Years From Now
Chapter 20
(The Night of) December 31, 2008
Hermione chose to tuck the G problem away in her brain for the next day or two and not let it concern her. She did not want them to drain any happiness she felt but she also did not want to be Madam Granger until she returned to work on Friday and was forced. She wanted to be Hermione at the moment, and Hermione had a New Year's Eve party to ready for alongside a fiance who was ecstatic about his job promotion. When she and Bastet arrived at Harry's apartment a little after 6PM it was only to find a buoyant looking Ron. Harry had invited him over after work that afternoon via Patronus to share the news of his appointment as Head Auror. Predictably, Ron was thrilled for his best friend and chose to show this to Hermione by promptly spinning her around in a circle upon seeing her. The trio happily spoke about until 6:30PM, when the red head had to go home in order to eat dinner with Luna and prepare for the New Year's Eve party. They bid each other temporary goodbye and Hermione questioned Harry what they were going to eat themselves, as the time they had before they needed to depart for the party was quite limited.
"My hair alone is going to take half an hour!" the witch revealed, holding up a jar of Sleekeazy's. Harry smiled as he felt the flush of pride he always experienced whenever he encountered this specific reminder of his family's legacy.
Accordingly, he told Hermione to not worry as he had ordered takeout right before she got to his apartment. True enough, five minutes after mentioning dinner, the doorbell rang and food from Harry's favorite restaurant was present. They took the rest of the six o'clock hour to eat but, once seven o'clock came, Hermione became notably more fastidious about the time since she wanted to arrive to the party at 8:15PM, claiming that she was DMLE Head and anything later would be in poor taste and give the impression that she did not take her position seriously. The night was reason to socialize and have some fun, yes, but it was a Ministry function regardless and, thus, there was political decorum to follow.
Harry took her attitude in stride and merely resolved to not get in her way. He showered first, for example, so that by 7:15PM she could have most of his bedroom and bathroom for herself. (Fortunately, he had trimmed his facial hair the previous morning which made one less grooming necessity for him). He did take a dollop of the Sleekeazy's to run through his own strands when a freshly showered, towel wrapped Hermione perched in front of the mirror and opened the jar, but he offered her a quick grin as compensation for getting in it before she could.
After that, Harry grabbed both of their coats and the outer set of his dress robes and carried them into the living room, where he placed them on an arm of the couch and then sat down to watch television while he waited. Bastet wandered back and forth between him and Hermione and he jokingly asked the kitten for updates on her human mother's progress. Incidentally, she strolled into the living room at 10 minutes past eight o'clock and effectively stole her fiance's attention away from the television. The brunette was wearing a blood red dress that matched Harry's tie and made her look irresistible in his eyes. The dress was not tight but its silhouette was straight and defined, so it naturally sculpted to the curve of Hermione's rear and breasts, while the sleeves were off the shoulder, sheer and loose. Her hair was straight and most of it was up but some of it had been strategically left out. All she wore for jewelry was sparkling earrings and her engagement ring, of course, but her clutch bag glittered like the diamonds in her ears.
"What do you think?" she asked as she approached the sofa. Harry had shot up from his seat and was staring at her with a gaping mouth.
"Dear Christ!" the wizard eventually answered.
"I'll take that as a good thing." Hermione laughed and moved to put on her coat but he jumped into action and grabbed it before she could. Harry stepped to her and gestured for her to turn around, which she did, but his next move was not to help her put it on.
"You're exquisite," he muttered as he rubbed her shoulders reverently. He then bent down and kissed the right side of her neck, causing her to shiver slightly.
"Half of the things I buy are with you in mind, hoping you'll like them," she quietly revealed.
"So you admit that you fully encourage my 'one track mind' by enticing me with your clothing." The wizard dropped another, slower kiss on her neck.
"And you are trying to entice me at the moment, Mr. Potter."
"Is it working?" Harry asked through a grin against her skin.
"Yes," chuckled Hermione, turning to face him once more. She stroked his left cheek, "So I will put a stop to it because we need to get to the Minister's Estate. Come on- I want to show you off." He smiled and relented, finally assisting her into her coat.
