A/N: Here we are with another chapter for you guys! Again, we do ask if you read, PLEASE take just a minute to leave us a review- our stats are really high but the review count is way down. Last chapter we had almost 900 hits and 33 reviews. Come on people- we work on these fics nearly seven days a week, we just ask that you leave us the ten word minimum on what you think of the chapter. Constructive criticism is great- we appreciate people being honest! Flames will only be used to roast marshmallows ;)
This chapter embarks on a bit of a mini saga within this story- where the Malfoys come back yet AGAIN, but it's not just D/G this time causing trouble! We hope you'll enjoy this beginning, and we'll be back Tuesday with more! Please review!
Hermione loved being Minister for Magic. She loved the meetings, she loved having to go to different events and she loved the feeling it gave her of makinga difference. But nothing about that job could compare to the satisfaction and pride that she felt as a mother.
She'd taken three months maternity leave from work to care for her daughter. Two months into that leave, she was wondering how in the world she'd ever go back.
She was able to see Ethan off to primary school each morning and she was there to welcome him home each afternoon.
It was late one afternoon when Hermione found herself as she usually did in the nursery just looking at her baby daughter sleep. Ethan was in his room doing homework and Harry was due home any second. She didn't know how long she'd been in here just watching Saffron sleep, but Hermione couldn't pull herself away.
As if it were clockwork, Hermione heard Harry tumble out of the fireplace and call out that he was home at the same moment Saffron opened her eyes from her afternoon kip. "Shall we go say hello to Daddy?" Hermione laughing adoringly as she picked up their baby.
Harry was dusting himself off when he saw his wife coming downstairs with their daughter.
"How are my girls today?" Harry asked coming toward them.
"We're both fine," Hermione beamed as Harry gave her a kiss and then turned to Saffron, making a goofy face. "She's just woken up."
"She knew her daddy was home," Harry said leaning down and kissing the baby's forehead. Seeing the two of them made up for the terrible news he'd heard today.
"Ethan's almost finished with his homework," Hermione led the way into the kitchen. "And I was just going to feed Saffy here." she smiled again at her husband and suddenly noticed how tired he looked. "What's wrong love?" she asked.
Harry sighed. "Lucius Malfoy is going to be released from Azkaban tomorrow."
Hermione's eyebrows creased together. "Mind explaining to me why?" she asked incredulously.
"Would you believe time off for good behaviour?" Harry asked her. When she started to laugh, he shook his head. "I'm not joking."
"Lucius Malfoy does not have anything remotely good in him," Hermione replied, shaking her head.
"He was approaching the end of his sentence anyway," Harry explained. He sat down at the table and sighed heavily.
Hermione took a bottle out and started to feed a hungry Saffron. "What do you think will happen?" she asked quietly.
"I don't know and that scares the bloody hell out of me," Harry replied. "Lupin thinks I'm worrying for nothing. He thinks Malfoy is too old to stir up any trouble. I'm not so sure I share that opinion."
"Didn't his wife disappear?" Hermione asked. "I remember how right after Chiaki was born she went to go see Cho, but after that... no one really heard from her again."
Harry nodded. "Last report we had on her whereabouts, she was living in Spain. Apparently, she doesn't have much to do with her son. Want to hear something you'll find hard to believe? You and Narcissa Malfoy have something in common, Hermione."
Hermione raised an eyebrow at her husband but didn't say a word.
"Both of you can't stand Ginny," Harry replied.
That brought a smile to her face. "Well that I can heartily agree with." she smirked.
Harry laughed. "But that, my love, is the only thing the two of you have in common."
Hermione shook her head again. "It's really unbelievable that they're letting Lucius Malfoy out of Azkaban. I mean- you proved that he was working for Voldemort, you had him thrown in there- all his friends that he had are still there for life. I just don't understand it."
Harry hadn't wanted to tell her this last bit of information. But he knew she'd find out eventually.
"Hermione, now don't get upset," he began.
"What?" Hermione frowned at him.
He braced himself for her reaction to this before he continued.
"As Minister, you know that you have final say on granting early releases from Azkaban, right?" he asked her. "Well, you would have been told about Malfoy's name coming up for that...."
"And?" she narrowed her eyes. "Because I'm out of the bloody office I don't get a say?"
"Right after you started your maternity leave," Harry said looking away from her. "I may have mentioned to your second in command that I'd appreciate it if he didn't trouble you with anything. I had no idea that he would think this was something small...."
Hermione pressed her lips together tightly. "I want him out of the office now," she snapped.
"Hermione---it was my fault," Harry said apologetically. "It's just...you work so hard. You had a tough time with the last two months of your pregnancy. I wanted you to relax and enjoy your time off."
"This is maternity leave, not a holiday," Hermione shot back. "I am STILL in charge here Harry! I'm the Minister for Magic, not a bloody desk clerk."
