"So you aren't worried? Not even the tiniest bit?" Rodney asked as he sat across the table from Luna as she shuffled a deck of cards unlike any he had ever seen before.
"No, not at all. I am sure Harry is fine. He always gets out of whatever trouble finds him," she replied her voice smooth as she glanced at him with her clear blue eyes.
"You don't find it the least bit suspicious that it has been over a day since we saw him?" Rodney continued on, the worry quite clear in his own voice as he watched the witch shuffle.
"Not at all. Harry gets into trouble all the time," Luna replied calmly as she dealt out the cards. She said she was going to teach him how to play exploding snap this morning in order to occupy them. Rodney sighed as he watched the cards land in front of him. Despite Luna's attempts to entertain him, he still could not pull his mind away from John.
"Do you have a telephone? I could call the IOA," Rodney continued on.
"I don't have a telephone here. I know someone who does though. Would it make you feel better if you called them? The IOA?" She asked as she peered over the top of her cards at Rodney who had yet to pick up his own cards.
"Incredibly," Rodney replied.
"Very well then," Luna sighed as she set down her cards. "Give me a moment while I floo her to see if she is home," she paused as she looked at the cards sadly, "We will have to continue our game later though."
"Of course." Rodney said as he stood up from the little round table and followed Luna back to the fireplace which he had originally come through.
"Three Wash Way," Luna stated clearly as she leaned over and stuck her head into the green fire. Rodney, despite trying to resist himself, watched the bent over witch, his eyes scanned over the slim woman's backside. "Hello," Rodney heard Luna say into the fire, although her voice seemed slightly distorted and muted from what he imagined was the magic in the fire. "Yes. Yes, I am doing well." There was another pause and Luna readjusted her feet as her hands griped the sides of the fireplace. "Yes, listen I have a friend who needs to use a telephone. Can we come through?" Another pause. "Thanks, we'll be right through."
Rodney cleared his throat and quickly adjusted his eyes as Luna pulled her head back up out of the fireplace. "Hermione, Harry's friend I was telling you about last night, has agreed to let you use her telephone. All you need to do is floo over to Three Wash Way. I'll be right behind you," Luna explained as she held out the floo powder.
"Great," Rodney replied as he quickly took a handful of floo powder as if he had been doing so all of his life. He tossed it into the fireplace and with a quick gulp stepped into it. "Three Wash Way." And with that he found the view of Luna's home begin to dissolve into a multitude of swirling colors. He spun around like a top until he finally slowed and he looked into a room that looked like any normal room. Tripping out of the fireplace, Rodney straightened himself and looked at the new woman that stood before him.
"You must be Luna's friend," she said. To Rodney she looked like any normal suburban mother. She had her curly hair pulled back out of her face, she wore a plain pair of jeans. He could see pictures of little red haired children on the coffee table behind her.
"Yes, Rodney McKay." He replied as he shook her hand. There was a slight swooshing sound and Rodney turned around to see Luna appear out of the fireplace behind him.
"Hello, Luna," the curly haired woman said as she moved from Rodney's handshake to hugging the woman.
"Hermione." Luna replied. Rodney could hear the affection in her voice as she leaned back from the other woman. "Rodney, this is Hermione. Harry's friend."
"Nice to meet you," Rodney replied as he watched Hermione take a step back in order to get a better look at him.
"So it's true then, Harry really is back in London. Ron went over to the Burrow last night and hasn't even come back yet. Just sent a letter saying that Harry had shown up and he was sticking around to try and clam Ginny down." Rodney just looked between the two women not really knowing what to say at this point, it was clear he was not the point of interest.
"Speaking of Harry, we have not heard from him, and he was supposed to be back last night to pick Rodney back up. We were hoping we could use your telephone to try and get in touch with someone who might know where he got off to," Luna explained calmly, bringing the conversation back to Rodney.
"Of course. There is a phone in the kitchen," Hermione explained as she turned around and proceeded to lead the two into the back of the house. "There is the telephone," Hermione pointed out. "Would either of you like something to drink."
"No thank you," Rodney said as he moved towards the telephone.
"Tea would be lovely," Luna replied. Rodney watched as the two women walked about the kitchen and then turned his attention to the phone which was wired into the wall. He apparently was not going to get any privacy for this call. Ignoring the two witches as best he could he picked up the receiver and began to dial the only telephone number he had memorized and only because it was a sequence of numbers that were involved in Pi. Dialing out of the country and then proceeding to dial the telephone number, 926-535-8979, Rodney waited.
"Come on, pick up. I know your there," he muttered into the telephone. There was another few moments of nothing and then he was answered.
"Hello?"
"Zelenka! Listen, I need you to do me a favor," Rodney began quickly, not even going to introduce himself over the phone.
"Rodney?"
"Yes, yes. Listen can you get me the telephone number for the IOA office here in London?"
"Yes, of course. Did you find John? Both me and Jennifer have been very worried about you," Zelenka replied, his accent clear even through the telephone.
"Yes, I found him, and so much more. I will tell you everything when I get back, but I really need the telephone number."
