Chapter 11-Real Trouble
By the end of January, Harry and Hermione were almost all the way back to normal. Harry bought the nicest flat screen television he could find and a satellite system to match. They had furnished their home. More than anything, they were glad the contractor was getting to the final additions to the large master bathroom in their room. He felt sorry for Hermione when she climbed the stairs. It was apparent that even with magical intervention there were going to be times climbing stairs were going to be a challenge for Hermione, at least for a while.
"Hermione, how's your leg feeling?" asked Harry whose own scar was fading from his chest with Madam Pomfrey's famous scar salve.
"It's the weather, Harry. When it's dry, I'm fine most of the time. I really hope this goes away. We may just have to enchant the staircase to assist me when I need it, especially if you're expecting me to be a baby machine," said Hermione. "You have to promise you won't make me go barefoot though, if I learn to be a good cook." She looked at with a wily smile.
"Where'd you get that from?" asked Harry.
"Oh, don't tell me that all men haven't heard the saying about men attempting to keep their wives, barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen," giggled Hermione.
"You mean we'd have to do it on the kitchen table or on the stove just to keep the babies coming because you can't leave the kitchen?" he asked.
"Now that is truly sick," she laughed. "No, I heard that in the states when we went to Nashville one time. Some comedian was talking about how to make sure that the local women were too busy to even think about cheating or leaving them."
"Well don't become too good of a cook then, is all I'll say," teased Harry. "Otherwise, I might begin to like that idea."
"You will be sorry when I gain five dress sizes and have hips so wide we can't sit on a loveseat together," said Hermione puffing her cheeks out and holding her arms out to her sides. "I don't think I can let that happen. If it looks like a possibility we'll have to put on an addition for an exercise room."
"Maybe we should hope for twins or triplets then. That way you would keep the weight off by chasing the kids," he winked.
"Oh, yeah, now there is a solution, smartass. I'll only have to have kids once with triplets, because I'm sure I'll hex you into the next century while in childbirth," she smiled back walked over and sat on Harry's lap at the table. "Sweetheart, I'm just hoping I'm okay after my injuries and it's not more painful with my hip. Other than that, I can't wait to have a baby."
Harry looked over at his pocket folder with the list of baby names in it and wondered if she'd done the same. He liked the whole internet thing, because it was so easy to find information. "Do you want to take a walk and talk about names? The weather is the best it's been in days and we both need the exercise. Are you up for it or is your leg and hip hurting too much?"
"It's better than it has been even if it doesn't look like it. Sure, I'll grab my coat," she said.
Harry helped her on with her coat and put on his own. It was cool and blustery, but the sun blazed in the sky for one of the few times it would at this time of year. They'd learned in the last few weeks that they'd never have enough room in the house to make somewhere to exercise and they needed to stay in shape. The choice was either to brave the elements or to become couch potatoes. Harry thought about someday making an addition for a home gym or exercise room, but he liked this time they spent together outdoors.
He took Hermione's hand and kissed her cheek. "This is the life. I'm with the most wonderful woman in the world on a beautiful day, in gorgeous surroundings, and talking about making a family."
"It is kind of wonderful, isn't it? I can't wait until planting season. I've been doing my homework on how to make the orchard both beautiful and productive. It will be fun to see it grow along with our kids, if we finally have them." She hurried a little to get ahead of him and turned so that she was walking backwards facing him with the wind to her back.
"Don't worry, things will work out. Besides, I'm shooting blanks on purpose just to make love to you more often," said Harry. He looked at her face and the scowl that had grown there. "I'm just kidding. Besides, you never seem to complain."
"I wish I had a comeback for that, but you are my favorite boy toy since you're almost a year younger," she teased as he slowed down and took his hand. "I hope we never lose the ability to laugh at ourselves and one another, Harry. It's sexy and it's just plain fun to be loose."
"Yeah, I like loose women," he prodded. "I couldn't let that go, Sweetheart. To change the subject a little before you kick me and make me shoot blanks for life, what names do you like best?"
"Ooh, you changed the subject just in time to save your skinny behind, Harry Potter." She swatted him on the bum. "You know one of the names that caught my eye and ear was `Halle', like the American actress Halle Berry. Of course, you can spell it traditionally, but I like the way she spells it. Another I like is Kelsey for either a boy or a girl."
