I don't own Hellsing or Harry Potter, and I'm not making any money from this.
Hellsing rarely had to do anything with the Prime Minister's office. Since Integra was a member of the Round Table conference and reported directly to the Queen, there was never any need to go to a lower level. However, the magical world, along with the rest of the populace, believed that Her Majesty was simply a figurehead the people wanted to keep as part of their identity. It was a great way to keep the higher levels of government activity a secret. The Queen had direct control over all organizations that ran black operations units. Any time an incident was important enough to keep the details secret from common society, she was the one to give the orders. Even though everyone knew about the existence of Hellsing, there were still plenty of things they had to keep hidden for safety's sake.
With the Ministry of Magic only going through the Prime Minister's office on muggle affairs, that was the place they had to go to arrange a meeting with them. They usually kept a friendly, if slightly uneasy relationship with the magical world. But after the recent actions taken against them and the knowledge that the Prime Minister had been obliviated on several occasions, they were pissed enough to be more forceful than usual. Since there would be a representative of the magical government present, Edmund couldn't go. They had to ensure that there would be no way for the true identities of their children to be discovered. Syn went along to serve as an accessory representative of Hellsing and a bodyguard for Integra. Once the meeting itself was arranged, they would be the ones to go to the Ministry of Magic as well.
"I thank you for taking the time to see us, Prime Minister." Integra said, once they arrived at his private office.
The man smiled and took her hand to shake it. "It was no trouble at all, Sir Hellsing." he told her, then frowned slightly. He lowered his voice so only they could hear him. "It's a serious business, what they have going on. I want to see this taken care of as much as you do."
It was understandable he would feel that way, considering those people had manipulated him to hide information he had every right to know. He sat down behind his desk, while Integra and Syn took seats across from him. There was another man present as well. A distinguished looking man with ebony skin and colorful robes. He had to be from the Ministry. Only a wizard would dress in such an outlandish manner. The Prime Minister cleared his throat.
"This is Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt." he told them, introducing the guest. "He is our liaison with the Ministry of Magic. Mr. Shacklebolt, this is Sir Integral Hellsing and Miss Syn Newsom from the Hellsing Organization."
Shacklebolt inclined his head and took each of their hands in greeting. Syn was surprised that he wasn't shocked or disturbed by her name. Most wizards reacted to her presence with fear, not a show of respect. Once introductions were over, they began the serious discussion of arranging some sort of meeting with the Minister of Magic. Shacklebolt told him that the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, would agree to a meeting with the stipulation that representatives of certain departments within the Ministry be allowed to attend to provide their input. Integra agreed that such a thing would be acceptable. They often had to deal with other organizations they met with doing the same thing.
"I feel I must warn you, Mr. Shacklebolt, that considering the nature of the conversation we'll be having, I have no intention of walking into the Ministry of Magic without protection." Integra told him, using a respectful, yet firm tone to show she wouldn't budge on the matter. "I realize the Newsoms have been exiled from your world, but Miss Newsom is the member of my organization with the most experience in magic. She will be coming with me to serve as a bodyguard."
It was a small lie, seeing as how Edmund had just as much experience in using magic as she did, the redhead thought. But neither of them were about to admit that to a wizard. The man considered her statement and looked at Syn thoughtfully.
"I wont insult you by lying, Sir Hellsing." he said in his deep, smooth voice. "There are a lot of people in the Ministry who are going to be upset about that. But... if she is your only means of magical protection, the Minister might agree to it." he paused to address Syn directly. "If Minister Fudge allows you to come, he may require you to wear a restrictive collar to remove your magic."
Before the redhead had an opportunity to make a comment, Integra interrupted. She didn't look the least bit happy about that.
"What would be the point of me bringing a bodyguard capable of protecting me from magic if you're going to force her into restraints that will make her useless?"
Shacklebolt gave her an apologetic look. "I'm very sorry, Sir Hellsing." he told her. "I don't like it much myself, but the magical world has an irrational fear of the Newsom family. Miss Newsom will only be allowed to enter the meeting chamber if the Minister is certain she would be unable to attack anyone." He paused with an expression that showed that he understood the knight's objection. "I may work for the Ministry, but there are many things they do that I don't agree with. I will do my best to help you, but I can't guarantee anything."
That was surprising to say the least. Neither of the women had expected to encounter someone willing to help them. Syn leaned over to whisper in Integra's ear where Shacklebolt wouldn't be able to hear.
"Nothing they put on me would work." she told her. "Sorcery overpowers witchcraft. I would still be able to use magic if I had to."
Integra turned her head and looked at her seriously. "Are you absolutely certain of that, Syn?"
The redhead nodded. "I would swear it on my life. Their magic doesn't work on me."
The knight studied her, thinking it over, then nodded. She turned back to Shacklebolt. "If the restrictive collar is necessary, we will consent to it."
