Chapter 2
Minister of Magic
Night had fallen, and nearly the entire Ministry of Magic sat empty as everyone had gone home to be with their families. All was dark, except the light that beamed through the cracks of one thick heavy wooden doors. A vast office lay hidden behind the door. Off to one side of the office was a private library filled with ancient texts and manuscripts that were in single print. On the other side was a window unlike any other. The window showed different parts of the world changing every few minutes. In the middle, was an old double pedestal executive style desk decorated around the edges by precious gems and stones. Lying on top of the desk was a golden name plate that did not match anything else in the room. It read Hermione Granger-Weasley Minister of Magic and on the back there was a small engraving, "Love Mom and Dad".
Behind the desk was a Queen Anne button tufted desk chair occupied by a bushy haired woman, curled in a ball, sleeping. She was clutching a newspaper titled, "The Daily Prophet." Above the fold a story entitled, "Potter the New Dumbledore?" flashed across the page. The byline read Leilani Skeeter. The story started:
"Many are wondering why Harry Potter who many still refer to as the boy who lived, was not appointed to the position of Minister of Magic. To this day, it resonates deeply that he defeated the dark wizard Tom Riddle as a mere teenager and united much of wizardkind in the process. The husband of Ginervra Weasley, world famous captain of the Holyhead Harpies, is being touted as the new Albus Dumbledore. Every uprising of dark magic is met by Harry swiftly stomping out the disturbance with current Minister of Magic muggleborn Hermione Granger serving as a mere sidekick. When questioned on the matter Mr. Potter had this to say, "Hermione is the brightest witch or wizard of my generation. She's better suited for the post than I or anyone else could ever be." The rest of the story was hidden below the fold.
A crack was muffled by the door followed by a knock. Hermione did not move staying fast asleep. There was another knock followed by a long pause. Then the door slowly and silently crept opened with a head peering inside. "Aww, Hermione", whisper Harry. He walked quietly into the room and around the desk. Catching a glimpse of the paper a look of disgust fell on his face and he said, "Rubbish" to himself. He was furious with the Daily Prophet for publishing such an article without giving one of his best friends a chance to prove herself. Something in his mind she had already done. Without her, he most surely would have died along with any wizard born to muggle parents. He doubted he would have even made it past age eleven.
Harry pulled the paper from his friend's hand and cast it aside. Using great caution he hooked his left arm under Hermione's knees while wedging his right arm under her back. He pulled her up with some effort and looked at her with the love a brother would have for a sister. She half opened her eyes and mumbled, "Oh, hiya Harry. Night, night." Throwing her arms around him like he was a pillow, she fell back asleep. Harry blew some air through his lips sighing in relief.
Slowly Harry walked towards a small fireplace that was adjacent to the ever changing window. On the mantel was a milky blue crystal vase full of glittery powder. Harry had to balance his friend on a knee while he grabbed a handful of powder. He tossed it into the fire and instantly the flames rose high while turning a deep emerald green. He whispered, "Twelve, Grimmauld Place." Harry stepped into the flames but he did not burn or feel any heat. He closed his eyes and he was gone.
When Harry opened his eyes, he was no longer standing in the fireplace at the Ministry of Magic. Instead he was standing inside the fireplace of his own home Twelve Grimmauld Place. The house was willed to Harry when his godfather Sirius Black died. It was rich with history and was home to generations of the Black Family. Harry had stayed there a few months when he was a teenager. Back then it was just a grim old place haunted by old paintings and creatures but now it was bright and full of life. It was home, his home, his family's home, home of the Potters.
"Master, is home." proclaimed a tiny squeaky voice. A creature no taller than two and a half feet was bowing so low before Harry that it's lips almost touched the ground. It's big floppy ear swept the ground. Harry whisper, "Shh, Saria. Hermione is sleeping. Go get Ginny please, then go tell Ron I am on my way. And don't call me master." The creature looked up at Harry with giant green eyes. It was his house elf Saria. She said, "Yes, sir. Saria lives to serve Harry Potter protector of elves." and vanished before he could say a word.
Harry stepped out of the fire still holding Hermione and headed down a hallway towards a red and orange door that was added to the house sometime after he took ownership of it. His wife, Ginny, rounded the corner. Ginny was a beautiful women equipped with long red hair and an attractiveness that turned heads when she entered a room. Her feistiness matched her beauty and was part of the reason Harry fell in love with her. "Harry" she said quietly, "What are you doing with Hermione? What's wrong with her?" "She fell asleep at work again." replied Harry. "Can you get the door for me? I'm taking her home. Are the kids asleep?" he continued. "Yes, and yes." she said as she opened the door.
The door was Hermione's idea. It acted as a sort of gateway between Grimmauld Place and The Burrow where Ron, Harry's best friend, and Hermione lived. There was no need to fly, apperate, or use the Floo Network just simply walk through the door and you were instantly transported to the other house. It was brilliant magic that let the children easily play together.
Ron Weasley was waiting for Harry when he walked through the door since he had been alerted by Saria the House Elf. Ron had red hair that matched his sister Ginny as did all the Weasleys. He had been Harry's best friend since the first day they met on the train bound for the school Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ron took Hermione from Harry without a word and headed for the bedroom.
Harry walked into Ron's kitchen and helped himself to some Fire Whiskey pouring an extra for Ron. He was there so often it might as well been his house. Ron walked into the kitchen, picked his cup and gave a small toasting motion to Harry. Both men drank their Fire Whiskey in awkward silence. Harry placed his cup down on the counter with a clank. He turned and began to leave. "Harry" said Ron with a shaky voice. Harry turned to face Ron. "Harry, I'm sorry." Ron continued. Harry asked, "Sorry for what?" "Sorry for quitting as an Auror." Harry looked to the ceiling for a moment then back at Ron. "I'm not upset with you for quitting Ron. I'm sad because you didn't tell me you weren't happy. You are my best mate. Have been for years. We're bothers and I just wish you could have talked to me about it before just quitting." he said passionately. Ron looked back at Harry with glassy eyes. He wanted to cry but what would Harry think. He threw his arms around Harry giving him a hug. "I'm sorry, Harry, I really am. I should have told you." "It's alright." Harry said with a smile. "I just want you to be happy."
Ron asked, "Hey, what happened at Wiltshire?" "Wiltshire." Harry said puzzled. "Oh, Hermione must not have told you. There was an attack on some muggles in Wiltshire. She was going to ask you to go and take a look." Ron stated matter of factly. Harry looked seriously at Ron. Ron knew instantly why Harry looked so serious. Wiltshire was where Malfoy Manor was located and the Malfoys did not have the best history with muggles. "Draco." Harry said firmly. Ron asked, "Want me to go with you?" "No, I can handle Draco. Stay with Hermione. Make sure she gets some good sleep if she wakes up give her some sleeping potion or something." Ron nodded in agreement. Harry turned round on the spot and everything went out of focus; it felt as though a boa constrictor was wrapped around him and with every breath it was getting tighter around him; no matter how many times he did this it was still uncomfortable as the first time. Then it stopped and everything came back into focus.
In the distance, Harry could see impressive iron gates protecting an equally as impressive manor house that was masked by darkness. Much closer however Harry could see a body on the ground motionless. It's pale pointed moonlit face let Harry immediately know that it was none other than his childhood nemesis, Draco Malfoy, unconscious.