Authors note: Sorry it's been so long since I've updated this ladies and gents. I pray I haven't fully lost your attention. Work and life as usual have been crazy. And I promise to try and write more often. So, without further delay here is the continuation of Allies.
"I swear every year it gets harder and harder" Hermione sighed as she waived towards the now distant Hogwarts Express.
"On who? Us or the professors whom have to deal with the newest generation of marauders shenanigans" Harry chuckled as he grasped his wife's hand and started to lead them out of the platform. "Fancy tea?"
"Sounds lovely" Hermione replied as they weaved their way through the throngs of people within kings cross towards a small enclosed coffee shop in the middle of the station. The station and shop itself were fairly busy for a Saturday where most people were commuting for leisure instead of business. After waiting in line Harry ordered his chamomile and Hermione's lavender tea before turning back towards his wife smiling "So I think we should go out to dinner tonight, we deserve a little bit of us time."
"Sounds wonderful" Hermione replied as she was called over to the counter to receive their order. Harry turning his attention to the television mounted on the wall. "Where would you like to go? I've heard of several new restaurants... Harry are you paying attention?" turning and almost running into him. "What is it Harry..." "I don't know..." turning to the women behind the counter he shouted "Excuse me miss. Could you turn up the tele please?"
"...Known about the attacks in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. The President Will be addressing the country shortly. Right now we are joining James Zolich just outside the Philadelphia 30th street station containment zone." Harry and Hermione heard the lead anchor as the volume of the television rose. "Thank you megan... As we can see the National Guard has set up a large quarantine and decontamination station for those whom were inside the station when the attacks began just a little after 6 am this morning. Not much is known about the weapons used but a spokesman from the Department of Homeland Security has said it is suspected to be some type of radiological or nuclear weapon. Of course this is pure speculation as the normal testing and detection methods have shown no signs of radiation or radiological presence. What is strange is eye witness reports clam the attackers held weapons that cast a bright green light causing whom ever came into contact with the light to fall to the ground instantly and presumably dead... Wait... We're now getting first word that the number of casualties has reached... Dear God... 314 here in Philadelphia... This is... Just... Umm... I... back to you Megan" The camera cut out and the lead anchor appeared back onto the television. "Were now receiving reports that the Washington D.C. casualties has reached 417. Making the total number dead 731..."
Harry no longer listening to the television turned to Hermione "Merlin... We need to get to the Ministry... Now!" The urgency in Harry's voice was unmistakable. Hermione recognized It, and knew all to well what it meant. It was the tone of voice he used when the things at work were incredibly serious.
The lift to Harry's office was one of the longest rides within the ministry. Floor after floor whizzed by as the lift was hurdled through time and space. The long ride made the mounting tension between Harry and Hermione build as if each floor added to it. Finally Hermione spoke "Harry Why are we going to the Auror's office?" Harry reached to the controls of the lift and pulled the halt lever.
"Look 'Mione... I know you saw the same news report I just saw. Those weren't some muggle Weapons Of Mass Destruction...They very clearly described the killing curse, and judging by how the American muggle community is reacting to the attacks they clearly have no idea what is going on."
"But Harry, Wouldn't the american wizarding government step in... Shouldn't they of stepped in and handled this situation already... Isn't that standard procedure?"
"Yes... Yes it is... thats why, it showing up on the muggle news is not good."
Without another word Harry returned the lever to the operating position.
After a few more minutes in the lift it finally started to slow and then came to a halt. Hermione looked at Harry confusingly, the indicator on the lift was blank where Aurors office should of been clearly displayed. "Hermione... A few years ago I took sort of a promotion within the Ministry... This is where I work now." Hermione was confused and some what hurt that Harry had kept a secrete from her. She thought they had shared everything about their lives together but the second she stepped off the lift she understood where she was, and the need for Harry's secrecy.
It had been years sense she even heard of anything relating to the Department of Mysteries. She thought, just as everyone else did that the department was shut down after the Second Wizarding War due to the corruption the Department housed. The last time she was within its walls was during their attempt to retrieve the prophesy. This new space was a far cry from the dark, barely lit hallways with doors at every turn. What she saw before her was a large brightly lit room with several rooms and doors surrounding the chamber. The room boasted dozens of enchanted projectors shining news and security camera images of Great Britain.
"Images on the left side of the wall are muggle, images on the right are wizard... This way." Harry told the be-wondered Hermione as he lead her through the maze of desks and workers feverently running about.
All of the workers either didn't notice them or were to wrapped up in their own work to care. All aside from one. Percy Weasley stood outside of an office, DIRECTOR written in bold letters on a plack outside. He watched the two slowly make their way over, a sad smile creeping upon his lips. When Harry and Hermione finally reached him he greeted Harry much in the same way he does when anything serious happens.
