* ~ The Eighth Year Universe Series ~ *
PART FOUR
Brave New World
Chapter 85: Today's the Day the World Begins Again
A/N: The chapter title is from the song:
Better Days by the Goo Goo Dolls.
None of the first-year recruits were surprised to be called to the lecture hall the following morning. News travelled fast, so everybody knew that Harry had left. Not everybody knew where he had gone or why he had left, but they hadn't missed his absence for the entirety of the previous day.
When Sumner stepped out, he looked pensieve, which made Neville a little anxious.
"Alright," He said, clapping his hands together, "You all had a placement last week. That went better for some of you than others. I assume you have all noticed Recruit Potters absence."
Blanche's eyes widened, "Oh my god, did Potter quit?"
Sumner rolled his eyes, "No, Potter did not quit. Potter is now a qualified Junior Auror thanks to a meddling pain in the arse we all know as Auror Wolfe. If you ever meet him, feel free to punch him."
He didn't give them long to revel in this shocking news. He simply cleared his throat and continued, "However, the feedback we received about Recruits Wilde and Harper was less than satisfactory," his eyes fell on the two recruits, "I think you both know that you have been struggling for a couple of months so unfortunately, this is where we say goodbye to you two."
Emily burst into tears as she fled the room, making Neville roll his eyes irritably. Maxwell had a bit of a temper tantrum and stormed out like a child.
Sumner sighed and crossed his arms, "We have another problem in the form of you, Longbottom. You need a partner, but we have an odd number."
Neville looked up at Sumner, "Okay?"
"So what are we going to do with you?" Sumner asked him.
Neville felt a little irritated at the thought that he could be let go from the programme because of numbers when he knew that he was one of the most promising recruits. He frowned and looked Sumner dead in the eye, "Let me do the exams too."
"What?" Sumner scoffed.
"You let Harry do them," Neville pointed out.
"Yes, Longbottom, but-"
"But what?" Neville cut in, "But he's the chosen one? I thought you said that didn't win him any preferential treatment. This looks like preferential treatment to me, and I wonder what the Prophet would think about that if I presented it to them. The DMLE which has recently been exposed as corrupt, fast-tracking one trainee above all others just because he's the chosen one."
Sumner's eyes darkened.
"Conniving Nev," Theo whispered, "I'm so proud of you."
Neville ignored this comment as he looked at Sumner, trying to gauge his response.
"Fine," Sumner said in a low voice, "You can do the exams, but, as a result of your blatant cheek and ignorance, if you fail, then you are out on your ear. Do you understand?"
"Completely, sir," Neville replied smoothly.
Draco shook his head in disbelief, "What, an idiot," he muttered.
"Stop stealing your girlfriend's lines," Theo joked, nudging Draco in the side.
Draco looked at Neville, "Enjoy being a Herbology Professor, mate."
Neville raised an eyebrow at him, "What makes you so sure that I'll fail?"
"Call it a hunch," Draco shrugged.
"Well, we'll see about that," Neville said, determination glinting in his eyes.
"Rob…Rob…you're meant to be working."
"I am working."
"On what?" Harry asked, cocking his head to look at his partner.
"Working on how to get this desk to fucking sit straight."
Harry rolled his eyes, pointed his wand at the desk and said, "Reparo!"
The desk wobbled but then stabilised. Harry leant on it and said, "Would you look at that, good as new."
"I do not like you," Rob said, pointing at Harry and poking him in the chest, "You think that you can just come in here and change laws and fix desks? Well…well, you can, but I'm not happy about it."
Harry snorted and glanced at the clock, "No calls from the Closes today. That's good, isn't it?"
"Hetty's arrest will keep them quiet for a few days," Rob shrugged, "It's good to instil a little fear into a community like that every once in a while."
"Hmm," Harry hummed thoughtfully, "I wonder how Lupin House is coming along."
"Why'd you call it that?" Rob asked curiously.
"Lupin House?" Harry mused, "It's a metaphor, I guess. Remus Lupin was basically my godfather since I'm pretty sure he was sleeping with my actual godfather-"
"Yeah, he was," Rob said, stifling a yawn, "I walked in on them in a Potions supply cupboard once and-"
"And I'm good with that sentence ending there," Harry said, putting his hand over Rob's mouth, "But the point is that Remus never felt like he belonged anywhere or that he was safe anywhere, so calling the orphanage Lupin House…it's to symbolise that it's a place where everyone is accepted and where everyone is safe regardless of blood status or sexuality or, well, or anything."
"Shit speech," Rob said with a snort, "Good sentiment though, you're awfully sentimental, aren't you?"
