So folks, here is some more Tom and Harry but there is also some random magical politics because I think the idea of how the Ministry works would be really interesting. Also, the politics will probably seem a bit American because my knowledge of UK government is lacking... anyway... there will be more sexy Tom and Harry in here I promise.
Harry stood behind his desk. The late afternoon sun shone brightly through the curtains, illuminating the two couches in the center of the room and the plush-threaded rug. He adjusted his tie, buttoning his suit jacket, trying to ignore the burning glare of his chief advisor, Hermione Granger.
Everyone in the Ministry was edge today. For good reason.
Arms crossed over her white blouse, Hermione said,"This is a terrible idea."
"Diplomacy is not a terrible idea," replied Harry, his head pounding from the hours of work he already had behind him.
"We're not talking about diplomacy, Minister, we're talking about turning the Ministry ballroom into a reunion episode of The Addams Family."
He wasn't going to admit it out loud since the State Dinner had been his idea, but inviting Tom Riddle and his street gang into the Ministry to wear tuxedos, drink cocktails and make small talk, might not have been one of his most inspired ideas. Yet he stood by the necessity to create some sort of economic peace between the two bordering nations.
Running his hands over his face, Harry sighed."Hermione, you've known me for nearly twenty years, you can call me Harry."
"Yes, Minister." Hermione's hair was tied in a tight bun, making her sharp features look especially harsh. As usual she wore a blue skirt, though sometimes she'd mix it up with grey. Tonight she'd have to break that streak and wear a gown.
"Now go put on something pretty," said Harry, trying to distract her from her mission to make him even more nervous for the dinner. What no one realized though was that the stress was worse for him because Tom Riddle would be in the building – and whenever he and Tom were near each other things just a little well... heated, in more than one way.
"These people-"
Harry waved his hand dismissively, even though he knew she was right. "You don't have to remind me what they've done. But this isn't about that. This is about the other thing."
"Trade sanctions?"
Harry signed a piece of parchment he'd been putting off for a while then put his quill down."Yes and bring Draco up to speed on the Anti-Curse Legislation before the press briefing. He said someone from The Daily Prophet's been sniffing around-"
Hermione nodded."Corner. He's new- wants to prove himself."
"Tell Draco's he needs to put a lid on it."
Hermione scribbled down a note then looked up at Harry, her features softening."His parents are coming to the state dinner – so that's going to be, you know, a thing."
"I would imagine."
"So what should we-"
"I'd suggest a large snifter of firewhisky – and maybe you could do a little dance for him."Harry smirked. Ever since Draco had started working for them, tensions had eased. Choosing the Ministry over Riddle's regime went a long way with Harry and Hermione.
"Yes, sir." Hermione smiled.
"Thank you, Hermione."Harry nodded towards the door. He had a busy day ahead of him and was already several hours behind.
"Thank you, Minister," she replied, turning on her heel and leaving his office.
Colin, his aid, who was young and blonde, and always eager, stepped into the room."It's Severus, sir."
"Thank you, Colin," breathed Harry, preparing himself for inevitable fight to come. Certain people thought he should never have appointed Snape, but Hermione stood behind it – and so did he. There was no one better if they wanted a man to craft a strong message for the Ministry.
As sullen as ever, Severus Snape, director of communication, swept into the room, his cloak snapping behind him."We need to revisit the wording of the speech for the dinner."
"Hello, Severus," said Harry, tired of having his same argument over and over.
"We have to revisit-"
"How many times have we been over that just this week- The speech you wrote is fine."
Severus shook his head, ears bright red."'it's time to seek peace rather than'-"
"You want to change the wording?"
"I want to change the sentiment. We shouldn't be handing them an olive branch."
Harry had been hearing this argument for days. Severus Snape was no fan of Harry's plan to end trade sanctions with Eastern Europe but Harry had to make him see it was the only way.
"It's not an olive branch. It's just what there is. Riddle and his band of not-so-merry asshats... they're not going anywhere and we just have to-"
Severus sighed, his back straightening."The Ministry should be a force. It should be a beacon. Isn't this what we waded neck deep in the water for? Isn't this fight why we suit up in the morning?"
