For the Hogwarts Forum
Writing Club, Showtime, "The Room Where It Happens" (Ministry)
Word Count: 469
"Milly?"
Amelia glares at the paperwork before her. Only person calls her that. Only one person feels as though he has a right to refer to her in such a casual manner.
"Dawlish," she says curtly, grudgingly lifting her gaze to look at the Auror. "I thought you were on an assignment."
He shrugs, offering her a crooked grin. Amelia hates it when he does it. Merlin! He is attractive, but she can't let herself feel that way about him. She is head of this department. The scandal it would cause…
"It was quick job," he assures her. "Shacklebolt is finishing up the paperwork on it."
Amelia nods, fingers tapping impatiently against her own paperwork. She has too many things to finish and send to Cornelius. "Did you want something, Dawlish?" she asks, careful to keep her tone as neutral as possible.
He's been pursuing her for years. Once, long ago, she had almost said yes; her promotion prevented that endeavor in the end. She's spent all this time wondering what could have happened, wondering how different things could be now.
She shakes her head. This isn't the time to dwell on something she cannot change. The past is the past, and she doesn't need to look at him and reminisce.
"You already know what I want, Milly."
Her breath hitches, the faintest sign of weakness. She grips the edge of the desk, drawing a deep breath in hopes of steadying her nerves. "John-"
"Amelia…"
Her eyes meet his, and she feels something inside her begin to stir. Amelia, not Milly. She almost smiles. "I've told you before, we can't," she reminds him.
"And I told you that I don't give a damn about this place," he says, gesturing wildly at the hustle and bustle of the Ministry beyond her office door. "I would give it up for you in a heartbeat."
She swallows dryly. John Dawlish might be the biggest pain in the ass, but he is hers. Over the years, Amelia has gotten so used to having him around at the Ministry. The thought of walking through her department and not seeing his cheeky grin and dark eyes, not hearing that teasing, tender Milly as she passes… It's hard.
"I would never ask you to do that," she says, shaking her head. "You're a damn good Auror."
John sighs. It's the first time Amelia can remember seeing him look so defeated. "I just want a chance," he says quietly.
She knows she should tell him no. She is his boss. The scandal it would cause. But still, the thought of losing him. "One date," she says at last. "Dinner and drinks tonight, my place."
His face brightens at that, and Amelia feels her heart flutter. Maybe she's making a mistake, but she knows it's worth the risk.