Author: 
alisanne
Title: Knockturn Alley Patrol
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco, (Ron Weasley/Daphne Greengrass, Theo Nott/Hermione Granger, Severus Snape/Andromeda Black - implied).
Summary: Responsibility weighs heavily on Draco Malfoy's shoulders as he completes his Auror training. He plans to redeem his family name, do his sworn duty, and create a new life for himself. It doesn't help, however, that his new partner is the one man who could be his undoing: Harry Potter.
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warning(s): AU, EWE, violence, some depictions of the seedier side of life (but nothing too graphic).
Epilogue compliant? Ahahahahaha! Er, no. :)
Word Count: +/- 18,500 total
Author's Notes: Written for the 2012 
hd_holidays fest as a gift for papered.
What can I say? This fic fought me at every turn, but, with the help of my friends, specifically sassy_cissa, lilyseyes, emynn and sevfan, it all came together. A special thank you to the mods for all their work and to the participants and readers/viewers of the fest. You all rock! ♥
~
Knockturn Alley Patrol
~
“It’s certainly a daring plan.”
Narcissa allowed herself a small smile before composing her expression and turning to face her expected visitor. “Severus. Good to see you. And to what are you referring?”
Severus, looking austere in his black robes, entered the room. He should wear more colour, Narcissa thought absently. A nice blue, perhaps, or some deep red. How else will he attract the right woman--?
“Lucius sends his regards,” Severus said, chasing all other thoughts from Narcissa’s head. “He also told me about what you mentioned in your last letter.”
“He received it, then? How is he?” Narcissa asked, rising to her feet. “Are they feeding him enough? Did he get the change of robes I sent? He has a tendency to get dragon pox if he’s too cold. Have they said when they’ll allow family visitors? Any word on when he may be released--?”
Severus held up a hand, forestalling the rest of her questions. “He seems fine. He sent a message that he claimed should answer all of your questions and concerns.” Reaching into his robes, he extracted a vial. Inside swirled the unmistakable silvery threads of an extracted memory. Severus smirked. “He did warn that I should allow you some...privacy to view these.”
Narcissa blushed. “Thank you, Severus,” she said with as much dignity as she could muster. Collecting the vial, she slipped it into her own robes. Thank Merlin for Severus. But for him and his position I’d have no way to contact Lucius. “Would you like to stay for tea?”
“Thank you, I believe I shall.” Folding his thin form into a chair, he inclined his head. “If only so you can tell me that you’re alone in this mad plan to rehabilitate the Malfoy name.”
Sighing, Narcissa summoned a house-elf. After placing her order for tea, she settled in her own chair. “I think you’ll agree that in the aftermath of the war, our family’s future is proving...concerning.”
Displaying his customary tact, Severus held her gaze, refraining from looking around at the less than impeccable surroundings. The Dark Lord’s protracted stay had certainly not done the decor any favours. “I had noticed, yes,” he said, tone gentle.
Head held high, Narcissa continued. “Our fortunes have waxed and waned over the centuries, but one thing has remained constant. Blacks never give up.”
“Don’t you mean Malfoys?” Severus asked.
“I mean Blacks,” Narcissa said firmly. “And make no mistake, Draco is a Black. It’s in his blood.”
“I wasn’t aware that we were discussing Draco,” Severus said.
“Everything I do is for Draco. Everything.” Narcissa paused as Bippy appeared with tea and sandwiches, and resumed speaking when they were once again alone. She hadn’t forgotten that it was a house-elf that had manoeuvred Harry Potter’s daring escape from their home. She would never ignore them again. “It’s too late for me and for Lucius, that ship has sailed, but Draco...he still has a chance.”
“A chance for what?”
“To redeem his name,” Narcissa whispered. “To not be associated with the taint that the Dark Lord left on our family and our world.”
Severus nodded. “It’s a worthy goal. I think he shall have to manage that for himself, however. He’s made a good start by picking an admirable career.”
“Agreed.” Leaning down, Narcissa prepared the perfect cup of tea for Severus before handing it to him. “But there’s no reason I cannot encourage him, help him. After all, a mother’s perspective can be...invaluable.”
Severus pursed his lips. “And that’s where this...plan of yours comes in?”
Narcissa smiled faintly. “You think I’m mad, don’t you?”
Severus sipped his tea.
She laughed. “You always were diplomatic when it suited you. Well perhaps you’re right, perhaps I am. I still think this is the only way Draco will be able to get anywhere in this new world order, however.”
Severus inclined his head. “Some would say that him applying to, and having been accepted by, the Auror corps is enough of a new start for a Malfoy.” He smirked. “Or even a Black.”
“I don’t think so.” Narcissa helped herself to a sandwich. “No. Draco must make an advantageous bonding. And there’s only one match that will do. Draco must marry Harry Potter.”
Severus shook his head. “As I tried to tell Lucius when he told me what your plan was, that is impossible. Draco hates Potter and the feeling is entirely mutual. Narcissa, they regularly tried to kill each other in school! And, in the last year he was there, Potter almost succeeded. Had it not been for my direct and timely intervention--”
“Youthful high-jinx,” Narcissa said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “What’s important now is that they both work at the Ministry and that there is the potential for...contact of a non-antagonistic nature. I’m sure that with the right incentive, Draco can make himself into the perfect partner for Potter. And marrying the saviour of the wizarding world will be just the thing to redeem our...his name.”
Severus coughed. “Have you told him of this plan?”
Narcissa blinked. “Of course not! I know my son quite well, Severus. If I made any suggestion regarding his personal life he’d do the complete opposite. No, I plan to be discreet about this.”
Severus sighed. “Marriage isn’t the answer to everything, Narcissa. And I believe Draco is too busy making himself over to worry about partnering with anyone. The Auror training program is rather brutal, especially since Kingsley became Minister and insisted on...tinkering with it.” He rolled his eyes.
“I’m aware, and perhaps Draco’s not anxious to find a mate right now, but I believe he’ll find life is better with a partner. And I believe that’s true for everyone, in fact.” She straightened her shoulders. “In fact... I’m hosting a small dinner party for Christmas Eve. Are you free?”
