Chapter 12
Too Many Secrets
Ginny let her head droop over the hot cup of tea, breathing in the vapors and letting them clear her head. She was sore and tired and the stress of the last twelve hours was quickly catching up with her. She'd have collapsed onto the table the moment she sat down if she hadn't been looking into the eyes of a wizard she had almost taken for dead.
"Is this all real?" she asked in a groggy voice. "It is, isn't it? This isn't some fantasy I've dreamed up after being attacked by those wizards in the alley or some nightmare while I'm still sleeping in that castle in Germany?"
"No, this is real," Harry reassured her, "but if it weren't, I don't know if it would be a fantasy or a nightmare."
"What happened in that alley?" Ginny asked absentmindedly. "That was you I was following, wasn't it?"
"Yes, it was, though you were doing a horrible job of it," he said. "After running through the market, I ducked into that shop we were in, and you just ran right past it into a dead-end alley full of thieves." Harry paused to rub his eyes. "I wanted to leave you to them. At least I wouldn't have to see it. I've never been able to do it, though. I always fight back. I guess part of me always hoped it really was you."
"What did you do to them?" Ginny asked reluctantly.
"Nothing worse than what they did to you," he replied. "They've never seen my face, and they don't know who I am, but it wasn't the first time they've seen me. The people of the Lower City share an odd respect for me. I'm sure it helps that I've learned quite a few tricks since I left Hogwarts." He took a sip of his tea and leaned back in his chair. "I let them know that you were coming with me. They decided that the ability to walk was worth more than you."
"You're different, Harry," Ginny said with a frown. "There's something... darker in your eyes. I've never seen you enjoy threatening people."
Harry looked contemplative for a moment. "Maybe I have changed, but not as much as it might appear." he replied firmly. "It's been a long year. I've seen more than I know how to explain."
"Where have you been?" Ginny finally asked. "I've looked everywhere for you. Hermione and Ron, too. All I ever found was mocking answers and piteous looks."
Harry leaned back farther and looked at the ceiling. "I've been so many places, Ginny. I went away for a while, but not long. Since then I've been moving around a lot. I've been to France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and even Brazil. Of course, I've also been to Egypt."
"So you were in Egypt?"
"Yes, I was there. I was trying to protect you from― Well, it worked," he said with a shrug. "When I saw that wizard cast the Killing Curse from the rooftops, I― It's been a long time since I felt anger like that."
"That was you, then? The explosions and the wind?"
"You were supposed to run," Harry said. "I would have taken care of them."
"How was I supposed to know?" Ginny replied sharply. "I guess I was a little paranoid after watching a wizard killed for simply walking with me."
"Stefan," Harry murmured. "He was killed for more than just walking with you. He used to be one of them. He'd been helping me for weeks. I told him it was dangerous, but― He felt he needed to repay you for what he'd done."
"What had he done?"
"He was the one― He was the first to meet with... Charlie," Harry said as he stared into his tea. "Stefan was the one who first convinced Charlie to listen to what the Brotherhood had to say. They'd met at Charlie's camp and Stefan knew just what to say to make Charlie agree."
Ginny felt a lump forming in her throat, and found that she couldn't say anything in response. Stefan, the man who'd died trying to save her, had been the reason why Charlie had been at the Ministry. How could someone be so cold and brave at the same time?
"I tried to stop him," Harry said quietly. "I tried to find some way to convince him not to ―to convince him that there was another way― but I couldn't get him to listen. He was just trying to keep his family safe."
"Just like Sabine?"
"It's a very effective motivation," he said softly.
"That's why you were in Romania, then? To protect Charlie?"
"Yes, in a way. I knew Charlie had been in danger for a long time," he explained. "It was only a matter of time before they came to him. I was in Romania because the Brotherhood was there. That is where it all started."
"Because of Tarus?" Ginny asked.
"Yes," Harry nodded gravely. "Because of him."
"What did he do?"
Harry frowned and swirled his tea. "What did he tell you?"
"He said he tried to fix something, but he never really said what it was."
"Grigore Tarus is very wise, but he's not infallible," Harry explained. "He made a mistake."
"Yes, he told me that," Ginny said with a bit of impatience. "What was it? What is this all about?"
Harry rubbed his eyes again, and took a deep breath. "There are things I still can't tell you."
"Why not?"
"Haven't you been listening?" Harry replied testily. "If they think you know too much, they won't risk letting you tell anyone else."
"Are they all completely daft?" Ginny burst out. "Won't they know that we escaped together? They knew we were both in that run down shop. They seem to think you actually care about me. Why wouldn't they think you were telling me everything?"
"Because they know that I'd be killing you if I told you everything," Harry explained with grim smile. "That's how it works. They know I won't tell you about them because they'll kill you if I do, and I know they won't kill you because I'd tell the world about them. That's the way it was for months. Everything was held in a delicate balance, but that started changing the moment you left Hogwarts."
"Are you trying to say this is my fault?"
"No," Harry replied cautiously. "Not like that. I didn't see it coming. As soon as you left Hogwarts, the Brotherhood saw their opportunity to get a permanent advantage. Didn't it ever seem odd just how easily you got that job with Ferdinand Harrington?"
"Well, yes, but―"
"And it wasn't strange when you were meeting with the French delegates only days after you started working there?"
Ginny frowned. "I just figured that was the reason they needed me so quickly."
"Somehow, they found out that you were having second guesses about joining the Aurors, and they created that job just for you. They sent wizards to speak with the Minister, they bribed officials and manipulated whole departments just to see that you got that job."
"Why? So I could meet with Henri D'Anneau?" Ginny asked. "That seems like a lot of work to go through to accomplish something that could have been done with a lot less planning."
"Perhaps, but of all the places I've been, I've spent most of my time here in London. I did everything I could to keep you out of the Ministry. I had a friend on the Bulgarian delegation pull some strings, I had the World Cup Committee make up silly rules, and I even had the goblins interfere. None of it mattered. They still got what they wanted. They went through all of that because I was fighting them the whole way. I wanted you to stay out of this."
