Pretty Boy

Chapter 50

Minister Of Magic

Hermione, Sara, Ron and Ginny were sitting in Ron's room. The bright orange Chudley Cannons wallpaper, from his childhood days still plastered the walls. Hermione was sitting next to Ron, and Sara and Ginny were busy pleating each others hair out of sheer boredom. They were waiting for the house to empty, which didn't take long at all. Fred and George went to work in their shop, which was a joke shop they had blackmailed Ludo Bagman into paying for. Every product they sold was their own invention unlike Zonko's Joke shop.

Charlie had already left, he was looking for a job at the moment, and Bill had bought himself a flat away from the family and still worked at Gringotts. He was probably the only werewolf who had a job; he got the Wolfsbane potion from Severus, which had a temporary magic suppresser added into it. He had tweaked it so it only worked when he was in wolf form. Otherwise his ability to see magic would have driven him and his wolf insane.

Molly and Arthur were going over to Remus Lupin's flat to speak to the man about how to help their son. They felt undeniably guilty about how they had treated him; of course Ron and Ginny simply thought they were mad.

In the stillness of the house they heard Apparating, indicating that Molly and Arthur had just left. No one wanted to work today, unfortunately most of the Ministry had to. This didn't include Ronald's father. His father wasn't important enough, and Ron hated that he hated how poor his family was.

"Finally." sighed Hermione gratefully, silencing spells were already up but they didn't want to take any chances. After all those inventions from the twins worked, even when Silencing spells were up. They certainly didn't want anyone overhearing, what they were going to discuss.

"Where do you think Dumbledore is? Poppy says he isn't in the hospital wing and he hasn't been back to his office!" said Ginny looking rather worried.

"I don't know, perhaps we should alert the Ministry that he's missing?" suggested Sara quietly.

"No, they wont do anything for forty eight hours, it's just like in the Muggle world." said Hermione shaking her head.

"This is Dumbledore we are talking about they would get people looking straight away." said Ron. Still under the illusion that anyone other than them gave two hoots.

"I guess…maybe we should just look for him? We need to know what to do." said Hermione looking rather lost.

"Potter is engaged! I was supposed to get him Dumbledore promised me!" snapped Ginny angrily.

"You will don't worry, there's probably already a contract signed." said Ron flippantly.

"I thought engagements couldn't be broken here?" asked Sara.

"Of course they can, although they will always have a small connection to one another. Its marriage that cannot be broken, and divorce isn't an option here." said Hermione in lecture mode.

Ginny shuddered at the thought of them married, or even being still connected to one another. Harry Potter was his, and she'd have him and the titles and money that would follow.

"How do I find out if there is a contract?" asked Ginny sitting forward the nineteen years old was almost eager to hear what Hermione had to say. She would be Mrs. Harry Potter if it killed her. She deserved this after all; she had been loyal to Dumbledore for years. She deserved the money and fame that came attached to Harry Potter, she didn't care if he loved her or not. She could even work that in her favour, pretended to be broken hearted over the fact he didn't seem to want her. Make him out to be the bad one, plus love potions were her speciality, he wouldn't know what hit him.

"Gringotts, if it's official. If not Dumbledore's office." said Hermione smiling kindly at Ginny. They were going to soon have all the money they needed, when Ginny married Potter. She would get enough money for the perfect wedding, she already had a lot of money, but it was nothing compared to what she wanted. Dumbledore had given them money for years, since they were eleven years old. It was from Harry Potter's vault, they hadn't touched it yet of course. She had no reason to, although sometimes Ron would take some and send it on chocolate. He had to wait until he had a job before he could go and spend serious amounts of money. Otherwise his mother would wonder just how on earth he got it. Especially on the new broomstick he wanted the lightning bolt. He still had his old broom a shooting star.

"Well it's best to check Dumbledore's office first, and then go to Gringotts and see." nodded Sara.

Hermione just nodded beaming proudly at her sister.

"For all we know all this worry is for nothing!" cried Ron in exasperation.