Harry had expected her to be angry, but he hadn't expected her to be this angry. "I know, Hermione. I know that. I just wanted you to relax and enjoy your time off. I shouldn't have interfered..."
"That's right, you shouldn't have," Hermione responded icily. "And you're lucky I have the baby right here in front of me right now Harry James Potter."
Harry had just been thinking that very thing. He loved his wife, but she could very scary when she was angry.
"I'm sorry, Hermione," he said. "I was only looking out for you."
"Then stop interfering with my duties," she hissed, still quite annoyed. "I'm the Minister for Magic here, not you." Hermione got up, still feeding Saffron and swept from the room.
Harry thought for a split second that perhaps he should leave her alone, but he wasn't going to let this go just yet. She needed to hear him out. He had just made it upstairs when Ethan came out of his bedroom.
"Dad!" Ethan said excitedly. "Can we go flying, please? I finished all my homework!"
Harry gave his son a weak smile. "Now really isn't a good time, Little Man."
"Come on Dad please?" Ethan begged. "You know Mum won't go and she said you'd probably take me when you got home!"
"She did, did she?" Harry asked. Apparently, it's okay for her to decide what I get to do, but she takes offence when I do the same for her.
Harry looked down at his son who was so eager and who had no idea what was going on between his parents. Besides, it would probably be a good idea to give Hermione some time and space to cool off.
"Okay," Harry finally answered. "Go get your broom."
"All right!" Ethan said excitedly. "I'll meet you downstairs Dad!"
Hermione came out as Ethan ran down the hall. "I'm sorry," she said in a calmer tone than she'd used just minutes before. "My comment down there in the kitchen was a bit harsh."
"I'm sorry too," he said quietly. "I shouldn't have done something like that without running it past you first. It's just that...you were on prescribed bed rest the last couple of months of your pregnancy. I just wanted you to have time with the baby and to rest, Hermione. That's all. My intentions were good, but my methods leave something to be desired, eh?"
She gave him a little smile. "I overreacted. I just hate having people in my place making these big decisions for me. I'm still running things but I feel like I've given up control and I can't stand that."
Harry nodded. "I know sweetheart. But, you needed to spend time with the baby."
"That I've definitely been enjoying," Hermione went into his arms and buried her face in his shoulder. "I love being here when Ethan goes to school and comes home, and I love just being able to sit and watch Saffron whenever I feel like it. I'll miss that when I do go back full time."
"Here I am feeling jealous that you get to do those things and I don't," Harry said hugging her tightly. "Hermione, you're a great Minister and a wonderful mother. There's no reason to think you can't do both."
"Thank you," Hermione hugged him back. "It's because I have such a loving and supportive husband." she pulled back and smiled before giving him a brief but passionate kiss.
Ethan walked out of his bedroom carrying his broom. When he saw his parents kissing, he groaned.
"Not again!" he said stomping toward them.
Harry and Hermione broke apart. "Don't worry little man," Hermione said. "Daddy's still taking you flying."
"Good," Ethan said relaxing. "Mum, can you go over my homework? Make sure it looks okay?"
"When you get back we'll look over it together," Hermione replied. "Greta's looking after Saffy so I'm going to pop into my office for a half hour or so before dinner."
"You will be home for dinner though right, Mum?" Ethan asked.
"I promise little man," Hermione ruffled his messy hair. "I'm not going in for long. Just to take care of a couple of things. No Harry, I'm not going to sack Samuel Baker. I'm just going to let him know I'm not pleased. And I won't be mean and terrifying."
"Go easy on him," Harry said. "It's not his fault you have an overprotective husband."
Hermione gave him a look before heading downstairs and to the fireplace.
"Dad did you make Mum really mad again?" Ethan asked as his father grabbed his own broom and they went outside.
"Again?" Harry asked with a laugh. "You make it sound as if I make her angry on a regular basis."
Ethan grinned at his dad. "Don't you?" he asked impishly.
Harry nudged his son. "I try not to. Sometimes, it doesn't always work out that way."
"Its all so much trouble," Ethan made a face. "I mean look at Maddie- she keeps saying that I'm going to marry her. I'm not ever getting married Dad!"
"That's what I used to say when I was your age," Harry said chuckling. "But trust me on this, Ethan. One of these days, you'll change your mind."
Ethan shook her head. "No way," he replied as they mounted their brooms.
As he and Ethan took to the sky, Harry thought again about Lucius Malfoy's imminent release from Azkaban. He hoped that Malfoy would fade into obscurity with his wife. Harry had fought long and hard to provide a safe home for his family. They'd earned some peace and quiet after all they'd been through mainly at the hands of the Malfoy family. He just hoped this was one time when the Malfoys would leave well enough alone.