Ginny sipped at her tepid tea and tried to think. Harrington had been right all along. Of course, he thought that it was Ginny who was manipulating everyone, but in the end, it didn't make much of a difference. She wasn't sure if she felt relieved or disappointed. It was all just part of the trap. "What about Tarus?" she asked. "Why is he part of this?"
"He must be trying to keep you safe," Harry said as he stared at the table. "If that is what he told you, then I believe that is indeed the reason. He was well liked by the wizards in Romania because of his honesty. He crafts his words well, but he doesn't lie."
"What about the war he spoke about, then?" Ginny asked. "He didn't seem to think it could be stopped."
"It can't," Harry remarked.
"Then what's the point in waiting? Why let them get any more prepared? We should tell Ron and Hermione right now. They could get the whole Order organized in a day."
"And in that day the Brotherhood might kill a hundred wizards or more just to stop them. They're not the ones who are unprepared, Ginny, we are. They've been waiting and planning this for months now. They knew it was coming. They're everywhere now. They want me to join them. That's the only way the war can be stopped, but Tarus was right. The war will come because I'll never do that, but if I let them believe it's possible, I might buy us some time to prepare.
"I will explain everything to you," Harry said. "I'll tell Ron and Hermione, too, just not yet. There are some things I need to do before then."
Harry stood up as if taking a cue from his own statement. Ginny watched as he straightened his robes, checked his wand, and tightened the pair of buckles on each of his boots.
"You're going now?" Ginny exclaimed.
"There isn't any time to waste, Ginny. I'm really sorry, but I really do have to go."
"No! I just found you, I'm not letting you go!" she shouted.
"I know, Ginny," Harry replied sympathetically. "I don't want to leave, but I have to. You're safe now, but there are others who aren't. Believe me, if I had a choice, I'd stay right here, but I can't. Not until they're safe."
"I'll go with you!" she offered, but Harry just frowned.
"You're barely awake," he commented. "I'd guess your arm is still a little weak. You're dehydrated, hungry, and you don't know your way around the places I need to go."
"What places are those?"
"We'll both be better off if you don't know," Harry said as he refilled the bottle of water in his bag. When he was finished he stuffed it into the bag, walked back to the table and crouched down near Ginny.
"I need you to promise me that you won't talk to Ron or Hermione," he told her firmly. "Spend as little time around them as you can manage. It's very important. It might not be easy, but you have to do it. If the Brotherhood sees you talking with them, I don't know what they'll do. Can you promise me that?"
Ginny nodded weakly.
"Thank you," he said with a sigh of relief. "Don't tell anyone what happened in Romania. I assume you were there for some mission for the World Cup Committee. If they ask, you can tell them that you were attacked by some thugs and you only found a way out this morning. Don't go into the Ministry today. Stay here and get some rest. If there's any danger, I'll come back for you."
As Harry turned to leave, Ginny's arm shot out to grasp at his cloak. "But they'll know it's not true. What if someone says I'm lying?" she asked.
Harry turned and put his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "If they know it's a lie, it means they are helping the Brotherhood," he said. "They won't contradict your story, even if they know it's wrong. They would have to reveal themselves, and they're not going to do that. If there are Brotherhood wizards around you, you can be certain they'll do whatever it takes to see that everyone accepts the lie."
Without warning, Harry leaned forward and gave Ginny a brief kiss on the lips. An instant later, a ruffle of cold air brushed across her face as Harry turned and strode toward the front door.
"Good luck!" she called out, but the only response she got was the closing of the heavy door.
She sat at the table for some time, staring at her cold tea and hoping to hear some sound of Harry's return. The house was silent again, and if it weren't for the empty cup sitting across from her and the faint tingle on her lips, she could have almost believed that it had all been a horrible dream.
After a half hour, it was obvious that Harry would not return ―not immediately at least. Ginny tried to stand and realized just how tired she really was. She stumbled up the stairs and into the very first bedroom she could find. Without another thought, she collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep.
She awoke many hours later to find the first glowing rays of sunlight dancing across the London rooftops and casting soft shadows against the wall above her.
She slowly rolled out of bed and walked across the room to the window. Part of her expected to see a pack of wizards in grey robes waiting in the street, but it was nearly empty. Only a few stray Muggles were walking down the pavement. It looked almost normal. She was hit with a desire to stay at Number Twelve. Once she left, she knew the day would never be as simple and relaxing as it was now.
Still, she knew she could only put off her return so long. She walked down to the kitchen and opened the wardrobe. As quickly as she could, she took off her old robes and slipped into new ones. She couldn't help but glance nervously around the room after she was finished.
She didn't know what time it was. Her watch was probably still in Romania. It was probably still well before she normally went to the Ministry, but she decided it would be better if she were waiting there when Harrington and Reading showed up.
With a few waves of her wand, she started some tea for herself. A few more flicks and she had a small plate of toast waiting for her. She grabbed a slice and walked into the next room where there was a large bookcase. She needed a spellbook, preferably one which might teach her a few of the spells Harry had been using. After another piece of toast and some tea, she found something. It wasn't as thick as she was afraid it would be, so she tossed it into her bag, finished her tea and left the house.
The Muggles on the street ignored her as always and she made her way to the darkened alley. An instant later, she was surrounded by the gold-trimmed walls of the Entrance Hall at the Ministry.
There were many fewer wizards around than there normally were. She must have been even earlier than she thought. As her shoes clicked across the polished floor, a pair of wizards at the other end of the hall turned to look at her. They seemed to speak to each other for a moment, then one nodded and walked away, through the golden gate to the lifts. The other walked over to the desk where the guard was lazily paging through a book. He spoke to the guard for a moment, then stood and left the same way the other had.
Ginny tried not to feel paranoid, but after everything that had happened, she was almost certain they had been waiting for her to arrive. She'd hoped she might be able to walk to her cubicle without anyone taking much notice of her, but perhaps that was a foolish thing to hope for. Now she was wondering whether she'd even be able to make it to her office.
She continued walking and noticed the guard staring at her. He, however, wasn't nearly as disturbing as another wizard standing just to the left of the golden gates. He was wearing a grey cloak with a deep hood, just like the wizards that had tried to stop them in Romania and the wizards who she'd seen in the Spectrecorder.