"Used for my fame yet again."
"Exactly. Just a pretty face and a name, dear."
They were all smiles as Harry donned the remainder of his dress robes and coat and Hermione removed the invitation from her bag, which was a Portkey that would transport them to the party.
"Ready?" he wondered. She nodded before wrapping a shawl around her neck that had been a Christmas gift from Andromeda.
"Bye, Bastet! We won't be gone too long. Be good, sweet." the witch called to the cat. Bastet peered at them from her spot on the sofa but swiftly looked away, not seeming terribly interested in bidding them farewell.
When the pair appeared to the party at precisely 8:15PM, the majority of attendees had yet to arrive and the ones that were present were higher ranking Ministry employees and their dates. They were greeted by Kingsley himself, as the Minister and his wife, Tatiana, were stationed at the grand entrance in order to receive guests for the first 30 minutes. (Tatiana was the Minister's wife of five years, a regal looking woman with warm brown skin and a calm demeanor like her husband). Harry and Hermione spent their first 20 minutes greeting and schmoozing with other officials and, while it was not Harry's most favorite task, he knew it was necessary as Hermione's partner and his impending job as Head Auror. There were also a handful of people with whom he genuinely enjoyed chatting so it was not truly cumbersome.
Conversely, he was happy to see Ron and Luna arrive a bit after 8:30PM and knew others from his personal circle would soon follow. Ron's midnight blue robes matched the color of Luna's alluring dress, which had multiple layers and occasional shooting stars dashing across it.
"Luna, your dress is amazing." Harry observed, giving the blonde a peck on the cheek.
"Yes, you look beautiful," added Hermione, hugging her.
"What sweet words," said Luna with a smile.
"You look like a bag of gold yourself, Herms!" Ron noted, whistling for theatrics.
"Thank you, Ronald," she replied with a quick laugh. She squeezed his hand.
"Who has the twins?" Harry questioned.
"Luna's great aunt," the red head attested.
"Yes, my mother's aunt," nodded Luna, "Daddy is coming tonight so he could not watch them for us."
"Mum and Dad, too. They should be here shortly."
"I can't wait to see everyone." Hermione commented.
"Yeah. The Order, DA… it's been some time since we've been all of us together." Ron supplemented.
"Hagrid and Minerva especially." Harry stated.
"Oh, yes- Hagrid," his fiancee said in a hopeful tone, touching his shoulder.
"How about a drink? You two have one yet?" posed Ron.
"No," the dark haired wizard answered.
"Let's catch one of these house elves, then! Ladies, we'll return with your drinks in a tick."
It took 10 minutes for Harry and Ron to mosey back to the witches but they came with more than just the drinks: a newly arrived and happy Neville and Hannah trailed behind them. By nine o'clock, most everyone they knew was at the party and it was indeed jovial. Everyone whom was still living that Harry had gotten to know during his first seven years in the wizarding world was at the estate. He and his best friends spent 40 minutes speaking exclusively to Hagrid and the half giant cried for the first five minutes of it, citing how much he missed them. Harry also made sure to get time with his old Quidditch team members and even a little more than that for his former roommates, of course. Accordingly, there was never a shortage of people with whom to chat, so much so that Harry did not go more than a few minutes without someone wanting to talk to him. He also received numerous dance requests but politely declined nearly all of them; he only danced five times throughout the night: twice with Hermione and once with Lottie, Alicia Gayle (nee Spinnet), and Mrs. Shacklebolt. (The selected women were, naturally, envied by a sizeable number of attendees). Similarly, Hermione limited her dance partners as well and only entertained Arthur, Robards, and Dean.
Harry was able to speak to Kaz and Noah about his appointment that night and the first thing he did was apologize to the former.
"Why are you apologizing? This is perfect for you," she responded, "I'm as high as a broom that you got it!"
"But it means you didn't," he pointed out, returning the hug she gave him.
"Well of course not. That's how it works, poppet! But you completely deserve it, Harry. There's no one else I'd rather have lost to."
