A/N: Don't own.
Continues right after chapter 16.
End of chapter 16:
And he would be having words with Savage indeed. Harry felt a decidedly unpleasant smile settle on his lips. After their talk, he doubted Savage would be willing to make any plans regarding the Chosen One again anytime soon. Or ever really.
The threat curling menacingly at the edges of Reborn's barely there smirk as well as the calm condescension oozing from Fon's placid smile, Harry could see from the corner of his eyes, promised as much.
The wizards reacted with affront to their leaving without comment.
Harry just walked passed them, straight into a small alley while thinking of Fawkes. The phoenix appeared as soon as they left the view of any watching muggles entirely. Harry calmly reached for the phoenix, followed by Reborn. Fon copied them.
Just before they disappeared Harry saw the group of wizards burst around the corner into the alley.
With their wands drawn.
Maybe he should have waited a bit to leave after all, Harry thought mournfully. It would definitely have been satisfying to see the wizards trying to go up against Reborn and Fon, or at the very least amusing. For all of three seconds before either Reborn or Fon finished it, Harry thought with disdain as he felt the phoenix fire envelop him.
Chapter 17
The Ministry Atrium was just as busy as it was on any other given day, bustling with activity of people coming and going via the numerous fire places lining the sides of the hall, appearing and disappearing in the assigned apparition spots or the designated portkey areas, lining up at the wand checking counter or happily chatting in small groups scattered throughout the hall.
Though a sudden flash of brilliant phoenix fire brought the bustling activity to a screeching halt, everyone's attention - assigned guards, Ministry workers and random wizards milling about - was instantly focused on the area between the apparition and portkey areas. Only to be left staring speechlessly at the sight of their supposedly missing Savior in their midst.
Harry took a calm look around, showing no reaction to the people gawking from all sides, before smoothly starting for the elevators at the other side of the Atrium, Reborn and Fon seamlessly falling into step on either side of him. Fawkes remained in flight, swooping above their heads.
It was quite the spectacular sight. And exactly what Harry had been going for.
Harry knew that the news of his appearance in the Ministry of Magic would quickly travel around the Ministry and beyond. Harry was so done being used as a pawn and if Savage was going to try and use the knowledge of his return to Britain to further her own agenda, he was going to make damn sure that his return would be common knowledge throughout magical Britain by lunch.
Reborn couldn't remember the last time he had this much fun without him having to somehow exacerbate a situation into utter chaos while trying to stave off his boredom. There was certainly no need in this situation, people being left speechless just by their mere presence.
His little Sky - flanked by Reborn to his left and Fon to his right, both of them half a step behind Harry to cover all potential angles of attack, Fawkes remaining in flight, swooping above their heads – was confidently making his way across the impressive hall they had arrived in, his magic swirling in the air around them. Harry was clearly still irritated though at this point the anger had given way to menacing resolve. Reborn was truly looking forward to the confrontation that was about to take place with the apparently suicidal Head Auror.
Life is good, Reborn smirked to himself.
Fon had to admit that the events today were going far beyond anything he had been expecting. Even the instantaneous travel - by fire bird? – aside and ignoring the fact that they had arrived in a place that itself was practically drenched in magic and that was crowded with people who all had at least some magic, many of which were staring at them – rooted to the spot, mouths hanging open, some of them gripping a strange collection of house-hold items like a single old shoe, a fishing rod or an electric kettle... It certainly made for an entertaining picture.
And most interestingly, while the people around them stared at the young Sky in awe and wonder and adoration, there was also apprehension in their eyes. Oh, there was certainly a story there, a story of devastation and adulation, a story Fon could not wait to hear.
Fon let his placid smile widen slightly. If today was a sign of things to come if he stayed with Reborn and his magical Sky, it might actually become a challenge at some point to constantly maintain his mask.
I do so love a challenge, he thought contently.
Letting some of his magic continue to coil in the air around them somewhat calmed Harry's frayed temper. Also making it uncompromisingly clear - even to the normally so forcefully oblivious sheeple - that approaching him for any reason would be an incredibly bad idea, Chosen One or not.
