There's Love In Information
C4: Intelligence Interviews
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.
A/N: For the foreseeable future I will be changing my upload days to Mondays.
It took less than a week for Fabian and Nymphadora to have the logistical side of their department completely set up, as well as making a start of their department's rules and regulations, most of those being written up by Fabian. Today they were going to do most of their interviews, being Luna, Pansy Parkinson, Ginny Weasley, Draco and Fleur Delacour being the first ones to come in for an interview.
To distinguish themselves from the Aurors they did not choose robes as their outfits, but rather more formal Muggle looking attire that would set them apart from the rest of the ministry and especially the D.M.L.E.
Their office, while dark and spacious, was not as intimidating as it could've been, which was something they had intended. They needed people coming in to feel comfortable when they would bring people in for questioning since it would usually lead to people giving up more information when they were comfortable. The fact that their interrogation room was warded with mild compulsion charms was something they would only tell their direct co-workers.
"I have to say love, even in my wildest dreams I didn't think we would be able to set this all up in a couple of days." Dora said with a soft smile as she organized her files for the three women they were going to interview today, although it was ninety percent Fleur's files that were on her desk.
He smiled at her. "I know, Kingsley really came through or us, and now that everything is set up, it's starting to feel real, or I suppose I should say more real."
Nymphadora smiled at that as she rolled her chair over to his. "I don't think it could feel more real at the moment, Director Black." She said with a wink as she squeezed his thigh.
He smiled at her and returned the favor as he kissed her softly. "Don't forget, Assistant Director, we have to keep it professional at work, at least for a little while longer."
She smiled at that. "Shall I go and see if your sister has arrived then, give you a moment to compose yourself?"
"Please do love, I think my darling sister is already waiting for you, since a shared trait we have is that we hate being late." He said with a smile.
Nymphadora nodded as she took the Floo downstairs, which was another thing they had requested and were thankfully granted. The only ones who could directly Floo in were her and Fabian, while the rest of their future colleagues would Floo in from the Atrium, which would be well hidden from the rest of the fireplaces.
As she stepped out of the fireplace, she spotted the petite blonde near the reception area, clearly a little bit nervous but impeccably dressed, clearly ready to make an impression. "Ms. Lovegood, we're ready for you." The Metamorphmagus said with a sweet smile.
Luna looked surprised to see the now brunette smiling at her in a very much a-typical outfit for her. "Well this is certainly a surprise. I didn't know you had a new job."
Dora smiled at her. "I do, I'm the Assistant Director for the newly founded D.M.I.I. and I am sure that this will not be the biggest surprise today."
Luna smiled at her. "I didn't know what to make of it when I got an invitation for a job interview for something I never applied for? Am I right in assuming you had a hand in this?"
"Only partly Lu, but you'll see that for yourself soon enough. Come, we've got our own Floo into our office. I think you'll love what we've done here." Nymphadora said with a soft smile.
Luna nodded and followed her to the Floo, the two women stepping through in a flash of green flames.
Stepping out on the level of the D.M.I.I. Luna was surprised to see so much open space still. All of the desks were unoccupied, and in the office ahead she could see one person mostly cloaked in shadow.
"Really, this is the first impression you want to give off?" Nymphadora said with a roll of her eyes.
With a wave of his wand he lit the lights. "Sorry, I just couldn't resist." Fabian said with a smile.
Luna's smile brightened when she saw her brother sitting there. "You could've told me this was what you were working on brother. I got all nervous for nothing."
He smiled at her. "Sorry for the deception Lu, but I wanted this to be a surprise for you, since you did as much to keep everyone safe as I did, so I figured you would love the opportunity to get paid for doing what you do best."
She smiled as she took a seat in front of the desk. "I won't deny that I was looking for something out of the ordinary, but this was certainly unexpected. What is all of this even?"
He smiled at that. "This, my darling sister, is the newly founded department of the Ministry, the Department of Magical Information and Intelligence, of which I am the Director and Dora is my assistant, and we were hoping that you would be our first Agent."
