Chapter Sixteen
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does and unfortunately I am not her.
Summary: After the Second Wizarding War, a Guardian was given to each child of the main families that helped in the war. They were all tasked with a simple job, protect their allocated person with their life. Somehow, Freya screwed it up in the biggest way. She fell in love.
There are going to be a lot of OCs, but the focus is going to be on Freya.
I AM SO SORRY!
I am not dead, I swear.
I have been swamped with University work lately and I haven't had any motivation to write at all for so long! But I am so grateful for the people who have reviewed, favourite and followed the story so far.
Onwards!
HARRY POTTER
That same day
Freya was walking back to her dorms after her chat with McGonagall and she did feel better, but only slightly. She couldn't help but feel anxious. She could still feel her stomach fluttering from the encounter with James she had just moments ago. Just thinking about it sent shivers down her spine, but it wasn't for any good reasons. Freya had talked to James – her charge. She had spoken to him and liked it. She liked the way he kept her on her toes, she liked the fact he challenged her because it excited her. But one blurring fact couldn't be ignored: Freya had broken one of the many unspoken rules in the Guardian Programme and she felt guilty. Once Freya recognised this feeling, she felt like she had swallowed a stone.
Should she tell Lance?
Freya shook her head, McGonagall had told her not to. No one was there to witness the incident so she didn't need to worry about anyone ratting her out. But Lance had instilled into them to always snitch on anyone that breaks the rules – even themselves.
Just then, a magical note appeared, floating near her. Without another thought, Freya snatched it and looked at the note, only to feel her stomach flutter violently.
Freya Williams,
Report to my office at once.
Lance.
Freya mentally cursed, feeling at the blood leave her face. Being called out by Lance at this time was never a good sign. Actually, being called to his office at all was never a good sign. Freya's heart felt heavy and for a moment, she found it hard to breathe. Freya clenched the note in her hand and tried to calm herself down. Lance couldn't know she had spoken to James, there was no way. It was just her and James in the Quidditch Pitch. Keeping that in mind, Freya walked to Lance's office even know all she wanted to do was run and hide.
The walk to Lance's office seemed to be the longest she had ever walked. But eventually, Freya made it. Taking this moment, she took a deep breath and cleared her mind. Freya wasn't taking any chances and raised her Occlumency Shields to the highest they have ever been set. She knocked on the door and only opened it when she heard Lance's voice giving her permission.
Entering the office, Freya saw that Lance was behind his dead as usual with a tense expression. When Lance spotted her, he smiled at her. "Ah Freya, there you are."
Saying nothing, Freya closed the door behind her and stepped further into the office. She only stopped when she was a few feet away from his desk. "You needed to see me about something sir?" Freya said blankly.
Lance nodded his head. "Yes. I would like your opinion."
This didn't settle well with Freya, as usually, Lance didn't ask their opinion often. Most times, it was usually a trick question.
"Do you believe all the Guardians are loyal to me?" Lance asked, staring at Freya with an intense expression. If Freya wasn't already used to his behaviour, she would have been stumped and would have hesitated.
But this is what her father had trained her for. "All Guardians are loyal to only you, sir," Freya replied back instantly, not hesitating once. Her speeding heart rate was slowing down and she was felt herself start to relax. Lance hadn't mentioned her encounter with James and she was hoping that it would stay that way.
Lance nodded his head, happy with the response. "Good, because they're going to need to be," Lance said as he stood up and walked over to the window in his office.
Freya watched him, feeling uneasy.
"As you know, Teddy and Victoire Lupin are going to have a child. That child will also need to be protected. However, no one under my care is pregnant and I cannot ask the ex-Death Eaters as most of them are too old." Lance said as he began pacing around the office.
Freya stood and watched him, waiting for him to continue. However, she didn't like where his words were leading him.
Lance turned around and looked directly at her. "That leaves the Guardians. Logan is the perfect male for the job, and so would Amy. But, this would mean Amy would have to leave the Guardians Programme for a while and she is needed. So, now I look to the slightly younger ones." He said, taking a few steps closer to the Gryffindor.
Freya felt her body freeze when Lance reached out and touched her hair. Lance began stroking her hair slowly while absentmindedly looking out the window of his office. Freya wanted to slap his hand away so badly, but she reframed herself.
