Chapter 3 - Not so fast, Mr. Malfoy

The facade of the shop looked darker than usual, with the windows displaying a faint glow from inside. Outside, wizards and witches lay on the ground, all immersed in a deep sleep. The scene was both disconcerting and worrisome.

Ron Weasley opened the door with a slight creak, revealing an interior that seemed even more mysterious than the facade suggested. A sweet smell hung in the air, enveloping Ron and Nichols immediately. The scent was a mix of exotic flowers and rare herbs, creating an ethereal and unsettling atmosphere.

The interior of the shop was filled with magical artifacts of all kinds: shimmering crystals, enchanted mirrors, vials of sparkling potions and old books with worn leather covers. The soft light of candles illuminated the environment, casting dancing shadows on the walls lined with shelves.

In the center of the shop, a solitary figure lay on the floor, immersed in deep sleep. As he approached, Ron recognized the familiar face of Lucius Malfoy, the former Death Eater and ex-prisoner of Azkaban.

"Lucius Malfoy" said Ron, with surprise.

Nichols looked surprised and asked, "Wasn't he in Azkaban?"

Ron sighed and said, "He was released today."

Her eyes widened and she said, "And already in the center of all this mess..."

Ron sighed again and said, "I bet Moody is going to love this."

Lucius was dressed impeccably, as always, with his black cloak neatly aligned and his long blond hair spread around his head like a disheveled crown. He held an ebony cane with silver details, which had fallen to his side. The scene was surreal, as if time had stopped at that specific moment.

"The sweet smell is very strong here. It might be related to the magic that caused this deep sleep" said Ron, as he inspected the interior of the Crystal Eye shop attentively. By his side, Nichols was noting down each observation in her notebook, her expression focused.

Suddenly, she turned and walked to the back door. Moments later, she returned with an even more worried expression. "Ron, there's something you need to see" she said, gesturing for him to follow her.

She led him to a small room in the back, where two employees lay, immersed in a sleep as deep as the people outside the shop. "I tried the waking spell on them, the same one I used outside, and it just didn't work. They didn't wake up" explained Nichols, clearly showing her frustration.

Ron examined the employees from the doorway, keeping his wand slightly pointed in the direction of Malfoy, ready to act in case he tried to escape. "This suggests that the epicenter of the magic that caused this was right here, inside the shop. If the waking spell failed, it's because the magic acted more strongly here" he concluded, pondering the implications.

Nichols agreed, noting down the new information. Meanwhile, Ron kept his eyes on Lucius, watching every movement of the former Death Eater, ensuring there were no unexpected escapes while they tried to solve the mystery of the deep sleep that had befallen Diagon Alley.

Ron began to murmur detection spells as he approached Lucius's cane. Touching it, he felt the cold, smooth texture of the silver under his fingers and frowned. "There's something strange here" he said, and Nichols quickly noted it in her notebook. "This cane is clearly made to store a wand, but it's completely clean, without any trace of magical energy. It's as if it's brand new. This is exactly what's happening all over Diagon Alley—it's as if all the magical energy has been drained from the environment."

Nichols looked at Ron excitedly. "I think we've found the culprit!"

Ron smiled and said, "Hold on, Nichols. This is an important clue, but we still don't have concrete proof. Come here and help me turn him over to get the cane."

"We need to work quickly" said Ron, urgency in his voice. "If Lucius Malfoy is involved, this could be even more dangerous than we imagined. And considering that the Minister of Magic was affected by the spell, we realize this is someone who isn't afraid of the Ministry at all."

The moment Ron reached out to grab the cane, Lucius moved with the speed of a strike. His hand grabbed Ron's wrist with surprising strength, his eyes suddenly opening as he sat up with an agile and fluid movement.

"Is this the modus operandi of Aurors now—to investigate magical items instead of rendering aid to victims?" said Lucius, his voice icy and cutting. "Regrettable!"

