"Well, as far as the Ministry's efforts go, I can only speculate. I don't work for them, except freelancing. However, as Robert's friend, I can guess. My thoughts are that, yes, Robert is looking for Barker. Does that mean he's doing an all out manhunt for him, and does he have every auror devoted exclusively to that? I doubt that very much. Not that Barker is not important. I'm not saying that at all. I just believe Robert has other ways of operating than an all out siege to find him.
"I don't believe Barker will run free very long. But Robert, I think, will do his best to minimize any panic and to minimize any chance for injury. Here's the bottom line. Barker did his best to kidnap, torture, and abuse one of the highest Ministry officials we have. Even if it hadn't been his daughter that was the victim, Robert would not be taking it lightly. Nor does he take Sophia's incident lightly or this new girl's.
"I think it will be quite interesting to watch how Barker's career will end. Personally, and off the record, I don't look for it to be pretty. It doesn't sound like Barker will surrender easily. He's not exactly going to walk into the Minister's office and surrender himself. Anyone who enjoys inflicting physical, emotional, and mental pain as much as he does will most likely not be moved by a lot, and perhaps not even by any sort of thought of immanent harm to himself. For myself, I'd love to see him standing in front of our Chief Warlock herself, answering for his crimes, but that's just my vote for him. "