“Possibly. What are you plotting now?” Severus asked suspiciously, hands curling around his teacup. “I’m not interested in being matched with some random female if that’s your intent--”
“Of course not.” Narcissa pursed her lips. “It’s just going to be me and Draco.” She smirked. “And Andromeda. I simply thought we needed a fourth to round out the numbers.”
“Andromeda?” Looking away, Severus began peering intently into his teacup as if studying its contents. “Isn’t she...busy raising her grandchild, Lupin’s...infant?”
“Teddy, yes. And he’s a toddler.”
Severus nodded. “Surely he should be considered a guest to keep the numbers even?”
Narcissa hid her smile. I was right! I always thought he always had a certain glint in his eye when he looked at Bella. Of course she was mad, so...Andie’s perfect for him. “Mmhm. Although he hardly counts, being a toddler. This is to be an adult dinner. So...seven?”
Severus’ lips thinned. “I--”
“It would be a big favour.”
Severus sighed. “Very well.”
Feeling satisfied, Narcissa leaned back in her chair. “Excellent. And, Severus? Draco trusts you. Perhaps if you said something to him about his future--”
Severus raised an eyebrow. “I hardly feel that’s my place.”
“Who else’s place is it? You’re his godfather, and with Lucius unavailable--” Narcissa’s voice caught. She was definitely not above a bit of acting for the right cause. Dabbing at her eyes with a lace handkerchief, she continued, voice thick. “He trusts you implicitly.” She leaned forward. “And I would take it as another personal favour.”
Severus sighed, his expression long-suffering. “I’ll see what I can do,” he finally said.
“Thank you.” Rising, Narcissa started for the door. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must closely examine Lucius’ message. You’re welcome to stay of course--”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be on my way. I should return to the Department.” Severus stood and, after a courtly bow, started for the Floo.
“Severus? One more thing.”
He paused, his back to her. “Yes?”
“I think you should wear blue to Christmas dinner.”
Severus turned to face her. “Is that so?”
Narcissa smiled. “Yes. It’s Andromeda’s favourite colour.”
Severus glared. It did nothing to hide his blush. “I shall...consider it.”
“Please do.”
~
As he ran in a zigzag pattern across the field, dodging hexes, Draco aimed his wand behind him and executed a complicated twisting motion that two weeks prior he hadn’t even been aware was possible. Something exploded behind him and he grinned.
He was sweating; the Auror duelling program was beyond gruelling, but he could see the need for it. Just because Voldemort was gone did not mean that all Darkness had been lifted.
There was a second small explosion behind him as the time-delayed hex he’d cast kicked in, followed by a Robards’ voice crying, “Halt!”
Draco dropped and rolled behind a hedge, panting, still on guard. He didn’t believe a session was over until Robards himself showed his face and told him to stand down. He’d learned that lesson three weeks before when he’d dropped his guard too early and had promptly been knocked on his arse.
“It’s all right, Cadet Malfoy. The session really is complete,” came a new, calm voice. “Stand down.”
Still cautious, Draco stuck his head out from behind the bush, wand still gripped tightly in his hand. Immediately upon spotting Minister Shacklebolt, however, he holstered his wand. “Minister,” he said, surprised. Standing up, he brushed the dust and grime off his robes and tried not to panic. He hadn’t expected to see the Minister, and was hardly dressed for the occasion. Remember when you used to be a vain little peacock? he thought as he watched Robards and Shacklebolt carefully. Those days are certainly over. To be honest, Draco didn’t miss his younger self one whit.
Shacklebolt nodded as if approving of what he saw. “That was very good. Well done. This was your final practical test, actually. We don’t need to see any more.”
Draco went cold all over. He’d known that the final Auror practical test was often unannounced, just administered randomly, but he hadn’t been expecting it quite so...soon. “It was? You don’t?” He blinked, his eyes darting briefly towards Robards. “So what does that mean? Did I...pass?”
“I told you he wouldn’t believe it unless you told him straight out.” As Robards smiled and clapped him on his shoulder, Draco gaped briefly. That was the first positive emotion Draco had ever seen his trainer publicly exhibit.
Shacklebolt nodded. “If that is the case then I’ll be clear. Yes, Auror Malfoy, you passed. Quite handily in fact, and in record time. In fact, you may even be top of your class in active combat. Congratulations.”
Floored, Draco closed his eyes for a moment. He hadn’t let himself hope that he’d actually succeed. He certainly hadn't been a popular member of his training group. For a brief second Draco wondered if Potter had already passed, too, then he dismissed the thought. No doubt he sailed through. “Thank you, sir.”
“Don’t thank me, you did all the work.”
When Draco opened his eyes, Shacklebolt was smiling at him and Robards was already walking away. No doubt to terrorise some other poor cadet, Draco thought, bemused.
“He’s a terror, yes, but he gets results. And he’s tough on his cadets because he knows that if he’s easy on them, it may get them killed later on when they’re out in the field.”
Draco flushed and redoubled his Occlumency shields. “Sir?”
Shacklebolt laughed. “Don't worry, you weren’t leaking. The expression on your face just said everything.”
Taking a deep breath, Draco tried to get a handle on his emotions. Salazar, I’m an Auror! “Sorry, sir, it’s just a bit...overwhelming.”
“I’ll forgive it this one time given the extenuating circumstances,” Shacklebolt said, tone dry. “After all, as of this moment, you’re an Auror, one of us. The ceremony will come later, but this is always the moment I remember, when my trainer told me I’d made it.”
Draco nodded. He understood what Shacklebolt meant. Badges and uniforms were for show. Being told he was good enough by his instructors...that was the moment he’d really been waiting for.
Shacklebolt smiled as if aware of Draco’s thoughts. “Walk with me, please.”
They started for the changing rooms, Draco glad to be moving. He’d begun to stiffen up while standing there.
