***

For as long as Harry had worked at the auror's office he had known it as a cluttered space, often full of people pouring over maps and paperwork and news clippings. But Harry had never seen it like this- it seemed the entire law enforcement department was scurrying around the floor, barking orders between cubicles and sifting through papers almost feverishly.

Harry had to duck as a formation of enchanted paper airplanes headed towards his face. As he stepped backwards he collided with something and stumbled.

That something turned out to be someone- Neville Longbottom to be exact, who was carrying a stack of books so tall Harry had to crane his head to see him.

"Neville!"

"Hi Harry!" he shouted enthusiastically over the chaos. He straightened the pile of books and started to hurry away, "Bye Harry!"

"Wait!" Harry called after him before he could disappear into the crowd. "What on earth's going on?"

"What do you mean? Have you not heard?"

"Heard what?"

"Oh Merlin," Neville eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Those death eaters- they've killed two muggle families in the night." Neville nodded as Harry's mouth fell open in disbelief and he looked quite pleased to be the one breaking the news. "Kingsley called a meeting not even ten minutes ago, he's put everyone in the department of the case. He wants them captured today, before they can kill anyone else."

Something shriveled in Harry's voice box and stood there, dumbly silent amongst the noise. There hadn't been any killings since the battle at Hogwarts, any death eaters who had evaded capture were much too concerned with avoiding the ministry to be acting out their prejudices. Harry was suddenly brought back to the past when Voldemort first returned, and Harry couldn't help but wonder what had changed to give these death eaters such confidence.

"Potter!"

Harry turned and to his relief saw Greyson Fredrich striding into the room, his large frame parting the crowd like the red sea. Fredrich was a senior Auror who had taken on responsibility for the new recruits. He was nice enough, but Harry would admit his seriousness had been highly intimidating when he first started.

"I trust Longbottom filled you in?"

Harry nodded and looked to meet Neville's eyes but he was already several feet away, pushing his way into a crowded elevator. When Harry turned back Friedrich was gone, he was pacing out the room and Harry had to almost run to keep up with his large stride.

"There's been a change of plans. I need you to see Vincent Lannister alone, the minister has me stationed in Salisbury."

"Oh," Harry had not had much experience acting alone, every task he would at least have one other Auror with him.

"You'll be alright," Fredrich said, as softly as his gruff voice would allow. "Remember your training, and don't let Vincent try to trick you. Remember, we've intercepted owls sent to his sister, so he knows where they are. And don't leave until he tells you." Fredrich glanced back at Harry, and added almost as an afterthought, "Make sure to keep your wand ready. Vincent never joined you-know-who, but he's still a slimy fellow, and he will be difficult."

Harry wanted to reply but Fredrich's preference to use the stairs had left Harry out of breath by the time they reached the apprating floor.

"Greyson Fredrich and Harry potter. Auror office" Greyson barked at the bored looking witch monitoring the floor.

"Go ahead," She slid the wet end of her quill out her mouth and scribbled something down.

"The most important thing Harry, is that you find out where the death eaters are." Fredrich hissed into his ear as the door opened and they entered the apparating room where wizards and witches were disappearing before his eyes with loud cracks. He bent his head down and lowered his voice into a murmur. "This isn't just about the muggles. Something has changed. You understand that, don't you?"

Harry nodded firmly, "I understand."

Fredrich pursed his lips into a hard line and nodded. His hand almost absent mindedly began thumbing the material of his shirt collar, where Harry knew a locket with his daughter's picture was hanging underneath. Fredrich never spoke about her, but if the whispers in the office were true, Fredrich returned home one night to the dark mark looming over his house, and his daughter's body slumped on the staircase.

"Good luck Harry." Fredrich said without meeting his eye."do whatever you have to do to get that information"

Fredrich pulled out his wand and disappeared in a swirl of robes, and Harry was left standing alone.

***