Chapter 10

Harry

It hadn't even taken a week for Harry to find himself missing dodging curses from Death Eaters. The thought of several more hours of such a mind numbing experience as he had experienced this morning. Harry was loath to admit it, but he was actually grateful for Daphne's presence. She had at least saved him from making a complete prat of himself. How could anyone actually seek this out though? She seemed to view it as some grand honor that he had to listen to old fogeys argue over pointless minutia and word choices for hours. Harry could definitely understand why Kingsley hadn't wanted to make this a full time gig. Harry already wanted to look into this proxy thing to see if he could escape returning after lunch. Speaking of lunch….

"That nearly put me into a comma. I think I'm only being kept awake by the growling of my stomach. Since you seem to know everything Daphne, where can lunch be grabbed here? Yesterday I brought lunch, but didn't think through today." Harry asked Daphne, trying to get past how incredibly awkward he still felt around her.

"You're insane Pot-Harry. This is without a doubt the most substantial, impactful Wizengamot, in my lifetime at least, likely in centuries. Do you truly not realize the implications of the events of this morning? The power the Ministry now has. Even after my father's amendment, the ministry is about to confiscate millions of galleons. Every family is going to be desperate to avoid a similar punishment. You, Shaklebolt, and Longbottom can pass damn near any laws you wish just by the threat you'll find those who vote against you to have backed the Dark Lord!"

"Come off it Daphne! We'll only be arresting people if they actually did back Riddle, and if they did, they made their choices. No one forced them to be bigots. There are plenty of wizards, purebloods even, who didn't sign up with him. Merlin's nads, you didn't. Only reason we are even talking is you've shown that much bloody sense."

"Oh thanks Potter for that ringing endorsement."

"Back to last names are we then Greengrass?" Harry knew he should stop, but he needed to let out these frustrations and anxieties somehow.

Daphne made an obvious attempt to control herself. Harry almost wished she wouldn't. He'd appreciate hearing what she really, honestly thought. "No, I'm sorry Harry. I just don't think you fully realize how terrifying this morning is to a lot of people. And what an opportunity that fear gives you and your allies. I understand why Shacklebolt chose Longbottom. The symbolism is clear enough. This time, there will be no relaxing, we will not have another Frank and Alice. It was clever. I just want to help you, because if we can't get out of this contract, and I REALLY want out, we have to live with each other for life. I'd rather help you achieve your goals than not if that should occur. That's all."

Harry quirked an eyebrow at that. "Well that'll be difficult since I don't really have goals. I just want to do my new job as Auror and stop dark wizards. No more bigotry really shouldn't be such a revolution, should it?"

Before Daphne could answer, Harry was surprised to hear a familiar, airy voice from behind him.

"Are we having a revolution then Harry? Is that why you are working with the Minister, are you infiltrating the Aurors to change them from the inside? I'm really very impressed if so, my father always feared there could be no revolution against their dark powers, but I suppose you really are quite special."

Harry was surprised to see Luna here, but clearly not as much as Daphne.

"What on earth are you babbling on about? There are no Secret Dark powers wielded by the Aurors, or else don't you think the Dark Lord would have struggled more to take over the government last year?" Harry really wished Daphne would stop sounding so offended at basically his entire existence.

"I dunno, I'll keep an eye open to be sure Luna, and if I see anything you'll be the first to know. I don't doubt you or your father as much anymore. What are you doing here though, and how's your break so far?" Harry just stepped in to cut off any possible bullying from Daphne. He simply wasn't going to stand for it anymore.

"Oh Lovely. Daddy is still recovering, but I'm hopeful he will be better soon. Certainly better than last year's summer I'd say. But I'm here because of you of course Harry. You gave my father that Wizengamot seat, so I'm here as his proxy, and reporter. I can learn so much from the inside now, it's really quite wonderful of you to be so kind."

"Oh, right, I'd already almost forgotten that. Yeah, it just seemed obvious to me that if we needed good people with good judgment, I'd take your family over just about any other."

