"
Harry whipped his head towards him as he stammered a few words before forming a sentence. "Yeah-yeah, I'm fine. Didn't get much sleep, you know" He tried to smile but it came of as a grimace. "I'm just going to use the washroom for a sec. Don't worry, I'm fine."
He shot passed him and walked out of the room.
Interior, Men's Toilet, Auror Headquarters - Day
Harry stared at his reflection, bracing his hands on the counter. Water was dripping down his face in huge ringlets. His gaze shifted a little to the right where 3 equally distributed thin lines of white powder were spread on the edge of the counter.
He turned the tap off and fished out a five-pound note from his right trouser pocket. He rolled the note into a cylinder before bending his knees and leaning down, his face right above the powdered lines.
He placed one end of the tube at the edge of the line and the other at his right nostril. He inhaled sharply through his nose as he dragged the end through the line. He repeated the motion with the other two lines before tilting his head back and closing his eyes.
He pinched the bridge of his nose before wiping the residue with his finger and rubbing it on his gums.
He inhaled a long breath before slowly letting it out. He rolled his neck in a stretch before opening his eyes and looking into the mirror.
Interior, Conference room, Auror Headquarters - Day
The room was fairly wide and spacious with 3 rows of tables and chairs lined symmetrically. A group of five were huddled near the back of the room, chatting quietly. 3 of them wore red auror robes while two were dressed in purple robes.
Draco was leaning against a corner table with his arms folded across his chest.
Everyone's eyes turned to the door as it was pushed open before Harry walked through it. Draco's eyebrow rose higher as he watched him skip to the middle of the room and stood before a black board.
Harry avoided his gaze and locked his eyes with the group that scurried over to the front in a hurry. In a matter of seconds, they all stood in a row with their hands behind their backs.
Harry gazed at the them from left to right.
"Ritkins" he nodded.
"Sir" Ritkins smiled.
Harry squinted his eyes at the tall wizard to Ritkins left. "Chase..." he trailed off, unsure.
"Dave, sir. Dave Humphrey" he blushed, ducking his head when the others around him chuckled.
"My apologies, Dave" Harry lifted his hand. He skipped over the next wizard and looked at the two officers from the hit squad branch. "Rebecca, Chris, how are you"
"Splendid sir" replied Chris.
"Smashing now that you're back" winked Rebecca, eliciting a groan from Chris.
"Please tell me you're not starting that again"
"Starting what" she asked innocently, as the rest watched them with amusing faces.
"Flirting with him. It's never going to get anywhere. Plus, you do know he is married right, and more importantly to whom" he raised an eyebrow.
Rebecca waived him off. "Oh, what she doesn't know won't hurt her" She turned back to Harry and shot him a sly wink. "Right sir"
Harry scratched his beard as hips lips twitched upwards. He turned to Draco who had a smirk on his face. "What do you say, Mr. Malfoy. I mean she does have a point. What she doesn't know won't hurt her"
A gasp escaped Rebecca's lips as her eyes turned wide and turned to look at Draco's reaction.
"The choice is yours to make, Mr. Potter. I would just like to point out that out of respect to your wife and mainly the fear of not succumbing to the same fate as you, I would not be attending your funeral"
The group burst into laughter and even a chuckle escaped Harry's lips.
"Touche" nodded Harry, before adverting his gaze towards the man he skipped over before. He seemed younger than everyone else. He was tall, had a broad muscular frame with curly brown hair covering his forehead.
"I'm not sure we've met," said Harry, squinting his eyes at his name tag. "Roman Kicklighter"
The man in question was about to open his mouth when Draco cut him off. "Roman joined the force 6 months ago"
"Oh. I presume right after I left" he switched his gaze between Draco and Roman.
"I think just days after" Draco looked at Roman for confirmation and he nodded his head. "Yeah, he was selected from a batch of new recruits. His report card was off the charts, one of the best ever and almost rivaled yours. Plus, he worked as an unspeakable prior"
"That's all well and good but what is he doing here" Harry arched an eyebrow at Draco. "I need experience in this Draco, people I've worked with before and trust, who know how I operate and not some rule following conventionalist pretty boy."
He fished out a red flavored candy from his pocket and popped it in his mouth. "No offence" he said to Roman.
Roman, whose cheeks had turned red from embarrassment nodded his head in a polite manner. "None taken, sir" he said, before facing Draco. "Thank you for having faith in me, sir. It really meant a lot" He turned around and started walking towards the door.
