I hope you guys enjoy! I actually enjoyed writing this chapter up. And if you guys have any questions, ask away! Plz any reviews or feeback will be very welcome! Thanx for reading:)
Fangirl to the Stars
-Z:)
Chapter 3: Minsters and Ministries
Alexander was still taking in his surroundings. The Ministry of Magic headquarters was actually underground, right beneath White Hall in London. Harry told him that the visitor's entrance is within a phone booth while the worker's entrance is in a set of underground public toilets. But most prefer to use Floo Powder and come through the many hearths along the atrium wall.
"This is amazing…all this because of magic," Alex was still drinking everything in. Several people in robes passed by, giving Harry a wave or a cheerful "Hello!", and a peculiar glance at Alex but then ignoring him.
"Why are they dressed that way? In robes?" Alex looked to Harry, who chuckled before answering.
"Robes are traditional attire for wizards and witches. You'll probably have to buy some if you want to be welcomed around more," he patted Alex's shoulder, which made Alex stiffen for a second. "Ah, there they are! They're at the fountain, come along."
Alex followed as Harry walked toward the fountain with the golden figures. And sure enough he could spot Ron's red hair along with Hermione at his side. The two waved at them as they approached.
"Oh thank goodness! You all look fine," Hermione gave Harry a quick side hug and smiled at Alex. "I'm glad nobody got splinched in this, but… uh of course I trust Harry's abilities," she quickly added when Harry gave her a pointed look.
"What's splinched?" Alex curiously wondered, he hoped that he didn't get "splinched" and just not know.
"A painful thing where not all of you is transferred to the desired place when you Apparate," Ron gave a solemn nod and shuddered. Obviously must have witnessed this "painful thing", maybe even first-hand.
"I'm actually surprised that you haven't vomited, most people do on their first time. And you're what- 11 years old? You're tough for a brainiac," Ron spoke approvingly and Harry nodded along.
"Just because someone's intelligent, does not mean they don't have brawn," Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Oh really, and your example is who? Krum?" he gave a teasing smirk, in which he was paid with another slug to his arm. "Ouch!"
Harry grinned down at Alex, rolling his eyes at them. Returning the grin, Alex couldn't help but feel that this was some bonding. He then moved toward the fountain, inspecting it fully.
A golden statue of a wizard, witch, centaur, goblin, and elf stood back to back, forming a circle. Each held an object out, almost in fighting stance of protection. The wizard and witch in their robes held out their wands. The goblin had a gleaming sword; the elf with a shield and the centaur with his bow and arrow. Water shot out from each of the objects, glittering as it arched into the fountain. And engraved at the base, The True Magical Brethren.
"This was recently put up, about a year ago. The first one was bias and very inaccurate, the one after it was just down right terrible," Harry shook his head, "But this one was agreed upon by all parties. See," he pointed to the fountain's floor where swirly writing was engraved.
Brethren in magic, we are four. In good and light, we are friends. But together, we fight the evil and dark as one.
And under it, signatures were signed. As he studied it, Alex wondered what the fountain was before, and what had caused this new change.
"The Minster is waiting. Alexander, this way." Hermione gestured for him to follow and she led the way. Alex quickly tried to stay in stride with the adults while looking around the atrium.
Wizards and witches all seemed to know the trio; everybody they passed gave them a greeting. But Hermione quickly said every time, "Urgent, sorry can't talk right now. The Minister is waiting!" And that sure did it, which quickly got them to the front of a crowd boarding what looked like some elevators.
Golden grilles moved slid aside and they clustered in with a group of wizards and witches. Alex was squeezed between Ron and Harry, trying to keep his rucksack from being squished too much. The lift smoothly rose up before lurching to the right and coming to a sharp stop, throwing Alex into Ron's side. "Sorry," he mumbled before Ron helped him up correctly.
"Level 5-", a perky voice preceded to state the departments residing on this floor and the subdivisions apart of that floor. He couldn't catch what was said because of the clambering of several witches and wizards as they exited.
Once the grilles slid close again, the lift lurched once again and then smoothly moved on. It was hard to tell in which direction they were going in, but at least there was more room. And Alex couldn't help but tug on Harry's sleeve and point up to the paper aero planes fluttering above their heads in the lift. Harry bent a bit lower in order to talk.