"You're too kind Harry, really." Harry had nearly forgotten his earlier discomfort. Talking with Luna felt like good old times.

Then his stomach growled audibly. And Daphne stepped back into his field of vision.

"Won't you introduce me Harry?" Harry wondered if it was possible to catch diabetes from such heavy false sweetness in her tone.

"Oh yeah, Luna, this is Daphne Greengrass, she was a Slytherin in my year. Daphne, this is my friend, Luna Lovegood."

Daphne Curtseyed and offered her hand, which Luna took.

"Oh, are you the one accidentally betrothed to Harry? I'll have to write to Ginny at once, you don't look like a 'dumb dirty slag' at all. Though I suppose the physical traits of a slag are rather poorly defined. Perhaps more research is called for. I wonder if a magizoologist has written on it yet, maybe I can be the first, and you can be my first subject!"

Harry was struggling to hold in his laughter. Daphne looked like she may actually burst into flames at any moment. Harry imagined if she got angrier, he'd be able to roast marshmallows over her forehead.

Daphne gritted through her teeth. "Charmed, I'm sure. I am not sure where you got your information. Yes, I and Harry are betrothed against our wishes, but I assure you, I am most certainly not a slag, and I shall have to ask for a duel if you or anyone else insults me again so."

"I'm sure Ginny will be pleased you appear quite clean and intelligent. Maybe now you two can get along some day, which I'm sure will make things easier for all involved." If Luna was going to be at all future meetings, maybe Harry could stomach attending. Harry wasn't looking forward to missing these conversations over the next year.

Daphne was clearly less amused. "I don't see why I and Weasley should have to get along at all. Hopefully Harry and I can find some way to break this contract, but if we cannot, I'll be his wife, so she'll need not be around."

Now Harry was annoyed. "Oi, I didn't see anything in that contract about you getting to veto who I spend time with."

"It's simple propriety, you can not be around your ex if you are married to me."

"You don't know me at all if you think I give a rat's ass about propriety."

Luna cut in before Daphne could respond. "Were you unaware? That would explain the misunderstanding. Harry, Daddy and I kept close attention to the ways the ministry and Wizengamot were conspiring with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named last year. Just before I was taken to Malfoy Manor, we saw an increase in old contracts, as well as people using old pureblood laws allowing for polygamy. I just assumed the plan was for you to wed Miss Greengrass, and Ginny when the time was right if you both wanted to. Though I do admit it seems not to be a promising outcome. So, shall we head to the cafeteria for lunch?"

Harry's head was positively spinning. The idea that he'd marry both Daphne and Ginny without at least one of the three of them ending up dead was terrifying. Certainly an idea of the two witches coexisting struck Harry as far crazier than any theory on Snorlacks or Nargles she had ever shared with him. And by her face, Daphne was clearly of like mind.

"It is really none of your business at any rate, so I'll thank you to just butt out going forwards. Unless you know some way for your Heffalumps and Woozles to get Harry and I out of this bloody contract."

"Well there are still very few confirmed sightings of those, so I don't think so, sorry. But I do know a lovely muggle bistro here in London where we could go for Lunch. They have the most darling sandwiches and scrumptious soups. It is quite close. Daddy used to take me when we were on holiday and he was trying to get into the ministry to expose Fudge's conspiracies."

Harry was about hungry enough to eat a hippogriff, so he was quite willing to try Luna's bistro.

"That sounds fantastic Luna. I've got a fair bit of muggle money on me, so it can be my treat for both of you. Please, lead the way."

Daphne seemed quite put out by this idea, as she said, "We can't just go waltzing into a muggle shop dressed in official Wizengamot robes!"

This didn't faze Harry in the slightest. "You conjured these things onto me, can't you just put me back in my muggle clothes?"

