εթίթհαηу // fred weasley

06

"I don't think I quite understand what I'm supposed to do," said Zach, standing before the stairs, staring at the men's sign.

"You just go in there, into the stall, and flush yourself down," Cassie encouraged. "It's easy. Just follow the others."

"I question the ways of you British people," Zach said, tilting his head, unsure.

"Just go," Cassie told him, pushing him forward.

"Can't you go with me?" he asked, turning around to her.

"In the men's restroom?" Cassie laughed. "Zach, you'll be fine. In just a few seconds, you'll be in the Ministry. Just don't drop the coin, okay?"

"Where'd you get this anyway?" he asked, holding it up. "Isn't it supposed to be for employees only?"

"I was an employee," Cassie reminded. "I'm going to the women's and I'll meet you inside the Atrium."

Cassie walked off, however, it was not to the ladies' toilets. Instead, she traveled to the nearby telephone box in the corner of a building off the main road. She stepped into the cramped space, then dialed the number 62442.

"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic," said a woman with a loud, clear voice. "Please state your name and business."

"Cassiopeia Malfoy, here to speak with the Minister of Magic regarding an urgent subject."

"Thank you," she said. "Visitor, please take the badge and attach it to the front of your robes."

From a metal chute, a square silver badge slid down. On it read: Cassiopeia Malfoy, Conference with the Minister. Cassie took it and attached it to her jacket.

"Visitor to the Ministry, you are required to submit to a search and present your wand for registration at the security desk, which is located at the far end of the Atrium."

The telephone box lowered into the ground. Soon, the box slowly lowered into a busy place. Wizards and witches walked forth, heading to work. As Cassie stepped outside, she saw Zach come out of a fireplace.

"Hey, Cassie!" he shouted, walking fast through the maze. "What the heck is that?" He pointed at the box going up.

"Telephone box for visitors," Cassie answered.

Zach scoffed, looking away. He muttered under his breath, then looked back at her and said, "So why the hell did I use those filthy toilets?"

"They mainly used that when Death Eaters took over," Cassie explained. "I heard they're thinking of using another way to come in so I thought it would be fun— "

"Fun?" he said, irritated.

"What took you so long anyway?" Cassie asked. "I had to travel a bit more than a block, get past the check-in, and you just got here."

"Long line," Zach answered quickly, hiding the fact he had let many others go before him, scared and disgusted by the way of transportation.

"I need to go through security so you can wait for me," Cassie said and walked up to the men.

Cassie gave her wand to the man and he dropped it on a brass instrument. It vibrated and a slip of paper came out of a slit in the base. He tore it off and read: "Eleven inches, dragon heartstring, been in use for ten years and nine months, correct?"

"Yes," Cassie responded.

He stuck the paper on a pike and gave Cassie her wand, letting her pass. Cassie met with Zach and the two headed for the Minster of Magic's office on level one, Minister for Magic and Support Staff.

Shacklebolt knew Cassie was coming and he had made all the arrangements for her request.

Cassie knocked, then entered. Shacklebolt stood from his seat and smiled, greeting them.

"Cassie," he smiled, shaking her hand.

"Minister," Cassie greeted. "Uh, this is Zach Payne."

"An American?" Shacklebolt figured, shaking hands. "A pleasure." He walked around to behind his desk, then said, "Before we leave, I must warn you that place is filled with nasty Death Eaters who still hold a grudge."

Cassie laughed lightly and said, "I'm counting on it."

"Do not engage with any of them," Shacklebolt advised. "We go get what you came for and we leave."

"Got it," Cassie nodded.

"Could I ask what this visit is specifically for?" Shacklebolt asked. "I don't suppose your team you came with knows about this visit."

"That's because they don't want my help," Cassie replied. "They don't know it's probably going to be me who has to end it — and only me."

"And how do you intend on putting an end to it?" he questioned.

"Catch him," Cassie answered simply. "But let's hope he doesn't get killed along the way... he deserves to rot in Azkaban."

"Shall we?" Shacklebolt gestured out the door.

It took more than an hour to get there, passing through all the security measures. Since they got rid of the Dementors in Azkaban, more Aurors acted as guards. They were stationed in Azkaban and to prevent another breakout and so the security check was on a larger scale. No wands were permitted inside the great prison.

The certain Death Eater sat in his cell, staring at the Auror with such a glare that the man began getting uncomfortable. He looked like he was planning his escape, planning to break out, kill the Auror, and run.

Inside Azkaban, the corridors were only lit up by a few torches. Eyes and faces would appear in the small window of the doors — eyes of people who have gone insane. Faces of people who lost hope as time went on.

"Right in through there," said the Auror.

"Thank you, Dan," Shaklebolt said, nodding his head. "We will be outside, Cassie. I warn you to stay a few feet from him."

"Got it," Cassie replied.

The guard opened the door, closing it after her. Cassie saw him, kneeling on the ground. Chains bound his feet and wrists. He looked up at Cassie and she was horrified for she saw a long scar on his face.

"Derek," Cassie began.

"Malfoy," he sneered.

"We know what Morrighan took," Cassie said. "What is he using it for and when?"

"Questions, questions, and more questions," he responded. "He won't stop until you're dead. He wants it to be as slow as possible, as painful as possible."

Cassie was familiar with threats, giving a few herself, so she was usually unaffected by them. But this time was different. Derek's eyes were different — crazed and sad mixed with anger and the urge to kill.

"Why do you support him?" Cassie asked. "Besides the belief of pure-blood superiority."

"You can ask your father that," Derek said. Cassie furrowed her eyebrows, confused.

There was a sound of chains rattling and drop to the ground. It happened quickly. Derek got free from his binds and lunged at Cassie. He shoved her into the wall, his hand at her throat.

"Don't... " He held a finger at her. "Don't underestimate the power vengeance can do."

The guards came rushing in and pulled Derek away from Cassie. Cassie was pulled back into the corridor and Zach looked at her.

"Did he say anything?" he asked.

Cassie shook her head. "Nothing important," she replied. "Even with no dementors, he has already gone insane."

"Or he already was," Shacklebolt spoke. "Come on."

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A/N:

So sorry for the delay... My schedule's a bit messed up and I have a minor writer's block... Please understand :)

~jada 🐼