For once, Harry even found a certain satisfaction in being able to simply walk past the wand checking counter, no one so much as trying to stop them. Definite perks of being the Savior, and a clearly pissed off one at that. They reached the elevators in record time. The poor Ministry scribe waiting for the elevators, squeaked at the sight of them and scrambled to the side not even attempting to enter with them. Reborn's lazy smirk only widened further.
In the elevator, Reborn settled just behind Harry - Harry gladly took in the few moments of relative privacy that the elevator provided, leaning some of his weight against his Guardian's chest.
Fawkes had taken his usual spot on Harry's opposite shoulder. Harry turned to Fon – who he had not even exchanged that many words with until now – giving a slightly sheepish grin, "By the way, welcome to the Ministry of Magic." He couldn't help the slightly droll tone of voice.
Fon just smiled at him placidly, the very picture of serenity, "Thank you. Today has certainly been eventful. Although, I would certainly enjoy a slightly more comprehensive tour at a later point in time."
Harry grinned sardonically, "Oh yes, a slightly more thorough introduction might be a good idea."
It was definitely a new experience for Harry to have such unwavering and unquestioning support even while gearing up to rip into some of the country's more powerful members. Two people who were simply following his lead, not questioning whether it would be a good idea or not, but rather assured in their own ability to strike down the opposition if necessary. It was more than reassuring.
The almost merry atmosphere between them also helped Harry calm the last of his anger – it was incredible how soothing the presence of these two Flame users was to Harry - and their agreement to discuss the Wizarding World between the three of them as soon as this 'situation' was done with, also soothed the nagging fear that had been pushing at him since yesterday. The fear of how Fon might react to magic. And Harry ignored all the reasons why it was so very important to him that Fon was not reacting negatively to magic. Why his Flames and magic calmed at the assurance that the Storm would stay with them despite his abrupt introduction into the Wizarding World.
Reborn was clearly picking up on some of the apprehension Harry was feeling as he slightly tightened the arm around Harry's waist. Still, the smirk on his face did not waver.
His Sun was clearly looking forward to the upcoming confrontation, especially as it would be so very easy to lay blame. Their meeting with Kingsley a few days ago had been for the specific purpose of informing the DMLE of Harry's return to Britain to prevent any misunderstandings with the magical law enforcement, but according to Proudfoot's boasting, Savage had informed only a handful of her 'most trusted' Aurors instead.
Which, while unsurprising, was still all kinds of infuriating.
And also quite stupid. Savage had met Reborn. She should know better. Well, if anyone tried to arrest them for impersonating the Savior, any bruising on the Aurors would be on Savage's own head for trying some half-manipulative bullshit to further her own agenda and not keeping her department informed.
Savage was probably trying to keep the Savior's return quiet until she could browbeat him into agreeing to join the Aurors or at least into accepting that 24/7 Auror guard.
The Ministry had to be seen to be doing something. And the protecting the Savior would definitely be something in the eyes of the public.
The Savior under the Ministry's protection. Protection by Aurors. The same Aurors who had been entirely content to stick their head into the sand during most the war and wait out the worst of it. While children fought endlessly, desperately, hopelessly.
Those Aurors.
Right.
And as the elevator stopped at the DMLE, Harry almost let his lip curl in derision at the idea of exchanging the protection of his Sun for some Ministry stooges. The thought alone was laughable.
They were greeted by the usual chaos of the Auror office - Aurors hurrying to and fro, Unspeakables appearing seemingly from nowhere, a few reporters scattered around the room, civilians lodging this or that complaint and the occasional hunter collecting a bounty – and some of the people present noticed their entry immediately, instantly zeroing in on their little group.
It took quite a bit longer for the room at large to notice them, as marked by the ensuing silence.
Harry ignored all of them and calmly made his way across the room towards the Head Auror's office.
Then chaos erupted as some of the Aurors present scrambled to do, well, something - Harry wasn't entirely certain whether most of them were trying to go for their wand to arrest the Savior-impostor or trying to get closer to request his autograph.
Harry had no patience for either.
He let his magic snap, just for an instance, a single surge of his magic, pressing down on everyone in the room with them. It was certainly effective in stopping everyone in their tracks.