"Oh yeah, you've not even seen the half of it."
Harry spun around and grinned, "Nev! What are you doing here? Do you have another placement?"
"Not exactly," Neville said, grinning right back at Harry, "I'm your new partner."
"Woah, paws off, I'm his partner," Rob chimed in.
"Actually, I was his partner first," Neville said.
"Right, I am my own person," Harry said, standing in between them, "I don't belong to either of you. The only person who has a claim to me is Daphne. Now, what the hell do you mean, Neville?"
"Well, long story short, we got dragged into the lecture hall this morning," Neville began, "And got told that perfect Potter with his scar and his broomstick and his mesmerising green eyes was getting preferential treatment."
"Did Sumner actually say that?" Harry asked, raising an amused eyebrow at Neville.
"Nah, just practising my Draco impression," Neville joked, "Anyway, Maxwell and Emily got kicked out because they are shit."
"About time," Harry said.
Neville nodded and continued, "Then Sumner started on me, saying that he didn't know what to do with me because I didn't have a partner and we had an odd number, so I told him to let me take the exam too. He shot me down, and I threatened to go to the Prophet-"
"Did you say this to him in private, or were you still in the lecture hall?" Harry cut in.
"I was still in the lecture hall," Neville answered.
Rob grinned and clapped his hands together, "I like you, kid. You're my new favourite now."
"Oi!" Harry objected.
"Carry on with this story. I'm enthralled," Rob said, ignoring Harry.
Neville snorted in amusement, "I took my exams, passed them all, set a bunch of records-"
"What-"
"Don't worry, I didn't beat any of yours," Neville said, guessing where Harry was about to go with that, "Just beat my dad's score on two of the theory tests and my mum's on the other one."
Harry grinned, "Course you did."
"And then Sumner gave me a badge," Neville finished.
"And chucked you in Domestics for your cheek?" Rob guessed.
"Nah, I picked it," Neville replied.
"What is it with you kids and this department?" Rob began, then he frowned, "Woah, or did you just pick it so you could be with your buddy?"
"No, I picked it because I like what you two are doing here," Neville replied, "I voted for the reforms too, you know? I backed Lupin House publically. I wasn't an orphan technically, but my parents weren't in my life. My grandmother raised me, and she didn't abuse me, but she did neglect me. I agree with everything that Harry said about this department, about how it should ensure that there aren't any more Harry Potters or Tom Riddles. Still, I don't want there to be any more Neville Longbottoms either."
"What is it with you guys and speeches?" Rob scoffed, "Why does everything have to be a heroic speech? This isn't a movie; there's no one filming your monologues. I mean, who is this dude, Harry? Is he like the Han to your Luke?"
Harry snorted in amusement, "He's more Princess Leia."
"Right, I know enough about Star Wars to be offended by that," Neville said, looking between the two of them in amusement.
"You're definitely going to fit in here then," Rob said with a grin, "So if you two are partners, then what am I? The third wheel? Or is this a three-way? Because let me tell you, three ways can get very complicated. It's all fun and games until someone doesn't want to share anymore."
"Now that was a long time ago," A new voice said.
Harry looked from Rob to Elizabeth Weir and said, "That's why Sheppard hates you."
Rob grinned, "Guilty. To what do I owe this rare pleasure, Elizabeth?"
"I'm just the messenger," Elizabeth said, leaning against the wall, "Sumner doesn't like you, so he sent me."
"Touché," Rob said with a smirk.
"There is going to be a big shakeup in the department," Elizabeth informed him, "Not just your new department, but within the whole Auror department. It's going to happen over the next week or two, but big changes are afoot. You were right about that when we spoke last week."
"Are you going to tell me anything more than that, or is this a cryptic kind of chat?" Rob asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
"I can't tell you much more, just that the squads will become more like teams," Elizabeth answered, "Each squad will have a minimum of six members of staff, so you guys are going to be getting some new colleagues soon. For the moment, though, these guys are partners, and you're in charge of them, Rob. Around the ministry, they can do what they want, but you can't let them out in the field on their own yet. They are still Juniors."
"Got it, I'm their babysitter," Rob said, mock saluting her.
"If that's the way you want to take it, then that's fine," Elizabeth said, smiling slightly.
"Such a diplomat these days," Rob said with a shake of his head.
"Kids will do that to you," Elizabeth chuckled.
"Oh yeah," Rob agreed with a smile, "So, any hints on who our new colleagues will be?"
"Even if I did know, I wouldn't tell you," Elizabeth said, smirking and turning on her heel.
