Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
ThreeMonths After Leaving Tom,
Two days later
Harry was nervous, though he desperately tried not to show it. He sat inside the Head Auror's office as he waited for the older man and his new client. Although trying to keep his hands from running through his hair or brushing invisible wrinkles away from his robes, was harder than he thought it would be. He willed himself to take deep and calming breaths, otherwise, he would be a wreck when the two came in.
And that would ruin his first impression.
He could do this.
If he could survive through all the trials Life and Fate had thrown at him, then this should be a walk in the park.
He wanted to make a really good and lasting impression on both his new client and the Head Auror. Harry knew that this was going to be a long and possibly difficult job. He wanted to show he was confident in his skills but not overly cocky or arrogant to think he was infallible. He needed to be professional. Perfect almost, if he wanted to prove himself.
After all, he was essentially a stranger in a new country.
It would be a difficult task but as long as they could see how hard he worked, Harry knew he had a small chance to become an Auror. Mr. Dietrich seemed to be a fair strict man, who wanted to test a wizards' ability. Or so he heard from the Head Auror's secretary as she lead him to wait in the office.
Harry knew he had flaws, but he knew he was really going to have to keep his temper in check. Especially, if the politician was Blood Purist like many back in England. Now if that was the case, Harry just hoped his client had the decency to not make any scathing or degrading comments about his half-blood status. If they could be civil to each other that would be the best. Blood purity would have to be a topic that needed a little more research as Harry was ignorant on the stances here in Germany.
They didn't have to be friends but at least be amicable to each other.
Harry sighed.
Suddenly, the office door opened. Harry immediately stood up from his seat.
Mr. Dietrich and another man - older then Harry but definitely younger than the Head Auror - walked into Harry's line of sight.
"Mr. Potter, this is your client Heinrich von Degurechaff. As a candidate for Chancellor, his safety is the upmost importance." The Head Auror said.
"Hello, sir." Harry said, a smile upon his face and holding his hand for the other man to take.
Mr. Degurechaff was a striking man, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and strong features and looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties. Harry was kind of surprised at how handsome and relatively young his client would be, though that wouldn't deter him to be at his most professional.
The other man's grip was firm, a charming smile upon his face. "It is nice to meet you Mr. Potter. I look forward to working with you."
"Excellent," Mr. Dietrich said. "Now I will let you two get to know each other as I have some paperwork to do. I hope to see you prove yourself Mr. Potter. Good day, Mr. Degurechaff."
With that, Harry and his new client left the Head Auror's office.
"Let's head to my office." Mr. Degurechaff said. "It'll be much more comfortable in there than standing here in the hallway."
Harry nodded and followed the other down a few hallways until they reach another door that Mr. Degurechaff opened and ushered Harry inside.
Harry sat on the couch as it was offered to him and looked around the office. It was neat and tidy, though there was a bookcase filled with shelves of books and a few knick knacks.
"So I here you used to be in the Auror Corps back in England? How are you liking Germany so far?"
Harry smiled. "Oh, it's actually really nice. Haven't really explored Berlin too much as I wanted to find a job, but sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm no longer in England. I'm quite glad that I moved out here. It's a fresh new start for me."
Mr. Degurechaff nodded, pleased. "There are many things to do in Berlin. Perhaps when we are not so busy, I can give you a tour of it's attractions?"
"That sounds lovely."
"I look forward to our time together and to see your skills."
Harry was eager to prove himself and he knew he would succeed. He just had to.
Four months after leaving Tom
Harry grinned behind his book as he watched from the office sofa as his client of two months subtly grimace at all the paperwork that had littered his desk. As a candidate for Chancellor (and with elections only a few days away) the man was constantly swamped with work. He had cursed and grumbled in German, but dutifully went to work, though would forever deny that he had done something so plebian. In front of another person no less!
Harry really liked his client Heinrich von Degurechaff. They got on amicably well. After the first day they had conversations to learn about each other a little by little, mostly general things like favorite food or color. After the first few weeks, they had dropped formalities and called each other by their first names - at least in private, though there was still a formality between them.
However, they were still professional in public.
Heinrich was also a very secret die hard Quidditch fan. A Team Bulgaria fan.
But he would never be caught dead even muttering those words, which Harry thought was funny and slightly cute.
However, Heinrich was no slouch when it came to knowledge. The man was just as much of a bookworm as Hermione, possibly even more. He seemed to thrive on sharing his knowledge with others, especially Harry. They were always having interesting conversations that ranged from the Transfiguration to how reliable Divination really was, even to why some traditions needed to be kept or discarded within the Wizarding World. It helped that Heinrich wasn't a blood purist, even though he was a Pureblood himself.
Sure he was a traditionalist to a degree but he also believed in progress for the Wizarding World.
It seemed that his ideals appealed to many wizards and witches as well, if his current lead for Chancellor was any indication.
Harry was positive that Heinrich was a shoe in for the position. With meeting politicians, workers and the average witch and wizard, there was hardly a dull moment for them. Not that Harry minded, he actually liked to be kept busy.