“Planning to hit the showers after this?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good, you could probably use a bit of hot water after that workout. I’ll let you go in a moment, but I just needed to speak with you about a...special project.”
With effort, Draco kept his face expressionless, but inside he was exhilarated. He’d heard that there was a special project brewing, of course; there had been rumours swirling for months. No one knew any details, though, and every one of Draco’s discreet inquiries had gone nowhere. “Sir?”
“As you’re aware, there were a lot of atrocities committed during the war, many of them against Muggles. To tell you the truth, the Obliviators have had quite a time tracking people down and modifying their memories.”
Draco went cold. I hope he doesn’t think I have inside information on that. “I’d heard that,” he said, tone carefully blank.
“Rumour even had it that some Death Eaters became Obliviators and roamed the countryside terrorising Muggles.”
Draco nodded. “I’d heard that, too, although I never heard anything confirmed.” He sighed bitterly. “I wasn’t in the inner circle.”
“Well, if you had been, you probably wouldn’t be here now,” Shacklebolt pointed out. “You’d have been Marked and would be languishing in Azkaban.”
Draco relaxed. “True.”
“Anyway, I established a committee to look into how they were conducting themselves, and after some deliberation, and I believe because of...popular opinion, that committee recommended I disband the Obliviators.”
Draco frowned. He remembered the uproar that recommendation had caused in the public. “But...I thought they were reinstated.”
“No, I just stopped talking about it and people...forgot.” Shacklebolt smiled. “They may even have been encouraged to forget.”
“Ah.” Draco coughed. One of the prerogatives of being Minister? “But then who’s maintaining the Statute of Secrecy?”
“Hence the reason for our current conversation, Auror Malfoy. I’m putting together a special team to replace them. A secret team. Auror trained, they will be responsible for maintaining the Statute of Secrecy and guarding our world from discovery by those who should never know about magic,” said Shacklebolt. “The Obliviators were loose canons. The people replacing them will have to report to me.”
“So how will they be different from the Obliviators?” Draco asked.
“Because members of this team will be allowed an unusual amount of...discretion. They will be sent out in pairs to locate any Muggles who may have been exposed to magic during the war, or who suddenly start manifesting magical abilities, particularly any who may have suffered traumatic exposure to Dark magic. Once those people are found, the members of this team will also be able to decide whether or not to allow those Muggles to retain those memories or to Obliviate them.”
Draco’s eyes narrowed. “Why’s that even a question? Why not just Obliviate them all? Isn’t it dangerous to leave any Muggles with magical memories?”
“That is a good question. Let me ask you one. Are you familiar with Hermione Granger?”
Draco’s steps faltered. He was sure that Shacklebolt was quite familiar with his file, and he definitely wasn’t the sort who forgot what he’d read. He answered carefully, tone neutral. “We attended Hogwarts together, yes, Minister.” As I’m sure you know.
“So you’re aware of what transpired between her and her parents at the beginning of what would have been her seventh year there?”
Draco swallowed hard. He knew the story well. He’d overheard Weasley discussing it with Potter one day during training. The moment Weasley had spotted Draco and realised he could have overheard, a threat had followed in which Weasley had instructed Draco to keep quiet about it if he wanted to keep his teeth. As if I would have said anything anyway? It was a brilliant move, worthy even of a Slytherin. I’m not sure I could have done it, though. He nodded. “It’s my understanding that she...Obliviated them to protect them from the Dark...from Voldemort’s possible retribution.”
Shacklebolt nodded. “And she did a very thorough job, too. They still reside in Australia, and while they are now aware that she is their daughter, she remains a bit of an abstract concept for them.”
“That’s why she went into Mind Healing, isn’t it?” Draco asked, intuition kicking in. “To try to restore more of their memories.”
Shacklebolt inclined his head. “Quite possibly. You have excellent instincts. Now tell me this. If Obliviators had encountered them before she had found them, what would they have done?”
Draco blinked. “Well, the trace of magic she used on them would have been obvious. Any Obliviator would know that they had some connection to magic, since it would have left a mark on them, so I suppose they would try to...Obliviate them again?” His eyes widened as the consequences of that action occurred to him.
“That was in their charter,” Shacklebolt agreed, sighing. “And as you can no doubt guess, that could cause irreparable harm to a psyche. Especially a psyche one hopes to restore.”
“But no one would try to do that,” Draco said. “Not to a relative of Granger’s. She’s a war hero--”
“What about the ordinary Muggles out there who aren’t related to war heroes?” Shacklebolt asked, tone dry. “What is their recourse?”
Shacklebolt’s long legs had made Draco have to push himself a bit to keep up, and by the time they arrived at the changing rooms he was much less stiff. “I--I don’t know.”
“You would be their recourse, Malfoy.” Shacklebolt smiled. “You and your partner. Which is why you would have discretion to decide what to do in each situation, although of course I would expect periodic reports.”
Draco nodded. It made sense, although-- “We’ll have to come up with a way to continue to track them,” he said, mind working furiously. “And maybe a compulsion, so that, while they may still retain the memories, they wouldn’t be able to babble about magic to anyone. Except maybe to a witch or wizard.”
Shacklebolt nodded, clearly satisfied. “Yes. And I can see that you’re already considering all the ramifications. Good. So, you accept?”
Draco didn’t hesitate. “Yes, sir. Absolutely.” He hadn’t been sure what sort of assignment he’d get from the DMLE. As an almost Death Eater it would probably have been someone’s idea of a fun joke to assign him to Azkaban to guard his father. He shivered.
“Excellent.” Shacklebolt extended his hand, Draco clasping it and shaking it briskly. “I’ve already decided on your partner, too.”
Draco nodded. “And just who is that, sir?” he asked, poised to enter the changing room. He was eagerly anticipating his hot shower, followed by some stretching. Maybe I’ll even have a brandy tonight. I think I’ve earned it.
“I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I think there’s only one person that would do,” Shacklebolt continued. “He’s very interested. The only issue is that you and he have a bit of a...history.”
Draco shivered again, alarms going off in his head. “And who’s that?”
