Chapter Text
I thought I had left my past behind, but it had other plans for me...
As Harry Potter entered the Aurors Department, he couldn't help but feel intimidated by the grandeur of the space. Grand windows lined the walls, allowing natural light to flood the open-plan office space. The walls were painted in a rich, deep shade of blue, adorned with framed certificates and awards, along with various plaques and photographs of past aurors who had achieved great feats. Harry often felt a sense of unworthiness as he walked past the portraits of the great Aurors who had come before him.
The large room was divided into several different sections, each designated for specific purposes. The entrance led into a spacious reception area, complete with a large desk for visitors to check-in and receive directions. Beyond that, lays a sprawling open-plan office space, filled with rows of tidy desks. Each desk was cluttered with stacks of files and various magical gadgets, but there was an overall sense of organization and efficiency. The desks were separated by dividers, providing a sense of privacy for each Auror while still allowing for communication and collaboration.
After being interrupted several times by people finding excuses to talk to him, Harry felt a sense of relief as he finally made his way to his office. The room was located at the end of a row of private offices with glass walls, offering a sense of privacy while still allowing natural light to flood the space. The walls of Harry's office were adorned with photographs of his family and friends, along with a few framed awards and commendations he had received during his time as an Auror.
The space was tidy and well kept, with a large wooden desk situated in the center of the room, facing the door. On the desk sat a stack of paperwork and several quills, along with a small potted plant that added a touch of greenery to the space.
To the left of the desk, there was a comfortable armchair and a small bookshelf filled with volumes on defensive spells and techniques, as well as a few novels that Harry enjoyed reading during his breaks. The opposite wall featured a large window that offered a stunning view of the surrounding area.
The first thing Harry did when he closed the door behind him was collapse in his desk chair, he felt so tired after another sleepless night, the war may have ended years ago, but his nightmares didn't. And being constantly surrounded by danger because of his job certainly wasn't helping.
With a deep sigh, Harry reached for his coffee bottle, he needed a new case to work on, it was the only thing that was able to distract his troubled mind. When he was focused on other people's problems, he didn't have time to focus on his own.
In the midst of his contemplation, a knock at the door broke his focus. "Come in" he said after putting the bottle down.
It was Ron Weasley, his partner, appearing worried as he scanned Harry's tense demeanor. "Hey, mate. You doing okay?" Ron inquired, his eyes shifting over Harry's troubled state.
Harry tried to force a smile and nodded his head. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just...a bit tired, I guess." Though unconvinced, Ron chose not to press Harry further. Instead, he handed Harry a file.
"New case just came in. I thought we could take a look at it together." Harry's focus shifted immediately to the file, grateful for the distraction. He flipped it open, his eyes scanning the details of the case. As he read, he felt his mind begin to clear, his focus sharpening. This was what he was good at. This was what he was meant to do.
Ministry of Magic
Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Auror Office
CASE FILE: CELESTIAL CIRCLE
Date: September 22, 2008.
Assigned Aurors: Harry James Potter and Ronald Bilius Granger-Weasley.
Incident:
A new group of wizards has been brought to the Ministry's attention. They apparently call themselves the Celestial Circle, a group that existed a long time ago but has been inactive for decades. This "new" group was seen by a witness with an ancient dark magic artifact.
Investigation:
The Ministry is concerned about the Celestial Circle's activities and has assigned Aurors Harry James Potter and Ronald Bilius Granger-Weasley to investigate. The group is believed to have monthly meetings, but their location is unknown. Witnesses have reported that the group was seen using this dark artifact in other wizards for unknown reasons. These wizards were left severely injured.
Action to be Taken:
Aurors Potter and Weasley will begin their investigation immediately. They will interview witnesses and gather any available evidence to determine the Celestial Circle's motives and goals. The Aurors are authorized to use any necessary means to apprehend the group and prevent any further harm to the wizarding community.
Conclusion:
The Ministry takes the activities of the Celestial Circle seriously and is committed to bringing them to justice. We trust that Aurors Potter and Weasley will use their expertise and experience to handle this case with the utmost professionalism and diligence.
Signed,
Head of the Auror Office
Hermione Jean Granger-Weasley
Harry's eyes darted back and forth as he read the file for what felt like the hundredth time. The lack of information about this mysterious new wizard group was frustrating, but it was the nagging sense of déjà vu that really got to him. Something about the Celestial Circle reminded him of a dark time from his past. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he tried to shake the feeling, but it clung to him like a curse.
