Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Chapter 9– Birthday and Politics
AN: A massive wave of gratitude to my highest paying patrons: dustin briggs, Karam, not son of gwyn, Trinidad Jaimes, Newton Martinez, Epsilon-ZX-007, Ilya Safronov, Arnold, Welltall44, Drone Footage, Josh, Marcus Penton, Rishie Gopisingh, Mathew Indino, Lescieux Jesus, Travis McRice, Paul Smith, Pendy, Dankermaler, CJ, TC, Kaiseth, alex, Jordan Gray, Artorias, Surge1301, Jared, Nex A Doric Wolf, lucas glicenstein, ToXic Koala000, Rokatsa, person1357, Robert Holman, Dean Redmond, liam darrell, Dervonwarren, Ricardo Torres II, Alex Halmkan, Zod, AvoidDeath, Orion Chung, Astral Trinity, Brandon J Watkins, Florian Müller, Alex Moreno Pino, Greed, Ilay Hyams, SupremeRuler17, Andrew Mckeown, Lord Shiva, Adrian, and an anonymous patron.
Now onto the chap!
.
A lot could happen in a single birthday party, and this day might just show Harry exactly how much that 'lot' was.
The evening started normal enough, with Bella and him dressing up in their newly purchased clothes. For him, it meant a casual full sleeved blazer of the darkest green shade. A colour that has begun appealing to him more and more lately.
For Bella it meant a beautiful black gown with a thin long slit cut open on one side of her dress that revealed just the barest hints of her knees and smooth thighs to viewers eyes. The gown hung off of her shoulders, barely managing to cover the pair of massive breasts that showed just enough to make the watcher's imagination run wild. If there was an eye-candy that could manage to come off as elegant and powerful at the same time, it'd be Bella.
It had surprised him at first, to see her dressed in such an outfit. And when he asked her about it, he felt her answer of 'Just dressed appropriately for the occasion' to be quite dishonest. Though that could also be due to how unwilling she was to meet his eyes.
Whatever the case, they were set and ready for the occasion by the time it hit 6:30. A good thing was that their cottage had just finished fitting the flue network in, so they were able to flue over directly inside the Potter manor.
In the time that it took them for shopping, the manor had gone through a visible transformation, looking almost unrecognizable from its morning version. Harry's eyes flickered around the main hall incredulously, taking in the twinkling dome of starlight that made up the hall, with the starlight entering directly from the now-open ceiling.
'They'd copied Hogwarts.' He realized quickly.
Droves of candlesticks hung in mid-air, blending with the twinkling starlight to give the hall an awe inspiring, almost romantic look. Up ahead at the front was a long chain of buffet with a mountain load of food already stationed and ready, all of different varieties ranging from muggle to magical.
Though he didn't get to enjoy the scene more as this time they were greeted by Lily as soon as they arrived. The woman herself had obviously put some considerable effort in her appearance, and Harry was once again glad for his high proficiency with occlumency that controlled any sort of... inappropriate rising of his wand. And not the wooden one.
"Oh Merlin, you both look wonderful!" Lily herself seemed to have no hesitation in blatantly looking both of them up and down. "Way to make me feel self-conscious about myself."
Bella snorted beside him.
"Stop fishing for compliments from him, you." She smirked knowingly. "We all know exactly how you look."
Lily's smile turned brittle, a look of annoyance washing over her face. "Do you have to, Bella? Even today? I know you're jealous, but can you really not let me have my moment?"
"No, can't do, missy. I still remember your awful teasing earlier."
Harry sighed at the familiar scene. This was another reason why his shopping trip had been so tiring. The two women might act like the bests of friends in public, but only someone who'd actually seen them in their natural habitat would know how stupidly competitive they both were.
May it be their dueling prowess, magical knowledge, family handling, reputation, or even something as shallow as looks. They just had to compete in a complicated war of words where each of them showered each other in complications, with tiny little barbs hid in between. And no matter how friendly it may be, Harry was quickly growing tired of being in the middle.
"Now look Bella, you're annoying him. Come on Harry, I'll show you around the Manor." Lily 'graciously' offered.
She must think him blind to not notice her tongue wiggling at Bella.
"Excuze-moi!?" Bella exclaimed incredulously. "I, was the one–!?"
