A/N - Hello all! I had hoped to get the move in this chapter, but things ran a bit long. It will be in the next one though. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Chapter 85
Maneuvering
17 July 2000
Hermione walked nervously to Kingsley's office. She hadn't gone to Remus' this morning after the full moon at his insistence. He wanted her to be well-rested for her meeting with Kingsley. Hermione had still Flooed and been assured by Andromeda that Remus had come through the moon just fine. She'd spoken to Gwendolyn as soon as she'd gotten to the Ministry and knew that the second month at the Sanctuary had gone smoothly. They'd had two new werewolves transform and there had been no injuries. Caroline had made the Wolfsbane completely on her own this month, although Andromeda had still supervised. Caroline had asked Andromeda to observe for one more month, but Hermione was confident Caroline wouldn't need more assistance after that.
Hermione blew out a breath as she reached the Minister's office. Truthfully, she had no idea how Kingsley would react to her request. He'd kept his feelings about Delia's conviction to himself.
"Good morning," Hermione said to Nicola Stebbins, Kingsley's secretary.
"Good morning, Miss Granger. Go right in." Hermione nodded and walked past her desk, knocking lightly on Kingsley's door before she opened it.
"Hermione," Kingsley greeted with a smile, standing from his desk and indicating a chair for her. Hermione sat down. "What can I do for you?"
"I've got a bit of an unorthodox request," she said. Kingsley looked at her in interest as he retook his seat. "You're aware of my newest project?"
"You're trying to start a Mind-Healing program, Margaret said." Hermione nodded. Margaret met regularly with Kingsley to keep him apprised of what her department was working on.
"I've met with a second cousin of Rolf Scamander's, Aaron Chadwick," Hermione said. "He's a Muggle psychiatrist." Kingsley frowned. "And there is no breach of the Statute. Dr. Chadwick's daughter is a witch."
"She's at Hogwarts?"
"No, she's only nine," Hermione said. "But you and I both know that he's known about magic his entire life. His uncle is a wizard, as is his grandmother. Not to mention all of the Scamanders."
"Grey area, Hermione."
"I'm aware," she replied. "But let's set that aside for the moment."
"That's not what your request is about," Kingsley guessed.
"No," Hermione said. She took a deep breath. "I would like to get permission for Dr. Chadwick to treat Delia Wilkes." Kingsley sat back in his chair and stared at her.
"You want a Muggle doctor to treat the woman who tried to kill you," Kingsley said.
"Yes," Hermione said.
"The woman who is in Azkaban for life for using the Imperius curse on her own sister."
"Yes." Kingsley sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face.
"Hermione, your plans for change in our world have always been controversial, but this," Kingsley shook his head, making a noise of disbelief. "This is something else."
"I know it's asking a lot."
"A lot?" Kingsley repeated. "You're asking the impossible."
"I don't think I am," Hermione said coolly.
"Do you honestly think that the Wizengamot will allow someone convicted of an Unforgiveable out of prison to attend therapy? Something that doesn't even exist in the wizarding world that the majority of them will dismiss out of hand?"
"I'm not asking you to let her out of prison," Hermione said. "Dr. Chadwick is willing to go to her." Kingsley let out an incredulous laugh.
"Letting a Muggle go to Azkaban? Are you mad?"
"He's not a Muggle," Hermione said. "Technically, he's a Squib."
"His mother was a Squib. He's a Muggle."
"Why?" Hermione asked. "Because the magic skipped a couple of generations? How can you call his daughter a Muggle-born when she has a great-uncle and a great-grandmother that are magical?"
"I'm not going to argue labels with you, Hermione. One generation makes you a Squib. Two and you're a Muggle, especially if your Squib parent married a Muggle."
"That's ridiculous."
"That's the way the Wizengamot views it," Kingsley said.
"Then we'll have to change their minds," Hermione said firmly. Kingsley sighed.
"Hermione," he said. "You know that I support the want to change things. The bills that you've gotten passed so far were long overdue and sorely needed. But there is such a thing as too much, too fast. Especially with all the laws biased towards Purebloods that we've currently been working on. There have been more and more rumblings in the Wizengamot as of late. If I take something like this to them, they'll laugh me out of the chamber."
"We don't have to go through the Wizengamot," Hermione said. "You could approve it yourself."
"I can't do that," Kingsley said immediately.
"Why not?"
"If you'll recall, there's an election in a few weeks."
"Kingsley," Hermione began to protest, but he held up a hand.
