The Erased Memories

The Department of Security's Aurors turned the house upside down and found nothing. Even they were not particularly surprised by the result. If Amosta Breen had truly killed Chago Piolio, then he certainly would not have treated his wand so carelessly.

Mr. and Mrs. Dett clung to Amelia's side. As they watched the wizards who had made their home a complete mess leave after Amosta, they felt both indignant and terrified.

Amelia, meanwhile, stared at it all with a livid face. For the first time, she felt that joining the Department of Security might have been an utterly mistaken dream.

Dawn, soft as musical notes, streamed through the sitting room's glass windows and illuminated the room.

The Aurors finally settled down. With waves of their wands, they restored the furnishings to their proper places, then gathered in the sitting room.

Without Amosta Breen present, the Aurors were clearly far more relaxed. Selena gave the Dett family on the sofa a curt nod of apology, then departed through the fireplace, which had been temporarily connected to the Floo Network.

Eriel seemed to want to offer Amelia a few more words of comfort. After all, the young girl would one day become their colleague. But when he caught sight of Amelia's icy expression, he let out a quiet sigh in his heart, said nothing, and hurried away through the fireplace.

They still had to go to the hotel where Breen was staying.

The flickering emerald flames in the fireplace finally died down. A tiny flame burned amid the ash-covered hearth, looking ready to go out at any moment.

Now only the Dett family remained, yet they did not discuss what had just happened. Silence returned to the house. Only Mrs. Dett's quiet sobs could be heard, while Mr. Dett, his eyes red-rimmed,