Ex-Auror Manannán and the Tear of Ra

-Chapter Seventeen- TO BE MADE MORTAL ONCE MORE

Oliver was standing over his dining room table, in Postbridge Manor. The fresh smell of coffee filled his nostrils. He could feel the caffeine rich air fill his lungs and surge through his veins, it heightened his awareness. With days of travelling, miles of apparation from the south of France to Devon, mixed with the late hour of the day, resulted in exhaustion setting in. He now had to employ everything he could think of to remain alert. Every bit of his body begged for more sleep, but now was not the time for dreaming. With Dumbledore's passing, he knew only nightmares lay ahead. He packed his bag, which rested on the table, with everything he would need for his quest, for his hiding. He knew it would not be long before Death Eaters would come to his home.

A part of him had expected to have a Death Eater waiting at his home when he returned. After checking all his protection and detection charms, Oliver was confident that his house had not been breached. As the three dogs raced around the ground floor, he was getting frustrated with them as he had to be conscious with every footstep, trying not to fall over one of them.

The fiery phoenix within his enchanted cuckoo clock shouted out.

'Visitors.'

Oliver turned his attention away from the clock and stared into blank space. The snitch that contained the charmed glass eye, whizzed around the outside of the house, flying high. He willed the snitch to gently settle down near the entrance gate, so he could see who was at his door. It was Henry Rashmore, Oliver's former Auror colleague, accompanied by his new partner, Marcus Mancel.

A slight suspicious feeling cautioned his motion, though he was confident that any challenge presented was not a significant risk, but potentially an opportunity. He made his way through his hallway, out of his front door and on to the porch, where he could see down upon the two wizards.

'It's a bit late for a house call.' Shouted Oliver.

'Yes, sorry for that. We've just been sent to follow up on some urgent Ministry business. It shouldn't take long, old friend.' Said Henry. Something in the words or the tone had enhanced Oliver's sense of apprehension.

'Come on in guys.' Said Oliver, as he waved a wand to momentarily lower his homes protective shield.

The two Aurors walked up the path and into the large house. Oliver led the way, through the hallway and into the dining room. He placed his wand on to the table and started towards the kitchen.

'Do you two want coffee? I have just prepared a fresh brew in the percolator.'

'Yes, that would be lovely.' Said Henry as the two entered the dining room.

Inside the kitchen, Oliver looked over into the utility room, as the three dogs were now all curled up together inside a large dog bed. He smiled at how cute they all looked.

'So, both with milk and sugar?'

'Please.' Henry replied as his gaze fell upon Oliver's wand on the table.

The two Aurors were sat at the dining room table, Marcus close to and facing towards the kitchen door.

'Yes, no sugar.' Marcus replied.

'So, Dolohov all locked up? I bet his face was a picture when he saw Azkaban.' Shouted Oliver from the kitchen.

Marcus looked over his shoulder towards Henry, who gave a confused expression. Marcus turned back to the kitchen.

'What?' Said Marcus.

Oliver barely heard the reply as he pulled out the jar that contained the sugar and then moved to his fridge to obtain the milk. He was just about to ask what was said, when he heard it, that is when his heart froze.