Of course it was, but there were other things to consider now.
Harry slammed his fist on the desk. Severus just did not get it."Dammit, Severus. The speech is fine."
Swallowing, the fire in his eyes, dulling to warm embers."Yes, sir." He turned his back and headed to the door.
Harry understood how Severus felt. He didn't like the idea of having to prance around like their nations were friends, but they had to try and give both countries some sort of future. And if prancing had to be involved, then so be it.
"Severus... it's what there is,"sighed Harry, sounding defeated.
Severus's black eyes flashed to him."Yes, sir."
Hermione headed down to Draco's office – upset that she would have to be the one to tell him about his parents but he was standing in the bustling room where the assistants and secretaries worked at their desks. Draco's arms were in the air, his silver eyes sparking, a smile drawn across his face. It had been quite the scandal when Draco Malfoy chose to side with the Order but he had been an invaluable asset to the Ministry since then.
"Success is mine," he shouted. "Come and marvel at my brilliance for it shines like a thousands suns." Draco's arm fell across Hermione's shoulder. She twitched at his touch. "Like a thousand suns, Granger, a thousand."
Mary, Draco's assistant, looked up from the parchment she was writing on."The House approved his candidate for the Department of Mysteries. I'm to feed him grapes and expensive cheese."
"I see," said Hermione, steeling herself for the bomb she had to drop on Draco. "You might want to put some of that shine back in your pocket."
"The state dinner?"he asked.
"Your parents are-"
"Yeah. Okay."His joyous demeanor melted away and he took a deep breath, changing the subject. "Corner keeps hinting we've got opposition on the Anti-Curse legislation."
Draco walked toward the press room and Hermione followed. Whenever he received bad new, Draco would get all professional and focused. She was finally able to keep up with just when and how his demeanor would change.
"We do. Neville's got it from Cahill in Appropriations. Bones and Parks, they -"
"Have a problem with the addendum about dark objects with historical significance?"
Hermione nodded.
"What do you want me to do? Corner's going to ask the question," said Draco.
"Don't call on him. Take a question from Luna-"
"You want me to snub the Prophet for the Quibbler?"His eyes widened.
"She'll ask you about trade sanctions and the state dinner-"
Draco crossed his arms, glowering at Hermione."And possibly about nargles."
"There's that too."
Before he stepped through the doors to his press room, he grinned."The Minister said you were going to do a little dance for me."
"Go." Hermione glared. At least there was little fun left in Draco even after the bad new.
Neville's eyes hurt, his body ached and jittered. All he'd had all day was three cups of black coffee. The room was strangely bright and he could hardly bear to look at the drab wooden table and two blank faced women sitting across from him.
He rubbed his head, messing his hair slightly. "We've been at this for hours. Can't we-"
The blonde one, Susan Bones, snarled,"We're not backing down on the reservations. There's absolutely no chance of that."
Neville said what he'd been saying all afternoon. It was getting old."There's absolutely no chance the Minister will sign the legislation if you attach the reservations."
The other woman, Katie Parks, who Neville remembered from Hogwarts sat back casually in her chair. "There's not a chance the Minister will see the legislation without the reservations."
"You'd kill an important law because for campaign donations?"snapped Neville.
"That's not why we're-"said Susan.
"It's exactly why. I know it, you know it and the Minister knows it. So don't- there was a time we used to on the same side, Susan. A time when we were friends." Neville was fed up with their agendas and back channels and pandering to the morally bankrupt just for a check.
"And because of that Potter thinks we're in his pocket." Parks slapped her hand on the table. Something jolted inside Neville. Harry Potter was the Minister of Magic – and these two women needed to respect that.
"I assure you the Minister has plenty of things in his pockets without you two taking up room in there. You know what you both are? You're stupid." Neville shot to his feet, breathing heavily.
"What happened to poor little picked-on Neville?"Susan smirked.
Neville clenched his fist. That little boy who cried over Snape's bullying died long a go."I fought a war – and if you think you two scare me – well you're in for a hell of a surprise."
"Neville-"sighed Katie.