"Thanks, Kaz."
"You're going to do a smashing job, mate. Chief Potter… it's rather catchy," Noah predicted, grinning. The other man smiled, "We'll be reporting to you soon enough!"
"That means we expect differential treatment," the witch claimed. The other captains laughed.
Despite the predominantly pleasurable interactions Harry had with others, there were two run ins that were disagreeable and came from people he had actively avoided that night. They, however, appeared determined to get their chance with him and Hermione as well. The first was Christopher Garrick, who had stared at Hermione and scowled at Harry the first two and a half hours of the party before finally dragging his date over to make himself known.
"Madam Granger," he commenced with a large grin plastered on his face, "I just wanted to give a personal hello! See how you're enjoying the party."
"Hello, Hit Wizard Garrick. I'm enjoying it very much," Hermione informed in an insouciant tone, "I hope you and your date are as well." She nodded benevolently to the other woman, who perked up.
"Quite! And may I also say that you look as wonderful as a rose garden."
"Thank you."
He looked her over and the gaze contained more than platonic appreciation. His eyes loitered on her form and it aggravated Harry to no end. He was holding Hermione's hand and did his best to keep from saying something crass to Garrick; instead, he made a displeased noise that the Hit Wizard noticed. His attention was forced to Harry.
"Auror Potter." Garrick acknowledged. He sounded rather bored now and his grin faltered.
"Christopher." Harry said, flashing a plastic smile.
"Good to see you returned from your mission."
"That was four weeks ago now but thanks for your well wishes. I can tell they're sincere."
Hermione artfully hid her smile behind a hand.
"And why haven't you introduced your date yet? Mind your manners," Harry continued before looking at the unknown witch, "Pleased to meet you! I'm Harry and this-"
"Hermione Granger! Madam Granger," the woman stated, sounding rather breathless, "I know you both, Mr. Potter! H-Harry! Who doesn't?!" She appeared highly enthused that she was interacting with them.
"Er, yes! This is Becca," Garrick interjected, waving at her, "My apologies. My hastiness ran away with me!"
"So it would seem." Harry said. His smile was too complacent for the Hit Wizard's liking so he flashed a cursory sneer in return.
"Well I hope you enjoy the rest of the party, Becca," Hermione declared, reaching out to her, "Treat her well, Mr. Garrick."
"Without a doubt, Madam." Garrick responded, the sleazy smile back in place. However, it fell from his countenance when the other couple turned from them and Harry's arm curled around Hermione's waist, and it surely did not return when Becca smacked his arm and scoffed loudly shortly thereafter. He peered at her in alarm and she merely glared at him, conveying that there would be hell to pay for his obvious disregard of her when greeting (practically) wizarding royalty. She stalked off in the next moment and Garrick quickly followed with well worn apologies from past follies already on his lips.
The second dreaded run in was with none other than their most vocal heckler outside of a young Draco Malfoy. Rita Skeeter's eyes oozed with blazing expectancy and the light reflecting off her vibrant nails seemed blinding as she strode up to the pair when they stood around a tall, slim table meant to rest drinks.
"My, my! If it isn't my two favorite people in all of Great Britain!" the reporter attested with a carnivorous grin. Hermione and Harry both froze at the sight of her and she took in their appearances in an unnerving yet expert manner.
"Silence. Is that how you greet an old acquaintance?," Rita pouted when it was clear they would not respond willingly, "And is it becoming of someone with your title, Hermione? That you openly snub friendly gestures?"
"And is attacking people, still, becoming of someone your age?" Harry retorted. Hermione inhaled in surprise.
"Harry!" she uttered, peering at him. While it was much deserved, the brunette knew he had to mind himself. It was much too easy for the dark haired wizard to be antagonized by this particular witch and his tact would have to rise a notch with the expected title of Chief, no matter who provoked him.
"I'm sorry. I meant someone with your experience!" he amended. Rita was looking at them with a dangerous smile and one hand resting on her hip.
"Of course, Harry," she answered, "I only wanted to give my greetings, see how the power couple is faring- off the record, of course! I was not among the press invited to cover tonight's party."
