Fic: Search and Suspicion, Part II

[author_by_night]

Author/Artist: author_by_night
Title: Search and Suspicion (Part 2/3)
Rating & Warnings: PG-13
Word Count/Art Medium: 2,970
Prompt(s): 47, with shades of 10 and 21.
Summary: Between Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic, there is much deliberating about Sirius Black's second break-in - particularly for Remus Lupin and Nymphadora's Tonks, who have personal connections to the convicted murderer. Follows the second half of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Notes: I've come to realize this story is also an unintentional nod to police procedurals.



Tonks thought that Kingsley would be on board with her questioning Malfoy, asking him casually while he worked late that night. To her surprise, he wasn't.

"I agree that the Malfoy family's suspicious," Kingsley said. "But first of all, they've been cleared of all wrongdoing during the war."

"You told me that was bollocks!"

"It was. But they were cleared of all charges. We have no legal standing."

"Even if Lucius Malfoy's not a former Death Eater," Tonks said, "there's no denying that Draco's behaviour is disturbing."

"We need parental permission to question a minor unless we have good reason to suspect he's committed a crime. Writing morbid essays and bullying is not a reason."

"Remus and Neville said something about trying to get a Hippogriff killed."

"That's the other thing," Kingsley said. "An innocent creature by all accounts might get executed because Lucius Malfoy's bribed people. Which everyone knows, but the likes of Macnair... they don't care. This is not a man we want to cross."

"Moody always said Malfoy always warier of the Auror Department," Tonks pointed out. "Since we could disestablish him pretty quickly. Not to mention what his sister-in-law did to our two best Aurors."

"Not to mention," Kingsley echoed, "that he's your uncle. That alone is a conflict of interest."

"They're not my family in any way except biology," Tonks retorted.

"I know that. But it's still a fact that counts against you."

"So we'll do it without permission," Tonks said.

"What?"

"We'll do it without permission. If we don't find anything, we don't find anything. If we do, then the technicalities won't matter, will they?"

"No," Kingsley said very firmly. "You're not doing that."

"You went behind the Auror Department's backs all the time in the Order. That's why so few know it even existed."

"That was different... the Ministry was corrupt, there was a war..."

"Who're you kidding? The Ministry is still corrupt."

"If you question Lucius Malfoy's son, he will find out," Kingsley said. "And I can't protect you if that happens."

I don't need protection, Tonks thought to herself. But she knew better than to say it; instead, she slumped into a chair.

"I just want to do something," she said.

"You're a Trainee. For only a few more weeks, but still, a Trainee in the process of learning. In fact, Dawlish reckons you did too much today - he's not happy with what he perceives as interference. Knowing Dawlish, you were in the right," Kingsley added. "That was a good time to be defiant. I have no doubt you're going to be a great Auror. It won't happen if you push your luck."

"Sometimes I wish I'd chosen a less political profession," Tonks admitted. "I could've gone to Romania with Charlie. Raised dragons with him."

"Is he an ex?" Kingsley asked.

Tonks stood. "It's been an incredibly long day. I think I'm going to go home, draw a bath and read a good book. See you tomorrow?"

Tonks did indeed draw a bath. But she didn't read; instead, she schemed.

Draco wished he didn't hate the cold so much.

He faked it, of course; always had. Being afraid of the cold was for weaklings. Even Gregory and Vincent seemed fine with it, and they were the dumbest, weakest chumps Draco knew.

Although Draco also knew he valued them the most, and not just because they were too dumb to disagree with him. The other Slytherins saw through him; Draco knew that. Well, not Pansy, and Blaise Zabini had always been impartial... with those two additional exceptions, his other friendships were driven by them knowing what the Malfoy name meant.

Gregory and Vincent, on the other hand, liked him. That meant something to Draco. Groveling worked for him when it came to getting things done; when he just wanted to go into a few shops, he wanted his real friends.

They were just approaching The Shrieking Shack when Draco heard a woman say, "Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco turned. The woman had long, reddish black hair and blue eyes.

"Can I speak to you alone?" She asked.