"Let's go!" Lily dragged him along with her, not letting the angry woman complete.
.
.
Harry sighed again. 'I should be back in the cottage, preparing for the world cup. What has life come to?'
Unfortunately for Harry, the party had just started. Quite literally.
Lily did, in fact, show him around the Manor, describing the massive structure piece by piece, and introducing him to some of the live portraits that were curious about his presence.
He also got some behind the scene action when they stumbled upon the form of James and Remus waving their wands at the backyard, giving it last touches of decorations.
The evening had grown quite dark by then, but you wouldn't notice that due to the bright chains of lightings that hovered around the entire place. They were suspended in mid-air like the candles, completely extinguishing the darkness. And while the normal yellowish-white light dominated the scene, there were also some other chains of lightings twinkling in different shades of red and gold.
But while the lightings may have defeated the dark, they did nothing against the cool wind of a chilling evening biting at his skin. The clouds gathered overhead were curdling into giant balls of rain, with flashes of lightening twinkling in the horizon and deep rumbling of thunder growling down at them.
"It's gonna rain." He muttered, not even surprised at England's horrible weather.
"Don't worry, we've warded the entire place for that." Lily assured him. "Not even the slightest drop shall enter inside."
The backyard itself was absolutely enormous, able to hold atleast a few hundred people. And just like the rest of the Manor, it was prepared accordingly with chairs and cushions for sitting, and an even larger buffet was lined up at where James stood, though with a very limited range of food.
"This is where most of the guests will arrive." Lily informed him, giving an absent wave to James. "There will be a dance at the start, and later in the night as well. We've hired Celestina Warbeck to hopefully manage and calm down the crowd."
"I see."
James also gave a wave at him, though his momentary distraction seemed to cost him as an entire section of lightings started swaying in the wind, looking ready to fall down. Remus quickly controlled the situation and both became busy with the decorations again.
Remus... now that was a puzzle and a half in itself. From Sly!Harry's memories, Harry knew that this world's Remus was actually a permanent addition to Hogwarts staff, taking the position of charms teacher. Not only had he never been ousted as a werewolf, he'd also somehow managed to stop any suspicions from brewing inside the Hogwarts' walls.
While confusing, Harry was glad the man wasn't looking 2 months away from being broke and homeless, and had actually managed to find a group of friends to confide in. He was one of the few to have a relatively peaceful and painless death in the war, but that didn't mean Harry would forget his sacrifice.
Lily tsked beside him, looking at the current time. "Your brother should've been ready by now, it's almost time. I swear to Merlin my children care about quidditch more than their own family."
Harry cleared his throat.
"Except you, Harry. You're the sweetest. You never complain about your annoying mother who just likes to nag all day."
She snuck in a kiss to his cheek, wrapping an arm around his waist and forcing him to shift his own hand over her shoulders as she cuddled closer.
"Right." Harry sighed, asking magic for patience and control.
Though for some reason, he couldn't quite decide what he needed the patience and control for exactly: To not snap at Lily for her over clinginess? Or to resist the temptation of giving in to the said clinginess, and coping a feel of those divine curves as payment.
.
.
The rest of the tour had to be shelved for later cause time of occasion soon arrived.
Lily went off to collect the kids, who were playing quidditch with the Weasleys, while Harry joined the two men in the courtyard.
"Harry." James greeted him, wiping one of his hands. "Before I forget again, a very happy birthday to you."
He extended the said hand towards him, and Harry obliged him on a handshake.
"From me as well." Remus said, giving him a grimaced little smile. "And you may call me Remus outside Hogwarts."
Honestly? Harry was quite undecided on how to treat the man like. His younger self considered Remus with great contempt, not just due to his apparent connection to the Potters but also as a reason for Harry being a bad dueler. The boy just didn't have much faith in Remus' teaching skills.
The same, of course, cannot be said for the present him.
"Thanks." Harry nodded finally, before turning his attention around. "Need any help here?"
"Oh no, we're completely done now." James gave a slow but proud look to the twinkling courtyard. "Just in time as well, our guests will soon starting coming in."
Harry frowned. "How will they be coming?"