“Harry Potter.”
Draco almost groaned. Well fuck. Of course. “Ah.”
“I’m aware of your rocky past relationship with him, but from what I’ve seen of you over the past few months of training, I firmly believe you can overcome that obstacle.” Shacklebolt turned on his heel. “I’ll meet you in Robards’ office tomorrow at eight for your briefing. Potter will be there, too. Good evening, Auror. And...congratulations.”
“Thank you, sir,” Draco muttered, pushing open the door to the changing room. “Brilliant, sir,” he whispered once alone. Of course I’m getting my biggest opportunity to succeed and to fail all at the same time. How...typical. Then, with a sigh, he went into the showers. Don’t despair quite yet, said a voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like Severus Snape. It’s always possible that Potter will refuse.
Draco snorted as he stripped and began soaping himself. Not a chance. Saint Potter will be sure to agree, if only to prove his Gryffindor courage. It just means that I’ll have to make it work. No matter what. He smirked despite himself. After all, Slytherin cunning still trumps your average Gryffindor any day. And he ignored the voice in his head that tried to remind him that Potter was anything but average.
~
“Malfoy?” Ron huffed. “Bloody hell, mate, you’re not serious. Of all the possible partners to stick you with, why’d it have to be him? That’s--”
“That’s what Robards said,” Harry interrupted.
“But why you?” Ron whinged.
Harry looked up from his Auror handbook. “And I repeat, because Robards said so. And he said that came directly from Kingsley himself.”
Ron’s mouth fell open. “Wow, really?”
“Really.” Harry shrugged. “And no matter how nice he’s been to me, I’m not about to argue with the Minister for Magic. After all, I’m just a newly minted Auror, and I’d bet he can still kick my arse with very little effort on his part.”
“Newly minted Aurors are still Aurors, though!” For about the fourth time that day, Ron’s hand went to his shiny DMLE badge. He patted it fondly. Harry wondered if he’d polish it every night. “And don’t expect me to be happy about it since it means we don’t get to be partners. And I guess that means you’ll be sharing a desk with him and not me.”
Harry knew that was the real crux of the matter. “Probably. But you never know. Things may change later. Plus, this is Malfoy we’re talking about. He may decide to refuse to work with me on principle.”
Ron blinked. “After what he and his family did in the war? He wouldn’t dare!”
“We all did things in the war we’re not proud of, Ron,” Harry reminded him.
“Not like him!” Ron huffed. “Plus, they had sodding Voldemort living in their house.”
Harry sighed. “Yes, something that I’m sure was a complete delight and not terrifying at all.”
Ron looked sheepish. “Yeah, well--’” He huffed. “Fine! Just be careful, all right? And if he does anything...strange, call for backup.”
Harry laughed. “Since he’s my partner he’ll be my backup.” Holding up a hand, he tried to forestall any more arguments. “Look, all I can do is say that since Kingsley wants us together on this one, I’m going to give it my best shot.”
Ron sighed. “I hear he did really well in the program--”
“Well?” Harry raised an eyebrow. “He was top of the class, Ron. And before you say it, he couldn’t have cheated.”
“Yeah, yeah!” Ron waved his hand. “I never doubted he was smart, but I just dunno if I trust him to watch my back. Or yours.”
Harry shrugged. “Kingsley does,” he said simply. “Robards does, too. Which means I owe it to them to at least have an open mind.” He grinned. “Plus, why are you complaining? You get to work with Greengrass. I’ve seen how you’ve been eyeing her.”
Ron blushed. “Hey, I’m not married yet or anything! I can look.”
“Don’t let Hermione hear you say that,” Harry warned.
“She’s very understanding,” Ron said with a smirk.
Harry chuckled. “Maybe, but she may decide that she can look, too.”
Ron’s eyes widened. “She wouldn’t.”
“I don’t see why not.” Harry bit back a grin. “Say, isn’t she in that advanced Unspeakable program with Theo Nott? And wasn’t he just voted ‘most handsome bachelor under thirty’ by Witch Weekly?”
Ron huffed. “Oi! Not funny, mate. Imagine if your childhood sweetheart--” He frowned, clearly recalling all Harry’s unfortunate school crushes. “Hm, never mind. Just take it from me. That is not funny.” He paused. “You get Witch Weekly?”
Harry coughed. “Just for the articles.”
Ron rolled his eyes.
Chuckling, Harry patted his shoulder. “Anyway, I suppose you’re right. I shouldn’t tease.” But as he turned away to continue reading the Auror handbook, the smile faded from Harry’s face. He wasn’t sure he’d ever really be in love but he did know he wanted a real commitment with someone. What he’d had with Ginny hadn’t been love, or even a crush, just hero worship on her part and deep friendship on his. And, despite trying, he couldn’t seem to find anyone who he cared about more than as just a friend. For minutes his eyes scanned the words on the parchment in front of him, but he absorbed nothing.
“So I wonder what our assignments will be?” Ron asked several minutes later, tossing aside his handbook.
Careful not to look at him, Harry said, “Malfoy and I get ours tomorrow morning, actually.”
“Already? Bloody hell. You’ll probably get some choice assignment,” Ron said. “Can’t stick Harry Potter in the shit job after all.”
Harry snorted. “Sure they can. In fact, that would make the most sense so they could prove there’s no favouritism.”
“Maybe.” Ron shook his head. “Still, if they put you someplace horrid, what sort of chance of a good assignment do I have?”
Harry laughed. “I think you’ll be fine, mate.”
Ron sighed. “We’ll see.” Checking his watch, a gift from his parents for having successfully finished the Auror training course, he winced. “Damn, I’m late! I promised Hermione I’d be downstairs to meet her by five.” Eyeing his handbook, he said, “Guess I’ll finish looking this stuff over another time. We have a week, right?”
“True,” Harry agreed.
“Perfect. See you tomorrow?” Ron started for the exit.
“Sure thing,” Harry said, waving.
Ron paused at the door. “Hey, you can join us. We’re meeting Neville and Luna for drinks at the Spotted Toad.”