*** *** ***
Ginny Malfoy stood in her closet, clad in nothing but her silken bra and knickers while she chose a set of robes to wear for the benefit that evening. Her hair had already been done up, the long lavish red strands curled into an up do and her makeup perfectly applied.
"Wear the blue ones," Draco appeared behind her and nuzzled her shoulder. "I've always liked those on you."
Ginny smiled. "I've already worn those though. You know I hate appearing in public in the same thing twice."
Draco laughed. "No one's going to know, Gin."
"Of course they're going to know," Ginny unhooked a set of pale lavender robes.
"Whatever you wear, you'll be the most beautiful woman in the room," he said admiring her figure.
"You're a bit biased but I won't disagree," Ginny laughed as Draco leaned in and kissed her.
"Remind me again why we have to go to this bloody thing?" Draco asked when they pulled apart. "I don't even know what charity this is for..."
"It's for the Children's Wing of your very own hospital," Ginny placed her arms around his neck. "It's for appearances Draco."
"That and the fact that we gave the most money this year," Draco said proudly. "That's all they care about."
"Probably," Ginny leaned in and gave her husband another kiss.
Despite the embarrassment of having his only son take off for England to go chasing after that Potter girl, Draco was liking having his wife all to himself. Things were like they used to be before they became parents. It was just the two of them---the way it should have always been.
The doorbell chimed downstairs and Ginny started to pull away from him, but he shook his head.
"Let the new maid get it. That's what we pay her for, Gin," he said before claiming her lips again in a fiery kiss.
"You're right," she murmured, letting him unhook her bra.
Draco grinned as they fell back onto the bed, he was about to pull her knickers down when there was a knock on their bedroom door.
"Excuse me, Mr. Malfoy," the new maid Marisol timidly called out. "You have visitors downstairs..."
"Tell them to go away," Ginny answered coolly. "We're busy."
"It's your parents, Mr. Malfoy," Marisol called back.
Draco froze. "My parents?"
Ginny also froze. "I thought your father was in Azkaban."
Draco sat up on the bed. "He is...he's not due for release until next year..."
Ginny scrambled for her bra. "We'd better go see what this is about." the thought of facing Lucius Malfoy made her quite nervous- she hadn't seen him since her time at Hogwarts.
Draco wasn't looking forward to seeing either of his parents. He hadn't made any attempts to visit his father in Azkaban and had given up on keeping in touch with his mother.
When he and Ginny were finally presentable, they walked out of the bedroom to find Marisol standing outside their door.
"What did we tell you about loitering about outside our bedroom?" Draco asked impatiently.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy," Marisol said wincing at his tone. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."
"Stay there until we tell you that you can come out," Ginny said in a commanding tone.
"Yes mistress," Marisol skittered nervously away.
"Will I pass inspection?" Ginny asked lightly but her palms were sweating.
"Let's hope so," Draco said distractedly. He was too worried that he wouldn't pass inspection to worry about settling his wife's insecurities.
Ginny slipped her arm into Draco's as they descended down to the main floor of their luxurious flat.
"Well, well." the drawling voice of Lucius Malfoy greeted them. "I see that your mother and father aren't important enough for you to come down and greet immediately Draco."
"We were otherwise detained, Father," Draco said coldly.
"Ginevra," Narcissa Malfoy said sizing Ginny up. "Have you put on weight?"
Ginny's jaw fell slack. "No... Narcissa. I have not." she stated coolly.
Narcissa didn't look convinced. "Perhaps it's those robes. They aren't very flattering on you."
Ginny's mouth set in a straight line. "I happen to think I look very nice."
"I meant you no offence," Narcissa said with a forced smile. "You are...family...after all."
Draco caught the look Ginny was giving him. She wanted him to stick up for her, but Ginny and his mother had never gotten along and nothing he said would change that.
"Well Draco and I do have a function to attend tonight," Ginny said, still in a cool tone.
"No you don't," Lucius said firmly. "There are more important things you need to deal with than some silly party."
"It's not a silly party," Draco said. "I happen to be the best Healer in these parts and the social we're attending is in honour of the money we've donated."
"I hope you weren't planning on wearing that," Narcissa said fingering the collar of Ginny's robes. "It's very drab, isn't it?"
"My robes are fine," Ginny snapped. "They were custom made for me by Sydney's most prestigious designer!"
Lucius finally turned around to acknowledge Ginny's presence. "Be nice, Narcissa. She has come along way from the tatty robes and second-hand books..."
Ginny shot her husband another angry look as he still remained silent.
"But she still has that vacant expression those Weasleys wear so well," Lucius continued.
"Why don't you tell me why you're here?" Draco interjected.
Lucius smiled coldly. "Simple my boy. You're going back to England with me."