"We will find out, let's go." said Ginny adamantly, she had to know if she had Harry Potter in her clutches before they married. Or everything would all go down the toilet, something she didn't want. She would marry him, and he wouldn't have a choice Dumbledore was his magical guardian. If only she realized Sirius Black hadn't been given a trial, and that he had always been and always would be - Harry James Potter's magical guardian and Dumbledore had lied to get what he wanted.

"Hey love," said Severus softly, he had been awake for hours just thinking about everything. He was still coming to terms that he was truly free; he would never again have to answer to either Dumbledore or Voldemort. Wouldn't be summoned up to the old fool's office and have to listen to him or drink tea and decline those lemon drops. He wouldn't have to put up with the threat of Azkaban hanging over his head. He wouldn't be in agony every time Voldemort called, wouldn't have to put up with the constant Cruciatus curse on him for his preserved misdeeds by a mad man.

"You're up early." murmured Harry tiredly, that was something Severus had noticed. Since getting his revenge on those men that had wrecked his life, his masks hadn't gone up. He seemed so much more relaxed, less cautious, less guarded. He didn't even realize he himself was the same.

"I've been up for a hour." replied Severus wryly.

"There's something bothering you…what is it?" asked Harry from where he was burrowed. He could sense it, he wasn't stupid and he had been with Severus long enough to know him by now.

"I just think you are making the wrong decision that's all." sighed Severus eventually. He wasn't one to fear speaking his mind, and he refused to start lying especially to the man he loved. He might sound petulant or jealous (of sharing Harry) but he did not want him becoming Minister of magic.

"You don't want me to run for Minister." stated Harry dryly already knowing what was bothering him.

"No I don't." replied Severus immediately.

"Why?" asked Harry, there was no accusation in his voice just curiosity.

"It's just not right for you, you aren't meant to be stuck behind a desk Harry. The spells you created, are brilliant, that rune alone would enable the wizarding world to keep track of all Azkaban convicts." explained Severus passionately "And the spells and potions in the bracelet is a work of art…and I think you should concentrate on those…Harry you are capable of so much more than being some Minister."

"You believe that?" asked Harry his heart clenching painfully. It didn't show just how needy he was on his face but some of it bled into his voice. No one had ever believed in him like that and it blew him away. He wasn't used to positive influences in his life; all he had known was the Dursley's and he had been a freak and abomination in their eyes. One that should have been downed at birth. Then Dumbledore who knew about it and let it continue. He had been a tool to Dumbledore, something that could be discarded. Then he had been a prostitute for many years, allowing others to use his body to pay the rent and put some meagre food on the table. Severus' words had startled him; he hadn't realized what he had done. He had assumed what he had been doing was possible, but the way Severus spoke … it seemed as if he had actually invented something. Not just anything but invented new magic - someone who had only been around the magical world for a year or so. Maybe just maybe…he had finally found something he was good at.

"Of course I do or I wouldn't say it, just because I love you doesn't mean I will lie to you Harry you know that." said Severus sternly. He had to get it through to Harry's head he hadn't lied to him and wouldn't ever contemplate it either. He wasn't a liar and nobody could accuse him of being such. Sure he could avoid the issue or just outright not bother telling you but he would never lie.

"What if I can't make anything else?" asked Harry thoughtfully.

"There's always something to make, we will never be short of money. The Potter and the Prince money will last us multiple lifetimes. Every month, money for the Wolfsbane alone gives me enough to live on for seven years…that doesn't include my other potions." explained Severus patiently.

"What about everything you wanted done?" questioned Harry bluntly.

"There are other ways to accomplish that, the Prince's have two seats, one on the board of governors and one on the Wizengamot. The Potter's have two on each, Black has the same amount. If we instate Black as Minister we should be able to get everything done. As much as I hate to admit it Black would make a good Minister, I'm not saying you wouldn't."

"True," said Harry grudgingly. He wasn't like Sirius he wasn't open, bubbly and emotional, he was reserved, stoic and didn't suffer fools. He hated the public, the thought of being near them, was enough to make him want to kill the lot of them. In other words, he was a younger version of the man he was going to marry one day.

