Disclaimer - I don't own any character.
"Good evening, Aurors," began Edward 'Teddy' Lupin, the Head Auror. His voice was steady but serious as it echoed in the quiet room. "Today, we need to address the alarming rise in crimes in our country, targeting wizards." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "So far, five people have been attacked, and none have survived. There's been no evidence left at the scenes."
The room fell silent, the ticking of a clock punctuating the tension. Teddy took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm assembling a new team for this mission." His face was drawn with the weight of responsibility as he read out the names. "Auror Leon McLaggen, Auror Zoe Carter, Auror Nathan Cadwallader, Auror Rufus Alderton, and Auror Rose Weasley." A flicker of emotion crossed Teddy's face when he mentioned Rose's name. "You five will lead this investigation," he added, his voice softening. "You'll have support from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, which will assign one of their agents to work alongside you. Additionally," he paused, "a Magizoologist with considerable experience will join your team. Meet them tomorrow on Level Four, at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."
Teddy sighed, the gravity of the situation evident. "Thank you for your time. That's all for now."
As the room began to empty, only Rose Weasley remained. She approached Teddy with a small smile. "Thanks for including me in this mission," she said, her eyes sparkling with determination.
Teddy groaned, running a hand through his hair. "I don't understand why you're always so eager to jump into danger. Do you have a death wish, Rose? You constantly volunteer for the most hazardous assignments." His voice softened, but the concern in his eyes deepened. "Uncle Ron is going to kill me for this. He made me promise to keep you out of cases like this after the Rookwood incident. Now you're pestering me to get involved in another one. What am I supposed to tell him?"
Rose chuckled, nudging him playfully. "Oh, come on, Teddy. Just tell them the seniors recommended me because of my experience and, of course, my knowledge. It makes sense, doesn't it?"
Teddy sighed heavily. "You're going to drive me mad, Rose. But… I suppose you always manage to survive, don't you?"
"Exactly!" Rose grinned. "I've got this."
"Whatever," Teddy muttered, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He knew there was no stopping her.
"Anyway, about the others joining your team tomorrow. We don't know much yet, do we?" Rose asked, driving their attention back to the mission.
Teddy shook his head. "Nope, nothing. We'll have to wait until tomorrow. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures loves their little secrets. Even the Head Auror can't get anything out of them."
Rose laughed lightly. "Well, I guess we'll find out soon enough." With that, they left the room, ready to face whatever awaited them.
The next day, Teddy Lupin and the group of Aurors arrived on Level Four of the Ministry of Magic. Awaiting them was Lorcan Scamander, a member of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He greeted them with his usual enthusiasm and led them down a winding corridor to a secure room deep within the department.
"This place is completely secure," Lorcan exclaimed, pride shining in his voice. "I think it will be perfect for the work ahead."
Teddy, sensing the nerves among the team, stepped forward. "We've got our own secured rooms in the Auror Office. I think we'll be more comfortable working from there."
But Lorcan wasn't easily deterred. "Lupin," he began, excitement dancing in his eyes, "this is the most significant mission our department has seen in years. We want to help in every way possible. Your department always gets the big cases, and this one is special for us. Let us have this honor." He chuckled, though the Aurors remained unconvinced.
"He's a little too excited about all this, isn't he?" Zoe whispered to Rose.
Rose nodded slightly, sharing her teammate's unease. She scanned the room, her gaze landing on the familiar faces gathered around her. The atmosphere was charged with tension, but she focused on her companions.
Lorcan Scamander, son of Rolph and Luna Scamander, stood nearby. His dreamy, big eyes mirrored those of his mother, sparkling with a hint of mischief that was both endearing and comforting. Rose had known Lorcan for years; their families were intertwined through shared adventures and friendships.
Next to Rose was Zoe Carter, a striking witch with long, straight black hair cascading down her back. Her blue eyes sparkled with charm, and she was often regarded as the prettiest Auror in the department. Zoe had a way of flirting effortlessly, her playful smile disarming many. Though she was never rude to Rose, an inexplicable dislike simmered beneath the surface, a feeling Rose couldn't quite place.
Nathan Cadwallader, brother of Lucas Cadwallader from Rose's year at Hogwarts, lingered nearby. Unlike his older brother, Nathan was quiet and somewhat reserved. He often seemed eager to please, but his shyness made him an enigma to Rose, who appreciated sincerity but found it difficult to connect with him.
Rufus Alderton, a seasoned Auror around Teddy's age, commanded respect with his extensive experience. He had embarked on numerous missions throughout his career, earning a reputation as a capable and pleasant person. However, his aggression could sometimes bubble to the surface, revealing a fierceness that startled Rose, especially in high-stakes situations.
Leon McLaggen, son of Cormac McLaggen, stood with an air of arrogance that made Rose bristle. He was self-assured and bossy, often strutting around as if he owned the place. To be honest, he was Rose's least favorite Auror, his overbearing nature grating on her nerves.
Then there was Teddy, standing at the front with Lorcan. His hair, usually vibrant and messy, appeared darker than usual, a subtle nod to the gravity of the situation they faced. Seeing him like this brought a flicker of warmth to Rose's heart, easing the tension in the air.
Before she could think further, Lorcan straightened up and made an announcement. "Our special agent—the Magizoologist who will be joining us—should be here any moment now." His eyes flickered toward the door as it creaked open.
"And here he is."
All heads turned to see the expert they would be working with. Rose's heart stopped as she caught sight of platinum blond hair entering the room. A wave of shock and disbelief washed over her, and she felt her knees weaken. This had to be a mistake.
It couldn't be him
Not after seven years.
No… not him! Not now!
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the story. Sorry for the mistakes. Please review.