"Interdepartmental memos, they relay messages from between people in different departments. They used to use owls before we started working here, but they made a far too big mess to bear with. These are much easier," Harry answered before standing up straighter again.
Alex nodded, observing the structure of the memos in awe. Magic was still so vast and fantasy like to him. The possibilities, he thought.
"Level 1, Office of Minister for Magic and Support Staff," the perky voice announced as the grilles slid open. "This is ours," Hermione nonchalantly grabbed Alex's hand and led him out.
Alex was stunned by the sudden action and was uncomfortable with her soft hand holding onto his. But was quickly distracted with grandeur of this floor. The marble floor was speckles and reflecting with pillars lining the halls.
And the paintings! They moved and some of the portrayed figures gave me a wink and a smile, but all he could do was keep his mouth from hanging open. He looked bewilderedly around, several witches and wizards walked about looking important with files and folders levitating along with their strides.
They soon opened to a lobby with a large desk. A witch was sitting there with neat piles of paper and floating quills scribbling on them. Hermione marched to the desk, Alex, Harry and Ron in tow. The witch immediately recognized the group and gave an exclaimed gasp.
"Mrs. and Mr. Weasley, and ahh Mr. Potter! What a delight to see the Golden Trio! How can I help you on this hono-"the witch was interrupted with a stern look from Hermione.
"We have an appointment with the Minister. It's urgent and we have no time for pleasantries," Hermione then slipped out a card from a shoulder bag, which Alex was pretty sure she wasn't wearing earlier. The woman looked flustered as she quickly tapped the card with her wand and then proceeded with rummaging around her desk.
"I'm so sorry with the delay. This way please!" she quickly ran around the desk and led them to large double doors that stood to the side of the lobby. Large suits of armor guarded the doors on either side. A bronze plaque with fancy scripting displayed Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt.
The witch tapped the door handles with her wand and the door swung open. She smiled at them, stepping aside to let them in. And at that moment she just noticed the scrappy boy, but Alex was quickly pulled along with Hermione, who was still holding his hand. Harry and Ron following closely after with apologetic nods at the secretary.
The door shut close behind them, and Alex once again had to take in the grand office which belonged to the Minister. A lavished rug cozily sat under comfy armchairs in front of a fireplace. Moving paintings and portraits hung in fancy frames along the walls. And in the center, seats sat in front of a large and vintage desk of mahogany. And sitting behind the desk in a large leather armchair, a dark-skinned and broad shouldered man. He had a single gold hoop earring and was dressed in fancy but simple robes.
"Harry! Ron and Hermione! Pleasure to see you all and I hope you are all well," the Minster for Magic spoke in a calming slow and deep voice as he stood up.
Hermione broke into an easy smile as she returned the greetings, finally letting go of Alex's hand. He quickly snatched his hand back, and studied the tall man. There was an air of respect and calm about him, which made Alex feel small but in good presence.
"It's good to see you Shacklebolt, too" Harry smiled as he led Alex with a hand on his shoulder to the seats in front of the desk. They all sat down except for the Minister who looked down at the scrawny 11 year old boy.
"Hello there, you must the one Mrs. Weasley here wanted to discuss," he smiled genuinely at Alex, "Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Minister for Magic."
"Alexander Rosewell, convicted troublemaker from U.S." Alex replied with a poker face. Shacklebolt's laughter boomed, he shook his head as he took his seat.
"Clever, I can tell," Shacklebolt chuckled and then took on a serious expression when he turned to Hermione. "The American Minster for Magic will be here any second."
And exactly then, the fireplace burst with green flames before two figures stepped out. A woman in elegant robes strode up, and a thin man with an immaculate suit followed closely behind her. She raised her arms, the sleeves revealing perfect manicured nails and expensive jewelry on her wrists.
"Kingsley! I came as soon as I could," she exclaimed and her eyes landed on the trio, "Oh my! I should have known the Golden Trio would be amongst us!"
"Jane Apate, welcome!" Shacklebolt stood up once again.
The adults all stood up and shook hands with compliments thrown around. And then the woman's eyes found Alex still sitting in his seat. She cocked her head to the side before she moved to him. "Are you our little mysterious wizard?"
He nodded, but before he could introduce himself or say a word she took his hands. "Oh, Alexander, dear! The messes you've been in, I cannot believe my Population Office missed you right off the charts! We run a very big society in our country and you must forgive us for losing your very existence. Don't worry, you'll have records and you'll be an immediate resident and citizen under the American Ministry of Magic."