"Oh, there's an apparition point towards that end." He pointed at the opposite side of the courtyard. "Like the ones at Dartmoor stadium. It redirects anyone Apparating or Portkeying here towards a specific point. A very handy ward, this one. A shame so few manage to learn it. Though I, of course, was forced to learn it, what with being the head of hitwizards and all."
He turned to Harry then, trying badly to hide the expectant look in his eyes.
'Is he actually trying to impress me or something?"
Harry being him, gave an overly unimpressed look. "Very impressive."
James' face flopped down while Remus let out a quiet chuckle beside them. "He's been living with Bellatrix, Prongs. I doubt something like this will mean much to him."
"Ah, of course." James sighed. "Just know that your father is awesome Harry, and should you need anything you can always come to me."
"Right."
Suddenly looking awkward, the man clapped his hand. "Alright! The guests will start arriving in 5 minutes! There'll be a dance to occupy them until everyone arrives. Then, we'll start with the celebrations! Hope both of you are ready, gentlemen. Cause we've a long night ahead of us."
.
.
Rufus Scrimgeour was a man on a mission. It has been quite a long time since he last received an on-field task from the Minister, but now that he had one, he fully intended to complete it.
Just, in his own way – with slight...deviations. Deviations that Minister Bones will surely not like, should she know of them.
The mission was simple, to convince Harry Potter to join the Ministry. The deviation came in the specifications of the mission.
The Wizengamot had forced the Minister to take actions, and now Bones needed Potter to be closely tied with them until he was of the age, at which point the boy will be granted a high ranking position in either DMLE or Hit-wizard Department.
Rufus did not intend for that to happen. Someone like Harry Potter cannot be allowed to roam free, with constant risk of him turning to the dark side. He wanted the boy directly under him, training to be an Auror, and if everything worked out, the head of Aurors.
Rufus Scrimgeour will eventually assume the Position of Minister, he had no doubt of that. The goal will simply be much easier should Harry Potter be under him. With the boy's fame and competence, Rufus will herald a new age for the ministry. An age where dark wizards will no longer exist, and people will live in safety and security, guided by their adored ministry.
But first, he will actually need to convince the boy, and all this without letting Black get a whiff of what was happening. Bones had been extremely clear in this: Bellatrix Black should not be informed of this development right away.
Rufus was honestly quite happy to go behind Black's back and steal away her protégé. Bones might be afraid of the woman's warnings but Rufus wasn't.
And of course, he wasn't doing this just as some petty revenge for the insult the woman gave him so long ago, when she rejected his marriage offer just like she rejected all the Lords. Of course not, he barely even remembered that incident.
Everything he was doing was for the betterment of magical Britain. And himself too, but that was simply a by-product.
And with that thought firmly in his mind, Scrimgeour started making his way through the light crowd swaying gently to the music. He made sure to put extra effort as he stalked through the Courtyard, his steps nimble and precise even with the slight limp he'd developed in the recent years.
Rufus had perfected the art of appearance, and knew how vital presentation was in maintaining one's image and reputation. And that reputation has served him well over the coming years. Often times, his enemies will simply admit defeat at hearing his name.
Even in a social setting like this, his reputation preceded him.
The crowd parted for him like peasants before a king, some even wilting under his powerful gaze, not willing to meet the intense yellow eyes that glared a hole through their souls.
His eyes were constantly scanning the crowd, looking for his query. He picked off Cornelius Fudge, the bumbling fool who'd fought Amelia for the seat of Minister so long ago. The man wasn't what he used to be at the height of his political power, now simply being a junior Minister in the department of magical catastrophe.
'Fell back to his roots, the little coward.'
He also picked up other familiar ministry employees like Angelica Cole, a bright student who now stuck as a security troll instructor; Miraphora Mina, a senior worker in Runes and symbols department; Eric Munch, a watchwizard for the ministry...
But no Harry Potter. Even Horace Slughorn, the man with perhaps the most connections in the ministry, was gulping down another shot of firewhiskey.
But Harry Potter was nowhere in sight. As were absent the rest of the Potter family...and Weasley family and Tonks family...
'Are they having a private celebration?' Rufus seethed. 'Without atleast informing me!?'
Thankfully that didn't seem to be the case. The massive sets of maroon doors that divided the manor from the party grounds opened grandly, presenting the entire family together, walking calmly as if they owned the place.