Harry took an impassive look around, further impressing his displeasure before continuing towards the secretary's desk in front of the Head Auror's office. He must have appeared sufficiently impressive, especially with Fawkes still settled on his shoulder - unapologetically claiming Harry's shoulder as his own as he was wont to do whenever it suited him – who joined him in staring unimpressed at the people present.
Reborn thought the double stare-down was plainly adorable.
And he loved watching his little Sky command an entire room full of trained professionals with a single scathing glance around and a quick pulse of his magic. What a sight indeed, he thought feeling a shiver of arousal and possessiveness at once again seeing Harry's authority unchallenged, his dominance unquestioned.
Next to him, Fon smiled placidly at the Auror positioned behind the secretary while Reborn turned slightly, lazily observing the room. Several people actually flinched when Reborn turned his casual regard on them.
Harry couldn't help but think with mock surprise, that there were some people after all who could actually tell that there was something about his Sun that simply shouldn't be, couldn't be ignored. At least if you liked making it through the day in one piece.
Especially, the two wizards standing at a desk close by – not Aurors just by the look of their rather functional clothing instead of the bulky robes wizards preferred, most likely hunters or maybe hitwizards - had not taken their eyes off the three of them ever since they entered.
The woman sitting behind the secretary's desk was still staring open-mouthed. Harry gave her a chance to gather herself but when her expression didn't change after a few moments, he stated calmly. "The Head Auror... requested my presence for a meeting."
That seemed to be enough to shake the secretary from her gawping. But being addressed directly still seemed to be beyond her capabilities as she only reacted with a shrill, "Mr. Potter!"
A brief pause. Harry barely refrained from rolling his eyes in annoyance, before responding with a deadpan, "Yes, that's me."
In that moment the Auror Floo activated and spat out the three stooges, Proudfoot at the head. They must have sprinted the entire way to the Leaky cauldron to make it here this quickly.
They were also followed by a group of four more people in slightly transfigured Auror-red coats. Ah, those must be the reinforcements that had been called to 'ensure his safety' on his way to the Ministry. Running a calm eye over them Harry confirmed that he didn't know any of them and that they looked entirely clueless as to what was currently going on.
Oh yes, what wonderful protection they would have made with that level of awareness, Harry thought mockingly.
Harry watched their approach calmly, Proudfoot huffing and puffing alongside a nervous looking Hestia Jones and the happily bouncing younger Auror – whose name Harry still didn't know.
Spotting Harry, Proudfoot exclaimed angrily. "Harry Potter!"
Merlin, could people please get over calling his name like that! Harry felt his irritation surge and decided that if he had to deal with this sort of annoyance, he would at least drag as many people as possible along with him. Which, coming from him, could almost be considered a threat, if he said so himself. Snape would agree.
Accordingly, Harry turned some of his focus on Proudfoot and confirmed the Auror's exclamation with a deadpan, "Yes?"
Proudfoot puffed out even further in anger as he finally reached them, repeating, "Potter!"
And although the man was clearly intending to continue, Harry interrupted him by nodding helpfully, "Truly."
Proudfoot's looked like he might combust from anger at this point, but even as the man opened his mouth to continue, the door to the Head Auror's office opened. And out stepped Savage.
Neither Fon nor Reborn reacted to her appearance beyond compensating for the presence of another potential threat. Reborn moving slightly closer to Harry in a casual move that Harry was certain no else even noticed while Fon moved a little further away for a wider field of vision.
Harry couldn't help but be fascinated by the easy and entirely nonverbal byplay.
Savage clearly had not been expecting to see Harry in front of her office without warning going by her surprised exclamation of "Mr. Potter!"
Harry just couldn't help himself and responded with an almost cheerful, "Indeed."
He could have sworn one of the most-likely-hunters to their right actually snorted in amusement at that.
Harry doubted that Savage would be stupid enough to actually start their discussion in front of witnesses. She had to have at least some political awareness in order to have gotten her position and being chewed out by the Savior was about the worst thing you could possibly do in the current political climate.