"How did this all start then? You said it all went pretty quickly." Luna asked softly.
"After everything had settled a little, Kingsley asked me if I wanted to join the Aurors, which I of course declined because I am not going to be a part of the problem. Kingsley understood and offered me this, to lead an entirely new Department not tied to the Aurors or the D.M.L.E. but independent and to be founded for the sole purpose of having people willing to think out of the box and to be a bit more subtle than the door kicking ways of the Auror Corps. We'll work from the shadows and gather every bit of information we can before we move in. We don't report to anyone besides the Unspeakables, so technically we don't report to anyone." He explained with a smile.
Luna smiled at that. "And why did you invite me? I'm not the most subtle person around."
He smiled at her. "Luna, you're the most subtle person I know. You know how not to draw attention to yourself and on top of that you have the extraordinary ability to think outside the box to such a point the box isn't even visible anymore."
She blushed a little at that. "Thank you Fabian, and it certainly sounds appealing, but what exactly will be expected of me?"
"To be honest, we don't have a clue about that right now, but we know that what is left of the Death Eaters are planning another War, one more bloody and deadly than the one Voldemort pushed for and that it will be our first official case, so there will probably be a lot of late hours, very little free time and more stress than we had the entirety of last year, so if you're interested we'd be glad to have you join us." Nymphadora said with a smile.
Luna smiled at her. "As if there ever was any doubt. I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to work with my brother and cousin."
He smiled at her. "Yeah, about that. We have something to tell you. Dora and I have been together for a week now. You of all people deserve to know."
The blonde smiled at them both. "I knew it was only a matter of time. You two have always had a chemistry that was undeniable."
Fabian and Nymphadora smiled at her. "We're so glad you approve, shall we get the contract signed? After that we'll explain a few of the unwritten rules, as well as present you with the official D.M.I.I. handbook. You won't have to memorize it right away but we would appreciate you reading through the rules before you start, which will be next Monday, if that's okay with you." Fabian explained with a smile.
Luna smiled at him. "Gladly Fabian, I look forward to working with you two. Where do I sign?"
He smiled at her as he turned the contract around for her. "Take all the time you need in reading it. Our next candidate isn't due to come in for another hour, so we've got time.
Luna nodded and read through it. "I can't see anything odd in this and the times seem to be pretty reasonable too, do you think there will be much need for overtime?"
"We expect it to be situational after cases, but overtime will be well compensated in both extra free time and payout." Nymphadora said kindly.
The blonde smiled and nodded. "That's fine, I'll get a wardrobe sorted in the coming days."
"We have a generous budget for that too, so you won't have to worry about paying. We'll give you the address of the shop that takes care of our Department needs. That way we'll keep some uniformity, but feel free to add some color through accessories, since I know how much you love those." Fabian said with a smile.
Luna nodded at him as Nymphadora handed her a leatherbound book. "This has everything you need to know before you start, all neatly ordered, since it was your brother who put that together."
"I figured as much, he has always been good at that." Luna said with a soft smile.
Fabian smiled as he stood and rounded the desk so he could hug his sister. "Then all that is left to say is welcome to the Department, Lu."
She smiled and relaxed into his arms. "Thank you brother, and I think you'll see a lot more of me at home too, I finally moved out of the Rookery and Mom almost insisted that I move to my true home, although I didn't expect Hermione to be there too."
"She'll explain when you get home, I'm sure. It's not really my story to tell, but we both know she can't keep secrets from you, being the favorite and all." He said with a teasing wink.
Luna just stuck her tongue out at him. "Don't start that again. You know Mom doesn't have favorites, but since I now have a lot to do in only a couple of days, I'll take my leave. I presume I can use the Floo on Monday to come in?"
He smiled at her. "I think in light of convenience, we'll allow you to be the only other agent besides me and Dora who can Floo in from home. It'll be easier in the end."
Luna smiled and hugged them both. "Then I'll see you two when you get home. Good luck with the rest of the interviews."
He smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I don't think that will be a problem Lu. Give Mom our love."