Which they did, but Rufus was still irritated all the same.
James Potter, his rival in position and the head of Hitwizards, led the group upon a slightly raised dais.
"Welcome!" The bespectacled man cheerfully greeted, arms spread wide. "I'm glad you all were able to make it to my son's birthday party!"
'Who the hell was he kidding?' Rufus scoffed. 'He knew perfectly well how famous his sons were.'
"But you all probably don't want to hear me speak any longer–"
'Truer words have never been spoken.'
"So let's begin with the celebrations with a very happy birthday to my dear sons, Jacob and Harry!"
A boom of fireworks exploded above them and Rufus squinted up as the sky changed colours. The darkened clouds that preluded a night of rain were suddenly hidden behind a curtain of blood red and royal gold, as if the sky itself was bleeding with irritatingly bring colours.
Cheering and chanting started all around him, much more stronger than he'd ever anticipated, and he had control his instincts of clutching his ears as a cacophony of blaring fireworks mixed in with crowds noises to create what many would think to be the sounds of celebration, but made Rufus just want to bury his head in the ground instead.
The noise was so loud that he could see quite a few of his co-workers, including Bones herself, cast a bubblehead charm around them. But Rufus endured, his body straight and his face fixed in the same severe expression as ever, because he could see the boy, Harry Potter, scan through the crowd's faces with a smirk of hidden contempt.
Rufus had done his homework well, and knew exactly how much the boy prided himself as a true Slytherin.
He needed to distinguish himself in front of the boy, this much was clear to him. He knew how Slytherin minds worked afterall, knew how much they prided themselves on being different and better than the rest of the crowd. If he'd followed Bones with a bubblehead, while better than the rest of the crowd, he'd still just be one of the many competent ministry workers. Nothing truly special or worthy of notice.
He himself had been the Prince of Slytherin in his own time, and while he found their superiority contemptuous nowadays, he will have to adhere to their rules and best them at their own game, if he wanted the boy to follow after him willingly.
So Rufus folded his hands as if bored by the hell around him, and subtly palmed his wand hidden inside the sleeves of his coat. Then, he cast the most powerful Quietus charm possible around him. It was difficult of course, as he wasn't able to direct his wand, especially for something as advanced as creating a sphere of sound suppression around him.
But the effect it produced was well worth the effort as all the sound in his immediate surroundings was suppressed to a mere whisper.
And he achieved exactly what he wanted as the boy's eyes whipped to him instantly. Rufus would've smirked, but what he didn't expect was for the boy to suddenly loose all his emotions, staring at Rufus with a cold dead look in his eyes only Occlumency could give.
'The boy's a Level 2 Occlumens, isn't he?" Rufus thought, slightly disturbed. 'How in Morgan's personal hell is he this perfect?'
Did the boy perhaps broke through to Level 3 this early? If so, then Rufus' thirst for the boy would only grow more desperate. A talent like this cannot be afforded to squander away in normality. And Rufus was very much ready to make great use of it.
For just a second, Rufus saw the boy's eye quickly flicker towards Fudge then back. Rufus himself only noticed it due to how closely he'd been observing the crowd, though the comparison confused him all the more. What could someone like Fudge ever have something in common with him?
He didn't get to ponder further however, as James Potter boomed out from the stage, his voice enhanced by Sonorus. "Yes Yes, thank you very much! Me and my family really appreciates your love! And for this special occasion, we've for you none other thaaan... Celestina Warbeck! Please give her a round of applause everyone! And if you want to help yourself with some food, you need only speak aloud whatever dish you'd like that's available on the buffet, and it'll come right in front of you. Have fun and enjoy, the night's still young with many more surprises to come! Oh yeah, and those who'd like to wish the birthday boys, do so civilly please... I'd hate to throw you off the grounds."
With that, the man gave one last nod and climbed down the Dias to mingle with the crowd.
Rufus sighed. While Potter Sn. didn't have a grace and aura like himself, he still had an annoying ability to come off as genuine and honest that made him a crowd favorite, almost to the point of making Rufus slightly envious.