"Roman wait" Draco's voice halted his movement. He turned back around as Draco approached Harry. "The boy's good" he said in a low voice, his face right next to his.
"This is going to get messy Draco." replied Harry, staring into his eyes. "Everyone is going to have their hands full and there'll be no time to chaperone the kid around"
"The kid can handle messy"
Harry slightly turned his head towards Roman who had his gaze turned down and was twiddling his thumbs. He looked back at Draco and sighed heavily.
"He played a big part in solving the Romania case. His investigative work is second to none." said Draco.
"What about field work? I need to know he can handle a wand."
"I hope so" shrugged Draco.
"You hope so?" exclaimed Harry in a whisper, inclining his head before rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Draco-"
"Look, I don't know how good he is alright. I haven't seen him. Until now his skills have been solely required primarily in planning, researching and investigation phases, and he's not bad at forensic too. Based on his results I believe he-"
"I can't go on results, Draco." Harry shook his head. "You know better than anyone the difference between drills and real action."
"Look, I can only tell you what I've seen and observed, alright. The kid's got a bright future. Plus, he's got a good head on his shoulders. But..." He put his hands up in the air and took a step back. "The choice is yours" he finished, walking back to his previous position.
Harry ran a hand through his hair. He tapped his left foot as he chewed the inside of his cheek, his head tilted to the side in thought.
"Mr. Kicklighter" he started, turning around. "First of all, I'm never addressing you by that name again simply because I don't like the feeling as it rolls of my tongue" he walked towards him at a slow pace.
"Y-yes sir, Mr. Potter, sir" stuttered Roman.
"Good" he stopped a few feet away from him. Their gazes were almost eye level to each other. "I'm going to give you a chance to prove yourself."
Roman's eyes lit up in jubilation and his face was on the verge of breaking into a smile but he kept it hidden, for now.
"I want you to know that my only reason for doing that is because of my trust in Mr. Malfoy's judgement and nothing else. I don't care about your training results; I couldn't give a zero fuck about it. I'm putting all my faith in my friend who put his head on the line for you and you better make sure to honor that."
"Yes sir" Roman cleared his throat at the end.
"Lastly, I need you to do a 180 on your attitude. I have no respect for those who won't fight for themselves and don't have belief in their own ability. Your actions demonstrated just that. You're not in school anymore. There isn't going to be any points deducted for standing up for yourself. So, next time you hear someone say you don't have it, don't just walk away like a sweet little pussy, stand your ground and look them in the eye because, and this will be my only advice to you, these" he swirled his finger in front of his eyes. "They say it all. You don't even need to open your mouth because if the fire is burning behind your baby blues, they'll know it. Understand"
Roman nodded his head determinedly. "Yes sir!"
"Good. Take back your spot" said Harry, inclining his head.
Roman walked over to stand in the empty space he had vacated as Harry walked back to the middle and faced the group.
"I assume Mr. Malfoy has made you aware the case you'll be undertaking." A chorus of "yes sir" went around the room before Harry continued. "Then you also know the level of confidentiality required." The group nodded their heads in agreement. "If I hear a peep from outside that only the people in this room ought to know...let's just hope it doesn't get to that" he held everyone's gaze until they nodded their heads.
"Now" he began, putting his hands in his trouser pockets and leaning slightly on his right leg. "As I'm sure you all know the body was found in Merlin district in Oxfordshire, hanging from the clocktower...head decapitated and naked."
"My mother was one of the few who saw it." said Rebecca. "She goes for a morning walk every day." she paused. "Said it was the most horrific thing she'd ever seen" a troubled expression on her face as she added. "Poor woman"
"She'd be fine. Your mother is one tough person" Harry shot her a small smile, which she reciprocated.
"Thank you, sir"
Harry scratched the bridge of his nose before looking back up. "That's all the information we know. Based on that what do you make of it"
"I think it's pretty obvious" said Chris, as he looked at his fellow officers. "We are dealing with a psycho, here"
A smirk formed at Harry's lips. "Elementary but correct" Everyone chuckled before he added. "Any other guesses, produced with a bit more thought"
"He had prior history with Witherfield. Could be a dark lord. Maybe someone who recently got out of Azkaban and sought revenge" said Rebecca.