The man looked somewhat relieved. Syn couldn't be sure if he understood that their objects wouldn't affect her or not, but it would give him something he could use to make sure she'd be allowed to go. After a few minutes of discussion, they came up with a time both parties would be available. The meeting at the Ministry would be held in three weeks time. As the discussion came to a close and the two women stepped out of the Prime Minister's office to leave, Shacklebolt stopped them.
"Sir Hellsing." he said quietly, capturing their attention. He glanced around, as if making sure no one else was listening. "I know Albus Dumbledore very well. He has close friends within the Ministry who will be attending this meeting." he looked back and forth between them. "That man is an excellent judge of character, and he's rarely been wrong. If he trusts you, those of us who are his friends will as well. You wont be entirely on your own. There are people who will fight for your rights if we have to."
It seemed the headmaster of Hogwarts had more influence than they expected. Perhaps this meeting with the Ministry of Magic wouldn't be as messy as they expected it to be. Hopefully, if they had enough people to side with them, they'd be able to fix this mess faster.
Connie, Mom and dad won a contest put on by the Daily Prophet. We're going on a two week vacation to Egypt! Should be loads of fun with all the pyramids and tombs out there. We talked everything over, and Mom said you could come over once we get back and stay with us for a week if you want. Hermione will be here too. Ron hasn't been able to track Harry down yet but if he ever gets him, he can come as well. Percy's supposed to come with us to Egypt, but he's moved out to London for the summer to be closer to the Ministry. You girls will have your own rooms while you're here. (Me and Fred have taken over the attic to make our merchandise. Got to have plenty of room so our beds don't catch fire.) Do you know how to floo? Dad's got connections at the Ministry, so he'll be able to set up Hermione's fireplace to let her come through. He can get one hooked up for you too if you need it. Get all your stuff packed and floo here at 3:00 pm on the 30th so we'll know to look out for you. Watch out for the table though. It's right in front of the fireplace. If you aren't used to flooing, you might fall out and bang into it. Our letters from school are supposed to come sometime while you're here, so we could meet up with your family at Diagon Alley for them to take you home when we're done getting supplies. - George
P.S. I've hidden all the books so you wont have anything to hit me with. And mom is supposed to go out and buy strawberries.
Just so you know, he put all the books in the attic. -Fred
That's a damn lie. - George
Connie read through her letters from the Burrow in amusement. She could always trust in Fred to tell on his brother. She was glad to hear there was a plan in place for this visit. Everything up until now was just a list of maybes. Supper was going to be starting soon, so she figured she could give the letter to her parents then so they'd know what was going on. When she got downstairs, everyone was already down there. Apparently, learning the details of her little visit was interesting enough to capture the vampires' attention as well.
Her mother quirked a brow when she looked over George's letter.
"He had to hide the books so you wont hit him?" she asked.
Constance felt her cheeks warm. "He says I beat up on him all the time." she explained. "But I only do that when he really deserves it."
Aunt Syn beamed. "Keep that attitude. If you give a boy an inch, they'll take a mile." she said, then glanced over to get a look at the letter. "Do you have a picture?"
The girl had come prepared, thinking at least one of them would ask about it. Before leaving school, she had tracked down Colin and asked him to take a picture of her with all of her friends. She passed the photograph over to her aunt and pointed George out.
"That's him." she said.
The redhead studied it, then elbowed Seras in the side to get her to look at it. "Ooohh... he's cute." she announced with an approving grin. "And an identical twin! You never said anything about them being identical."
Seras stared at the photograph. "Good lord, it's a whole army of gingers!" she exclaimed.
"Indeed?" Alucard questioned, looking interested – which wasn't necessarily a good thing. "How delightful. I've always had a preference for the taste of redheads."
Aunt Syn's head immediately shot up and a teacup went flying across the table. It shattered when it hit the side of the vampire's head. "Shut your fucking mouth, you evil bastard!" she screeched.
Connie's mother narrowed her good eye at her. "Syn, please restrain yourself from breaking my china."
The redhead sobered. "Sorry, sir." she said, then went back to the photograph. "So, do they ever try to switch up on you?" she asked Constance
"They used to." the girl replied. "They stopped when they figured out I knew how to tell them apart, but they still do it to everyone else. Their mother makes them sweaters with their initials on them, but they switch them around to keep people confused about who is who."
"I zhink zhat's a twin zhing." Pip said thoughtfully. "My younger brozhers were identical twinz, and zhey alwayz did zhat."
Connie had heard stories about Bernadette's younger siblings. He and Seras had to visit his family as part of a mission to retrieve important documents during the war with Millennium. It was tragic they'd all been killed not long after the two of them left to return to Hellsing, but it was obvious the Captain had many fond memories of them.
"Did your brothers finish each other's sentences and constantly get into trouble too?" she questioned.