Ron could see the distress etched on Harry's face, the weight of the situation bearing down on him like a ton of bricks. He knew that Harry's mind was racing with memories of the past, memories of the war, and memories of the Death Eaters. Ron needed to reassure his friend and colleague that this was not the same thing.
"I know what you're thinking," Ron said, his voice low and steady, hoping to get Harry's attention. "They are not a new brand of Death Eaters, Harry."
Harry's eyes snapped up to meet Ron's, his expression guarded, unsure. "We don't know that," Harry replied, his tone cautious.
Ron nodded in agreement. "Yes, we don't know, and they can be very dangerous, but we are going to stop them before they become a real problem. They won't get the chance to become the new Death Eaters because we will stop them first."
The reassurance was there, but it did not seem to comfort Harry. He knew the reality of what they were up against, and he didn't want to have to fight like that again. He didn't want to go through everything all over again. But he couldn't let that selfish thought get in the way of his duty to help people, regardless of the cost.
"Let's take a look and see if we find anything about this Celestial Circle of the past," Ron suggested, hoping to shift Harry's focus to a more productive task. "This new version could be trying to copy them, and that may give us a lead."
And so they began their search, pouring over ancient texts and old files in the library for any information about the Celestial Circle. Hours turned into days as they worked tirelessly, driven by a sense of duty to protect the wizarding world from a potential threat.
Weeks had turned into an endless cycle of sleepless nights and tireless research. Harry and Ron had sifted through every piece of information the Ministry had provided them with, yet they were still not closer to finding out anything substantial about the enigmatic Celestial Circle. The case seemed to be slipping out of their grasp with each passing day, and the Ministry's impatience was only growing stronger, putting them under constant pressure to deliver results.
It was a Thursday afternoon, and Harry sat slumped in his chair, surrounded by piles of papers, feeling the weight of the case bearing down on him. Ron, no better off, was sitting on the floor amidst a sea of papers, his eyes heavy-lidded with exhaustion. Just as they were about to give up for the day, they heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," they called out in unison, glad for the interruption.
The door opened to reveal a familiar face - Hermione Granger. Her hair was disheveled, and her tired eyes hinted at the strain of her own work, but despite that, she still managed to carry herself with an air of confidence and poise, even with her pregnant belly beginning to show.
"Hey, darling," Ron said, getting up from the floor to greet her with a kiss on the cheek. The fatigue melted away from his face as he basked in the glow of his wife's presence.
"Hi, boys. How's the investigation going?" Hermione asked, wasting no time in getting to the point, her eyes flickering between Harry and Ron.
"Not good, Hermione," Harry replied wearily, getting up from his chair to make room for her to sit. "We've hit a dead end. We don't have any leads to follow, no information to work with, and no witnesses willing to talk to us, and the Ministry is breathing down our necks for answers."
"That's why I'm here, actually," Hermione said, settling into the chair. "I might have someone who could help you guys, but I don't think you're going to like it."
"Who?" Ron asked, his tone cautious.
"Draco Malfoy," Hermione said, a hint of wry amusement in her voice, as she watched the comical expressions of shock and disbelief spread across their faces.
"What?!" they exclaimed in unison.
"Steady on, lads," Hermione said, barely able to conceal a smile. "I've been doing some research on my own, you know. Don't give me that look, Ron."
"You said you'd take it easy," Ron said, his expression concerned.
"I am. It was just a little bit of research, nothing too stressful. The Ministry wasn't just pressuring you, they were pressuring me too, so I did what I could," Hermione explained, trying to put Ron's mind at ease.
"And what did you find out?" Harry asked, a little wary.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Well, I discovered that the Celestial Circle is an old legend of the wizarding world. That's why there isn't much information in the Ministry's archives; legends aren't typically recorded. But there wasn't much information about the legend in other places either. From what I could gather, it's an old tale passed down through traditional pure-blood families."
Harry knew where Hermione was heading with this and asked, "Why don't we ask other families? Why do we have to ask Malfoy?"
Hermione shook her head. "Traditional wizarding families are unlikely to talk to the Ministry, let alone to you. And from what I've discovered about Malfoy, he's now a MedWizard with a specialty in dark curses. He's the one taking care of the wizards affected by the artifact. He can give you guys a lead."
Harry didn't like that, he didn't trust Malfoy, and by the look on Ron's face, he didn't like it either. But they both knew they didn't have a choice. The Ministry wouldn't allow them more time without information, and they'd be taken off the case. Malfoy was their only lead at the moment.