"In my eyes, you would be a perfect candidate," Lance said casually.
It took everything inside Freya to not scream and yell. The thought of becoming the Guardians' breeding machine did not sit well with her.
"But I have decided that you are needed here. You seem to be my only competent Guardian." Lance said with a scoff, removing his hands from Freya's hair as he moved away to sit at his desk once more.
"Thank you, sir," Freya said smoothly, covering up her disgust.
Lance smiled in her direction. "However, would you have any Guardians in mind?" He asked, leaning forward in his seat.
For a moment, Freya said nothing. Her mind had thought of Katrina – who so desperately wanted to be a mother. But she refused to put Katrina through this. There was no way in hell that Freya would ever put forward Katrina's name.
"None, sir," Freya answered back.
Lance sighed in disappointment but nodded his head nonetheless. "That will be all then." He said, waving his hand in a dismissive manner.
Without another word, Freya left the room. Once outside, Freya sighed in relief before jogging back to her dorm. The further away she was from Lance the better. As she jogged, Freya gave herself a mental reminder to have a long shower to wash her hair.
HARRY POTTER
The next day
Looking at the watch on his wrist, Harry saw that it was nearly time three in the afternoon. Last night, Harry had received an urgent letter saying that this person needed to talk to him. The letter wasn't signed and Harry didn't know who it was. However, the letter said that they would arrive at his home address at a four. This had alarmed Harry as not many people knew where he lived and he didn't want Ginny to be in any danger as it was her day off. Harry knew his wife could defend herself very well, but he couldn't help but worry.
Harry opened his front door and called out. "I'm home, Ginny!" He projected his voice, letting his wife know of his presence. As he did this, he removed his coat and placed it on the coat rack they had near the door.
"In here, dear!" Ginny shouted back, sounding happy. Her voice seemed to be coming from the living room.
Harry smiled and walked further into the house. Hearing his wife's voice was always great after a long day in the Ministry. However, Harry was greeted with a sight that he didn't see often. Harry had expected to see his wife and spend some time with her before this mysterious person arrived. But all he saw was McGonagall sitting in his living room, with Ginny serving her tea.
"McGonagall?" Harry said, his green eyes widened.
McGonagall looked up at the clock in the room and then at him. "Looks like you've finally learned how to be on time." She said in a mocking manner.
Harry and Ginny shared a smile.
"If it's alright Mrs Potter, I need to speak with your husband," McGonagall said, placing her cup down on the table.
Ginny smiled and nodded her head, "Of course." She stood up and walked over to Harry, kissing him on the cheek before leaving the room. She had left the room out of respect for McGonagall as it wasn't often she would come visit the house.
Harry watched his wife leave. "So, you sent that letter?" He asked, walking over to sit down near the Headmistress.
McGonagall arched an eyebrow. "Took you long enough."
"But why couldn't Ginny be here?" Harry asked, looking at her with a curious expression. Harry told his wife everything. He hides nothing from his wife and Ginny did the same. Many time, the two would share confidential information that no one was allowed to know.
McGonagall picked up her tea and began drinking once more. "I had a feeling you wouldn't want her to be put in any danger."
This immediately alarmed Harry.
McGonagall's eyes sharpened. "Mr Potter, what I am about to tell you is completely confidential. In the end, you can make the decision of whether you tell Mrs Potter or not."
Harry sat straight on the couch as his posture tensed. He knew that McGonagall wasn't messing around, and that's when he knew that something was serious.
"There is a secret department in the Ministry, but I cannot tell you its name. I cannot tell you the purpose or what it's doing, but I can tell you it's not good." McGonagall said with a grim expression. She so badly wanted to spill everything to Harry, but she knew she couldn't. If Lance were to even find out she heard it would mean devastating effects on the children.
Harry frowned and looked at her with a confused expression. "Why can't you say?" He asked. He could see that McGonagall wanted to, but something seemed to be holding her back. He had seen that look many times when he was interrogating people.
"It's too dangerous," McGonagall retorted blankly.
Harry said nothing, knowing better than to question his old Transfiguration professor. She was always the most honest with him back in his Hogwarts years and he appreciated that.
"I know you have already noticed something is wrong at Hogwarts. You've noticed students acting weird, have you not?" McGonagall questioned with an arched brow. She had asked Kingsley personally for Harry to be a judge for the Tournament. She knew that he would notice something was up immediately – or she at least hoped he would.
