Removing his glasses, Harry ran his fingers through his hair and sat down opposite the Spanish Minister. He had been awake a total of 39 hours now, and his patience was wearing more than a little thin.
Placing the file on the ornate mahogany desk, he sighed and put his glasses back on.
"So what are you not telling me, Minister?" he asked, fixing his stare on the older gentleman.
The minister smiled. "Everything our aurors know is in that report. If you want more information, you will have to contact the Moroccan Ministry."
"If you know nothing, why are you involved at all?" he inquired, his tone revealing his anger.
"Mr Potter, you might be able to use that tone in England but I can assure you, here in Spain, you have no influence. We are involved because the yacht was found drifting in Spanish waters and our team was sent out because traces of Dark Magic were found on the yacht. However, the last place your friends were seen was in Morocco, so I suggest that the answers you seek are there."
Raised voices in the ante office caused both men to break their staring contest and stand, just as the door was forced open violently. A small witch of no more than 20 years old tumbled into the room, apologising profusely, "Senor, I tried to stop him but he wouldn't listen."
The Minister waved his hand dismissively. "Do not worry, Constanza, it is to be expected," he told her before turning his attention to the blond man, who had just barged his way into the office.
"Senor, as I have just informed your superior…"
"I heard what you told Potter, its not like you silenced the room, and while he might not have much influence outside of England, I am a Malfoy, and I have plenty of influence across the Wizarding world. You will find out what happened on that yacht, and you will help us bring my Godson's mother home, or so help me I will make sure your tenure as Spain's Minister for Magic will be the shortest in history." Draco seethed, glaring daggers at the Minister whose taut smile remained fixed on his face, angering him all the more.
Draco made to grab his wand but felt a hand on his arm. Looking down he saw his wife stood calmly by his side, eyes conveying her thoughts without the need for legilimency. He felt his anger wash over him and subside. Her ability to understand his fears, and yet sooth him, still amazed him. They could fight to the point of destruction, but they always brought each other back from oblivion. All it took was one look, one touch, and he felt himself pulled back and grounded. Merlin knew it was one of the reasons he loved her as much as he did.
Turning to the Minister she smiled. "You will have to forgive my husband; he is a passionate man, especially when it comes to his family. Ms. Parkinson may not be a Malfoy, but she is family. I should like you to read this letter from Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic and Secretary General of the Global Wizarding Alliance," Hermione stated, handing him the letter. She was referring to the Council that had been set up after the second wizarding war to ensure more cooperation between Wizarding and Muggle intelligence agencies, as well as cooperation between the various Ministries across the world. With the threat of Dark wizards coming into Europe from the Middle East, it had seemed imperative to share intelligence and work together to stop the threat of Wizarding terrorism. Hermione watched the Minister visibly pale as he took the letter.
"You will note where it says that Mr. Malfoy and I are now the lead investigators for this case, and that you are to turn over all the files to Mr. Potter, our supervisor, and give all three of us full access to your Auror department, immediately."
Harry couldn't suppress the grin that spread across his face as he watched his best friend take charge. She always had something up her sleeve, but he hadn't been expecting her to contact Kingsley so quickly.
The Spanish Minister turned to his aide. "Constanza, please escort Senor Potter and his colleagues to the Auror department and send Miguel to see me immediately."
"Yes, Senor," the young woman blushed, leading the trio from the room.
Moments later, Hermione was ordering the Aurors about as though she had been their superior for years. Mateo and Alejandro, the two most senior field agents, brought two boxes into the office Hermione had commandeered.
"Excuse me, Miss…" Mateo began.
"Auror Granger-Malfoy," Hermione corrected him firmly, as she looked up from the file Harry had given her when they left the Minister's office.
"Where would you like these?"
Hermione frowned. "Is that all for this case?"
"These are the files for the kidnappings, si," Mateo informed her as she gestured for the pair to put the boxes on the desk.
"These are the files for the Dark Magic traces that have been discovered in the Bay of Cadiz," Alejandro explained to her.
Draco looked over at Harry, who shrugged his shoulders, looking just as confused as anyone.
Alejandro looked at the English trio. "You are investigating the kidnappings si? And the smuggling operation from Morocco to Spain? It is all part of the work you have been doing in Venice, no?"
The silence was deafening as Head Auror Miguel Sanchez returned to what was usually his office.
Five pairs of eyes fixed on him as he shut the door.
"It's time for me to brief you on 'The Brotherhood'."