Severus let the matter drop.

"So now that everyone knows you are here…what are you doing first?" asked Severus smirking wickedly.

"Going to Gringotts, getting every penny that was taken returned." said Harry bluntly.

"I doubt Dumbledore has the money to return it to you. Otherwise he wouldn't have resorted to taking it. I don't think, regardless it is yours." said Severus, a great deal of money had already been transferred to the Potter accounts for the abuse Harry had suffered because of Dumbledore.

"I don't care if they have to sell all his properties. I want my money back." scoffed Harry quite angry and rightfully so.

"We can go immediately," said Severus smoothly.

"Let's go." said Harry, agreeing, there was no time like the present.

They Apparated to Diagon Alley shocked at the state it was still in. It seemed ten times worse now that the battle was over, seemed impossible but nevertheless true.

"Look at the state of the place." grimaced Harry the smell of burnt wood and ash still clogged his nostrils.

"It will take a while for it to get back to normal, magic can only do so much - it most certainly cannot repair damage caused by fire or any element. Can't even repair all magical messes either." said Severus as they walked on.

There were flowers and teddies on the floor, where families and people had died. Messages in permanent ink were written near the devastation. It wasn't surprising that Diagon Alley wasn't the same as it had been the times he had visited.

After walking passed the devastation, they entered Gringotts. No potions or disguising who he was this time. He was finally able to walk around as himself - Harry James Potter.

He cared nothing for the title as 'The Boy Who Lived' or 'The Chosen One' whatever blasted title they gave him now.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" asked Griphook.

"I'd like to speak to Wraith about my account's please we have some unfinished business to settle." stated Harry confidently. Much different from his first encounter with the bank.

"Very well follow me," said Griphook, and he took Harry back into the office he had once been in.

"Ah, Mr. Potter I'm very pleased to meet you." grinned Wraith looking nasty.

"Nice to meet you too." smirked Harry in amusement.

"Are you here to ensure all money is replaced?" asked Wraith viciously.

"All of it?" asked Severus frowning as he took his seat.

"Indeed, I found out a very interesting piece of information." smirked Wraith looking very proud of himself…or at least that's what Harry thought it was hard to tell the Goblins features never truly moved much.

"What information?" demanded Harry sitting forward his face emotionless.

"Black never received a trial, which means he was never convicted of a crime. He was and still remains to this day your magical guardian; Dumbledore had no right to take even a Sickle of your money. The Ministry had no right to appoint him magical guardian." said Wraith.

"I can get every Sickle back?" asked Harry a vicious smirk of his own spreading across his face.

"Indeed." said Wraith.

"Alright, then do it," said Harry adamantly.

"It will be done, I shall get in touch with you once it's all returned to its rightful place." nodded Wraith curtly.

"Good," said Harry "Then I shall look forward to hearing from you."

Wraith just nodded.

Severus and Harry were leaving the room when the Potions Master noticed four Order members in Gringotts. Severus hid Harry and himself just at the corner, listening curiously to what they were doing there.

"I need to speak to Albus Dumbledore's goblin now!" demanded Ginny as if she were the Queen.

Severus frowned in confusion why would Weasley need Dumbledore's goblin. His eyes narrowed in on the four of them, his possessive tendencies rising to new levels.

"Can I help you?" asked a vicious looking Goblin, joining them.

"I need to know if Albus Dumbledore created a contract for me and Harry Potter please. As you know he is Harry Potter's magical guardian and he has that right." said Ginny smugly. There was nobody else in the bank, other than the goblins so she felt safe enough to ask it.

Harry stiffened, just about to step around and give the girl a good slap around the face. She wouldn't want to speak to him, or see him again if he had anything to say about it. However, he couldn't Severus had grabbed his arm tightly, holding him in place. A long dexterous finger was placed on his lips, telling him without saying anything to keep quiet. Harry grimaced and stayed still, not that he had much change of getting out of Severus' hold.