Sadly, Savage seemed to be aware of this, pulling herself up - though who she was trying to impress was anyone's guess - and stated patronizingly, "Mr. Potter, I am glad that we could arrange this meeting."
Harry almost wanted to snort at that. So, she was trying to make it seem as though this meeting had been desired equally on both sides, was she? Hmpf. It was about time he taught her that any plans made with Harry Potter in mind had a tendency to go topsy-turvy quite quickly. Just ask Voldemort.
So, with a pleasant smile, Harry nodded as though agreeing with Savage, "Yes, I'm glad I could make the time despite the suddenness of your request." Not giving Savage any time to actually respond, Harry turned to the secretary, "Has Minister Shacklebolt given any indication about when he will be able to join us?"
And Harry would definitely be making sure that Kingsley was present for this meeting. Not because he actually needed the help, but because of their mutual understanding that had developed during and after the war. They agreed on the most important topics – such as human and creature rights - and trusted the man to never be swayed by promises of personal gain. Additionally, having been an Order member for years, Kingsley had experienced enough of Dumbledore's highhanded for-the-Greater-Good tactics to be averse to falling into that same trap himself.
And Harry also knew that having the Minister in his corner afforded him definite additional leeway as well, because Kingsley the Minister would not demand anything from Harry the Savior beyond what he was truly willing to give, even if it actually made the man's job harder. As had been reaffirmed during their last meeting where Kingsley had clearly still been expecting Harry to join the Auror corps or return to Hogwarts to provide a stabilizing force in the public eye, but had immediately backed off when Harry had made his contrary decision clear.
Similarly, Kingsley knew that if he ever truly needed Harry's support either in the form of his Wizengamot votes or in his role as the Man-Who-Conquered, Harry would grant it immediately.
Manus manum lavat, at its best.
And between the two of them - with Kingsley being the effective political leader of Magical Britain and Harry holding the confidence of the people - they were in the unique position of combining almost the entirety of the support of the British Wizarding population.
While the Minister was in fact elected, it was also the only elected office in the British Ministry of Magic, giving the Minister a tremendous amount of power based on popular opinion. If only because the sheeple rarely cared to learn the names of anyone else in the Ministry. If pressed, the magical people of Britain would always go with the guy that they themselves had put into office - whether they actually liked him or not - and would side with him above anyone else. Even if they had no clue what was actually going on. It was the reason why Fudge had been able to get away with so much when he held the office.
Very few – if any – politicians in the British Ministry of Magic would be stupid enough to go directly against the Minister.
Well, and also, Kingsley's presence at this meeting would make the discussion so much more uncomfortable for Savage, which in itself was already reason enough to ensure the man's presence.
Turning back to Savage, Harry continued seamlessly, "I'm assuming Minister Shacklebolt will be joining us if we are to continue our discussion from last week?"
There. That was more than enough. Savage couldn't afford to be seen actively preventing the Minister's presence after having been publicly reminded of it.
Something Savage was clearly aware of going by her expression. She was grinding her teeth while glaring at Harry, leaving no doubt to any onlookers with half a brain exactly what was transpiring here. The two most-likely-hunters-maybe-hitwizards off to the side were grinning in amusement, clearly enjoying the show they were unexpectedly being provided with.
Harry hadn't even gotten started - not to even mention Reborn and Fon - and was just waiting for Savage to give him an opportunity to do so.
Savage possibly realized this as well. The Head Auror almost visibly swallowed down her retort to Harry's 'suggestion' and gave a magnanimous nod towards her secretary.
Then she made a gesture towards her office. "We should get started right away, to spare some of the Minister's time."
But Harry wasn't quite done here yet. Because this right here, the current discussion in full public view - here in the Auror department where you could find people from all parts of the British and even international Magical World, including the different law enforcement agencies, with civilians, criminals and reporters mixed in - was the actual power-play.
Savage had tried to use him and his title to promote her own standing in the eyes of her department, of the Ministry and of the public. Harry would do his utmost best to undermine any of her efforts, to turn them to the opposite effect even.
If fifth year had taught him anything, it was that in Magical Britain popular opinion was everything.