"I'll pass this legislation without your help – and I'll look good doing it. Or we can shove the attitudes and discuss waiting periods," demanded Neville.
The Ministry Ballroom glowed with twinkling fairy lights. The wallpaper had been charmed to shimmer gold and jasmine trees grew magically from the marble floor, filling the air with an intoxicatingly rich scent.
Guests were dressed in their finest. The men in elegant tuxes and women in ball gowns. Still it was easy to pick Riddle's Death Eaters – they all wore black and traditional cloaks with high collars.
All accept for Riddle himself.
Ginny remained at his side, her eyes nervously scanning the crowd of Death Eaters. She had been taken in Riddle's insane sleep with Harry mission so even though she had said nothing, he knew she was fighting mad about them being invited her.
"Lovely evening, Minister, Ginevra."Riddle glided up beside them, looking ethereal and, Harry's stomach lurched, oddly beautiful in a crisp white tux. His red eyes flashed to Ginny. "May I kiss you on the mouth?"
Harry bit his lip as jealousy coursed through him – the worse part being he wasn't jealous for Ginny but for Riddle. A fact, a beaming Riddle, surely knew.
"Ew."Ginny's lip curled and face paled like nothing more disgusting had ever been suggested.
Only Harry would have noticed it but Tom sent him a quick, mocking glance"Yes. I am remarkably disgusting."
You should be disgusting... I should find you disgusting... but I can hardly breathe you're so close to me. Cover it up-
"What the hell is wrong with you?" barked Harry.
"A great many things."Tom sneered but still managed to look utterly dashing.
"You kidnapped me."Ginny folded her arms across her sparkling red dress.
Tom groaned. "I put you up in a Holiday Inn Express – I didn't lock you in a dungeon and throw acid on your face. And then I let you go."
Ginny's eyes narrowed. "There were guards at the door."
"You had cable, a fully stocked mini bar and free wifi – whatever that is."
Ginny let out a long breath then turned on her high heel."Let's just get this evening of hellish torture over."She disappeared into the crowd, just a sparkly dot amidst all the other sparkly dots.
Riddle was playing with his ring and it slipped from his grasp, clattering on the ground. "How clumsy of me."He bent down to pick it up and when he stood, touched Harry from his thigh to his chest. Harry's whole body clinched as Riddle leaned in and whispered, "Godric, you look sexy tonight. I just want to-"
He is so not getting away with this tonight.
"There's a broom closet on the other side of the those doors," breathed Harry
"Minister Potter – always so prudent- what did you just say?"
"See sometimes if I stop in my tracks you just run right past." Harry patted Tom's hand, sending shocks through his fingers. He ignored the pleasant sensation. "Enjoy the caviar. It's imported from Alaska."Harry winked and headed toward Ginny who was chatting with guests.
Before he could make it to Ginny, Harry bumped into an exhausted-looking Draco Malfoy. "Hello,"said Harry.
"Good evening, Minister."Draco sighed, shoulders slumped, bow tie mildly askew.
"Everything alright?"
"Yes sir."He nodded, but Harry knew better. There was no way it was alright for Draco to be in the same room with his estranged parents. Especially his father.
"Did Hermione do her little dance for you?" asked Harry, trying to lighten the mood.
"Not yet sir."
"Have you talked your parents?"
"I don't think they're particularly interested-"
Harry laid a strong hand on Draco's shoulder. He'd really come to see Draco as a friend over the last few years. "She's your mother. She's interested by virtue of being a mother."
"We both know that's not always the case."
"I'm not talking about every mother. I'm talking about your mother. You'll think about it?"
Draco half-smiled. "Yes, sir."
Later that evening, Hermione found Draco sitting at a table, his hands running voer his face. His grey eyes met her dark ones as she sat down, drink in hand."I think I need that dance right about now," he said.
"You can have this." Hermione handed him the rest of her firewhisky and he drank it in one swallow. "Bones will back down on Anti-Curse but-"
Draco groaned. It was obvious he knew what was coming. Hermione had seen the same thing."What does she want?"