Harry could see Daphne knew she was defeated, and with a sigh, had Harry and Luna both in muggle garb in an instant. Harry caught up with Luna, hearing about her plans for the summer, her and her father's recovery, and numerous theories of her father's about various conspiracies about the Ministry. Harry actually got amusement from Daphne debating Luna on those theories as the tree arrived at the bistro. It was far more good natured, reminding Harry of Ron and Hermione in their better moments.

"Why would the ministry need to use vampires to control the Goblins to control the gold? How would they even do that? There is so much more obvious corruption to address before we look at such absurdities." Daphne demanded.

"That obviousness is the key, though. They mask the real plans with distractions. Why else would they hold meetings in the daytime if not to avoid being seen dealing with the Vampires at night?" was Luna's nonchalant reply. as if it were obvious.

"Hey! Harry! Can you hear us Harry? Oi!" the voice of Ron suddenly erupted from the seat of Harry's pants, just as he was about to sit at their table. He may have jumped 6 feet in the air he was so shocked, and Daphne and Luna stopped their own discussion to look at him curiously. Harry rushed to the Bistro's loo before the muggles looked at him anymore.

Locking the door, he pulled out the mirror he had forgotten he had brought with him, seeing Ron and Hermione reflected back at him.

"Hey Ron, Hey Hermione! Awkward timing, I'm at a muggle bistro in London. How's Australia? What time is it there? Are you both alright? Hermione, have you found your parents, are they alright?"

"Harry, Harry, let us answer. Are you still too near the muggles? Why are you in London? Is it about your contract, are you asking if there are any files on the old laws maybe?" Hermione was whispering at a pace that could make a firebolt seem molasses slow.

"Bloody hell Hermione, take your own advice and let the bloke answer. Also, of course he's in London, stupid time change, should have remembered he'd be at work. Our fault, innit?"

Harry smiled at Ron being so sensible for a change. "I should be safe from the muggles, I'm locked in the loo, just don't get too loud. And I'm actually out for lunch with Luna after a crazy morning. Ron, did you know anything about some heritable Black family Wizengamot seat?"

"Oh, yeah, never thought of that. That's bloody nutters, you a wizengamot member, Harry. Well, we'll be keeping you busy as Aurors I suppose. But lunch with Luna, that beats our news by far, bet that's absolute class. She told any muggles 'bout nargles yet?"

"Ronald! I'm sure Luna wouldn't break the Statute for Secrecy. We'll trade tales with Harry quickly, we ought to get to bed and let him return to his lunch."

"Nah, Hermione It's fine, you are also saving me from Daphne, she was helpful in understanding all the mad, dull, official paperwork and traditions, but I just can't think of what to say to her."

"The Slytherin is there?!" Ron interjected.

"Yeah, I still don't know what to think about her. She definitely is as pissed as I am at her Dad, but she still seems like she is more intent on protecting her family power than finding a way out of this madness."

"Anyway, Harry, Ron and I just wanted to check in with you before we went to sleep. The last couple of days have been really quite hectic. We haven't found my parents yet, but your and Ron's boss came, and they raided a death eater safe house with the local government. They wouldn't let me go in, but Ron actually led an entire team. I was so scared, but so proud. He caught 5 escaped death eaters himself, and in total we are extraditing over a dozen. So I expect you will have a lot to do soon Harry. Please be careful. Also, if you could go to the ministry records and get a copy of the book on marriage laws, I have an idea I want to check, so get that in the bag tonight if you could Harry."

"Nice one Ron, you're making me look like a chump Auror. All I've done is help Kingsley with the trial for the Malfoys. None of them are going to Azkaban, but Lucius will be on house arrest for life, and Draco and Narcissa are on years of probation. The biggest win though is we are taking most of their gold and properties, so that money can help with rebuilding."

"Merlin's soggy nards, Harry! That's gotta be the biggest fine….ever. Malfoy's kid may not even get back that much gold in his life. How'd you get the fudddy duddy old purebloods to back that?"

