This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter universe, which are trademarked by J.K. Rowling. I do not claim ownership of these characters nor the locations such as Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, etc. that are Rowling's creations.
I thank Rowling for the universe she has created that allows me to do something like this for my own entertainment and, hopefully, the entertainment of the readers.
Harry lay comfortably upon his bed, light streaming in through the window to warm his bare chest. He lay perfectly still, savouring the last few moments of rest before he had to get up and get himself ready for work.
There was movement on the mattress next to him as a small, feminine hand placed itself gently upon his toned stomach. Turning his head Harry smiled as Ginny came into view, dressed in nothing but a pair of pyjama shorts and his old Gryffindor Quidditch jumper.
"Morning," Ginny said softly, eyes glittering with happiness as she lay beside him.
"Morning," Harry replied, smiling back at her. Leaning forward he placed a gentle kiss on her lips, to which she reacted by matching his movements. Pulling closer, Ginny manoeuvred herself so she was lying on top of him, her body resting across his chest.
"Ginny," Harry gasped as he broke away for breath, tilting his head away from her hungry lips. "Ginny, wait." Ginny pulled back slightly, looking down at him questioningly. "I can't, I've got to get up," he told her plaintively, pulling back to dodge her advances. "Seriously, I've got to get ready for work."
"Don't worry," Ginny whispered in his ear. "This won't take long."
"Ginny," Harry admonished, twisting his head so she couldn't kiss him again. "Last time you said that we missed our reservation for dinner. You remember, the one with Bill and Fleur."
"So what if you're a little late," Ginny grinned at him, her hair forming a fiery curtain around his face.
"Ginny, I've got a meeting I've got to go to," Harry told her, his eyes pleading for her to understand as he felt his resistance start to crumble. "Please." With a sigh Ginny shifted off him, instead lying down next to him, her hand still placed possessively on his chest.
"Who are you meeting?" she asked, her disappointment obvious in her tone.
"A Councillor of Merlin's Order," Harry replied. "She's undoubtedly wanting to complain about something, she never speaks to us otherwise."
"What about when you're trying to get bills past the council?" Ginny asked, frowning.
"We don't bother talking to her," Harry replied with a shrug. "She votes against every bill we put through. She's undeniably the most prejudice woman I've ever had the misfortune to meet."
"So it wouldn't be a problem if you had to postpone your meeting, now would it?" Ginny asked, a mischievous glint in her eye as she moved towards him again.
"Already done that," Harry replied with a guilty laugh, raising a hand to gently stop his girlfriend. "She arranged to have this meeting two days ago, I'm afraid I can't put it off any longer, no matter how much I want to."
"Okay," Ginny sighed as she moved her hand off his chest. She flopped down onto her back and dangled an arm lazily across her stomach.
Harry pulled himself out of bed, his entire body protesting as he got up and moved towards the bathroom to get ready for work. Reaching the door, he looked back. "You know I would like nothing more than to stay with you right now," Harry said sincerely.
"I know," Ginny replied with a small smile from her position on the bed. "Me too."
Ginny watched as he smiled, before he entered the bathroom and disappeared out of sight. Hearing the sound of the shower turning on, Ginny glanced at the bathroom door, an idea forming in her head. With a mischievous grin and an abundance of newfound energy Ginny snuck up to the door and quietly slipped inside, locking the door silently behind her.
"Hey Harry, you're late," Cho informed him as he entered the Ministry building, smiling broadly as he went. "You were supposed to be in half an hour ago."
"I know," Harry replied, accepting some papers from a passing assistant. "But sometimes I find myself unavoidably detained."
"You don't seem to be particularly upset about it," Cho noted as she followed alongside him, the two of them rapidly approaching his office.
"I'm in a good mood today, Cho," Harry answered happily, smiling brightly at a few office workers as he passed. "The sun is shining, the birds are singing and absolutely nothing is going to spoil my day."
"May I ask what's brought on this new zest for life?" Cho asked.
Harry came to an abrupt stop, his office door only a couple of meters away. "Have you ever had a shower with your girlfriend?"
Cho raised an eyebrow. "I can't say that I have," she replied dryly. "The Councillor is in Meeting Room 3 and has been waiting for you for the last twenty minutes."
"She hasn't started complaining yet?" Harry asked, thumbing through the documents in his arms.
"Undoubtedly she has," Cho replied. "But there is no one in the room with her, so…"
Harry grinned. "Do me a favour, don't let her know I'm in yet," Harry told Cho. "I'll get round to her eventually."
"Yes, sir," Cho said, walking off to take a seat at her desk.
"I'm telling you, Cho," Harry called to her, reaching behind him for the handle of his office door. "Nothing is going to spoil my good mood today." Cho raised an eyebrow at him but said nothing as Harry turned and stepped inside. Upon entering his office he immediately stopped dead at the sight of who was waiting for him.
"Damn," he swore under his breath as he came face to face with Bill Weasley. "Any chance you didn't hear what I was saying out there?" Bill shook his head slowly, lips pressed tightly together. "Let's just forget that ever happened."
"Let's," Bill agreed, his face settling slightly from the stern expression he had worked it into.
"What can I do for you, Bill?" Harry asked, moving round his desk to sit behind it, dropping his papers on top of the pile that had already started to form there.
"I'd like to apologise for intruding on your office while you weren't in," Bill said, business like as always as he took his seat. "But I've got an important message for you from the Goblin Council of Gringotts."
"Don't worry, it's Cho's job to keep people out my office," Harry brushed it off. "I'll yell at her for that later. What do the goblins want?"
"My employers wish to discuss with the Ministry the opportunity to introduce a bill legalising goblin-human marriages," Bill said simply, waiting for Harry's response. He had to wait quite some time for it, too.
"First off, Bill," Harry said with a brief puff of laughter. "You are an ambassador to Gringotts bank, your employers are this Ministry." Harry paused again, trying to figure out how to phrase his next sentence. "Secondly," he said. "The goblins don't want goblin-human marriages, no one does. We get all sorts of petitions being delivered to us all the time and this has to be one of the most ridiculous I've ever heard."
"Is it so ridiculous to believe the goblins are trying to reach out and improve relations between our two races?" Bill questioned rhetorically. "Is it not sheer narrow-mindedness that completely discounts this is a valid cause?"
"First of all, yes, the goblins are notoriously bad for souring relationships with humans," Harry pointed out. "For the first time in centuries the two races are living side by side in somewhat harmony."
"The goblins have played their own part in that," Bill pointed out. "We can't sit here and say wizards should get all the credit for the current peace."
"I'm not saying that," Harry countered. "What I am saying is that the goblins would rather not have to deal with us. They'd rather live their own lives whilst letting us live ours. If it wasn't for Gringotts we'd probably never see them."
"So are you saying that goblins simply don't care about the humans at all?" Bill asked. "Do you not realise that the goblins do care, for purely economic reasons at the very least?"
"And where does marriage fall into the economic conversation?" Harry asked.