"What a shame," grumbled Harry. Rita no longer worked for any periodical and made her income by churning out books about wizarding elite, the majority of which were unauthorized. However, she would write columns as a guest journalist on occasion and was zealously sought out by publications.
"Unless you want to give an exclusive statement, hmm? For old times' sake! How about it? Anything to say about the wedding? New career developments? Any news that might turn the world on its head in, oh, say… nine months? I've noticed you don't have a drink, Hermione." Harry felt another wave of anger but Hermione cut in before his impetuousness did.
"Our statement will be to wish that the party treats you well, Rita," the Muggleborn stated with a forced smile. She stepped closer to Harry and her hand wrapped around his upper arm in preparation to steer them away.
"Hope that's exclusive enough," he added, giving a tiny salute, " 'Scuse us." They pivoted on their heels and walked away from the reporter without a backwards glance, ignoring her promise that she would see them again soon enough.
There were no fireworks outside when midnight arrived but there was a spectacle of light inside the mansion, complete with confetti and music from the live band. The kiss Harry gave Hermione at 12AM was wholesome but full of adoration and accompanied by a whisper in her ear of how much good fortune 2009 was going to bring, the most important of which was the official joining of their lives. She replied that they had been hopelessly joined together since age 11 and would remain that way with or without a ceremony to proclaim the fact.
"But make no mistake, I still want the ceremony. Very much." Hermione claimed, which pulled a smirk from him.
"Careful! Rita might hear you and then the papers tomorrow will claim that Madam Granger expresses resentment at being stuck with Harry Potter since age 11. Calls off wedding!" Harry quipped. Hermione laughed but admitted that he was right, and when they left an hour later she was glad that she could stop looking over her shoulder for blonde curls and horn rimmed glasses.
It rained on the first day of the year. Hermione and Harry did not mind the weather as they spent the entire day inside at Ron's house with their best friend and his children, Bastet in tow. Luna was around until 1PM, at which point she left to meet with a couple companions for work purposes; she gave her babies and husband multiple kisses before noting that she would be back for supper.
It was nice having time for just the three of them, taking care of two four month old infants while discussing a myriad of different topics that included the threat of G, how Wheezes in Edinburgh was doing, and the official announcement of Robards' retirement the succeeding week.
"A part of me wishes I were still an Auror, just so I could work with my best mate as Chief!" Ron mentioned with a slight smile. Both of his hands held Liam whom looked gleeful on his father's bouncing knee.
"You didn't say that when I was made Head." Hermione pointed out. Reagan was perched in her lap and she was holding a magical toy the tiny girl was inspecting.
"Because you would've been on my arse twice as hard! Unlike Harry, who would remember that I'm his best mate and let me glide as smooth as a Chaser."
She gave the pureblood a flat look and Harry laughed before playfully jiggling Reagan's foot.
"Ron, come off it," the other man instructed, "As much as you like to pretend, you wouldn't have used me being Chief to your advantage. Not Grown Up Ron- he works hard. Teenaged Ron, however, definitely would have."
"Yeah," Ron said, chuckling once, "Bit of a twit, wasn't he?"
"I'd say. Thank heavens we don't have to deal with him anymore." Hermione mumbled, waving the toy for Reagan (whose attention was now on Bastet prowling on the back rest of the sofa).
"Yeah, him or Teenaged Hermione. Attacking people with a flock of birds- quite the proud moment! What a pair they made."
She looked up and flushed in embarrassment while Ron grinned victoriously and Harry laughed again, hands going over his stomach. She rapidly looked back down and muttered something that sounded like "adolescent hormones", although she refrained from making another smart remark for the remainder of their visit.
Every Ministry employee was back to work on Friday the 2nd and the media was given notification that a conference was being held on the 6th to cover a significant announcement from the DMLE. As Robards stated, the Aurors were notified of his departure from the department on the 5th and, while it shocked the majority of them and saddened about half, their fervor over Harry's appointment as his replacement was pronounced. The support for him from his colleagues was perspicuous although there also were mixed feelings. His team, for example, was both elated and disheartened over his promotion while the first year trainees were disappointed that he would not teach them past a certain point. Harry answered many of their questions with Robards at his side and it felt like practice for the following day.