"Honestly, with Neville's gran as the new chief Witch demanding we give them all to the dementors, and Daphne's father arguing for it, I didn't really have to do anything. I still don't even understand everything that happened this morning, I tuned a lot of it out."

Now Hermione butted back in, "Harry, Neville's gran is replacing Dumbledore? What about Kingsley?"

"He said he didn't want it to distract him from the work of running and reforming the government. And after just one morning, I can't say I disagree. I'd way rather have been there with you in that Death Eater raid than here all morning."

At the same time, Harry's stomach erupted in growls, and Hermione barely concealed a humongous yawn.

"I'd better get back to my lunch before the girls blow up this muggle place, and it looks like you two need to get some sleep. Try not to wear Hermione out so much Ron, not before you meet her father at least. "

Harry shut the mirror before Ron or Hermione could catch and object to his double entendre. He washed his hands, hoping the muggles wouldn't be too suspicious. When he returned to the table, Luna was seemingly showing Daphne how to use her old glasses, to the apparent amusement of the older girl.

Harry greeted them as he sat down, "So all three of us are just ignoring the Statute now then?"

Luna answered, "The Muggles just think we are entitled annoying university students, we're being careful Harry, don't worry."

Daphne continued, "Yes Harry, no need to arrest us, you have my word. But I can not promise secrecy on your own breach if you do not care to share why the rear of your pants was trying to talk to you."

"Oh, I just assumed he had a pocket of Nargles he had tamed. He spends so much time with them after all," Luna offered, trying to be helpful Harry supposed.

Harry was careful not to say anything obviously magical in his response. "Just a way Hermione whipped up for us to communicate while she and Ron are abroad. It's been a few days since they left and they had news. I dunno if I should relay it here, but good news for sure. I haven't missed ordering have I?"

"Ooh, when possible Harry please tell me more about Hermione's invention, she is so brilliant, I wish she had been in Ravenclaw." Luna looked quite excited indeed.

Daphne answered his question. "You missed ordering drinks, but not food yet. We hopefully should order soon, we only have 45 more minutes in Lunch, and I don't know most of this Muggle food at all."

Harry took a brief glance at the menu and immediately knew what he wanted, and figured it'd be a fine introduction for Daphne to muggle food if this place was as good as Luna had advertised.

"Get The fish and chips. Great, simple, and quick to eat. When we have more time, We'll have to try some chicken tikka masala."

They flagged down a server and ordered 3 servings of the fish and chips, as well as a drink for Harry. Over the next 45 minutes, Harry actually had a pleasant meal. Conversation with Luna was tricky without accidentally talking about magical subjects, but Harry was impressed with a pureblood like Luna's familiarity with muggle topics and table manners. Harry was especially relieved that he actually found conversation topics with Daphne, explaining what he knew of muggle cuisine, culture, etc, bouncing topics off of Luna made the whole experience far more tolerable.

Harry treated the ladies as he had promised, thankful he usually kept enough muggle money on him, especially being in London. Daphne thanked him, and even complimented his suggestion of the fish and chips. It was nice, although it did make Harry miss Ginny, wishing he could have replaced Daphne's presence at the lunch with hers. Still, without her father, or any discussion of the axe hanging over their heads in the form of a bloody betrothal contract, Daphne was far from the worst Slytherin he had ever spent time with. She was still snobbish, elitist, and obsessed with institutions and traditions Harry thought the wizarding world would be far better served by outright abolishment, but she at least wasn't an utter git to everyone around her.

"Since I paid, I suppose this makes Luna a third wheel to our first date?" Harry joked.

"Absolutely not! You paid as a gentleman upholding his word. We came because you promised you had Muggle money, and on Luna's suggestion. Our first date shall be proper, and just the two of us." Daphne responded, with a small smile that gave the lie to her otherwise harsh response.