"Hermione, I cannot help you if I'm not in office." She sighed. She knew he was right. He studied her for a few minutes.
"Why do you want to do this, Hermione? The woman did try to kill you." Hermione bit back another sigh. She was tired of having this conversation.
"Because no one deserves to rot in Azkaban for something that they might not have done had they not been damaged by the war when they were a child." Kingsley stared at her.
"I don't deny that the war should have been left to the adults."
"It should have," Hermione agreed. "But it wasn't." They sat in silence for a few moments until he nodded once in agreement.
"I can't promise anything," he said.
"I know," Hermione said.
"Let me look into it and I'll get back to you." Hermione smiled.
"Thank you, Kingsley." She stood from her chair and Kingsley fixed her with a knowing look.
"In the meantime, don't make any promises that you can't keep." Hermione opened her mouth to object, then closed it again. She had been intending to speak to Cressida Wilkes.
"Fine," she said with a sigh. "Have a good day, Kingsley."
"You too, Hermione."
21 July 2000
Remus stepped out of the Floo to see Hermione slumped on the couch, Crookshanks in her lap. One elbow was propped on the arm of the couch, Hermione's head in her hand. She was clearly asleep and deeply so if she hadn't even heard the Floo. Crookshanks gave Remus a look before jumping off the couch and padding into the kitchen. Remus chuckled as the cat clearly relinquished responsibility of his mistress to Remus.
Remus moved quietly to the couch and sat down carefully next to her. He studied her for a moment, not wanting to wake her. She'd been working incredibly long hours this week, meeting multiple times with Aaron Chadwick and the St. Mungo's committee she had put together, as well as trying to keep up with her regular work in her department. It was no wonder she was asleep.
Remus gently brushed a curl off her forehead and her eyes fluttered, then snapped open as she reached for her wand. He moved back and held up his hands.
"It's me, love." Hermione stared at him for a moment before she came to full consciousness.
"Remus," she said, lowering her wand and blowing out a breath. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," he replied. "It took me longer than I expected to get here."
"I can't believe I fell asleep."
"I can," Remus said. "You've been working a lot of hours this week." Hermione reached for his hand.
"I'm sorry I haven't seen much of you."
"Don't apologize," he said. "What you're doing is important." She smiled and he brought her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. She moved towards him and he kissed her properly for the first time in days. He had to force himself to pull back after a few minutes.
"How is the project going, anyway?" he asked. She sighed and rested her head against the back of the couch, looking at the ceiling.
"Slowly," she said. "I knew it was going to be a lot of work to get this off the ground, but I guess I underestimated just how much. The training is going to take the longest, of course. But I think we've come up with an idea that might work."
"What's that?" Remus asked, rubbing a thumb across her knuckles.
"Two of the Healers that are on the committee are Half-bloods and one is Muggle-born," Hermione said, turning to look at him. "All three are familiar with the Muggle world, so it's been decided that they'll take classes at Muggle university." Remus' eyebrows rose in surprise at this.
"That's a long program, isn't it?"
"Yes, but after discussing it with Aaron, they won't have to go through the entire program," Hermione said. "They're Healers already so that covers some things. Plus, they're all going to take different classes and then teach them to everyone else. Pensieve-learning mostly." Remus nodded.
"We've already gotten permission from the Ministry to create the documents they'll need to get into uni. A few of the others are going to attend some professional seminars and lectures. Once we can be sure they're able to blend in, of course. It's going to be a bit piecemeal at first, but I'm fairly confident we'll be able to get a workable program out of it."
"In the meantime, Aaron has agreed to take on a few patients from the wizarding world. Someone from the committee will be present to observe his techniques as well as attempt to integrate a few things from our world."
"Such as?"
"There's been a rather lengthy discussion about Legilimency," Hermione said. Remus frowned. Hermione, seeing his expression, nodded. "It's been controversial, to say the least. There will be strict guidelines around it and explicit permission must be given by the patient. But I do think it could be useful, especially in cases like Delia's where the person can't, or won't, confront their memories."
"I can see where it might be helpful," Remus said. "But the thought of it makes me nervous."
"I know," Hermione said. "Especially as Voldemort used it as a weapon. That's why it's going to be strictly regulated."
"Regulations are all well and good, Hermione, but what's to stop someone once they're actually inside the patient's mind?"
"Professional integrity, I would hope," she said. "It's not perfect, I know, but few things are." Remus nodded. She was right and as long as the patient had given permission, he supposed it could help.