And Harry wasn't here to 'discuss' viewpoints on whether he might register his address with the Ministry or whether he would accept an Auror guard or whether he would reconsider returning to Hogwarts or joining the Auror corps. Or whether it was at all acceptable for the Ministry to track him down like a common criminal.
He was here to cut Savage back to size, to make it clear to her that even the attempt to use him in any way would come at a very steep cost to her own standing, to once and for all end any attempts to treat him as public property, to clarify for her and if need be the entirety of the Ministry that if anyone so much as dared to interfere with his privacy like this again, heads would be rolling. Literally or figuratively.
Harry almost wanted to smile at the anticipatory menace he could feel from his Sun, as Fon looked on serenely.
So, Harry responded pleasantly, "Of course! I would love to meet the Aurors that you had intended to assign for my personal guard last week. It is a shame that I had to turn down that particular... offer, as I had already arranged for my protection after the alarming happenings that disrupted my recovery at St. Mungo's weeks ago." Harry cheerfully pointed out.
The woman's glare reached a new level of baleful intensity even as she was clearly trying to suppress her reactions. She was only minimally successful. But the Aurors all the way across the room might not be able to hear her grinding her teeth anymore. Probably.
Sadly, before he could continue further escalating the situation in full view of the entire Auror department, Kingsley strode through into the room.
Huh, that was quick, Harry thought but he should have expected for the news of his spectacular entrance to reach the Minister quickly.
Kingsley easily made his way over to their group. "Harry, it is good to see you again. I heard you were visiting." There was definite amusement in the man's voice, though he lost none of the shrewdness in his eyes, especially when he noticed Hestia standing with their group.
"Did you now?" Harry just blinked innocently as he reached out to shake the man's hand. Harry said with a slight smile. "It's good to see you as well."
Then he immediately proceeded to introductions, making it even clearer how little he thought of everyone compared to Kingsley. "Kingsley, this is Fon. Fon, this is Kingsley Shacklebolt, the British Minister of Magic." Considering that Fon was obviously foreign, Harry could get away with this sort of introduction without anyone suspecting Fon's missing knowledge of who Kingsley was due to him being non-magical.
Fon bowed politely, never once taking his attention off the other people present or moving from his position, maintaining his impassive mask despite his swirling thoughts. Even disregarding the animated inanimate objects everywhere, instant travel through fire – by holding onto a bird? - or people blinking in and out of existence without warning, there being a British Minister of Magic was definitely the thing to get stuck on. British. As in, requiring a distinction from other magical government leaders. The implications of that alone…
Harry continued, "And you have already met Reborn."
Reborn nodded to the Minister of Magic - and wasn't that still one of the strangest descriptors he had ever had for a person – from his position right next to his Sky. His little Sky who had an entire room playing so beautifully to his fiddle. And going by the muted menace he could still feel from his Sky, it was only going to get better. Reborn ignored the people who flinched at seeing the wicked grin that spread over his face at that thought.
Kingsley nodded to both men in greeting before turning back to Harry, responding with the same ease that had made him one of the very few Order members Harry had actually liked during the war. "Still, I was not expecting to see you again so soon. What brings you to the Ministry and to the DMLE in particular?"
Kingsley had clearly figured out that something was going on but Harry still kept up the wonderful charade they had going for the benefit of the gawking masses. "Ah, you see, I am not quite sure yet about the Head Auror's reasons for requesting a meeting. So far, the Aurors who were sent to find me in Muggle London only informed me that my immediate presence was requested for a meeting."
After a brief pause, Harry continued. "I was quite concerned that something might have happened since our meeting a few days ago. Especially, as the DMLE went through quite a bit of trouble to find me, even involving the Order and the Department of Mysteries, despite me informing you both of my current health restrictions due to my ongoing recovery."
There. That should give the Daily Prophet reporter - who was trying to hide his furious scribbling behind one of the more burly Aurors - enough information to make up some wonderfully exaggerated story about the Saviors woes. Including the fact that Harry might still be recovering from something. At the very least the stories they would come up with to fit all these hints should be an amusing read if nothing else. It also left barely any wiggle room for Savage to talk her way out of this situation.
It was always good to lay some groundwork in case Harry needed to start pointing fingers in the near future.