"That's a shame. I would have been honored to have been present at your first date. Ginny told me I only just missed your first date with her by less than an hour, it would have been rather funny if I had been at another of your first dates. I was hoping I might be good luck, that could be proof I attract all sorts of creatures, especially around someone as attractive to nargles as you are."

"Let's just hope it doesn't get to the point of there being dates at all before we figure out a way out of the contract, yeah? At any rate, probably best if we get back isn't it? Another fun session of boring arguing to go over."

They returned to the ministry through the visitor's entrance, and were intercepted by Kingsley.

"Ms. Lovegood, Ms. Greengrass, I hope you had a pleasant lunch, I'm afraid I must borrow Harry. I will see you inside the chamber in a moment." Harry was surprised by the polite formality in Kingsley's voice. He was really settling into the role of minister.

"What's up Kingsley?" Harry asked, curious. Hopefully it was something to get him back to Auror duties as originally planned. Especially in light of the update from Ron in Australia.

"As a member, you technically are supposed to be present for full sessions like today, and I appreciate your support on the reforms we need, Harry. The problem is my Auror shortage problem hasn't gone away. I've convinced one more recruit, but I already have to send him on an assignment with most of our resources out to one of the location's Malfoy gave us. Now I have a request for support from the muggle prime Minister. Harry, I see you had a luncheon with the Greengrass girl, do you trust her enough to let her be your proxy vote while I send you to a village outside Belfast?"

"Belfast? Uh, sure, I'll just tell Luna to tell me if she ever votes against you, and that she'd better not. I think she'll do so, if only to piss off her father. So what am I doing in Ireland?"

"I don't know if you've heard, but the muggle troubles over there have ended. Apparently there is a referendum on disarmament happening, but their minister is worried of magical malfeasance subverting the peace process. Worse, I looked into it and your classmate Seamus' muggle family is connected with the troublemakers apparently. So If you could please find him at his family's cottage and just, make sure no magic is involved in any trouble his cousins get up to, I'd really appreciate it."

"Oh, yeah, especially with Seamus' tendency with magical explosions, probably better keep him away from muggle bombs. How should I get there?"

"The cottage is in the floo network, just make sure to announce yourself before coming through." Kingsley handed him a slip of parchment with an address on it. "Here's what to call out for his fireplace. And try to be back by 5, I need everyone I can get when the Aussies transfer the prisoners Ron took over to us."

"You know about that?" Harry asked, surprised.

"Benefits of being minister, international lines of communication are pretty quick. How did you hear about it so soon? I was going to tell you that part next."

"Hermione figured out Sirius and my dad's two way mirror, so I just got finished talking with them."

"She really is an incredibly bright witch." Kingsley left Harry then, who ran to catch up with Daphne and Luna.

"Daphne, wait!" She turned to look at him, curiosity flickered briefly behind her eyes. " Look, I still don't know if I fully trust you, but I don't really have much choice. I've got important Auror work. You said something about proxies, like Luna for her father? Well let's test whatever this thing between us is. I'm in a rush, so I have to trust you. Don't make me regret this, please. Just vote however Kingsley does, and don't commit me to anything Kingsley doesn't tell you to. Luna, If she breaks from this, would you call her out and make sure I know she can't be trusted?"

Both girls spoke at once.

"Well, I Never! The cheek of you Potter to just accuse me of being untrustworthy!"

"Absolutely Harry, I'll tell Ginny too, she should know if her future fellow Mrs. Potter can't be trusted after all."

Harry didn't answer either of them, but rushed to put on his Auror robes, trying hard to stay focused and not get distracted imagining the fight the two girls were surely having at the moment. As Harry grabbed his dragonskin uniform, he saw paperwork filling up his desk again.

"Damn" Harry muttered to himself, realizing it'd be a late night for sure, or an extremely dull one tomorrow. He was about to head out when one folder flew over and smacked him right in the face.

"Ow, Hey! " Harry tried to shoo the folder back to his desk, to no avail." I'm in a hurry here you know, doing actual work!"