The blonde nodded and smiled at them before putting her book and contract copy in her purse and then taking the Floo back to the Ministry Main Hall, leaving the two lovers alone once more.
…
The next three interviews of the day were a bit more professional, and ended with three extra additions to the Department, one being Ginny Weasley, another being Pansy Parkinson and lastly Draco, the latter being the most easy to convince, since he was family and had plenty of reason to want to finally bring his father and the rest of the Death Eaters to justice.
They were right now waiting for the last candidate to arrive, which happened to be Fleur Delacour and while her lover didn't know, Dora had some history with the beautiful blonde, not really being a couple but having hooked up a couple of times and having come to the mutual decision that they would be better off as friends.
"Dora, it's so good to see you again, and in somewhat professional clothes too. This is certainly a surprise." Fleur said with a smile as she walked up to her.
Nymphadora smiled and hugged the blonde. "Hey Fleur. It's good to see you. Are you ready for your interview?"
"Of course cherí. I was mostly just surprised to receive an invitation for a job I didn't actually apply for. It certainly was enough to pique my interest, especially since the letter came from you." The blonde said with a smile.
Dora smiled at that. "Yeah, my boss asked me to write those, since I'm more used to the Ministry way of writing, and while this is new for me too, so far it's all been very easy to deal with."
Fleur smiled at her as she followed the Metamorphmagus to the Floo system, the two appearing in the office a moment later.
To say that the blonde was surprised to see who was behind the desk would be an understatement. "Fabian Black. This is certainly a day of surprises."
He smiled at her. "Hey Fleur. Sorry for all the secrecy, but that is kind of the main aspect of this new Department that Kingsley has asked me to lead."
The blonde smiled at him as she took a seat. "Really? Now you've gotten me even more intrigued. What exactly is the purpose of this new Department?"
"We are in charge of the gathering, processing and then acting upon gathered information and intelligence in regards to possible and very actual threats. Kingsley wanted a division of the Auror Corps that is based on those core principles and subtlety when facing those threats. We are in no way connected to the Auror Corps though, and do not fall under any real branch of the Ministry. Our supervisors, if you can call it that are the Unspeakables, so we're basically independent, and we were hoping you would join us." Fabian explained with a smile.
Fleur smiled at him. "That depends, will Bill be a part of this?"
"Of course not. We only hire those with some form of brain function, so the only Weasleys we thought to be worthy were either the twins or Ginny, and as far as I know the twins are very happy running their joke shop. Ginny on the other hand, we did hire. Is that going to be a problem?" Nymphadora asked with a kind smile.
Fleur shook her head at that. "Not at all. Ginny and the twins are the only ones of the Weasleys that I stayed in contact with after Bill and I broke up. Ginny especially was on my side when she heard exactly what her brother had done. I look forward to working with her."
Fabian smiled at her. "I can take it you're interested then?"
"Of course mon amie. I've been looking for something more mentally stimulating than breaking curses for Goblins who don't have respect for anyone." Fleur said with a soft smile.
Both Fabian and Dora smiled at her. "You will certainly get that here. While we will work from the shadows, we will not be passive in our investigations like the Auror Corps. I plan to have the entire Department be active in gathering information. We're going to need it." Fabian said with a smile.
Fleur nodded at that. "That sounds like you already have something to work on Fabian."
"We do. The end of the war was merely an instigator for what is happening now. The remaining Death Eaters are working on reigniting the fires of war and kill everyone in their way to try and regain what they have lost and do what Voldemort failed to do. That will be our first and only case for the foreseeable future." Fabian said softly.
Fleur smiled at him. "Then I will do everything in my power to make sure they are stopped. May I ask how many people you have already recruited?"
"Of course, since they are your future colleagues, it's only fair. Next to myself and Dora, we have hired my sister Luna, my cousin Draco, one of his housemates Pansy Parkinson and Ginny Weasley. So with you added that would be seven people, which is a decent number to start with. We don't need the numbers that the Aurors have to be successful, I'd say less is more for a Department as ours."