Harry nodded his head. "I have yes. I have also sensed a powerful memory charm."
For a moment, McGonagall smiled but it disappeared as quickly as it came. "You're right. Looks like being an Auror has done you some good." She said, taking a sip of her tea.
Harry grinned slightly. "So, what can you tell me?" He asked, getting back to business.
"Look into Lance Johnson more closely. He is hiding a big secret, one that has been hidden for far too long." McGonagall said with a grim expression before standing up. "I must be on my way, I do not wish to be away from Hogwarts for too long." Who knows what Lance was doing in her absence and she wasn't going to take the risk.
Harry nodded his head and stood up, "Of course. I will definitely look into him." He said he began leading his old professor to the door.
McGonagall stopped just as she was about to open the door. "One more thing, Mr Potter." She said, turning around to look at him.
"Yes?" Harry said as he looked at her with an arched brow.
"Tread carefully around Lance. Keep any details of your investigation quiet and only tell the people you trust with your life. If he were to find out you're investigating him, it would have dangerous repercussions." McGonagall warned ominously. Her thoughts went back to when Lance threatened the well-being of her students in front of her. She would not any of her students get hurt. She didn't care if Lance threatened her, but her students were another thing altogether.
Harry frowned deeply, her words sending a shiver down his spine. "Of course." He said, nodding his head. He didn't know exactly what it was, but what McGonagall said made his stomach clench. What was going on in Hogwarts that McGonagall couldn't deal with?
Without another word, McGonagall left the house.
Just then, Ginny came down the stairs, "Is she gone already?" Ginny asked, standing beside her husband with a curious expression.
"Yes, she just dropped in for a chat," Harry said, smiling down at his wife. After what McGonagall had said, Harry knew that he was going to include Ginny. He knew that Ginny could look after herself and he wanted her to be informed in case they ever ran into Lance Johnson.
"Ginny, what do you think about Lance Johnson?" Harry asked suddenly.
Ginny looked at him with an arched brow. "I think he's a bit odd, and a bit of a boot-licker at times, why?" She asked, turning around to face him.
Harry sighed deeply. "You will never believe what is going on."
Ginny shot him an incredulous look.
HARRY POTTER
That next day
It was only early morning when Harry arrived back in the Ministry of Magic. Harry had one goal in mind that day and that was to speak with Kingsley. After having a long chat with Ginny, they had devised a plan. Ginny had been extremely worried about James, Albus and Lily and the rest of their family. Ginny had wanted to confront Lance immediately, but the thought made Harry shake his head. Harry knew that he couldn't outright ask Lance as it would be too dangerous.
Something was certain though, and that was Kingsley was hiding something, and Harry was going to find out what it was.
Easily navigating his way through the Ministry, Harry knocked on Kingsley's door and received a quick answer that he could enter. Harry knew that Kingsley would be in his office, he was always early to start the day and finished late. Opening the door, Harry saw Kingsley sitting at his desk with many papers in front of him.
Kingsley looked up and smiled. "Harry! What can I do for you?" He asked, seeming happy to see him.
For a moment, Harry said nothing. "I was hoping to have a quick chat if you're not too busy drowning in paperwork," Harry said with a grin. Kingsley did have a mountain of paperwork around him which never seemed to go down at all.
Kingsley laughed in good nature. "I am always drowning in paperwork. But I always have time to speak with you." He said, extending his hand to one of the free chairs in front of him.
Harry smiled as he walked forward and sat down.
"So, what can I do for you?" Kingsley asked, sending a warm look his way.
Taking a deep breath, Harry began. "As you know I have conducted my visits to all departments. All but one." He said, feeling unsure. He didn't know how Kingsley would react to this. He had already asked once about this secret department and received no answer, but he was hoping that today would be different as they were alone. Harry had made the mistake of asking in front of another person in the Ministry. Harry was hoping that Kingsley would be more open when alone.
Kingsley frowned, the warm look in his eyes gone.
"I would like access to that department to continue with the review." Harry finished, trying to make his tone as light as possible. Harry was trying to make it seem like it wasn't a big deal and that McGonagall hasn't pre-warned him beforehand.
"I am afraid that I cannot do that," Kingsley answered back slowly.