That was the wrong thing to say to magical paperwork apparently, as it thrashed him repeatedly as though it were being wielded as a club by some offended berserker.

"Argh! Gerroff! Fine I'll read you, but only quickly!" Harry grabbed the file, and was strongly tempted to do it physical harm, but thought better of testing the mad folder further.

Upon opening the file, Harry realized why it was so much more insistent than his other papers. It was a full breakdown of Seamus' muggle family and their connections with the provo I.R.A. Harry glanced through it and saw that the muggles kept losing track of the family and could never locate the arms they were suspected of storing. A small note in Kingsley's handwriting suggested the fear that Seamus or his mother might be using magic to hide, or worse enhance, the weapons. Harry desperately hoped this wasn't the case. He really didn't want to arrest his former dorm mate on his first week as an Auror.

Five minutes later, Harry had poked his head into the Finnegan family fireplace to request permission to enter, and had been granted it by Seamus himself. Harry toppled out of the fireplace onto his face, yet again hating all forms of magical travel that weren't flying by broomstick.

"Blimey Harry, Good to see you! What's brought you all the way to Ireland? Finally tired of ugly old England and want to feast your eyes on true beauty, or did ya just miss me, eh?" Seamus seemed in high spirits, which only added to Harry's immense discomfort.

"Hey Seamus, no, England is fine, but it is good to see you, sorry it has to be under such circumstances. You doing alright since early graduation? Taking McGonagall up on the extra year for N.E.W.T.s?" Harry hoped he could ease into the discussion of illegal arms. Somehow.

"Can't complain, can't compl-Wait! Those are bloody Auror's robes! St. Patrick's Snakes how'd you knick those, and a badge to boot? You trying out for the Weasley twin's new prank competitor or something?"

"No, these are mine, special offer from Minister Shacklebolt, you know, Kingsley? I got to jump right into being an Auror on account of the extremely low staff and well, you know, my experience." Harry felt a strange mix of embarrassment and pride as he described his unusual path to the job of his dreams since he was 14 years old.

"Fuck me and pay me with Leprechaun gold! Already an Auror and you're not even 20, with no N.E. to ya name! Here I am just planning to shack up with me cousins at their pub and see about trying to just take a couple N.E.W.T.s in me spare time. Well congradu-fuck-alations Harry. But, what brings ye to me cottage then?" Seamus' eyes went from wide with shock to squinted with suspicion at the last part. Harry gulped audibly. There'd be no easing into it after all.

"Look Seamus, I know we've had our ups and downs, but please, remember I'm your friend, ok?" Harry pleaded.

"Now I'm really gettin' nervous Harry. What are you doing here that's Auror's business that your so nervous about my reaction?" Some of the rage Harry had become familiar with was starting to build in Seamus' face. Harry resisted the urge to use the quick release wand holster at his wrist, but only just barely.

"The Muggle Minister met with Kingsley during lunch. I know you were excited about the peace here, and I am excited for you too, please believe that. But I have to ask, as an Auror, can you swear to me that you have not, and will not use any magic to aid or assist the muggle terrorists, even if some are your family?"

"Terrorists?! Fuck you Potter! Yes, I'm thrilled for the peace. More'n half my dad's fam are either dead or in English prisons. Do I want the peace to last? Absolutely! But the path to peace is a united, independent Ireland. I mean, Christ, did you know magical Ireland is still considered ruled over entirely by you English fucks? Just like everything else magical Britain is a century or more out of date. And after this last year, you have the nerve to come here talking about terrorists?! You! Undesirable #1, who sure as shite never turned himself or any weapon over?"

"Come on Seamus, the Muggle government isn't Voldemort!" Harry had never heard this level of vehemence from Seamus, even when they had row'd in fifth year.