Rob cocked his head at her as she walked away. He shook his head and said, "Do you know what? Fifteen years on, and I would still go there every day and twice on Sunday."
"I can see why Sheppard hates you," Neville said matter of factly.
"Yeah, the feelings mutual," Rob said calmly, "So…there are three of us, and we still have one desk. This will get real cosy. Do you think we should set a little magical fire and toast marshmallows? We can talk about our first kisses and tell each other our deepest darkest secrets."
"Or we could just do this," Neville said, clicking his fingers, twisting his wrist and expanding the desk so that there was more than enough room for three of them.
Rob rolled his eyes, "Harry, make him go away. He's ruining our fun already."
Harry just grinned, "Welcome to Domestics, my plucky little sidekick."
"OW!"
"Stop sulking."
Draco huffed, "I'm not sulking."
"Yes, you are," Hermione said, pulling on her coat and handing him his, "You're not going to be less of an Auror than Harry or Neville just because they passed their exams first."
"Passed their exams first?" Draco scoffed, "Hermione, they passed them two years early!"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Draco, there is more to this than meets the eye. Do you really think it's a coincidence that Harry and Neville happen to get this chance just weeks after the mass walkout from the DMLE?"
Draco frowned, "Wait a minute…do you know something?"
"Of course I don't. The Aurors are a secretive bunch," Hermione said, shooting him an irritated look, "And if I did know anything, obviously I would have told you. I'm just being logical and what makes sense is for them to pull any able recruits out of training to get numbers in the department up."
"So, what's your point?" Draco asked as they reached the alley and prepared to apparate.
"That you and Theo might follow in their footsteps sooner than you think," Hermione said, smiling at him, "So stop whining and put on your big boy pants. You're going to need them before you walk into Malfoy Manor again."
Draco nodded and took a deep breath, "Let's go."
They apparated to the Manor together, and the first sign that significant changes were afoot was right in front of them. Where grand, iron-wrought gates had once said, "MALFOY MANOR", they now said, "LUPIN HOUSE."
"My father would be turning in his grave," Draco said, looking up at the house, "If he was dead."
Hermione took his hand, "What does your mother think?"
"That nothing but good can come of this," Draco said, smiling at his fiancé, "You know how soft she is underneath the whole pureblood trophy wife façade."
Hermione chuckled as they began to walk up the path towards the Manor. The gardens had been kept immaculate, probably due to the house-elves that had come with the house when the ministry acquired it.
"Just stop for a minute," Draco said, halfway up the path.
Hermione frowned and looked around, thinking he had sensed some sort of trap with his Auror senses, "What is it?"
"I just…" Draco stared at the house, a look in his eyes that Hermione had not seen for a long time. It was a haunted look like he was lost in a moment from his past.
"I'm going to find it hard to walk in there with you," Draco said quietly, "Because of what they did to you the last time we were in this place together."
Hermione's eyes softened. She tightened her grip on his hand and said, "This is a fresh start for everyone, Draco; us included."
He took a breath and nodded, letting Hermione lead him up the garden path to the front door. He almost reached up to place his hand on the door. This was him acting on autopilot, but then he stopped himself. The door was unlocked now. All they had to do was turn the handle and push it open.
The moment they stepped into the entrance hall, they could sense the changes that were afoot in the house. All of the green had been replaced with a neutral off-white which looked great with the dark wood stairs and beams. All of the family portraits had been taken away too, which made Draco feel oddly sad for the first time. He had spent so long being ashamed of all of the 'Malfoy' in him that he hadn't realised how proud he had been of some of his ancestors.
"Come on," Hermione said softly, dragging him towards the drawing-room, "Molly needs our help."
Draco nodded and let her lead him through a house that had once been his. When they stepped out into the drawing-room, it was clear that this was the room that was being redecorated at the moment because it was half complete.
"Hermione, Draco!" Molly said, pulling them both in for hugs when she saw them.
Hermione smiled and drew back from the hug, "Hi Molly, how are you getting on?"
"Oh, we're getting on great, Hermione," Molly said cheerfully, "We have all of the bedrooms converted, and the dining room has been turned into a dining hall. The house-elves have asked for some changes to the kitchen, and the drawing-room needs to be turned into a community hall, but we're almost there."
"That's great news," Draco said, smiling a little sadly.
Molly noticed, "Oh Draco dear, I'm so sorry. I should never have asked you to come along. This must be difficult for you, seeing your family home change completely."
"It's a bit of a shock, but it's for a good cause," Draco said honestly, "And you said you needed my help with something?"