After all, Madam Pomfrey will be the first to back up any claims about my tumultuous recovery being to blame for any delay in my full-time return to the Wizarding World, Harry thought vindictively.
Hestia Jones was almost gaping at this point, clearly having had no idea that Kingsley had been in contact with Harry at all since his return. It helps if you talk to people and not just assume you know everything, Harry thought disdainfully.
Harry finished his performance with, "I had just inquired about your presence for this meeting. I hope the timing does not interfere with your schedule?"
Kingsley had turned his gaze on Savage, but confirmed gravely. "Oh no, not at all." A brief pause. "Why don't we move this to my office? Is your Floo available, Head Auror Savage?"
Harry vindictively observed the angry flush that had spread over Savage's face at being entirely excluded from their brief discussion. Her standing in the Ministry would definitely suffer from this. She was still able to gather enough of her composure to state through clenched teeth, "Yes, of course."
She took a step to the side, letting Kingsley enter first. Reborn immediately followed - always ahead of his Sky to eliminate any potential threats, especially now that he had Fon there to watch their backs. Harry refrained from shaking his head at his Guardian's protectiveness - it still warmed his insides every time it happened - but he couldn't even gather the slightest bit of irritation considering that Reborn had not once tried to interfere with Harry's handling of the current situation.
Harry just wandered after his Sun sedately.
Quite a few people followed, though there was a brief standstill when Fon - insisting on his I'm-a-polite-Asian-façade - held the door for the last person before firmly closing the door behind himself.
The same scene would probably repeat itself at the in-house Floo connection to the Minister's office.
Harry certainly had to give it to Fon. So far the man had not shown any sort of noticeable reaction to anything he was witnessing here today, including the moving portraits, the self-writing quills and the flying, inter-department paper messages – things that even still threw Harry from time to time.
As he followed Reborn through the Floo – telegraphing his movements, so Fon could easily copy him - Harry thought admiringly to himself, that 'unflappable' really wasn't sufficient to describe Fon's control over his own reactions.
Being the third to enter Kingsley's office via the Floo, Harry immediately noticed the fourth presence. An older man in slate grey robes was standing next to Kingsley in front of the imposing office desk, watching Reborn with suspicion. Harry thought he might actually have seen this wizard somewhere before, though he couldn't quite remember where.
Thankfully, Kingsley introduced them as soon as Harry stepped up next to his Sun, "Harry, this is Head Unspeakable Croaker."
Ah, this was the Unspeakable Mr. Weasley had pointed out during the Quidditch World Cup. Though, Head Unspeakable? Impressive.
Kingsley continued. "Croaker, you know Harry Potter and this is Reborn, Harry's security detail, who will be joined by Fon in a moment."
Hm, not quite accurate, but it worked well enough as a reason for Reborn and Fon's presence, which Kingsley had probably been intending in the first place.
Amusingly, no one in their group actually reached out to shake hands, only exchanging nods in greeting. Paranoia all around, Harry thought with amusement.
When the Floo stopped spitting out people – Fon being the last - Kingsley gestured everyone to the seating area on the other side of the room. Settling almost across from Kingsley, Harry was again amazed how Reborn and Fon angled themselves in a way that had them cover each other's blind spots - Reborn lazily sprawled in the chair to Harry's left and Fon sitting almost primly to his right.
Croaker was watching them with shrewd eyes. The man certainly had quite the presence, though as the meeting started he almost seemed to disappear from view, clearly using some sort of spell to cloak himself. What's with all the people who can vanish at will recently? Harry grumbled to himself.
Kingsley took a look around all the people gathered in his office, before turning to Savage pointedly.
The woman immediately jumped at the chance to make herself look better. "I'm glad we could arrange this meeting, even though I'm sorry to say that Mister Potter must have misunderstood the Aurors who ran into him in Muggle London."
Harry almost wanted to let his lip curl in derision. Misunderstood? Ran into? Well then.
If she wanted to play, she could look somewhere else for an opponent willing to lower themselves to her level.