"Reservations exempting artifacts from the last two wizarding wars," she admitted bitterly. Despite Neville's efforts, Parks and Bones were gunning for the Minister's Office and had no intention on backing down.
"The point of the legislation is to keep sympathizers from the last war from bringing the dark arts back to Western Europe. Which really makes you question the prudence of this dinner." Draco paused, his eyes casting to a group of black-clad Death Eaters. "The reservations are a red herring and they're stupid."
"You don't have to convince me. But it won't happen without them. If we don't have Bones, we don't have Parks and without Parks we don't get the appropriations committee and, I'm telling you, it'll never come to a vote."
Draco leaned back in his chair, chewing his lip. He sighed and said,"I'm letting Corner out of the box." Hermione had a feeling she knew where this was going as Draco continued, "We'll say senior Ministry representatives – Give him Bones and Parks's name – and a copy of the reservations. Their campaign donors may be a fan of bringing back the dark arts but most of the nation is decidedly not."
A jolt of excitement shocked through Hermione and she sat up straighter, her green dress too tight and rather uncomfortable."Then anyone in Bones or Parks's pockets is going to look like they're soft on the dark arts. Let him out of the box –" She sighed looking at the sadness still written in her friend's eyes. "Hey and Draco. You should dance with your mother."
Draco nodded, looked down at the empty glass and headed back in to the crowd, likely searching for Michael Corner who was certain to have a press pass.
Hermione noticed Harry making his way toward the small stage at the front of the room. A few seconds later, Severus Snape sidled up beside Hermione, scowling."It looks like the Minister's about to speak. I thought that wasn't supposed to be until after dinner."
It wasn't.
"Maybe something came up."Hermione shrugged.
With a deep breath, Harry started the speech, looking dashing and powerful in his tux. He had this ability to radiate a kind of raw power whenever he spoke publicly. It was a sight to see but there was something lacking in that day's performance.
"It is time to start opening doors instead of closing them, time to seek peace rather than hostility. Revenge begets more revenge and hate more hate. It is time to put aside our differences instead of... highlighting them, time to work together... rather than encouraging division... you know, I'm sorry... My communications director has spent most of the last week trying to convince me to change the sentiment in this speech – and I disagreed with him - and he disagreed with me – and for those of you who know Severus Snape will know that's just an average Tuesday for us."
What was he doing? Hermione's heart thrummed. She didn't know if she was excited about him going off script or not. Severus looked somewhere between ecstatic and petrified.
"I'm going to say something I don't say very often. I was wrong and he was right. We fought tooth and nail about it all week – and he didn't want to – but he wrote the speech because I asked him to and that's the way it goes. But how can I, in good conscious, stand before you and talk of peace and reconciliation, and ending trade sanctions between our nations; how can I send Draco Malfoy into the press room to discuss Ministry support of Anti-Curse legislation; or send Neville Longbottom to go eight rounds on reservations with Susan Bones and the appropriations committee if I'm not willing to -
We live in an important age, an age for great witches and wizards, an age for statesmen not politicians. The decisions we make today matter, maybe now more than ever. If we are going to be about freedom from oppression, freedom from terror and freedom from tyranny, if we are going to be about freedom from darkness, we should be about it all the time, any place, and damn the consequences. If we're not, we should shut up. Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoyed the caviar."
That was the Minister of Magic Hermione knew. The one that made her feel proud and happy to serve at his pleasure.
"And now I remember how he got elected," sighed Severus.
"Yeah." Hermione smiled.
Everyone had left the party that night, it didn't last too long after Harry's condemning speech and he didn't much care. Though he did see Draco talking to his mother so that was small victory. He just wanted to relax, wanted to forget all the responsibility weighing on him. He wasn't even thirty yet and on days like this he felt like an old man, trying to hold the world together with his bare hands.
Something cold gripped his wrist and, before he could say anything, he was being tossed into a dark, vacant conference room.
"How could you just- You made me look an idiot,"A familiar voice snarled. It was Riddle. He flicked his wand, illuminating the room slightly. He flicked it again and Harry knew it was to lock and silence the room.
"Don't give me credit for God's work," said Harry, not in the mood for a fight like this. He just wanted to sleep, to forget the world.