Harry shook his head. “Thanks, but not tonight. Bill and Fleur are coming over to help me clean out some the last of Grimmauld Place’s Dark artefacts.”
“Oh right, Bill mentioned that.” Ron bit his lip. “You know, if you need us there we can postpone the drinks for another time--”
“No, go and have fun.” Harry grinned. “After all, who knows when you’ll be able to go drinking again once you get your assignment?”
Ron’s eyes widened. “Bloody hell, you’re right! I’m off!”
Shaking his head, Harry finished his handbook and, tracing the rune on the cover with his wand to signify acceptance, watched it glow brightly for a moment. Well, that’s it, he thought, standing and putting it away in his robes. I’ve read the rules and signed up. No turning back now. Malfoy or not, here I come.
~
Draco arrived at Robards’ office early that morning. Unfortunately, Potter was already there, having arrived even earlier. “Ah, come in, Malfoy,” Robards said, gesturing Draco inside. “You’re both punctual. Very good.”
Potter, who’d been sitting, stood up when Draco entered. Tense, Draco approached him. “Potter,” he murmured, extending his hand.
There was no hesitation. “Malfoy.” Potter’s hand was warm, his grip firm. “Looking forward to working with you.”
Draco raised an eyebrow. Potter actually seemed sincere. “Likewise,” he said.
Robards cleared his throat, causing both Potter and Draco to turn and face him. He smirked. “If you gentlemen are ready, I’ll give you your official assignment, and then I believe someone else has a...project for you.” Standing up, he handed each of them a folder. “When you’ve looked these over, you can meet your senior training officer in the main lobby. She’ll be orienting you today.”
“Who is it, sir?” Potter asked.
Robards smirked. “You’ll see soon enough. I believe you’ve met before. I would peruse your assignments if I were you.”
Draco had just started to open the folder when a muffled Apparition crack sounded behind him and he spun, wand in hand. Potter was just a hair behind him.
Shacklebolt inclined his head. “Good reflexes,” he said as they put away their wands.
Robards chuckled. “I’ll leave you all to it, then,” he said. As he walked past Shacklebolt, however, he held his hand out, and, groaning, Shacklebolt pressed a Galleon into his palm.
Shacklebolt sighed, shaking his head as Robards left. “He wagered that you’d both be on guard, even here in the Ministry.”
Potter smiled ruefully. “Sorry, sir, but I don’t think any of us will ever forget Moody’s lessons.”
Draco shivered. Moody’s memories, which had somehow been recovered after his death, had become mandatory viewing for all Auror cadets in training, and were educational to say the least. The man had been mad but totally dedicated to the DMLE. After perusing his memories, no Auror ever relaxed their vigilance, not even while alone.
“Your official assignment, according to those,” Shacklebolt nodded at the folders they were holding, “is Knockturn Alley patrol. And you will be expected to keep the peace there, make no mistake. However, you’re also now on special assignment from me. From time to time you’ll be receiving special...memos with coordinates. They will look like standard interdepartmental memos except they will be keyed to your eyes only, and they will disappear once you’ve read them.” He smiled as Draco’s eyebrows went up. “Let’s just say that Unspeakable technology is involved and leave it at that, shall we?”
Draco nodded. It wasn’t as if he needed to know more.
Kingsley seemed satisfied. “You’ll need to go, discreetly investigate, make any needed decisions, then return without creating any issues with the Muggles. Do you think you can do that?”
Draco nodded and shot a quick look at Potter, who replied, “Yes, sir.”
Shacklebolt smiled. “Excellent. And there’s just one more thing.”
“Sir?” Potter said.
“There are rumours of a...rogue Obliviator. Someone who’s been continuing to Obliviate people despite being removed from the job. Of course, he or she is an expert at Memory Charms, so before anyone has been able to turn them in they’ve...forgotten this person’s identity.”
Draco shivered. “Yes, I can see how that would be a problem.”
“I don’t want you to go after them unless you have backup and have told someone else their identity. Just report anything suspicious to me or Robards. You two only just started on the job, I don’t want to lose you this soon.”
Potter nodded. “We’ll be careful, sir.”
Shacklebolt looked satisfied. “Good. I’ll be in touch. Go and meet your senior officer now.”
Once outside the office, Draco hesitated. “Do you know who our senior officer is to be?”
Potter shook his head. “No idea. Makes sense we’ll need some orientation, though, since it’s our first day on patrol, and Knockturn has the reputation of being a bit rough.”
“Right.” Draco squared his shoulders. “Although, really, after everything we’re been through the last few months, how bad could it be?”
Potter groaned, shaking his head. “You’re joking, right?”
“What?” Draco asked.
Potter grinned. “Haven’t you learned yet never to ask that question?”
~
As they approached the lobby, Harry looked around, scanning for who could possibly be their senior officer. Why the mystery, I wonder?
“Harry!”
Turning, Harry saw who it was and he blinked. “Cho?”
“Yep.” She walked towards them. “I wondered when you’d get here.” She eyed Malfoy. “Hullo, Draco.”
“Cho.” Malfoy looked surprised and pleased, and for a moment, Harry wondered about their relationship. “It’s good to see you.”
“And you.” She grinned. “I requested to orient you two when I found out you were going to be assigned to patrol Knockturn since it’s my old beat.”
“Your old beat?” Harry blinked.
She nodded. “They didn’t tell you it was me, did they? I asked to surprise you two.”
“Ah.” Well I’m certainly surprised. Harry hadn’t thought they’d ended their relationship on an especially happy note. In fact, the last he’d seen of Cho, she’d been glaring at him as Ginny had dragged him away during the battle of Hogwarts. “It’s good to see you. I didn’t know you went into law enforcement.”
She shrugged. “I hadn’t planned on it, but I found I enjoyed fighting in the last battle and Kingsley was recruiting, so I thought I’d give it a shot. I’ve never looked back. Think you’re ready for Knockturn?”
Malfoy smiled faintly. “I’ve no idea,” he said. “Are we?”