Ron struggled to free himself, but Lucius's grip was relentless. "Release me, Malfoy" Ron said, trying to remain calm.

"Release him, Malfoy," said Nichols, pointing her wand at Lucius.

He observed the young witch and released Weasley with a smile. "It seems the situation has changed for you, hasn't it, Mr. Weasley? It appears you now have a sidekick."

Nichols, putting away her wand and lifting her chin with dignity, replied, "I am no sidekick, Mr. Malfoy. I am an Auror in training and can show my credentials." She spoke as she displayed her identification to Malfoy.

Lucius glanced at the document with a hint of amusement and said, "Very well, Miss Nichols. Now I feel somewhat reassured knowing that Mr. Weasley has an Auror in training," he emphasized the word 'training' and continued "Rifling through the belongings of the unconscious rather than providing assistance. I wonder about the type of training Aurors are receiving these days," he added, standing up and adjusting his cloak.

"We're here to help" Nichols replied. "The entire Diagon Alley has mysteriously fallen asleep, including the Minister of Magic. There are mediwizards everywhere providing aid to those affected. We need to gather information as quickly as possible before the clues disappear."

Lucius adjusted his robes and replied, "I see."

Nichols, noticing Lucius' disdainful posture, attempted to make him more cooperative. "You don't seem to grasp the magnitude of the situation, Mr. Malfoy. With the exception of Gringotts, the entire Diagon Alley is in a deep sleep, and you were at the epicentre. It seems that all the magical energy has been drained from this place. There's no residual energy from spells, which is highly unusual for a shop that sells magical items."

Ron continued, "And another strange thing is that your cane has no trace of magical energy, as if it's never been used. How do you explain that? And what were you doing here? Did you come to meet someone? Just on the day you left Azkaban?"

Lucius narrowed his eyes, a look of disdain crossing his face. "I was merely in the shop to purchase a new cane. It has no magical energy because it's new, and I haven't even paid for it yet. See?" he said, bending down to pick up his fallen wand, while showing the empty cane.

Ron, watching attentively, asked, "Why is your wand so far away? Were you dueling with someone?"

Lucius smiled sardonically. "No, Weasley. It's because I fainted just as I was trying to fit the wand into the cane."

Nichols frowned, still suspicious. "You must agree it's a very strange situation, Mr. Malfoy. Diagon Alley full of unconscious people, including the Minister of Magic. And you are in the center of it. The other people present in this shop didn't wake up even with magical induction. Something here doesn't seem right."

Lucius frowned, annoyed. "The truth is often simple, even though you prefer complicated theories."

Ron sighed, trying to stay focused. "If you really want to help us, then tell us what exactly you felt before you fainted. Any detail might be useful."

Lucius looked around the shop, feigning a tense expression. "I felt a strange energy in the air, like an electric charge, and a sweet refreshing smell. Then, everything went dark."

Ron nodded, jotting down in the notebook and sighing. "That doesn't help much, Mr. Malfoy. The shop is still saturated with this smell that seems to be spreading throughout the neighborhood. Don't you have something new to share? No matter how small? Anything suspicious?"

Lucius replied, a slight smile appearing on his lips. "Perhaps yes, it seems that bell-bottom trousers are making a comeback, and I don't believe that to be natural."

Ron raised an eyebrow, not hiding his displeasure. "You find this funny, Mr. Malfoy?"

Lucius sported a subtle smile, adjusting his robes elegantly. "Indeed, I find it quite curious. From what you've reported, Diagon Alley is experiencing its largest security breach in years. In fact, I don't recall anything like this before. Years ago, if someone attempted to cast a spell of this magnitude, the Auror security system would make an entire squad apparate next to the responsible wand. Seeing you all scurrying about, tampering with other people's canes, I suspect you still have no idea who caused this incident. And since I have nothing to do with this situation, I'm particularly entertained watching this spectacle on my first day of freedom."

