Chapter Two
September 19, 2009
It seemed as if the stacks and stacks of paperwork were never ending. Even Hermione Granger herself couldn't conjure enough magic to help the paperwork dissipate faster. The newly appointed and youngest Minister for Magic in magic history ran a hand through her bushy curls, huffing in protest at the thick locks that fought her need to release the frustration she had built up inside of her. The detangling spell from this morning was beginning to lose its hold on her nearly unmanageable hair.
The bright witch was barely allowed a moment to breathe since she had been sworn in. Kingsley Shacklebolt's abrupt resignation to retire to an area of much warmer climate with his family was a shock to the whole wizarding world. Hermione couldn't fathom any reason why Kingsley was so willing to leave such a distinct position.
"You will realize soon enough Ms. Granger that there is much more to life than. . .this." Kingsley had said to her the day of his resignation notice, gesturing around the room at the endless papers and books that were in the minister's office. With a bittersweet farewell, they had said their goodbyes the day Hermione was sworn in, thus, it left Minister Granger with papers piled high on her office desk and a big reputation to uphold more than ever.
"It keeps me away from the house at least. . ." Hermione mumbled to herself.
To add a cherry on top to the rest of things overwhelming her, Hermione and Ron's marriage was coming to an end. They were in the midst of finalising their divorce which had been quite the ordeal with the wizarding world's harsh rumours, no thanks to Rita Skeeter. Having quit his services as an auror, Ron decided to help his brother George run Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Just a few months after starting at the shop George had let him go, for Ron was doing nothing to help contribute to his brothers' growing business. As soon as Ron had quit his duties as auror, he had started going into a downward spiral, and he was taking Hermione with him. She however, was having none of it. With the excessive drinking and verbal abuse, Hermione had finally put her foot down, with the help and support of Harry, Ginny and the rest of the family behind her, she managed to serve Ron the papers, with relief but sadness, and he hesitantly agreed to sign.
Hermione found herself staying at the Ministry as late as she could, in the hopes that by the time she was home, Ron would be passed out from the amount of firewhiskey he gulped down. He was putting forth zero effort to find a place of his own, and so Hermione caved slightly into letting their flat go, putting the responsibility on him to keep it, and searching for a place of her own. If he were unable to keep up with the funds to stay there himself, it would no longer be her problem. Thankfully, in the midst of her personal and work chaos, she managed to find a cute flat just a few streets away from Scotland Yard.
We have got to find a way to keep a better track of these unregistered portkeys. . .
The situation Hermione had her attention on were several reports from Forest Gnats who currently ran the portkey office. There were still a handful of followers of Voldemort in hiding. Every so often they would try and try again in their pathetic attempts to wreak havoc on the good witches and wizards of the magical world. Countless times their efforts had been unsuccessful, but they managed to slip away in time before the Aurors could catch them to make an arrest. It was no surprise to Hermione, when she received a very detailed and frustrated owl from Harry, that it was Ron's fault on a couple different occasions that the select couple of death eaters they had been on the hunt for had managed to escape due to Ron's carelessness.
Sometimes those mistakes he made makes me think Ron was let go from his position as an Auror and Ron just flat out lied to me about it. . .but then wouldn't Harry know?
Hermoine wandered around the well-appointed office, trying to get her mind back on to the task at hand. She caught a glimpse of herself in a small mirror and caught an uncanny sense of deja-vu. She stopped in her tracks, trying to root out the memory that was just beyond her conscious mind when her thoughts were disrupted by a soft knock on the door.
"Come in."
Hermione brought her head up from the mess of papers to see Senna Salman, her assistant that had been with her since she first started her career with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
"Senna it's late, what on Earth are you still doing here? I told you you were able to leave a couple hours ago."
"Just getting myself caught up on some things just as you are, Minister Granger. I figured I'd pop my head in to see how you're managing and if I can be of any assistance here."
Hermione chuckled. "I told you no need for the formalities, Senna, you've known me for 10 years now. Call me Hermione."
Senna chuckled as well. "I just thought I'd try and get a chuckle out of you, I know you've had a lot on your plate." Senna took a seat in the chair across from Hermione. Hermione smiled slightly before it faltered, feeling the tears start to sting the bottom of her eyes. In a flash Senna was by her side with a handkerchief, extending it out for Hermione to take and dab at her eyes with. Hermione was not one to show too much emotion in front of others, but aside from Harry and Ginny and other family, Senna was really the other exception she would open up to.