"Have you spoken to Kingsley again?" he asked. She'd told him about her conversation with the Minister when she'd stopped by the night after the moon.
"No," Hermione said with a sigh. "It's not that I don't understand his position, but I wish he would just authorize it himself."
"Thaddeus Blishwick is gaining more support," Remus reminded her. The Wizengamot member who had decided to run against Kingsley had the support of the old families. Remus wasn't sure just where he stood on some issues. He was a Pureblood and one of his ancestors had married into the Black family. But he hadn't been a Death Eater, nor had an investigation turned up any monetary support of Voldemort. Remus had no idea if he would push for a Pureblood agenda if he were elected or not. Thankfully, so far, he hadn't garnered enough support to challenge Kingsley all that much and the election was less than two weeks away.
"I know," she said. "I know Kingsley can't make waves right now. It's why none of the laws we're working on have been put on the Wizengamot schedule yet."
"Probably wise."
"What about you?" she asked. "How are the lesson plans coming?"
"Well," Remus said. "I met with Minerva yesterday and she's pleased with what I've decided so far." He twined their fingers together. "I've started packing as well." She smiled. "Well, mostly I've been going through things and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of."
"Something I need to do as well," Hermione said. "Hopefully, my parents won't mind if I leave some things here and go through them later. With as much work as I've got to do, I'm not sure when I'd have the time."
"Have you spoken to them?" She glanced at him, then looked away.
"Not yet."
"Any particular reason why?" Hermione looked at him again and he attempted to smile.
"I'm not changing my mind," she said.
"If you are, I understand," Remus said. "It hasn't been that long and-" Hermione interrupted him by leaning forward and kissing him.
"I'm not," she insisted, hand on his cheek. He covered it with his own, turning her hand to kiss her palm.
"All right, then why haven't you told them?"
"I don't know," she said with a sigh and Remus suspected that she really didn't know why she hadn't told them. "But I will. I'll have to, they're going to be home soon."
"When are they coming back?"
"A few days after we're supposed to move into the cottage," she said.
"You know, you can wait a bit, if you like," Remus said. "You don't have to move in when Teddy and I do."
"But I want to," she said. "I'll talk to them the next time they call."
"Whatever you want, love," Remus said, leaning down to kiss her. When she climbed into his lap, he pulled back and looked at her.
"I thought you were tired."
"I'm not that tired," she said. He grinned against her lips and kissed her again.
29 July 2000
"Something is bothering you," Andromeda said. She and Kingsley were sitting on the couch in his flat with glasses of wine. They had gone out for dinner and come back afterwards.
"I'm sorry," Kingsley said. "I'm just…distracted."
"Is it the election?"
"Partly," he said. "Blishwick is garnering more support than I expected."
"Still not enough to beat you," Andromeda replied.
"Not yet, no." Andromeda took his free hand in hers.
"He only has a few more days. I doubt he can gather enough backing by then."
"It's unlikely," Kingsley agreed. "It's not just that."
"What else?"
"This project of Hermione's."
"The mind healing project?" Kingsley nodded. "You do not support it?"
"No, I support it completely," Kingsley said. "What she's doing is a bit remarkable, actually." Andromeda smiled. "It's the other request she made of me."
"Delia Wilkes," Andromeda said.
"She told you, did she?"
"No, Remus did."
"You haven't mentioned it to me," Kingsley said.
"It is not my place to question your decisions as Minister."
"But you do question it," he prodded.
"I did not say that." Kingsley sighed again.
"I understand what she's trying to do," Kingsley said. "And I can't say that I don't agree with her. But I've looked at this from every angle and there is no way I can see allowing a Muggle doctor to go to Azkaban. If the mind healing program were already established, I could send a Healer there, but as it is." He shook his head.
"From what Hermione has said, it will be some time before that program is up and running."
"Yes," Kingsley agreed. "Far too long for Miss Wilkes to have to wait in Hermione's opinion. And she's probably right. I've asked for reports on Miss Wilkes' condition and she isn't doing well. She was obviously a bit mad before she was ever sent there and it's only getting worse, even without the Dementors. It may get to the point where she can't be helped at all." Andromeda squeezed his hand.
"This is not your fault, Kingsley," she said. "You have to work within the laws."
"The laws are wrong, damn it," he said, rising abruptly from the couch. He took a long drink of his wine.
"Many of them are," Andromeda agreed. "And you have been changing them."