"Yeah, you are right about that, the muggle English did a far more effective job o' killing my people 'n oppressing them then Vold-Voldemort ever did. Don't do this Harry, don't be an agent of their imperialist, oppressive bullshite. My fam is no more terrorist than you. I supported you last year, got whipped for it alongside Neville, I did! Least you can do is not come into my house talkin' about 'terrorist'." Seamus was really getting worked up, barely even stumbling on saying Voldemort's name.

Harry interrupted the tirade. "Look, I don't know anything about muggle politics Seamus! I just want to catch dark wizards and prevent them from harming good people. That's not you mate! You're right, I didn't know magical Ireland wasn't independent. That's wrong. But Kingsley Shacklebolt is at the ministry right now laying out ambitious reform plans. I was taken away from them because of you. If you just, don't break the statute for secrecy, I can probably do something about magical Ireland. But if you want to fight for muggle Ireland, I'll stay out of your way, but you've got to do it as a muggle. It's our burden as halfbloods and muggleborns I suppose. We know both worlds, but can't use one to fix the other, no matter how badly we wish it, huh? It's not fair, it's not right. But we can't fix it by blowing everything up. That was Grindelwald's plan. That was Riddle's plan. It's not mine. Don't make it yours, please."

Seamus' eyes had lost some of their fury. "You really think you can get Shacklebolt to back an independent magical Ireland? A united magical Ireland?"

"Dunno for certain, and I'm not going to promise anything on unified, but I know Kingsley cares, and I also know he's overwhelmed and understaffed. So I figure, don't mess with the muggle disarmament, as a show of faith, and bring an Irish government to Kingsley. I'll at least promise he hears you out, with me backing it fully."

Seamus considered for a moment, then answered, "I don't trust Blair. I don't really trust Shacklebolt. But I'll trust you, Harry. I'll trust your word that you will press for an independent magical Ireland."

"You have my word. Do I have yours?" Harry extended his hand, trying desperately not to twitch his wand into it.

Sheamus considered for another moment, then took Harry's offered hand, shaking it good naturedly. "Wicked! You've got a deal Harry, I'll tell my cousins to piss off...which I was gunna do anyway, of course."

Harry grinned, in spite of himself. "Sure Seamus, sure. Well that's good enough for me, I'll get outta your place before your mum shows up."

Sheamus laughed, "you think I got a temper 'bout politics, if she heard you earlier you'd really be in for it. Probably boil you right up in a Potter stew. Can't have hero stew now, can we? Seriously, fuck off lad, but you can bet I'll see you soon with a new Irish ministry. Now we're both busy, so best to get cracking."

Harry was pleased. This had taken far less time than Kingsley had assumed, less than half an hour by Harry's guess. Harry grabbed some floo powder, and returned to the ministry, the only wizard falling straight on his arse as usual. Harry really wished he could just hop on a broom and fly, but he couldn't deny the convenience of the more instantaneous modes of transportation.

And that reminded Harry. He kicked himself for forgetting. He had no idea what had become of Stan Shunpike. Life outside of school, after the war, really seemed just as complicated as before. Harry hated politics, but it really seemed like Harry needed to get involved in it. Harry knew very little about muggle politics. He remembered Uncle Vernon's rants in favor of Thatcher and the conservatives, so Harry figured he probably was for whoever was opposed to that. Harry had certainly never thought much about Ireland, besides cheering for them at the Quidditch cup. He'd heard of assassinations, and horrible violence, and just assumed the I.R.A. must be bad. Now he had to wonder if that was any more reliable than his own countless alleged wrongdoings over the years.

Harry hated politics, but politics kept hurting people he cared about. If politicians were all terrible, then perhaps Hermione had the right idea. If Harry wasn't going to be willing to fight for a better world through politics, who else might do worse? He couldn't duel Stan back to his job on the knight bus. He hadn't dueled the Malfoys, yet look at what had been achieved this very morning. Harry suspected he would never enjoy politics, or paperwork. But he wasn't going to let people suffer, or injustice rule because he wasn't having fun. Harry had been willing to die for a better future, he supposed he could work towards one as well.