"I just can't believe he wasn't even there for my swearing in ceremony, Senna." Hermione said through sniffles. "Of all the days he decided to get himself piss drunk and pass out, it had to be that day!" Hermione's sniffles turned into sobs as Senna pulled her into a very tight hug, letting her cry herself out on her shoulder. She was as much of a friend as she was her boss.
"The bright side is you're getting out of that toxic relationship. You're not allowing him to hold you back any longer. We will get you all moved in and situated into the new place this weekend and you'll be free of his negativity. You have so much support around you, Hermione. Just remember that when you're feeling down."
Hermione wiped the remaining tears from her eyes and pulled away from their hug, a small smile on her face.
"Thank you, Senna," she said softly.
"Anytime. You can come stay at my place tonight if you'd like, I'm happy to make up the sofa for you."
"That is very kind, thank you. Perhaps I will take you up on your offer, but please do not wait up for me. Go ahead and get yourself home, you've done plenty for today."
Senna nodded as she stood to walk out, giving Hermione one last smile as she opened the door. "I'll leave the floo open for you when you're ready to come. The bedroom is straight down the hall, first door on your right. Have a good ni- -oh! I can't believe I almost forgot to tell you."
"Hmm? What would that be?" Hermione asked, curiously.
"Sage Bragnam from the Department of Magical Artefacts wanted me to inform you that they've located the Mirror of Erised!"
Hermione's eyebrows shot up and her eyes went wide.
"I was under the impression Professor Dumbledore had either put it in hiding for no one to find or it had been destroyed in the room of requirement during the final battle. Where on Earth did they find it?!"
"Not sure, but they have it in safe keeping in the artefacts room. Have a good evening, Hermione. Oh! I can't believe I almost forgot. Again!" Senna fished in her pocket, pulling out a small box and handing it to Hermione. "Happy Birthday!"
"Oh, Senna, thank you so much. You didn't have to do that." Hermione smiled.
Hermione opened the box to reveal a silver ring with an oval shaped stone in the centre. There was a swirling of blue and green moving around in the stone.
"Is this. . .a mood ring?"
"A magical mood ring!" Senna chirped. "I remember you telling me about the ones you had as a kid that a lot of the muggle kids you grew up with used to wear. I took a look around some muggle shops when I was on Holiday in America and I came across one. However, I couldn't help myself from adding my own magical twist to it and have it actually work. It changes the colours to whatever mood you are feeling. It even will turn into a mixture of you and the person you're meant to be withs favorite colour when you're in their presence, and glow gold" Senna said with a playful smirk. "I couldn't help myself. I just want you to be happy again soon. I figured you'd find some ways to tinker with it as well!"
Hermione chuckled. "This is so sweet and charming of you. Thank you so much again, Senna. I'm sure down the road this can come in handy..at least I hope." Hermione stood to give her a hug.
"It was my pleasure. It's an honour working for you! Take care, Hermione, and happy birthday again!"
"You take care as well, Senna," she said as Senna disappeared through the floo in Hermione's office. Hermione slipped the ring onto her finger, watching as the colours changed to a darker blue, indicating Hermione was in a calm and happy state of mind.
I could work this into something really interesting if given the time. . .
Hermione returned to her work, trying as best as she could to finish at least the minimal amount of work she needed to do before she left.
Her thoughts were brought back to what she had been told right before Senna had given her her would've been ashamed to admit it, but her curiosity to see the Mirror of Erised was distracting her from the work.
I had only ever heard Ron and Harry speak of it, but I never got an opportunity to actually see it. . .I am Minister. . .that is something I have always wanted, but I feel like there is more. . .
Setting her quill back into its ink, Hermione pondered the thought of making her way to the artefacts room to get an in person look at the artefact she had heard very little about from her two friends.
It's highly inappropriate, Hermione. . .But what harm can be done? You take a look at it once and be on your way, that's it.
She argued with herself in her head for a few more moments before deciding there was no harm in taking a look.
Organising the remaining paperwork as best as she could, Hermione stood to make her way down the research wing of the ministry. Although the ministry was never completely empty, it was eerily quiet as Hermione made her way to the lift. Aside from the few people she saw in passing who gave her a polite nod and a "Good evening, Minister" as she passed, there was barely anyone there.