Unlike either of those times, this time she was able to see the wizard's face. He looked somewhat older than Bill, though he had the refined look of a wealthy aristocrat. His eyes were dark and deep set, with a small amount of dark hair showing under his hood. His stare was filled with a malevolent curiosity that Ginny found unnerving.
As she approached the gate, she had expected the guard to stand and stop her or tell her she'd have to go with him, but instead he simply turned back to his book. Seconds before she was going to pass under the gate, the cloaked wizard took two quick steps toward her, partially blocking her path.
"Pardon me," he said in a silky voice. "I was wondering if you might be able to tell me the time."
Ginny looked back at the wizard and found an odd look in his eyes. They were oddly focused and yet impatient, like a caged animal biding its time and waiting for an opportunity to strike. "I'm afraid not," Ginny replied stiffly. "I left my watch at home."
The wizards eyes twitched down toward her hands. "Are you certain?" he asked.
"Yes, quite certain," Ginny replied. "Perhaps you could check with the guard."
She sidestepped him and walked through the gate to the lifts. She waited tensely, unsure if he would follow her or what she would do if he did. Finally an empty lift arrived, and she stepped into it. After the gates closed noisily, she slumped against one of the walls.
The wizard had obviously been a member of the Brotherhood. They must have known exactly what had happened in Romania. They probably already knew everything Harry was hoping to hide from them. It seemed foolish to think they wouldn't assume Harry had told her everything. Was that why they weren't hiding? Were they already making plans to kill her?
Ginny jumped as the doors to the lift clattered open. After taking a deep breath and a moment to calm her nerves, she stepped out of the lift, then stopped as the doors closed behind her. In the center of the small lobby stood a single Auror. He gave her an indifferent nod and motioned for her to move along. She walked past him cautiously and continued around the corner and down the corridor toward Carmilla's desk.
As she neared the last corner she began to feel that something wasn't quite right. She paused and looked behind her. The Auror was standing at the other end of the corridor now. He was following her, guarding her only exit. She turned and continued walking. Carmilla would tell her what was going on. She always seemed to know when something was happening. When she finally rounded the last corner, Ginny froze at the sight before her.
Carmilla was sitting at her desk as always, but instead of her customary smile, she was giving Ginny a worried look. Standing next to her was Mrs. Reading, with Mr. Harrington slightly in front of her and looking more annoyed than Ginny had seen him since she'd been hired. On the other side of her was a grizzled, stern-looking Auror, no doubt the partner of the one following her.
That was the part she might have expected. What she had not expected was to see her brother Percy sitting in a somewhat wobbly chair, which Ginny didn't remember ever seeing there. He was trying to look uninterested in her, and had chosen to watch another wizard standing off to Ginny's right.
When Ginny finally turned to look at the wizard, she felt her stomach leap. He was standing with the sort of crisp, alert posture of a guard and wearing a long, straight cloak of deep purple with a golden sash looped around each of his shoulders, and another hanging across the front of his cloak. Ginny recognized it almost immediately. It was very similar to the uniforms worn by the Romanian Ministry guards.
As she stared at the wizard, he stared back, and Ginny realized that she recognized him. His eyes closed slowly and his head twitched imperceptibly forward in a gesture of respect and recognition. It was the same guard who had led her down the alley the first time she had spoken with Grigore Tarus. On either side of him stood another pair of Aurors.
"What's going on?" Ginny asked warily.
Harrington frowned and spoke up, "Yesterday afternoon, we got a message from the Site Selection Committee saying they had not heard from you since they had sent you to Romania the day before. The Romanian Minister refused to speak to us about it, but through... other sources, we heard news that there had been some sort of incident the morning you failed to show up. I was hoping you might be willing to explain just what happened."
The Romanian guard took a step forward. "Pardon me, but―"
"Hold on," Harrington interrupted him. "I think I know why you're here, and I know the rules just as well as you do. She works for me, and my concerns still come before yours." He turned back to Ginny and stared intently at her. "Miss Weasley, would you like to come to my office so we can speak privately about what happened over the last two days? It will just be you and I."
"I cannot let you do that, Harrington," Percy said. "The Minister―"
"Keep quiet, Weasley," Harrington commanded. "This is neither your business nor the Minister's. I tolerate your presence here out of respect for the Minister, not because I am required to." He turned back to Ginny. "If there are matters you wish to discuss in private, simply ask. Perhaps we could start with the reason your wrists are bruised."
Ginny instinctively looked down at her wrist. Just beyond the sleeve of her robes there was a nasty purple mark stretching across her wrist and up the side of her hand. How could she have missed them before? Now that she was staring at them, everyone in the lobby could see them as well.
"Shall we go to my office?" Harrington asked.
Ginny felt her heart hammering inside her chest. Harry had just said she should lie to them. That was easy enough to say, but he couldn't have thought that this is how they would ask her. There were four Aurors watching them, and one of the guards Harry had told her not to trust. This wasn't at all what she was expecting. She was unprepared and things were moving faster than she could handle. She didn't want to tell anyone anything.
"I― I don't know," she stammered. "I think I want to know what's going on, first."
Harrington and the Romanian Guard shared a look, and Harrington stepped around the desk and walked toward Ginny. "Within minutes of asking the Romanian Minister of your whereabouts, this wizard arrived," Harrington said, motioning toward the guard. "He claims to be the captain of the Minister's personal guard carrying an official message for you. The two Aurors with him are here because he refused to leave until he delivered his message. He stood here all through the night."
"What about him?" Ginny asked, nodding toward Percy.
Percy sat up in his chair. "I'm here on behalf of the Minister of Magic. He sent me to―"
"The Minister sent him here to eavesdrop," Harrington said, cutting Percy off. "Apparently Scrimgeour doesn't trust me to tell him everything that might happen this morning."
"He sent me to find out if Miss Weasley had any part in that attack," Percy blurted out. "A British wizard nearly lost his leg in all the flying hexes and explosions." He stood up and took a few steps toward her. "First Giza, now this? Something strange is happening, and―"
"Percy, stop!" Harrington shouted.
"I am here under the authority of the Minister!" Percy shouted back. "Something happened in Romania and he wants to know what it is!"
"That's enough!" roared Harrington.
