Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle strode purposefully through the bustling corridors of the Auror Headquarters, their faces set with determination. The clamor of activity around them, the shuffling of papers, and the low hum of urgent conversations contrasted sharply with the opulence of their family estates. Their decision to become Aurors had been driven by more than necessity—it was a reflection of their values and personal convictions.

Their childhoods, though steeped in pureblood tradition, had been far from idyllic. In the world of the wealthy pureblood families, the birth of a child was often overshadowed by the fear of producing a squib. Such a child, lacking magical abilities, was a source of immense shame and embarrassment. Consequently, these births were often concealed, with the child hidden away until their magical potential could be verified. For Vincent and Gregory, this fear was all too real.

When Vincent Crabbe was sorted into Hufflepuff, the Sorting Hat’s deliberation had been fraught with tension. The mere thought of being labeled a squib by the Hat had nearly terrified him. The atmosphere of the Great Hall, filled with the hopeful whispers of other students, seemed to close in on him as he awaited his fate. When the Hat finally called out "Hufflepuff," a wave of relief washed over him. He had narrowly avoided the disgrace he feared, and Hufflepuff House became a sanctuary where he found unexpected solace.

Gregory Goyle’s sorting was similarly stressful. The Hat's deliberations seemed endless, each moment stretching into eternity. Yet, when the Hat finally declared him a Hufflepuff, Gregory felt a profound sense of belonging. The House’s reputation for hard work, loyalty, and fairness resonated deeply with both boys, and it became clear that their lives were destined to take a different course from what their families might have imagined.

Hufflepuff House nurtured Vincent and Gregory, teaching them the values of hard work and righteousness. The teachings they received went beyond mere academic learning; they shaped their very character. The House’s emphasis on perseverance and dedication prepared them for challenges that lay ahead, challenges that would test their resolve in ways they had never anticipated.

The outbreak of the Second Wizarding War tested their values profoundly. While their families remained loyal to Voldemort, Vincent and Gregory made a courageous choice. They joined the resistance, fighting against the forces of darkness despite the risk of alienating their own kin. Their contributions were significant: they helped in hiding Muggle-borns, protecting homes, and safeguarding the streets from Death Eaters.

Their participation in the resistance was not without sacrifice. The war was brutal and unforgiving, claiming many lives, including those of their own fathers and uncles. The loss was staggering, and the weight of it settled heavily on Vincent and Gregory. Yet, through the tragedy, they remained steadfast. Their commitment to the cause was unwavering, driven by a deep-seated belief in justice and the protection of the innocent.

As the war drew to a close, the aftermath was grim. The magical community had been decimated, and the Auror force, in particular, had been ravaged by the conflict. The need for dedicated and courageous individuals to restore order was urgent. In the wake of such devastation, Vincent and Gregory were unexpectedly thrust into leadership roles. They became the heads of their respective Houses—Crabbe and Goyle—by virtue of their family ties and the necessity of continuity.

Despite their newfound status and the substantial inheritance that came with it, Vincent and Gregory chose a path of humility and hard work. The teachings of Hufflepuff House had left an indelible mark on them. They understood that their worth was not measured by their wealth but by their actions and their contributions to the world around them.

They applied to join the Auror force, aware of the critical shortage of personnel. The war had claimed many of the force’s best and brightest, and there was a dire need for new recruits. Given their experience in the resistance and their unwavering dedication, Vincent and Gregory were accepted into the Auror program with relative ease. Their entry was marked by a sense of purpose rather than the usual rigorous examinations, reflecting the urgent need for their services.

Becoming Aurors was not just a career choice for them; it was a commitment to continue fighting for the principles they had always held dear. Vincent and Gregory were well aware of their limitations. They were often seen as dim-witted and lacking in magical prowess compared to their peers. Yet, their hearts were undeniably pure. They had chosen to work in a field that demanded integrity and resilience, qualities they had developed through their experiences and the lessons learned at Hogwarts.