"Not fast enough," Kingsley said. Andromeda set her glass on the end table and stood. She walked towards him, wrapping her arms around him. He blew out a breath, then leaned to the side to set his wine glass on the mantel. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling him to her.
"I'm sorry," he said into her hair. "I don't mean to ruin our night."
"You haven't," she said. They stood silently for a few minutes before Andromeda pulled back to look up at him.
"I am sure that Hermione is aware that you cannot do anything until after the election," she said.
"She is, but if Miss Wilkes is deteriorating as fast as I've been led to believe, I'm not sure how I am going to face Hermione if it is too late once the election is over."
"Kingsley, this is not your fault," Andromeda repeated. "No one forced Delia Wilkes to stay and fight."
"No, but we allowed it," Kingsley said.
"She was of age, Kingsley, what could you have done?"
"We could have refused to let any of the students fight."
"And they could have easily returned from Hogsmeade after you had evacuated them," Andromeda said. "This was not your fault. And I think you are forgetting the fact that there is no guarantee that Delia will regret her actions even if she does get treatment."
"If she hadn't seen what she saw that night," Kingsley began, but Andromeda shook her head to cut him off.
"If, if, if," she said. "You cannot change the past, Kingsley. And you cannot be sure that things would have been different even if you could. She might have done the same thing to Hermione or someone else." He sighed again and nodded, pulling her close to him again.
"You're right," he said. "And I didn't mean to get so upset. I wanted us to enjoy tonight."
"Do not apologize," she said. "I have been enjoying tonight." He looked at her skeptically. "It is not often I get the chance to comfort you."
"Trust me, you have done more than your fair share of comforting me," he said, his smile a bit wicked. She slapped his chest.
"You are terrible," she said.
"Am I really?" he asked, dipping his head to kiss her. When they parted, he smiled at her again.
"Perhaps not so terrible," she replied, pulling him down for another kiss.
30 July 2000
Hermione stepped from the Floo into the Burrow's living room. It was empty, surprisingly, although Hermione assumed that everyone was outside. They were celebrating Harry's birthday a day early at the weekly Weasley dinner.
Hermione walked into the kitchen, regretting that she hadn't been able to arrive early to help like she usually did. This project was taking up so much of her time, even her weekends. Still, it would be worth it once they got everything going. And, she suspected, it wouldn't be much longer. They had done most of what they could until the actual classes and training started. A few more days and her part in it should diminish somewhat.
"Hello, dear," Molly said with a smile as Hermione walked into the kitchen. Everyone else turned to greet Hermione as well.
"Did you finish?" Ginny asked.
"I'm beginning to think I'll never be finished," Hermione said with a sigh.
"Is it not going well?" Andromeda asked in concern.
"No, it's going fine, actually," Hermione said. "It's just more work than I expected." Truthfully, she hadn't expected to continue working on the structure of the program once she had formed the committee and involved Aaron Chadwick. But the Healers and Aaron seemed more comfortable having her as an intermediary. So, Hermione had continued to meet with them. They'd had another meeting this morning which had run longer than Hermione had intended. Then she'd had to write up a report to keep Margaret apprised of her progress. She had dropped it off at the Ministry before coming to the Burrow.
Walking towards the table, Hermione smiled at Victoire. She was sitting in an infant seat while Fleur arranged fruit on a tray. Victoire grinned back, bringing a fist to her mouth to gnaw on it.
"What can I do?" Hermione asked. Molly looked around the kitchen.
"Start taking things outside, I think," she said. "Bill was in a few moments ago and said that the tables were set up."
"I'm sorry I wasn't here to help." Molly waved off her apology.
"Nonsense," Molly said. "I had plenty of help." Fleur finished with the fruit as Victoire began to fuss. Picking her up out of the seat, Fleur said something to the baby in French, then turned to Hermione.
"She ees hungry. Will you tell Bill we will be outside in a bit?"
"Of course," Hermione said, picking up the platter of fruit as Fleur carried Victoire upstairs. Hermione and the rest of the women in the kitchen began gathering up the platters and bowls, directing them outside. Ginny fell into step beside Hermione.
"I tried to Floo a few times this week but you weren't home," Ginny said.
"I've been working most evenings," Hermione admitted.
"You need a break, Hermione."
"I'm taking one right now, aren't I?"
"Yes, but I mean a real break. No more working late or on the weekends."
"Trust me, I know," Hermione said. "I just can't right now." They set their bowls and plates on the table and then Ginny pulled Hermione aside.
"Harry and I are worried about you, Hermione." Ginny said. "I'm pretty sure Remus is too."
