Precious

Chapter 4: I can escape, can't I?

Notes (for anyone who cares to know)

This story keeps coming to me at complete spur of the moment, because that's just how I write. I don't often revise or even think out a plot, unless I have good reason. So because of this I think the story might need a little clarification, just to enlighten you all slightly.

I know what it's like to be out there writing and waiting for reviews. Hell, I do it all the time. But...I've decided to stop that. Its not working and this is a new year, so why not explore the wonderful world of writing and unleash a little thought or two I had? [insert smile here]

Harry's "Precious" isn't a girl really. In fact, I never meant to tell who I thought his Precious was. You see, that's the way I write. I write it so that the reader interprets it however they wish, without me pushing my own thoughts at them. May seem a bit blunt, but then again I am that way. Harry's Precious is something that he's had since birth, something that he wanted to lose so badly but never could quite come to terms with it. I hope that in future chapters (if any) that this could be clarified in a unique way. I want it to be presented from Harry's character. I think with that being said, I'll shut up and let you read. You may flame, I really don't give a damn. I write for me, and those who like it, I consider part of me. Blessed be, and Happy New Year.

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Believe it or not, there's always something out there to hold you down. Harry smiled at this thought. He wondered what was holding him down to this spot. To London, to his shitless job that he could do so much better if he were out on his own. He had an appointment with the Minister of Magic at noon and afterwards was planning on dropping in with Dumbledore. That always calmed him...it was just nice to sit down and listen to someone with words that had depth and simple meaning. Yet it was always complicated. Almost as if he spoke in riddles. Yet, oddly enough, Harry found that in uncertain situations he could stumble across the answers.

He was once again browsing in the shops, just looking, not really thinking. He was in one of those moods that he rarely got, when he was far off but still here. Like thinking about something in his conscious that he hadn't yet explored about himself. He'd dressed up really well, with Hermione's help, and was just about to go into Madam Malkins when he choked. I can't escape. The words came to him quite simply and he turned to see who'd said it. Turning to go, he had the sudden thought that his uneasiness must be from stress. He returned back to the apartment Ron, Hermione and he were sharing to find Hermione crying.

"Hey-" He said when he walked in then he spotted her. "What's up?" He walked over to her and plopped down and put an arm around her. She shrugged and turned away. "Harry, it's...Viktor." Harry let his arm off of her. "What about him?" She smiled sadly and whimpered. "He...well, I was at work in the office, and...there was a m-missing person report. He's gone..." She finished with her voice shaking.

"Do you have any information about it?" Harry's voice was suddenly urgent and loud. She looked up at him a bit concerned. "I was- in shock. They sent out some search crews and...I think Kingsley and Tonks went with some other Aurors to look for him-" Harry rushed to the door. Hermione stood and said, "Fudge is waiting ,Harry!" Harry turned to see her and she had tears flowing down her face. "I think its important." Harry walked over to her and nodded. "Hermione- we'll find him." She shook and he held her for a minute. "I'll see you at dinner. Meet me at Hogsmeade? Seven-thirty?" She nodded and embraced him back hard. "Thanks so much Harry." He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Anything for a friend."

He dashed off and glanced at his watch. Noon. Crap. He started jogging towards his destination and felt the snow falling on his face. He shivered and entered the Ministry. Now to find Fudge.

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The pompously short Fudge stood at the door impatiently waiting for Harry Potter. He saw him down the corridor and called to him. "Hurry up, Harry, it's not the time to dwaddle." Harry pushed his way through a crowd and entered the office. "Sorry I'm late, you see, Hermione-" Fudge nodded solemnly. "I know. Harry I know. Viktor Krum...its horrible. Listen, I meant to tell you last week...I'm resigning office."

Harry sat dumbfounded for a moment then looked at Fudge bemused. "You can't leave. I mean, I understand you wanting to, but...Viktor, the Ministry, we don't need someone compeletely fresh right now." Fudge looked at his feet then took off his hat. "Sit down, Harry. I'll explain as much as I can." So, Harry sat, and in slight discomfort, prepared to listen to Fudge's grand explination. This was really the ticket. Bail when a flutter of the old times returns. Bloody mad, if you asked Harry.

"As you know," Fudge began softly,"I've been in this office more than I ever hoped or needed to be. Its obvious we need someone new here. I know now's not a good time," he added hastily seeing Harry wanted to cut in. "Let me finish, please." Harry nodded and waited. "I've talked to Dumbledore numerous times about this. He understands and agrees with me. I'd planned on resigning a good month or so ago, but Dumbledore's asked me to wait until the proper time. I think we've reached that time. Its now or never, Harry. I've got to quit. I'm too old...to weary. I've had enough...I love this ministry and being the Minster, as you know...but. "I'm afraid I lack some of the newer skills that others below me have. I must resign."

Harry shook his head slightly. "And who, might I ask, will be taking your place?" Cornelius bowed his head. "That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. Harry, I want you to take my place." Harry was in that place again. Where he didn't hear words, where he wasn't Harry...where the world was just a white void where he existed.

"Harry?" Fudge said quietly.

Harry looked up. Dumbledore was now in the room looking both happy and stern. "This is a good decision, Cornelius, yet I don't think it wise to ensue this position to Harry just yet. He has business elsewhere, where his skills are in dire need. I am begging your pardon, but I might request Ms. Granger as a temporary replacement? She's quite excellent."

Fudge looked at Dumbledore with a gruff expression and turned to Harry. "I wanted you, Harry. If you don't want to its fine though." Harry looked at Dumbledore with mixed emotions. Did he not think Harry capable? What business did he mean exactly? Dumbledore seemed to understand Harry's thoughts.

"Cornelius, I honor your decision. The magical community would honor it as well. Harry was the perfect makings for any career, yet...at his prime youth, I must request that he choose a different path for now. Look for a Harry as Minister someday, yes perhaps, but...I do not wish that day to be today."

Fudge looked and Dumbledore and retorted ," Since when are you his father, eh? He's old enough to make his own decisions." Dumbledore bowed and did not speak. Harry looked at both in turn and spoke. "I am deeply moved that you wish me to fill your position, sir, but...I must follow Dumbledore's council. He has always lead me to his best ability. As for him being my father, that would never happen." Dumbledore smiled softly at Harry while Fudge looked impressed (only a hint of annoyance showed).

"But, if you wish to press the matter...he's as close as I could hope for." Dumbledore stepped forward beaming and Harry nodded to each. "See you soon, I've got to leave for a while." And with that, he dashed for the door.