Summer at the Ministry of Magic
For so long Hermione had been the bookworm who did things because it would help her learn something or get good grades. Before this year, she would have marched into the Ministry of Magic determined to make the most out of the summer apprenticeship program and find the most suitable candidate for a job. While she still had that in mind, she realized that her journey would be more personal. This time, she wasn't just there for academics or the career potential. By finding her other parent, she knew it would bring her one step closer to the person who she was meant to be. Nevertheless, this was a dangerous game for laws were in place that would punish all three of them to varying degrees. She couldn't confide in Ginny, couldn't talk to the other fourth years while whole dorm was chatting at night, or even say anything to Harry and Ron. She soldiered on, walking down the hallowed halls of the Ministry of Magic that first day of June.
Orientation with the other Hogwarts students wasn't terribly exciting. They did introductions, got a few tours, and then got settled into their desks for the summer. A few groans and mutters were heard bemoaning the fact that they basically were at summer school. She was part of a cohort of about two dozen other students older from Hogwarts, many of whom she knew as hardworking students likely to be hired by the Ministry after graduation.
Most people in high positions at the Ministry of Magic were men, as she could tell from the makeup of the wizards tasked with mentoring the Hogwarts students. She couldn't outright dismiss the possibility that she had a father, but it seemed more likely Minerva McGonagall would not live apart from her child and partner were it not for a very good reason. She knew Minerva better than to assume she would so easily come out as gay or however she identified. Hermione did meet a few witches the first day, including a brief run-in with Amelia Bones who curtly introduced herself to the group, but none caught her eye yet.
She soon fell into a routine of getting to know different parts of the Ministry and doing tasks designed to test their strengths in each area of specialty. At times the tasks felt suspiciously like paperwork given to Muggle interns, but at least she got to spend most of the week in such a gorgeous building. There was also talk of a summer project that would help the students focus on one area of special interest that could perhaps turn into a more personalized apprenticeship the following summer.
By the third week, she finally had a chance to visit the Wizengamot chambers and learn from one of the best, Amelia Bones. Amelia was more stern than some of the other ministry officials the group met, but she intrigued Hermione the most. She clearly had significant legal experience and even a Muggle law degree on top of having been an Auror. That morning they were listening to a panel of members of the Wizengamot discuss their profession and offer advice for those considering the field.
"Even in a chamber of law, one must always be aware of what happens outside these doors." Amelia motioned to the large mahogany doors behind them.
"I started my career as an Auror, and can never say I truly gave that up. One must always be vigilant and stand up for who and what they believe in. Because of that I've been attacked, lost friends, and am painfully aware of the threats that have been made against me and my colleagues. We uphold the word of the Minister and must remain impartial judges to all who pass through these chambers."
A silence washed over the students upon hearing those words. They had just been going through some of the less exciting Ministry departments and the gravity of what they had just heard was both awe-inspiring and quite frightening. Hermione sympathized with the Head of the Wizengamot, for she herself felt like a target for helping Harry narrowly escape death, including in the recent Triwizard Tournament. The students were still reeling from the death of Cedric Diggory and many parents were hesitant about keeping their children at Hogwarts.
With that, the group was dismissed for lunch. Most of the students banded together, but some approached the Wizengamot members with additional questions.
Hermione was going to sit with Hannah Abbott and a few Gryffindor friends as she had been doing each day when Hannah saw that Hermione was eyeing the Head of the Wizengamot's table.
"Hermione, go ahead. I'm sure you have lots of questions for Madam Bones and the rest of them. I was actually going to talk to someone from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, he had some insights about centaurs he wanted to share." Hannah motioned for Hermione to go on while she crossed the courtyard to speak with someone they had met a few days prior.
"Madam Bones, would you mind if I asked you a few questions?" Hermione approached the empty chair.
"By all means, take a seat." Amelia gestured towards the seat and continued to take a few bites of her salad while Hermione put her book bag and food down, working up the nerve to say something.
Amelia smiled lightly at her. "I believe I remember you from meeting everyone a while ago, could you remind me what your name is?"
"Oh, I'm Hermione Granger. I just finished my fourth year at Hogwarts and I'm Muggleborn so I'm very interested in learning the ins and outs of the Ministry of Magic. I wanted to talk to you about what you said earlier. You see, I would love to learn more about both muggle and wizarding jurisprudence. I was wondering if you could tell me more about the law degree you completed at the University of Cambridge."
Amelia felt a bit guilty that she didn't immediately notice her daughter out of the group of students entering the courtyard, but she was too focused on her busy schedule that day. She did remember unexpectedly running into Hermione that first day she arrived for the summer program at which point she introduced herself as the witch in charge of running the program. Hermione kept asking her questions and Amelia was simply enjoying looking at the teenage girl with the curly hair sitting across the table from her. She had Minerva's eyes and some of her facial features, but Amelia saw a lot of herself in her daughter. She was sure the inquisitive witch would be on the lookout for her other parent, but she would likely be searching for a wizard. Amelia had to remind herself that this wasn't a game, but a careful balance between professionalism and approachability. She could only interact with Hermione as a protégé as Minerva had already been doing.
Not missing a beat, Amelia began answering Hermione's many questions, happy that they had been drawn to each other, with a little help from Minerva to get her there.
Lunch was coming to an end and Amelia had to go back to work while Hermione would be sent off to another talk with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
"I'm afraid I must get going, but it was a pleasure talking to you Miss Granger." Amelia stood up and extended her hand. When they shook hands, Amelia could swear she felt as though their magic recognized each other.
"Thank you so much, I hope you didn't mind me bombarding you with questions." Hermione replied, also seeming to be a bit caught off guard not by the handshake itself but by the way their magic seemed to react. She had noticed it felt a bit like hugging Minerva, yet it was stronger despite the small amount of contact. Magic was leading her to the woman and while she had a stern exterior, Hermione instantly knew she could be trusted.
"Not at all, I'd be happy to talk more and look forward to sharing more about the Wizengamot with you. In fact, you're welcome to work with myself or any of my colleagues on your long-term career goals project for the summer."
"Could I? That would be lovely, thank you so much Madam Bones!" Hermione beamed and the pair parted. Hermione felt exhilarated not only for what would be in store for her during the rest of the summer, perhaps to help bring down some of the horrible laws the Minister of Magic, but also for having such an engaging conversation with Amelia Bones. As she listened to Hannah gloat about her conversation with Montgomery Feldspar of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, she couldn't help but see that everyone was finding a place for themselves at the Ministry or other careers that extended beyond the confines of the large building.