"Yes," Molly replied, "Our scanning spells all show a compartment underneath the drawing-room floor, but there's not a trapdoor or any other obvious way to open it. We need to make sure we open it and fill it. I worry that if we don't, one of the kids might work out how to open it and then trap another one there for a prank. It's just the sort of thing that George and-" pain flashed through her eyes, "- Fred might have done so I know how badly it could go wrong."
Draco nodded, his eyes falling on the section of the floor where he knew that compartment was. He swallowed a lump in his throat and walked over to one of the gas lights on the wall. All it took was for him to pull the middle section of the light down, and the floorboards covering the secret compartment slid away.
Molly thanked him, but Draco didn't hear her. He was too busy staring into the secret compartment. He didn't hear Hermione tell Molly that, of course, she would help stock up the hospital wing at the weekend before the official opening of the orphanage. He didn't hear Hermione tell Molly that they had better head home because Draco had had a long day.
She took his arm and dragged him out of the house, and he followed her in a daze. It wasn't until they got outside and the fresh air hit him that he pulled himself out of his rut.
"It was so small," Draco said.
Hermione was reasonably sure that she knew what had been bothering him, so she nodded, "Was that the first time in a while that you've seen it?"
"Yeah," Draco said quietly, "And I just…I couldn't help but think that it was so small, and suddenly the fear I felt when he put me in there as a kid was vindicated. I remember feeling like I couldn't breathe, wondering how much more air was in there."
Hermione wrapped her arms around him. The memories had made him physically shake.
Draco sighed and shook his head as if he was trying to shake the bad memories away, "You know something, Hermione? If you're right about them pulling us out of training early…if we get a say in where we're going, I think I'd like to work in Child Protective Services, and that's not because I want to stick with Harry and Neville."
"I would never expect you to make a choice based on sentiment over your own career path," Hermione said, smiling proudly at him, "Because I know you're better than that."
Draco smiled weakly back at her, "It's a good department, one I wished had existed when I was a kid because…no kid should have to grow up in fear of their own father. No kid should have to endure what I did, or Theo did, or Daphne and Astoria did. All my family members who made it into the ministry are known for things that I'm not proud of, but I want to start a trend. I want to be known as Draco Black, the man who pushed through reforms that changed the world or the man who worked for the first-ever department that cared about the welfare of wizarding kids."
"Or the man who allowed his family home to be turned into a safe haven for scared, unwanted children," Hermione said, reaching up and kissing him lightly, "Don't put so much weight on your shoulders; you're already doing a great job."
Draco smiled warmly at that and kissed her back.
"Harry, dear!"
Harry hugged Molly as tightly as she hugged him in the kitchens of Lupin House.
"I didn't know you were dropping by," Molly said cheerfully.
"I just need to do a couple of things," Harry said with a smile, "Put a playground in and make the gardens more kid-friendly, you know? I'm thinking of chopping some wood down from the trees at the back of the garden and then transfiguring it into a climbing area. What do you think?"
"As long as you make it safe," Molly said.
"I've got a toddler now. I'm an expert at kid-proofing," Harry said with a smile, "How are we feeling about the grand opening next week?"
"Ready," Molly answered honestly, "It's just finishing touches now."
"Rob, Nev and I have been working hard too," Harry informed her, "We've sourced quite a few kids that we're going to pull out of muggle orphanages. Some of them suspect that they have magical heritage and others have no idea, so we'll talk to them first and explain what's happening, then we'll bring them here if that's what they want."
Molly smiled proudly.
"There are a couple of kids in temporary homes that will come here too," Harry added, "Like Jack and Joe, these kids that Rob and I managed to get out of the Closes earlier in the week. We expect there to be about ten kids coming in the early part of next week, and from there on, we'll send any kids here that need a safe place."
"It's wonderful, Harry," Molly said, smiling tearfully at Harry, "You ought to be very proud."
"You ought to be proud," Harry said, smiling warmly at the woman, "I just had the idea. You put it all into practice."
"Thank you," Molly said, hugging Harry once more.
"Hey Gin, how are you doing?"
Ginny looked up and smiled, "Great, Lilly, this place is great."
"Yeah, Harry is quite something, isn't he?" Lilly asked, looking around the hospital wing, "Converting the long gallery into a hospital wing…he's a clever guy."
"He's brilliant," Ginny said as she looked around her new domain. The long gallery had large, ornate windows lining one whole side of the room. As the name suggested, it was a long thin room lined with ten hospital beds. At the far end of the room was a small area filled with children's toys, books and magazines and next to it a large, glass-panelled door led into a little office space where Ginny could brew potions, "It's no wonder we all had a crush on him at some point really."