Hermione gave a smooth wave of her wand as she approached the door. The enchantments in place were to detect those who were authorised to enter. The doors swung open, and Hermione was greeted with the kind face of Sage Bragnam, a big smile within his big bushy beard as he saw her approach.
"Minister Granger!" he boomed in his Scottish accent. "What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here this evening?"
"Good evening, Sage," she replied with a kind smile. "I was hoping you were able to show me where the Mirror of Erised has been placed."
"Ahh," Sage said. "just as curious as many others here in the ministry to get a look at it, are you?"
It took a lot for Hermione not to blush at Sage noticing her piqued curiosity. "Guilty as charged, I suppose." She said with a chuckle.
"No worry, Minister Granger. Just let me know if there is anything you may need from me," he said with another big smile and a kind wink. "You'll want to make your way to section 18. All the way down and use the door there on the right side. Have a wonderful evening!"
"You as well, Sage, thank you." Hermione responded with a small smile as she made her way towards the corridor he spoke of.
She reached section 18, turning and making her way down the end of the corridor, stopping at the door Sage had instructed her to go to. She reached out to grab the door handle, noticing her ring begin to change colour. It was close to a golden tan colour, the look of sand swirling around in the oval ring. It was an indication of the anticipation and nerves she was feeling for finally getting to see the mirror. She walked in, closing the door behind her. There were stacks of shelves on each wall, hundreds of little trinkets, runes and artefacts. Straight ahead the mirror stood in between it all, covered with a thick purple cloth. Hermione approached slowly, feeling her heart beat increase.
Take a deep breath Hermione, it's not like it's going to affect your life that much afterwards.
Taking hold of the cloth, she gave it one swift tug and it fell from the mirror, gathering at her feet.
Oh. . .It's beautiful.
She gazed at the mirror in awe, her reflection mimicking her every movement. She moved closer to the mirror, brushing her fingers along the frame, eying the different details throughout.
Of course Ron and Harry wouldn't have talked about how wonderful the craftsmanship is. . .they wouldn't notice anything like that.
Hermione took a couple steps back so that her reflection sat in the middle of the mirror. There she was staring back at herself, the same curious expression looking back at her.
"Hmm," she said to herself. "Maybe becoming minister for magic was truly my calling. I see nothing but myself."
As if on command, her reflection smiled at her and Hermione watched on in wonder. She was caught a little by surprise when the silhouette of another figure came to her side. She wasn't able to tell who it was at all. Initially, it looked almost like a shadow standing next to her. The figure was several inches taller than her, not quite a foot. They placed a hand on mirror Hermione's shoulder, and she reached behind herself to place her hand on top of theirs. Her reflection looked up at the unknown person, gazing and smiling at them lovingly.
Who on Earth. . .?
As Hermione pondered her thoughts on who this could be, another shadow-like silhouette appeared to the other side of Hermione's reflection. Significantly smaller than herself and the tall figure on her other side. The tiny figure was further behind Hermione and the taller one. They proceeded to jump up and down, and even without being able to see their features, it was easy to see that the said figure was a child, and they were jumping up and down happily. The reflection of Hermione turned her head back, gesturing to the figure, which proceeded to hop over to Hermione's side, taking her hand. With a closer view, Hermione was able to tell that it was indeed not just a child, but a young girl. Despite there being no features, she could make out the silhouette of big bushy hair and a young toddler's dress.
"A. . .a child? But who. . .?"
It was as if the mirror was able to read her mind. Hermione's eyes grew wide as the tall figure next to her started to develop their features. There they stood, or now as Hermione could see, he stood, next to her, his face stoic and his stature tall and powerful. Rows of matte black coloured buttons emerged as the rest of his form came into view, a long row down the middle of his potions jacket from neck to his waist. His long black cloak that draped over his shoulders was billowing just slightly at the bottom. With his right hand placed a top Hermione's left shoulder, almost lovingly Hermione thought it looked like, his opposite arm was bent with his left hand placed near his midsection, gripping a piece of the notorious cloak with his wand also in hand.
Despite the fact there was little emotion shown on his face, it was very apparent how proud he was to be standing next to her. Hermione felt the hitch in her breath at what she was seeing beforehand.
I don't believe it. . . Hermione was dumbfounded, she didn't know what to think.
"Prof- - -Severus Snape?"