"When did you talk to Remus?"
"When Harry and I had Teddy on Thursday."
"I saw him on Wednesday."
"Yes, for all of fifteen minutes," Ginny said. Hermione scowled. She wasn't sure why Remus felt the need to talk to Harry and Ginny about her.
"I'm fine, Ginny." Hermione was already scanning the garden for Remus. She saw him talking to Harry and Ron, Teddy clinging to Harry's back. Remus looked up and smiled when he saw her. Hermione tried to smile back, but she was still annoyed. Remus obviously noticed as his smile faltered a few seconds later.
"I need to talk to Remus," Hermione said, leaving Ginny at the food table and walking across the garden. Remus met her halfway.
"Hello, love," he said. He took her hand and kissed her cheek. Most of her irritation left her. She'd missed him and knew that he had missed her too. He was always worried that she wasn't taking proper care of herself, which, if Hermione was honest, was probably true. She didn't even know how many meals she'd skipped this week.
"Hi," she said leaning up to kiss him properly.
"I wasn't sure if you were going to make it," he said.
"I know," she said with a sigh. "I'm sorry that I've been so busy."
"You don't have to apologize. I'm just worried about you."
"I've heard," Hermione said. He looked at her quizzically. "I spoke to Ginny."
"Oh," he said.
"Yes, oh," she said.
"You can't blame me, love," he said. "Harry and Ginny either. None of us has seen you for more than a few minutes for days."
"I know," she said with a sigh. "But I'm fine. And I think that this project is winding down a bit." He looked at her skeptically. "We've got things as organized as they can be and until everyone can start training there's not all that much left to do. A few more days and I should be much less involved. And in a week, I'll see you every night." She smiled at him. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her temple.
"I can't wait," he said.
"Neither can I," she replied, grinning up at him. Molly called out for everyone to eat and Hermione and Remus made their way towards the table laden with food. Hermione found Bill and delivered Fleur's message, then moved to sit down, Teddy between her and Remus.
"My-nee," he said in excitement when he saw her. Hermione laughed as he practically threw himself from Harry's arms to her own.
"I missed you," she said.
"I miss My-nee," Teddy replied, wrapping his little arms around her neck and squeezing. "You no pay wif me."
"I know," Hermione said apologetically. "I've been really busy at work, but it won't last much longer, I promise. Pretty soon I'll see you every night, okay?" Teddy nodded. Remus had told him they were moving and that Hermione was going to live with them, but she didn't think the little boy really understood what was happening. Hermione knew that Remus hadn't started packing up anything in Teddy's room either, leaving it for last. Being able to shrink it all and pack it with a spell meant it only took a few minutes instead of hours.
They sat down to eat, everyone talking and laughing around the table. As Hermione looked around, she realized how much she had missed this. She'd missed the dinner last week and vowed not to miss another one if she could help it. Work was important, but these people, her family, were more important.
After they'd eaten, Molly brought out the cake. They sang Happy Birthday and Teddy helped Harry blow out the candles. Harry had told everyone not to bring gifts, but no one had listened, of course. After they'd all had cake and Harry had thanked everyone for the presents, he turned to Hermione. Ginny was playing with Victoire and talking to George and Angelina. Remus had taken Teddy in the house to clean him up after the cake.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure, Harry." They walked away from the table and stood under an oak tree.
"I went to Azkaban two days ago. I had to transfer a prisoner from the holding cells at the Ministry." Hermione waited when he paused. "While I was there, I saw Delia Wilkes. The bloke I brought in was put in a cell a few down from hers."
"How was she?" Hermione asked immediately.
"She was curled up in a ball on her bed," Harry said. "She didn't look up when she heard us walking past and it's not like we were quiet. I asked the guard about her after we got the man into his cell. He said that she hardly ever talks." Harry hesitated.
"There's something else, isn't there?" Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Hermione could tell that he wasn't sure if he should tell her or not. "Harry, please."
"She doesn't talk, but she cries and screams a lot. She has nightmares."
"Oh, god," Hermione said.
"She does ask for her mother, the guard said. And she keeps saying she's sorry."
"Does Kingsley know?" Hermione asked.
"I talked to him when I got back," Harry said. "He's allowing another family visit this weekend and said that her mum can stay longer than the allotted hour. He also told the warden to keep a close eye on Delia and keep him informed." Hermione supposed that was something.
"We have to get her help, Harry."
"I know, Hermione," Harry said. Hermione looked up at him in surprise.
