28.
The soft thud of Moody’s wooden leg on the stone floor of Dumbledore’s office echoed with a menacing rhythm. His magic eye spun in its socket, while his normal eye remained fixed on Dumbledore.
“All right,” Moody grunted. “Tell me what’s going on, Albus.”
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his fingertips pressed together. “The girl-who-lived, Alastor. I had placed her with her aunt and uncle, which was…a mistake. They did not care for her as I had hoped and even though no one could find her, it was a grave error on my side.”
Moody froze. His magic eye continued to spin, but his normal eye squinted in concentration. “Go to the part with the muggles.”
Dumbledore nodded. “Her uncle and aunt went to America, where her uncle dumped her on the side of the road. She was 9 at that time. Two extraordinary men found her.”
“The Winchesters.” Moody’s voice was sharp. “I’ve heard rumors. Hunters. Muggles who claim to fight demons and other monsters.” Dumbledore smiled slightly. “They don’t just fight monsters. They defeat them.”
Moody snorted. “And you trust them with the protection of a girl like Potter?”
“I do, Alastor,” Dumbledore replied quietly. “I’ve met them. I’ve seen the lengths they’ll go to, to keep her safe.”
Moody stepped closer to the desk, his gaze sharp. “Do they protect her because they want to… or because they have no choice?”
Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled briefly. “They protect her because they love her. Dean Winchester has officially adopted her as his daughter through blood adoption.”
Moody’s magical eye turned quickly to Dumbledore. “Blood adoption? That magic is rare and dangerous.”
“And powerful,” Dumbledore confirmed. “It bonds them forever. Dean is her father now. Not just in name, but in every sense of the word.” Moody’s face twisted. “And yet… you’re talking about a Muggle taking on Death Eaters with guns. Even though the normal witch or wizard don’t know what they are, doesn’t mean I am equally ignorant. That doesn’t sound like someone who understands the threat he’s facing.”
“He understands the danger perfectly well,” Dumbledore replied calmly. “But he comes from a different world, Alastor. A world where pistols are just as effective as wands. And sometimes, to be honest, more effective.” Moody raised his eyebrow. “More effective?”
“A Death Eater expects a duel. A spell. They don’t expect someone to shoot three times without warning,” Dumbledore said with a smile. “The Winchesters think differently. They act differently. And that’s why they’ve kept Dana safe so far.”
Moody’s magic eye continued to roll as he stared at Dumbledore. “Is there more?”
Dumbledore nodded. “The Winchesters are in contact with an angel. His name is Castiel. I’ve also met Crowley, the demon. As you know, he is the king of Hell. It seems he is sort of a friend.”
"A demon," Moody repeated mockingly. "And you think they are good men, they consort with demons?" Dumbledore smiled softly. "Yes, but they also consort with angels, Alastor. And sometimes we have to work with what we have."
Moody stepped back and crossed his arms. "I don't trust anyone's word, Albus. If you say those Winchesters are trustworthy, then I'll have to see for myself."
Dumbledore nodded. "I wouldn't have expected anything less." Moody turned toward the door. "And where do I find them?"
"London," Dumbledore said simply. The house is under Fidelius. I could ask Dean Winchester to give you the address. Moody looked at his old friend, a grin on his face. "You do that, Albus.”
***
It was a quiet morning at the Potter Townhouse. Dana was sitting at the kitchen table, her legs dangling from the chair as she intently read her new book. Sam was standing by the stove, making pancakes. It took some convincing before the House-elves understood that there was nothing wrong with taking care of them, but Sam just liked to cook every now and then.
Dean was sitting on the other side of the table with his usual cup of coffee, his gaze vacant as he flipped through the morning paper. A soft tap on the window caught their attention. Dana looked up to see an owl sitting by the window with a letter in its beak.
“Daddy, there’s an owl!” Dana said excitedly as she jumped from her chair and ran to the window. Dean slowly stood up and raised an eyebrow. “Another owl? I’m starting to think we’re a post office here.” Sam grinned. “You get used to it.”
Dana opened the window and let the owl in. The bird landed gracefully on the table and extended its leg, which had a parchment letter tied to it. Dean pulled the letter free and the owl flew away without a sound. “Now, let’s see what Dumbledore has to tell us now.”
Dean unrolled the parchment and read aloud:
Dear Dean,
I hope this letter finds you safe and sound.
Following the incident in Diagon Alley, the Aurors have launched an investigation into the attack. One of the most experienced Aurors, Alastor Moody, has asked to speak with you about what exactly happened. He is someone who understands the danger and takes your situation seriously.
I know you are careful about who you confide in. But believe me when I say that Moody is one of the few I trust completely. He has dedicated his entire life to fighting the dark forces like we are fighting.
Moody would like to meet with you to understand more about Dana’s protection and how we can ensure her safety. I'll leave it up to you whether you want to receive him.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Dean rolled up the letter and placed it on the table. He leaned his hands on the tabletop and stared into space, thinking.
"What do you think?" Sam asked, placing a stack of pancakes on a plate. Dean ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know. I don't trust just anyone, especially magical types."
Dana looked curiously between her father and her uncle. "Who's Moody?"
Sam sat down next to her and smiled reassuringly. "He's an auror. I think that is a sort of magical police officer."
Dana's eyes widened. "A police officer?" Dana turned the letter between her fingers. “So… are we going to meet him?”
Dean sighed and nodded slowly. “Yeah. I’m going to send a letter back with the address. If he’s as good as Dumbledore says, he’ll show up.” Sam nodded in agreement. “Good idea. But you know he’s probably going to analyze everything when he gets here.”