"Oui!" he replied immediately. "I'm telling you, twinz are wired different up 'ere." he pointed to his head. "I zhink knowing zhat zhere's two of zhem instead of juzt one makes zhem a little crazy."
Seras frowned and reached across the table to give him a good smack on the back of the head as he was twirling his finger next to his ear. The captain instantly dropped what he was doing and rubbed the spot where she'd hit him.
"Jezus Christ, Mignonette!" he exclaimed. "Why do you alwayz do zhat? Cool eet, woman!"
Alucard rested his elbows on the table and interlaced his fingers in front of him, quirking a brow at the scene. "Are you going to let him talk to you that way, Police Girl?"
"Certainly not!" the draculina said, then gave Pip a stern look. "If you can't be nice, I'll be sleeping in my own coffin instead of sharing yours."
"Excusez-moi!"
"You heard me."
Pip's mouth fell open and his expression changed to a puppy dog eyed look. Aunt Syn shot a glare at Alucard.
"Do you have to encourage them?" she asked, looking annoyed.
The master vampire just grinned at her. "But of course." he said in a silky tone. "Watching the children argue is so much fun, little goddess."
The redhead's eyes narrowed. "That's it! Where's my spoon?"
Alucard held up one of his fingers. "Ah, ah, my dear." he chided. "I believe the agreement was you may only castrate me with that spoon of yours if I cheat on you."
"I didn't say a damn thing about castration." she spat. "I intend tobeat your ass with it."
"Oh, really?" he asked, his eyes lighting up. "Is that a promise?"
Constance's mouth dropped open while Mihnea groaned. The boy clamped his hands over his ears and banged his head against the table. Integra finally got fed up with the bickering going on and slammed one of her hands down on the table.
"That's enough out of all of you!" she snapped, giving every last one of them an icy look.
Everyone simpered down after that, though Alucard, being the way he was, still had that wide grin of amusement on his face. Edmund just quirked a brow at the whole thing and reached over to press a hand against his wife's back.
"Calm down." he told her softly. "You know you're supposed to watch your blood pressure."
Connie's mother shot him a look, but she did sit back in her chair and take a deep breath to calm herself. For all of her dad's bad habits, Constance knew that Edmund had a way of getting through to her mom when he needed to. Once everything was somewhat back to normal, he took the letter to read over it himself.
"It sounds like you've got yourself an interesting boy here." he said, glancing at her over the tops of his glasses. "What's this about making merchandise?"
"Oh, Fred and George have this plan to open up a business one day..." she began.
"A joke shop." Mihnea piped up, pulling himself upright once more. He made it sound like it was something to be ashamed of.
"Yes, a joke shop." she said, shooting him a look that told him to shut up. "Anyway, they've been inventing all sorts of different things to sell. A lot of it is brilliant stuff that no one has ever thought of doing before. If they ever get themselves set up with a surplus, they'd make a lot of money at it."
Her father rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "So they're entrepreneurs?" he questioned. "That's not bad for kids their age. At least they have a plan."
She had to hold in a sigh of relief. That small show of approval made her feel better. "So..." she began, prodding at them. "Is the 30th okay?"
Integra seemed to think about it. "I don't see a problem with that..." she looked back down at the parchment. "They want you to floo there?"
Her mother didn't know what flooing was. Constance had heard about it, but had never done it herself or seen anyone else do it.
"I'm not sure how it works, but it's something about traveling by fireplace." she said.
Mihnea cleared his throat. "I've flooed to different places in the castle from Snape's office." he reported. "You have to have floo powder to do it and the Ministry has to set up a connection. If you floo from here, they'd have to know where we live."
"Oh, no they don't." Aunt Syn said quickly. "There are ways to get around that." she looked over at Edmund. "We can come up with something to get you there without going through the Ministry."
Thank God. Connie thought. Going through the Ministry meant someone finding out who she was, and that was too dangerous. Especially with her mom going there soon to argue with Fudge about what they'd been doing. As she was thinking about that, she realized something.
"Um... your meeting at the Ministry will be while I'm at the Burrow, won't it?" she asked.
Her mother nodded, then studied her. "Why? Is there something I need to know about?"
Constance took a breath. "I'm not sure what department he's in, but Mr. Weasley works at the Ministry of Magic."
All the adults gave a noticeable pause and looked amongst each other. She could almost imagine what they were thinking. If he was at this meeting and they found out that Mr. Weasley was against them, then her dating one of his sons and being friends with the other siblings was going to become awkward very fast.
"At least we have advance warning so we'll be prepared." her mother said. She returned the missive to Connie so she could place it back into it's envelope. "If you're going to be staying with them for a week, then you have packing to do." she told her. "And I imagine Syn and Edmund will need to start work on this flooing business so you'll have a way to get there."
Her father and her aunt both nodded. It shouldn't take them too long to come up with something. They were both brilliant with inventive magic like that. Now that everything was arranged and confirmed, all that was left was to get her things together and count off the days before she left.