London

October 8, 2006

"Your tie is crooked."

Harry jumped at the intrusion, smiling as he recognized the visitor. "Daphne."

She beckoned him to her – he complied and she straightened his tie, looking at him thoughtfully before attempting (and failing) to straighten his hair with her fingers. "Are you ready for today?" she asked, a pensive expression marking her face.

Two years earlier, Harry Potter was the youngest representative ever elected to the Western European Alliance (more often referred to as the WEA) parliament. It had been a brutal election – the two primary wizarding factions were particularly divisive. Harry championed continued cooperation with Muggles – or non-magicals, the more politically correct term. His opponents wanted a return to enclaves and isolationism.

Today, parliament was debating the continued role and funding of the Corps. As far as Harry was concerned, the Corps were a shining example of the ingenuity of combining wizarding and non-magical culture. The Corps was the military force behind the WEA, consisting of both magicals and non-magicals. In the past few years, the Corps had been granted increased funding and a new mandate for research and development related to the magical alteration of non-magical technology and vice versa.

The resulting technology included anti-apparation satellites and wand disruptors, amongst other gadgets leveraged by both the non-magical detectives and wizarding Aurors. While politically, these advances helped witches and wizards in their ongoing negotiations with their non-magical counterparts, individual witches and wizards grew resentful. Thus, the isolationist factions continued to grow, feeding on the residual fears many still felt towards non-magicals.

"I'm as ready as I will be," Harry responded, with a tentative grin and a brief nod.

Daphne walked Harry out, and the pair immediately stood straighter as they began the trek from Harry's office to the Parliamentary procedure room. Passing spectators and visitors, Harry nodded and shook a few hands as they made their way through the public passageways. A soft ring brought Daphne's attention to her phone, and her footsteps stopped as she read the message.

"What is it?" Harry frowned from a few feet ahead. He glanced quickly at his watch and Daphne started walking again.

"Just received confirmation on the opposition speaker – apparently it's Viktor Krum," Daphne explained, her voice betraying some concern.

Harry quickly adjusted his glasses. "Damn," he mumbled. There was nothing wrong with Viktor Krum – quite the opposite. He had come to Western Europe as a teenage refugee 13 years earlier, when his home country of Bulgaria found itself in a particularly bloody civil war – a state which continued to this day. His natural charisma and inherent ability to speak plainly had led to a meteoric political rise. He was currently a wizarding representative of Germany – the only non-native to the WEA to achieve such a position. Krum was typically an advocate for magical and non-magical relations, and he and Harry were ordinarily on the same side of these issues.

Until now, thought Harry harshly. They were turning towards the representatives' entrance to the procedure room when an unpleasant voice interrupted his thoughts. "Mr. Potter!"

Harry closed his eyes and took a breath before turning around and smiling. "Mr. Parkinson. I didn't know you would be here today?"

Elijah Parkinson made a point to look taken aback before responding. "You know I wouldn't miss such a substantial vote! What is it that I've heard about you as the speaker for the bill?" He raised his eyebrows dramatically.

"You very well know I co-signed the bill," Harry started, speaking plainly. "I understand your concerns, but the Corps is the only entity that has the infrastructure needed to handle the issues at hand."

"Mr. Potter – you are being naïve," Elijah smiled condescendingly. "The Corps is still very young in the scheme of things. And they are well funded! I have just learned," Harry closed his eyes briefly to avoid rolling them, "that Pelia's Potioneers has a working hypothesis on the birth rate matter. But-"

"But they need funding to explore it," Harry predicted in monotone.

Elijah's eyes lit up. "Exactly! What is it the Muggles say? 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket?'"

Harry shook his head. "Granting funding to the Corps does not preclude funding to other entities. In fact, a part of the Corps' funding requires them to subcontract to both magical and non-magical companies."

Elijah laughed. "Oh, I read your bill. The requirements to be considered for subcontracting is patently absurd."

"How so?" Harry asked.

"You are requiring wizarding companies to hire and work with Muggles. Why – for many of these companies, it's just not possible! How can you expect muggles to work on potions or work with magical creatures? It's unrealistic!" Elijah shook his head. "Don't forget Mr. Potter – you represent all of magical Britain – not just the idealists who elected you." This last part was clearly stated as a threat.

Harry pondered this and exhaled, "Mr. Parkinson – I understand you and your constituents' concerns. But this bill has been extensively reviewed, and the time for debate is over. I am speaking for it because I believe it is what we need to move forward." He took a deep breath and finished, "Now if you'll excuse me. It was good seeing you." He shook the older man's hand.

"A pleasure as always." Parkinson smiled at Harry and turned to Daphne with a far softer expression. "Daphne – looking lovely as always." Harry rolled his eyes this time, safe now that Parkinson's attention was diverted.

"Mr. Parkinson – how is Pansy doing? I miss her dearly," Daphne responded softly with a kind smile on her face.

"Oh, you know Pansy – she's taking Paris by storm." Parkinson's eyes held a glint of pride as he spoke with fondness for his only daughter. "I keep hoping she'll meet a nice man," he finished with a chuckle.