She then turned to the Minister, "I thank you very much! And now, you must want to discuss all of this!" she waved her hand but gave a pointed gesture at Alex. He couldn't help but feel so uncomfortable with this woman, the way she seemed too used to running the show.
"Yes, Jane. Mrs. Weasley here contacted me right away. Her husband and Mr. Potter will explain everything and hopefully answer our questions. And of course, young Mr. Rosewell will tell his half," Shacklebolt took his seat.
And the American Minister for Magic brandished her wand and waved at a spot on one end of the group. A red and ornate leather armchair with a high back appeared and she sat down with her grace. They now made a full oval, with the thin man standing beside his boss's chair.
"Oh, Kingsley, you don't mind if," she gestured to her assistant who had a paper and quill set out in front of him at the ready. "Oh of course, go ahead!" he replied.
He then nodded at Hermione and she quickly launched into a playback of the events. Ron and Harry adding details of how Fawkes had arrived to the trio while they were visiting a friend of theirs, Hagrid. Alex followed along with several unusual words and names thrown in until they met Alex. In which, they discussed what happened and what had occurred in the town with the dark wizard.
"Ah yes, my Aurors are doing everything to find him. We've also dispatched some professional healers to deal with the muggle boy's injuries," Apate frowned and shook her head sadly. "We know for sure it wasn't Fiendfyre, so that saved us much trouble."
Hermione gave an annoyed sound, obviously annoyed with the many times the woman had interrupted, but she continued on. All the while, the quill scratching on the paper.
"And we used a Recognize spell and it proved that he has magical blood in him. A wizard," Harry finished, glancing at Alex with a ghost of smile.
Shacklebolt then held his hand up, thanking them and then looked to Alex, "Can you recall what exactly happened when things went wrong and you encountered this dark wizard?"
Alex nodded and anxiety furled in the pit of his stomach, "Well this boy, Aspen Gory and his friends cornered me. They had a few or I should say a lot of bones to pick with me. And they went a step further, he was about to steal something of mine and I yelled out at him… Suddenly a man appeared and nobody noticed at first… and then Aspen caught on fire. It was if it was devouring him and chaos broke out. All the other boys were screaming and ran, the man he pulled me up." Alex gulped trying to tame his nerves as he tried to pass his lie in the tweaked story.
"He was actually smiling and he told me to run. And that's what I did; I wanted to get away because I didn't know what happened. I couldn't make sense, so I ran and found Fawkes. Since then, I was hiding out in woods. Well, until I met them," he looked to the trio with wide eyes. They all gave him a small smile.
"Goodness," Apate exclaimed as she turned to her assistant, "Thrope, did you get all of that?" The thin man quickly nodded, as he scanned what the quill had written.
"Yes, ma'am. All accurate and precise," Thrope answered.
"Well, now we got the full story. This will be helpful and I cannot thank you enough for everything you've done!" the American Minister for Magic stood up, clasping her hands together.
"This makes things soo much better. Dear Kingsley, a favor in hand this is for me! I will surely find a way to repay. Especially to you Mr. Potter and the Weasleys," she turned to them all.
"Anytime, Jane. We must all help each other out after all, wizards and witches alike," Shacklebolt stood up with her.
"And as for you," she looked to Alex, "Little Alexander, everything will be in order. Come along, dear." She stretched out her hand toward him, gesturing for him to follow her. The armchair disappeared and Thrope had his notes rolled up.
"Actually Ms. Minister, about Alex," Harry then stood up and looked to the woman. She gave him a glittering smile as she tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder and faced him.
"For his education and I mean his magical education. Where do you plan on sending him?" he frowned as he asked her. She gave a tinkling laugh, before answering.
"Of course to our American Wizardry and Witchcraft school, Spangledstar! Where would you have him attend? Hogwarts?" and she laughed again as if it was the funniest joke ever.
"Actually, I was thinking yes, he'd go to Hogwarts," Harry said with his chin raised a notch higher. Alex slowly stood up, recognizing the name of Fawkes's old home.
"You're serious?" she suddenly stopped laughing and gave him an exasperated expression. "But I believe Hogwarts only accepts students that are under the British Ministry of Magic, am I right?"