Ron, visibly embarrassed by Lucius's sharp comment, responded, "This will be resolved soon. Every available Auror is already here to handle this issue. We won't rest until we find out what really happened."

Lucius looked out the window at the movement and smiled. "That's what I'm referring to, young Weasley. You talk as if this handful of Aurors is something significant. I believe you have more siblings than that."

Ron flushed and straightened up. He was no longer a schoolboy and wanted to show it. "I believe you're not in a position to offend anyone, especially not an Auror, Mr. Malfoy."

Malfoy laughed and said, "You have more spirit than your father, but I must emphasize that I did not insult you at any point. I merely pointed out your large family contingent. If you consider having many siblings an insult, you should complain to your parents, not to me."

As the tension increased within the Crystal Eye shop, the door burst open, and Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody entered, his magical eyes spinning as he assessed the scene. His gaze immediately fixed on Lucius Malfoy, who was standing, watching Ron with a calculating expression.

"Lucius Malfoy!" bellowed Moody, his voice resonating through the shop. "Why am I not surprised? You've barely left Azkaban and you're already looking to return?"

Lucius raised an eyebrow, a sardonic smile curling his lips. "Always a pleasure, Moody. Your presence is as comforting as ever."

Moody advanced, his face hardened and his eyes fixed on Lucius. "Cut the formalities, Malfoy. Start explaining what you're really doing here."

Lucius sighed dramatically. "As I've already told your colleagues, I was here to buy a new cane. And then, suddenly, everything went dark."

Ron intervened, adding seriously, "Moody, Nichols noticed that the attendants in the back of the shop didn't wake up even with magical induction. Malfoy, on the other hand, woke up on his own, without any help."

Moody nodded in acknowledgment to Nichols and said firmly, "Nichols, call a team of mediwizards to take the shop employees." Then, he turned abruptly to Lucius Malfoy, his gaze hard and penetrating. Without wasting a second, Moody drew his wand with surprising speed and pointed it directly at Lucius's chest. His voice was laden with authority and threat: "If you don't give a convincing explanation about this, I'll take you in for interrogation right now."

Lucius raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, although his eyes glowed with a mix of irritation and resignation. "Moody, how could I possibly know why I did not succumb to the deep sleep like the others? However, I might surmise that perhaps the horrors I've endured over the past few years have made me more resilient than most."

Moody frowned, his expression hardening. "Horrors, Malfoy? Because the few people who awoke said they felt a wave of wonderment and an irresistible urge to kneel before they slept."

Lucius smiled with an air of superiority and replied, his voice softly melodious, "Ah, you refer to that? Allow me to clarify, then. I mentioned having experienced a deep sleep, but for someone tormented by chronic insomnia, such a sensation is always truly marvelous. To sleep deeply, even for a brief moment, is a luxury I have not experienced in years. I apologize for not mentioning this earlier, but I assumed such a detail was irrelevant given the gravity of the situation."

Moody narrowed his eyes, still suspicious. "And what about the urge to kneel? Everyone who awoke reported feeling an irresistible need to kneel before they slept."

Lucius feigned thought for a moment, his eyes gleaming with calculated astuteness. "As to that" he said, pausing deliberately to add a dramatic touch, "I recall nothing about the urge to kneel. From what Wesley and Nichols mentioned, this location was the epicenter of the event. Perhaps proximity to such powerful magic affected me differently. Or perhaps my mind has blocked that detail. After all, who can truly comprehend the mysteries of such intense magic?"

Moody snorted, his expression hardening even more. "Do you really expect us to believe this tale? Lucius Malfoy, notorious for his tricks and manipulations, was simply strolling through Diagon Alley, buying trinkets on the day of the first reelection rally of the Minister of Magic, who, incidentally, is most hated by conservatives? And that, by sheer coincidence, the entire Diagon Alley fell asleep at that exact moment? And to top it off, you, Lucius, were at the epicenter of the confusion but were the only one able to wake up as if you'd just taken a nap, while everyone else in the shop remains unconscious, even with magical induction attempts? This story is so absurd it sounds like a joke."