Harry's sleep was restless that night so it was fortunate that he and Hermione were spending it in their own apartments because it spared him the possibility of disrupting her sleep. He could not deny he was nervous about the meeting because it was about something very important to him. He wanted to be taken seriously as the new Head Auror- wanted to be accepted- and wanted it to be known that he had gotten the job because of his merits and not his fame. The conference was set for 11AM and was to include him, Hermione, Robards, and Kinglsey, with a select number of Wizengamot members and Aurors settled on the side. Hermione went to Harry 20 minutes before it began for last minute coaching and comfort, although they had extensively discussed what the meeting would likely entail over the weekend.
"They'll want to know why you're qualified, even though that will be one of the first things Gawain explains. They'll want to hear it from your mouth, see if you're boasting" she stated, pacing a bit.
"I know," the captain responded, standing stock still in contrast to her movement.
"And they'll ask you what your plans or goals are, what you'll do differently than Gawain."
"I know."
"Of course they'll ask about us- about me. How I factor into this decision," Hermione scoffed, "Insinuate that I was the only reason for you getting it."
"Yes, I'm expecting that." Harry commented.
"Remember, don't let them see you flustered. That's what they want."
"I know."
"Oh, and remember-" she commenced.
"Merlin, Hermione, I know!," the wizard snapped, cutting her off. His hands went to his temple, "I know all of this! We've already talked about what they'll ask! And it's not like I haven't dealt with the sodding press before!"
It was uncomfortably silent in the next instant. Hermione stared at him with a blank expression for a long moment before she took an obvious step back from him. Harry's face fell at her reaction to his small outburst. The wizard knew he had displaced his nervous anticipation and irritation onto her and understood that it was unfair.
"Oh, hell. Hermione, I'm sorry! I know you're only helping me, love. I know!," He vanished the space between them and took her face in his hands, placing two, firm kisses against her lips, "I know you care and you're just trying to help me. I'm sorry." The Muggleborn exhaled on a tremor and nodded her acceptance of the apology.
"You're wound up. Anxious. I understand that." Hermione noted.
"I am." Harry admitted.
"You'll be fine, Harry. You've already got Head Auror in your pocket. The media can't take that away from you."
He gave her a thankful smile and then commented:
"Not unless I snuff one of them out for asking a question I don't like, yeah? I doubt they'll let me be Head Auror then."
"Yes," she said with a short laugh, "You may have broken a camera or two in your younger days but you haven't killed any of them in the 17 years since they've been breathing down your neck, so I think I can safely say that you won't start today."
Hermione opened the conference at precisely 11AM with a handful of sentences and a reminder to the reporters to save all questions until the very end of the meeting. She was also chaffed to see that Skeeter was present and appeared as complacent as she was wont to be.
"This conference was called to announce a crucial development regarding the Auror division of the department. As such, I will defer to Chief Robards to proceed with the conversation," the Muggleborn informed, stepping to her right and allowing Robards to take her place at the podium. A flash went off to capture the change.
"Good morning," he started, earning the same greeting from a number of reporters, "As Madam Granger stated, significant change is imminent for my division. I have had the privilege to serve as Chief for just under 13 years and to watch many batches of fine Aurors graduate from the academy. I enjoy my job and take its responsibilities seriously. I take the protection of our citizens seriously, whether those citizens be magical, Muggle, or forgein. I am proud of the title I have but I have always known there would be a time when I could no longer hold it. I believe that time has arrived and, so, it is why I have chosen to retire as Head Auror."
The relative silence was interrupted by mild exclamations and camera pops, and Robards stood patiently while he waited for the media to settle once again.