"You do?" Harry nodded. "I thought that you agreed with Ginny."
"I did," Harry said. "I still do, to an extent, but Delia needs help too." Hermione threw her arms around Harry's neck and hugged him.
"I'll keep talking to Kingsley," Harry said. "The election is in two days. After that, he'll be in a better position to do something."
"Thanks, Harry."
"Just get this project finished, yeah?" Harry said. "That's thanks enough." Hermione nodded as she pulled away, wiping a tear from her cheek.
"Don't cry," Harry said. "Remus will think I've done something horrible to you."
"Have you done something horrible to her?" Remus asked. They both jumped and turned around to see the look of amusement in his eyes. He frowned seconds later when he took in Hermione's face and looked at Harry in question. Hermione moved to Remus' side and he wrapped his arms around her. Harry looked at Hermione, asking her silently if she wanted him to stay, but she shook her head.
"I'd better find Ginny," he said. He squeezed Hermione's shoulder as he left.
"What's going on?" Remus asked in concern. "Why are you crying?"
"Harry was at Azkaban on Friday," she said quietly. Remus' arms tightened around her.
"Delia?" he said. She nodded. She told him everything Harry had said. "It's going to be all right, love."
"Is it?" Hermione asked. "It's not like people are trained and we're ready to start sending them to Azkaban to do therapy."
"You and Kingsley will figure something out. He's obviously concerned as well, if he allowed her another visit and has asked the warden to keep an eye on her." Hermione buried her face in his chest.
"I just hope it's not too late," she whispered.
1 August 2000
"Pacing is not going to make the results arrive any sooner," Andromeda said as she watched Kingsley make another pass across the room.
"Voting ended twenty minutes ago," Kingsley said. "The votes are recorded magically. How long can it take to verify them and let me know?" Instead of responding, Andromeda stepped into his path to stop him. When he scowled at her, she reached up and pulled his head down to hers and kissed him. It only took seconds for Kingsley wrap his arms around her and deepen the kiss. He pulled her closer to him and pushed a hand into her hair. When they finally parted, they were both breathing heavily.
"Was that sufficient distraction?" she asked. He laughed and she smiled.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I just want this to be done with so I can move on with things."
"Is Delia Wilkes one of those things?"
"She's top of the list."
"Are you really going to allow a Muggle to go to Azkaban?" Kingsley sighed.
"I don't know," he admitted. "But we have to do something." Andromeda's brow furrowed in thought. She knew that parents of Muggle-borns had been allowed at St. Mungo's in the past. Hogwarts as well.
"What about transferring her?" Andromeda asked.
"I can't do that," Kingsley said. "I have no reason to transfer her to the holding cells in the DMLE. Not to mention that I'd have nearly as difficult a time allowing a Muggle into the Ministry as I would Azkaban."
"I wasn't talking about the Ministry," Andromeda said. Kingsley looked at her in confusion. "What if she was to fall ill?"
"All of the guards have basic training in healing. There are potions available, calming draughts, Skele-gro, Pepper-up and the like. But she isn't ill, as far as I know. At least not physically." Andromeda nodded.
"What if a prisoner has a more serious condition?"
"It's never happened, but we would have to summon a Healer from St. Mungo's," Kingsley said. A thoughtful look crossed his face.
"And what is that look for?" she asked.
"I was just thinking that it has been a while since I did an inspection at Azkaban." A smile slowly spread across Andromeda's face. Before they could discuss it further, the Floo flared. Kingsley turned and the face of the Head Election official appeared.
"The vote is in, Minister," the man said. Kingsley nodded once and the man's head disappeared. Kingsley turned to Andromeda.
"You'll come with me?"
"If you wish me to," she said.
"Of course, I do," he said, kissing her one more time. He gripped her hand and squeezed it, then led her to the Floo.
"In closing, I would like to thank the public for their support and having confidence that I can continue to lead us toward a better society for everyone. Thank you." Kingsley stepped away from the podium even as reporters began to shout questions at him. It had been made clear before the press conference began that he was not going to answer any questions tonight, simply give a statement. He turned to Andromeda and she looped her arm through his as he led her from the dais. The flashes were nearly blinding as they walked towards the door that would lead them to Kingsley's office. Once safely inside, Kingsley grasped her around the waist and kissed her soundly. She laughed when he released her.
"I told you there was nothing to worry about," she said with a smile. She brought a hand up to cup his cheek and kissed him softly.