Draco knew he wasn't supposed to talk to strangers, but first of all, he'd just turned fourteen last month. His Mum ought to know that rule was for small children. Secondly, he didn't think anyone would dare hurt a Malfoy.

"Scram," Draco told his friends.

"No, no, let them stay here," the woman said. "Let's go into that store across the street. It's vacant."

Good, warmth, Draco thought. Not to mention that it was the store his father had helped get shut down. Which was a shame, they'd had his favourite toys when he was a boy... but the bloke deserved it, according to his parents.

"Can I help you?" Draco asked.

The woman nodded. "I'm here about Sirius Black."

Draco's eyes narrowed. "Are you from the Ministry? We've already told you, if we knew where he was..."

The woman laughed. "Me, work for the Ministry? Hardly. They work for me. Without even knowing it."

"Do you know my father, then?" She sounded like his type of friend.

"Oh, yes. We've met many times. Although I was rather... different, back then." The woman shuddered. "I hadn't learned ambition yet. Then I met him."

Draco felt a little uneasy. "My father?"

"Goodness, no. Sirius Black."

"Oh," Draco said. What did that have to do with him? Sure, they were related, but he was a Blood Traitor who'd been disowned. His parents doubted that he was ever a true Death Eater. They had only met the spy once, and he'd been hooded, but he wasn't even as tall as Sirius Black. Although Draco's grandmother had said that if Sirius had become a follower of the Dark Lord, that didn't mean he wanted to patch things up with his family.

"Now that she's dead," Druella had said just this past summer, "I can say it: Walburga made my husband and I look like saints. If I were her child, I wouldn't want to speak to this family ever again either."

Of course, she was also softening with old age. Narcissa was pretty sure she'd even been in touch with the Tonkses. The Tonkses.

"Yes. Are you familiar with him?"

"In a fashion," Draco replied stiffly.

"Then you'll understand the complexity of the matter. I need to get something to him, and it's very urgent."

"How can I help you...?"

"I've heard you know things," the woman said. "Would you know how I could find him?"

"No. I haven't the slightest. Who told you I would? Was it Potter?" Draco demanded.

"Potter?" The woman laughed again. "How I would love to see that boy fall flat on his face. No.
Let's just say your interest in the Dark Arts has not gone unnoticed by us. You could be a vital ally someday. And future vital allies... they know the workings of the foulest criminals. I know Sirius Black didn't get into the castle without help, Mr. Malfoy. But if there's anything you know... even a clue... I promise that it will not be forgotten."

She was almost too spot on. Draco could smell a rat, and it wasn't the one that had just squeaked and crawled past his boot.

"You're an Auror," Draco said.

"An Auror? Me?"

"Yes. An Auror. For your information, I would never stoop so low as to converse with Sirius Black. If I were you, I'd leave. My father will be hearing of this."

The woman smirked, but Draco thought he saw her gulp first. "Nonsense. Remember, Draco, if you -"

Draco had already rejoined his friends. He could see Weasley ahead. Good; he needed to release his agitation.

"What did that woman want?" Vincent asked.

"Nothing of importance. Have you seen Hagrid's sorry state?"

When the yelling stopped, there was ringing in Tonks's ears. But she wasn't sure if that was Lucius Malfoy's increasingly raised voice or the disappointed look on Kingsley's face.

"I see," Amelia Bones said.

"I just asked a few questions," Tonks told him.

"Why would you disguise yourself?" Scrimgeour asked. He was seated next to Amelia Bones, which seemed a little inappropriate. But he always liked to assume more professional status than he really had.

"Because she wasn't supposed to be there?" Lucius suggested.

"Because I thought I might get an honest answer out of him," Tonks countered. "Frankly, we know things about Draco that are concerning."

"And who told you these things, exactly?"

"Miss Tonks is in no way obligated to give you that information," Amelia said quickly. "Mr. Malfoy, we apologize-"

"-and want to make it up to me," Lucius finished. "You can start by revoking her Auror training. I know she's a Trainee from the badge."