"There was no such contract created, Albus Dumbledore wasn't Harry Potter's magical guardian it has always been Sirius Black." grunted the goblin nastily.

Hermione gasped in shock, immediately understanding what was happening.

"What does that mean now?" gaped Ginny looking stunned.

"It means we have to find Dumbledore now." said Hermione gravely.

"Or we wont get any money!" grumbled Ron unhappily.

"Let's get to the Ministry he's not at Hogwarts, and he never goes anywhere else." said Hermione logically.

"Let's go," snapped Ginny furiously leaving the bank. Nothing had gone her way at all; she had searched Dumbledore's office high and low. Nothing of that nature had been there; she had been so sure he had one at Gringotts for her. He had promised after all, now Dumbledore was missing, her promised contract and marriage was falling to pieces and she wasn't happy at all. She didn't even know where she could find Potter, to give him the love potion. He wouldn't know a love potion if she gave it to him, they had only trained him to defeat Voldemort she was sure.

"I'm going to kill her," snarled Harry viciously, kicking the marble wall furiously. She was talking about him as if he was some piece of property! He was rightfully furious at her.

"No you wont, there's no need. She has no chance calm down." said Severus soothingly.

"You fucking heard her!" snapped Harry practically gawping at Severus as if he hadn't seen him before.

"Indeed I did, wouldn't you prefer to let her see what she will never have?" whispered Severus seductively into his ear.

Harry bit his lip withholding a groan. Severus could be very convincing when he wanted to be that was for sure.

"Fine she tries anything else…I'm killing her." stated Harry calmly as if they weren't talking about murder - again.

"Fine," conceded Severus, actually hoping for Harry's sake that she didn't. He didn't want Harry to become any more of a murderer. If he started he wouldn't stop, it was a dark path and he didn't want that for him. He would kill the girl himself, if it saved Harry from committing more murder. He had unfortunately, in his Death Eater days something he wasn't proud of now.

"Good," smirked Harry in feral satisfaction, he had gotten his way again after all.

"You want me to what?" asked Sirius choking on the tea, spluttering in shock. He just could not believe what he'd been told.

Remus just smothered his grin behind his cup of tea.

"Become the Minister of Magic," said Severus secretly amused.

"Are you freaking nuts? I hate the place!" said Sirius his eyes were huge.

"It's either you or me," said Harry bluntly.

Sirius couldn't help himself he snorted in bitter amusement, he regretted it immediately afterwards. He saw the flash of hurt concealed behind Harry's now emotionless face. He had to think of something fast before Harry didn't speak to him for a year or two. One thing he had learned about his godson - wrong him and he could keep a grudge worthy of Severus Snape. Oh boy Snape could hold a grudge, had held onto one for what? Twenty five years or so. All over his joke gone wrong in the Shrieking Shack that horrible night.

"No way would you sit at an office all day, you'd be bored out of your skull within hours! Plus the spells you created and that potion … no way! You'd be wasted there; you belong in the academic structure. Remus would be if he wasn't a werewolf." replied Sirius grimly, and honestly.

"Why not write under a false name?" frowned Harry in exasperation.

"He shouldn't have to…it's a male alpha, pride thing." smirked Sirius.

"And he is still here!" said Remus indignantly at being spoken about like a child.

"Think about it this way Sirius, you can change the rules about werewolves and enable them to get a job…not just werewolves but other creature's as well." said Severus smoothly basically blackmailing him, without being that obvious about it.

"You do have a point," said Sirius thoughtfully.

"You don't have much time, there's only a week left before they decide on three candidates they feel could win." said Severus.

"I know Madam Bones is trying for it as well," said Sirius thoughtfully.

"It's a good idea, plus they will pick you out of pity…well almost since you were wrongfully imprisoned." smirked Remus deviously.

"I can stop that happening again too," said Sirius grimly.

"Indeed," said Severus in agreement.

Harry just grinned in amusement knowing what Severus had done. He had skilfully manoeuvred Sirius into trying for Minister. Now all the changes he wanted to do would be able to go ahead.

LOL there we go!