"I am not in the mood for snarky Harry tonight."
Harry crossed his arms and looked away, hoping that if he ignored Riddle long enough he'd leave.
"Hey, look at me. Look at me!"shouted Riddle as he grabbed at Harry who kept tugging away. Harry felt a sharp slap across his face, numbing his cheek. Riddle stumbled backwards, eyes wide. "Harry... I..."
Harry turned around and punched Riddle as hard as he could across the face. Grimacing, he adjusted his jaw and glared at Harry.
"This isn't going to get us anywhere," said Harry.
"I came here to talk about trade sanctions."
"I can't do it, Tom. You know I can't end trade sanctions until you crack down on black market dealers which you have no intention of doing."
"What am I supposed to tell my people? That I got spanked by a kid in glasses?" shouted Riddle.
Harry's heart pounded. Always somewhere between hate and anger and desire and passion. It was slowly killing him. This relationship with Riddle but giving it up seemed impossible now. He only received relief from all the pressures of his job when he was in Riddle's arms.
"I'm not sure if it's escaped your notice but I'm the Minster of Magic and could give a damn what you're going to tell them. This is what I don't get. Honest to God, Riddle, I don't. We're constantly doing this. I'm constantly pissing you off. Yet you keeping come back no matter how many times I-"
"Are you totally daft, Harry. My problem isn't that it pisses me off when you go all John Wayne Freedom Fighter on me, it pisses me off that it makes me want to jump you."His words made Harry's face flush with want.
Riddle slammed Harry's back against the wall, the pain in his back sending excitement bounding through him but he knew he had to put up some sort of a fight even if tonight he had every intention of giving in.
"Not here,"growled Harry. "What if-" He wasn't sure what the what if actually would be but it was habit to fight Riddle on everything.
Riddle grabbed Harry's hips and flipped him around, cracking his glasses against the wall."I really don't care."
"Riddle-"
"I'll fix them when I'm finished."Riddle grabbed Harry's tux jacket and threw it aside. He pushed his hand under Harry's shirt and started roughly rubbing his back. "Stop fighting. You don't have to fight me."
Desire bubbled up in Harry then exploded. He tore off his shirt then turned around to see Riddle still dressed, just smirking.
"What?"snapped Harry.
"I just love looking at you." Riddle took a slow step toward him. Harry's breath lodged in his chest. A cold hand fell against his cheek and stroked his skin gently.
"Don't," breathed Harry. He couldn't take sweet Riddle. It confused him, made him feel things he shouldn't things besides sexual attraction.
"Why not?" asked Riddle. His lips hovered above Harry's then came down with surprising gentleness. Warm and tender and consuming. Harry could not help but lean into Riddle, wrap his arms around his neck. Allow Riddle full control over his tongue and mouth.
Gasping for breath, Harry pulled away. "Don't do this. Don't kiss me like you care about me."
Riddle laughed and leaned in, his hot breath steaming against Harry's neck. "That's just it, isn't it? I do care for you. That's what scares you. Don't be afraid of me." He grabbed Harry's hands and placed them on his bow tie. Slowly, Harry tugged it loose and slowly worked on the rest of Riddle's tux until he was standing there, entirely exposed.
"You're so-"
"Let me show you how I feel, Harry. Tonight you belong to me. I'll make it okay." Gently but passionately, Riddle kissed him as he unlocked Harry's belt buckled. Harry slipped out of his pants and together they slid down the floor, Harry's bare back rubbing against the rough carpet.
"I-"stuttered Harry but Riddle put a finger over his mouth.
"No more talking."His lips met Harry's softly, and Harry gave in to the powerful man above him. He was tired of fighting. And Riddle knew the truth about him, about the things he desired. So in these dark rooms he could be himself, not just the leader of the free magical world.
There was nothing he had to be but the name on Riddle's lips.
A/N: I didn't have an intention on continuing this but it was just too much fun between the sexy Tom and Harry and the politics. These are basically going to be a collection of related one shots about Harry as Minister of Magic and his secret affair with Tom. Please review! And feel free to follow now because I'm hoping to write more.