"I hate it when you're right," Ron pouted.
"You love when I'm right," Hermione replied, kissing him and holding back a laugh.
"Yeah, I do," Ron said, melting into the kiss.
"Ew, get a room, you two," Harry said, pretending to gag as he grabbed his coat. He didn't want to waste any more time. He tossed Ron his coat, and after getting Malfoy's address from Hermione, they headed off to talk to him.
As Harry and Ron approached the address Hermione had given them, they were struck by the lack of grandeur. Instead of a luxurious building filled with powerful wizards, they were standing in front of a simple hospital. Hermione assured them that they were in the right place, but they both had their doubts.
As they stepped through the doors, they were immediately greeted with the bustling sounds of a busy hospital. Doctors and nurses rushed past them, gurneys whizzing by, and the incessant ringing of telephones filled the air. The reception area was packed with people of all ages, some looking worried or in pain, while others waited patiently to be seen.
The hospital was distinctly magical, with healing spells and potions being administered alongside Muggle medical techniques. Wizards and witches bustled around in scrubs and white coats, rushing to tend to patients in need.
"Blimey, this place is a bit mad, isn't it?" Ron commented, taking in the frenzied atmosphere.
Harry and Ron went deeper into the hospital, passing by doctors and nurses rushing down the hallways with gurneys and patients in tow. Medical equipment was scattered about, adding to the cluttered and disorganized atmosphere.
Despite the chaos, the sense of community among the staff and patients was palpable. The hospital felt like a place of comfort and support in the face of illness and injury.
"I never thought I'd see Malfoy working in a place like this," Harry said, his eyes scanning the busy hospital.
Ron snorted, "I don't think we're talking about the same Malfoy. The one I know wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this."
As they approached the receptionist, a busy brunette nurse, Harry and Ron introduced themselves and showed their Ministry badges.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. My name is Harry Potter, and this is my partner, Ronald Weasley. We're from the Ministry of Magic, and we're looking for Doctor Draco Malfoy. Do you know if he's here?" Harry asked politely.
The receptionist glanced at their badges before looking back at them. "Dr. Malfoy, you say? He's a good bloke. You can find his office by crossing the patient floor on three and then following the signs in the main lobby. But I must warn you, he's a busy man. He's hardly ever in his office. Most of the time, he's with patients or helping the interns."
"Thank you, ma'am," Ron said, and they made their way to the elevator.
As they stepped inside, Harry and Ron couldn't help but laugh. "Either Malfoy's changed a lot, or he's been replaced by aliens," Harry said, grinning.
Ron chuckled, "I hope it's the first one. I'm not ready to deal with aliens today."
After what felt like hours of wandering through the maze-like corridors of the hospital, Harry and Ron finally found themselves standing in front of the office of the elusive Dr. Malfoy. Much to their surprise, the nurse at the front desk had misinformed them. He wasn't in his office at all. They set off down the hall in search of him, hoping that this detour wouldn't take too much time.
As luck would have it, when they rounded the corner, the two friends didn't actually see Malfoy go into a room, but rather caught a glimpse of him as he entered. They watched as he turned his back to the little girl on the bed, causing her to giggled and covered herself with the bedsheets. Harry and Ron were taken aback by how different Malfoy looked. He appeared tired, with dark circles under his eyes, but there was no trace of the cold superiority he used to exude. He smiled genuinely, and his silver-blond hair was unkempt, as if he hadn't had time to cut it in some time.
"Doctor Williams, have you seen Penelope? She's six years old, light brown hair, gorgeous blue eyes, and she just had a Bogies curse removed, so she has a bandage on her head," Malfoy explained to the other doctor, gesturing towards the little girl who was giggling under the covers.
"Oh, Merlin, Doctor Malfoy, I didn't see anyone," Doctor Williams replied, holding back a smile.
Malfoy made a show of thinking. "Why don't you check under the bed? Maybe she's hiding."
"That's a great idea," Doctor Williams said as he went to check under the bed. Meanwhile, Malfoy approached the little girl's parents, who were sitting beside the bed, looking concerned.
Harry and Ron were still standing in the hallway, mouths agape. They couldn't believe how much Malfoy had changed. He was no longer the person they remembered. He seemed sympathetic and kinder now.
Suddenly, Doctor Williams emerged from under the bed. "Doctor Malfoy, we have a problem. She's not here," he said, feigning concern.