"That is so weird. I didn't know if you'd like Kelsey or not. I like James or Cedric too. I know I like Kelsey. Well, if you really like them, I think that's pretty much settled. You can choose," said Harry.
They walked to the main road and turned right. The walked the edge of the property which took them almost an hour. Harry was just glad to see her smiling. He knew she still spent too much time worried about what had happened and what he'd said. He often wished could have those words back. When they returned they were surprised to see an owl sitting in the tree nearest the front door. Harry held out his arm where the owl landed. Tied to his leg was an official looking letter. Harry opened it.
Dear Harry and Hermione,
I am glad to hear of your marriage. I wish you all the best. I must ask though that you join me for dinner on February 1 at my home. If you please, we should meet at the Ministry for a short meeting at 4 PM that afternoon. This urgent matter is very close to your situation.
Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour
Harry and Hermione looked at one another without a word. They knew that at some point the call would come. What was surprising was that it was directly from the Minister and not Tonks. "I wonder what could be so important that the Minister himself is involved," said Harry.
"I don't know Harry, but there is something about the way he operates that tells me it's serious if he has to get involved," she admitted. "I am nervous now. Our peaceful little world of walking, talking and just enjoying intimate moments seem to be screeching to a halt."
"I don't know whether I feel better that it's tomorrow so that it reduces the time to think about it, or if I feel more nervous that a meeting is necessary with little time to prepare," said Harry.
"Send the owl back, Harry. It's time we found out what's going on and sooner is better than later," said Hermione confidently. "We always land on our feet so we might as well jump."
Harry smiled, opened the door and wrote a reply saying that they would be there. The owl took off leaving a bewildered and concerned Harry watching him as he went out of sight.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&
Once they reached the Ministry, Hermione felt better. It was as if a weight lifted when she saw Tonks, Arthur, Remus and Bill waiting with them. "I don't know anything either," whispered Tonks.
At four o'clock, the door to the Minister's office opened. There were just enough seats set in a circle. I was a curious sight to see all entrances and accesses to the outside covered to prevent eavesdropping. The Minister began cautiously as if he were trying to avoid saying the wrong thing. He said hello to everyone and welcomed him or her, but it was obvious this was a prelude to something much more sensitive than usual.
"I wish I could say that this is to recognize the good work we did to keep Harry and Hermione out of the muggle's public spotlight, but that fact is exactly what is causing the trouble," he began.
"The conspiracy that we once thought was solely about Harry and Hermione has taken its true form now and is more dangerous than we've ever faced. The Ministry has long been the enemy of the darker elements of our world and until now there attempts to disrupt our power-base were limited to subterfuge in our world alone. It now appears, the plan was to assassinate, injure, or incapacitate Harry and Hermione in the muggle world to draw us into the open.
"Your popularity in the muggle world and your connection to Harry made you the perfect targets. We would not allow Harry and his loved ones to languish in the muggle world to face charges. They were right that we held you both in high regard. They knew that we would do something; they just didn't expect it to be done so quickly and efficiently."
"The subsequent result was that it took time to convince muggle authorities that a cover-up had occurred. Now they have labeled us anarchists who hold the British government to be misfits. They are investigating places that we use to hide our existence. We are afraid that within weeks, they will have gathered enough support from our own opposition and the muggle community to begin uncovering our infrastructure. We may have to abandon the Ministry for more secure areas, possibly Hogwarts. They have begun proving that what they say we did was possible. It appears that our enemies will sleep with the devil to get to us."
"As the Minister for Magic, I am supposed to be your leader and be able to provide guidance in all situations. However, when the existence of our civilized world is at stake, I have no illusions of grandeur or genius. I must ask for help in determining the best course of action," implored the Minister. "I believe the strongest, most intelligent and the bravest of my staff are represented here. There are others I wish to include, but we must make some assumptions and decisions quickly on sketchy information. I think we would all agree that too many cooks will spoil the broth."
Harry realized that his role is central in this issue. First, he is the representative to Prime Minister. He must test the waters of governmental opinion at the highest levels. Second, his reputation as the most fearless of the Ministry representatives is on the line.