Draco stared at him. "Very funny, Father. I thought I heard you say you wanted me to go back to England."
"I do," Lucius snarled. "A fucking Mudblood holding the position of Minister for Magic, and one who takes time off at that. We can't allow this to happen Draco."
"Not to mention the fact that you let our grandson take off with that Potter trollop," Narcissa said glaring at Ginny.
"We had no control over that!" Ginny stamped her foot.
Narcissa sniffed. "Obviously..."
"You have no right to criticise our parenting efforts," Draco stated coldly.
"We have every right," Lucius said. "You were way too lenient on Nicholas. You should have put your foot down long before it got to the point where he shagged a Potter."
He shook his head at Draco. "Letting your son consort with the daughter of the very person responsible for sending me away to prison...unacceptable, Draco."
"If that's all you have to say then you can leave," Draco snapped. "You haven't been around in who knows how long? And now I'm just expected to run off to bloody England with you?"
"We have our own life here, Mr. Malfoy," Ginny said moving closer to her husband. "We don't belong in England anymore."
"Well a Mudblood doesn't belong in such a powerful position," Lucius stared back at her. "And my son is going to help me get that woman out of there."
"I agree with you, Father," Draco said trying to keep his emotions in check. "I don't think that bitch deserves to be Minister anymore than you do, but there's nothing we can do about it."
"You're not still scared of Harry Potter, are you?" Lucius said, trying to bait his son. "You are, aren't you?"
"I have never been scared of Scarhead," Draco said through clenched teeth.
"It would be understandable if you were," Lucius continued walking around the room. "He was always the best at everything he did, wasn't he? He got better marks than you. He was a much superior flyer. And that whole wandless magic thing...you never could grasp that. He has everything and you have...what? You were all but exiled here to Sydney hiding out with your wife..."
"We chose to come to Sydney," Draco said, refusing to take the bait. "We have a life here, together, that Ginny and I enjoy very much."
Ginny smiled at her husband---proud that he was taking a stand. She was still very upset that he hadn't stuck up for her with his parents, but he was refusing to let them dictate how they lived their life.
"That's right," Ginny said putting her arm around Draco's waist. "We're very happy here. We have no desire to return to England."
Narcissa wrinkled her nose. "In a little flat like this as opposed to a nice large mansion with house elves catering to your every whim?"
"Little flat?" Ginny asked incredulously. "Little flat? I'll have you know that our 'little flat' was profiled in..."
"We don't care," Narcissa waved a hand.
"What are you getting at, Father?" Draco asked. "You want me to be Minister for Magic? Is that what you want?"
"Of course not," Lucius snorted. "You'd never succeed in that sort of office." he smiled cruelly. "I'd take over the position. Things would be run much more smoothly if I was in control."
"They'd never let a convict serve as Minister," Ginny said before she could stop herself.
Lucius's eyes turned dark as Narcissa gasped. "How dare you girl?" he hissed.
"She...she has a point, Father," Draco said standing in between his parents and his wife.
"I will take over," Lucius said angrily. "And you WILL be helping me Draco!"
Draco couldn't believe his father couldn't see this. Ginny was right. There was no way that a convict would ever be Minister for Magic. Despite what he had here in Sydney, he couldn't deny the satisfaction he would feel at watching Potter and his Mudblood fall from grace. His father's words had affected him more than he would have liked.
"I will help you on one condition," Draco finally said meeting his father's gaze.
"What's that?" Lucius shot his wife a look of satisfaction.
"That I get to be Minister," Draco said folding his arms. "Me. No matter what you think of me, Father--you have to realise that I'd have a better shot at the office than you would. I've never been arrested."
Lucius sneered at him. "You'd never make it in politics Draco."
"You either agree to my terms or there's no deal," Draco said sneering back at him.
Ginny could see that Lucius wanted badly to deny his son this request but knew he needed their help- although for what reason Ginny was still not sure.
"Fine," Lucius snapped.
Draco extended his hand to his father.
Lucius grasped it tightly and shook. "You'll have to leave this hovel behind," he snapped.
"This hovel is nicer than Azkaban," Draco shot back.
For a moment Ginny thought Lucius was going to hex both of them but he threw his head back and laughed.
"Too right," Lucius said. "But this place is nothing compared to the Minister's mansion, Draco. And it will all be...ours."
Ginny had her doubts about this plan, but she wasn't about to raise them in front of Lucius.
"You're going to have to work on your hospitality skills, Ginevra," Narcissa said scornfully. "You haven't even offered us a drink..."
"Marisol!" Ginny bellowed. She glared at Narcissa. "I have a maid for that sort of thing," she said snappily.
"Just one?" Narcissa sniffed. "My dear girl, you have so much to learn..."
Ginny turned around to call for Marisol again, but the maid was cowering behind her.