While Harry had been portraying the naïve, teenaged hero in the Auror office, it had solely been for the benefit of the public. In this far more limited setting and with the secrecy spells that were in place in the Minister's office, Harry easily rid himself of his previous affable mask, doing nothing to hide the mocking in his voice, "Oh? I thought they were pretty straightforward. According to Auror Proudfoot your direct orders were for them to seek me out and either escort me to my current residence or to the Ministry for a meeting. Please do clear up the misunderstanding, though."
Going by her rising flush, Savage hadn't expected him to suddenly switch tracks. Narrowing her eyes at him, her voice gained a frosty edge as she tried to recover, "But of course, an Auror guard for the Savior is an absolute necessity, if only to assure the public that The-Man-Who-Conquered is protected from the dark forces at all times."
This again? She was clearly ignoring the smackdown his Sun had given her during their last meeting for this very suggestion. What a wonderfully selective memory she had.
"This topic was already concluded during our last meeting and shouldn't be a point of discussion at this point. But to reiterate, there will be no Auror protection detail for me, at any point." Harry stated firmly.
Savage floundered for a moment at the finality of his statement, "I simply assumed you might have reconsidered your stance on this issue."
Kingsley was frowning at Savage over his steepled hands, clearly unhappy with the apparent reason for this meeting, but so far not saying anything. The man knew that Harry could take care of himself, didn't need direct support, but just the Minister's presence prevented Savage from trying any of the less than savory tactics to force Harry's compliance.
"There is nothing to be reconsidered." Harry stated with finality. "I have seen to my own protection, which is more than sufficient and does not require any form of input from the DMLE."
At this point, Proudfoot practically exploded in anger, "Now listen here, Potter, just because the media has overinflated your ego ever since you were born to your overprivileged life - "
Harry silenced the man with a single look that was more effective in conveying his disdain than anything he might have put into words. Still with insulting him with things that he had had to listen to ever since he stepped foot into this world at the age of eleven? Harry almost felt sorry for them trying to get a reaction out of him this way. If Snape had been good for one thing, it was for ensuring that Harry had about the thickest skin imaginable for insults and Snape had certainly been far more impressive in the delivery than Proudfoot of all people.
An awkward silence followed, which Harry ended by commenting impassively, "I do not enjoy being insulted. Please refrain from trying to do so."
At his side, Reborn let his grin widen slightly as Fon just continued to smile placidly from where he appeared to be engaged in a staring match with the one of the Aurors. The poor wizard was sweating buckets under the Storm's regard, but appeared to be entirely incapable of actually turning away, frozen like a rabbit in the face of a snake.
Proudfoot continued to gape at him well after Harry had already turned his attention back to Savage.
Savage was clearly floundering and Harry was just waiting for her to dig herself a little further into her nice little hole. He didn't have to wait for long.
She was now growing increasingly flustered with Harry simply refusing to submit to her demands in any way, but tried to bring the others onto her side by exclaiming, "But it is tantamount for the DMLE to be seen keeping the Savior safe. The Aurors need to be kept informed about your whereabouts at all times in case there is an attack by dark forces. The DMLE has to be able to reach the Savior immediately."
Ah, there it was. She wasn't even really trying to cover the fact that she wanted access to Harry not only to keep him 'protected' but also so she could call on him whenever she pleased for support against the supposed 'dark forces'.
Yeah.
Not happening.
He turned the entirety of his focus on her, before stating with absolute calm, "No."
Hm, this meeting escalated impressively quickly, Fon thought to himself with some amusement.
Still, Fon had to guess at most of what was actually going on here, seeing as he had no context regarding the personal relevance to Reborn and his Sky or the world Fon had been 'introduced' to unexpectedly. But the young Sky was certainly handling himself quite well, especially considering that these people were apparently the absolute top of the magical government. Though most of them certainly were less than impressive. And the law enforcement officers especially so, Fon thought, when a slight tilt of his head startled the man across from him into a coughing fit at the movement. How truly pathetic, Fon thought disdainfully.
After a few moments of stunned silence in the room, it was the young Sky continued with finality. "I can be contacted via the usual channels. My current address will remain unregistered for security reasons." Certainly able to handle himself, this one.
