Bethany Lockett and the Interpretation of the Stars
"Mrs. Lockett, what are you planning to do about the growing threat of the giants?"
Georgia Lockett, Minister of Magic, was staring into the crowd of reporters and hopeful wizards. She smiled at the man, ignoring his question. Her secretary was standing behind her, holding her water and some paperwork.
Cameras were flashing everywhere, and Georgia hoped that her picture would look nice in the paper tomorrow. She waved at the group of people. And they cheered as she stepped off the platform. They're cheers grew as she walked into the Ministry building, and when the doors closed behind her, the cheering ceased.
"Jacquelyn, what's my schedule?"
Georgia's heels clicked loudly against the tile as she walked to her office, after of course identifying herself.
"Well, after that press conference, you need to meet with Professor McGonagall about Beth's admission to school next year, then you have to attend that luncheon with the executives of that business. Then you're free until dinner, which you'll be having with your family.
"Is it Saturday already?"
She sighed. She loved her family, really, but as the new Minister, she could be spending her time more business involved. She absolutely loved her job, especially now, what with Voldemort dead and all. She had so many rallies and celebrations to attend.
"Yes Mrs. Lockett."
"Georgia Lockett!"
She looked up to a tall, red haired man walking towards her with outstretched arms. She immediately smiled.
"Percy, darling."
He wrapped his long arms around her small body, spinning her slightly. He set her back on her feet to inspect her properly, and she saw bits of grey in his hair.
"It's been so long since you retired your office. I've been hoping you would visit. What is it that you're doing now?"
He winked at her.
"I've been helping around the family. Mom's been sick for a while, having those nightmares again. Bill and Fleur visit more often, what with their kids all near the end of their school years. Charlie's been home for a while, trying to make Mom feel a bit better. Of course my family is doing quite well."
"I'm glad to hear it. Sorry, of course, about your mother."
Percy smiled sadly.
"It's about Fred, she misses him so badly. Even all these years later. Can't say I really blame her."
Tears brimmed his lids. He wiped furiously at his eyes, trying to hide them. Georgia hugged him again.
"I'm sorry, dear. I really must be going. Bethany's about to start her first year at school, and she needs to be enrolled. You'll come back soon and visit me, right?"
Percy gave her another hug.
"Of course I will."
He walked away, out the doors and into the crowd, now cheering again for a past Minister, and one of their favorites.
Georgia's smile turned into a sour frown. She had worked under that man for years. His secretary, for all the years he worked for the Ministry. He had never cared about her family, it was always 'blah blah Fred blah blah Mom.'
"Mrs. Lockett?"
"Jacquelyn, get my broom around."