"Of course, here, I am looking it up now. Do you have something to write it down with."
"I can remember a set of ten numbers, Zelenka," Rodney replied in aggravation, oblivious to the two women that were now watching his conversation.
"Very well. 7939-358-124."
"Thanks, Zelenka. I will be back in a few days and will tell you everything then."
"I think you might have to come back sooner than we originally anticipated."
"What," Rodney asked as he quickly turned his back to the two woman that were not looking at him very curiously. "What do you mean. You know I am here trying to make sure John comes back, and it isnt going very smoothly!"
"Neither are things here. Atlantis took more damage than we originally anticipated. IOA wants it operational as soon as possible. They are recalling everyone that took leave. They just couldn't get a hold of you."
"Well you will just have to wait a little while longer. I am calling the IOA and trying to figure out what happened to John, he went missing last night," Rodney explained quickly.
"Well, figure it out quickly then. We need you back here."
"Listen, Zelenka. I will be back as soon as possible, make sure they don't blow anything up until I get back."
"Alright, alright. Make sure you are quick though."
"Will do. See you then." Rodney quickly hung up and quickly picked the phone back up punching in the numbers. "Sever…nine…three…nine…um…three…five…eight." There was a slight pause. "Damn it," he hissed in aggravation as he stared at the numbers, before he remembered. "One, two, four!" Rodney rattled off in quick procession and brought the receiver to his ear before shooting an annoyed look over at Luna who only smiled back, oblivious to what Zalenka had told him.
"Yes, hello, I was wondering if you could tell me if John Sheppard ever appeared for his appointment yesterday with the IOA."
"John Sheppard?" Hermione asked Luna quietly.
"He means Harry."
"You did not have any appointments for John Sheppard?" Rodney paused, "What about Harry Potter?"
There was a slight pause as Rodney looked over at Luna.
"Do you know where he went after that? What about the people he was meeting with. Would it be possible that you put me through to any of them?"
"Why was Harry going as John Sheppard?" Hermione whispered back at Luna.
"Incognito, I imagine," Luna replied as she sipped at her tea.
"Hello," Rodney continued onwards, "Yes, this is Rodney McKay. I was wondering if you knew where John Sheppard went after his meeting with you… He went with the Minister of Magic?... Well, thank you for your time… Yes, you have a good rest of your day also. Good-bye." He hung up the receiver and looked at the two woman sitting across the table from him. "He apparently went with the Minister of Magic."
"That can't be any good. Who knows what that fool of a Minister would do to Harry."
"You think something happened?" Rodney asked worriedly as he looked to Luna for an answer.
"More than likely," Luna replied softly as she turned her teacup. "They never did get along. And now that Harry has broken the Statue of Secrecy, Minister Malfoy has ever right to hold Harry until this all gets resolved."
"Harry broke the Statue of Secrecy?" Hermione asked in was clearly shock before taking a quick glance up at Rodney. "You're a muggle aren't you?" Rodney gave a quick nod before Hermione quickly continued on. "I am sure he had a good reason for breaking it. Malfoy should not be holding Harry for it, after all that Harry has done for the wizarding world."
"Rules are rules, Hermione," Luna responded calmly as she finished off her tea.
"Well, now what do we do?" Rodney asked as he looked between the two witches.
"Wait," Luna replied thoughtfully. "We'll go back to my place and wait for him. It might take a while though."
"Who did Harry tell that this is such a big issue?" Hermione asked confused as she glanced between Rodney and Luna.
"Confidential," Rodney replied with a little shrug, giving Hermione an apologetic look.
"Then how does Luna know?"
"She figured it out for herself," Rodney replied.
"She figured it out," Hermione repeated slowly as she looked over at Luna who was getting up from the table. Rodney had no trouble recognizing the slightly jealous glance.
"Yes," Luna replied, "but don't get your hair in a twist over it. I wouldn't have figured it out if it were not for my research."
"What in the world does Harry breaking the Statue of Secrecy and your dragons have to do with each other?" Hermione replied in bewilderment, and if Rodney paused to think about it, slight aggravation.
"More than I would have guessed," Luna replied as she lead Rodney back to the fireplace. "Thank you for the tea, Hermione. And letting Rodney use the telephone."
"Your going so soon?" Hermione asked as she followed them to the fireplace.
"Yes. It would be best if we wait at my place in case Harry shows up again." Luna said as she took a handful of the floo powder.
"You will let me and Ron know when he shows up wont you?" Hermione asked.
"Of course, Hermione. I'll see you soon," Luna said as she threw the floo powder into the fire.
"It was nice to meet you," Rodney said as he took his own handful of powder.
"Nice to meet you too."
"Good-bye." Rodney replied as he took one last glance at the curly haired witch and followed Luna through the fireplace.
Two days after Draco Malfoy had his meeting with bloody Harry Potter and the blasted muggles, he sat behind his desk rubbing his fingers across his brow as he looked up at an equally tired looking Owen Caudwell. "Do you have the report finished?" he asked tiredly. This whole thing was a bloody mess.
"Yes, Minister. It gives a basic overview of the current magical community and a brief history," the young man replied.