"Minister, I know that I must arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister. My experience is that we are not in extremis yet, if Kingsley Shacklebolt has not returned with frantic reports concerning doubts of our loyalty in the eyes of the Prime Minister," explained Harry. "We have no such reports, correct?" Harry felt uncomfortable in this role, because it required him to pretend to be officious and self-important-things he clearly despised.
"I'm sure you are right. Even though Kingsley has reported some very delicate rumors contrary to our wishes, the Prime Minister has ignored them or put very little stock in them to-date." The Minister nodded approvingly at Harry as though he respected Harry's grasp of the situation and its gravity.
Harry was about to say something when Hermione raised her hand. He deferred to her. "Minister, Harry and I have discussed what we need to do to find the person or persons behind our small part in this larger conspiracy. I believe that it will require me to re-emerge in the public eye in both the muggle world and ours. I am nervous about this, as is Harry. There is someone very powerful behind it and we will be targets again."
"I understand completely and it is the two of you who will face the brunt of the criticism from those who wish to play up the accusations of our disrespect for muggle authority if you do become active once more," replied the Minister. "That will be addressed by creating an entourage of highly skilled witches and wizards to assist you. We are in the process of identifying those people now. I hope that I don't seem to have taken you for granted by already making those preparations, but it seemed logical that you would see your importance in this whole matter."
"Sir, you have been careful in choosing your words. Have those who are making the accusations been just as careful to not invoke a panic that our world exists?" asked Remus.
"I'm glad you took notice of that. I don't want to pretend that there is a huge outcry of fear in the muggle community. Our enemies want to leave our world intact without the Ministry as its representative body. They don't want to spur a genocidal phobia against every witch and wizard. They want anarchy in our world which would allow the would-be Dark Lords to fight amongst themselves for control with no organized body to stand in their way," said the Minister. "Divide and conquer is their plan. Not a bad plan for us either at this moment, because they have to unite to defeat us."
"Repeat that, please. I'm not sure I understand that last statement," said Bill.
"In more direct terms, they will need to build a unified base to break us apart. If we can be divisive enough, they will never get strong enough to push us out. If they do get control, they will divide the population and take control of as much as their evil power and desire for it will take them," described Minister Scrimgeour.
Hermione shivered at the prospect. "My hope is that we can find Julie Carlson. She is not that type of person. I'll be honest with you; as much as I despise what she did to Ginny, Harry and I, I will bet you she is in trouble. I know her well enough to know that she is not capable of the kind of evil you're talking about."
Tonks looked at Hermione. "Hermione, I think that's wishful thinking. She didn't do anything to stop it. She was ready when the camera lights went on and it was within hours. It wasn't the next day or with disheveled papers. She was prepared. I'm sorry; I think she's in it up to her eyeballs."
Hermione smiled reluctantly at Tonks lighthearted attempt to humor her. "I'm just so disappointed. I'm so sure that something else must have been going on, but I realize you're probably right."
"So, does anyone have any ideas for creating some way of drawing these people out?" asked the Minister.
"What if one of us were to arise as a somewhat disenchanted member of the Order of the Phoenix?" asked Harry.
Tonks shot a glare at him and quickly adjusted to cover up her surprise. "What would that do?"
"We provide some of the same information that the people who are after us are giving and point out valid reasons, but with a bit of humility that maybe it was done in the wrong way," said Harry. "In other words, we can feed them enough truth to gain their confidence and correlate it to what they know and add some--plus an apology of sorts. Now, working with our enemies against us is not necessarily the only game in town. We emphasize that we could help them in their investigations."
"Brilliant, if it works. It gives us the opportunity to provide enough information on the real case involving Hermione and Harry to show the conspiracy and use them to help us," said Remus. "It has to be accepted at a high enough level though."
"If Scotland Yard were brought in by the Prime Minister, would that be high enough?" asked Harry.
"That sounds intriguing, but what would you tell them?" asked Tonks with Scrimgeour nodding his agreement with the question.