Harry gave a hesitant nod, "Yes, it's true. But I thought the rules won't abide to Alex's special case. You see because of Fawkes-"
"Fawkes? The deceased, may be rest well, Albus Dumbledore's pet bird?" she cocked her head. Hermione shot up at the rude tone.
"Fawkes isn't Dumbledore's "pet bird". Fawkes is a phoenix, one of the very few who choose to be companions to humans instead of being wild. And yes, I agree with Harry because of Fawkes. The phoenix and Alexander are actually very close companions and it seems only natural that they both go to Hogwarts. Any person with brains the size of mushrooms can see that!" Hermione glared at Apate.
In turn, Apate's eyes narrowed and her lips were in a thin line. But her eyes were fierce as she stared down Hermione. Tension was thick and even Alex could tell this bad in politics between countries.
"Jane? Do you object?" Shacklebolt's loud and deep voice somehow broke the burning tension in the room. Apate smoothly slid into a smile and turned to the Minister.
"Do you think your headmistress would accept this poor little wizard into her school?" she smiled at Kingsley with raised eyebrows. Alexander was about to burst with the way all the adults spoke around him. Wizards and witches or not, they were still adults who dictated him around.
"I don't see why Professor McGonagall might decline. I will send a request to her then," Shacklebolt nodded at her. But Harry then turned to Alex.
"Wait. Alex, do you want to go to Hogwarts? It's honestly your choice in the first place," Harry asked and Alex right there had never respected an adult as much as he did with him.
"Fawkes told me many stories, why not? I'd very much like to go!" he couldn't help but let the grin slip onto his face. Everyone smiled at him, except for Apate who right away Alex could tell she was forcing her smiles from the beginning. There was something about her name that was nagging him and he didn't trust her at all with her fake demeanor.
"In that case, I would like to be in correspondence with Minerva McGonagall on Alexander. I'd like her answer right away about this. And oh!" she looked at Alex.
"Well, where will you have him stay until the answer comes? I believe it's best that he stays here in London. Can I trust that you will have him supervised?" she looked around at the trio, whom all nodded with Hermione grudgingly.
"Thank you! I see that we finally have everything settled and agreed on. I shall take my leave then," she nodded at Shacklebolt.
"Take care, Jane. And I am sorry about the change in your plans, but do not worry. Alexander is in great hands, he's a guest who will be one of us wizards," he shook her hand.
She said her goodbyes, and somehow gave Hermione another glittering smile before kneeling down in front of Alex.
"Oh, Alexander! I wish you luck and I hope I can help you with anything you need. I will make sure everything is in order in our end. Until then, my dear," she squeezed his hands and patted his cheeks. And without further ado, she sashayed to the fireplace where Thrope threw in some sort of powder and quickly were taken into the green flames before disappearing.
Alex sighed which was joined with Hermione's. She smiled at him and opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by Ron.
"Don't say anything! We're in here, with all these eavesdroppers," he gestured at the eagerly listening paintings. The people all groaned and spoke insults at him in different languages.
"That's enough now," Shacklebolt waved at them the turned to a witch in one of hanging portraits, "You heard everything, send my request to Minerva, please." The witch nodded and disappeared from her painting by walking out from the side of the frame.
Alex has been in the state of awe all day; he's starting to think he's seen everything.
"Do you have a place in mind where our Alexander can stay for a while, or should I provide?" Shacklebolt looked to the trio.
"The Leaky Cauldron," they all said in unison and Kingsley nodded in acknowledgment.
"In that case, I believe Alexander could use the time to rest and see Fawkes," Shacklebolt sat back down.
"Where's Fawkes anyway?" Alex looked around and suddenly a flash of light and a pitched note sang out from behind. Alex spun around and Fawkes was perched on the back of the armchair.
"Fawkes!" Alex exclaimed glad to see a familiar friend. The phoenix jumped onto the boy's shoulder and received affectionate strokes. "Missed ya, too bad I don't have any chocolate to give you."
The adults all chuckled as they watched the boy and his companion. "So, what's this Leaky Cauldron?" Alex gave Harry a questioning glance.
"You'll see, come on I think we overstayed our visit," Harry grinned and Kingsley's laugh boomed.
"If anything, you've made my day a tad interesting. I'll see all soon, good bye," they all exchanged their byes and left out the double doors. And as Alex walked out between the trio with Fawkes on his shoulder, he finally seemed to realize his acceptance in believing.
I'm a wizard.