Dean grinned. “Let him come. I love a good test.” Dana looked excited. “Does that mean he’s going to ask questions?” Dean smiled at her. “Probably. But don’t worry, kiddo. We won’t let anyone hurt you.” Dana nodded seriously. “I know, Dad.”
***
Dean sat at the desk in the living room of the Potter Townhouse. In front of him was a piece of paper and a pen. He flat-out refused to use a quill. He frowned at the piece of paper as if he were about to set the paper on fire.
“Why do they have to make everything so difficult?” he muttered. Sam leaned against the doorframe and grinned. “You could just write ‘come over’.” Dean raised his eyebrow. “No. This is important. I’m not going to invite just anyone.”
Dana came up next to him and looked at the parchment curiously. “What are you going to write, Dad?” Dean smiled at her. “A letter for that auror. Moody.”
Dana’s eyes widened. “Can I see it?” Dean rolled his eyes. “You probably think it’s boring, kiddo.” Still, he picked up the pen.
Alastor Moody,
We have received your request via Dumbledore.
If you think you have useful information or can contribute to the safety of my daughter, you are welcome to come by.
Address: Potter Townhouse, London.
But I give you one warning: Do not do anything that I might see as a threat.
Dean Winchester
Dean glanced at the letter and gave it to Dana. “Here, you may give it to Tinker.”
Dana took the letter with a broad smile. “Okay!” She turned to the house-elf, who immediately appeared before her. “Tinker, can you take this letter to Mr. Moody?” she asked politely.
Tinker bowed deeply. “Of course, little mistress.” He took the letter and disappeared with a soft thud. A few hours later, there was a knock on the door of the Townhouse. Dean looked at Sam, his gaze sharp. “That must be him.”
Sam slowly opened the front door and looked out. They had told Tinker that in this case, Sam would answer the door. There stood Mad-Eye Moody, just as Dumbledore had described him. His magic eye was constantly rotating, while his normal eye was staring straight at Sam.
“Sam Winchester, I presume,” Moody grunted.
Sam nodded. “That’s right.”
“Then I assume your brother is the one who invited me?” Moody stepped inside without hesitation, his staff in his hand.
Dean stood in the living room, his arms crossed. “Moody.” Moody’s magical eye immediately turned to him. “Dean Winchester.”
Dean nodded slowly. Moody walked over and held out his hand. “Thank you for trusting me.” Dean took his hand and shook it firmly. “I don’t trust anyone just like that.”
Moody’s grin was tight. “Good. Then we’re on the same page.”
Dana stopped at the stairs and looked at Moody with wide eyes. She had heard stories about Aurors, but she had never seen anyone like him. Moody’s gaze fell on her, and his normal eye softened. “Dana Potter.”
Dana nodded slowly. “Hello sir, uhm, Mr. Moody.”
Moody bowed his head. “Your parents would be proud of you.”
Dana’s eyes widened. “You knew my parents?”
“I knew them well,” Moody said, his voice softer than usual. “They were brave people.”
Dana glanced at Dean, as if seeking confirmation. Then she looked back at Moody and stepped closer. “Are you here to protect me?”
Moody nodded slowly. “That’s exactly what I’m here to do.”
Dean stood by the table, his gaze fixed on Mad-Eye Moody, while Sam calmly took a seat on the couch. Dana sat next to Sam, her eyes were riveted to the new guest. Moody’s magical eye continued to spin, scanning every corner of the house, while his normal eye focused on Dean.
“Let’s get straight to the point.”
Dean crossed his arms over his chest. “Good idea. Why are you here?”
Moody grinned briefly. “Because there are Death Eaters after your daughter.”
Dean’s jaw tightened. “We knew that already. What we want to know is why.”
Moody walked slowly to the window and looked out. “That’s simple. She’s Dana Potter. The daughter of Lily and James Potter. The only person to ever survive the Killing Curse. And if Voldemort's followers think they can use her to bring back their master, they will stop at nothing until they get her."
Sam leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "We understand that. But what I don't understand is why this is happening now. Voldemort has been gone for years."
Moody turned, his face stern. "Do you think dark magic just goes away? No. It always finds ways to return."
Dana looked at Dean and Sam, her voice soft. “Are they going to keep coming?”
Dean walked over to her and knelt so he could look her in the eye. “We’re not going to let them do anything to you. Do you understand that?”
Dana nodded slowly, but her eyes remained concerned. “But they want me because I’m Dana Potter.”
Moody stepped closer, his voice heavy. “And that’s exactly why you need to be protected. You’re more than just a girl. You’re a symbol of hope to so many people.”
Dana looked at him, her brow furrowed. “But I don’t want to be a symbol. I just want to be… ordinary.” Dean smiled slightly. “You’re ordinary. To us, you’re just Dana.”
Moody turned back to the brothers. “So tell me. How do you guys fight Death Eaters without magic?” Dean grinned. “We have our ways.”
Moody snorted. “Guns and knives. They may work against some creatures, but Death Eaters are a different matter.” Sam nodded. “That’s why we’re willing to learn”
Moody raised his eyebrow. “Learn, you say?” Dean’s gaze remained determined. “We’re not abandoning her. No matter what.”
Moody looked at them for a long time, his gaze unreadable. Finally, he nodded slowly. “You’re not what I expected.”
Dean lifted his chin slightly. “We’ve heard that before.” Moody’s magical eye spun one last time. “Good. Then I’m here to help.”
Sam stood up and held out his hand. “Thank you.” Moody shook his hand and looked at Dana. “And you, young lady. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me.” Dana smiled cautiously. “Thank you, Mr. Moody.”
Moody bowed his head slightly. “Just call me Mad-Eye.”