"In the part where the goblins are trying to finally make an effort," Bill retorted. "Harry, this message I've been entrusted with is the first time the goblins have ever asked for anything to improve wizard-goblin relations."
"Exactly," Harry pointed out. "This has never happened before. It's unprecedented. There is more behind this than what you have been informed of. Goblins don't want to marry humans, and humans don't want to marry goblins."
"Oh really?" Bill countered, placing a stack of parchment upon Harry's desk. "Rito Loosegob and Euphrasia Head, Kayles Rustwell and Griffin Pander, Bail Fizzleknob and Sushila Dragunov, Jazgiez Salttweak and Reena Yates. Each of these are human-goblin couples who wished to achieve marriage with one another but were prevented from doing so by our laws."
Harry breathed in a sigh as he looked down at the papers Bill had placed on his desk. "Rito Loosegob and Euphrasia Head," he said ponderously, digging deep into his memory banks. "A case from over two hundred years ago when travellers discovered them locked together in an abandoned tower, having been imprisoned there for over 50 years. When they asked for marriage, neither of them could be considered mentally stable after what they'd been through, as many healers at the time did attest to."
"Reena Yates was a young muggle woman who was placed under a weak imperious curse which eventually caused her to declare her undying love for Jazgiez Salttweak," Harry continued steadily. "Salttweak was a goblin who was later discovered to have never actually existed in the first place."
"Sushila Dragunov was an emotionally abused sex slave from Bulgaria, being held captive by Fizzleknob, a goblin who tried to avoid his own execution by claiming that the two of them were in love. He was caught out when local aurors conducted a raid on his home and discovered that it wasn't just humans he had been abusing."
Harry sighed as he looked down to the last pair of names on the list. "Griffin Pander was a mentally ill pureblood who slipped Rustwell a love potion. He was summarily beheaded by Rustwell's clan."
Harry looked up at Bill, who was sitting back looking rather shellshocked. "I can assume it was the goblins who supplied you with these documents?" Harry asked, passing the parchment back. "Get them to send a goblin down here to discuss with me what they really want."
Bill nodded silently, taking the documents back and slipping them into his briefcase as he left. Harry sighed and glanced at his watch, realising that eventually he would have to meet with the councillor he'd much rather avoid. Throwing his papers back onto his desk in annoyance Harry started to make his move.
Standing up and stretching wearily Harry wandered out of his office, nodding his head to indicate to Cho that he was going. He walked smartly to the door of Meeting Room 3, pausing only to take a deep calming breath before opening it and stepping inside.
"Councillor Umbridge, what a pleasure to see you again?" Harry said, a massive fake smile plastered on his face as he entered the room. "Please, have a seat."
Umbridge huffed as she sat down, having only just risen to scold him upon his arrival. "I have been waiting here for over an hour," she said indignantly, her annoyingly high-pitched voice not failing to grate on Harry's nerves. "I am a highly valued and important member of this government and I should not be treated in such a degrading manner. Why, I was not even offered refreshments upon my arrival."
"I apologise, Councillor," Harry said, barely keeping the sarcasm out of his voice. "There has been a lot going on today and we are running slightly behind schedule." He held himself back from commenting as Umbridge sniffed something that sounded suspiciously like 'typical'. "Let's not waste any more of your valuable time. You were here to talk about…?"
"Werewolves," Umbridge said promptly, sitting up straighter.
"Alright," Harry said uncertainly, taking his seat. "What is your issue?"
"I think you know very well my position," Umbridge said haughtily. "Werewolves are being allowed to walk around out in the open, leaving good, hard working citizens in danger. I want them to be properly restricted to ensure our nations children can walk safely in our streets."
"I assume you have the numbers to back up your claim," Harry replied, his voice losing much of its false cheery tone.
"Yes, I do," Umbridge said promptly, reaching under her hideous pink robes to pull out a folder of documents. "Hem hem," she cleared her throat. "In this past year Werewolves have accounted for 2% of the nations crime, a staggering number when you consider only 0.7% of the population are afflicted with this awful condition." She smacked the folder down on the table in front of her. "These beasts are wild and out of control and it is the duty of the Ministry to tighten the leash before they take further liberties and take over our world."
Harry sighed, pulling out documents of his own. "I'm afraid you're twisting the numbers to your advantage, Councillor Umbridge," Harry said with all the respect he could muster. "It is known that 0.98% of our population are Werewolves and the 2% you quoted is actually 1.79%, and it refers to the percentage of low level crime werewolves are responsible for, such as disturbing the peace, vandalism and ill-conceived bar fights."
"I do not see how these figures do anything to undermine my position," Umbridge argued. "Whatever the numbers really are they show that werewolves are more aggressive than normal citizens. And that is not even touching upon what happens every full moon; savage attacks, livestock slaughters, they are a danger and a threat to our very society."
Harry could feel his anger growing as he listened to Umbridge speak but, as he had learned to do in his career as a politician, he kept his emotions hidden behind a blank mask. "What I was about to say was that due to their inability to work during the full moon and the ever present prejudice that still exists in our world, werewolves make up a disproportionally large percentage of those working in the lowest wage bracket, as well as the unemployed, which we already know are risk factors for increased likelihood of being involved in low level crimes."
"In addition," Harry continued as Umbridge prepared to butt in. "We average just under two werewolf related incidents per full moon. Add on the fact that some of these attacks came as a result of non-infected people stumbling across a werewolf and attacking it in fear, we find that there are plenty of other creatures that cause more deaths a year than werewolves. For example, owls."
Umbridge was not happy as Harry finished speaking. "That is a silly comparison," she told him, her voice sweet but venomous. "Owl's are far greater in number and provide a wonderful service to the wizarding world. Werewolves do not."
"Only because we refuse to give them well paying jobs," Harry countered. "If we allow these people to get paid for an honest days work they will be able to become better educated and therefore less likely to be involved in criminal activities."
"You are acting as though werewolves think the way normal people do," Umbridge admonished him.
"That's because they do," Harry argued back. "Werewolves are just regular witches and wizards most of the time and with advancements being made in the Wolfsbane potion they are become more and more human like during the full moon as well."
"They are animals," Umbridge argued. "Half-breeds. If it were up to me I'd have the lot of them exterminated. Unfortunately this country is too cowardly to do that so I must make do with having them moved somewhere where I can keep an eye on them."
"This country is not going to bow down to your every whim," Harry said angrily, practically shaking with rage. "This Ministry represents the werewolves of this nation too and we will not allow you to speak this way about them. This meeting is over," Harry said viciously, picking up his parchment and storming over to the door.
"It's a shame about Councillor Wilson," Umbridge said to the back of his head as he reached the door, her voice regaining it's disgusting sugary quality. "It doesn't look like he's going to be able to attend any votes for at least a couple of months. It would be a shame if your trade bill didn't make it through just because of a case of adult dragon pox."
Harry turned around, the sight of her smug face repellent. "What's your deal?"