Harry was annoyed. They were just going in circles at this point. About time to turn this argument around on the Head Auror. Harry almost wanted to bare his teeth. "But I agree that it would indeed be very detrimental to public morale if something were to happen to any of the war's more prominent fighters at this point. Especially if the Ministry could potentially be accused of ineptly handling their safety."
Silence. Again.
Clearly no one had been expecting Harry to agree with any of Savage's points, least of all the Head Auror herself, going by her slightly gaping mouth. Taking in the reactions around the room, Harry thought he deserved a pat on the back for his act.
Well, Kingsley certainly knew that Harry would not simply give in like this and rightfully expecting some sort of turnabout, watching Harry over his steepled hands. At Harry's side, Reborn was entirely relaxed, clearly guessing where Harry was going with this based on the merrily foreboding churning of his Flames.
Harry nodded sagely - he might be overdoing it a bit at this point, but he was too annoyed to care - and continued, "Which brings me back to the topic of compromised security and the question of just how the DMLE was able to find me in the middle of Muggle London. I find myself quite concerned that the means to do so, are so readily available in the Ministry of Magic."
There.
Let them try talking their way out of that one.
While it was the Head Auror's purview to request assistance from the Department of Mysteries, her Aurors certainly didn't contrary to what Proudfoot had said earlier about the tracking spell. Harry could guess that this was also the reason for Croaker's presence.
His thoughts were confirmed, when his last statement had Croaker leaning forward slightly, uncloaking his presence and making a few people flinch. The Head Unspeakable asked pointedly, "I have to join in on that particular question. The spell that was used to pin point Lord Potter's location was provided by my department, but no formal request was lodged."
And wow. The Unspeakable certainly had quite the commanding presence. The man didn't even formulate a question but the Aurors who were present immediately started spluttering, about official channels and necessity to speed up the process and the urgency of the situation and this is how they had always done it. Nicely digging themselves in deeper and deeper with every word coming out of their mouths.
The 'discussion' ended fairly quickly. With Croaker and another Unspeakable leading the Aurors unceremoniously from the room to ensure an immediate investigation into the mentioned claim of this being 'how it's always been done', Savage watching on in impotent fury.
Harry certainly hadn't been expecting to be joined in his crusade to cut these imbeciles back to size by the Head of the Unspeakables, who gave an acknowledging nod to both Kingsley and Harry as he left the room.
Harry leaned back in his seat, slightly nonplussed. What an interesting day this was shaping up to be.
A/N: So, I'm not at all happy with this chapter. It didn't turn out as planned at all and just kept going on and on and on (although, at least a few new characters are introduced, dynamics in the WW should be clearer and I had fun testing Fon's poker face ^^). But still not much actual progress, so I decided to cut off the meeting pretty much in the middle. Sorry for the abrupt ending X-D
I'm not sure whether I should include any more of the meeting in the next chapter (though either way I won't include much more) or just continue with the next scene right away… What do you think? Feedback would be wonderful :)
You guys are awesome and the last chapter alone gained more than 200 reviews (°o°) Continuous reviews keep me hooked and pretty much unable to do anything else :)
As always, thanks to anyone who pointed out mistakes, typos or language errors. Comments on my English are always welcome :) Especially thanks to Celesta SunStar for her help with pointing out mistakes and extensive feedback!
Chapter 16 review responses:
Because a lot of people asked: This fic is set after HP and before KHR and even before the Arcobaleno arc (will become very clear very soon). But I also intend to make this a complete cross between the two 'verses, meaning all the KHR chars are going to appear at some point, though I will be messing around with background stories (as you probably realized already based on what I've written on Fon and Reborn so far) and I will completely screw up the timeline.
To Yurei-san: Thank you for the review! Luna and Neville will appear soon-ish (?) and so will Andy and Teddy. At least I hope so :)
To Ebona Nite: Thanks for your review! Well spotted, but Fon is in the same boat as Reborn as in they don't have magic but due to their Flames they aren't really muggles either :) Fon is just aware of magic in general due to his travels, though he had no idea that magic went beyond an additional spiritual awareness and definitely unaware of magical communities or anything of the sort.