Decisions
Chapter 25
Decisions
Remus Lupin was able to reschedule Harry's appointment. The Ministry Heads would be arriving at Harry's home to discuss the post. They were aware of Harry's predicament and were eager to do what they could to accommodate him.
The day of the interview, Harry's nerves were frazzled. His house elves had been scurrying about, making the home look perfect. Harry had never missed being able to pace as much as he did at this moment. Confined to the chesterfield with massive nervous energy was making him mad.
"Go fly!" scolded Remus. "I flooed Hermione and she's sending Ron over to fly with you. She says, 'no loops, no dives, and stay at a reasonable speed'-- Now get out of here before I go dotty!"
Harry summoned his broom quickly and with a wide grin he was off.
The crisp air felt wonderful on Harry's face as he slowly flew around the massive field. Soon Ron joined him.
"Why are you flying like an old hag? Let's go!" and Ron charged ahead. Harry didn't follow. Before long, Ron appeared again beside him.
Not giving him a chance to take the mickey, Harry stated firmly, "I've only been out of the hospital barely a week. I don't fancy a trip back EVER, much less so soon."
"About that, Harry, I'm sorry. Ginny had no right…"
"Ron, just stop right there…please. There's no need to apologize for Ginny. She stopped by and apologized herself."
"I heard all about that from Hermione," said Ron.
"Hermione doesn't know the half of it," Harry mumbled under his breath.
"Do you know anything about your new post?" asked Ron.
"No, not really. Minister Bones was very vague when we talked about it while we were dancing."
"I saw that. Harry Potter, hobnobbing with Ministry officials. Will he remember the little folk now that he is nearly royalty…" Ron broke off with an exaggerated sigh.
Harry laughed despite himself. "Thanks, Ron. But honestly, if they offer me some trumped up name-only position, I won't accept it. If being a spokeswizard is what I wanted, I'd have done it for Fred and George ages ago. My legs may be useless, but I can certainly do more than that.
I know I sound arrogant and I'm sorry, but it's just the way I feel.
Ron was aghast. "Hermione has really rubbed off on you, mate."
"Yeah, she's great, isn't she?"
"I'm not sure I was meaning that as a compliment, but if you want to take it as one…." With that Ron darted off, not as fast as they normally flew but a bit faster than they had been. Harry caught up to him easily.
"So you don't mind that she and I are together?" Harry asked.
"No, not at all," replied Ron. "I'm very happy with Luna. Hermione and I tried it; it didn't work; so we're very happy with other people. She's still one of my best friends. If you make her happy, then I have no complaints. The same goes for you, mate."
Harry thought a minute, and then asked, "When we were in school, did you ever picture yourself with Luna and me with Hermione?"
Ron gave Harry a look of panic or revulsion, it was hard to tell.
"No, I had it all sorted out in seventh year. I was to marry Hermione and you were going to marry Ginny." He laughed at look on Harry's face. "That way," he continued, "we'd all be family."
Harry couldn't fault his logic. There was a time when that might have been all that mattered. Now, though, he found the thought appalling. Ginny was too high maintenance for him, while Hermione was nearly perfection.
The pair flew lazily around the meadow talking and laughing, until Harry forgot his apprehension. It returned, however when he heard Lupin whistle for them to return. They flew back and Harry carefully made his way through the house to his spot on the sofa and levitated himself into position. He was glad to be dressed in anything other than a nightshirt. He'd rather face Voldemort again before meeting the Minister of Magic in pajamas.
The Ministry heads entered and looked round at Harry's home as Lupin arranged the chairs around Harry's reclined position on the couch. Harry greeted his guests with handshakes and arm pats.
"Ron said you'd purchased a house. Very nice…very nice indeed," said Mr. Weasley.
"I can't take the credit, though. Remus found it. He and Hermione are responsible for everything. They did a wonderful job." Harry praised. Lupin bowed his head in thanks. "Can I get anyone anything? A beverage, perhaps? If you'd care to stay for lunch, Dobby and Winky will have a wonderful meal prepared, I'm sure," added Harry.
"House elves? How does Hermione feel about that? I remember a letter of protest in her seventh year regarding the use of house elves…." rambled Minister Bones.
"We have paid house elves. Both of them are free to work for whomever they choose."
He heard the sound of someone apparating upstairs. "Ah, speaking of Hermione, that sounds like my beautiful fiancée now. I'll send a note up and let her know you are here." At his words Hedwig flew to him, landed on his stomach and stuck her leg out ready for work. Harry hastily scribbled a note and tied it to her leg.
"Hello, thank you for coming. It means so much to Harry that you could be so obliging to him." greeted an entering Hermione, still clad in her Healer's robes.
"Mr. Potter…Miss Granger, I'll get right to the point. It's almost lunch time and I look forward to enjoying it with all of our business concluded. Allow me to describe the post, its duties, reasons and remunerations. So, Mr. Potter, shall we begin?"
"By all means…" Harry answered.
"Harry, as you are well aware," began Mr. Weasley, "the Order of the Phoenix has been officially disbanded. Without Dumbledore, it just isn't feasible for it to remain in operation."
"That's where you come in, "continued Kensington. "We need to abilities of the Order as a Ministry entity."
"What we are proposing," added Minister Bones, "is a Ministry department whose duty is to detect Dark activity before it escalates into a war that threatens to destroy our world."
Kensington stated, "Your record is exemplary in the division. Your foresight saved a great many lives in the last war."
"We propose to create a department at the Ministry, which you will head, that will monitor and oversee the Auror division, the Unspeakables, and the MLES. You would be responsible for coordinating the activities of those departments and manage intelligence. You would maintain a relationship with your muggle counterparts, so that it can be determined if attacks in the muggle world are magical in nature. Your muggle upbringing will assist you in that," resumed Mr. Weasley.