"You called, Mistress?" Marisol asked.
"Get my in laws a drink," Ginny commanded.
"Champagne," Lucius ordered. "We have much to celebrate..."
"When are we to leave, Father?" Draco asked.
"As soon as possible," Lucius replied. "We'll find you a position at St. Mungos in London so you can continue your work there until we take over the Ministry."
"And bring our grandson back into the fold," Narcissa chimed in, glaring at Ginny again. It was obvious that she held Ginny personally responsible for Nick's defection.
"I can't make decisions for Nicholas," Ginny said coldly to Narcissa. "We gave the ingrate anything he could possibly want and he still ran off to be one of the precious Potters."
"It wasn't too long ago when it was your dream to run off with one of the precious Potters, right Ginevra?" Narcissa retorted.
"She married me, Mother," Draco said growing tired of listening to Ginny and Narcissa going at each other.
"That's right," Ginny slid closer to her husband who put his arm around her. "Happily married Draco for quite a long time now."
Lucius sighed impatiently. "We need to come up with a plan of attack, Draco. No mercy. They won't know what hit them."
"Since this is your master plan Father, I assume you're going to come up with the details," Draco snatched the champagne from a trembling Marisol.
"I've had years to think about my revenge," Lucius said clenching his fists. "That was all I had that kept me going in that horrible place."
"And I've been living in a villa in Spain," Narcissa replied. "I knew your father would be out sooner or later."
Lucius raised his glass of champagne. "Here's to getting back what was rightfully mine. And here's to seeing the Potters get exactly what they deserve."
Draco said nothing but raised his glass as well.
Ginny watched the scene unfolding in front of her and wished that Draco would have talked to her before making a life-changing decision. And she certainly didn't look forward to spending the rest of her life with Narcissa Malfoy pointing out her every flaw and every mistake. She didn't have a good feeling about this, but she didn't really have a say, she thought as she listened as Draco and Lucius talked about their plans.
Narcissa gave her a tight smile. "Perhaps since we're spending more time together my fashion sense will rub off on you," she said snidely.
"One can only hope," Ginny said sarcastically. She wasn't interested in hearing Lucius' grand plans. With a heavy sigh, Ginny stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going upstairs. I suddenly have a headache."
"Oh but I thought you two had a party to go to," Narcissa stood up as well.
"Plans change," Ginny said with a pointed look at Draco.
Draco gave her a look. "We can still go after I'm done talking to my father," he said calmly.
"We'll see," she said giving him a weak smile before going upstairs.
Once upstairs Ginny stripped off her robes and threw them into the corner. "Damn them," she cursed.
Nearly two and a half hours later, Draco came upstairs to join his wife. Ginny was sitting at her dressing table furiously brushing her hair when he came into the bedroom.
"Are they gone?" she asked icily.
"Yes," Draco said, ripping off his tie. "They're staying in a hotel."
"Of course," Ginny said slamming her hair brush down. "We wouldn't want them to demean themselves by staying in our hovel."
Draco smirked. "Don't take anything my mother says to heart. She likes getting under people's skin."
"Is that why you didn't take up for me?" Ginny asked him. "Is that why you let her insult me time and time again down there?"
"Would it really have done any good?" Draco snapped.
"It would have done me good," Ginny retorted angrily. She couldn't believe he couldn't see how she'd be upset by what happened. "And that's not even the worst bit, Draco. You decide to throw away all that we have here to go chasing after some revenge plan of your father's. It's never going to work, Draco. Never."
"We'll be the judge of that," Draco turned back to her. "Come on Gin. You hate the Potters as much as I do." he sat down next to her. "Can't you just see us- Minister for Magic of London? Think of your social standings. My mother wouldn't be able to stand it."
"That would be lovely, Draco," Ginny admitted. "But every time you and I have gone against them, we end up looking like fools."
"Not this time," Draco vowed. "This time we're coming out on top. No matter who we have to hurt," his meaning was clear.
Ginny understood. "You really want this, don't you?"
"I want to put Potter where he belongs," Draco replied.
"I want what you want," she said quietly. "If this is what you want to do, I'll stand beside you the whole way."
Draco smiled at her before leaning in to kiss her. "My mother's mad- you looked stunning in those robes tonight."
Ginny grinned. "Care to get back to where we were before they arrived?"
"I think that could be arranged," Draco slid his fingers into her hair and pulled her mouth to his again.
*** *** ***
Harry was sitting at his desk going over his case notes and trying to stay awake at the same time. He'd had four cups of coffee and it had done nothing to improve his mood. If anything, it had made him sleepier. Headquarters was uncharacteristically quiet this morning and Harry was seriously contemplating shutting his office door and taking a quick kip. He loved his newborn daughter with all his heart, but she still hadn't developed a regular sleep schedule and had spent most of the evening crying her lungs out.