Daphne gave an indulgent smile – used to his constant berating of Pansy for being perpetually single. Even though she was a highly successful editor, no amount of personal success seemed to make up for this fact. "Well – the next time you speak with her, remind her to call me."

Elijah shook his head. "You young people and your Muggle technology." And with a brief nod goodbye he departed, leaving Harry and Daphne right outside the speaking chambers.

"I don't know how you do it," Harry remarked, smirking at Daphne.

"Years and years of practice." She shook her head and they both turned upon hearing the chamber door open - a Corps Sergeant beckoning Harry in. He gave Daphne a playful salute before entering, leaving her to rush to the public chambers for viewing.

Daphne reached the balcony, taking the seat towards the front saved for her. "Thank you," she whispered. James Potter gave her a slight nod before returning to his notes. 38 individuals in public chambers, 8 magicals, representatives from Sweden missing… Daphne watched her future father-in-law notate each and every fact as they waited for Harry's turn to speak.

"In support of the legislation to add WEA100 million in funding to the Corps for the purposes of additional scientific and industrial research, the Honorable Harry James Potter – junior magical representative of England," the WEA secretary, a stout non-magical man, boomed.

The room was silent. "Good afternoon ladies and gentleman – and thank you for your time," Harry started. He looked down at his notes and took a purposeful exhale, removing his glasses and looking out into the audience, now a blurry mess, before returning them to the bridge of his nose. Daphne smiled and nodded approvingly at the gesture – remind the non-magicals that we're all human.

"Seventeen years ago, the world forever changed as we knew it. The exposure of magic led to the rise of the fundamentalist movement, and humanity entered a very dark moment." Harry looked at Daphne, who gave a small encouraging nod, before continuing. "15 years ago, my life was forever changed." He shifted somewhat uncomfortably, a flash of grief marking his features momentarily. No one had to ask what he was referring to – Harry Potter's story was legendary. He avoided his father's gaze and instead shifted his eyes to where the Scandinavian delegation typically sat. "It took a tragedy for magicals and non-magicals to start working together. The Corps is the crowning achievement of that work. It has effectively kept the peace and unprecedented unity in the Western European Alliance. While other countries remain hopelessly stuck in civil war, we have started to rebuild!"

Harry took a moment to analyze the crowd. Most people looked unaffected and he sighed, brushing his unruly hair. "The problem facing us now is catastrophic," he stated bluntly – finally garnering everyone's attention. "The fundamentalists represented a physical threat to our existence – perhaps that's why it was relatively easy to come together and overcome it – but make no mistake – the current crisis," he paused once again, giving off the appearance of a tired man in search of just the right word, "would mean all of mankind's extinction."

There was whispering in the crowd – some eye rolling, even laughter. Harry gave them a moment to settle down before continuing, "I've been in touch with our region's experts – and our sources from around the world have confirmed consistent data in other countries. I can say, with 80% certainty, that as of three weeks ago, the global birth rate has dropped to zero.

"I don't say this to be alarmist. I say this to be honest – if we are not able to resolve this issue, mankind will surely cease to exist – magical and non-magical alike.

"The greatest scientific minds have determined that this crisis is unprecedented. There is no logical explanation – scientific or magical. This bill," Harry now held up a print out of the 285-page document for effect, "will provide the Corps the funding needed to expand their research. We need the greatest minds in the WEA on this. It's that or-" he paused, looking down for just a moment, "we will be the last humans to walk the earth." Harry stepped off the podium and took the seat to his right, nerves still shooting through him. He saw Daphne give him an encouraging nod, and he did his best to smile back as he heard the door behind him open, and Viktor Krum stepped through.

Viktor gave Harry a polite nod as he waited for the Secretary to announce him. Harry, only minimally conversant in German, put on the translating headphones and sat upright, appearing calm and collected.

"Thank you for your time today," Viktor began. His voice was deep, though the English translator spoke with a bright accent, jarring Harry for a moment. "I am not here to downplay the Corps – I agree with my esteemed associate," he gestured now towards Harry who did his best to remain stoic, "that the Corps represents an outstanding cooperation between the magicals and non-magicals.

"I came to Germany from a country embroiled in conflict – so many factions – fundamentalists, isolationists, all of them vying for their policy. In the WEA, we have found a way to take our individualism and foster healthy debate. It is the bedrock of the Alliance. And I once again am humbled to be counted amongst you.

"The Corps keeps us safe. I make no illusions about the world outside our borders – but it is the Corps and fear of the Corps that let us live in relative peace. I say this so that it is clear – I don't oppose this bill out of lack of respect or confidence in the Corps. Quite the contrary, I owe everything to the Corps." Viktor looked to the left and smiled at a woman in the public viewing area – Harry recognized Viktor's wife, Alysia, who also happened to be a non-magical colonel in the Corps. Crap, he thought as he watched his opponent continue.

