Chapter 32 - Night Dilemma (1/2)
The evening grows dark as a certain Scottish Auror waits in the shadows having expertly transfigured himself with the face of a local to expertly cover his tracks. His informant had already led him to a small village on the outskirts of a small town. Auror Alastor Moody quietly waits in the dark of the night until finally, he spots several hooded figures emerge from the village and disperse.
Alastor stays put as he waits and waits as the minutes trickle slowly by until at last four hooded figure emerge and escort the fifth figure away. Alastor reaches for his wand and halts as he instantly recalls the handwritten warning on Rowan's note. ”Tom Riddle may or may not be able to sense bloodlust much like that of a snake. You must take caution and not be hasty in your endeavors. But may I suggest you get one or two helping hands...”
Alastor's cursed at himself as he reluctantly withdraws his hand and watches them vanish into the dark horizon. Certain of their disappearance, Alastor reflexively reaches for his wand and apparated back to the outskirts of the Ministry of Magic.
With narrowed eyes, Alastor marches through the front doors to glance around to find the Ministry as usual at this late hour is largely empty. The main lobby floor is level eight the Atrium, as there are right and left, large gilded fireplaces connected to the Floo Network are now rather quiet. Occasionally the right-hand gilded fireplace lights up as a straggling witch or wizard departs for the night.
Alastor marches across the tile floor as the peacock blue ceiling has symbols moving across it. The glistening Fountain of Magical Brethren lies halfway down the Atrium as a group of golden statues, depicting a wizard, a witch, a centaur, a goblin, and a house-elf, spout water into the surrounding pool of water. Alastor doesn't even pause to glance at the fountain as his gaze is locked on the golden gates. Next to the gates at a stand sits a tired poorly shaved man in peacock blue robes, who tiredly yawns, Eric Munch.
Alastor nods at Eric Munch as he shows him his badge. ”No rest for the weary, aye?” Alastor commented.
”Aye, tis wasn't my turn for the night watch, but Simian called in sick. And blimey, now here I am,” Munch grumbled. Munch waves Alastor through as Munch returns to tiredly resting his eyes for a minute or two.
Alastor moves past the open golden gate into the small second hall to the lifts. Alastor steps into the empty lift and heads down to the 2nd floor, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. As usual, at this time in the evening, there is still one or two late-night owls at the office with the two Auror's on duty.
Alastor marches into an open shared area of the Aurors. Typically, this cluttered area would be full of the buzzing of chatter, laughter, and memo's zooming in and out like miniature rockets. A lopsided sign on the nearest cubicle reads, AUROR HEADQUARTERS. The cubicle walls are covered with everything from pictures of wanted wizards and photographs of their families to posters of their favorite Quidditch teams, and articles from the Daily Prophet.
On duty for tonight are Fabian and Gideon Prewett. Crimson hair and a rather large nose, Fabian glances up from the wizarding chessboard as Alastor Moody slams the door shut behind him. Gideon on the hand, quite the handsome fellow rebelliously crossed his arms over his broad chest leaning back into his seat. ”Do you need something, Auror Moody?” Fabian quietly asked.
”I need your help,” Alastor grudgingly said.
Fabian and Gideon stare at each other in astonishment. ”Forgive me, Auror Moody, but you never take partners,” Fabian stammered.
Much more suspicious, Gideon narrows his eyes and says, ”What exactly have you gotten yourself into Alastor Moody that you need our help?”
”If I tell you, you need to swear an unbreakable vow of silence on the subject,” Alastor growled.
Gideon and Fabian's eyes widen at the severity in Auror Moody's voice. ”If we do, what will this condone?” Gideon cautiously asked.
”Everything,” Alastor truthfully stated.
”We'll trust you, this time,” Fabian replied, after a shared look and nod with Gideon. Gideon and Fabian each take turns as serving as the witness as they vow to maintain a vow of silence on the subject to be spoken about that even on the pain of death itself, they would never break their vows.
”Now, what is this about?” Gideon finally said.
”Not here,” Alastor grunted and motioned them to follow them back to his highly secure safehouses.