Fleur smiled and nodded. "Yes, I would agree. Where do I sign?"
He smiled at her as he turned the contract around. "Right at the bottom, if you don't mind. We also have plenty of time, so take your time in reading it."
Fleur smiled as she did just that, finding nothing she could comment on, signing it with a smile.
"Welcome to the Department of Magical Intelligence and Information, Ms. Delacour. We will all start on Monday where Dora and I will brief everyone and let everyone make introductions. Here's your official manual with all of the Department's rules and regulations. You don't have to memorize everything right away, but as long as you know the basics by Monday you'll be fine. Included is also the address of our Department's tailor. She'll measure you for an outfit because I staunchly refuse to let everyone prance around in robes." Fabian said with a smile.
"Thank Merlin for that. Robes have always felt stuffy to me. I think this will be a very positive change for the Wizarding World." Fleur said with a soft smile.
"That is one of the reasons Fabian and I vetoed robes. The other reason was that it can get quite warm up here, especially in the summer. Our outfits are actually Muggle inspired. They classify this as business chique." Dora said with a smile.
Fleur smiled at her. "I am well acquainted with those type of clothes. Paris has so many wonderful shops that the Magical world can't just come close to, plus my mother ensured that no matter what me and my sister always dressed appropriately. Style was a very important part of our upbringing."
"I figured as much, you always look so composed and put together. If you have any questions between now and Monday, feel free to Floo us at our home." Dora said with a smile.
"I will, but I doubt there will be anything. I assume that I can use the Floo we came up in to come up on Monday?" The blonde asked kindly.
They both nodded and smiled at her. "Indeed you can. We'll arrange clearance before we leave so you won't be stranded downstairs." Fabian said with a smile.
Fleur nodded at them. "Then I will bid you adieu for now, mes amies. I will see you on Monday."
"Indeed we will Fleur, have a good weekend." Fabian called as the blonde stepped through the Floo.
That left the two alone in his office, and Nymphadora wasted no time in hopping up onto his desk. "I have to say love, I didn't think we would've had our entire Department staffed in a day."
He smiled at her as he took a seat to take in her profile on his desk, which was an extremely hot sight. "To be honest, neither did I, but I'm glad we did. Now we can start our investigation on the Death Eaters."
She smiled at him. "That can wait until Monday. A few more days can't hurt and we need to rest up if we want to be ready for the long hours." She said as she put her legs in his lap.
He smiled as he pulled her off his desk and into his lap fully before kissing her softly. "Feeling hot love?"
She shook her head and rested her head on his shoulder. "Not really, I just want to be close to you before we go home. I've missed being close to you, and I haven't been able to tease you all day, so now that we have a few minutes, I just couldn't resist doing so now, and of course it was super hot seeing you all professional. Perhaps I should bring extra pairs of panties to work, because I'm pretty sure I have soaked through them already."
He smiled at that. "We'll figure something out love, but if you want to go with that route, perhaps a skirt would be a better idea."
Dora smiled at him. "Will that be good for our willpower though? I know how much you love looking at my ass when I'm wearing a skirt."
"Why do you think I chose a desk that enclosed on all sides. It's to hide the hard-on I have even now." He said with a wink.
Dora smiled and kissed him softly. "It would look pretty poorly on both of us if I crawled under your desk on the first day wouldn't it?"
"Perhaps in a couple of weeks love, but we're definitely doing that at some point. It's too much like us not to christen our office space." He said with a soft smile.
She smiled at that as she got off him. "I agree, but shall we call it a day? I think we'll need our rest before Monday."
He nodded and kissed her softly as they made their way to the Floo to go home, both of them more than satisfied with how their first day had gone.
…
When Fabian and Nymphadora stepped out of the fireplace they were not even surprised to see Luna, Bellatrix and Hermione sitting there with numerous books opened. "I see you two wasted little time in explaining things to my darling sister." He said with a smile.
Bellatrix and Hermione both smiled at them. "We figured it would be easiest since she will be staying here from now on. How was your first day?" Bellatrix asked with a smile as she hugged the two.