"Oh, no. Where could she be? Maybe she's in the bathroom," Malfoy said, turning back to the little girl's parents.
"And how did it go last night? Did she get any sleep?" he asked, his tone kind and compassionate.
"She did. I didn't," the mother replied with a wry smile.
As Doctor Williams searched for the little girl in the bathroom, Malfoy approached the bed once more. "Wait, I think I'm hearing something coming from the bed. But what could it be?" he said, leaning in closer. "Beds don't have hair," he continued, pulling back the covers to reveal a smiling little girl.
"Hey, Penelope, I found you!" Malfoy said with a wide grin, making the little girl giggle even more.
Harry and Ron stood outside the hospital room, shifting uncomfortably as they waited for Dr. Malfoy to finish examining the little girl. The hospital corridors bustled with activity, but the atmosphere was tense, as if every person passing by was carrying a weight on their shoulders.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Malfoy emerged from the room with a smile on his face. He spoke kindly to the girl's mother before turning to leave, only to be confronted by Harry and Ron.
Malfoy's expression immediately became guarded as he regarded the two wizards. "Potter," he said, his voice cool and measured. "Weasley. What brings you here?" His tone was polite but reserved.
Harry took a deep breath, trying to sound as diplomatic as possible. "We're investigating a case," he said, his voice steady. "We think you might have some information that could be useful."
Malfoy raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Oh, really? And what makes you think that?"
Ron stepped forward, determined to make their case. "We need information about the wizards that came here under your medical care recently," he said. "They were attacked with a dark magic artifact."
Malfoy nodded thoughtfully. "I see," he said. "Well, I'm afraid I can't give you much information, but I can certainly point you in the right direction. Follow me to my office, and we can talk more privately."
As they walked down the corridor towards Malfoy's office, Harry couldn't help but notice how different he seemed from the arrogant, sneering boy he had known in school. He still had the same sharp features and slicked-back blonde hair, but now there was a weariness in his eyes that spoke of long hours of work and little sleep. But at the same time Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as they walked, as if they were being led into a trap.
Malfoy's Mediwizard office was not just a sterile, clinical space, but a place full of personality and warmth. The walls were painted in a calming shade of sage green, and there were potted plants placed strategically around the room, adding a touch of natural beauty. The shelves were filled with books on various subjects, from healing spells to the latest advances in magical medicine.
The lighting was soft and warm, with lamps casting a gentle glow throughout the space. The air was infused with the scent of lavender, which Malfoy had cleverly incorporated into the air-circulation system to promote relaxation and tranquility.
In the corner of the room, there was a comfortable armchair and a small table with a teapot and cups, inviting patients to take a moment to relax and enjoy a cup of tea before or after their appointments. The examination table was still present, but it was draped with a colorful quilt and pillows, making it feel more inviting and less clinical.
Malfoy himself was dressed in his customary lab coat, but he had also adorned his workspace with personal touches. On his desk, there was a photograph of his family, along with a collection of quills and ink pots, hinting at his love for writing. The informational posters and charts were still present, but they were complemented by pieces of artwork and photographs that showed off Malfoy's personal interests.
Overall, the space felt like a welcoming, comfortable haven for patients seeking medical attention. It was clear that Malfoy had put a lot of thought and care into creating an ambiance that would put his patients at ease and help them feel cared for.
Malfoy took a seat behind his desk, gesturing for Harry and Ron to sit in the chairs across from him.
"So, what exactly do you want to know?" he asked, steepling his fingers.
Harry and Ron stood in Malfoy's office, their eyes flickering between the files and the pale face of the Mediwizard. The room was quiet, with the soft hum of medical equipment in the background.
"Who are they? What happened to them? What were their symptoms? Do they remember who did it or what? Basically anything that can be useful to find out what did this" Harry pressed, trying to glean as much information as possible.
Malfoy's expression remained guarded as he replied, "I see. Well, as I said, I can't give you much information because I've never seen an effect like that caused by a spell." He opened a drawer on his desk and pulled out a stack of files. "They arrived here barely alive with severe burns all over their bodies, but not like the kind caused by a fire."
He handed the files to Harry and Ron, who eagerly opened them. The first thing they saw were pictures of the patients, and their faces fell.
In the photographs, they saw six different people, all of them with severely burned and blistered bodies. The skin was charred and blackened, and their eyes had been permanently damaged. But that wasn't all - their bodies were also twisted and contorted, with internal damage to organs, bones, and tissues.
"Merlin," Ron gasped, looking up from the file. "What could possibly have caused this?"