Lilly laughed, "I never did. Now Neville, on the other hand…I always loved him, but Harry didn't do it for me."
Ginny smiled, "I used to think I loved him, but I think it all got distorted. He was my brothers best friend, and my mum had practically adopted him. There is such a thing as too complicated."
"There is," Lilly agreed, sitting down on one of the hospital beds and looking over at Hope as she slept soundly in a bassinet, "Are you sure you're up to this so soon after having Hope?"
Ginny nodded. She smiled at her sleeping daughter, "The time feels right. Hope is getting less dependent on me the older she gets. I know she's only five months old, but this is a live-in role, and my mum is here too, so we can make it work between us."
"What does Blaise think of the whole thing?" Lilly asked.
Ginny smiled, "He's supportive if not completely understanding about the fact I want to work rather than be a full-time mother, but Blanche gets it."
Lilly smiled at that, "Well, that's what matters, isn't it? She's the one you love."
Ginny didn't deny the statement, and she just ignored it, "Zara will help with Hope too, of course."
"Of course," Lilly echoed.
"I just don't want to put my life on hold just because I had a baby when I was young. I want Hope to grow up seeing me work and care for her. I want her to know that she didn't hold me back and that, not once, did I ever regret her because-" Ginny cut herself off for a moment and took a breath before finishing, "Because I often felt like getting pregnant young held my mum back and I felt guilty. I don't ever want Hope to feel guilty for being born."
Lilly smiled and pulled Ginny in for a hug, "You're an inspiration, and you are going to do great here. I know Harry wanted me to set you up as the Healer here, but Gin, you didn't need any help. You know it all, and you have a mothering instinct which is very important. That's something I could never bring to this place."
"Not yet anyway," Ginny said.
Lilly smiled sadly, "Maybe not ever. But you can bring that to this place, and you are going to be great here. You are going to be great, and I think Hope is going to be very proud of her mum."
Ginny smiled broadly at that, "Thanks, Lil. I'm really glad, you know? That after spending his life feeling like he wasn't worth anyone's love, that Neville found you."
"Thanks, Ginny," Lilly said, smiling genuinely at the redhead, "I know how close you and Neville are so coming from you, that means a lot."
Sadie's baby shower was a quiet, low-key affair. It was just her, Hermione, Daphne, Lilly and Susan. They had showered Sadie with gifts, and now they were all drinking mocktails in the drawing-room of number 11. Sadie was fed up. It was clear that she just wanted the babies out now. She was curled up with Hermione, half-asleep and oblivious to the conversations going on around her.
For the time of year that it was, the weather was awful, but Lilly was sitting by the window all the same, watching the rain lash against it.
"What's up with you?" Daphne asked, leaning over the back of her chair.
"I like the rain," Lilly shrugged, shutting her eyes, "It's peaceful."
Daphne hummed, "It also helps clean up a murder."
Lilly opened one eye and looked up at her, "You wouldn't need the rain to clean up after you if you used an icicle as the murder weapon."
Susan snorted from her armchair, "What is wrong with the both of you?"
Daphne grinned down at her best friend, "You're such a Ravenclaw. I love it."
Lilly laughed and looked over at Susan, "Has she always been like this?"
"Yeah, she hasn't changed," Susan answered, shooting Daphne a grin.
"And I never will," Daphne said cheerfully, "Right, everyone, get your betting heads on! I'm taking bets on whether it's gonna be boy, boy, girl, girl, or boy, girl babies!"
"I don't really care what they are. I just want them out!" Sadie objected.
"You won't be saying that when you go into labour," Lilly said.
"Lilly," Hermione groaned, "Why'd you have to say that. You'll end up setting her…."
Sadie burst into tears, "…off."
"Sorry," Lilly said sheepishly.
"Idiot," Daphne murmured in her ear affectionately.
"Harry!"
Harry locked up the snake cabin and looked over to the back door, "Yeah?"
"Come inside, Theo's here," Daphne called, "He wants to talk to you."
Harry frowned at that. He and Theo were friends, but they were by no means as close as Harry was with some of his other friends. All the same, he stepped into the kitchen and smiled at the Slytherin, "Hey Theo, how are things at the centre?"
"Dull without you guys there to keep us on edge," Theo answered honestly.
Harry chuckled, "Sorry, I won't make it worse by telling you what I've been up to this week then," he said with an apologetic smile.
Theo smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes, "That's not why I'm here. I need to talk to somebody about…something… and I know we're not that close, but you're my only friend with a kid, so…."