Harry's grin slightly dimmed as he gazed back at his book.
In some ways, Heinrich was similar to Him.
Harry knew that thinking about his ex-lover would just make him a bit nostalgic. Sure the pain and betrayal had dimmed down quite a bit to almost nothing, however, there were still some moments when his heart would twinge in sadness just thinking about Tom, but Harry liked to think he was beginning to move on. He no longer cried over Tom or whenever something reminded Harry of him. And the feeling of disappointment had finally disappeared when he never got any sign of letters or when Hermione and Ron would mention how Tom had not seem affected by Harry's disappearance.
By now, Harry knew that Tom had officially moved on long before Harry had left and honestly, now that he lived in Germany, Harry could see how being with Tom had not been worth it.
Nevertheless, Heinrich and Tom were completely different people and Harry had no regrets for his decisions. What's done was done.
Harry felt more connected with Heinrich than he ever did with Tom. They had similar interests and companionship was easy between them. Not like with Tom who was always so busy and practically married to his work and always seemed so unapproachable even to Harry and who hadn't cared much for Harry's interests. Not even trying to pretend for Harry's sake.
Harry really felt like an equal when he was with Heinrich.
"Harry?"
Harry glanced up at the other man, who had a concerned look in his eyes. "Are you alright? You were starting to brood."
Harry shook his head, clearing the unnecessary thoughts. The past was over, his future was now.
"It's nothing. Just thinking of old troubles back in England that are no longer my concern." Harry smiled softly. "Sometimes they just enter into my mind when I day dream."
"If you say so." Heinrich said before he went back to work.
Yeah, Harry had no regrets.
This was his life now.
Five Months After Leaving Tom
Harry knocked on the office door before, entering. He smiled as Heinrich looked up from his documents. Piles and piles of paperwork sat neatly on one side of the desk, while the finished documents were only a small stack which seemed to never get any bigger.
"I've brought the coffee you wanted, Heinrich. Even some finger sandwiches for you too. Can't have the Chancellor starving." Harry said, carrying said tray with the items mentioned.
Heinrich sighed, running his hand through his dark hair, messing it up from its combed state. "Thank you Harry. I think I need a small break. So much paperwork for being Chancellor."
Harry chuckled as he placed the tray down. Heinrich was quick to take a drink and close his eyes in relief. No doubt glad for the kick of caffeine.
"I never understand why anyone would want to be a politician." Harry grinned. "Seems to stressful and stuffy for me."
Heinrich playfully rolled his eyes. "Ah. But your more of a free spirit who does whatever catches his fancy. You'd make a terrible politician."
Harry mocked gasped, a hand over his heart. "Heinrich, how could you say that. I'm hurt. I thought we were friends!? I think I might cry."
Heinrich smiled softly. "Even in tears, I'm sure no one could deny how beautiful you are."
Harry lightly blushed, a small smile upon his face. Sometime it still surprised him when others complimented or flirted with him. And Heinrich was such a smooth talker when he wanted to be, especially around Harry. He thinks it's a secret form of amusement for Heinrich to fluster Harry as much as he can when its just the two of them.
"Flattery will get you no where, sir."
"I'm complimenting you."
Harry leaned closer to Heinrich, their faces only a foot away, a knowing smile upon his face. "Okay Heinrich, what do you want? You have that look in your eye of a man who is planning something."
Heinrich raised an eyebrow. "Have experience do you?"
"You'd be surprised." Harry answered vaguely.
Harry knew Heinrich was a bit curious about his life back in England though he never pushed for more details, content with whatever Harry decided to divulge. Harry had no problem talking and reminiscing about his school days and Ron and Hermione, but he was always so careful about not mentioning Tom. All Heinrich knew was that he had broken up with his ex and moved to Germany soon after.
Heinrich and Harry continued to gaze at each other, neither backing down from their impromptu staring contest.
"How about diner at my home Friday night after work?" Heinrich asked.
Harry blinked in surprise. "Dinner? What's the occasion?"
"Just a dinner between friends."
Harry grinned, straightening back up. "Sure, sounds nice. I'll finally get to see where you live and maybe even annoy you so much you'll regret it." Harry joked.
Heinrich gave a small smirk. "Harry, I highly doubt that. If I haven't gotten sick of you now, I don't think I ever will."
"You say that know," Harry said. "But we'll have to see what happens next."
"Indeed we will."
"Now get back to work." Harry said, mock sternly. "It looks like more documents appeared on your small break. Also, your Undersecretary wanted me to remind you that you have an appointment at 3 o'clock with Mr. Heinemann and the rest of the Bundestag (Federal Parliament). "
"Why did I ever want to be Chancellor?" Heinrich grumbled to himself. "Let Anna know to let me know twenty minutes till three."
"Of course." Harry said.
PLEASE REVIEW! I love reading them! One more chapter of the past and then the story will really take off, I'm just setting up the foundations.