The guard strode forward, reaching into his cloak. "I'm afraid I must insist that I be allowed to deliver my message now, Mr. Harrington," he announced.
Harrington threw a disgusted look at Percy. "Yes," he said through clenched teeth, "I expected you would."
The guard walked to Ginny, and held out a roll of parchment bound with three gold ribbons. "I have come as an official courier of Grigore Tarus, the Romanian counterpart to your Minister of Magic, under the protection of the Official Communication Agreement of 1807. I have a message for you from Mr. Tarus himself."
Ginny slowly reached for the parchment and gently took it from the guard. Once she had the roll in her hand, he turned and returned to his place between the two Aurors. There was a moment of tense silence as everyone stared at her, waiting for her to open the message. She took a deep breath, then slipped the ribbons off the parchment, unrolled it and began reading.
To: Ginevra Weasley, Department of International Magical Cooperation
This message has been sent under the protection of the Official Communication Agreement of 1807. Under that accord, you may not be interrogated about the contents of this message until you have read the message in entirety or shown no intent to continue reading. Because of that, I implore you to read through this carefully before speaking to anyone else.
I have no doubt that many wizards in your Ministry will be seeking answers and explanations for the events which occurred here this morning. I urge you to exercise prudence in speaking to them. My courier has been instructed to deliver this before you are forced to answer any such questions. I understand any concerns you may have toward my personal guard. You need have no worries about Josef. I trust him above all other guards under my employ.
Ginny re-read the last sentence. Harry was right. He did know many of his guards are working for the Brotherhood, and he still sent this one. It was the closest Ginny would get to a guarantee.
It is very important that you not reveal what happened here. You are safe so long as you are not a liability to the Brotherhood. I am certain that they are even more eager than you are to see that no one else knows just what happened.
"Well?" Percy nearly shouted. "What does it say?"
"I told you to keep quiet," Harrington snapped. "Whatever it says is for her alone. If she told you what it said, I'd fire her instantly for being so completely daft."
Ginny ignored them and kept reading.
For my own part, I do not know the full story of the events after you left me in my study and I do not wish for you to tell me. Other wizards may not share my concern for your safety in this matter. Unless I have greatly misjudged your Ministry, you will find many people who will be quite insistent that you tell them what has happened. Were you still in Romania, there is much I could do to protect you from such inquiries. I am grateful for your safe escape, but I am afraid it has reduced me to very desperate measures in order to ensure your safety.
I am prepared to name you as an official liaison to Romania. It is an old practice, but I am certain that Ferdinand Harrington will recognize the signs. As a liaison, you will work for both me and Mr. Harrington. This will afford you official protection against interrogation regarding any matters involving Romania. Assuming you escaped directly to Britain, this should be sufficient to keep you safe.
I will not lie to you. There is some risk in this course of action, but I believe it to be less than the risk involved in sharing your secret. I can only protect you from interrogation, not from the anger and mistrust of the wizards you work with. It is not a perfect solution, but it is the only solution I can offer at the moment. Perhaps you will think of better alternatives. Use them if you can, but strike no deals or compromises for even a word of information. It will be as great a danger to them as it will be to you.
If you find yourself in the situation which I fear you may already be in, simply announce your desire to accept the position as Liaison to Romania. Josef will see that the rest is done.
I wish you good luck.
Grigore Tarus
Ginny stared at the message for a moment. He'd said the same thing Harry had told her, but he seemed to have foreseen the Ministry's reaction would be slightly more serious than Harry had implied. He'd made it sound much more dire than Harry had. She looked up and saw everyone staring at her. She'd tried to hide her reaction, but it appeared that she'd failed. The Aurors were looking at the parchment with suspicion, Mrs. Reading looked worried, and Carmilla was fidgeting with a quill. Harrington, however, was staring at the floor as if he were trying to work out the answer to some puzzling question.
"Is it what I think it is?" he asked with an empty voice.
Ginny didn't know how to answer, or if she should answer at all. Was Tarus right? Was it to late to try and lie her way out of it? Should she just ask Josef now? She opened her mouth to speak, but paused. He said she should try to avoid doing it. She slowly rolled the parchment. "I have no idea what you think it is," Ginny relied.
Harrington looked into her eyes. "He's offered to protect you, hasn't he? Something important has happened. That's why he sent a courier instead of an owl, and why the Minister has sent a lackey to listen in." Harrington let out a frustrated sigh and rubbed his eyes. "He's offered you a... a position, hasn't he?"
Ginny felt like she was some caged animal on display. They were all staring at her now, waiting for some response. The only kind face in the area was Josef, who had a curious expression on his face. Ginny didn't want to speak, but she felt she had to answer, so she looked down and gave Harrington a faint nod.
"What does that matter?" Percy asked. "The Minister of Magic sent me here to find out what's happened, and I'm not leaving until she explains where she's been the last two days."
"Shut up, Percy," Harrington snapped. "The Minister sent you because he knew you would follow his orders without thinking. If he really wanted to find out what was going on, he'd have come to me." He stepped forward, putting himself between Percy and Ginny.
"I'm going to be completely honest with you, Ginny. What he's offered to do, it will work. Do you really want it to? There's a reason he's done this. Something is happening. If you hide behind that parchment, we might not figure it out until it's too late."
"We can protect you, too, Ginny," Mrs. Reading told her. "We can keep it private. No one else will need to know. If you agree to this, it will make things more complicated. Please think about it."
"You don't need to decide right away," Harrington said. "There is still time. There are many things we might try, but if you choose to accept his offer now, there will be little I can do. Will you join me in my office? Cordelia and Tarus's courier can come as well. I won't ask any questions. I only want to discuss your options."
Another tense silence descended upon the area. Ginny clutched at the roll of parchment. Why hadn't Harry told her this might happen? She wished she could have asked him what to do, but that was impossible. She didn't even know where he was. It was clear enough that Harrington wasn't working with the Brotherhood, but that wasn't much of a comfort. She was certain he'd demand to know what had happened in Romania, and both Harry and Tarus had been adamant that she not tell anyone. Would they still help her if she refused to talk to them? Was it dangerous to even try?