"Ask whatever you want. I promise I'll try to give you a decent answer," Harry said as he put the kettle on to boil.
Theo looked down at his hands and sighed, "Sadie's due date is getting closer and closer, and it's not that I'm freaking out. I'm actually excited, but we keep saying that we don't mind if we have two boys or two girls, or a combination, and that's…that's not the truth."
Harry smiled knowingly, "You want a boy? There's no shame in that, every guy wants a boy, but not everyone admits it."
"It's more than that," Theo admitted, "There is this part of me, a huge part that would love a boy, and the reason is so that there's someone to carry on the family name. It's such an old-fashioned pureblood outlook, so I feel guilty for feeling like that, but…it's not for the same reason that my father wanted a boy."
Harry cocked his head, "Go on."
"I want a boy so that he can carry on the Nott name," Theo said with a sigh, "I want it to mean something different, Harry. I don't want the name to be associated with Voldemort or Death Eaters. I want there to be Notts in a few generations time who are Aurors and Healers, and I want that to be because of me."
Harry laughed and set a cup of coffee down in front of him, "Your father wanted the family name to carry on so that he could have an heir who would spread fear throughout history."
Theo frowned at his cup of coffee.
"But you, Theo, you're just vain," Harry said, smiling fondly at his friend.
At this, Theo chuckled, "Rings true…."
"Just a bit," Harry grinned, "And there's no shame in it either. Why do you think I gave Teddy my surname? I didn't have to do that. Sometimes I still feel like it was a selfish decision. There was a part of me that wanted Teddy to have the same name as Daphne and me so that he knows while he's growing up that he truly is part of our family, but there's more to it than that too."
Theo looked up in surprise, "Is there?"
Harry nodded, "Worst case scenario, Teddy is my heir. He's not my blood, but I love him as if he were, and I know he would do the family name proud."
"You don't think you and Daphne will have kids?" Theo asked him.
"I hope we will," Harry said. He smiled at Theo, "But she has her career, and she loves it. By the time she decides she's ready, maybe that chance will have passed for us. But we'll always have Teddy, and I have a feeling he's not the first kid we'll adopt. I can't help myself. I feel bad for strays."
Theo laughed at that, "Thanks, Harry."
"Anytime," Harry promised with a smile.
"Hermione knows something."
Theo snorted, "Have you met your fiancé? She's the Gryffindor princess. She knows everything."
Draco wrapped a towel around himself as he and Theo stepped out of the showers. It still felt odd to go through the motions at training while the other two worked as real-life Aurors now.
"No, I mean she knows something about what's going on in the Auror department," Draco elaborated, "She made a cryptic comment, and you know her. Even if she says she doesn't like gossip, she can't help but hear things."
"She's a liar. She loves gossip," Theo said, shooting his best friend a grin, "What did she say?"
"Something about how she didn't think you and I would be stuck here on our own for much longer," Draco said quietly, "She thinks it's connected to the mass walkout. She told me she didn't know anything, but she's a bad liar."
Theo's eyes lit up, "You reckon we might get to do our exams too?"
"I don't know," Draco answered honestly, "And if we do, how do we even know that we'll pass? We're not soldiers like Harry and Neville."
Theo shrugged, "Arguably, we are. We were just on the wrong side."
Draco let that thought sink in for a moment as he got dressed. Once he was done, he looked up at Theo and sighed, "Look, Theo, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. Assuming Hermione is onto something here and we do get out of training sooner than we expect…I know you want to go to Vice because you have this idea in your head of us taking on drug cartels together. In your daydream about it, there are explosions, and we're always wearing sunglasses, but I don't think that's what I want."
Theo chuckled, "Yeah, it's not what I want right now either. I mean, don't get me wrong, Vice is the dream job, but you don't want to start at the top, do you?"
Draco was surprised by his friend's outlook.
"Plus, I'm going to be a Dad soon," Theo continued as they left the locker room, "Really, kind of scarily soon actually, and that gets you thinking about a lot like it gets you thinking about your own childhood and what you're going to do differently from your parents, you know? I know it sounds like I just want to hang out with my friends, but I kind of want to work in Child Protective Services."
At this, Draco smiled.
"Not because I miss Harry or Neville," Theo added, "But because I think I could make a real difference there."
"Yeah," Draco said, still smiling at his best friend, "Me too."
One week after Neville had joined Rob and Harry in Domestics, the trio entered the DMLE and reached a rather significant roadblock, or rather, human block.
"What the fuck?" Rob muttered. The foyer leading into the DMLE was full of Aurors.