"You know, there will be a new round of speculation about us in the papers tomorrow, now that you've come with me tonight."
"Let them speculate," she said. Kingsley smiled and kissed her again.
3 August 2000
Hermione looked up as the memo flew into her office and landed on her desk. Opening it, she frowned. She had no idea why Kingsley would want to meet with her. Her eyes widened. Unless, Hermione shook her head. No, she wouldn't get her hopes up about that. Still, he'd said to come to his office at her earliest convenience. Gathering up her parchment into a neat stack on her desk, she left her office, closing and locking her door behind her.
"I'll be on Level One for a bit if Margaret is looking for me," Hermione told Cecily.
"All right, Miss Granger," Cecily replied, not looking up from the work on her desk. Instead of waiting for the lift, Hermione took the stairs and was standing in Kingsley's outer office a few minutes later.
"Go right in, Miss Granger," Miss Stebbins said. "He's expecting you." Hermione nodded in thanks and knocked on Kingsley's door.
"Enter," Kingsley called and Hermione stepped inside. He smiled when he saw her. "Why am I not surprised that you came straight here?"
"You note was a bit cryptic," Hermione said, moving to sit in one of the chairs in front of his desk. "I don't doubt you did it on purpose to get me here as soon as possible." Kingsley chuckled.
"Guilty," he said.
"Congratulations on the election," Hermione said. "I'm sorry I haven't told you already."
"You've been busy," Kingsley said. "And after our last conversation, I got the feeling you were a bit irritated with me."
"I was," Hermione admitted. "But I understood your position."
"I'm glad to hear that," he said. "The reason I asked you here today was to tell you that I am doing an inspection of Azkaban this afternoon." Hermione sat up straighter in her chair. "I intend to make sure that protocols are being followed, that all the prisoners are in good health, conditions are what I've mandated, that kind of thing."
"That sounds like a wise idea," Hermione said, her heart beating a bit faster.
"I am bringing a Healer with me," Kingsley continued. "If, for some reason, any prisoner needs more medical attention than the prison can provide, they will be transferred to St. Mungo's." Hermione held her breath.
"Given your interest in the welfare of our prisoners, I thought you would like to know." Hermione nodded. "I assume I will find that all is in order, but one can never be too careful."
"No, one can't," Hermione agreed, letting out the breath silently. Kingsley smiled and Hermione returned it.
"Good luck with your inspection," she said.
"Thank you, Hermione," he replied.
"I appreciate you letting me know." He nodded.
"You're welcome." Hermione rose from her chair and moved towards the door. Before she turned the doorknob, she looked over her shoulder.
"What time did you say that inspection was?"
"Three o'clock," he said. "I expect to be finished by five as I'm having dinner with Andromeda tonight. Of course, if there are any unexpected delays, I'll let her know."
"Enjoy your dinner," Hermione said, grinning as she left Kingsley's office.
Hermione and Aaron walked down the street towards St. Mungo's. Hermione had gotten word from Andromeda that Kingsley was going to be late to dinner, meaning, of course, that Delia had been transferred to St. Mungo's. She smiled again at the genius of the entire plan. Kingsley doing an inspection of Azkaban was a perfectly normal thing that the Minister did. Bringing a Healer along with him was not unusual, especially because of all the improvements he had ordered. She wasn't sure what ailment they had given Delia to force her transfer, but Hermione really didn't care.
After leaving Kingsley's office that morning, she had immediately left the Ministry, walked to a telephone box a few blocks away, and called Aaron. Thankfully, he had been in between patients and she had been able to speak to him directly. He had agreed to come with her to St. Mungo's after he finished seeing patients that evening. Hermione had Apparated to his office after work to pick him up, then taken him Side-along to the St. Mungo's Apparition point.
"This is your hospital?" he asked in surprise when he caught sight of the shuttered department store. Hermione laughed.
"I admit, it is rather unpleasant looking." Aaron looked at her incredulously. "You can give me your final judgement once we get inside." Hermione glanced around, but there were very few people on the street and the ones that were there weren't paying them any attention. She looked at Aaron for a moment before she drew her wand and transfigured his suit into wizard's robes. Then she stepped up to the dummy in the window.
"We're here to see Healer Spencer." Hermione had already decided not to mention Delia's name as the woman was surely not going to be allowed visitors. Healer Spencer was one of the Healers on Hermione's committee. She was sure the older witch wouldn't mind Hermione using her name. The dummy nodded and the window melted away. Hermione pulled a confused Aaron inside. His eyes widened when they stepped into the reception area.