The silence was oppressive. The only sound came from a ticking clock, and it seemed to echo in the enclosed space, getting louder and louder each second. What should she do? If she agreed to talk to Harrington, would he still allow her to accept Tarus's offer if things started to go poorly? In her head, the ticking kept getting louder, as if her mind was trying to remind her that everyone was waiting for an answer. When she thought she couldn't take it any longer, the ticking stopped abruptly, ending in a strange scuffling sound, waking Ginny from her thoughts.
Harrington's voice cut through the new silence. "Excuse me, Miss Granger. While I know it may not appear so, I am afraid this is an official meeting and terribly serious. Miss Weasley is safe and in good health. You may speak with her later."
"I understand, Mr. Harrington," Hermione said in a wavering voice, "but I was sent to fetch her. I'm supposed to take her to the Department of Mysteries immediately."
"On whose authority?" he demanded.
"Auguste Reynard," she answered hesitantly. "He thought it would be reassuring if I was the one to escort her."
Harrington's eyes narrowed. "Reynard? Go back and tell him that if he wants to interrogate a member of my department, he'll need an order signed by the Minister of Magic."
Hermione cringed and pulled a roll of parchment from her pocket "He's already got one. I just came from the Minister's office."
Harrington sat heavily on Carmilla's desk and buried his face in his hands. "She has to go right now?" he asked. "I can let you have her in an hour. I haven't even had a chance to speak with her myself."
Hermione looked truly apologetic. "I― I can't, sir. I with I could, but he was rather specific. She's to come with me immediately. The Minister agreed."
"Well, Miss Weasley," Harrington said in a tired voice, "you're in quite a pinch now. There's nothing I can do to help you. You're going to have to betray someone. It's time to make your choice. Who will it be? Grigore Tarus or your own Ministry?"
"I talked to Mr. Reynard, Ginny," Hermione said in a reassuring voice. "He just wants some answers. You're in no danger."
Ginny, however knew that wasn't true. She was in danger. The Ministry couldn't protect her. They didn't know that a member of the Brotherhood was standing in the Entrance Hall. Harry had even said that there were Brotherhood members working for the Ministry. There wasn't an option. Tarus must have known this would happen. Ginny looked over at the guard, Josef. In his eyes, she saw a look of warning. She'd trusted him once before, and it had turned out alright.
"If I agree," Ginny spoke in a low voice, "will Reynard have to respect it?"
Josef nodded. "He would not dare defy an agreement as old as this."
Ginny turned to Mrs. Reading next. "I'll stay here and keep my job?" she asked. "I won't be punished?"
"No, you won't be punished," Mrs. Reading answered. "Being named as an official liaison is a great honor. There will be many obligations for you to fulfill, but they will simply become part of your job."
"What sort of obligations?" Ginny asked quickly.
"If you agree, you will work for both Mr. Tarus and me. Long ago, there was a great meeting of wizards. They agreed that this relationship would be respected. It will be up to you to perform your duties, but no one here will stand in your way."
"Whatever this is, Ginny, you don't have to do it," Hermione reassured her. "I swear, he only wants to ask you some questions. It's nothing more."
"I know, Hermione," Ginny said. She turned to face Josef. "I wish to accept the position as Liaison to Romania. How quickly can we do it?"
His arm darted into his cloak and retrieved a roll of parchment and a quill. An instant later the parchment was rolled out and he was offering her the quill. "As quickly as you can sign your name, Miss Weasley."
Ginny strode forward, and took the quill in her hand. She paused momentarily as the tip of the quill touched the parchment. It was filled with small, flowing script. She'd never be able to read it all. It's the only way, she told herself. If you tell anyone they'll kill you. Before she even realized what she was doing, she heard the harsh scratching of the quill against the parchment. It was done. Josef took the parchment and the quill and slipped them back into his pocket.
"Congratulations, Miss Weasley," he said as he reached out to shake her hand. Ginny took his hand, but it didn't make her feel any more safe. She hoped she hadn't made a mistake.
Harrington shook his head. "Very well. I believe that's settled then. Percy, I believe you're finished here."
"What?" he replied confusedly. "I'm here on behalf of the Minister of Magic. He wants answers and he's going to get them. You can't just tell him to shove off."
"No, I can't," Harrington replied, "but Ginny can. As an Official Liaison, she cannot be forced to reveal information pertaining to the country she is serving. As I am guessing that she has spent the most interesting parts of the last two days in Romania, she is perfectly within her rights to tell us all to shove off."
"The Minister will hear of this!" Percy hissed.
"I'm sure he will, but not from you," Harrington said as Percy stalked off. He turned to Carmilla. "Is there anything you can do to give us some time to prepare her?"
"Yes, of course," Carmilla replied with a smile. She scribbled a quick note on a piece of parchment and tapped it with her wand. It proceeded to fold itself into a birdlike shape and flap away down the corridor. "It looks as if Percy will be spending the day going over banking regulations with the goblins at Gringott's," she said with a smile.
Harrington smiled as well, and turned his attention to Hermione. "I'm afraid that despite his own opinions, Auguste Reynard is still no more important than the Minister, and as such, there is no chance that he will be interrogating Miss Weasley. I'm afraid you will have to return alone, Miss Granger, but do send my deepest apologies." For a moment, Ginny thought she saw a hint of a smile on Harrington's face.
Hermione, however, was not amused. She stared back at him stonily. "I... I was sent to bring her to the Department of Mysteries. I was ordered to bring her there, whether she was willing to talk or not. You don't― I... She must come with me."
"If Reynard wishes to speak with Miss Weasley, he will need to make an appointment," Harrington said. "Even then, I fear it couldn't be until... when, Carmilla?"
Carmilla jumped in her chair and leaned forward to page through a large book on her desk. "Let's see... All of this is going to change..." she mumbled. "She'll need an office... something quiet... and some security charms..." She pulled out a quill and began scribbling in the pages of the book. "The way it looks right now, the earliest he could see her would be Monday afternoon."
"Very good," Harrington said with a slight smile. "There you are, Miss Granger. Let him know he will have to wait until Monday afternoon, and don't worry about his temper. If he does anything rash, I'm certain Miss Weasley will speak to the Minister about it."
"But..." Hermione stammered. "That's going to take some time, isn't it? Can't she just come with me and tell him herself?"