"This retirement was my choice alone and was made after months of forethought. The decision was not made lightly and was fully accepted by Minister Shacklebolt and Madam Granger. I will miss serving our community but I believe I have done what I can, and I prepare to leave in peace knowing that my replacement is more than capable of continuing the job," Robards relayed, "This conference was called to announce my resignation and the appointment of a new chief, as, naturally, I must be replaced. After months of intense deliberation, I have chosen the Auror who will be my successor and begin their own tenure as Chief in April. The person I have selected as the DMLE's forthcoming Head Auror is Captain Harry Potter."
The noise the reporters made at this declaration was tremendous compared to what was typical of a press conference. They called out and fired off questions instantly and everyone with a camera was taking rapid, burst shots. It was a bit of mayhem that required Kingsley to step up and help Robards usher in order once more, all the while Harry remained on the side and only offered up a frozen, tense smile at the sea of journalists. When it was sufficiently quiet again, Robards began stating why Harry had been picked. He cited the professional qualifications and personal traits of Harry's that he shared with Kinglsey and Hermione and added more, but the dark haired wizard himself was not fully listening. His gaze swayed from the press, to Hermione, to his direct boss, so by the time Robards was done talking and had invited him to come forward and have his turn to speak, he was rather startled.
Harry took one last second to acknowledge how on edge he felt before stuffing it down and putting on his professional hat. He bypassed Kingsley, who was on Robards' left, and joined his boss at the podium as cameras continued to snap away. He and Hermione had also rehearsed what he would say during the meeting and he pulled from that script now.
"Thank you, Chief Robards. For the introduction and the endorsement as your successor," Harry noted, throwing a smile at the older wizard. He took in a large breath and then turned toward the media, "When I discovered that I'd been elected as Head Auror, I was shocked. It took much too long for the knowledge to sink into my brain, and I must have looked thick for a minute there while it processed, but, when it finally did, I felt honored. Honor, which was quickly followed by determination, a long established determination I've had for this line of work. I love being an Auror. I've wanted to be one since I was 15 and standing here before you as the successor to Chief Robards feels like a wonderful culmination of that. I am determined to do this post justice, to lead a brilliant division of the law department and effectively serve the public. While I do not look forward to losing such a fine Auror as Chief Robards, I am grateful to have worked under him and taken valuable lessons for how to function in the role as Head Auror."
Hermione wanted to grin and clap from her pride at how poised and assured Harry sounded but, clearly, that would have not been acceptable; instead, she cleared her throat and said:
"We will now take questions."
This welcomed in another wave of ardent noise and shouts from the journalists now that they officially had their chance.
"Chief Robards, why have you chosen to retire?" a wizard pondered.
"There are a few personal reasons for doing so but, professionally, I feel it is my time to step down. I've been an Auror for more than two decades but I've been working in the law enforcement department for an even longer period of time. The prime of my career is behind me and I accept that," he explained.
"How long have you wanted Head Auror, Captain Potter?" a witch asked.
"Actively? For three years, although the title has always intrigued me." Harry remarked.
"How do you expect you will do in this post?" someone else inquired.
"I expect that I will do my very best and be fully dedicated, and I hope it translates into success."
"What do you have to say about the appointment, Minister Shacklebolt?"
"The Ministry fully supports the decision of Captain Potter as new Head Auror and firmly believes he will prosper in the position." Kingsley responded, which pulled a tiny smile from Harry.
"Mr. Potter, is this the first step in a plan to rise through the Ministry ranks? Do you have ambitions to be Supreme Mugwump?" an eager wizard questioned. There was light laughter from various people.
"Not to my knowledge," chuckled Harry, "I'm very much focused on Head Auror at the moment, and only Head Auror."
"Madam Granger! How closely will you work with Auror Potter due to his new position?" a witch posed. Coquettish mumbles resulted from this query and Hermione had to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
"As closely as I worked with Chief Robards. The working relationship between Head Auror and head of the department is a constant one, regardless of who holds the position," the brunette attested in a cool tone. The next reporter to call out raised her hand before she spoke and both Hermione and Harry wanted to grimace at the manicured nails that wiggled, tauntingly, in the air.