"Right, but still not what I'm looking for"
"He probably had been trailing him for some time. The ceremony last night would've been the perfect opportunity to kidnap him." added Ritkins.
"Very well, Ritkins" said Harry.
"Thank you, sir" smiled Ritkins.
"But still not what I'm looking for" The smile dropped from Ritkins' face.
"Anyone else...Dave" Harry eyed the bespectacled man.
"I'm leaning towards that this was a political assassination, sir. With the elections right around the corner I wouldn't be the least surprised to find if that was the case."
"Could be" Harry arched an eyebrow. "But your assumption has one very big flaw because for Locke this is a PR nightmare and Witherfield had been supporting Andrews long before he decided to come back into the spotlight. Which leaves us with no motive from either side"
Harry turned his gaze to Roman, who had a contemplative expression on his face. "Mr. Empire" Roman's eyes snapped towards him and his face flushed under everyone's attention.
"You got any theories. Mr. Malfoy said that you are an excellent investigator. Surely, you must have some guesses floating in that colosseum of yours" a snicker from his right made Roman turn his head towards Rebecca.
He turned back to Harry and let out an audible gulp. "Umm-well...I think..."
"Yes, you think what" Harry said slowly.
"Umm...I agree with Mr. Ritkins in that we are dealing with a serial killer. I don't think that this is the work of a terrorist group, a dark lord or even political."
"Why's that?"
"Well, it's too messy for to be the work of a terrorist group, too inconsequential to be political, and too insignificant for a dark lord." he paused, his forehead scrunching in thought. "The only counter to that would be hanging Witherfield from the clocktower...putting him on display. Now that is something a dark lord would do to showcase his power and Ingnite fear in the public. But then why Merlin district, it's one of the more low-key magical communities in the world with only 220 population. That's next to nothing." he finished, lifting his eyes towards Harry, who had an eyebrow arched towards Draco. Draco had a small smirk tugging at his lips with a hint of smugness in it.
"Well, Mr. Empire, not bad...not bad at all"
Roman's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Thank you, sir"
"Alright then" Harry clapped his hands. "It's baseless to form anymore opinions at this point when we haven't even seen the body." he turned to Draco. "I want no one near the forensic ward till I say so. Tell Mungo's to set up the wards around the hallway. I don't want any family disturbances. I presume they have been notified"
"Yeah, a couple of guys from the patrol team informed his ex-wife and other family members an hour ago"
"John, Dave, I want you to go to Merlin district and question anyone who was nearby the clocktower anywhere between midnight till Witherfield was found."
"Yes sir"
"And don't be hesitant to use legilemens. You've got clearance. If they protest bring them straight to me"
"Yes sir"
Harry inclined his head towards the door and with a nod of their heads, they walked out of the room.
"Chris, Rebecca, I want you to track Witherfield's whereabouts from last night. Did he come alone or with someone else. Talk to everyone who was at the ceremony. Who he was sitting next to, who he talked to. I want to know."
"Aye captain"
"I believe our killer was at the ceremony or somewhat nearby last night. Tread carefully though, I don't want you to scare them off, alright. Just take the information then report back to me. Don't do anything further, understand"
"Understood sir" the hit-team answered before heading towards the door.
Harry turned to Roman. "Mr. Empire, you'll be joining myself and Deputy Head Auror Malfoy to St. Mungo's. Let's see if your forensic analysis is as detailed as your guesswork"
"Yes sir"
…...
Interior, Lily's office, St Mungo's - Day
"Come in" called Lily, after a knock on the door.
She looked up from the report she had been reading when the door opened and in walked Hermione.
"Hey you" she smiled, getting up from her seat and greeting her with a hug and kiss on the cheek.
A light frown scrunched her forehead at seeing a hesitant expression on Hermione's face. "Everything alright"
Hermione swiped a long tendril that had fallen over her the side of her face and sighed. "He's back"
Lily's eyes instantly turned wide in surprise. Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times but no sound came out.
"When" she finally whispered the word out.
"Yesterday." answered Hermione, as she took a couple of steps to her right. "He was already there when I came back. Rainy had already left so she doesn't know what time but it couldn't have been much longer"
"How do you figure?"
"Because of the cut. It didn't seem any older than a couple of hours."
"Dear god" Lily turned her gaze to the floor as silence enveloped the pair of them for several moments. "Did he say anything?"