"It went great Mom, everyone we interviewed was on board with the idea and seemed eager to start, especially when we told them what our first case is going to be. Everyone wants to help stop this before it has a chance to begin, and that single minded goal is going to be instrumental in doing exactly that." Fabian said with a smile.
Bellatrix smiled at him. "I'm glad it all went so well, sweetie. Do you two have other interviews to do?"
"No aunt Bella. We've staffed our entire department in the course of a day. We believe that a small team dedicated to a single case will work better than have a big team scattered across multiple cases. We'll be more effective that way, plus seven is a good number to start with." Nymphadora said with a soft smile.
"I never pegged you for a superstitious person Dora." Hermione said with a smile.
Dora smiled at the bookworm. "It's not superstition Hermione. In our family the number seven holds great value, as I am sure you've read by now. We believe it has something to do with the manner our family was granted magic, or at least that's what I gathered when Fabian and I read the book for the first time."
Hermione smiled at that, remembering that particular passage in the Family Book. "There might be something to that actually. I read something similar when I read it for the first time."
"The first time? How many times have you read the Family Book, if you don't mind my asking." Nymphadora asked softly.
Hermione smiled at her. "Only twice so far. I want to make sure that I know everything about the family of my Bond mate."
Fabian and Dora smiled at her. "I hadn't expected any less from the brightest witch of her age, especially when combined with the woman who held the same title." Fabian said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix smiled at her son. "You and your sister have definitely inherited our intelligence as well, sweetie."
They both smiled at her. "Thank you Mom." They said at the same time, which caused Hermione to giggle a little.
"It never ceases to amaze me how in sync you two are. I've never seen anything like it." The brunette said with a soft smile.
Luna smiled at that. "We've been that way since we were babies. It's probably because we're only a couple of months apart in age and have most of our early years together in either a playpen or a bed."
Hermione smiled at that. "I can see that too. You two chasing each other through the garden, and according to Bella usually without clothes too."
They both blushed a little at that. "Mom, I thought that was going to stay in the vault." Fabian muttered softly.
"Sorry sweetheart, but I can't keep secrets from Hermione, and she was quite adamant on learning about your childhood." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Fabian smiled at her as the Floo burned green and Andromeda stepped out. "Finally. You're late Andi." Bellatrix said with a teasing smile.
"Oh shush Bella. I had to cover my tracks a bit more thoroughly on this last haul. This last trip was just to make sure I got everything and then make sure I couldn't be traced here. Besides, Cissy isn't here yet either." Andromeda said as she took a seat next to her daughter and nephew.
Bellatrix smiled at her. "Cissy has been slaving away in the kitchen for most of the evening, preparing us a feast. For a family that has finally been reunited, and now that we are, no one is ever going to rip us apart again."
Everyone nodded at that as Cissa almost literally floated into the living room. "Dinner is ready, if everyone is done with the emotional moments."
"We are Cissy, come, let's have dinner. We've all earned it." Andromeda said with a soft smile.
Everyone nodded and smiled at her as the followed Narcissa into the dining room, where a literal feast awaited them. "What's with the three small seats love?" Hermione asked softly.
"That's for our House Elves of course. Jupi, Edi and Tilly are as much a part of the family as we all are. They usually never dine with us because they choose to, but Cissy usually insists when we're celebrating something." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled at that. "Every time I think you can't surprise me any more, you prove me wrong by doing something so against everything I thought I knew about you."
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "There is a lot you don't know yet, my love, but we have plenty of time to discover every depth of each other's lives together."
"You two are so sweet together. I never thought anything could make more sense than you and my mother together" Luna said with a smile.
Hermione blushed lightly at that while Bellatrix just smiled at her daughter. "Thank you sweetie. It means a lot to us that you all approve."
"Why wouldn't we Mom. Age is just a number, as you've always taught me, and I don't think I have any room to criticize anyone with Dora as my girlfriend." Fabian said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "I knew you two couldn't stay away from each other even if we forbade you to date. Andi and I saw the writing on the wall long ago and that's why we never really did anything about it when we found you two in bed with each other."