"Oh, it will take time," Harrington replied, "though I do not know if she will be available. She serves two Ministries now. Will you be needing Miss Weasley for anything this morning?" He turned and looked at the Romanian guard.
Josef smiled and nodded stiffly. "Yes, there was another task I had been assigned, but that was only out of convenience. It would be more proper for this matter to be taken up by Miss Weasley," he announced, then turned to Hermione. "It is rather urgent, and it may take some time."
"How terribly shocking," Harrington replied sarcastically. "I am afraid that is your cue to leave, Miss Granger. Miss Weasley has private business to attend to. Tell Reynard that he can direct any questions to Carmilla and any complaints to me." He turned toward Josef and gestured down the corridor toward the rest of the offices. "If you will follow me, sir, I'll find you an office where you might speak with Miss Weasley. Mrs. Reading and I will be needing ours, but there are others available. Come along, Miss Weasley."
Ginny gave Hermione an apologetic look, then turned and followed after Harrington and Josef. They walked past Ginny's cubicle and most of the offices, heading toward the back corridor of unused rooms. As they reached the end of the corridor, they stopped, catching Ginny by surprise. She thought they were going to turn toward the row of empty offices, instead Harrington was knocking on the door of the last occupied office. She couldn't see the door from behind Josef and Harrington, but she could hear it open.
"Good morning, Miss Sibley," Harrington said formally.
The reply came in a sour voice: "Good morning, Ferdinand."
"I have a favor to ask of you, Miss Sibley," Harrington said with thinly veiled frustration. "This wizard is on an official visit and I would appreciate it if you would allow us to use your office to conduct some rather sensitive business. Unless I am mistaken, you have put extra privacy charms in place, haven't you?"
"Yes," Evelyn replied defensively. "They're all perfectly legal. I checked the regulations."
"I know that, and that's why I chose your office. We have a guest from Romania who is in need of something more than the standard security."
"Romania? Does this have anything to do with that little Weasley slut?"
Ginny said nothing, and focused on keeping her temper. Now was not the time to lose control. Instead, she quietly stepped out of sight.
"If you mean Ginevra Weasley, then the answer is yes, it does," Josef answered evenly.
"What's she done this time?" Evelyn asked. "Tossed herself at delegates? Slept with the officials? Is it something really serious? Is that why she's gone? I mean, it would be tragic for the department ―simply horrible― but the shame and embarrassment would pass. Better that it happen now while she's only been here for a month, than after a few years when she's had a chance to get her claws into every lonely wizard in the Ministry."
Harrington attempted to stop her, "―Evelyn―"
"―I know I shouldn't say anything until she's gone," she said without hiding her enthusiasm, "but I knew from the moment I saw her that she was trouble. I could never understand how someone from such a poor family could act so spoiled. She's never deserved the things she got." Evelyn paused and her voice took on a more curious tone. "Is she dead?"
"No, thankfully not," Harrington answered. "I think you've said quite enough for now. Let's go. I could use your help in setting up a new office."
"What are talking about?" Evelyn asked. "Aren't you here to talk with him?"
"No, he needs to speak with the new Romanian liaison."
"Liaison? I didn't know we had an old one," Evelyn commented. "That tramp must have really done it. Are they here now?"
Ginny barely recognized Evelyn as she leaned into the corridor. She was smiling, though she managed to make being happy look painful. Her eyes were reduced to two narrow slits and her lips looked thin and stretched, as though they were being called to do something they had never done before. The moment Evelyn's eyes found Ginny, her expression shriveled like a delicate flower in the autumn frost. Instead of her customary brooding scowl, her face was twisted in a seething rage. Ginny watched with mild amusement as the muscles in her jaw twitched.
"Not her," Evelyn growled. "She can't come in."
"I only asked out of courtesy, Miss Sibley," Harrington replied. "They will be using your office. It is the only suitable place. I cannot trust any other departments today."
"She's a liar, Ferdinand," she spat. "She can't even comprehend her own stupidity. She's been here for a month. I've been here for two years. If you think my father's going to stand for that, you'd have to be―"
"―the Head of the Department?" Harrington offered. "I agreed to give you a job. I never promised promotions and honors. I can't waste any more time, Evelyn. I have things to do, and you're going to help me. Since you're so great with security charms, you can help me set up an office for Miss Weasley."
Evelyn flashed a murderous glare at Ginny, then peeled her hand from the door frame, leaving a set of small indents where her nails had pressed into the oak trim. With a huff, she walked down the smaller corridor toward the unused offices.
Harrington motioned for Ginny and Josef to enter the office. "Will this be sufficient?" he asked. Josef nodded formally. "Alright then. Miss Weasley, when you're done, see Mrs. Reading. I'm sure you'll have some questions for her. If our guest needs anything else, she'll see to it." With a nod, he left the office, pulling the door shut behind him.
Now that she was alone with Josef, Ginny began feeling rather uncomfortable. He was not old, but she was still quite young. All of this new responsibility was making her feel like a child in a world of adults. She sat down and tried to remain calm. She wanted to run. Why was this happening to her? When Josef didn't say anything, she reluctantly raised her head to look at him.
"Are you afraid of me?" he asked.
"N-No..." Ginny answered, though it wasn't really the truth.
"There are many things in this world to fear," he said calmly. "Dark wizards and monsters do exist. You have faced both already. There is nothing you have to fear from me."
"It's not that, it's..."
"Fear is not an emotion that one should be ashamed of. Many who claim to be brave profess that they have conquered their fear. To conquer fear is to let go of that which presses us to achieve great things. In my country, we teach our children of the Telahmet, an ancient incarnation of evil meant to frighten them into showing respect or doing their duties. Many children forget this fear as they grow older. Even more actively fight it, waging mock battles against a faceless foe they know nothing of.
"It is not the Telahmet they are fighting, but their own fear. They seek to destroy it, and in that quest they weaken themselves. Evil is not destroyed by forgetting it exists, and when the Telahmet returns for them, they will not recognize it for what it is until it is too late."
"I don't understand," Ginny said. "What does that have to do with me?"