"It's quite simple really," Umbridge said, her voice sickly sweet. "I will vote for the trade bill, thereby ensuring it passes the council, in exchange for the Ministry proposing a bill to put a cap on werewolf rights. That, of course, would be another bill I would vote in favour of."
Harry stood still, staring at Umbridge in disbelief as she sat there looking like the cat that ate the canary. Without a word, Harry turned on his heels and left the room, slamming the door behind him.
"Can we confirm the Wilson story?" the Minister asked, his senior staff assembled around him in his office.
"Councillor Wilson checked himself into a containment centre yesterday afternoon," Ron told him with a defeated sigh. "He will be available to vote in a couple of months, after he is no longer contagious. Of course, we don't have that time."
"We need 8 of the 15 votes," Harry said. "But with Wilson having to abstain we're left short."
"And Umbridge won't back down?" the Minister asked. "Have we tried negotiating with her?"
"She's a prejudiced…" Harry had to stop himself before he swore in front of the Minister. "She doesn't care about the trade bill either way. All she wants is to ensure any non-human is under wizarding rule."
"Werewolves are human," Neville pointed out.
"Not to her they're not," Harry responded smoothly. "I've had a look over a few of her papers. She hates 'half-breeds' with a passion."
"Have you tried to negotiate with her?" the Minister asked again, eyes piercing into Harry.
"No," Harry admitted. "I tried to convince her before she made her ultimatum. After… well, I was too infuriated to say anything."
"Well, in that case we have to work on the assumption that she's willing to negotiate," the Minister said promptly.
"She's not," Harry pointed out angrily.
"I know," the Minister said calmingly, beseeching Harry to quiet down. "I just don't want to be the one to put negotiation off the table until we're 100% sure it won't work. Neville, you meet with Umbridge, tell her Harry got a little bit too emotional due to his own personal concerns and that the Ministry still wishes to negotiate their position."
"Yes, sir, but wouldn't it be better for her to speak to Amos?" Neville asked. "She thinks of the rest of us as children."
"No, I think it'd be better if it was you," the Minister said thoughtfully. "I don't want Umbridge thinking we're going over Harry's head on this. Let's not encourage her to go even further than she already has. Alright everyone, go back to what you were doing," he said, shepherding them out of the room. "Harry, could you stay for a moment?"
The rest of the staff filed out of the room as Harry waited behind, trying not to look at the Minister. It was only when everyone else had left and the door had been closed that the Minister spoke.
"How's Remus?" he asked.
"He's fine," Harry answered, looking down at his feet. "It was a full moon a few nights ago so he's still recovering." The Minister nodded in acceptance.
"We're not going to restrict werewolf rights, Harry," he said firmly. "I know how strongly you feel about this, with good reason. I feel angry about this too."
"What has Remus done to deserve this?" Harry spat out, his rage getting the better of him. "Ever since the age of five he's had to walk around with people whispering behind his back about how he's dangerous and unstable and how he shouldn't be trusted. Even now he can't hold down a permanent job."
"I know Harry, it's awful," the Minister agreed. "Remus is a great man. He did invaluable work for us during the election campaign."
Harry looked up at that. "Why didn't you offer him a job?" he asked, his voice low but challenging.
"Why didn't you offer Remus a job?" Harry repeated louder when the Minister didn't answer. "You gave me a job, you gave Ron a job, you gave Amos, Neville, Hermione, Cho, Demelza, the guy who took the pictures jobs. What was it about Remus that told you he was unworthy? Was it because he was a werewolf?" There was silence as the two men stared at each other, Harry breathing heavily while the Minister stood stock still.
"Yes," the Minister responded softly, causing Harry to look back at him in shock. "Yes, that was why I didn't give Remus a job. In the Ministry you need to be able to work for every single day of every single week without fail. It may not be fair that I couldn't give Remus a job but it's an unfortunate reality. Sometimes life isn't fair."
The door opened as the Minister finished speaking, although neither man turned to see who it was.
"I'm sorry to disturb you sir, but I've got a message for Harry," Blaise said, standing respectfully by the door. Upon the Minister's nod, he continued. "Cho wanted to let you know that there is a goblin by the name of Griphook waiting for you in Meeting Room 4."
Harry nodded his head a fraction, showing he'd heard. "I've got to go," he said quietly, beginning to turn away. "You're wrong, though," he said as he went. "You're just plain wrong." Harry walked through the door, past a confused looking Blaise, and down the corridor towards Meeting Room 4. Reaching the door he took a breath to release his anger, then opened it.
"Master Griphook, I'm so glad you could meet with me," Harry said with a smile as he entered the room, shaking hands with the elder goblin and gesturing for him to take a seat.
"Likewise, Mr Potter," Griphook replied, sitting down on a chair that had, fortunately, already been enchanted to account for the goblins smaller stature.
Harry sat down opposite him. "We've met quite a few times, Master Griphook," Harry said, smiling at the goblin. "If you would like please feel free to call me Harry."
"In that case, Harry," Griphook replied. "You may call me Greekiriez."
"Do you mind if I just call you Griphook?" Harry asked, to which Griphook grinned, showing off a set of razor sharp teeth. "Griphook, I just wanted to ask, why did you send Bill Weasley down to see me today?"
Griphook laughed. "I knew not to expect you to believe the story," he said. "I was surprised William Weasley didn't ask more questions when I sent him to your office, although knowing his professionalism I really shouldn't have been."
"So the goblins don't want legalised human-goblin marriages," Harry cleared up, silently thanking god he'd been right. "Then why bring it up? I know you well enough to know you don't like wasting people's time, especially when they're at work."
"That's true," Griphook nodded in agreement. "In truth, I instructed Weasley to talk to you in order to get your attention. The issue that I wish to speak with you on is not one I want to be passed along by some messenger, nor is it one I want you to consider while you are being distracted with other issues."
"Then what is the issue?" Harry asked. "What could possibly have made you go through all this extra effort?"
"The Goblin Council would like it if the Ministry removed its security team from Gringotts," Griphook said seriously, no hint of a smile on his face.
"May I ask why?" Harry said, his fingers distractedly fiddling with his quill.
"I would think it is obvious," Griphook countered. "Gringotts is our establishment, much like the Ministry is yours. We do not feel comfortable having wizards being the ones entrusted with its safety, especially when there are many goblins who are only too willing to serve."
"Griphook, the security force we have in Gringotts is minimal at best," Harry pointed out. "You know this. If for any reason wizards decided to attack Gringotts you could have them ousted in a second. The guards, they're there to help the wizarding public feel more secure, to make them feel that the Ministry is working hard to protect their gold."
"That's the point," Griphook argued, leaning forward as he got to the crucial argument of the debate. "The human guards are merely a symbol for the wizarding public, a symbol that we goblins do not want. We want the wizarding world to trust us with their gold, especially considering how long we've successfully looked after it for them."
"So, this is not about goblins controlling Gringotts," Harry said slowly. "Are you suggesting we should simply trust you more?"