Still, he paid the man no mind any longer, quickly stalking towards his target while mentally preparing himself for the pathetic attempt at a battle of words that the boy will surely unleash at him, no doubt thinking himself superior. Just like every typical child who had no idea what it actually meant to be a true Slytherin.
He will also need to get a proper reading of the boy, and his Lvl 4 Legilimency was sure to be of great advantage today.
Hopefully the boy wouldn't bore him too much.
.
.
Harry Potter was bored. Bored and irritated.
He could've been in their cottage right now, doing a thousand different things, all more important than what he was currently stuck doing. May it be practicing new applications of magic, or preparing for the next ritual, or even something as mundane as planning at his next actions... anything would've been better than being here.
"A very happy Birthday, Mr. Potter." Random witch no.12 greeted him with a smile, biting her lips softly in a way that would've no doubt looked seductive to his younger self.
The fluttering of her eyelashes was the one that did him in, and he let loose a blatant scowl.
"Yeah, thanks." He grunted out, already turning.
To be honest, his current predicament was his own fault really. He'd somehow let himself be convinced to stand with the Potters for the grand welcoming reveal.
Though Lily was equally to blame. Her soft pleading eyes were just too bloody convincing to deny.
So there he'd stood, posing for the flashing cameras that just did not know when to stop. And now here he was, having to accept the birthday wishes from dozens of strangers.
Well, atleast he didn't have bodyguards like Jacob. That, was an offer he didn't mind rejecting. Not that he'd been let completely off guard either, but atleast he had sliver of privacy this way.
His attention shifted as the woman in front of him suddenly leaned forward, giving a very generous look down her dress that showed off her tightly packed cleavage.
"Oh, did that offend you? I'm so very sorry." The witch, who was easily his mother's age, sang out coyly. "I meant a very happy birthday...Harry."
The difference was, she had none of Lily's astonishing beauty and grace.
Suppressing a shiver, Harry opened his mouth to let her know exactly what he thought of her offer when another figure sauntered his way between them with a smirk.
"Harry." Blaise Zabini nodded. "I hope I'm not intruding in anything... important."
His eyes gave looked the witch up and down with a slight grimace to show how 'Important' he thought she was.
"Of course not, Blaise." Harry responded with a smile that he's normally never give to a Slytherin, turning to the annoying woman with furrowed brows. "Mrs...Watson, was it?"
It wasn't, but Harry ran over it.
"I apologize but I really must leave. Lot of friends to greet, you see?"
He didn't wait for her answer, dragging the Slytherin boy away with firm grip.
They navigated their way away from most of the crowd, slowing down only when Harry felt a little more free and open.
"I was waiting for you to finish up, but the line of your admirers was just too long." Zabini said, giving a good-natured chuckle. "Thought I'll rescue you from the obvious pain you were suffering under."
Harry didn't reply, simply observing the boy from the corner of his eye.
Blaise Zabini was another complicated subject that Harry hadn't had a lot of time to think on.
Most of Sly!Harry's 'friends' were filthy snakes who only hung around the boy due to the Potter name. Slytherin truly was a pit of vipers, where everyone usually acted for their own benefits.
The house had a hierarchy of it's own, where they dubbed who they felt to be the most powerful member as their 'Prince'.
His younger self dreamt of occupying the Position but his general lack of self confidence, less than stellar Dueling record, and the half-blood status, made for him to not even be considered.
While the boy was slightly more popular amongst his peers, his supposed friendship with Malfoy and his ilk was just an illusion. The ferret faced boy was simply using his past self for his errands, mostly to complete his homework and do the more tedious tasks for him.
They also had some ridiculous 'Pureblood Membership Fee' which Sly!Harry had been paying through the years to gain the rights for mingling with the true Pure Bloods.
Bloody Ridiculous, all things considered, and something that Harry intended to change as soon as possible.
Where does this leave Zabini? For some reason the boy had stood up for Sly!Harry in their first year, and two seemed to have formed a genuine friendship over the years, with Zabini providing valuable advice, though sadly most of them were ignored by his younger self due to them not feeling very...'Slytherin-like'.
Zabini was the only friend Harry would actually count as genuine, and that left him with confusing feelings.
Blaise Zabini had been one of the most arrogant wizards he'd ever met in his previous life, someone who was equally condescending of muggleborns, Half-bloods and Purebloods. To see the boy being an actually alright bloke, and more importantly his friend, put Harry through a blinder.