"You look like shit," Neville said bluntly, startling his friend and partner.
"Gee thanks," Harry said sarcastically. "Shut the bloody door will you?"
"And we're in a wonderful mood as always," Neville said as he shut the door.
"You haven't been up all night with a newborn," Harry snapped irritably.
Neville nodded. "We both know what this is all about. You and Hermione haven't...you know....in how long now?"
Harry gave his friend a dirty look. "That actually has nothing to do with it," he said coolly. "Mind your own bloody business Longbottom."
Neville held up his hands. "Okay, okay. Relax, Harry. You don't have to bite my head off."
Harry rubbed his eyes. "You're right, I'm sorry." he apologised.
"It's okay," Neville said sitting down. "I've been right where you are mate. Getting by on no sleep...your wife is a hormonal mess and everything you say and do is wrong...it's not an easy time. But you and Hermione will get past this."
"I know," Harry said. "I guess I just never expected to find myself in this position again."
"How bad are things really?" Neville asked.
"Saffy just cries a lot," Harry leaned back in his chair. "We think she might have colic so Hermione brought her to St. Mungos today to be checked out. She's also been antsy to get back to her duties as Minister. Hermione hates being out of the thick of things."
"I thought she liked being home with the baby," Neville remarked. "She was telling Cho just the other day about how much she liked being home with the kids..."
"She does," Harry affirmed. "Despite that, I know she misses being in the office."
Neville nodded. "She'll be back soon enough. She only has a few more weeks on leave, right?"
"A month," Harry nodded.
Neville leaned back in his chair. With Harry's rotten mood, he wasn't so sure he should tell him the news he'd learned from Lupin a few minutes ago. But, he was going to find out eventually.
"Um, have you spoken to Lupin today?" Neville asked, knowing full well that Harry hadn't.
"No," Harry replied. "Why do you ask?"
"You know there's a bunch of trainees starting this week, right?" Neville asked.
Harry nodded. "What about them?"
"Lupin thinks it would be a good idea if he paired them off with someone more experienced," Neville replied. "Instead of having them pair up with each other. So, you are going to have to do without me saving your sorry arse..."
Harry groaned. "You've got to be kidding me! After we've been partners since we left training they're splitting us up now?"
Neville had expected this sort of reaction given his friend's surly mood. "I'm not that crazy about it, either. But Lupin assures me it's temporary."
Harry didn't look any more pleased about this. "Figures, when I have enough to deal with, I get slapped with this." he muttered.
"We have a meeting in ten minutes for our assignments," Neville said.
"Can't wait," Harry's voice was loaded with sarcasm.
"I hate it for the poor soul who gets paired with you," Neville said dryly. "You're going to scare them to death."
"I'll be nice," Harry said unconvincingly.
Ten minutes later, Neville and Harry made their way into the conference room where about 10 trainees sat grouped together in the corner of the room. As Harry entered the room, they all started whispering excitedly.
Harry shot Lupin a dirty look, which Lupin of course ignored. "This is just great," Harry muttered to Neville.
"If everyone would just be seated," Lupin said standing in front of the room. He waited a few moments while everyone got settled.
"I'd like to welcome the new class of trainees to the Auror program," Lupin said. Harry tuned out Lupin's introductory speech. He'd heard it enough over the past few years, that he figured he could recite it himself if he had to. Neville nudged Harry when the assignments were called out.
Lupin cleared his throat. "Neville Longbottom...you will be paired with Tristan Moore.
A tall, gawky looking bloke with sandy blonde hair and pale skin smiled nervously at Neville.
Harry tapped his toe impatiently while Lupin read off the other names. "And Harry Potter, you're with Natalie Worthington," he finished, gesturing towards the fidgety brunette sitting in the corner.
"Wow," Neville commented. "She looks a little like Hermione, don't you think?"
"I guess," Harry said noncommittally.
Lupin smiled at the trainees. "I hope that you will use this time with your new partners to get to know them and to learn more about the job. Please feel free to ask the experienced Auror any question. They were once in your shoes."
Neville stepped off to the side with Tristan and Harry, being in the rather dour mood that he was in, waited for Natalie to approach him rather than go over to her.
"Mr. Potter," Natalie said coming over to join them. "It's really an honour to meet you...."
Harry grudgingly shook her hand. "I hope you're up for some serious work," he said in greeting.
"Yes sir," Natalie said smiling at him. "I graduated at the top of my class at Hogwarts. You were actually going to teach one of our rotations, but you were out of town. We were all so disappointed."
"Yes well duty calls," Harry said. "Come on, I'll show you my office and we can start going over things."
"Oh," Natalie said taken aback at how gruff he was being with her. "Okay..."
Harry was already walking out of the conference room. Natalie quickened her steps to keep up with him.
