The House-elf Winky

"Who's there?" A white light flared nearby, followed by a shouted challenge. At first they heard one voice, then the sounds of several people pushing through the bushes.

"Aurors," Sirius Black said. He recognized the man in front. After so many years in prison, he still knew a few Aurors.

Seeing who had arrived, they dropped their protective charms.

"Who are you? Did you conjure that thing?" The Auror jumped at the sight of so many people appearing at once, then aimed his wand at Sirius Black.

Sirius Black had no doubt that if any of them made a sudden move, the nervous Auror would cast a spell at them.

"Who's that? Have you caught the culprit?" Barty Crouch hurried over with a large group of people.

He recognized Sirius Black and several of the Weasleys at once.

But that did nothing to put him at ease. Instead, he ordered the Aurors to surround them.

"Hey, Crouch, don't tell me you've forgotten who we are!" Sirius Black said indignantly.

Barty Crouch swept a sharp gaze over everyone present. His wand moved from person to person, almost jabbing them in the face.

"Every one of you is capable of conjuring that mark. Who's to say it wasn't one of you... or all of you?"

"What are you doing? My children are in there!" Arthur Weasley shouted as he charged over, snapping branches along the way.

He shoved several Aurors aside and stepped in front of Barty Crouch.

"Had a good look? These are my children and their friends. You saw them earlier today!"

Barty Crouch turned his piercing gaze on Arthur Weasley, then looked at Sirius Black.

He had yet to lower his wand, as though he were facing a Ministry of Magic fugitive the whole time.

It was hardly how