"Harry, darling," Rita simpered, "I told you we'd be seeing each other again soon." She fixed him with a vindictive smile and he did not look away, although his jaw ticked. More intrigued mutters rang out.
"Your question, Ms. Skeeter." Kingsley directed from the sideline.
"Of course, Minister, of course. Captain Potter- what would you say to the people who will question why you were the Auror chosen for Chief? The people who may think you had an unfair advantage given your amorous connections to the head of the law enforcement department?"
There it was: the most anticipated question regarding Harry's promotion. And for it to come from Rita- how apropos! She had a smirk on her face now as the excited murmuring from the other members of the media picked up even more.
"I would say that I do understand why some may question this, particularly if they consider my personal connection to Madam Granger," began Harry in a measured voice, "I would also inform them that she has no power in selecting candidates for Head Auror and can only raise objection about those chosen under special circumstances."
Hermione could not outwardly show her satisfaction with her fiance's answer but it blazed inside of her as she gazed at the other witch.
"Well you have always been special, Mr. Potter." Rita mentioned, smirk still highlighting her countenance.
"Next question, please." Kingsley stated. He cut her off before she stole the spotlight and continued to dig at Harry, and the sudden dismissal was enough to wipe the smug smile off the blonde.
"Do you anticipate becoming Chief will interfere with wedding planning, Auror Potter?" someone wondered.
"Only questions that relate to Captain Potter's appointment as Head Auror will be answered, thank you." Hermione interjected, causing the wizard to look disappointed and somewhat contrite at being circumvented.
"Captain Potter," another person quickly began, "The Malfoys were in the paper at the end of last year stemming from an attack on Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, senior. Their reemergence was surprising for many of Britain's citizens as they seemed to vanish from the folds of society after the Second War, even in spite of their contributions to that dark time in our history. What are your thoughts on the matter, considering you were the one to end the war and speak on their behalf?"
A hush fell over the crowd along with a marked degree of strain. Harry stared at the reporter and worked to keep his countenance from darkening while Hermione glanced at him worriedly. She knew off the wall queries were status quo for the press but sometimes she still marveled at the nerve.
"I believe that Madam Granger just announced that only questions about Head Auror- about the nature of this meeting- would receive answers," he commenced in an even tone, "However, I will respond to this question and only this question. The Malfoys left their mark on the war and, unfortunately, the whole of it was far from good. With that being said, they paid for their transgressions over a period of years and have not shown any indication that there is a desire to repeat their past mistakes. I think they deserve a quiet life like any other abiding citizen does."
While the press broke out in stifled whispers once more, Robards, Kingsley, and Hermione peered at the senior Auror and knew his response had solidified why he was going to make an outstanding chief.
There were five more minutes or so of questions before the conference concluded. As expected, the journalists did prompt Harry to share his general plans for the position and how he would differ from his boss, but no other tangential questions were voiced. Reporters swarmed the Ministry and some of Harry's (and Hermione's) every day, typical spots for the remainder of the week, as his appointment was fuel that feed their publications for days in a row. It was another busy weekend for the couple as they house hunted on Saturday and met with Gabrielle on Sunday. They saw three homes but did not love any of them enough to move forward, and their wedding appointment was simple in that they reviewed the guest list (as all of their invitees had responded) and they chose a band from the recordings Gabrielle procured.
"The guests, the venue and decor, food, flowers, colors, music- it iz all done!," the French witch cheerfully told them as their meeting drew to a close, "Le gateau will be next on the list, but so much iz complete! Can you believe it?" The couple shook their heads yet wore optimistic grins.
"We would not have gotten this far on our own, without your help." Harry replied.
"Surely not. I'm so glad I listened to Harry and agreed to a planner. You've been fantastic." Hermione added, comprehending how she had grossly underestimated how full their schedules would grow.
"It iz nothing. I 'ave enjoyed making your wedding come to life! And, in only four months, it will be reality, non? Oh, 'ow beautiful." Garbrielle remarked with a dreamy smile.
A/N: Sorry, guys. This was another (unexpected) filler chapter that I wasn't too satisfied with but I swear that the next one picks up again! Bear with me.