"Part of what makes the Corps so effective is their limited purpose. They do not control our industry – they are responsible for protecting us. And that is what they do well! Expanding their funding and purpose would only result in one of two things – either they may become less able to complete their primary function or," Krum paused, his eyes roving over the Representatives, "they may, with too much power and scope, become a threat."

This caused a small stir and Krum put his hands up in surrender. "I do not say this to be malicious! As I've said, I know I would not be here without the Corps. But throughout history, we've seen people, governments, and corporations all fall victim to their own power. To think our own Corps is immune to this is –" he paused and looked at Harry, his face apologetic, "arrogant." Krum gulped, turning back to face his fellow representatives.

Harry felt his face and neck grow red but did his best to remain calm and tried to coax his mouth into a slight smile. He was sure Daphne would tell him later if he was successful. Distracted, he missed a small chunk of Krum's speech, "-agree with Mr. Potter that the decline in birth rate is a true threat to our existence – but I believe Parliament needs to do more due diligence before we make further investment." He finished with a small head tilt and sat in the seat to the left of the podium, directly opposite Harry.

"Thank you Mr. Potter and Mr. Krum, order," the secretary commanded. "With the conclusion of speakers, we will bring the matter to a vote."

Harry pulled the voting device out of the pocket in front of him – entering his code and clicking Yes for the passage of the bill. He turned his gaze to the public viewing area; Daphne looked anxious – fidgeting, unable to keep still. His father met his eye and gave just the slightest shake of his head. Shit, Harry thought again. His dad had a knack for these things – he must have seen something to make him believe the bill was not going to go his way.

"With 85 representatives present, we have 36 yays and 40 nays, with 9 abstaining. The bill is defeated." Harry let out a sigh and stood up. Aware of the eyes on him, he made a point to turn to Krum and shake his hand. "Always good to see you Viktor." Harry smiled, though – in spite of his friendship with Krum – the action felt forced.

"And you – apologies for the circumstances," Viktor responded, his voice earnest.

The pair exited and went their separate ways – Harry waited for the rest of the representatives to vacate the meeting room before rounding the corner, literally bumping into Daphne, who seemed to have the same idea.

"You alright?" she asked, grabbing Harry's elbow and walking him to his office.

"I'll be fine." He attempted to smile but it fell short.

"You're doing it again aren't you," she accused him.

"I just can't stop thinking about it!" Harry started. "I mean, I know we talked about it, but what if he's right? We put too much on the Corps and put ourselves at risk."

"You are a brilliant, kind, and empathetic man," Daphne started, "but you are a LOUSY politician. We accounted for all of this in the bill! The requirements for subcontracting, the continued monitoring and evaluation. You have to give yourself – and me, your trusted advisor – more credit!"

Harry felt a genuine smile pull on his lips. He had met Daphne in secondary school – both their fathers had sent them to a boarding school outside of Oxford, the first attempt at a combined magical/non-magical school in the country. They were the only two magicals in their year and became very close friends.

After secondary school, Harry went into public service, getting a job as a clerk for a non-magical representative, while Daphne studied public policy at the London Institute. It was at this point her father had insisted it was time for her to marry a nice pureblood; while he may have sent her to a relatively progressive secondary school, he had certain beliefs he held onto from before the Event. He had arranged for her to marry Ernie MacMillan – a boy their age who had the right breeding.

Harry shuddered slightly at the memory – amazed that some witches and wizards continued to live in the old ways. Daphne and Harry began a relationship in public purely to appease her father – after all, how could he force her to marry Ernie MacMillan when she was dating Harry Potter?! Even if Harry's mother was a Muggleborn, Harry's prestige and notoriety were sufficient to back her father off.

It worked – for a while. Eventually, her dad was unhappy with the speed in which their relationship progressed. Daphne – you are a pretty girl now but you won't be for long, her dad would tell her constantly. They got engaged two years ago, though it was largely to boost Harry's odds in the election. It had effectively kept her father satisfied – until two months ago when suddenly he started asking 'Daph – are you really getting married?'

It wasn't that Harry and Daphne didn't love one another. They really did – Harry considered Daphne his best friend. But he recalled watching his parents when he was younger, seeing his mother's eyes light up when his dad walked into a room. As much as he cared for Daphne, it wasn't that kind of romantic love. But for the time being, it was politically and personally advantageous to maintain the ruse. So, they continued to ignore Anton Greengrass and make excuses like 'this is Harry's first term in office.'

"You're right Daph. What would I do without you?" Harry asked rhetorically.

"Let's hope you never find out." Daphne smirked and then reached into her pocket to answer her phone as they walked into his office.

"Astoria?" she asked in confusion. She looked to Harry, who shrugged as if to say 'What would I know, she's your sister!?' "Astoria – slow down – I can't hear you." She mouthed an 'I'll be right back' before heading out of Harry's office.

Harry stretched out his neck and was about to sit down when he heard it, just the softest tick, and was immediately alert. He had just enough time to pull out his wand and shout out a Protego before he was thrown back in an explosion.

Thank you all for reading and appreciate any comments/questions/feelings! Also on Tumblr: canttouchthis87

As always, thanks to my beta ElizColl for being an amazing Beta.