Lucius maintained a smile, though his eyes glowed with a slight trace of irritation. "I presume something as prosaic as acquiring a new cane must seem trivial to a mind always ready for grand conspiracies. I regret to disappoint you with my monotonous existence, but as you might imagine, I am completely unaware of the political landscape. I haven't even found time for a simple hair conditioning, much less to acquaint myself with the current candidates and their platforms."

Moody advanced a step, his voice dropping to a threatening tone. "I know your type, Malfoy. You might fool others, but I know your ilk. You're knee-deep in this, and if you don't start being more helpful, I can arrange for your interrogation to be in Azkaban. Maybe they'll lend us your old cell."

Lucius raised his head, his eyes gleaming with a mix of defiance and disdain. "Threatening a man without evidence? That's so typical of you, Moody. Always ready to jump to conclusions without any real proof."

Moody moved even closer, his face just inches from Lucius's. "I don't need proof, Malfoy. Your history speaks for itself. And if you're trying to hide something, I'll find out. Don't underestimate my determination."

Lucius maintained his smile, but it was clear that Moody's proximity and the intensity of his gaze were beginning to bother him. "I have revealed all I know. If you wish to persist in your unfounded accusations, proceed as you will. However, do not expect me to concoct stories to feed your fantasies."

Moody took a step back, his eyes never leaving Lucius's. "Very well, Malfoy. But know that I am watching every move you make. And if you do anything suspicious, don't even think about escaping the consequences."

As Lucius Malfoy prepared to leave the Crystal Eye shop, the door burst open, stopping his steps. An older wizard, whose presence immediately drew everyone's attention in the room, entered the space. He looked directly at Malfoy, a triumphant smile framing his lips as if he had unraveled a great mystery. With a firm voice, he announced, "Not so fast, Mr. Malfoy. Please stay for a moment."

Addressing the Aurors with a decisive and authoritative tone, the wizard continued, "I used the machine at the perimeter limit as you suggested, Moody. The machine revealed nothing, but as we were preparing to return, I found this." He raised a briefcase he was carrying, placing it on a nearby table with deliberate care. "We've already tested it, and there were no security spells, but there was something very interesting inside." He opened the briefcase to reveal a detailed and meticulously drawn map of Azkaban, causing everyone in the room to turn abruptly to face Lucius Malfoy.

Moody, with a glint of triumph in his eyes, approached Lucius, his wand still in hand. "It seems we have more than just coincidences and insinuations today," he murmured, almost to himself. "This map, found on the day of your release from Azkaban and during your mysterious 'stroll' through Diagon Alley, where an inexplicable event put everyone to sleep... Quite convenient, don't you think, Malfoy?"

Lucius looked confused at the map and then at the faces around him, each filled with suspicions and unspoken questions. He knew that any misstep could worsen his situation. "I..." he began, his voice faltering slightly.

Moody grabbed Lucius by the robes, dragging him toward the exit. "Save your explanations for the interrogation, Malfoy" said Moody firmly, his eyes fixed on Lucius. "I think we'll have a lot to discuss."

Lucius, with a swift and decisive movement, pulled his arm free from Moody's grip. "There's no need for force, Moody. I'm not offering any resistance. I can accompany you to recount for the thousandth time my version of the events."

The Aurors surrounded Lucius, forming a barrier as they escorted him out of the Crystal Eye shop. The crowd, now gathered outside, watched in silence, some with expressions of relief, others with curiosity and suspicion. The murmuring grew as Lucius, accompanied by the Aurors, advanced down the street. Lucius cast one last look at Diagon Alley, now filled with curious onlookers and journalists furiously jotting down in their notebooks. As they walked, Lucius maintained his head held high, trying to project a calm he clearly did not feel. He knew his life was about to become even more complicated, but he tried to maintain an unshakable expression.