"Yes," Griphook answered simply, watching Harry carefully for his reaction. "I want the wizards to trust the goblins."
Harry looked back at Griphook in amazement, never having expected the goblin to have asked for such a deal. Griphook was simply asking for trust.
"You know we want to trust you," Harry said. "Last year we decreased our security to the current levels. Any further move would require some sort of concession on your part, some sort of guarantee that we can still work together and not split off into two completely separate factions of society."
"We are willing to grant concessions," Griphook informed him. "I wouldn't have come to you if I had nothing to reciprocate with."
"What concessions are you willing to offer?" Harry asked.
"Ambassadors," Griphook replied. "Official Ambassadors from Gringotts. For years the Ministry of Magic has had ambassadors inside Gringotts because they don't trust them, but now we will have Gringotts ambassadors, to communicate with the Ministry."
"So, you're saying you want our relationship to more closely mimic the relationship the Ministry currently has with foreign Ministries," Harry said slowly.
"To an extent," Griphook agreed. "I'd hope that our relationship would be closer than that of you and your foreign friends, but if that's how it must start then so be it."
"This is a big step," Harry mentioned. "For both our races."
"I can't speak for your people," Griphook spoke. "But we goblins of the Council want to share a bond of trust. We have learned the lessons of our bloody past and wish to instead make friends, rather than enemies."
"You haven't approached any of the other magical civilisations in Britain," Harry pointed out. "If you're serious about this you should be looking at not just us but the other intelligent magical races we have living in this country."
"We are aware," Griphook replied. "There has been much debate about holding preliminary meetings with the centaurs. We had just thought it would be best to start with the race who were most willing to meet us half way." Harry watched Griphook speak with some amazement, surprised to hear the aged goblin talk so passionately about something he'd never have even thought the goblins would have wanted.
"I can't promise a completely positive reaction from the wizarding public," Harry warned. "There are still many who don't trust goblins, and some who may even take all their money out of Gringotts if we go through with this. Are you prepared to deal with the possible backlash from our side?"
"Yes," Griphook said with a smile. "I may not have much faith in the huddled masses, but they did elect this ministry and I do have faith in that. Harry, I first visited the Ministry of Magic nearly 50 years ago, as an advisor to one of the council elders."
"We were treated terribly, like second class citizens, with people constantly whispering behind our backs, looking at us with either fear or hatred," Griphook snarled slightly as he spoke. "Today when I arrived at the Ministry I was shown to this room without a single word from any passers by. The wizards in this building find it normal to see me here, and never once looked down on me. Things have come a long way since my first visit, and I am ready for the next step."
Harry smiled. "So am I," he replied, a sense of success in the air. "Thank you, for helping me see it."
Griphook smiled back. "Thank you, for letting me show you it."
Harry stood up, Griphook doing the same. "I'll make sure to arrange further meetings to look at this in more depth," Harry said. "I'll get a few of the other senior staff together and we'll discuss the possibilities with you and whoever else you would like to join you."
"That sounds like a good idea," Griphook replied, walking through the meeting room door as Harry held it open for him. "I do believe Ambassador Weasley will be very busy over the next few weeks."
Harry's laughter was drowned out by an unearthly screech.
"Goblin scum, in the Ministry of Magic!" Umbridge screamed, looking simply deranged as she pointed an accusatory finger at Griphook. "How dare you defile this institution with your presence!"
"Madame Umbridge!" Harry bellowed, his voice rising above hers and silencing her at once. "How dare you speak like that. Master Griphook is a guest of the Ministry of Magic and is to be treated with respect. You may hold different views than us and you have, of course, the right to air your views, but in the Ministry you show nothing but respect and humility in the face of our guests."
Umbridge looked as though she was about explode, her face getting redder and redder as she stared at them. Eventually, still glaring hatefully at the pair of them, Umbridge strode away, moving as fast as her stumpy legs could carry her. At her exit the various people in the corridor started to move again, quickly getting over the excitement of the moment and returning to their jobs.
"I'm so sorry, Griphook," Harry said apologetically, turning back to the goblin, who's expression had gone sour. "She was completely out of line."
"It's okay, Harry," Griphook assured him gently, raising a hand to calm him. "I understand. There are goblins who still have an undeniable hatred of humans. I know these people exist."
"I also know," he continued. "That most people do not think like this. I may not be a seer, but I believe what we do over the next few weeks will ensure that one day no one will hold these prejudices. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Harry," Griphook said, holding out his hand.
"You too, Griphook," Harry replied, shaking it. "Would you like me to get someone to accompany you out or are you okay on your own?"
"I'll be fine, thanks," Griphook said with a smile. "Don't let me waste any of your colleagues valuable time. Goodbye, Harry."
"See you soon," Harry replied as Griphook walked away. Smiling, Harry made his way back towards the Minister's office, guessing that would be the location of most of the senior staff. As he had suspected the office was packed.
"I've just finished speaking to Umbridge," Neville informed Harry as he entered the room.
"I know," Harry replied. "I bumped into her in the hall after my meeting with Griphook."
The Minister groaned. "Griphook wasn't still there, was he?" Harry nodded.
"Don't worry, I've smoothed it over," Harry explained. "And I've got some good news, the goblins want to work with us."
"Really?" the Minister asked in surprise. "What sort of things were they talking about?"
"Gringotts ambassadors," Harry replied. "The basic idea is we remove the last of our security in Gringotts and instead work with them through various human and goblin ambassadors. We're still very much in the preliminary stages but the signs are looking good."
"Great work, Harry," the Minister congratulated. "You keep on that, this could be something huge for us if we can get it through. Neville, how did your meeting go?"
"Not good, I'm afraid," Neville said sadly. "Harry was right, Umbridge isn't going to budge at all."
"Did you try and bluff her?" the Minister asked.
"I did," Neville replied. "I said we'd start plans for drafting a werewolf restriction bill, she said she wouldn't vote on the trade bill until we submitted the werewolf one to the Wizengamot."
"Then we've got a real problem," the Minister said heavily. "Has it really come down to this, choosing between our own trade bill and werewolf rights? Are we really going to have to give up on a months work just because of one woman?"
"I've got an idea," Ron said thoughtfully. "It's kind of out there but bare with me. How about we do submit a werewolf restriction bill?"
"What?!" Harry replied, unable to believe what Ron was saying.
"Here me out, Harry," Ron said, trying to calm him down. "What if we submit the bill and then just ensure the bill gets defeated in the Wizengamot?"
"You mean ask everyone to vote against it rather than for it?" Neville asked, to which Ron nodded emphatically.
"That's awfully risky," Amos said. "Werewolves are not the most popular sect of our society, we may not be able to prevent the bill passing."
"The Ministry has no power to stop bills once they've been submitted to the Wizengamot," Hermione added. "After submitting the bill we will essentially be powerless, held hostage to our own legislation."