As they prepared for their first official assignment as Aurors, Vincent and Gregory were driven by a sense of duty and an eagerness to prove their worth. The road ahead was uncertain, and they knew that the challenges they would face would be formidable. Yet, their commitment to protecting others and upholding justice gave them strength. Their journey had begun not with grand expectations but with a simple desire to make a difference, to be a beacon of hope in a world that had seen too much darkness.

Stepping into their new roles, Vincent and Gregory were ready to confront whatever came their way. Their past had shaped them, their values had guided them, and their resolve had strengthened them. The future awaited, and they were determined to meet it head-on, armed with the lessons of their past and the unwavering belief in the power of good. 

The Auror Headquarters was a hub of activity as Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle awaited their next assignment. Their roles, though unassuming, were crucial in maintaining the smooth operation of the office. Today, they were about to embark on a task that required not only their diligence but also their ability to navigate a challenging situation with sensitivity.

Before they set out, Vincent and Gregory had a brief conversation about how they would reach the crime scene."So, how are we going to get to the crime scene?" 

Vincent asked, peering at the case file.

"Apparition, maybe?" Gregory suggested with a shrug.

Vincent frowned. "I’m not sure. It’s a Muggle area, remember? Apparating in front of Muggles might be tricky. We could end up causing more trouble than we intend."

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"And if we try that, there’s a good chance we might leave behind some of our body parts," Gregory added with a grin.

Gregory thought for a moment. "Then what do you suggest? Are we going to take brooms?"

Vincent chuckled. "Yeah, flying my broom into a Muggle area would be a bit conspicuous, don’t you think? Imagine the headlines—‘Two Aurors Flying Through Muggle Neighborhood.’

"They both laughed at the absurdity of the idea.

Vincent nodded in agreement. "Yeah, brooms aren’t the best choice. How about the Knight Bus?"

Gregory’s face lit up. "The Knight Bus! Perfect. It’s reliable and doesn’t attract too much attention in Muggle areas. Let’s go with that."

With their mode of transport decided, they prepared for their journey. Vincent and Gregory donned their Muggle clothes, necessary for blending in and respecting the local customs during their investigation. Vincent adjusted his jacket while Gregory straightened his tie.

They stepped outside and summoned the Knight Bus, which arrived with its usual bang and swaying motion. The bus was as chaotic as ever, but it was a familiar and dependable means of travel.

As they boarded the bus, Vincent and Gregory settled into their seats, ready for the ride. The bus lurched into motion, and they began their journey to the crime scene. The rhythmic clatter of the bus wheels and the occasional burst of magical energy from the bus’s enchanted engines provided a backdrop to their quiet anticipation.

After a brief but eventful ride, the Knight Bus came to a stop outside the Muggle residence. Vincent and Gregory stepped off, taking in their surroundings. The house, a modest structure in a quiet suburb, stood as a solemn reminder of the task ahead.

With their professional demeanor in place and their Muggle attire appropriate for the area, they approached the scene, ready to fulfill their responsibilities with the dedication and care that had come to define their roles as Aurors.

Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle arrived at the crime scene with a sense of purpose. The Knight Bus had deposited them outside the Muggle residence, a modest single-story house nestled in a quiet suburb. The street was lined with neatly kept lawns and unassuming homes, presenting a sharp contrast to the gravity of their task.

The two Aurors adjusted their Muggle attire as they approached the house. Their clothes, a necessary adaptation for the investigation, blended seamlessly with the surroundings. The house’s exterior, though unremarkable, had a calm and orderly appearance that seemed to reflect the ordinary lives of its occupants. As they stepped up to the front door, their footsteps were muffled by the neatly trimmed grass.

The door creaked open, and they entered the house, their eyes adjusting to the dim interior. The atmosphere was subdued, and the home exuded an air of mundane normalcy. There were no signs of a struggle or external interference—just the quiet remnants of a life lived within these walls. Vincent and Gregory moved through the house with methodical precision, their training as Aurors guiding their every action.