"That won't be necessary," Kingsley said.

Tonks looked at him hopefully.

"You're the one training her, Shacklebolt," Scrimgeour said. "I daresay you're a little biased."

"There is nothing in the books against disguise. Draco Malfoy was never detained; he was free to come and go as he chose. If anyone should be outraged, it's the family of the boy who was questioned through legal, but no less cruel, means."

"He has a point," Amelia said.

"A point?" Lucius was on the verge of shouting again.

Amelia sighed. "Oh, dear, I thought you'd left. Mr. Malfoy, you may be excused."

"I certainly may not! I'm not leaving until I know exactly -"

"-Mr. Malfoy, you may have clout with many departments," Amelia interrupted, "but that clout does not extend to mine. Please leave."

"The Minister will be hearing about this."

"Which is why I'd like a private word with my Aurors. Scrimgeour, escort Mr. Malfoy out. Perhaps you can show him the new portrait collection n the east wing."

When Scrimgeour and Lucius had left, Amelia looked at Tonks.

"What you did was understandable," Amelia said. "Mr. Malfoy... is not an honorable man. If I can ever prove the things I suspect, he will be in Azkaban for a very long time. However, for all the technicalities you listed, you went against Law Enforcement policy. You risked the jobs of everyone in your department. Do you realise that? Do you realise that once the Minister hears of this, I'm going to have to cover all of you?"

"Yes," Tonks replied.

"You were in no position to go under us like this. Did you ask a superior permission?"

Tonks nodded. "Kingsley. He said not to do it."

"And you disobeyed him."

"Aurors disobey orders all the time!"

"You're not an Auror yet. You're a Trainee. You have not yet passed the requirements to become an official Auror, and I'm honestly not sure you're ready to be examined just yet."

Tonks's heart sank. "What?"

"I'm putting you on a two week suspension. With pay. Your examination will be postponed for somewhere between three to six months."

Tonks felt relief for a second - then realised that this still meant her dreams were being put on hold. By someone she had always admired, no less. But Tonks could only say, "I understand."

"You may leave."

Kingsley waited for Tonks to gather her things in the corrodor, and walked her towards the lift. Tonks supposed this was his way of saying "I'm not happy with you, but I'm still standing by you."

He truly was the older brother she'd never had.

"Thanks," Tonks said as they got into the lift. "For speaking up for me."

"I don't want you fired, Tonks," Kingsley said. "I'm extremely disappointed, though. At the very least, you could have told me and I would have helped."

"Then we both would've been in trouble. And I don't need help. What if all of this law abiding is what lets people like the Malfoy family walk free?"

"It's not about being law abiding. It's about being smart. Amelia Bones wouldn't have given a damn if you hadn't done it in such an underhanded and risky way. You have to be stealth. That's what I'm being."

"How so?"

They got off the lift, and Kingsley looked around. As expected on a Sunday, no one was around.

"I think someone knows more than they're letting on."

"Who?" Tonks asked.

Kingsley took a second glance over his shoulder and responded in a low voice, "Remus Lupin. He deflected a few questions."

Tonks cocked her head. "You think he's helping Black? That doesn't seem like him."

Not that murder had seemed like Sirius...

"Absolutely not," Kingsley said. "His anger towards Black couldn't be clearer. Yet... you know, I knew them in school and the Order. Not well, they were a few years ahead of me both times, but you could say Remus and I were friends - he never got too close to anyone - and I was friendly with the rest by proxy. It was clear that those four secrets. I think one of those secrets may have aided in Black's escape, and Remus is too ashamed to admit it. He might be in complete denial. But I haven't pressed it; we'll lose him entirely should he learn I'm suspicious. I'm keeping our dialogue open and carefully assessing the situation. That's how you do it."

"Does Amelia Bones know?" Tonks asked.

"No. He's a former comrade, and I don't want him to face disproportionate consequences over this. But if I find anything, and he still won't be forward with me..."

Kingsley broke off. "I should really be going. You too."

Remus was in need of a drink, and there was only one pub open on Sundays. So he settled for The Hogshead.

