Chapter Eight: A Reluctant Minister
The group stopped for a small snack and decided to split up so Rose could get her textbooks (Albus was using James' ) and Albus could find his owl. They entered Eeylops Owl Emporium, a frantic shop of numerous species. James, who was rather fond of animals, took it upon himself to lead Albus through the various temperaments of the perfect pet.
"Now you'll want one that's not too shy, otherwise they'll never get along in the Owlery. " He reached out his arm toward a group of speckled pygmy owls, who all promptly cowered away in a haste of nervous twittering. "Poor things," James' cupped a quivering bird and stroked its head, calming it.
In fact, a number of birds, to James' dismay, seemed rather on edge and of uneasy temperament. Albus was fairly convinced that the reason was because Bidi, who was still clutched to James' shoulder, was a positively menacing sight to behold. Obviously jealous from her owner's divided attention, the large screech owl had puffed up to twice her size, her distinctive chartreuse irises boiling as she glared around the lesser fowl. As James won the trust of a few more birds despite her efforts, Bidi nipped his ear sharply, prompting an "Oi! Bloody bird!" James turned to Albus, "One second Al, let me deal with this jealous git." He wandered over to the treats section of the store.
Albus took in the brilliant array of yellow and blue eyes that now stared at him curiously. A striking pair of amber discs caught his attention. Coming closer, the color vanished, but Albus was still interested in the peculiar bird. It was definitely a barn owl, but the usual milky white feathers appeared ashy and black, as if they had been dipped in soot. The amber coloring was a trick of light, a reflection on the truly opaque pupils that currently regarded Albus with mild suspicion.
"Not der friendliest owl yeh could find 'ere. Reckon the pigmentation made der other ones 'fraid of 'em, " A burly, bearded man approached Albus, "Got mobbed wen he was younger so he tends ta be a bit of a loner. Sorta likes ya though. Name's Ibn- got it from sum older lady "
The owl was bobbing his head in front of Albus' face, and the boy could make out a few thin fleshy lines of healed scratch marks. Albus laughed at the ridiculous behaviour, causing the bird to recoil for a minute in offense, before deciding otherwise and recommencing his routine.
Albus and James left the Emporium a few minutes later, each with an owl in tow. Bidi at first coldly observed the strange, dark bird, but upon realizing he was solely Al's, settled to pleasant clucking on James' shoulder. "The depth of your insecurities amazes me-Oi!" earned the older Potter another nip.
The boys found the others at Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Rose was hidden behind a large stack of books for First Years. Ron read the titles in amazement. "Primary Level Transfiguration: from Transformation to Animation. Why did we even learn animation in school? "
Ginny shook her head, "I know, I couldn't believe those were for First Years when James started. Apparently they've disused most of the spells we've learned for newer incantations. Easier to master and less finicky."
"Sounds like we'll be out of a job in no time," muttered Ron.
"Speaking of which," Ginny turned to Hermione, "Minister?"
Again, the blood rose in Hermione's cheeks. Tapping Rose on the shoulder, she suggested that her daughter take Hugo and the Potters to see George at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes. The others looked rather bewildered as the children sped off. "Why you're acting as though you've been demoted!" exclaimed Harry, "You haven't killed Atterberry have you?"
"No... he's... he's resigned." Hermione struggled with what to say next, "There's been a lot of loose ends since the end of the war that have yet to be addressed... that should have been addressed... in fact their negligence borders on criminal."
"What do you mean?" pressed Harry, "Incidences in Dark Magic have been the lowest since before the First Wizarding War. And Ron and I would be the first to know about any disappearances..."
"No, no it has more to do with my department... well, really just me..."
Hermione had entered the Ministry of Magic as head of a new (and underfunded) department, "The Rights and Protections of Magical Species" which sought to set up a justice system where magical creatures besides wizards could file grievances of both criminal and civil nature. While slow to gain the trust of the very different communities, the abolishment of House Elf servitude boosted its credibility. Very soon after, Hermione was able to expand the territory of centaurs and set up "forgiveness programs" for giants orphaned during the War. This had a huge impact on wizard-giant relations and made Hermione a popular political voice, though with a fair amount of harsh critics highlighting some of the more barbaric practices of their magical counterparts. Hermione combated these opponents by offering representation on the Ministry Council in exchange for complete adoption of Wizarding laws as well as tailored taxation requirements. House Elfs, Centaurs, Goblins, and Grindylows were currently engaged in partnership.
At the time, Kingsley Shacklebolt had been the sitting Prime Minister. One Friday morning, he had entered Hermione's office and declared her promoted. And, as part of her new position (he hadn't yet told her exactly what was higher than Head of a department) she was to travel with him for a three day business trip, starting in 15 minutes. He left the office in haste, failing to mention the destination. Hermione had accompanied the Minister and returned the next Monday with a pale and blotchy face, but took the position at once.
Shacklebolt had sworn Hermione to secrecy and moved her office to a room next to his own. A few months later, the Financial Department accused Shacklebolt of mismanaging Ministry Funds for trips to private destinations. Hermione had been included as a person of interest in the probe, but Shacklebolt produced seemingly valid bills of his many vacations to the Caribbean, released a statement that he gravely regretted betraying the trust of his citizens, and resigned. Ian Atterberry, a strong opponent of policies enacted by both Shacklebolt and Hermione, was instated, and a very public feud between the two had arose.
"Is your work still secret?" Ginny probed her stalled friend.
"Yes, well Ian was informed of the nature of my duties when he was instated. It was a mistake to do so... inescapable I guess, but I wish I hadn't. He cut off all funding of the project at once and now the situation is brimming to the point where we may not be able to control it."
"Who else knows about it?" Ginny, Harry, and even Ron were at a loss as to what their friend was hiding from public knowledge, from even her fellow Ministry members.
"I'm sorry to be so cryptic, " Hermione clearly wanted to shrink smaller than a speck of dust, "Artemis- the Head of Health- knows a bit about the situation; enough to persuade the rest of Atterberry's cabinet that it was crucial that I supersede him. I...I really wish I could tell you more, but if this gets out and a number of high profile Ministry members are implicated it could ruin the entire political structure. As of now I'm working with single members associated with Bulgaria, the States, India..."
Harry sat back with wide eyes, "This is something of international concern?"
Hermione slumped back, exhausted, and didn't reply.
"And how did you find all this out?" Ginny directed the conversation to Ron. Her brother was in similar disbelief as Harry and stammered a reply, "I... I knew nothing about this," he continued to stare at his wife, "I just walked in the office as she was swearing in around the cabinet..."
"Art insisted a private ceremony would be the least controversial. On Monday Atterberry will announce his resignation and my appointment."
"Is all of this, this situation... its not going to affect Hogwarts, is it?" Ginny caught sight of their children returning, hands stuffed with brightly colored toys from George.
Hermione's face didn't change to something reassuring.
"Hermione!" Harry nearly shouted.
"No! My goodness they're not in danger are they? I'm sending my own child am I not?" She shot back heatedly.
"But I have a feeling some of their classmates may hint at things that should have been dealt with a long time ago"