"Daphne said to tell you she regrets not being here today." Zabini quipped from the side. "By the way, mother wants to meet you. She's of the thinking that maybe you want som–"
A rough, demanding voice suddenly interrupted them from behind. "Mr. Potter."
The voice was deep, almost like grumbling of dark clouds overhead, terribly startling Blaise beside him though the boy managed to control himself to a slight start instead of the mini-jump that a few bystanders gave.
Stifling an urge to sigh, Harry turned slowly, already knowing the person behind him.
Indeed, he was greeted by the face of Rufus Scrimgeour, looking like an old lion marred with streaks of grey in his mane of tawny hair. The man who singlehandedly buried the final dagger of death into the chest of an already suffering magical Britain.
He may have been more proactive against Tommy, but his priority for the Ministry's reputation and image over the safety of wizarding world was what truly sank the weakened Britain.
Honestly, Harry wasn't sure who harmed the country more, Scrimgeour or Fudge.
"A pleasant nameday." The man wished simply, extending his hand powerfully.
He let his occlumency overtake his mind completely this time, suppressing his emotions from a river to a mere trickle of water.
'Emotional range of a teaspoon, indeed.' But even the slight amusement he felt was quickly hid behind the wall of calmness.
It was a good thing he did so, otherwise he probably wouldn't have been able to stop himself from taking a dig or two at the annoying man in front of him. Which could've proved quite foolish, considering his current position.
That did not mean he would've to be overly polite either.
"Mr…Scrimgeour." Harry returned his greeting, shaking his hand. "What can I do for you?"
The man looked amused as he responded slyly. "For now? Nothing. It is more the matter of what I can do for you."
He turned around with a grace you wouldn't except from an elderly, extending an inviting hand. "Please, shall we?"
Unwilling, he turned to Zabini who was looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "By all means Harry, take your time. I'll see you later."
Frowning as his first and last excuse walked away with an amused wave, he turned back to the awaiting man.
'Just get this over with without causing Bella any problems.' His mind supplied, and he joined Scrimgeour with a nod.
"Well Mr. Scrimgeour," Harry started the moment they walked forward. "What can you do for me, then?"
Scrimgeour looked surprised for some reason, his eyebrows climbing up an inch.
"Quite blunt, aren't you?" The man stated as if it were an insult.
"Bluntness is my preferred method of talking." Harry nodded calmly, unconcerned with whatever games the man wanted to play. "I'll appreciate it if you could keep up with that."
"I see." The man hummed, furrowing his brows slightly. "Though I would've thought a fellow Slytherin might prefer a more….subtle exchange."
Without occlumency to hide his emotions, the way Scrimgeour stressed Slytherin would've normally made a part of Harry want to Bully the man ridiculously.
Still, just because he didn't particularly feel any urge to laugh didn't mean he could let such ridiculousness go unheeded.
"And I would've thought the head of Aurors valued his time enough to not waste it on unnecessary words." Harry replied, letting just the slightest hint of contempt colour his tone.
Scrimgeour came to a complete stop this time, not even trying to contain his surprise.
He turned to Harry then, yellow clashing against green for just a breath before he shook his head with a snort, restarting their walk forward.
Though his eyes would still glance at him deeply from time to time, those yellowish orbs hidden behind glasses judging and evaluating, as if seeing him for the first time. "I'm surprised. Normally being surprised would've been bad for the head of Aurors, but I'm simply too pleased to care. If what you present yourself as is the real you, then this might be the start of a beautiful partnership."
Their feet soon took them to a different side of the ground. On their way, Harry noticed his brother and sisters grouped up with the Weasleys. Jacob was in the center, while the others stood around him in a protective circle, making most of the well-wishers to hesitate from approaching.
He also saw his unofficial 'guard', Remus, raising an eyebrow at him questionably from the distance. Harry gave a subtle shake of head, continuing to follow after Scrimgeour as he lead them to a more quieter section of the courtyard, where the man waved his wand quickly, erecting a privacy ward as they came to a stop. Though unlike previously, Harry could actually see him clutching his wand this time.
'Good. If he still thought I'd be impressed by such silly tricks, then he would've had another thing coming.'