Cho looked them both up and down. “Your uniforms look a tad too...new, but a couple days on the job will solve that. Right, did you look over your briefs?”
They both nodded.
She smirked. “Good. Now forget all of that. Nothing you see or do on the job will be covered by what’s in those folders. Patrolling Diagon Alley is a lot like Quidditch. There are loose rules but when you’re in the game, anything goes. And Knockturn is even worse. Come on, you’ll see.”
Harry exchanged a look with Malfoy before trotting off behind Cho. They walked into one of the Floos at the far end of the Ministry’s entrance lobby and, after a moment of disorientation, Harry emerged in a dank alleyway behind what looked like a shop. He held his breath as his nose was assaulted by a rank combination of urine, smoke and unwashed bodies.
“The location of this Ministry entrance point changes daily,” Cho informed them as she led the way out into the street. “It doesn’t do to let the folk around here know where you’re coming in.”
“How will we know?” Malfoy asked.
She smirked. “You won’t. But since you can Disapparate from wherever you like in here, that’s hardly a problem. Don’t worry, the entrance point is always someplace...discreet.”
“And pungent, apparently,” Malfoy muttered.
Harry grinned.
As they emerged into the alley proper, Harry looked around. The last time he’d been in Knockturn he’d followed Malfoy in. To his adult eyes it looked even seedier than he remembered, with skulking passersby and a sinister air of decay and danger. None of the shops looked especially inviting and Harry couldn’t imagine anyone mistakenly wandering in. Well, unless he’s a confused eleven-year-old who’s new to the wizarding world, he thought, recalling his accidental foray into the seedy location so many years before.
“Right,” Cho said briskly. “Let’s introduce you to the locals, then. You’ll need to make your own contacts, of course, but I can get you started.”
As they moved down the street, Harry could see why Cho had told them they were overdressed. The people in Knockturn were shabby for the most part, wearing patched robes and sour faces. Those who he could see, anyway. Many of them wore their hoods up and kept their faces hidden. And in between buildings and down alleyways, small groups of people were huddled together whispering.
“Why doesn’t the DMLE just shut this place down?” Harry asked softly as they walked. “I mean, it’s clear no legitimate commerce is going on down here.”
“Are you mad?” Cho snapped. “The DMLE would never shut this down. It’s seedy and yes, there’s plenty of illegal activity happening, but it’s happening where we know about it. What do you think would happen if we tried to eradicate it here--”
“They’d just move it elsewhere,” Malfoy said, tone matter-of-fact. “And we’d have to locate them again. At least this way we can keep an eye on things.”
Cho nodded approvingly. “And sometimes we can even use them to our advantage. There’s no better place to obtain information about less than savoury things that may be going on. In here.”
Harry blinked as Cho led the way inside a nondescript building. The outside had been dull, brown, the windows obscured. But inside was a different matter. Incense wafted through the air and the muted light was almost relaxing.
“Cho?” A heavily made-up woman walked into the entryway. Her outfit was on the shady side of decent for wearing in public, consisting of a diaphanous blouse that barely obscured her chest and tight trousers that left nothing to the imagination. Harry was pretty sure she had no knickers on. “Is that you?”
“Magenta!”
As the two women embraced, Harry exchanged a puzzled look with Malfoy, who was looking just as confused as he felt.
When Magenta disengaged finally from Cho, she cocked a hip, eyeing first Harry, then Malfoy with a speculative smirk. “Did you bring me new customers?”
Cho laughed. “Not exactly. These are the new DMLE patrol officers for Diagon Alley. I thought I’d bring them by and introduce them.” She smirked. “Try to break them in gently.”
“Hm.” Magenta gave them both a slow once-over, Harry shifting uncomfortably under her gaze. “Not that you boys asked, but my first suggestion would be to ditch the Auror robes.”
Malfoy inclined his head. “I’m sorry, Madam, no can do. Department rules, I’m afraid. People always have to know we’re law enforcement.”
Magenta shook her head, a smile playing about her bright red lips. Harry thought she could be quite pretty under all the paint. “Oh well, it was worth a try.”
Cho sighed, shaking her head. “You always tried to get me to leave off wearing my uniform, too, if I recall.”
“And did that work?” Malfoy asked.
Magenta laughed. “In one way you could say it did.”
Cho, her colour high, rolled her eyes. “Maybe you should just give us a tour.”
“Mm, I suppose I should before I give away any more...secrets.” Magenta winked at Harry before spinning on her heel. “Come on then, and see the place. If you’re good I may even introduce you to some of the others.”
“Others?” Harry mouthed at Malfoy, who shrugged.
They followed Magenta, who all but swaggered through a set of curtains at the end of the hallway. As he passed through, Harry felt a tingle before he emerged into a plush sitting area lined with couches and chaise lounges. There, displayed on a couple of the sofas, were people clad in even less than Magenta.
Harry blinked as it occurred to him where they were. Magenta and Cho were several steps ahead as, shaken, he turned to Malfoy. “Merlin, I think this is a--”
“Brothel?” Malfoy supplied, tone dry. “Yes, I can tell you’ve mastered the art of observation, Potter.”
Harry glared at him. “And I suppose you knew immediately?”
“Pretty quickly, yes.” Malfoy rolled his eyes. “Didn’t you see what Magenta was wearing? And honestly, who names their child ‘Magenta’? It’s clearly an assumed name.”
Harry shook his head. “But...why’d Cho bring us here? On our first day no less. Running a brothel is illegal!” he hissed.
A couple of the girls who were lounging looked up at Harry, who blushed.
Malfoy sighed. “Yes. And so am I to presume you want to arrest them all, bring them to justice?” he muttered, grabbing Harry’s arm and pulling him into a dark corner.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Harry sighed. “If we’re following the rule book, we should.”
“But we’re not following the book are we?” Malfoy raised an eyebrow. “At least not according to Kingsley.”
Harry crossed his arms. “That’s different.”