Harry sent him a curious expression. "And why is that? You asked me personally to review every department."
Kingsley sighed deeply. "That is one department you don't need access to. It was made after the Wizarding war and is being monitored by a trusted Auror." He replied back, seeming confident in his answer.
"Lucius was thought to be trusted too," Harry answered back quickly, not needing to say anymore. Everyone knew about the fall of the older Malfoy. His fate rested in Azkaban where not even his family would go and visit him anymore. He was left to rot in Azkaban where he deserved to be with all the other Death Eaters still loyal to Voldemort.
Kingsley didn't say anything for a moment. He looked at the ground, guilt flashed in his eyes for a moment which Harry caught. As an Auror, you have to be quick to notice people's reactions. Originally, Harry had struggled with this aspect at first, but now it was second nature to him to analyse people.
"Kingsley, what is going on?" Harry asked in a hushed tone.
"I made a bad decision years ago, one that I regret every single day of my life," Kingsley whispered in a pained voice. He looked up and there were guilt, pain and regret in his eyes.
Harry moved closer to him. "I can help you with this." He said earnestly. Whatever Kingsley had done couldn't be too bad. Kingsley didn't have a single bad bone in his body.
Kingsley shook his head. "I can't."
Harry was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. Kingsley shot up and cleared his throat. "Enter." He said in a strong voice, leaving no indication of the vulnerability he had just displayed moments ago.
The door opened to reveal Kingsley's secretary. She was a petite woman who looked to be in her late twenties.
"Sir, you have a meeting scheduled in ten minutes." The woman said with a smile. When she saw Harry in the room, her eyes widened in panic. "I-I'm sorry if I interrupted." She said quickly with an unsure expression.
Kingsley smiled and shook his head. "Of course not. I and Mr Potter were just wrapping up." He said, standing up from his seat. "Have a good day," Kingsley said before leaving the office, closing the door behind him quickly.
Harry frowned and was about to leave, but he stopped. He looked back and noticed an open letter on Kingsley's desk. It had a crest on the seal that Harry recognised. When Harry had been tailing two people from this mysterious department, he had noticed a mark on both their necks. It was a bold capital 'G' with thorns wrapped around it. The crest on the letter also had that same mark. Looking around, Harry walked around the desk, making sure not to touch anything. Kingsley had left this letter half open, so Harry could see some of what was written.
Quickly, Harry began scanning the letter.
Kingsley,
So far, the Guardian Programme within Hogwarts has been a success-
Harry's head shot up when he heard the door open. Quickly, Harry walked around the desk so he was standing back where he was before. When the door opened fully, it revealed Lance Johnson, looking confused.
"Mr Potter, I wasn't expecting to see you here," Lance said with a pleasant smile on his face.
Harry returned the smile, "Oh I was just leaving." He said, walking away from the desk with a pleasant expression on the outside. He was carefully watching Lance, McGonagall's warning still ringing in his ear. He had to act as natural as possible, even when he was feeling very distrustful of the Auror in front of him.
"Actually I am glad I caught you. I am hosting a Christmas Party and I was hoping you and your family could attend?" Lance asked with a hopeful expression.
"I'll have to ask the wife first." Harry said in a joking manner, "But send the invitation anyway." In his mind, Harry was already coming up with a plan. If Harry went to this party, maybe he could find out some more information.
Lance's icy blue eyes gleamed brightly. "Will do. I do hope you can attend." He said, leaving the office with a smile on his face.
Harry smiled until Lance was out of sight.
HARRY POTTER
Later that same day
Harry sat in his study, thinking. While he was thinking, he was flicking the golden snitch that Dumbledore had left for him in his will. When Harry was in deep thought, his hand always reached for the golden snitch. For some reason, it always helped him think. Maybe Harry just liked the sound it made, but that didn't matter. He was thinking about some of the letters he had seen on Kingsley's desk. The Guardian Program, what was it? He had never heard of it before but something inside him made him feel uneasy and whatever it was didn't settle well with him. That's why when he left, Harry had immediately sent his Patronus to Hermione and Ron, asking to meet with them that day. Harry didn't know exactly what was going on, but he knew that it couldn't be good. Was this the thing that Kingsley was so pained over?
Harry looked when he heard the door to his office open. He saw Hermione and Ron standing there with worried expressions on their faces.