"Your department, should you accept it, will have a staff of four witches or wizards of your choosing. The department will be designed by its Head and run how the Head sees fit. The Head will be answerable to the Minster and her associate," continued Kensington with a nod to Madam Bones and Mr. Weasley, "as well as the IFW and Wizengamot."
"Harry…" said Mr. Weasley, "we are authorized to offer you this amount per annum…" he slid a piece of paper face down over to where Harry was lying. Harry picked it up, dropped his jaw and slid it across to Hermione. "This also means you'd be eligible for all Ministry Department Head privileges, which are innumerable. We can discuss those details later."
Minister Bones took over. "We are fully aware of your limitations at this time and that they might be permanent. You are allowed two personal assistants, as well as a security wizard, compensated from your department budget. If, at a later date, you find that the additional assistant is unnecessary, then you have the option of reassigning or replacing that wizard to another duty. You will be bound by the same security code as you are already bound by as an Auror. Do you have any questions?"
"Not at the moment, however once my fiancée and I have an opportunity to discuss it in private, I'd like to reserve the right to revisit any details before taking office."
"Done," said Minister Bones. "Arthur, make that notation on the contract, please."
Harry worked out that Hermione had been waiting for the chance to speak up, however hadn't wanted to intrude. She was almost twitching against her restraint.
"Hermione," asked Harry. "Did you have any questions?"
"Yes, just a couple, if I may, the first I am asking as Harry's Healer, will there be any field work where he would be placing himself in danger?"
"Not likely," stated Kensington. "He would be monitoring any situation and referring any hot spots to the proper department."
"I see…" she responded. "As his fiancée, will this be a paper shuffling position? Harry does not wish to be a figurehead. If all you are asking is to be able to say, "Never fear, folks, Harry Potter is in charge", then give him no real authority, I believe we all know that he'd never last in that capacity."
"Mr. Potter would have almost ultimate authority over the before mentioned departments. Minister Bones and Associate Minister Weasley would have veto rights over him. If he feels strongly about something, then he will be required to sell them on the idea before its initiation. If no agreement can be reached, he will have two choices: abandon the idea or take it before the Wizengamot," answered a dumpy wizard with a large black moustache Harry had met only at the celebration, but couldn't recall his name.
"A couple more things, please, what travel and/or publicity will be involved?" asked Hermione, "and when will he be required to have his department in place?" Harry looked over at her with pride. He was glad he asked her to be here. She was so much better at this than he.
"There will be limited travel involved, mostly by apparition. There are monthly meetings in London at Parliament and a possibility of travel to the continent to meet with your counterparts there and possibly overseas. I wouldn't think more than twice per year. Will that be a problem Miss Granger?" queried Minister Bones.
"Not as long as his wife is allowed to come along…" Hermione replied with a wink.
"Of course, Miss Granger. As far as publicity, Harry and his companion will attend all official Ministry functions, if possible. It is recommended, however not mandatory. I'm sure you'll find the perks are well worth the hassle. Ministry balls and dinners are tiresome, however box seats to every Quidditch World Cup and other events make them worthwhile. We couldn't have one without the other."
"How often are these balls and dinners?" asked Harry. He could tolerate them on occasion, but he hoped they were few.
We have an Annual Ball, more if there are visiting dignitaries. During the last World cup, there were six dinners and three balls that year. That is the most we've had in centuries. As far as when we'd want the department functioning, we'll leave that up to you, within reason, of course. The timeframe we are hoping for is that in six months time, the department will be in operation," explained Minister Bones. "It is possible to send a representative in your stead, however use judgment. We'd hate for Bulgaria to be offended because you sent a delegate, hypothetically speaking, of course.
Harry decided he could handle that. He didn't care for dancing that much, even if his legs did work.
Mr. Weasley stood. "Which way do we go to the dining room, Harry? We want to give you and Hermione a chance to talk before giving us a preliminary answer."
"I'll call Dobby to show you," Hermione offered.
When the Ministry council had retired for lunch, Harry looked to Hermione with anticipation. "What do you think?" he asked.
"It's your post, what do you think?" she returned.
"I dunno…" he answered noncommittally. He'd found himself planning his department already, however if Hermione was against it, he would turn it down.
"I think it is perfect for you, Harry. You can do all of the things you love about your job, without the risks. As a matter of fact, you lessen the dangers for all of the Aurors, by doing your job well. The question is: Is this what you want to do?"
"I won't know until try it out, will I?" Harry said with a grin, and then lowered his voice to a whisper, "Did you see how much they want to pay me?"
Hermione laughed. "You are worth at least twice that much and they know it."
"You are mad, absolutely certifiable…" chuckled Harry. "No wizard is worth that much."
"You are," answered Hermione. "You are The-Boy-Who-Lived, as well as The-Man-Who-Defeated-Voldemort. You faced the worst evil in history and conquered it. Of course they want you."
"If you were me, would you accept it?" he asked genuinely.
"In a heartbeat…" she responded.
"I will accept then," Harry stated and pulled her into his arms for the kiss he couldn't give her when she came in.
Harry entered the dining room by broom and positioned the broom to hover by the table. "Forgive my awkwardness, please" he explained. "My legs aren't ready for my brackles again yet." He wasn't sure how he would manage it, but he was determined to try.
"That's quite alright, Harry," said Mr. Weasley. "Have you reached any decisions or will you need more time?"
"We talked about it and the Minister of Magic expressed her wish to have things finished before we ate. I'd hate to fail at the first request my new superior gave me, so if you've got a quill, I am ready to sign the contract."
A cheer went up as Harry signed his name. Hermione looked on, delighted.