“Is it?” Malfoy pursed his lips. “I don’t think it is, actually. It seems to me that we’re going to encounter all sorts of situations where we have the discretion to either follow the book or go with our instincts.”
Harry sighed. “Fine. Let’s say you’re right and we ‘follow our instincts’. What do yours tell you about this situation?”
“Well, Cho clearly brought us here for a reason,” Malfoy said quietly. “She knows these people well, hell, she may even be friends with some of them. Anyway, it doesn’t look to me as if she’s planning any arrests at the moment.”
Harry glanced over to where Cho was engaged in a spirited, yet clearly friendly conversation with a woman in a transparent green dress that left little to the imagination. “Agreed.”
“I say we watch and see what goes on here.”
Harry smirked. “Now who’s being naive? I think we know exactly what goes on here.”
“Don’t be thick,” Malfoy snapped. “There are brothels and there are brothels. Does it look like they force the people here to do anything they don’t want to do? Do you see any children? Looks to me as if everyone who’s here wants to be here. So if it’s all consensual, who are we to say it shouldn’t happen?”
“So...what? We report some of the illegal activity that we see and not others?” Harry’s eyes narrowed. “We need to be consistent, Malfoy.”
“We need to be flexible,” Malfoy shot back. “What if gaining these people’s trust puts you in the position to hear about something truly heinous later on? Wouldn’t you rather know about that than this, which we all know is going to happen no matter what you or I do?”
“May I presume we’re safe from you calling down the entire might of the DMLE on us?” came a drawling voice.
Harry, who had been so focussed on arguing with Malfoy that he’d missed Magenta’s approach, winced. “Er--”
“We’re not going to report you, Magenta,” Malfoy said, his eyes daring Harry to disagree. “But we would like to be able to drop by on occasion and...chat.”
Magenta hummed, placing her hand on Malfoy’s sleeve and leaning her ample chest against him. She even batted her eyelashes. “Why of course, sugar. Just say the word.”
Malfoy coughed. “Er, not that kind of talk, I’m afraid.”
Tilting her head, Magenta regarded him carefully. “Hm. Well perhaps not with me, but you may like to have a conversation with Smoke. He gives a mean full body massage.” She nodded towards a handsome young man who was draped across a chaise lounge wearing nothing but what looked like a loincloth. When he saw them all staring at him, Smoke smiled and winked.
“Tempting,” Malfoy said, his gaze lingering.
Harry’s eyes narrowed. Was it his imagination, or did Malfoy sound a bit choked. And why does that possibility bother me?
“But no thank you,” Malfoy continued, finally looking away from ‘Smoke’.
Magenta smiled. “Well, it is only your first day I suppose. There’s time.”
“Are you two ready to go?” Cho appeared, looking impatient. “I need to get you out onto the street.”
“Yes,” Harry said, relieved. “We’re ready.”
“Goodbye, boys,” Magenta called after them as they exited. “Come back any time.”
Once out on the street, Harry breathed a bit easier.
“I imagine you’re wondering why I took you there,” Cho said.
“We were a bit curious, yes,” Malfoy said after shooting a warning look at Harry. “We presume there’s a reason you haven’t reported them, shut the place down.”
“There is,” Cho confirmed, her eyes constantly scanning as they walked. “As brothels go, that’s the best of the bunch. No drugs, no...forcing the employees to do anything they don’t want to do. No...kids. And it’s a wellspring of information. Magenta knows everything that happens in this alley.” She smiled. “And I think she likes you, so that works out.”
“So she’s your...informant?” Harry asked.
“You could say that she’s one of them, yes.” Cho’s eyes narrowed. “Damn, I knew we would be late.”
“Late?” Malfoy asked. “Late for what?”
“For that.” Cho nodded towards a group of people who were gathered around a shabby shop front. “He won’t start unless the street’s devoid of the law.”
“What’s going on?” Harry asked.
“Thievery.” Face set, Cho walked up to the group, pushing her way to the front. “Hullo, Willie. I thought we’d discussed your card tricks?”
“Auror Chang!” A mousy man with a mop of unruly brown hair and an oily smile stood up, extending his hand. “Fancy seeing you here! Interested in trying your luck today?”
“This, boys, is Wily Willie.” Cho glared at him, not shaking his hand. “Up to your old tricks I see.”
Willie bit his lip, his face twisting into what Harry assumed was his attempt at an innocent and injured look. It failed miserably. “I think you have the wrong impression about me, Auror! I’m just an honest businessman wot’s down on his luck.”
Cho snorted. “So you’ve decided to cheat some other...upstanding citizens out of theirs?” she asked.
The crowd, who, as far as Harry could see, was comprised of people who looked about as upstanding as Willie, all shuffled about looking guilty. Several of them began sidling away.
“Break it up before I get back,” Cho snapped, spinning on her heel.
Harry blinked. Cho was already halfway down the block before he caught up, Draco close on his heels. “Shouldn’t we arrest him?”
“Arrest Willie?” Cho laughed. “He’s just a low level criminal. He’s always on or around that corner trying to run some scam. He’s not worth arresting.” She whistled as she walked, waving at some people, most of whom waved back.
“I’m afraid I have to agree with Potter,” Malfoy chimed in. “Why aren’t we arresting that toe rag?”
“Because he’d only be replaced by someone worse.” Cho turned to look at them. “I was idealistic when I finished the training program, too, but trust me, it’s better this way. Better the devil you know than the worse devil whose actions you can’t predict. Keeping the peace in Knockturn is more than just arresting people, it’s knowing who not to arrest as well.”
“Fine. So who are we allowed to arrest?” Harry asked, starting to get irritated.
Cho smirked, pointing at someone behind him. “Them,” she said. “They’re annoying me.” As Harry looked, he saw a group of about five youths on brooms whizzing through the alley in formation. As he watched, they started throwing parchments at people.
“They look pretty harmless, though,” Harry said, frowning.
“Oh, trust me, you’d be arresting them for their protection,” Cho said, crossing her arms. “Because if they don’t stop that, I’ll hex them off their brooms myself.”
