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Drabble 3
An hour or so later Ruth sat at her computer watching Callum explain to Arthur Weasley how the printer worked. Harry Pearce was pacing in his office as Harry Potter tried to explain why going in guns blazing was probably a bad idea. After going at it for a few minutes her boss threw the door open and stormed across the Grid to the kitchen.
Ruth scanned around the room. Everyone seemed busy, although Erin being of an astute disposition had looked up from her computer and met Ruth's eye. A tiny glance in the direction of the kitchen from Erin was taken by Ruth as a hint to follow Harry and check on him. She saved her work, minimised her windows and headed towards the sound of the kettle boiling. Harry was standing gripping the edge of the counter with white knuckles, breathing heavily.
"He wants it sorted by the weekend because he has an amateur Quidditch match! Does he think none of the rest of us have a life?"
Ruth raised a hand and after a slight hesitation, placed it on Harry's back. She began comforting rubbing motions. Harry's eyes fell closed as he concentrated on the sensation of Ruth's touch. The truth was she found comfort in it too. She liked being close to him, now that she was learning to let go of her anger. Ruth suspected none of this had anything to do with Quidditch. The truth was that anyone non-magical was horribly out of their depth here and there were too many elements he couldn't control. Sir Harry did not like being in the dark or out of control and he had never been very good at dealing with it. Being the Head of Section D, however, Harry took in a deep breath and took out another mug. "Just milk?"
Ruth smiled to herself. She didn't know why the thought of Harry making her tea made her smile but it did. Maybe it was because he was sweet like that. "Yes, Harry. Just milk."
When they reconvened in the conference room after lunch, however, Ruth was beginning to understand Harry's frustration.
"This is a joint operation and under no circumstances are you going in on your own," Harry Pearce exclaimed to Harry Potter who was rolling his eyes at the older man.
"I don't need muggles getting injured and holding me back," Harry Potter insisted.
"Have you forgotten the part where they have semtex and sub-machine guns or are you just electing to ignore it?"
"Have you forgotten the part where I'm a wizard?" Harry Potter countered.
Ruth smiled as her Harry pressed his lips together in annoyance. "You will wear whatever tech we give you to wear, you will keep communications open at all times and under no circumstances are ordinary civilians to be put in danger. Do I make myself clear?"