Harry was less than pleased to find out that an extra desk had already been jammed into his already small office. "I suppose that's yours," he muttered.
"I'm used to small spaces," Natalie said trying another approach. "I live with four other girls in a two-room flat."
Harry sat back down, not wanting to make small talk. "Here are your manuals," he said, reaching down into the bottom desk drawer. "You'll want to commit the Aurors Code to memory if you haven't already."
Natalie stared at him. It was only a few minutes ago when she'd been so thrilled to discover she was going to work side by side with THE Harry Potter. But, if the next few weeks were going to be like this, she didn't know how she was going to make it. She knew she shouldn't say anything. Perhaps this was just a test to see if she could withhold under the pressure.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter," she said in a cool tone.
Harry nodded. "I have some paperwork to finish," he said. "So you can get started on those and then we can try and get you out into the field."
For the next few minutes, Natalie read over some of her manuals while Harry finished his paperwork. She couldn't help noticing that he looked knackered. Every so often, she caught him looking at the framed pictures on his desk.
Harry scribbled on the last pages of his notes and heaved a sigh of relief as he set them in the tray that would magically transport them to Lupin's office. He rubbed his eyes again behind his glasses and reached blindly for his coffee cup.
His hand brushed against Natalie's as she'd been reaching for a quill.
"I'm sorry," she said pulling her hand back.
"It's all right," Harry yawned. "Pardon me..."
"It's okay," Natalie said sympathetically. "You have a new baby at home. My sister is the same way. She just had twins a couple of months ago. I know a tired father when I see one."
Harry sent her a weak grin. "It doesn't help when said baby keeps me and my wife up at all hours," he turned one of the frames around so she could see Saffron. "Definitely doesn't help the old disposition."
Natalie smiled. "She's a beautiful baby. Certainly doesn't seem like anything other than an angel."
"Looks can be deceiving," Harry looked at the photo a moment before setting it back down.
Natalie was about to say something else when another woman walked into the room.
"Hi," the woman said smiling warmly at Natalie. "I'm Megan Reilly. You must be Harry's new partner."
"Hi," Natalie shook her hand. "Natalie Worthington."
"What brings you by Megan?" Harry asked.
"Wanted to let you know that St. Mungos owled," Megan replied. "That contact of yours woke up. He's ready to talk..."
"Fantastic," Harry jumped up. "Come on Natalie. It's your big break already..."
Natalie felt a surge of excitement as she grabbed her cloak and followed Harry out of the office. This was fantastic, she thought to herself.
"So she's been crying and she just hasn't stopped really," Hermione said. "It makes me a bit worried."
"I'm sure she's okay, Hermione," Pansy said cradling the tiny baby in her arms. "We'll run a few preliminary tests, but I think it's just colic."
"Thank you Pansy," Hermione said gratefully.
"You look knackered," Pansy said as she set Saffron down on the examination table. "I hope your husband is helping out..."
"He is," Hermione replied. "When he can- he's been awfully busy as of late. I'm so glad we found a nanny- Greta's been amazing."
"I'm in favour of anyone who keeps you from cooking," Pansy teased as she examined Saffron.
"Hey," Hermione pretended to be offended. "You've never seen my attempts at making a meal!"
"I've tasted your one attempt at making a meal," Pansy said wincing at the memory. A few weeks ago, Hermione had invited her over for lunch as a thank you for all that Pansy had done for Saffy. "It wasn't pleasant. I thought you wanted to be my friend, not poison me."
"Well obviously you haven't had my lasagne," Hermione said. "That's the one thing I do make really, really well. Just ask Harry- he devours it every time I make it."
"I'm sure that's why he married you," Pansy said grinning at her. Saffron cooed happily up at them.
"That and unlimited massages," Hermione smiled as she took a for now happy Saffron into her arms.
"Looks as if you could do with one of those now," Pansy said picking up Saffron's chart and making some notes.
"I think everyone could," Hermione kissed her baby on the forehead. "This one here's got us all tired out."
"She's fine, Hermione," Pansy said smiling at her friend. "And healthy as can be."
"I wish we knew why she's been crying so much," Hermione said. "Neither Julie nor Ethan ever cried as much as this one does."
"It's normal, Hermione," Pansy reassured her. "Come on. How about I treat you to a cup of coffee in the cafeteria?"
"That sounds fantastic," Hermione smiled at her.
"I just need to go and put these charts away," Pansy said. "Why don't you wait outside for me and then we'll head downstairs?"
"Sounds good," Hermione placed Saffron back in her carrier, then put her bag over her shoulder and headed into the hallway.
"Hermione?"
She turned around. "Harry!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
"I had to interview a witness," he replied kneeling down to look at his daughter. "Look at her. Wide awake and quiet. What's wrong with this picture?"