"I take back my earlier assessment," he said and Hermione laughed again. She hesitated before the Welcome Witch's desk. She wasn't sure where they had taken Delia as she had no idea what reason the Healer had given to transfer her from Azkaban. She didn't want to draw any attention by asking, but they couldn't just wander from floor to floor looking for her.
"Hermione," a voice said and she turned to see Harry walking towards her.
"Harry, what are you doing here?" Hermione asked. Harry looked around then pulled Hermione to the side, Aaron following. He cast a Muffliato around the three of them.
"Kingsley sent me," Harry said. "He figured you'd come by after work." Harry looked at Aaron. "Harry Potter."
"Aaron Chadwick." The two men shook hands.
"Where's Delia?" Hermione asked.
"Fourth floor," Harry said. "There's another smaller locked ward next to the Janus Thickey ward. Come on." Harry dropped the spell and Hermione and Aaron followed him to the lift.
"Is Kingsley still here?" Hermione asked. Harry shook his head.
"No, he left once they got her admitted. Didn't really have a reason to stay and he didn't want to arouse suspicion."
"Why are they saying she's here?" Hermione asked, wondering how they could fake an illness even if the admitting Healer was doing Kingsley a favor.
"That's the thing," Harry said. "They didn't have to make anything up." Hermione looked at him in confusion. "She's dehydrated because she hasn't been eating or drinking much lately. The warden told Kingsley that straight away when he got to Azkaban. And she's got this cut on her leg. They're not sure how she got it, but she didn't tell anyone and it's infected now." Hermione shook her head.
"Is she coherent?" Aaron asked, speaking for the first time.
"Depends on how you define coherent," Harry said with a sigh. Hermione's head snapped to look at him.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, she knows who she is and all that, but as for anything else," Harry shrugged. "She says she doesn't know why she was in Azkaban in the first place and just keeps asking for her mum." Hermione sighed as the lift stopped and the doors opened. Instead of leading them to the ward, Harry directed them to a small lounge across the corridor. There was only one other person in the room, an elderly witch who looked to be asleep, but Harry cast another privacy spell anyway.
"Proudfoot is guarding the door to the ward right now," Harry said. "I'm supposed to take over in about ten minutes. Stay here until you see Proudfoot leave. You can see the lift from here. Healer Jeffries will take Dr. Chadwick into Delia's room." Harry turned to the other man. "You'll only have about thirty minutes until the mediwitch comes back to give Delia more potions. Will that be enough time?"
"I'm only planning on doing an initial assessment," Aaron said. "I'll do what I can in the time I have." Harry nodded then turned back to Hermione.
"Hermione, you have to leave."
"What? No!"
"Yes, Hermione. You have no reason to be here. What if someone sees you and gets suspicious?"
"I'll just tell them I came to talk to someone on the committee," Hermione said.
"You can't come with me into Miss Wilkes' room anyway, Hermione," Aaron reminded her. "Doctor-patient confidentiality."
"But you're going to need someone to take you home," Hermione argued. "Harry won't be able to leave if he's on duty."
"Healer Jeffries will escort him back to reception," Harry said. "There's that coffee shop a couple doors down from St. Mungo's. You can wait for Dr. Chadwick there."
"Harry," Hermione began, but the expression on his face told her he wasn't going to argue with her. She huffed. "Fine." Even though he would be able to recognize him by his Auror robes, Harry told Aaron what Proudfoot looked like. Then, he turned back to Hermione.
"Please go to the coffee shop, Hermione," Harry said. "Don't get off on another floor and come back up here." Hermione scowled at him. "And don't give me that look either. I know you."
Hermione didn't want to get anyone into trouble. Harry and Healer Jeffries were both taking a big risk, letting Aaron see Delia. Kingsley too, by extension. And Aaron was right, Hermione couldn't go into Delia's room with him. She might even make things worse.
"I won't, Harry," she said. "I promise." He glanced at the clock on the wall.
"I've got to go," he said. "We'll talk later, yeah?" She nodded. Harry dropped the spell and left the lounge.
"I'll be fine," Aaron assured her. "You had better leave before that other bloke gets here."
"Right," Hermione said. "I'll see you at the coffee shop." Aaron nodded and sat down in one of the chairs that faced the lift. Hermione glanced down the corridor and saw Harry disappear around the corner. Sighing, Hermione stepped onto the lift as it arrived, pushing the button for the ground floor, and hoping nothing went wrong.