Hermione shook her head before turning around to face her, her eyes red with unshed tears. "I can't do this anymore" she inhaled a deep breath as Lily cradled her head in a hug. "I'm ending it, Lily" she whispered in her shoulder. "It's best for me, best for him, and more importantly it's best for Rosy. She shouldn't dread coming home. It's her last break before she graduates and moves out. I don't want it to turn like last time"
Lily turned her head to the side as her eyes filled up. Unable to form a word she simply nodded her head. They stayed in that embrace for a couple of minutes.
Hermione pulled back and wiped at her eyes. She sniffled before saying. "I should go."
"Ok" whispered Lily, giving her a soft smile as she placed her hand on her cheek. "How about we go Florean's for lunch"
An involuntary chuckle escaped Hermione's lips before she said. "You remember"
"Of course,"
"Alright. Let me check my schedule and if something comes up, I'll let you know"
"Okay"
A knock at the door made them turn their heads.
"Yes" said Lily.
The door opened and Draco stepped in, holding the door ajar.
"Draco!" both women smiled at him.
"Lily, Hermione" Draco nodded his head.
"What brought you here" asked Lily.
"We're here for Witherfield"
"Oh yes, I forgot about it. I got your patronus. Everything's set up. The entire seventh floor has been warded and I have instructed everyone to not go near it. You take as long as you need."
"Thanks." he said. "Would you have five minutes in half an hour's time" he asked.
"Yeah, any particular reason if you don't mind me asking?"
"Just would like to ask you some questions. Procedure, you know. We are interviewing everyone who was presented at the ceremony last night"
"Yeah, no problem. I'll be here. I do have a meeting in couple of hours' time though" she added.
"Nah, that's fine. That's more than enough time. We're only going to be in the forensic ward for thirty minutes, tops"
"Okay"
"You alright with that, Hermione. I know I was with you the whole time Witherfield talked with you but you know..."
"That's fine, Draco" she replied with a smile.
"Alright then, ladies"
He was about to close the door when Lily's voice stopped him.
"Are you leading the investigation" she asked.
He cleared his throat and scratched his chin before looking back up at her. "Umm... no. Harry's back so he is in charge"
"Oh, ok" she said, before her eyes turned wide and realization dawned on her face. "He's here isn't he"
"Umm..."
That was all the confirmation she needed it seemed as she stormed past him. Draco looked at Hermione who had the same nervous expression on her face as him.
A second later they both followed her.
They easily caught up with her as she turned left into an empty corridor.
Hermione saw Harry leaning against the wall at the end of the hallway with Roman standing across him.
Harry turned his face towards them at the sound of footsteps and a stricken expression came over his face. He pushed away from the wall and faced them.
"Leave" he said to Roman, who looked up from the newspaper he had been reading. He turned to see the group approaching before facing Harry again.
"Now" growled Harry.
Roman hastily nodded his head as he dropped the paper on the small table next to him. "Y-yes sir" he stuttered, before he all but made a dash.
Harry turned his head back forward to see his mother heading straight for him. In less than ten seconds she was standing before him and in less than a second her hand made contact with his cheek, followed by another, and another.
The thumping cracks echoed across the hall with each one louder than the last.
His cheek was tinged red by the time she finished after several seconds. He chewed the inside of his bottom lip as he swiped back the hair that had fallen over his face and faced her.
Tears were streaming steadily down her cheeks and her breathing was coming in ragged breaths.
"You..." she heaved. "should be ashamed of yourself. You have fucked everything up, everything!" she screamed before breaking down into sobs.
Harry looked past her at Draco who had an apologetic expression on his face as he mouthed 'I'm sorry'
He flicked his gaze towards Hermione and caught her eyes. They too were filled with tears. The contact remained for less than a second before he turned his gaze back at Lily.
He leaned forward. "This changes nothing" he started, voice gravelly as she removed her hands from her face and looked up at him. "Consider this your one and only warning that what just happened is because I let it happen. I'm going to remind you one last time and never again so listen carefully. You lost all privileges as my mother a long time ago." he stood back to his full height as he added.
"So stop pretending that you still care because next time I won't be so civil" he finished, shifting his gaze in Hermione direction for a brief moment before turning back to her and shooting her one final glare.
"C'mon Draco" he said, turning around and the hall was once again filled with sound of footsteps.
A/N: As always posts your comments below and let me know your thoughts and I'll catch you on the flip side. Cheers!