"Don't ask," Hermione smiled. "Just accept it."
"I forgot about you taking her in today," Harry said grinning at Saffron as she wrapped her tiny fingers around his thumb. "Is she okay?"
"She's fine," Hermione replied. "Just like her father, a crier."
Harry shook his head. "She gets that from her mum."
"In your dreams Harry," Hermione retorted with a grin.
It had been ages since he and Hermione had been able to banter back and forth like this. Most of their conversations these days were about nappies and feedings and baths.
"Listen, Hermione..."
"Harry," Natalie came out of a hospital room, scribbling furiously in her notepad. "I finished transcribing the notes..."
Harry resisted the urge to groan in frustration. He and Hermione were always getting interrupted these days. But, it wasn't Natalie's fault.
"Natalie Worthington," Harry said forcing a smile. "I'd like you to meet my wife, Hermione."
"Hello Natalie," Hermione smiled graciously at the young woman.
Natalie blushed. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Minister."
"How do you two know each other?" Hermione inquired pleasantly.
"I'm just out of the trainee program," Natalie explained. "Imagine my luck at getting partnered with Harry Potter."
"I hope he's being nice to you," Hermione teased.
"As nice as can be expected with a newborn," Harry said gingerly picking up Saffron.
"I understand," Natalie said. "It's a busy time for everyone."
"This is the little terror I was telling you about," Harry said making a goofy face at Saffron.
"She's gorgeous," Natalie said admiringly.
"She gets that from her mum," Harry said winking at Hermione.
"All right," Pansy said coming out of her office. "Wow- we've got a crowd here now."
"Healer Parkinson-Goyle," Harry said teasingly.
"Auror Potter," Pansy returned with a smirk. "Are you and your... friend interested in joining the Minister and me for a cup of coffee?"
"We'd love to," Harry said. "But we should get back to headquarters."
"Another time then," Pansy nodded.
"We'll see you tonight," Hermione gave her husband a kiss on the cheek. "It was nice meeting you Natalie."
"It was nice meeting you too," Natalie said warmly.
Harry placed Saffron back in her pram. He pulled Hermione off to the side. "Promise me, we'll make some time for just the two of us tonight."
"Promise," Hermione said with a smile. "I need it too."
Harry squeezed her hand. "I'm going to hold you to that. And we're going to talk about grown-up stuff, too."
"I can't wait," Hermione laughed softly.
Harry gave her a chaste kiss before saying goodbye to her and Pansy.
When he and Natalie were along again they chatted over the witness interview they'd both conducted. Neither of them saw Lucius Malfoy and Draco Malfoy down the corridor. The hospital administrator was giving Draco a tour of the hospital. Draco had to admit that this place was much nicer than the hospital in Sydney.
"As we could always use such an experienced Healer on staff," the administrator was saying nervously to the Malfoys. "We'd make sure you were welcome."
"I have no doubt that you will," Draco said taking a look around. "And you say you have over...."
His words trailed off as he caught sight of Harry Potter talking to a young, pretty brunette down the hall. The two of them were laughing about something and the girl seemed to be hanging on his every word.
"Would you look at that Father?" he murmured quietly.
"What?" Lucius asked following his son's gaze. "Well, well, well..."
Draco noticed the administrator looking at them with a confused expression on his face. "Could you give us a moment, please?"
"Of course," the administrator said quickly. "I'll just go and draw up the contract for your employment."
"Fantastic," Draco said coolly. He looked back at Lucius. "We could use this," he began.
Lucius nodded. "They are going to make this so easy for us."
They watched as the young woman beamed at Harry and giggled at something he said.
"You'll be Minister before the end of the year, Draco," Lucius said grinning at his son.
"I damn well better be," Draco said.
"You will," Lucius said pulling Draco out of the way as Harry and Natalie walked toward them.
"You really were amazing, Harry," Natalie gushed. "I didn't think he was going to talk, but you...it was just amazing."
"It's all about the initial approach," he explained. "I'll let you in on a little secret- some of these suspects decide on whether or not they're going to talk to you within the first minute. Sometimes you can get them to crack anyway and other times you can't."
Draco resisted the urge to laugh out loud.
"I really do hope to learn everything I can from you," Natalie said as she and Harry waited for the lift.
"You seem to catch on pretty quick," Harry offered some rare praise. "But just don't get ahead of yourself."
"I won't," Natalie promised as the lift pinged open and she and Harry walked inside. "Thanks again for letting me tag along today, Harry."
"You'll have to get used to tagging along," Harry said. "For the next few weeks at least."
"You'll lead and I'll follow," Natalie said as the lift doors closed.
Draco and Lucius stepped out from behind the pillar they'd ducked behind.
"If she were any more obvious," Draco mused. "He's probably already shagging her..."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Lucius replied.