"We don't know," Malfoy said, the tiredness in his voice betraying his self-restrained expression, making evident the long hours he had spent trying to solve this very same question. "And we can't ask them any questions about the objects that caused this because they're too injured to even wake up now."
Harry shared a concerned glance with Ron. They still couldn't fully trust Malfoy, but they didn't have much choice at the moment. They needed to figure out what had caused this and fast.
"We have another question for you," Harry said, his voice low. "It's not necessarily about the patients, but it could help us figure out what object was used to cause this. Can you tell us anything about the Celestial Circle?"
Malfoy looked at Harry and Ron with a raised eyebrow, clearly skeptical about their request. "You want me to tell you a bedtime story?" he said, his tone bordering on condescending.
Harry held Malfoy's gaze, unflinching. "We believe that this story may have some relevance to our investigation. Any information you can give us would be appreciated."
Malfoy hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "At the top of my head, I only remember the legends that were told to us as children, but there's no proof that any of it is true."
"well even if it is just that we would like to hear it" Ron asked
He cleared his throat before beginning to speak. "Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a group of wise and powerful beings known as the Celestial Circle. They were a secret society of the most skilled and knowledgeable wizards and witches of their time, and they believed that by harnessing the magic of the stars, they could create a magical object of unparalleled power."
Harry and Ron listened intently as Malfoy continued with the story, his voice becoming more nostalgic as he spoke. He described the Celestial Circle's creation of the Starlight Orb and the various legends surrounding its purpose.
"Some say that the Orb was created to grant wishes, others believe it held the power of immortality, while others claimed it was a weapon of war that could bend the will of others to its user's whim. But whatever its true purpose, it was said to be the most powerful artifact in the world."
Malfoy paused for a moment before continuing. "As time passed, however, the Celestial Circle became more secretive and their motives unclear. Some whispered that they were using the Orb to control the minds of others or to wage war against those who opposed them."
Harry and Ron exchanged a look, sensing that feeling of déjà vu again. "And what happened to the Starlight Orb?" Harry asked.
Malfoy shrugged. "No one knows for sure. The story goes that a powerful wizard, known only as The Shadow, led a faction that believed the true purpose of the Orb was to serve the interests of those who possessed it, rather than the greater good. They waged a secret war against the rest of the Celestial Circle and in the end, they succeeded in stealing the Orb and using its power for their own purposes."
"But you said the power of the Orb was too great for any one wizard to control alone," Ron interjected.
"Exactly," Malfoy said, nodding. "The Starlight Orb shattered into countless pieces, which were scattered across the land. And that's where the story ends."
Harry and Ron exchanged a meaningful glance before Harry asked Malfoy, "Do you have any further information about the location of the artifact or how to locate it?"
Malfoy's brow furrowed as he replied, "I'm afraid not, Potter. As I mentioned before, it's nothing but a mere legend that became a bedtime story for children. Nobody knows if it's real or not."
Ron leaned back, deep in thought, rubbing his chin contemplatively. "But what if they're trying to recreate the legend? What if there's a grain of truth in all of this?"
Harry nodded, agreeing with Ron. "That's a good point. We need to delve deeper into the legend and find out if there's any truth to it. If we can figure out how they're planning to recreate it, we might be able to find out where they're doing it."
Malfoy looked grave and serious. "I'll see what I can find out. Perhaps there's a more detailed version of the legend in an old book at the Manor."
"Thank you, Malfoy," Harry said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a card. "Please don't hesitate to call us if you find anything useful."
Malfoy took the card from Harry's outstretched hand, looking pensive. "I sincerely hope you two can put a stop to this. Nobody deserves to suffer the way those patients did."
"Agreed," Ron chimed in, rising from his seat. "We won't take up any more of your time, Doctor. Thank you again."
They shook hands, and Ron and Harry made their way out of the office, the door closing behind them with a soft click.
As they made their way down the corridor, Ron turned to Harry, a perplexed expression on his face. "Do you think he was telling the truth?"
Harry shrugged, his eyes dark and contemplative. "It's hard to say. But I don't think he's lying. He seemed genuinely surprised by our questions, and he seems to care about his patients."
Ron nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "I think you're right. It's just strange to see Malfoy like this."
"I know," Harry agreed. "But we have to stay focused on the task at hand. We need to find out more about this new group of wizards and put a stop to them before they cause any more harm."
Ron grinned, clapping Harry on the back. "You're right, mate. We'll figure this out. We always do."