To his surprise, there was one other occupant: a woman with pink hair who was slumped in a chair.

"Tonks?"

Tonks looked up at him. "Oh. Remus."

Remus would normally had made polite small talk and gone on his way, but there was something... lonely about her. So he sat.

"Are you okay?" Remus asked.

Tonks shook her head. "I questioned Draco Malfoy, and almost lost a job I don't even have yet."

Oh.

"Let me buy you a drink," Remus said. For the first time in... longer than he cared to think about, he had the money.

"You don't have to do that," Tonks told him.

"I want to. Sounds as though you've earned it."

"I'll take a Sherry."

When Remus came back, Tonks smiled. That seemed more like her.

"So let me guess, Lucius Malfoy's mad?"

"Mad? He wanted to have me sacked. Fortunately they settled on suspension. And postponing my Auror examination. When Mum finds out how... oh, I hope they don't make trouble for my parents. Narcissa hates Mum for leaving."

"I always got the impression she was kicked out," Remus remarked.

"Bit of both, really," Tonks said. "She could stay and not marry my father, or she could leave. But Narcissa was young, see, wanted her big sister back... she never really understood that as long as my grandfather and Aunt Walburga were playing the cards in the family, that was never going to happen. They disowned Mum the instant she suggested being a decent human being. Dad was just an excuse to cut ties forever. Narcissa, meanwhile, married another wealthy, supposedly Pureblood bigot. Who has the Ministry wrapped around his bloody finger."

"I'm sorry."

"Sometimes," Tonks said, "I think I must be mad, wanting to work for them."

"You've wanted to since you were a child," Remus pointed out.

"Yeah, well, I also wanted to be a unicorn. I knew what the Ministry was like. Even Mum urged against working there. I could've gone to Romania. My boyfriend at the time went, and I let both of our hearts break instead of joining him. Why is that?"

Remus didn't know her well, but he knew two things about her. "Because you're loyal and determined, and that kept you home."

"Fat load of good loyalty and determination's done me."

"Neville Longbottom would disagree. I daresay your colleagues would disagree. Most of them."

"I know... they're not all bad," Tonks said. "Scrimgeour's stern, but he's got principles. I could tell Amelia Bones and Kingsley were on my side, they were just doing their jobs in lieu of me doing mine. It's everything else. It's everyone else. Even Dawlish isn't much better than Lucius Malfoy."

"Sounds to me like the Ministry needs more of you, then," Remus said. "It's a setback, that's all. I had plenty in my day."

"It's like when my goats won't mate," the bartender added.

Remus and Tonks stared; Tonks burst out laughing, and Remus joined in. The bartender, apparently not seeing the humour, went into the back with a scowl.

"I need more mating - sorry, not mating - goats in my life, apparently," Tonks contended.

"Me too. We should probably go, though - I think we've made him a little angry."

"Oh dear." Tonks sobered. "But yes, I've got to run. My parents are having Sunday dinner... I get to have to explain to them why my Auror examination's been postponed and I won't be working for two weeks."

"Good luck."

"Thanks."

Tonks took a second glance at Remus and frowned.

"What's wrong?" Remus asked.

"You know," Tonks said quietly, "if there's anything you want to talk about... feel free to reach out to me. I know things must be stressful for you, and I'm not in the habit of judging people. Lord knows I've broken enough rules for an army of centaurs."

Remus wasn't sure what she meant, but he appreciated the declaration of trust, wherever it might have come from. Perhaps he'd take her up on it if the occasion arose. "Thank you."

"Thank you for letting me complain. We should do this again. Preferably not when we've hit a low in our careers."

Remus watched her leave. She reminded him a bit of his younger self. Wanting to please everyone, yet needing to do some things her own way.

Who was he kidding? He was still doing some things his own way, without anybody else's knowledge. Like looking out for a black dog.

"I haven't seen him," Remus told himself out loud. "If that were how... I would've caught him by now."

For a moment he wondered if that was what Tonks had been referring to, but brushed the thought aside. How could she possibly know?