From the Ashes

08 - A Cryptic Warning

With a crack, Harry apparated outside of Malfoy Manor. In seconds Ron appeared beside him.

"What do you reckon?" Ron asked, peering suspiciously at the mansion.

Harry stepped forward and crossed into the grounds of the manor.

"Looks like they've left for the time being." Harry said, "I imagine having loads of Auror's show up put a damper on their plans."

Ron nodded, "Malfoy said that he recognized Parkinson. Do we know where her family has been in all this?"

"Her parents were on Voldemort's side in the war. According to their file, they died in the battle of Hogwarts." Harry said, "Like others, Pansy Parkinson, went underground."

"Shame she didn't go with them isn't it. Always was a cow." Ron said. Harry led the way up the drive, wand trained on the hedges and the lawn up ahead. He kept his eyes peeled for movement and any sign of Death Eaters.

"Do you think they'll have covered their tracks?" Ron asked.

"Probably. We'd best get a look at the place regardless." Harry turned the door handle, it gave way with ease, admitting them into the manors front foyer. Ron sucked in a breath.

"Forgot how stuffy and awful this place was."

"Yeah." Harry was already heading for the drawing room, "We'd best go room to room. Gawain only did a preliminary search for more Death Eaters." Harry turned to look at Ron, "By the way, who'd you leave on watch at Grimmauld Place?"

"Luna," Ron said.

"Luna, isn't she pretty busy with the Quibbler?" Harry asked, "She's not an Auror...Does she know what she's getting into?"

Ron half nodded and half shrugged.

"There wasn't any time to find someone else. I ran into her on my way out of the Ministry and she was done her printing. So I asked her if she could keep an eye out for us."

"Did you tell her what was going on?" Harry asked, he was worried about Luna's safety, but also about the confidentiality of their investigation.

"No." Ron said, "I know the rules."

"Good," Harry said.

They continued up the hall in silence with wands lit.

As they entered the next room, the light from Harry's wand ricocheted around the room, refracting off the chandelier.

"You know. She's grown up a lot. Luna." Ron said.

Harry gave Ron a searching look.

"Ron."

"What she has," Ron said, he grinned. "I mean she's weird alright but she's also delightful. She's always good company and her looks." He whistled. It was true. Luna had flourished into a gorgeous young adult, yes she had always been pretty, but now she was stunning. Even Harry, who was devoted wholeheartedly to Ginny, had noticed the change. He, however, had chosen to not let it affect their friendship. Ron had always been easily swayed by beautiful women... And he also was just as easily bored...

"You really haven't changed have you?" Harry asked, feeling slightly annoyed at his best friend.

"What? Hang on, what's that supposed to mean?" Ron asked his voice coming out as a soft growl.

Harry continued forward into the room, "You know what it means."

Ron was now glowering at Harry's back.