"Well, if blunt is what you prefer then it'll be quite stupid of me to waste both of our times." The man started, his free hand entering his coat.
Harry wasn't concerned for any attack, completely prepared and waiting. He'd already palmed his wand the moment he felt the man's magic.
A good thing that Scrimgeour had more brain than attacking him in public. All his hand removed was a bundle of pages.
"The ministry wants to tie you down with us, and they won't stop at a polite 'No'." The man started without preamble, staying true to his words with being blunt as a bludgeon. "Depending on Black for protection is not an option for you either, not when the minister herself is forced to take actions. So, you have three options realistically. First, Join the ministry and be their loyal little dog. Or second, Resist and be forced to always look over your shoulder. While Bones is too honorable to ever stoop to that, the same isn't the case for the Wizengamot."
Scrimgeour leaned forward, his yellow eyes sharp and piercing. "This is not a joke Mr. Potter. Should the knowledge of your occlumency skills be added with your already incredible dueling abilities, your case will most likely be taken over to the Wizengamot. No one wants another Voldemort or Grindelwald running amok in this country. And a boy of 14 powerful enough to shatter the former European champion's Shield has all the potential to reach that level. You are lucky to have the Minister herself shielding you from becoming a target, but that won't last long, and no matter how much your mother and Black threatens the ministry, they cannot stop the tide."
Harry kept quiet, his mind easily processing the information to come upon a single conclusion.
The man was doing his absolute best to paint the grimmest future for Harry, no doubt looking for some hidden opportunity. It meant only one thing.
With a purposeful snort, Harry rebutted the man. "And I'm sure your third option is the solution to all this, is it not Head Auror?"
Instead of taking offense, he extended the bundle of papers in his hands. "These are the official Apprenticeship papers. Sign this and no one will ever question you again. You will also gain a Level 4 Authority in the ministry, given only to Auror trainees and the like. Your magical studies will skyrocket to a level you've never imagined. Master level knowledge in the most obscure level will be available to you, with instructions directly from me. The only thing I ask from is loyalty and obedience."
Harry stared at the shameless man with a tilted head. "You wish me to work for you."
"I wish you to work with me." Scrimgeour stressed, leaning back. "In four years' time, where your peers will be looking for entry level jobs in the ministry, you will already be close to a senior Auror promotion. And should you work hard, with my help you might even become a Level 6 Dueler by then. You won't get the same option from anyone else. Plus, your mother and Godmother will not be able to provide the same security, neither can they shield you from the Wizengamot. Their obvious affection for you will always be held against them."
He then took a step towards Harry, extending the papers further. "Join me Harry Potter, and you will rise to the very peak."
The man stared at him intensely, urging him to choose.
Harry breathed out, closing his eyes for a second as he let a twinge of regret slip through the barrier. 'What a chore. I could've been researching about the Dementor's Cloak or Obscurial's ashes…'
Instead here he was, stuck in the politics of people he couldn't give a flying fuck about.
'What a chore, indeed.'
Hopefully the rest of the night might could provide him with enough fun to counter the unpleasantness.
Or else Harry Potter might just have to create some fun of his own.
.
AN: Chappy's done! Hope you lot enjoyed it.
So, how do you guys feel about Rufus and his offer? Think I nailed his character? Personally I feel confident about him. I kept him in character with what was shown in the books while adding my own little tweaks.
Tell me if his pov felt interesting or just meh, so I'll know if I should introduce other important characters with their own Povs the next time (Though obviously a little shorter).
For those feeling the story's moving too slow, Don't worry. Next chapter will bridge our timeline all the way to Quidditch final.
Also, pls ignore the dots at the start and end of every scene. They're to create some gap manually cause FF. is stupid and doesn't allow more than 1 bar of space.
On other news, I've now started posting on AO3 under the same name as well. Also edited it a little over there, like the silly 'feets' and 'Hermoine' mistakes.
For anyone interested in advanced chapters, visit www. Pat reon/ Robs511. Check out my latest Tier where you can read the next three chapters of this story, as well as my other two stories, for $20. Would really appreciate your support.
Also, discord link: discord .gg/9wpfysDGsz
Anyway that's it for this chapter, cheers and good day/night!