"You are afraid, but you don't know what it is you are afraid of," Josef said with a smile. "Your fear is warranted. Troubling times are coming, and the world is going to need new wizards to lead it. You have the foresight and experience to see what others cannot. You are special. You will be a leader. It is time for you to take your place in the wizarding world."
"What am I supposed to do?" Ginny asked.
"Open your eyes," Josef said with a smile. "I understand the uniform can be intimidating, but I am only a guard. You, however, work directly for Grigore Tarus. Will you control your own life, or will you let others tell you what to do?"
Ginny stared at him for a moment while she tried to figure out what that meant. "Tell me this other job you came here to accomplish."
Josef grinned and reached into his pocket. He pulled out another wrapped roll of parchment, and handed it to her. "You will need to talk to your Minister. Tarus is asking ―on behalf of the Quidditch World Cup Committee― that Britain volunteer thirty Aurors for the World Cup Tournament."
"Thirty?" Ginny replied as she took the roll. "There's no way they can do that. It's not like they're getting loads of new Aurors to replace all the ones who've quit, or worse. With the Death Eaters still running about and the Brotherhood sneaking around, they're not going to have thirty to spare."
"That is exactly what we hoped," Josef said seriously. "Tarus wanted to ask for forty, but I convinced him to select a less... frightening number."
"They aren't for the Tournament at all, are they?" Ginny asked. "They're for the war."
"Yes, but Scrimgeour cannot know about that. Not now. Not yet," he said firmly. "We cannot trust the Aurors to make the right decision. In time, their decision will be an easier one to make. For now, it's more important that your Ministry find a reason to recruit more of them. We will need all the help we can get."
"Is that all I'll have to do?"
"I hope so," Josef said. "For your safety, we will need to make certain that your Ministry doesn't see this as a hollow attempt to keep information from them. There will be other requests, but it will be best if you do not draw too much attention. For now, however, we are done."
When Ginny left the office, she saw a very disgruntled Evelyn glaring at her down the corridor. Ginny ignored her and turned to walk back toward Mrs. Reading's office. Once they'd reached the first of the small cubicles, Josef let out a soft chuckle.
"She's an enchanting creature," he whispered. "Perhaps she could be the next to visit my country." Ginny laughed softly to herself.
When they reached Mrs. Reading's office, they found her door open and her sitting expectantly at her desk. "Done so soon?" she asked lightly.
"My business here is done," Josef answered. "I thank you for your cooperation in this matter. I will be certain to tell Mr. Tarus of the courtesy you have shown both me and Miss Weasley. He will be very thankful."
"If you will wait a moment, I will have someone see you to the Entrance Hall," Mrs. Reading offered, but Josef was already shaking his head.
"I do not require such ceremony, I assure you. I will see myself out." He gave both witches deep bows. "Until we meet again, Miss Weasley," he said as backed out of Mrs. Reading's office and walked away.
When he was out of sight, Mrs. Reading waved her wand at the door, pulling it shut. "How are you doing, so far?" she asked. "I assume he gave you some task to do."
"He did," Ginny answered, "but I don't think I'm supposed to tell you about it."
"Of course," Mrs. Reading answered. "This will be a little awkward. It has been some time since a Ministry employee was used this way. Harrington will have your office ready shortly. You will have privacy there. It is expected that you will keep all news from Romania a secret from this Ministry, and all news from this Ministry a secret from the Romanian one. It is not an easy thing to do, but I will help you as much as I can. If you will tell me what you need, I will see that you get it."
"I need to meet with the Minister."
"Alright, you can see Carmilla about that. She is responsible for handling appointments and schedules."
"And about my office," Ginny said more hesitantly, "I think Evelyn is helping Harrington, and I'm not trying to say that she's not a talented witch, but I don't know if I trust her with―"
"Kingsley Shacklebolt is coming by later," Mrs. Reading said. "He will be checking over all the work." She paused and looked at her desk. "And then he'll search the room for any hexes or traps Evelyn might have put in."
Ginny turned to leave, but stopped at the door to look back at Mrs. Reading. "Have I made another mistake?" she asked. "There have been so many decisions I've had to make. I try to make the right ones, but it's getting harder."
Mrs. Reading smiled. "I have no idea what happened to you in Romania, but I trust you, Ginny. It's obvious to me that both you and Tarus have some reason for keeping this a secret. This was the only way of keeping that secret. Nothing Harrington or I could have done would have been able to stop Reynard or the Minister. You did the only thing you could."
Feeling overwhelmed and rather uncertain of herself, Ginny walked out to Carmilla's desk. She stopped and waited for the older witch to acknowledge her, but after almost a minute, she hadn't taken her face out of a large book.
"Excuse me, Carmilla," she called out gently.
"Yes, dear?" she responded without looking up from the book.
"I need to set up an appointment with the Minister and Mrs. Reading said that I should―"
"You're scheduled for three o' clock today," Carmilla replied mechanically. "I could have made it earlier, but I didn't know how long you'd need to speak with that guard. I suppose it'll work out. You'll probably want the time to think about what you've got to say." She looked up and smiled at Ginny. "It can be a little intimidating the first time you go in to meet him. Good luck, though."
Even after hours of preparation, Ginny's stomach was still twisted into a tight knot. She paced in front of the heavy door, alternating between staring at the clock and the golden plaque reading "Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister of Magic." It was nearly three o' clock and the other witches and wizards in the area were beginning to give her suspicious glances. With two more minutes to wait, Ginny gave up and knocked on the door.
A voice from inside the room called out, "Come in!"
Ginny carefully turned the doorknob and pushed the door. It swung in smoothly and silently, revealing the Minister sitting behind a wide, polished desk and writing on a large scroll of parchment. A pair of golden lamps bathed the room in light. As the door closed with a soft click, Scrimgeour finally looked up.
"Ah, it's you," he said with slight frown. "I'm glad that you've come to your senses and I'm honored that you have chosen to come and speak with me about this whole business, but I'm afraid that now is a bad time."
"Er... it is?"
"There are procedures and rules to follow around here," he said with a little condescension. "I'd be more than willing to break them any other time, but I need to speak with this new Liaison to Romania. I wish you could have come here earlier. I'm sure it would help me understand whatever it is he's coming here to speak about. As it is, he should be arriving any minute, so you'll have to leave for now. Perhaps you could return in an hour?"