"Then we make it as unappealing as possible," Ron argued. "Add things in that will restrict other people's lives as well. Make the bill so unappealing that even the most ardent werewolf hater wouldn't vote for it."
"The plan has merit," Amos said. "It would make us look bad to the public though."
"That's true," Neville said, agreeing to Amos' point. "And there is no guarantee that Umbridge won't just go back on her deal, there is nothing we can do to force her to vote."
"Neville and Amos do bring up some valid points," Hermione agreed. "But I'm with Ron on this one, right now it's the best we've got."
"I agree," the Minister said heavily. "Let's start drafting up a bill."
"Minister, wait," Harry said suddenly, a plan still half worked through in his head.
"You've got an idea?" the Minister asked, the whole room watching Harry intently as his mind whirred.
"Yes, I do, and it's a much more permanent solution, if it works," Harry replied. "What if we simply appoint more Councillors?"
"Or kill Umbridge?" Ron responded sarcastically. "We can't just appoint more Councillors. If we could then every administration before ours would have done it already."
"How do you think Umbridge got her seat?" Harry challenged, silencing Ron as he thought about it.
"So we can do it?" Neville asked. "Hermione, can we do it?"
Hermione looked thoughtful. "Well, yes, we can," she said. "The Council of Merlin's Order originally contained only five members; Merlin and the four founders of Hogwarts. The idea was to give the best and brightest people in our world the final say on our laws, in a role that provides them with political immunity so they can vote on what they think is right. Over the years more members have been added when it has been thought appropriate until they reached the point we are at today, with 15 members."
Hermione paused for breath. "The last members to be added were by Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, who introduced six new members, including Lucius Malfoy, Theodore Nott Sr. and…"
"Delores Umbridge," Harry and Ron said together.
"Right," Hermione agreed.
"You think we can add a few new members to get enough votes in the council," the Minister summed up.
"Yes," Harry said. "Back when Fudge introduced Umbridge to the council he did so without approval to the Wizengamot. If we introduce six new names and let the Wizengamot vote on them we'll be able to limit the power these people have over us. In fact, to pass the trade bill all we'd need is for four of our six nominations to vote for it."
"It sounds like a good idea," the Minister agreed. "If it works."
"We'd have to make sure that our nominations are good people," Amos said. "We can't do this purely for political gain, this is a lifetime post, we need to pick people who aren't simply going to say yes when we tell them to. We need to get people of the ilk of Merlin and the founders and not of Malfoy and Umbridge."
"If we try this and fail we won't be able to save the trade bill," the Minister warned Harry.
"We won't fail," Harry assured him. "This will work."
The Minister smiled. "Alright you lot, take a seat," he said, walking round his desk and settling into his favourite armchair. "We've got some work to do."
The meeting was taking place in Meeting Room 1, the biggest and most magnificent of the Ministry meeting rooms. On one side of the table sat Harry, Ron and Hermione, the two guys sitting on either side, flanking Hermione who had a neat stack of parchment in front of her, with various files spread across in front of Harry and Ron.
On the other side of the table sat Alea Reed, David Woods, Ash Tyler and David Spence, four Warlocks from the Wizengamot who, between them, represented the major viewpoints within the legislative body.
"This is unprecedented," Woods said carefully, fingers steepled on the desk before him. "No ministry has ever done this before."
"That's not true," Hermione contradicted him. "In 1992 Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge appointed six new Councillors, without approval from the Wizengamot."
"We wouldn't do that," Ron was quick to point out. "These days the Wizengamot has much more authority, as it should, and that is why we are going to be suggesting our nominations to the Wizengamot for you to vote on. We would just like your input on who you think are suitable candidates."
"I assume you guys have already drawn up a list," Tyler said gruffly, clearly still ruffled by the last time he and Harry had spoken. "This won't be a free for all."
"That's right," Ron nodded. "We have spent considerable time with the Minister, along with Chief of Staff Amos Diggory and Deputy Chief of Staff Neville Longbottom, in drawing up a list of candidates we believe would be fair and for the good of the council as a whole for the many years these people would undoubtedly serve."
"Perhaps we should stop talking about this in abstract and instead move on to the actual suggestions you've drawn up," Reed suggested. "That would give us a better idea of what you are hoping to achieve."
Harry and Ron nodded and indicated for Hermione to start. "First name on our list is Katie Bell," Hermione said, as Harry and Ron passed around basic profiles to the four warlocks. "She attended Hogwarts for the full seven years, achieving exceptional grades in both OWL and NEWT examinations. She has spent her time since then as a civil rights lawyer, working mainly on cases of dispute between various magical creatures and wizards."
"She seems like a decent candidate," Reed nodded approvingly. "Reports describe her as professionally impartial and the grades speak for themselves."
"I've got to agree," Woods added. "It would be hard for anyone in the Wizengamot to find any reasonable fault with her." Tyler nodded along.
"She's muggleborn," Spence spoke up, his first words since he'd sat down.
"That's a problem?" Hermione asked, her fingers tapping agitatedly on the parchment before her.
"Not to me," Spence explained. "But to certain members of the Wizengamot, yes. It doesn't help that she is a woman as well."
"Purebloods have a problem with women?" Harry questioned. "The Wizengamot is filled with women, I find it hard to imagine that many of the Warlocks are against this."
"Most aren't," Spence agreed. "But purebloods tend to be more old fashioned in their ideals, more traditional. For certain purebloods that means that women should stay at home and raise the children."
"How many do you think would be against this nomination?" Harry asked, directing his question to all four Warlocks.
"I could rattle off a few names simply upon the fact she is a muggleborn girl," Spence took the duty of answering him. "And I imagine a few more might join them after looking over her record. But if everyone else likes her, which they will, she will pass." He placed her file down on the table, signifying the end of the discussion.
"Alright, well now that we're on the subject how about we move on to the other muggleborn on our list," Harry said, passing out more profiles. "Justin Finch-Fletchley."
"He won't pass," Spence said immediately, not even bothering to open the file. "He's practically a muggleborn rights activist, no pureblood will want him on the council."
"I'm afraid I have to agree," Reed pointed out. "Many of my people would likely vote for him but I couldn't. He's not the person you hire for this job."
"That's right," Woods said, acknowledging Reed's point. "On the Council we need people with open minds. We need statesmen. We can't have someone who has such strong opinions on such a divisive issue on the Council of Merlin's Order."
"We were afraid that may be the case," said Hermione, neatly scoring through Finch-Fletchley on the parchment before her. "We had some reserve options, if you'd like to hear them." Hermione waited for their nods of acceptance. "Terry Boot."
"Terry is a bit of an interesting one," Harry said as he handed out details. "Again he is highly qualified from his time at Hogwarts and has excelled since then, just not in politics."
"A private tutor in history," Tyler said with a raised eyebrow. "That will certainly interest people."
"We've discussed this for quite some time," Ron admitted. "Our conclusion is that the Council of Merlin's Order was designed to be constituted from the wizards and witches who made up the smartest and most knowledgable people in the country."