Fabian and Dora smiled at her as Narcissa cleared her throat. "It's all well and good that everyone in the house is so in love, but could we please eat? I would like to think that my slaving away in the kitchen for most of the afternoon wasn't in vain."
"Sorry Cissy, you know how we get." Bellatrix said apologetically.
Narcissa only smiled at her sister as they all ate their meal quietly, talk now mostly centered around Fabian and Nymphadora's first day at the Ministry.
After dinner Andromeda and Narcissa held the two young lovers back for a moment. "We were hoping you two would be available to talk for a bit?" Andromeda asked softly.
"Of course Mom, what can we do for you?" Nymphadora asked with a soft smile.
They both smiled at them as they all sat down again. "We were hoping that you two would be willing to talk about a potential position for us at your department. We know we're not the ideal candidates but honestly we're both tired of sitting around and doing nothing." Narcissa said softly.
They both smiled at that, having expected this. "Of course, we both think you two can offer a lot to the D.M.I.I. and we would love to have you both be a part of the department. It's up to you in what capacity you want to be a part of it." Fabian said with a soft smile.
Narcissa and Andromeda smiled at that. "We can be whatever you need us to be Fabian, although I think we would both prefer some advisory or clerical role."
"I think we can do both, right love? We can make that happen." Nymphadora asked softly.
He smiled and nodded. Of course love. We can definitely use a clerk to help with providing and filing case files, and I know aunt Cissa is more than happy to share everything she knows about the Death Eaters, and since we're such a young Department, a little bit of guidance won't hurt anyone. Why don't you two join us on Monday so we can draw up the contracts."
The two women smiled at that. "We would love to, and of course I will gladly share everything I know about the Death Eaters, I housed the entirety of the inner circle for more than a year after all, and I know every dirty detail of their plans, because I've heard plenty of talk about them wanting to wait until Voldemort would screw up against Harry and then pick up the pieces when it was over. Lucius especially was pretty vocal about that, when He wasn't around of course, because he is that much of a coward."
"We know aunt Cissa, and that is why we wanted to have you both as a part of the D.M.I.I. at some point, and of course the same goes for aunt Bella and Hermione too if they choose." Nymphadora said with a soft smile.
Both Narcissa and Andromeda smiled at that. "Thank you. It means a lot to us that you two are willing to give us a chance. We know that we are far from the ideal candidates."
Fabian smiled at that. "You two are probably most qualified because what you both have experienced, not just in the last war but in the one before that too, and of course we need someone to manage all of the information we are going to gather, and let's be honest, no one is better at that than you aunt Andi."
Andromeda smiled at that. "It has always been my specialty, so I would love to use my talents for something productive for a change."
"I'll go by the office tomorrow and pick up two more contracts and make sure the Floo will accept you into our office, otherwise you'll just be sent to the Atrium." Fabian said with a soft smile.
Narcissa and Andromeda smiled and nodded. "That would be a bit counterproductive. But I do wonder about something. Who exactly does the D.M.I.I. fall under?"
"Technically we fall under the supervision of the Unspeakables, but Kingsley assured us that we'll be mostly independent. Only very high profile cases will directly involve the Unspeakables, and even then their influence will be minimal, so we won't have to deal with the Aurors at all. As a matter of fact, I think we outrank everyone on the Auror Corps except for Director Bones, Fabian is on equal standing with her." Nymphadora said with a smile.
"That's good to hear. I was worried about having to argue with the Aurors on every turn, and trust me that no one is as good at bureaucracy as the Aurors are." Andromeda said with a soft smile.
Fabian just smiled at that. "Oh we know, that is why I explicitly asked Kingsley for an independent department."
"How about we talk about this so more tomorrow? I know you two are dead of your feet after doing interviews all day." Narcissa said with a soft smile.
They nodded and gave their aunts a hug before making their way upstairs, both of them silently agreeing to a shared shower before doing anything else.