"It is an organization doing research on extrasensory perception, you know ESP. As with all creative and highly talented people, we have had our troubles with certain members of the staff and test subjects. They have occasionally engaged in unsanctioned research that ignored the normal controls, such as no involvement of the non-magical community." Harry paused. "We would tell the Prime Minister the complete truth. That would be the story for Scotland Yard, if the Prime Minister approves."
"What do you mean by telling him the complete truth?" asked Remus.
"Tell him what happened to us; explain the need to remove Hermione and me; and, explain our fears of exposure by whoever is involved in this," said Harry. "He is a fair man. Look at the world and how crazy it's gotten. He can understand preserving a way of life that has existed for hundreds of years. He's in the same business for the muggles against the rest of the world. We explain that the dark elements who mean us harm are very much like terrorists. Their aim is chaos to gain power over our people. We are not the enemy."
"Harry, I always knew I picked the right man for the job," said Scrimgeour. "We must make absolutely sure that everyone understands their role, what information Scotland Yard is given and how to explain it if asked probing questions. Do we agree?"
The idea seemed to give everyone a boost. Using the Prime Minister as an aid to the magical world was risky. Yet, as Harry said, the alternatives were based too often on subjecting muggles to more magic and risking further exposure. Harry's suggestion was one that appealed to everyone, if successfully executed. The discussion of what was required and what to divulge to Scotland Yard lasted for two more hours. With the plan finalized, Harry felt better about his work than he had at any time since starting with the Ministry. He had the trust he thought he deserved.
"Harry and Hermione, I am looking forward to having you for dinner this evening as is my wife and family. If everyone will excuse us, we are late for dinner," announced the Minister. "I am delighted with the sense of teamwork and cooperation displayed today. For the first time in several days, I feel that we are going to accomplish our goals without widespread panic."
"Harry and Hermione follow me please," requested the Minister. He led them to his office where his private fireplace roared in anticipation. "It is simple here. Since we are at my private access, all you must say is `Home'. It will automatically take you to my residence. Please, after you," he continued motioning for Harry and Hermione to go first.
Harry and Hermione enjoyed their evening with the Scrimgeour's. Harry had his doubts, but the Minister demonstrated that behind his politically motivated life at the Ministry, he was actually a family man in disguise. Despite his years as an Auror, Scrimgeour had managed to maintain his marriage and raise several children who lived in the homes on his estate. Harry enjoyed his evening with Hermione even more because there was little talk of anything but family; leaving business behind at the Ministry was the biggest surprise of all.
The trip home was quiet for both of them. Until Hermione brought the subject of children again, "Do we continue to act as muggles when we have children? Or, do we walk the tightrope between muggle society and magical society? We both know that magical only will be difficult with our lives as they are."
"Wow, that's a big question for the drive home, Sweetheart," said Harry with a smile. "I mean, how can you possibly think like that and drive at the same time? You amaze me."
"No, I'm serious, Harry," said Hermione. "The world is changing. We need to decide these things."
"I know and we will, Hermione. I'm just not sure if we can decide tonight," he said. "I'm not sure that we can choose anything but walking the tightrope, Hermione. Your parents will always live in the muggle world and we will be somewhere in between."
"I'm glad you said it that way, Harry. I see it the same way. I guess the question is the degree of involvement in the muggle world. Do we home school our kids or do we send them to school like regular kids?" she asked rhetorically.
"Again, wow, we haven't even had a child yet and you're figuring out whether they will be Prime Minister or Minister for Magic," smiled Harry.
Hermione laughed. "I guess that is a little over the top but that was kind where I was going with it." The entrance to their home was coming up on the right. "I think we have to work on the making a baby part first, don't we?"
Harry's eyebrows raised as a smirk crossed his face. "Why Hermione that sounds like an invitation. Is it?"
"Well, I don't mind inviting the most handsome man I know into my bed. What happens when we get there depends on how well rested he is," she smiled, "not to mention how inclined he is to satisfy his wife."
"Oh, my satisfaction doesn't matter," he teased.
"You're satisfied looking at pictures in magazines, who are you kidding," she teased in return.
"The wind blows and you're all over me." The pinched him as the walked up the steps."
"You know, I don't think I ever carried you over the threshold," he said. He took a deep breath, bent down, and lifted her under the knees and carried her into the house past the living room and into the bedroom. "You're right about that wind." He smiled and kissed her softly as he laid her on their bed. "I love you."