"Terry Boot is one of our countries leading experts in our history, as well as our laws," Harry pointed out. "And perhaps he's exactly what we need, a teacher rather than a politician."
"Perhaps you're right," Reed replied, reading through his profile. "I'm sure my people will be willing to vote for him, as long as they don't find out he's in to replace Finch-Fletchley at any rate."
"My people, too, would support him," Woods added. "As you know many of my supporters are academics themselves, I'm sure they would find this a refreshing appointment."
"The history he teaches appears to be very well balanced," commented Tyler. "He has refrained from ever giving a personal opinion, which might be something for you to check on yourselves. On the other hand, I can't see anyone really having a problem with him."
There was a brief pause as everyone turned to watch the last warlock in the room. "He's muggleborn," he noted predictably. "That automatically gives us problems. On the other hand, his lack of political activity may swing over a few pureblood votes. I'd say he'd be more popular than your last couple of suggestions."
"Great," Harry smiled. "We'll add Terry Boot to the list."
Hermione had already started scribbling by the time Harry had spoken, quickly scrawling down the change before moving on. "Shall I go on to the next suggestion?" at their nods Hermione cleared her throat and went down to the next name. "Tracey Davis."
There was a brief pause as the four Warlocks read their data files, chewing their lips thoughtfully as they read.
"She's the niece of Edward Davis," Woods pointed out. "Warlock Davis, that's going to account for an awful lot of the voting."
"Is that going to be a problem?" Hermione asked. "We were under the impression that Warlock Davis doesn't have particularly many enemies inside the Wizengamot."
"You won't get McCain and his gang," Tyler told them. "But he's popular among the purebloods, isn't that right David?"
Spence nodded. "Edward is seen almost as an honorary pureblood," he explained. "The Davis line is pureblood up until himself, and his wife is a half blood relation of the Black family, one of the more sane parts of the family as well."
"Warlock Reed, you know McCain quite well," Ron said. "Do you think there is any chance of bringing him round?"
Reed shook her head. "He hates Edward," she said. "He won't vote for Tracey. On the other hand she does seem to have a pretty perfect record," she commented, looking through the sheets of parchment. "I think I could keep him from rallying his supporters against her."
"Tracey Davis seems like a very moderate call," Woods nodded. "I'd say that Edward is the only stumbling block really. I'd assume he'd also have to abstain from voting." He closed the file. "Who's next?"
"Susan Bones," Ron replied.
"Done," Woods said with a smile. "After everything Amelia Bones has done for this country, Susan Bones won't have any trouble passing."
"It's been said that she's grown a lot into the mould of her aunt," Reed agreed. "I can't imagine anyone being able to fight that."
"So we're all agreed," Ron said with a grin. "Excellent, moving on, Kevin Entwhistle."
"The writer?" Woods asked in surprise. "Doesn't he write children stories?"
"In his free time," Ron pointed out. "For a living he is actually a lawyer, very well respected both here and abroad."
"Why does that matter?" Spence asked suddenly, his head perking up from his perusal of Entwhistle's file. "Why do we care about his reputation abroad?"
"Because we no longer live in an age where we can ignore other countries," Harry pointed out. "We need to have someone who will be able to see everything from an outside perspective as well. So far our Council stinks on foreign issues, nothing ever gets passed because no one knows what to do. With Entwhistle we can add that expertise to the council."
"That… surprisingly makes sense," Tyler said, turning back to the profile. "It's not something anyone has really been too aware of but now that I think about it…"
"If I brought this up I could get you votes on him," Woods said. "My people just want the best expertise on the Council, they'll agree to this."
"Likewise for me," Reed added. "You know my people are very big on foreign policy. I tell them your argument and they'll bite."
"The purebloods might not take him entirely seriously," Spence warned. "They are no doubt aware of his hobby. Be that as it may he still has a widely respected name, so I am sure there will be at least a split in the votes."
"Alright then," Harry said, passing out more profiles. "The last nomination we would like to make is Draco Malfoy."
There was silence as finished speaking, the four Warlocks staring at him with varying degrees of surprise and shock. Slowly Tyler picked up his profile and opened it, still glancing away from the page every so often to look at Harry.
"That's," Woods said hesitantly, licking his lips. "A bold nomination," he finished, turning over the first page of his profile so he could see the picture of Malfoy looking up at him.
"I don't need to see the profile," Spence said, pushing it back. "I can already tell you it will receive the entirety of the pureblood vote."
"Neither do I," Reed said shortly, shoving her profile back forcefully. "My people will not vote for him, and nor will I."
"We understand your views differ," Harry said calmly. "And we know not to expect too many of your votes."
"You should expect none of our votes," Reed cut in angrily.
"But you should at least hear me out," Harry continued as though she had not spoken. "Yes, Malfoy believes in pureblood supremacy and yes, he would vote to restrict muggleborn rights. On the other hand we have found him to be fair in what he does."
"Draco Malfoy is a lawyer," Hermione stated. "Mainly dealing with workplace issues such as unfair pay, sexual harassment and unlawful firing. He has a surprising number of convictions against purebloods to his name, even in situations where it's not a clear open and shut case. He may believe in pureblood supremacy but he is fair and has integrity, and that's what we need in our Councillors."
"We're going to start putting forward our nominations for councillors over the next few days," Ron told them, his tone suggesting they were about to wrap up the meeting. "If you have anything you would like to say, please say it now."
Alea Reed was the first to stand. "I'll get you your votes, but I can't vote for Malfoy," she said shortly. "I will, however, pass along your message and let the other Warlocks decide for themselves." She turned and walked out of the room, blonde hair trailing behind her as she left the three male Warlocks behind.
"This has certainly been an interesting meeting," David Woods said as he laboriously climbed to his feet. "I'd just like to finish by saying that I do not think my people will have any problems with any of your nominations, even Mr Malfoy. We value intelligence, and that's what your nominations have shown."
"I'm with Warlock Woods on this," said Ash Tyler, standing up and swishing his cloak over his shoulders. "We won't be universal on Malfoy, but I think you may still get enough votes with the purebloods behind you." He strode out, leading Woods along behind him as he went.
David Spence took a moment before he started to stand up, pushing his chair back to accommodate for his fair belly. "I think I've made my views very clear today," he said as he pulled on his cloak, buttoning it up to try and conceal his girth. "I'd just like to ask, is that really why you nominated Malfoy?"
Harry nodded. "We're not trying to con you or anything with this," he assured him. "We just value the qualities Malfoy has, we're just sorry he doesn't agree with us on everything."
Spence chuckled. "I never would have guessed you guys would make such an unusual nomination," he said. "Good day to you, Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger." He nodded respectfully to each of them before exiting the room.
"Well, I think that went well," Ron said loudly to break the silence, causing Harry to laugh and Hermione to sigh.
"Me too," Harry agreed. "I just hope Reed won't take this too bad."
"If she does she's being unreasonable," Hermione said. "Draco Malfoy is as much a pureblood rights activist as Katie Bell is a muggleborn rights activist."