"Some sort of announcement," Another Auror said.
"It's big," Auror Graves added.
"How do you know?" Harry asked.
"Because it's not Head Auror Robards who is giving the announcement," Graves replied, "It's coming from the Minister for Magic."
"It's got to be related to the huge shakeup that Elizabeth told us about," Harry said in an undertone.
"Well done, Sherlock," Rob remarked sarcastically, "Bet you feel like a really smart Auror right now, huh?"
Neville sniggered as Harry rolled his eyes and told Rob where to shove it.
"Attention, please!"
Everyone stood to attention and fell silent as Kingsley Shacklebolt swept into the foyer.
"I am sure you all want to know why you are not allowed to enter the department," Kingsley said in his booming voice, "So I will endeavour to make this explanation a quick one. The Auror department has been redesigned overnight. When you enter, you will discover that there is no longer a loud, open bullpen. Instead, you will be faced with a corridor lined with doors. Each door leads to a bullpen, and there are seven of them, one for each department."
Whispers went around the group of Aurors at this news because, as it stood, there were actually nine departments.
"Do not be alarmed; nobody is going to lose their job over this change," Kingsley promised, "This is to signify the start of a new era for this department. As we discovered upon the introduction of Veritaserum testing, the DMLE is the most corrupt department in the ministry. We need to change that, and to do so, we need fresh blood and trust. That is why we have decided to shake up the department by creating teams instead of squads."
Harry frowned, unsure what the difference was if he was honest.
"There will be a lot of new people joining the department, due to a fast-tracking programme within the training centre," Kingsley continued, "And due to some Aurors returning to fieldwork. As a result of this, not all of you will be working in the same speciality that you are now. We will now be operating with seven teams. The Juvenile Crime squad has been disbanded, but two Aurors from that squad will work in the Improper Use of Magic Office. It has come to our attention that sending owls threatening children with court when they are scared and accidentally use magic is not the best idea. This is why an Auror will now investigate every incident of underage magic."
Harry smiled, he approved of that idea, but it hadn't been one that he had put to Kingsley.
"The other squad that will cease to exist in its current form is the Burglary and Robbery squad," Kingsley continued, "We will transfer the responsibility of these crimes to the Wizarding Law Enforcement squad and re-distribute the Aurors who currently work for the squad."
Another murmur went around the group of Aurors upon hearing this.
"Finally, in the wake of this change, the Domestics team will be renamed Child Protective Services," Kingsley added, "And Auror Wolfe will pioneer this first for wizarding Britain, along with Junior Aurors Potter and Longbottom. Are there any questions?"
Rob raised his hand.
"Yes, Auror Wolfe?" Kingsley said.
"If you've rejigged the bullpen, can I not be next to the cleaning cupboard anymore?" Rob asked.
"You are no longer next to the cleaning cupboard, Auror Wolfe," Kingsley replied with a smile, "In fact, you are very close to the front."
Rob did a fist pump.
"Any further questions?" Kingsley asked.
Rob raised his hand again, "Yes, Auror Wolfe?"
"Can Homicide be at the back with the cleaning cupboard?" Rob asked, making Harry and Neville snigger.
"No. Are there any other relevant questions?" Kingsley asked.
Rob threw his hand up again.
Kingsley rolled his eyes, "No, Auror Wolfe, Vice is not going to be next to the cleaning cupboard either."
Rob just smirked as Kingsley continued, "Before I let you all explore the new department, congratulations are in order. As I expect most of you know, Junior Aurors Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom passed through into the department last week. Having seen how successful this was, Head Trainer Sumner decided to allow anyone willing to attempt their final exams a chance. All of those who passed are now joining us in this department with immediate effect because you have all made me aware that the department is severely understaffed."
Harry and Neville caught each other's eyes, desperately hoping that Draco and Theo had gone for it and had passed because neither of the Slytherins had mentioned anything to them.
"Without further ado, let me congratulate our new Junior Aurors," Kingsley said, and he read through a list of about six people who Harry knew were in second or third year. Then he said, "Blanche Zabini, Ophelia Wood, Draco Black and Theodore Nott."
Harry grinned and high-fived Neville as all of the Junior Aurors that Kingsley had mentioned entered the room from a side door.
"In addition to this, several trainers from the centre have decided to come back into the field," Kingsley continued, "So I would like to welcome back Auror Cameron Mitchell who will be heading up the Vice team."
Mitchell stepped out from the same side room that the recruits had done, and someone else followed him.
"And Auror Elizabeth Weir, who will be sharing leadership of the new Child Protective Services team," Kingsley said.