The body of the deceased wizard, lay in the living room. The sight of the body was tragic, the result of a self-inflicted Killing Curse evident in the stillness of the scene. Vincent and Gregory set to work, examining the room with a practiced eye. The spell had been cast at close range, and the evidence of the curse was stark. The body was positioned in a way that suggested a sudden and desperate act.

As they worked, a sense of familiarity began to nag at the edges of Vincent’s and Gregory’s minds. The face of the deceased, though unremarkable, seemed to stir something in their memories. They exchanged glances, both struggling to place the sensation of recognition.

"Does he look familiar to you?" Vincent asked quietly, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Gregory nodded slowly, his expression contemplative. "Yeah, I’ve been thinking the same thing. There’s something about him… but I can’t quite place it."

They continued their examination, the feeling of familiarity growing stronger. It was as if a faint echo from their past was trying to break through, but the details remained elusive. The room was sparse, with minimal furnishings and no magical artifacts visible. The lack of magical items in the house was unusual for a wizard, making the presence of the Killing Curse even more perplexing.

Just as they were about to finish their initial inspection, Gregory’s attention was drawn to a small detail. He crouched beside the wardrobe in the corner of the room, his gaze catching on something partially hidden beneath it. With a sense of curiosity, he reached under the wardrobe and pulled out a broken wand. His eyes widened in surprise as he examined the damaged piece of magical equipment.

"Vincent, look at this," Gregory said, holding up the broken wand. "This doesn’t belong here. The house is completely Muggle, and there are no other magical items.

"Vincent took the wand from Gregory and inspected it closely. The wand had been shattered, its wood splintered and its core exposed. The damage was severe, and it was clear that the wand was beyond repair. The discovery was puzzling—how could a wizard have ended up in a completely Muggle setting without leaving any other traces of magic?

"Vincent, look at that guy," Gregory said, pointing at the dead body. "He looks like someone we knew from school."

Vincent followed Gregory’s gaze and squinted. The man was a few paces away, his appearance altered with a beard, a new hairstyle, and a number of tattoos covering his skin. Despite the changes, the eyes were unmistakable."Blaise Zabini," 

Vincent murmured, recognition dawning. "It’s him. It has to be."

The body of Blaise Zabini, now transformed with a new identity, was both shocking and perplexing. They had known Blaise as an opportunist—someone who would rarely back down from a challenge or opportunity. The notion of him committing suicide seemed incongruous with what they knew of him. He had been known for his resourcefulness and ambition, traits that did not align with the act of self-destruction.

Vincent and Gregory exchanged troubled glances. The discovery of the broken wand, combined with the appearance of Blaise Zabini, added layers of complexity to the investigation. The case had taken on new dimensions, and the mystery surrounding Blaise Zabini’s death deepened.

Vincent's mind raced as he thought about the implications. "If this is really Blaise Zabini is,then this could mean there’s more to this case than we initially thought."

Gregory nodded, his expression serious. "We need to consider the possibility that this isn’t just a simple suicide. There could be other factors at play here.

"The two Aurors knew that they had only scratched the surface of the investigation. The broken wand and magical involvement suggested that there were hidden aspects of the case that needed to be uncovered. The fact that Blaise had adopted a new identity and integrated himself into the Muggle world was a significant lead. It was clear that the investigation would require more than just a cursory examination.

As they prepared to leave the scene, Vincent and Gregory gathered their notes and evidence. The broken wand was carefully secured, and they made sure to document everything they had found. The next steps in the investigation would involve a deeper look into Blaise Zabini’s past, as well as any connections he might have had with his current circumstances.

With a sense of determination, Vincent and Gregory set out from the house. The evening air was cool, and the quiet of the suburb seemed to contrast with the turmoil they felt. The case had taken an unexpected turn, and the mystery surrounding Blaise Zabini’s death was far from resolved.

As they made their way back to the Auror office, their minds were filled with questions. What had led Blaise Zabini to this point? How did his new identity and life fit into the puzzle? The answers were not yet clear, but Vincent and Gregory were resolved to find them. The investigation was only beginning, and they were ready to delve deeper into the enigmatic case that lay before them.