"Harry, we came as soon as we could," Hermione said, her tone filled with concern. Her curly hair had calmed down over the years and now it suited her wonderfully. Ever since the Wizarding War, Hermione had trained to become an Auror just like Harry and Ron. She had refused to be left out the action. In her spare time, she campaigned for House Elves rights and was successful in her organisation she had set up.
"Yeah, what's up mate?" Ron asked as he sat down near him.
Harry sighed and leaned back in his chair. "There is a secret department in the Ministry, one that Kingsley will not let me have access to." He began with a frown. Even without McGonagall's warning, he had noticed that something was amiss within the Ministry but her warning just solidified it.
Hermione looked alarmed at this. "What? There can't be. Kingsley wouldn't have kept that a secret from us." She couldn't believe what she was hearing, but she knew that Harry wouldn't lie. Hermione trusted Kingsley, but she trusted Harry even more.
"Are you sure?" Ron asked, looking at Harry with furrowed brows.
Harry nodded his head. "Yes. I was tailing two people but they managed to disappear on me. When I confronted Kingsley, he seemed…pained."
The room was silent for a moment. Hermione had raised her hand and placed it under her chin, thinking. Ron also looked to be thinking – though not as hard as Hermione. Harry still felt confused, but he knew that having Hermione and Ron helping would be beneficial.
"There is more, isn't there?" Hermione asked, looking straight at Harry. She could read him like a book and she knew that there was more to the situation.
Ron scoffed, "What more can there be?" A secret department in the Ministry was a big issue since they had no clue what the purpose of it was for. For all they knew, it could be filled with dark magic and Kingsley was covering it up.
Harry sighed heavily. "McGonagall visited me. She warned me about the secret department. This department has sneaked it's away into Hogwarts for years and no one has noticed." How could no one have noticed anything?
Hermione shot Ron a smug look. Ron rolled his eyes but smiled anyone. He should have known not to challenge his wife as she had a habit of always proving him wrong.
"So why can't McGonagall do something about it?" Ron asked, thinking of his old professor.
Harry shook his head. "McGonagall could hardly tell me anything. She seemed as though she wanted to, but couldn't." He could remember wanting to ask her for more, but the haunted look in her eyes stopped him. It was actually very similar to the look in Kingsley's eyes. Harry had a very certain feeling that they were connected in some way.
"McGonagall must be being blackmailed," Hermione said suddenly, making the two men look in her direction.
Ron looked incredulous. "Who the bloody hell would be bold enough to threaten McGonagall?" He asked. McGonagall was strong. She could possibly beat half the Auror's on their team and come out unscathed with her steely glare alone.
However, Harry could see where Hermione was going with this. "Threatening McGonagall wouldn't get anywhere, but if someone were to threaten the students…"
"She'd give without a second thought." Hermione finished with a grim expression.
Ron slowly nodded his head, seeing what they were saying. McGonagall would go to any length to protect her students. She had stood up to Voldemort to ensure that Harry would stay safe back in their Hogwarts years. It was something none of them had forgotten.
"Did she say anything else?" Hermione asked.
Harry pursed his lips together. "She said to be wary of Lance Johnson and that he needed to be looked into further."
Ron barked a loud laugh. "Johnson? You mean one of your fans." Ron could remember first meeting Lance Johnson. He was like a lost puppy that would follow Harry around when he first came into the Ministry. He was like a fanboy, like of like Colin Creevey.
"Ronald, he's also quite dangerous. He was trained under Moody himself." Hermione scolded her husband.
Ron instantly quietened down.
Harry grinned at his behaviour, trust Ron to break any tension in the room. "McGonagall said that he has been hiding a secret for far too long. I think that Johnson is looking after this secret department, Kingsley told me that had a trusted Auror watching over this department." Harry warned them with a severe look.
Hermione nodded her head. "I knew there was something I didn't trust about him. He always gave me the creeps." She admitted with a shiver. There was always something about his demeanour that unsettled her to an uncomfortable point. Most times, she would move away if he was even slightly near her.
"So, what's the plan?" Ron asked with a grin on his face.
Slowly, Harry returned the grin and so did Hermione.
HARRY POTTER
Another chapter done!
Alright guys, the next chapter will be about the second Triwizard challenge that I know you have been looking forward to!