Lost And Found

THE SEARCH

A huge shadow of unwelcome anticipation loomed over the already troubled family.

As there was a second knock at the door, Draco Malfoy turned to Dobby and asked urgently, "What are you talking about? Who have come?"

But instead of answering, the frightened creature carried out his frantic search and kept on muttering, "It is not here in this room then... I can't find it... Oh, no... Bad Dobby! Bad... Bad Dobby! Can't help the master in his dang-"

"Enough!" shouted Draco, "Stop this instance. Look at me and answer my questions. Who are knocking at the door? What do they want?"

Dobby was full of tears now. He looked at his master. His naturally big eyes were bigger than ever and he whispered, "The Aurors have come, Master Malfoy. There is a big conspiracy going on. Someone has-"

But before he could finish the sentence, there was another loud knock at the door and someone shouted from outside, "Open the door now or we'll have no option but to break into your house!"

Draco drew his wand out and said to Harry before rushing towards the hallway leading to the main doors, "Take Hermione and the children somewhere safe. I'll deal with this."

But Harry stopped him on his track.

"It would be best if I go out there and ask them the reason they are here. That would be well into my rights as the head of Aurors. Meanwhile, you take Hermione and the children somewhere safe and try to find out whatever information Dobby has."

"I won't be hiding behind the curtains when you go out to save the day, Potter. This is my home, my life, my family. I will take care of it."

"If you've forgotten, Malfoy, your wife is my family too. She is my best friend and like my sister."

"That is the exact reason why I gave you the responsibility to keep her safe! I say again, Potter, we don't have time. Take Hermione somewhere-"

"Safe! I know!", shouted Hermione, "The tiny point the both of you seem to forget is that Hermione is present in this room, fully conscious and aware of your conversation!"

Draco's expression became soft.

He said, "Hermione, your safety is my primary concern. I don't want you to go anywhere near any danger, especially in your present condition..."

Harry nodded in agreement.

Hermione looked at them with an expression that told clearly that no argument would be fruitful against her determination.

"Listen, you two," she said, "I am no damsel in distress. I am a war veteran, an Order of Marlin, first class. Memory or no memory, I am more than capable to defend myself and if need be, attack the opponent. Harry, take the children to your home. Keep them safe. Draco and I will go meet the Aurors."

Seeing there was neither time nor scope for further argument, both the men agreed with her.

Harry quickly left the room to collect the Malfoy children and the couple marched towards the front door, wands ready at their sleeves.

When they reached near the huge oak door, they could hear the impatient voice from outside.

Draco hold Hermione's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, squared his shoulders, hardened his gaze and with a swish of his wand the front door opened.

A group of gravely looking Aurors were standing outside the door.

"Draco Malfoy?" One of them, who looked like the leader, asked authoritatively.

"Yes. And may I have the pleasure to know whom I am talking to?"

"Dalton Tewksbury, head of the Five Alpha task force of Aurors. I have search warrant to search the Malfoy Manor."