"Emily, why would you be interested in reading a book like that?" Allen wondered aloud why his sister was so engrossed in what clearly looked like reference material or an obscure historical account, not a compelling story.
"Albert brought this book home a few days ago. I even saw him reading it while he was eating, but he wouldn't read it to me," Emily said, looking down and offering a sweet, manipulative smile.
"Allen, no one has told me a proper story since you left for Hogwarts. Father and the others only tell me one or two before they get bored. I found the book today because Albert isn't home. He always hides things he doesn't want us to see under his bed, and Mum, Daisy, and I all know his hiding spots… I want you to read it to me, Allen, just like you used to, but please, please don't tell him!"
Allen readily agreed to his adorable little sister's request. He retrieved her milk and a small cake, ensuring Emily was settled quietly to eat. He simply couldn't deny his family.
Allen opened the book again and began reading the story from the beginning. However, after only a few pages, he found several lines of strange symbols, letters, and numbers scrawled onto the margin.
More startlingly, on one page was a drawing that initially resembled a crude goblin head. It was a skull with a large python protruding from its mouth like a grotesque tongue—the terrifying symbol of the Dark Mark. The entire text and the drawing were in his brother's handwriting, complete with a signature dated exactly one week ago.
"What is Albert involved in? Is his mission connected to the Death Eaters?" Allen was instantly filled with dread. Thinking back to Albert's absence over the last few days and his distracted, vacant gaze on the train platform, Allen was deeply worried. Aurors, unlike Muggle police, were often more akin to undercover operatives, frequently tasked with dangerous and unpredictable missions.
Apologizing to his sister and promising double the story time later, Allen quickly flipped through the rest of the book. His sister's plight only intensified his anxiety. The records detailed that this yellow diamond, the Moonstone, had been the subject of numerous dark events since the 11th century, and anyone who set their eyes on it or touched it was often met with crushing misfortune.
Allen's concerns came to a head at dinner that evening when he asked his father if he knew anything specific about Albert's recent mission.
Owen Harris initially reacted casually. It was standard for an Auror to be unreachable for days, and this wasn't Albert's first absence since he joined the Ministry. However, Morgana Lefay picked up on Allen's intense, worried attitude and quickly became nervous about her eldest son.
"Knock-knock-knock!"
Just as Owen's earlier confidence began to crumble under his wife's worried interrogation, a loud knock echoed through the Harris family home.
Morgana motioned to her oldest daughter, Daisy, to quietly take Emily to her room. Whoever was visiting on such a wild, snowy night, the little girl shouldn't be exposed.
Owen Harris, his nerves now completely frayed, swiftly drew his wand and held it ready. He approached the door silently, peered through the spyhole, and then cautiously opened the door.
A tall, bald, dark-skinned wizard, cloaked in deep purple robes, stepped inside, shaking off the wind and snow. He removed his small, purple, spherical hat and brushed the flakes from his shoulders. "I sincerely apologize for the late disturbance, Owen, but I have a compelling reason to be here."
His voice was deep, slow, and soothing, filling the room with a sense of calm authority. Allen noted the gold earring glittering in the dark wizard's ear.
"Kingsley, what brings you out in this blizzard? Has something happened to Albert?" Owen's tone was tense with immediate concern. The entire Harris family was scrutinizing the visitor, and Morgana Lefay was tightly clutching the front of her shirt.
"Well," said Kingsley Shacklebolt, carefully gathering his thoughts under their intense scrutiny, "I received notice from the Auror office late last night. Albert was due to complete his duties and return to the Department this morning, but something unforeseen appears to have occurred, and Albert has not checked in. That is why I needed to speak with you."
Allen noticed a distinct hesitation in Kingsley's demeanor; Mr. Shacklebolt seemed to be deliberately withholding information. Owen clearly picked up on it, too. "We understand protocol, but what we need to know right now is if we can confirm that Albert is still safe?"
Morgana Lefay Harris, though deeply distressed by the news, managed to suppress her rising panic. She calmly instructed a tea caddy to float over and brew Kingsley a pot of hot black tea.
Kingsley took a small sip of the hot, milky tea and sighed with genuine satisfaction. "Thank you, Mrs. Harris. I've spent most of the day standing surveillance outside your home, and it's freezing! Owen, Albert should be safe, at least for now. Otherwise, I wouldn't have spotted those sneaky individuals attempting to spy on your house this afternoon."
"Someone is looking for Albert? Why?" Mr. Harris absorbed the most vital piece of information, while simultaneously gesturing for his wife to prepare a meal. Allen intervened, pulling his mother back. As a concerned mother, she was better off staying put and listening.
"I'll go," Allen said, standing up and heading toward the kitchen. Fortunately, his five senses had become increasingly sharp since practicing the body-hardening technique, ensuring he wouldn't miss any crucial details of the conversation in the living room.
"Albert undertook a mission assigned by the office, but I cannot disclose the details at this time," Kingsley stated, answering Morgana Lefay's silent query. "It's top secret, and I apologize for the necessary secrecy."
Allen surmised it was definitely related to the mysterious Moonstone.
"I saw three men—Indians—in your village today. They were wearing russet turbans, white linen robes, and trousers. Following them was a handsome, brown-haired English boy, who appeared to be your neighbour's son. The boy didn't seem particularly willing, as if he were being manipulated or forced." At that moment, the rich, fragrant aroma of Allen's sizzling sausages drifted into the living room, and Kingsley visibly swallowed. "I apologize, I haven't eaten all day!"
"No problem, sir. You're enduring the cold and hunger for our sake." Allen presented a plate laden with fried sausages and toast. Morgana Lefay waved her hand, causing the kettle to fly over and refill Kingsley's teacup.
"What a kind child," Kingsley commented. "I was hidden behind the hedge that separates your garden from the road. When the three Indians confirmed no one was watching, they focused intensely on his house. They commanded the young boy to hold out his hand, and they poured some kind of black, ink-like fluid into his palm.
Then, they touched his forehead and pointed to it. I suspect it was some form of Indian Elixir of Compulsion or Truth Serum. They then began questioning him, specifically asking if Albert lived here."
After receiving their answers, they roused the boy by shaking his head several times. The confused boy stumbled back into the house at the foot of the hill. The three Indians whispered among themselves for a few minutes before disappearing.
"I thought the three of them would return, but they all vanished. After speaking with the Director, we agreed that your family should temporarily relocate. The Department has approved a suspension of your studies and granted you leave."
Kingsley offered his sincere advice to Owen. He then turned to both Owen and Morgana Lefay and asked, "Have you noticed any recent changes in Albert? For example, has he met anyone unusual or been searching for any specific information?"
The Harrises exchanged worried glances, realizing they had been too detached from their eldest son's professional life.
Allen thought for a moment, then walked over and handed Kingsley the book he had been reading to Emily—the one detailing the legend of the Moonstone. "Albert has been enjoying reading this book lately. I wonder if it might be of help to your investigation?"
"Thank you, Allen. We will resolve this matter as quickly as possible and ensure Albert's safe return. It won't delay your return to Hogwarts, I promise," Kingsley assured him. It seemed this talented Auror had quickly grasped the central dynamic of the family.
"I will stay here tonight to protect you, Mrs. Harris. I hope I'm not imposing too much." Kingsley's polite, calm demeanor made it difficult to believe he was a veteran Auror.
"Of course, we are happy to assist you," Allen heard his mother reply. Had he not seen her hands clasped tightly beneath the table, he might have believed she was entirely composed.