“Are they even breaking the law?” Harry asked.
Cho shrugged. “There’s probably something on the books about riding brooms too fast and so close to the ground in urban areas. Plus, I’d say they were endangering people by throwing things. Including themselves if I end up having to arrest them.”
“You like this,” Harry said, staring at her as the realisation struck him. “You enjoy patrolling down here.”
Cho looked away. “You could say that.”
Harry exchanged a look with Malfoy. “So why are you giving it up? I mean, obviously you volunteered for a transfer, right?”
She nodded. “I did.” She sighed. “I didn’t especially want to, but my...a friend was worried about me working down here and an opportunity too good to pass up came along.”
“Where are you transferring?” Malfoy asked.
“The Obliviator office. They’re revamping and I think it’ll be to my advantage to be on the ground floor when they do.” She raised an eyebrow. “Anyway back to the topic at hand. Are you going to arrest that lot?”
Malfoy sighed. “It’ll take care of it.”
“Good.” Cho smirked. “Oh, and make sure you take Potter with you,” she said, grasping Malfoy’s arm as he turned away. “You should never go anywhere without your partner.”
Malfoy coughed. “That’s quite a grip you have there.”
She smiled, releasing him. “Sorry, all that...training I guess. I’ll just...head back to the Ministry. You two seem to have everything in hand here.”
“Did that seem...abrupt to you?” Malfoy asked as Cho simply Disapparated.
“A bit.” Harry shrugged. “Although at this point--”
Malfoy nodded, rubbing his arm. “Agreed.” Turning back towards the youths, he sighed. “So, shall we?”
“How do we safely get them off their brooms?” Harry asked as they got closer to where the young men were flying and shouting at each other. “They’re hardly going to just obey if we order them off.”
Malfoy pursed his lips, distracting Harry for a moment. “Actually, you never know, that could work. Try it.”
Harry sighed. Something told him it was a mistake, but it was worth a shot. Right. “Oi!” he shouted. “Come down off the brooms at once.”
And that was when everything went pear-shaped.
~
Draco took another long sip of his ale, his shoulders finally starting to relax. “Salazar, that was a long day,” he muttered.
Potter looked up from his own mug, eyes weary. “No kidding. I thought I was going to slap that woman in that broom shop.”
Smirking at the memory, Draco said, “I’d have paid to see that.”
“Unfortunately, I’d have had the shortest career of any Auror if I’d done it.”
“Maybe,” Draco said. “But it would have been hailed as another heroic deed by one Harry James Potter. That woman deserved slapping. I can’t believe that was her idea of drumming up publicity for her shop. Of all the stupid--”
Potter’s lips quirked and Draco found himself wishing that he would let the smile out. “Somehow I don’t think Robards would accept that explanation. I can see that conversation now.” Potter composed his face into a more sober expression. “‘Sorry, sir, but she needed slapping, she was annoying us.’”
“Well, as your partner, I would certainly back you up.” Draco smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Although, it wouldn’t hurt if you pretended to be a bit more sincere about it when you tell him.”
“I am sincere...about wanting to slap her,” Potter said, rolling his eyes.
Draco laughed. “Well, I suspect you’ll get another chance tomorrow. After all, we’ll be back on patrol and something tells me she’ll be waiting for us.”
Potter shook his head. “Do you think Cho knew that those kids on brooms were working for that shopkeeper?”
Pursing his lips, Draco pondered that. “I’d wondered that myself,” he finally admitted. “Especially given the way she conveniently disappeared while we went after them.”
Sighing, Potter signalled for another drink. “I guess she was trying to teach us that we have to stand on our own down here, make our own contacts and decisions.”
“She chose an odd way to do it,” Draco huffed, indicating to the bar elf that he wanted a refill as well.
“I dunno,” Potter said, tone thoughtful. “Maybe it’s better this way. Now we know that not everything is as it seems in Knockturn, and we’ll keep our eyes open for things that are out of place.”
Draco pondered that. “It’s a bit too deep for me,” he declared at last.
Potter laughed. “Yeah, maybe we just need some rest and to start fresh in the morning.”
“We’re on our own, too,” Draco reminded him. “Since, according to that memo she sent, Cho apparently has another assignment.” He rolled his eyes.
Potter sniggered. “The timing was a bit suspicious.”
“Still, I think we’ll manage.” Draco smirked. “Once we get the lay of the land. Although, if I end every day aching like I am now, I may be forced to budget for a weekly massage.”
To Draco’s surprise, Potter stiffened at that. “Is that so?” he asked stiffly. “Well don’t let me stop you.” Draining his mug, he set down it down on the table. “Anyway, I guess that’s my cue to head home. See you tomorrow at the Ministry.”
Draco could feel his expression going blank. “Right.” We’re not friends. I almost forgot that. Finishing his own drink, Draco rose, starting to turn away. Within seconds, Potter placed a hand on his arm, however. Despite himself, Draco flinched. “Yes?”
“Sorry,” Potter said, looking contrite.
Draco raised an eyebrow. “About what?”
“I--” Potter looked away. “It’s not my business what you do in your free time. Although spending it in a brothel is probably not the best idea for an Auror, it’s not my concern--”
Draco blinked, confused for a moment. “Brothel--? Oh! You thought I meant visit Magenta’s place? Salazar, no! I need a real massage, not...whatever passes for one in that place.” He huffed.
Visibly relaxing, Potter shrugged. “It’s just...you seemed intrigued by that Smoke chap.”
The light dawned and Draco blinked. “Trust me, Potter, the only interest I had in ‘Smoke’ was making sure he appeared of age to be in that place.” Draco leaned closer to Potter, noting that he didn’t draw back. Well, well-- “You really thought I was interested in him?”
Potter looked flushed. “I really hadn’t thought much about it.”
Draco smiled. “You’re a terrible liar, but I’ll let that go this time.” Holding out his hand, he said, “See you tomorrow. Seven sharp.”
Potter’s hand was warm, his handshake firm. “I’ll be there.”
~
Continued in Part 2