Hours later, the wind outside their room woke Harry. He staggered to the window to see what was making the noise. Naked to the waist, he smiled as he realized that it had just been the wind and the trellis on the house. He would fix it in the morning. He looked at Hermione sleeping so peacefully in the bed next to him as he lay back down. He was tempted to wake her and make love to her again, feeling the satisfaction that this beautiful woman loved him with all her heart. He contained his lustful thoughts and settled for the peace of mind that he was where he should be in his life.
The alarm clock went off at a quarter past eight. Hermione was already getting dressed. He loved watching her dress. She never stood and admired herself like he thought a beautiful model would. She used her moisturizer for her skin and that was it. She slipped on a pullover sweatshirt, a pair of jeans, and white socks with runners. She was ready for her day. He loved it. She was the most wonderful person he'd ever known. "You didn't wear your `Thank you, Sir, May I have another?' sweatshirt. Hermione. I'm disappointed." He said sitting up in bed.
"You're disgusting," she said playfully. "Even if we had one of those in the house, I'd never where it even with only you around. It would give you ideas and I'd never get any work done."
"If you had I'd wear one that said, `We aim to please.'" He laughed.
"See? You'll always be an incorrigible sex maniac. Don't change for me though, I'm not complaining….much," she smiled. "Would you like breakfast?"
"Sure, that sounds good. I'll just shower," he hopped out of bed and made his way through the almost finished bathroom to the shower giving Hermione a peck on the cheek on the way. Fifteen minutes later, he joined Hermione in the kitchen.
"That was fast," said Hermione with a smile. "I hardly had time to get the water on for tea."
"I'm excited, Sweetheart," he professed. "I feel like I'm finally going to be useful as a liaison with the Prime Minister. I must go there today, you know."
"I'm proud of you, Harry. I think it will go well. Just remember to stick to facts and don't try to hard. He will listen to you. I can feel it. Do you think that Kingsley was able to get you a good time to speak with him? I am talking about one where he's not rushing to another meeting right afterwards."
"We'll know soon enough," said Harry. He remembered getting up in the middle of the night thinking the noise might have been an owl. "Oh, yeah, I have to put the trellis back up on the side of the house. It fell in the wind last night."
"I know. I watched you standing there at the window. I would have said something, but I was afraid you'd get amorous again. My hip was already sore enough," she said smiling. "You are quite a tiger if I get you going."
"I'm sorry, Sweetheart," said Harry truthfully. "I wanted to make love again when I went back to bed, but I just fell asleep thinking of how beautiful and peaceful you looked."
"Don't apologize, it's just the muscles in my hip still aren't battle proven," she laughed.
"Let's get on the internet and look at baby furniture," Harry suggested.
"Now, that's an idea. There are some cool things about muggle life," she said.
By 1 PM, they still hadn't heard from Kingsley at the Downing Street residence of the Prime Minister. Harry became a little concerned. "I wonder if the Prime Minister offered objections to a meeting," he said to Hermione as he took off his coat after fixing the trellis.
"Do we keep the fireplace going for visitors? Will we get word by owl?" asked Hermione. "I hate being in the dark."
"Me too, Sweetheart," said Harry. "I don't think it's on purpose though. It's just a busy day."
A little past two, there was a scratching at the front door. When Harry looked, he found a rather large barn owl with a small card attached. He read it immediately. "The Prime Minister has set aside time for you this evening at 8 PM. He will be retiring around 9 PM, so we must be concise. Regards, Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"At least if the story is interesting he doesn't have further State business to attend to after our meeting. He may be inclined to listen longer," said Harry.
"Do you think it will take longer than an hour, Harry?" asked Hermione. "That's a long time."
"No, but it is better if he asks questions and seems interested in helping. I don't want just flood him with our problems," said Harry. "You know what it feels like to be talked at rather than talking with someone."
"That's a good point," said Hermione. "So what do we do now?"
"Let's keep shopping," said Harry. She sat in the chair next to him as they looked at decorating ideas and baby furniture. "I never thought I'd be so in love that something like this would give me pleasure." He kissed Hermione softly and said pointing to the screen, "Do you like that one?"
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