"And the obliviators?"
"Also ready. I have had a small team of them assembled."
"Very good, Mr. Caudwell. Has Minister Paulson and the IOA been contacted in order to hold a meeting?" The sooner they got this over with the better.
"Yes. It has been scheduled for late this afternoon at four," Caudwell replied. Draco looked at his watch, it was only ten now.
"Very well, you are dismissed for now. Get some rest before then." Malfoy said as he gave a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Of course, Minister. You should do the same. If you don't mind me saying, it looks like you have not slept since Mr. Potter came in." Draco threw the man a glare. "Sorry, Sir. I'll be going now." And with that, Caudwell stepped out of Draco's office leaving him in peace.
Letting out a sigh Draco unrolled the scroll that Caudwell had left on his desk. It was a decent presentation that he had put together, better than Draco thought he could have done in such a short amount of time. He would have to remember to give Caudwell a slight raise. He set the scroll aside and stood up from his desk and walked over to the door of his office. Sticking his head out he saw his secretary working diligently. "Mary, I am heading home for a while. Don't call unless it is an emergency."
"Of course, sir."
And with that Draco shut the door and unbuttoned the top of his dress robe before apparating to the Malfoy Manor. With a soft pop he appeared in his family's ancestral home. Walking through the silent halls of the manor he approached the sounds of a soft giggling and light laughter that he knew to belong to his young son and wife. Pushing the door open slowly he could see Astoria and Scorpius laying on the floor, a game of exploding snaps well on its way.
"And what do we have here?" Draco asked amused, trying to keep the tiredness out of his voice as he watched his wife and child crane their necks to get a look at him.
"Dad!" Scorpius exclaimed happily as he leapt up from beside his mother and ran to him. Draco smiled as his young son threw his arms around his middle.
"Scorpius, kept your mother in line these past two days I hope," Draco said with mock seriousness as he threw a tired grin at his wife.
"Of course!" his son replied proudly as he stepped back from him. "She has been alright, but I saw her getting a slice of pie before dinner yesterday."
"A piece of pie! Astoria, what where you thinking, ruining your dinner like that," Draco said with a laugh. His wife's face was alight with mirth.
"But Draco, dear little Scorpius left out an important detail."
"And what is that?"
"He had a piece with me," Astoria said was a light laugh as her son's smile turned into a frown.
"Mum, you weren't suppose to tell him!"
"I can see that I will have to make sure not to get tied up at the office as much," Draco said as he walked over and sat down on one of the couches. "Scorpius, why don't you go see if Pippy has any more of that pie while I talk to your mother."
"Alright," Scorpius said as he walked quickly out of the room. Draco watched as Astoria turned back to him, her expression loosing some of its initial mirth.
"How are things in the office, Draco. You have not been home in two days. We were worried about you. Has something big come up?"
"Potter showed up," Draco replied tiredly as Astoria sat down beside him, running her hand over his own hand.
"Harry Potter, I thought he was missing."
"He was," Draco said, unable to keep the aggravation out of his voice. "He showed up though and brought a load of trouble with him."
"What happened," Astoria said worriedly.
"He broke the Statue of Secrecy and now Minister Paulson, the muggle Minister, wants to reveal the wizarding world to a select branch of the muggle government in return for the wizarding world receiving information on this muggle branch," Draco explained as he leaned back into the couch, letting his head fall back as he stared at the ceiling, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Why not just obliviate all of them?"
"There is a whole number of muggles spanning all the way back to the Americas, not to mention all of the paperwork that is already being distributed globally about whatever the incident was. They wont even tell me until we agree to impart information of the wizarding world to this organization." Draco sighed as he quickly sat up and walked to the fireplace before turning around to look at Astoria. "I don't have any idea what Potter could have done in order to have caused so much trouble that so many people would know about it. Especially so high in the government. It would not be such an issue if it were just a few common muggles rather that government and military officials."
Draco paced back and forth in front of the fireplace as he continued, his wife just watching him worriedly. "I have tried to think of ways to clean up this mess, but without help of the Americans I don't think there is much we can do, and you know how lack they are over there."
"When are you suppose to decide?" Astoria asked as she glanced at the door knowing Scorpius would be back any moment with pie.
"There is a meeting this afternoon with the muggles. There isn't really anything to decide. We will have to agree to tell this government organization."
"And the other wizarding nations? Have they agreed to presenting ourselves to the muggles?" Astoria interrupted.
"We will just have to say our hand was forced. I am not sure we have much more of an option, I have been thinking about this endlessly the past two days, Astoria."
"Draco," Astoria said quietly as she looked up at him, "This could be really bad. For all of us. Especially if the other wizarding nations don't agree."
"You don't have to tell me Astoria, I already know." Draco said as he walked over to the window. There were rainclouds on the horizon.
AN: not a terribly exciting chapter but it puts us up to the meeting with the IOA and introduces the fact that McKay has to go back to Atlantis asap as well as introduces the Malfoy family. I am not terribly good with politics, and it seems like this has jumped into the deep end. We will see how the next meeting goes. I would appreciate any suggestions.