"Whatever, I'm just glad I'm not Neville tonight," Ron said. "She'll be in one hell of a mood."
"I'm going to see how the Gringotts talks are coming along," Harry told them as they exited the meeting room. "I'll talk to you later."
"Alright, see you later," Ron and Hermione waved goodbye as they headed off down the corridor, leaving Harry to travel in the opposite direction. He'd taken only a few steps before he came across a familiar face.
"Remus."
"Hey, Harry," Remus smiled at him as he approached, Harry pulling the elder man into a hug. "It's good to see you."
"You too," Harry replied, smiling back. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, the Minister called and asked me to come in and see him today," Remus told him. "It'll be good to see him again, we haven't had a chance to talk in well over a year now."
"Well, he is a very busy man," Harry reasoned. "Hey, Remus, after you've finished with your meeting you have to come by my office."
"Will do, Harry," Remus smiled as Harry walked on, reaching a door further down the corridor and entering the room beyond. Knowing not to keep the Minister waiting, Remus set off again, making it to the Minister's outer office quickly.
"Hi Daphne," Remus smiled as he approached the assistant, who positively beamed back at him. "How are you doing?"
"I'm great, thank you Remus," Daphne smiled. "How are you? No, wait, hang on, we'll have time for that later. You're here to see the Minister, aren't you?"
"Yes I am," Remus nodded.
"Just go right in," Daphne said, gesturing to the closed office door.
"Just… go right in," Remus said nervously, eyeing the door to the most powerful office in the country.
"Relax, Remus," Daphne giggled. "He's in there on his own, just open the door."
Remus smiled slightly at his own reluctance before walking up to the door, opening it slowly while simultaneously knocking to announce his presence, trying to block out Daphne's giggles from behind him.
"Remus," the Minister called as he saw who was at the door, beckoning him in as he walked around the desk to reach him. "Good to see you, how are you?"
"I'm good, thanks for asking, Arthur, I mean, Minister," Remus said, slightly flustered. "Sorry about that, I should know better than to call you anything but the Minister in this office."
"Relax, Remus," the Minister chuckled. "You're not just some random guy I have to do business with, you're my friend. Now come, sit with me and talk like we used to in the good old days."
"Are we going to be having fire-whiskey, like in the good old days?" Remus joked. The Minister laughed.
"No, unfortunately I've made it a rule never to get drunk while I'm at the Ministry," the Minister said with a chuckle. "Also unfortunate is how I never seem to actually leave the Ministry these days."
"Ah, the curse of responsibility," Remus said lightly. "At least you've got some very able people working for you."
"I do indeed," the Minister acknowledged. "Sometimes I'll be sitting in my office and I'll think that everyone else seems to be working so much harder than I am. I'll be signing some letters or some such and then Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, they'll walk into the room and make things all the more interesting."
The Minister sighed. "But enough about me, how are you doing? Still teaching?"
"On a part-time basis," Remus confirmed. "I'm registered as a part-time educator in both the muggle and magical worlds, so I have enough work to get by." The door to the Minister's office opened and Remus turned to see who it was.
"Ah, Blaise, what do you have for me?" the Minister called.
"A message from Amos saying that the meeting with the goblins has broken up for the day and they plan to meet again at the same time tomorrow," Blaise replied. "Amos says he'll go through everything that's been said later."
"Thanks Blaise," the Minister said. "Hey, do you know Remus?"
"I don't believe I do," Blaise said. "It's a pleasure to meet you Remus." Remus was about to say the same back when he was quickly cut off.
"Yes, Remus is going to be the new Head of the Muggle Liaison Office," the Minister said, to Remus' shock. "That is, of course, if he accepts." He looked at Remus deliberately, waiting patiently for an answer.
"Minister, I think you're really putting me on the spot here," Remus gasped. "This is so sudden, I need time to think about it."
"What is there to think about?" The Minister asked, spreading his arms grandly. "It seems pretty straightforward to me. I should have asked you when I first took up office, but I was too worried about the time you'd miss around the full moon." Behind Remus' back Blaise's eyebrow raised in surprise.
"And why is that not an issue now?" Remus asked. "I understand why I can't work for the Ministry, I've accepted that."
"Bullshit," the Minister waved off, causing Blaise's other eyebrow to raise. "You've always settled for less when it comes to your personal life, Remus," he told him. "You can do this job better than anyone. And if you are worried about the full moon then you should know that the Deputy Head is more than capable of running the department while you're away."
"But, Arthur," Remus said. "What will the public say? People will not like that you've hired a werewolf."
"Maybe they won't," the Minister shrugged. "On the other hand we've come a long way since the day you were bitten. Today I had Delores Umbridge trying to bully the Ministry into introducing werewolf restrictions and instead we decided to hire more councillors. Amos is just about to come and tell me about the progress we are making with the goblins on building trust between our nation and theirs."
"100 years ago it would be ridiculous to even consider that a woman could be head of a department, 50 year ago people said it would be wrong to have a muggleborn as head of department. Now, some people may think we shouldn't have a werewolf as head of department, but I am not one of those people."
"So, Remus," the Minister said, standing up. "Will you accept this offer to serve your country? Will you come join us in our fight for justice? Will you help me do this job?"
Remus stood up too, an amazing feeling of pride in his chest. "I will," he said, loudly and firmly.
"Good," the Minister said confidently. "Blaise, could you bring in the necessary paper work we need to sign, and please inform Miss Patil that she will soon be visited by her new boss."
"Yes, sir," Blaise said, leaving the room as the Minister walked back to his desk.
"It is such a relief to have you with us again, Remus," the Minister said with a smile. "We are going to have so much fun."
"Good evening, thank you for sticking around," Hermione said as she reached the podium in the press room, papers stacked up in her arms. "There's actually a lot going on so you guys who stuck around this late are going to get a nice little scoop for tomorrow's front pages." Hermione cleared her throat
"First off, I would like to announce that the Ministry will be putting forward nominations to the Wizengamot for six, I repeat, six new members of the Council of Merlin's Order. The nominations are as follows: Katie Bell, Susan Bones, Terry Boot, Tracey Davis, Kevin Entwhistle and Draco Malfoy. Each of the nominations have been spoken to by members of the Ministry senior staff and have agreed to take up the role should they be approved by the Wizengamot."
"Hermione, is there any reason to believe that your nominations won't be approved by the Wizengamot?" Michael asked before she could move on.
"When we sat down to decide who to put up for nomination we had certain basic qualities our applicants had to fill," Hermione began. "They needed a wide ranging knowledge of existing laws and wizarding society, they needed to have a spotless criminal record." Hermione paused for effect. "And they needed to be fair. Each of our nominations were picked not because they agree with any of our policies or ideals, they were picked in the knowledge that they would do what they, in their very learned opinion, thought was best for this country."