Ginny stood and took a deep breath. "Sir, I'm the Liaison to Romania."
"You're what?" Scrimgeour replied in shock. "How could― But you're too― What are you playing at?"
"Nothing at all, sir."
He leaned over his desk and narrowed his eyes at her. "Then tell me what this is all about. You left for Romania two days ago to inspect this pitch Tarus claims he has. The next morning, Tarus says you never showed up and there are reports of fighting in the streets. When you suddenly turn up, you're hiding behind the Romanian Ministry. Now, something odd is happening and I insist you tell me what it is."
Ginny looked down at the floor, afraid to see his reaction. "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you about that, sir. I learned all that in Romania, and I'm not supposed to tell anyone about it."
"Of course," Scrimgeour said with a nod. "Harrington warned me about that. He forgot to mention that we were talking about you. He also failed to tell me that he'd requested your brother be sent off to spend the day with the goblins so I didn't hear anything he heard. So why exactly are you here? Did you just show up to introduce yourself, or did you want to gloat?"
"I have a message from Grigore Tarus," Ginny said formally. Then, like Josef had, she pulled the roll of parchment from her pocket and handed it to him. He glared at it for a moment, the pulled the bindings off it, unrolled it and started to read it.
"Thirty!" he barked. "Is he mad? What does he want thirty Aurors for?"
"For security during the Quidditch World Cup Tournament," Ginny answered.
"I can read, girl," Scrimgeour replied acidly. "Why in Merlin's name would he think I have thirty Aurors to spare for a load of matches that aren't even being played in Britain? Does he think they're all just sitting around playing chess? It's only been a year since Voldemort's defeat. I've got the Death Eaters and these bloody vigilantes to deal with, and he sends some girl to me with absurd demands like these?"
"I imagine all of the Ministries will be getting requests like this," Ginny said, hoping she was correct. "No matter where they're held, there will be quite a few British wizards at the matches. With everything that's been going on―"
"Don't tell me how to do my job!" he snapped. He sat back in his chair and let out a frustrated growl. "You and I both know this needs to be done, and I won't have you explain it to me like a child. What am I supposed to do? Pull Aurors from Hogwarts? The term has just begun! I might be able to transfer eight of them, but that's only a quarter of what he's asking."
"I don't think they need them right now," Ginny tried to reassure him. "I think it's more important that you simply start preparing."
"Prepare for what?" he replied disgustedly. "If every major country in the Tournament volunteered thirty wizards, we'd have hundreds of them. They'd fill their own tower at the pitch. It'd take an army of dark wizards to need that much security."
"I think that's the point," Ginny replied.
It had been a long day, following an excruciatingly long week. How could so much happen in just a few days? How could so much have changed in just a month? She'd moved the few things she'd kept in her small cubicle to her new office in the corridor past Evelyn's office. It wasn't large, but it was clean and it was safe. She had her own small library of books left over from the previous occupant, and a fireplace which could be connected to the Floo network in an emergency. Kingsley Shacklebolt had even been kind enough to remove the Withering Hex placed on her chair and some sort of cursed quill from her desk.
The window was showing a fine view of a beautiful summer day, but it wasn't enough to make Ginny want to stay. She'd had enough. She needed a nice, quiet weekend to relax. She'd have to find some way to tell her parents that she wanted to move into Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, and she wouldn't be able to get any help from Ron or Hermione.
After walking out of the office, she closed the door and tapped the doorknob with her wand, making it vanish completely. She walked down the corridor, ignoring the scowl on Evelyn's face as she passed her office, and passing Mrs. Reading's office where she could hear a muffled argument. She ignored that as well. She had plenty of other things to worry about at the moment. After saying goodnight to Carmilla, she headed toward the lifts.
When she reached the small lobby next to the Entrance Hall, she joined the crowd of wizards heading through the gate. The moment she passed through it, she felt a chill run down her spine. Standing in front of the large fountain in the center of the hall was a tall wizard in a long, grey cloak. He had a hood, but Ginny could still clearly see him staring at her. The other wizards seemed to notice him as well, but none of them paid attention any longer than it took them to Disapparate or queue for one of the fireplaces.
With grim determination, Ginny walked straight toward him, stopping just out of the reach of his arms. "What are you doing here?" she hissed. "You're not the only one following me, you know? They might start figuring things out if they keep seeing you around me."
To her surprise, he spoke. "I do not know what you are speaking about. I am waiting for a friend," he said with a slight Romanian accent.
"Quit following me," she said as threateningly as she could. "If you're going to kill me, then quit playing these games."
"If you feel threatened," he said slowly, "perhaps you might report it to the Aurors. It is said they deal with such things."
"Stop this," she growled. "No one knows about you. Not yet. It won't last long if you keep this up. They won't know because of me. I haven't told anyone anything. I kept your secrets."
"Ginny?"
Ginny spun around violently, and found Hermione staring at her strangely. A new wave of fear hit her. Harry had told her to keep away from Hermione, yet here they were with a Brotherhood wizard watching them.
"What are you doing?" Hermione asked with a look of dismay. "Why are you keeping secrets?"
Ginny gave a warning glance at the wizard and he returned a look of complete indifference. "I can't talk to you about it, Hermione," she said as she slipped past the wizard. As she walked away, she turned to see that he was making no move to follow her. He wasn't. He hadn't even turned to watch her.
"You can't talk to me about it, but you can talk to him?" Hermione said as she jogged to catch up to Ginny. "I'm not daft, Ginny. I recognize those cloaks. Why are you talking with them? You know what they did."
Ginny stopped and whirled upon Hermione. "I said, I can't talk about it." Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but before she could say anything, Ginny closed her eyes, and felt the familiar cold, crushing sensation as she suddenly Disapparated.
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the delay. A number of things kept me from moving forward for a bit, and I'm afraid I left everyone wondering what was going to happen next. The only good news is that I'm already a third of the way through the next chapter and it shouldn't see the same sort of delay this one did.
For those of you upset by the lack of Harry, you can relax knowing that he will be back and he will actually play an important part in the next chapters. On a more immediate note, the next chapter will include a bit of fun, a bit of Ron, and a kiss (or two) for Ginny.