At this, Rob grinned as Elizabeth approached them.
"Lizzie."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "Rob."
"How on Earth did you persuade your husband to let you work on the same team as me?" Rob asked cheerfully.
Elizabeth smiled sweetly, "I told him that I wanted to work in this team. He doesn't rule my life, you know."
"Doesn't he?" Rob asked, far too suggestively.
At this, Harry and Neville shared a semi-disgusted look.
"Lastly," Kingsley said over the noise, "In light of all of these changes, Head Auror Robards has decided to step down to allow the department a true fresh start. In his place is a new Head Auror who has elected to bring in an Assistant Head to deal with any issues that arise from this drastic change in the way that the department works."
Rob narrowed his eyes as he awaited the punch-line.
"So please welcome back an esteemed Auror, well known for the astounding work he did during the ten years he spent in Homicide-"
"Oh no," Rob muttered.
"Oh yes," Elizabeth smirked.
"Auror John Sheppard!"
There was a round of applause as John stepped out of the side room.
"Oh goddamn it!" Rob complained.
John grinned and waved at Rob from across the room, then winked to Elizabeth, who stood by his side.
Rob glared at the man, who was now very much his boss.
"And," Kingsley said, his voice booming over the crowd, "Our new Head Auror, a man whom you have all worked with and whom you all respect. After spending the last decade training up recruits, I am honoured to welcome back Auror Jack Sumner."
"No!" Rob exclaimed, "Oh, for fucks sake, I quit."
"I'll happily take that resignation, Auror Wolfe!" Sumner called across the foyer.
"I'll never give you the satisfaction!" Rob called back.
At this point, Kingsley interjected, "Without further ado, please enter your new department. You will find a full list of team members on the door to each bullpen. Thank you for your time. I have faith in every Auror in this room, regardless of rank. Together we can make the DMLE a trusted, safe place again."
With that, he left, and Harry and Neville really wanted to go straight to Draco and Theo, but Rob had other ideas.
"Come on then, dumb and dumber, let's find out who else is joining our little harem."
"Rob, this is not a harem," Neville said as he followed his boss into the new department.
It was strange to see a corridor where a huge room had previously been, but it was much cleaner and quieter. Large signs above each door stated what team it belonged to.
Rob positively squealed, "Third door along! Third! Guys! We're next door to Homicide and across the corridor from Vice!"
"You're easily pleased," Harry said in amusement as he looked at the door.
The list read,
Senior Auror Rob Wolfe
Senior Auror Elizabeth Weir
Junior Auror Harry Potter
Junior Auror Neville Longbottom
Junior Auror Draco Black
Junior Auror Theodore Nott
Harry grinned, "Yes! We have Draco and Theo!"
Neville grinned too.
"Yep, the gang is back together again," Theo said, grinning at them as he and Draco stepped into the corridor.
Rob opened the door and rolled his eyes at Elizabeth, "Four Junior Aurors," he scoffed as they stepped inside, "Why did we get all the kids?"
"Who cares? We got the best kids," Elizabeth said with a slight smile.
"We would have had the best kids," Rob teased.
"My husband is the Assistant Head Auror Rob," Elizabeth said with another of those 'too sweet' smiles.
"Which is the only reason why he was okay with you working for me," Rob said, rolling his eyes, "I hate him. Have I mentioned that?"
"One or two hundred times," Elizabeth replied smoothly, "And I work with you, not for you. We are both Senior Aurors, therefore equals."
"And also partners," Rob pointed out.
"Only in the field," Elizabeth said, giving him a pointed look.
"Still partners," Rob said, glancing over at the four 'kids' who were happily chatting to each other, "So as much as he plays the part, Sheppard can't hate me that much, or he would never have let you join this team. You know as well as I do that in the field, our lives are in each other's hands."
Elizabeth smiled, "You are more perceptive than you look."
"I'm a pretty good Auror," Rob joked.
Elizabeth nodded, her eyes also falling on the 'kids', "You're right, John doesn't like you, but he does know that you still care about me, and he knows that you are a good Auror, so yes, he trusts you with my life. But, if you try anything on with me, he will kill you-"
Rob opened his mouth, already equipped with a witty retort. However, Elizabeth beat him to it, "After I've finished with you."
Rob shut his mouth and nodded, "Okay, got it."
Elizabeth smirked as Rob got to his feet and clapped his hands, "Right, kiddos, less gossiping, more changing the world, please! Let's open an orphanage and prevent any future Dark Lords from rising!"
* ~ TBC ~ *