"Hermione, is there not a problem with having two Malfoy's on the Council when Draco stands to inherit Lucius Malfoy's seat?" Sophie asked.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that there are no hereditary seats on the council," Hermione answered. "Upon the resignation or death of a council member there have been many different ways used to select their successors. Promoting their heir to the post is simply an easy answer to that and is not currently a law in our country. When the time comes for new Councillors to be appointed we hope we will have set a precedent for Wizengamot voted representatives."
"I know there are doubtless going to be many questions but I'd like to move on as it is getting rather late and there is still much to announce," Hermione said, voice rising above the questions.
"Now, Senior Staffers Amos Diggory, Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter have begun preliminary meetings with representatives of the Goblin Council of Gringotts," Hermione said, reading her notes. "As I understand it the current idea at this point is that the Ministry withdraw their own security forces in Gringotts and instead work together with the goblins on the formation of a brand new finance council."
"This council will include both human and goblin representatives and will work in tandem both with the Ministry and with the Goblin Council," Hermione paused for breath. "Of course it will take some time before this can be set up as there are many administrative details that must first be clarified."
"Hermione, is there any information about what this council will be responsible for?" Donald asked.
"I'm sorry, Donald, but everything that has been agreed I have already told you," Hermione responded.
"So this is still in the very early stages?" Donald followed up.
"Yes, the very early stages. Talks only began today," Hermione responded. "Sophie?"
"Is there any worry that perhaps the goblins are angling to bypass the authority of the Ministry?" Sophie asked.
"This morning it was the goblins who came to us," Hermione announced. "Wizards and goblins have fought each other for centuries, and for the first time both sides have realised we must change that. This finance council is a move to allow wizards and goblins to work together in a way that has never before been achieved, or even attempted. We must have trust for this to work."
There was a brief lull in the press room as Hermione looked back down at her notes. "Okay, I've got one more announcement before I'll open the floor to questions on all three items of business."
"Today the Ministry would like to announce the appointment of Remus Lupin as Head of the Muggle Liaison Office after the previous head tragically passed away last week."
"Hermione," Michael spoke. "Not to be prejudiced here, but Mr Lupin is a werewolf, what are the Minister's plans for when he has to take time off every month?"
"The idea is that during the full moon the Deputy Head of the Muggle Liaison Office will take up his position," Hermione answered. "Mr Lupin will get one and a half days off before and after the full moon every month. The Minister was willing to give him more but Mr Lupin claimed that it was more than enough time for him to recover."
"Hermione, putting asides the worries about Mr Lupin being a werewolf," Sophie said. "Why didn't the Minister give him a job when he was elected, like he did for you? After all, Mr Lupin was an important part of the Minister's campaign team."
"I can answer that by saying the Minister was worried about the exact same issue Michael just brought up," Hermione answered. "It has been a regret of the Minister's for passing over Mr Lupin and when this job became available and due to Mr Lupin's extensive time within the muggle education system it seemed like a perfect fit."
"I'm aware you have more questions but I think it's time to wrap it up for the day," Hermione said as she picked up her files. "I will go over these points again in the morning so if you've got any more questions feel free to ask them then. In the meantime, have a good night."
"See, I told you they would be fine with it," Harry said as he turned the TV off.
"Fine with it," Remus scoffed, taking another sip of fire-whiskey. "Were you and I watching the same press conference?"
"Come on," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "One question on your timetable, that's all. If that was a show of public distaste then they positively hate me."
"Maybe they do," Remus suggested.
"Hey," Harry complained, raising his arms defensively.
Remus chuckled. "Don't worry, Harry," he said. "Latest opinion poll ratings show you to be one of the most popular figures in the Ministry. Ron on the other hand…"
"What's their problem with Ron?" Harry asked, taking another sip of fire-whiskey.
"It's split," Remus said. "Between the fact he's the Minister's son and the fact that he is so awkwardly tall."
Harry snorted. "They really said that?" he chortled.
"Tall, gangly, awkward, they've used all these words," Remus said. "Whereas one of the most popular words used to describe you has been stud, ever since people found out you were going out with Ginny apparently."
Harry shrugged. "There's worse things to be known for," he said disinterestedly. "Hey, have you seen your office yet?"
Remus shook his head. "No, I'm going down there tomorrow to meet Parvati Patil. Apparently she's very keen to start working with me." Harry laughed again, the sound accompanied by a knock on his door.
"Potter." Harry sobered up slightly at the sound.
"Malfoy," he replied, standing up to face the man before him. "Please, come inside." There was a tense silence as Draco walked into the room, staring at Harry who stared right back. Remus found himself caught in the middle.
"I'll go see what Ron's doing," he offered awkwardly, slipping out of the office and heading next-door to Ron's. After he left there was a still silence, until Harry spoke.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked.
"I came to ask why you nominated me?" Draco replied immediately, refusing to beat around the bush.
"I believe Neville told you why we nominated you," Harry responded, already knowing that he'd been caught but putting up a vague effort.
"He told me some fairytale line about fairness," Draco said scornfully. "But I know it wasn't him that picked me, it was you."
Harry sighed. "Caught in the act," he muttered, sitting back down in his seat heavily.
"Why?" Draco said vehemently, taking a step closer. "Why do this, are you trying to curry favour or something? I can tell you now that neither me nor my father are going to be doing you any favours because of this."
"I'm not doing this for favours, Malfoy," Harry said tiredly.
"Then why?" Malfoy demanded, hands on the edge of Harry's desk as he stared down at him.
"You want to know why?" Harry asked. "Take a seat." For a second it looked as though Draco was going to refuse, before he seemed to relax somewhat and slipped graciously into Remus's recently vacated chair.
"Tell me why," Draco demanded quietly. "Tell me why you of all people decided to give me such an important position."
"Because I knew you'd be good at it," Harry answered tiredly, rubbing his eyes. "I've fought you Malfoy, on so many issues in so many places," he said. "Muggleborn rights, pureblood tax cuts, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow. I know you very well now, and that is why I trust you with this job."
"So this is really you," Draco said. "Being sappy." Harry laughed at that, slumping slightly in his seat. "I thought I had you all worked out too, Potter, but I guess there is still more to learn."
"That's the wonderful thing about us," Harry said. "People. We change, all the time. I'm not going to sit here and say we're going to be best friends because that is simply a lie, but I think we can both move past the arrogance and ignorance of our youth to work together for our future."
Harry smiled slightly. "Maybe I should write all my speeches drunk," he chuckled to himself as he glanced into the bottom of his glass.
"Couldn't be worse than what you usually come out with," Draco replied. Harry chuckled again at that.
"It was good to see you, Draco," he said, standing up and extending his hand. Draco matched his movements, grasping his hand firmly for a moment longer than he had to.
"It was good to see you too, Harry," he said, before turning and walking away.
"Don't be a stranger," Harry called after him. Draco just kept walking, doing nothing to acknowledge his words. As Draco disappeared around the corner Harry chuckled to himself, before pouring himself another glass of fire-whiskey and settling back behind his desk.