"Trying times we find ourselves in eh Harry, no surprise you made it here before the owl even made it to you"
"Trying times indeed, what have we got?" Harry was quick and to the point, realizing time was not on their side.
"Always straight to the point with you isn't it? However, if we're to do this with Mrs. Potter here she needs to take it" upon uttering this Percy held out his hand towards Hermione.
"Seriously Percy, is this really necessary." a hint of worry in Harry's voice.
"Take what exactly?" Hermione finally finding a voice again sense she entered the great chamber.
"The unbreakable vow of course. Mrs. Potter, Anyone who has even so much as set foot in here either gets oblivated or sworn in... The only reason I'm not having you oblivated and extending this offer to you is because of who your husband is."
Without another word Hermione clasped her hand onto his. Harry reluctantly drew his wand placing it on their joined hands and Percy began.
"Right then, Do you Hermione Potter swear that you will keep any knowledge of this department, secrete for all eternity."
"I swear"
"Do you swear you will keep any and all knowledge of the activities or operations carried out with in and outside of this department walls secrete for all eternity"
"I swear"
"Do you swear to protect the wizarding community and if required take action to keep its laws upheld even if the Ministry of Magic fails to do so."
"I swear"
Just then the silver light that had wrapped around their hands vanished solidifying the the vow.
"Welcome to the department Mrs. Potter. Alright then... This way" Indicating he wanted them to enter his office.
"We're assembling your whole team right now Harry." Percy started while making his way to his desk. Harry and Hermione taking seats in front of it.
"We know very little as of right now and most of it is speculation. As of right now all attempts to contact the Sentential's have failed. We're trying to reach other American Wizarding governmental officials but sadly all lines of communication have seemingly been disabled and we cannot ensure encryption through the unsecured channels so they are still out of the question. We sent a priority owl to the New York office, hopefully someone is their and can shed some light on the situation." pausing Percy took a sip from his tea and continued. "Fingers are pointing at a terroristic wizarding group hell bound on taking over Americas government's in an attempt to create an all wizarding country. We have been closely monitoring them along with the Sententials. But as of this morning they have gone off the grid. We believe they are responsible for the attacks in the U.S.. Ironically, as luck would have it our inside man sent word that he was compromised and has returned back to the Department. He's being Debriefed right now and will be joining us to give us his Intelligence report shortly. "
Just then a short plump women with round glasses entered the room.
"Director, you requested to be informed when he was done being debriefed"
"Yes thank you Wendy." At this Percy arose from his chair, "Harry, fill Hermione in as much as you can. I trust I can find you in your office shortly"
"Yes sir." The three of them left the office, Percy heading left while Hermione followed Harry to the right. A few doors down from the directors office Harry stopped in front of a door that said SENIOR FIELD AGENT, pulling out his wand and tapping it to the door causing it to unlock.
Hermione was at a loss for words when she stepped into Harry's spacious office, it had its very own projection system lighting up the a far wall with the same images that were cast upon the outside chamber. A very large leather sofa sat against the opposing wall to allow one to watch the feeds in comfort. In front of the sofa sat a small coffee table with a slew of magical objects Hermione never saw before. In the corner was a small twin bed with plain sheets concealed behind a half wall, and behind Harry's large oak desk was a door that lead to a full bathroom.
But the biggest feature of his office that really took Hermione's breath away was the other three walls that were not covered in a projection, but in pictures of their family at various times and during various holidays.
Harry made for the sofa beckoning Hermione to join him.
"Hermione... I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my new position here at the Ministry. But as you just did the same thing I did when I joined the Department I couldn't say a word to anyone, even you because of that vow." Harry apologized.
"Its okay Harry, I understand... I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't surprised. But I understand. I have more important questions. Like who are the Sententials"
"Ahh yes, the Sententials are the American Wizarding equilivent of the Department of Mysteries, we're kinda like the wizarding version of the CIA or MI6..."
Hermione wasted no time rattling off her next question "And this undercover agent?"
"No clue love, the only one whom has access to undercover's and Department liaisons outside of the U.K. is the Department Director..."
"Aka Percy Weasly..."
"Yes Percy Weasly." before Harry could continue a strong knock came upon his door.
"Enter" Harry said frustrated that he wasn't able to continue speaking with his wife in privacy.
Percy entered Harrys office and wasted no time.
"Harry... Hermione... I'd like to introduce one of our deepest undercover agents the Department has ever been able to cultivate and plant..." Percy turned to the door "You can come in now."
Who they saw come through the door next both shocked and surprised them.
"Senior Field Agent Potter... It's good to see you again... And look who we have here, if it isn't Hermione Granger or is it Potter now I've been gone for so long its hard to keep up with the daily gossip" Draco Malfoy smiled at his little quip.