Author's Note: Written for…
Next Gen Competition. Prompt: Alice Longbottom II falls in love!
Professionals
"Prime Minister, allow me to introduce your new Junior Liaison, Alicia Luffbutton."
"Allison Longbottom," Ally corrected, trying not to lose her temper in front of her new bosses.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Longbottom," the Prime Minister said, shaking her hand. "Are you sure you're prepared for working in a muggle office? Forgive me for asking, but your predecessor…"
"I heard about the incident with the photo copier, Sir, and I can assure you I'm well equipped to handle muggle technology."
That seemed to satisfy the man, and he moved on to introduce himself to the others transferring from the Ministry of Magic.
"It seems your new bodyguard is late," their handler said, going over his checklist. "Normally I would suggest a replacement, but he really is the best at his job … not to mention one of few aurors qualified to deal with muggles."
Ally rolled her eyes. She had worked herself to the bone, waking up early every day for seven years, giving up magic for months at a time, just to make it into the Prime Minister's office. She had hoped she'd be dealing with people who had her same work ethic, but evidently she'd still be stuck with slackers.
There was a loud POP from the next room, and then he swept in. He was wearing jeans and a garish orange Chudley Cannons t-shirt that stood out amongst the suits and dark walls. He stood at the door for a moment, dark eyes sweeping the room. He grinned at her then limped over to the Minister.
"Ah, here we are. Minister, this is James Potter, your new bodyguard."
"Call me Jamie," he said as he shook the Minister's hand.
"Well, I look forward to working with you all." The Minister quickly excused himself shortly after that, leaving the new team to get better settled in before their official work day started the following morning.
Jamie made a beeline for her even as she glared at him. He stopped abruptly an inch away from her and smiled awkwardly.
"Surprise?" he said, holding out his arms for a hug.
"What are you doing here?" she whispered angrily, hoping the others couldn't hear.
"I'm here for orientation. It was on the job brochure."
"You're an auror, Jamie-"
"Yes, I am. That's why they hired me, they want capable aurors to protect the Minister."
"So you didn't think to tell me, your girlfriend, that you were applying for a job where we'd be seeing each other every day?"
"Well, I did want to be a surprise, and technically I didn't apply for the job. Hansley backed out so they needed a replacement. I was the only one who qualified."
"You don't even have experience with muggles!"
"I'm descended from muggles, Ally," he said proudly. "That's all the experience I need"
"Your great-grandparents were muggles. You've never stepped foot in a muggle shop." She sighed exasperatedly, running a hand through her blonde hair.
It seemed his was finally silenced. He looked guiltily down at the floor, pouting. "I thought you'd be happy. We rarely see each other working in separate departments and we'd probably see even less of each other with you working here. I just … wanted to be close."
Her expression softened slightly and she gave him a smile, despite the fact that they were now being watched by a few other wizards. They'd probably recognized Jamie from his Quidditch days.
"I am happy," she told him. "Very happy. I only wish you'd told me first."
"And I'm very sorry I didn't," he said, pulling her close. "Does this mean you'll support my decision as much as I've supported yours?"
"Yes, of course, Jamie. I love you."
"Good, I love you too. So, what's a microphone?"