Author's Notes:
Here's Chapter 128 for you!
It's been a long four months. I apologise. For those of you who don't follow my Instagram ( ), I've been busy the whole four months finishing my undergraduate degree and writing my 10,000-word thesis, and then relaxing a little. Anyway, I'm back and I'm writing. I have some holiday plans in the upcoming months, but I will try to upload more often over the summer.
Love, DW
PS Enjoy x
"What time is their Portkey booked for?" The Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, asks, his voice hoarse from shouting.
"Ten o'clock," Alexander Vyner states, standing between the two chairs in front of the Minister's desk. He has been on the other end of Minister Shacklebolt's anger for the better part of an hour.
"You need to stop them from leaving." Shacklebolt stands from his desk chair. "It's quarter to ten now."
"Yes, Minister," Alexander Vyner nods with a short bow, turning to leave.
"And Alexander," Shacklebolt calls his attention, and Vyner glances back. "We'll be watching you." He finished, gesturing him to leave.
Alexander Vyner nods once, eyes burning with a fury he knows he can't let out without serious repercussions. He can't afford to get any further on the Minister bad side. He's supposed to be inconspicuous within the ministry. Now he's being accused of helping spy within the ministry for the 'other side', whoever the Minister believed was against him.
Hermione and Draco had arrived at the Ministry's portkey floor twenty minutes early to ensure they caught their portkey to New York City. In the six weeks since the Minister's Former Death Eater Decree came into action, life in wizarding Britain had become hostile for the 'Watch-listers'. They now lived solely in the muggle world for fear of being confronted or shouted at down Diagon Alley while with Scorpius. Their only hope was that people would come to their sense once all the restrictions were lifted at the start of the new tax year on May first.
The door to the waiting room flies open, bouncing off the back wall, surprising the few people lingering around, waiting for their portkey. Both Hermione and Draco are surprised and confused to find Alexander Vyner storming in. His eyes scan the room until they land on them in relief.
"You two, with me, now," Alexander calls, catching the door as it swings back towards him.
They follow him into the nearest portkey room, Hermione carrying Scorpius in the baby chest carrier, and Draco carrying their suitcase. The room is empty, except for the portkey in the centre, shaped like a drinking goblet.
"What's going on, Alexander?" Hermione questions.
"I've just spent the last twenty minutes in the Minister's office, getting an earful over signing your holiday permission." He explains. "He's sent me down here to stop you from leaving, so you're going now." He takes his wand out, pointing it at the goblet and changing the location to the Magical Congress of the United States of America's portkey floor. "How unfortunate? I was too late, Minister. Unfortunately, there was a cancellation, so their departure was moved up a time slot. What a shame?" Mr Vyner sarcastically roleplays himself informing Minister Shacklebolt as he gestures towards the portkey.
"Why are you risking your job for us?" Draco asks curiously. This was the man who had convinced Hermione to sign away their access to his archives because he took so much pride in his job. Now he was willing to risk that job to help them talk to the President of MACUSA.
"This acquaintance is advantageous for both of us. I help you; you help me. I don't want or need to know what the purpose of your trip to America is, but I have an idea of its importance." He pockets his wand, a smirk gracing his face. "You didn't question me when I set your location for MACUSA. I assume the rumours are true, and you're meeting with the President."
Hermione realises their mistake; she would have to be more careful not to let their secrets out to other enquiring minds. "What are the rumours?" Hermione asks.
"That you two are leading some type of dissension group of moles within the ministry and working with MACUSA to do so," he explains.
"This is the first time we're meeting with MACUSA," Hermione explains.
"The only moles we know of within the Ministry are the Death Eaters', and we obviously have nothing to do with them," Draco adds.
"And we have not regrouped with the Order or the DA; we are working for no one but looking out for ourselves," Hermione confirms.
Alexander Vyner nods, "That may be true, but the truth doesn't matter when the Minister is under the belief that you are working against him. Now, I'll happily bid you goodbye." He nods at them both, walking backwards towards the room's door, then hurriedly leaving.
"We've got to go," Draco states, pulling Hermione's attention back to their matter at hand.
They both reach out, grabbing the rim of the drinking goblet. Within seconds, they find themselves spinning around the room, the wood panelling walls blurring into light blue wallpaper as they are transported into the portkey room of the American Congress. The feeling of being stuck in a wind tunnel ends as their feet touch down on the plush carpet. Feeling breathless, they drop the goblet in the centre of the room and leave.
"That was rather sudden," Draco admits, running his fingers through his windswept hair in an attempt to make himself presentable.
"I hope Alexander isn't punished for helping us, but it's good to know he's definitely on our side," Hermione says as they walk down the foreign corridors, hoping they're heading towards a lift.
"He's a completely different person to the one we first met," Draco says, bemused.
"He cares about his job; as long as we're not messing around with his archives, he seems like a nice person." She explains, relieved when they see a sign point towards the elevators.
"Megan isn't expecting us until 10 o'clock," Draco mentions as they enter the lift, pressing the button for the Lobby.
"We can ask the reception desk to call her down. If she's busy, we'll wait around." Hermione tells him.
When the lift opens, Hermione feels giddy excitement at the beauty of being in a different country, which is evident from the skip in the step. Draco watches fondly as she walks ahead, her fascinated eyes scanning the imagery on the walls and ceiling of the grand foyer. While Hermione is distracted by a haunting oil painting depicting three women being forcibly dragged to the gallows at the Salem Witch trials; Draco heads to the front desk.
"Hello, we have a meeting with Megan Goyle in ten minutes. Could you let her know we're here?" He politely asks.
"Sure thing," the elderly witch scribbles her note onto a piece of parchment, folds it multiple times before placing it within a golden orb, which she then places within a sort of suction device. "You can take a seat. I'm sure Mrs Goyle will be down soon," she gestures, a large smile on her face.
"Thank you," he uncomfortably returns the smiles, turning to find Hermione walking towards him.
Five minutes later, Megan is rushing across the foyer from the lifts, her smile and arms wide upon seeing them. Hermione hugs the other woman, careful not to squash the napping Scorpius.
"I am so happy to see you both." She admits, nodding awkwardly at Draco since their friendship wasn't on a hugging level yet.
"How are you, Megan?" Draco asks as they follow her back towards the lifts.
Her smile downturns as she stares at him, "I hate it here, but I've got a job to do." She shrugs, stepping into the lift. "Anyway, welcome to MACUSA. President Cerys Harris' office is on the top floor. Then on this floor, we're heading to, we have the offices for each Secretary. Then each floor below is one department, all the way down to the lobby. The basement is for archives and secrets." They step onto their floor. "My desk is outside the Secretary of State's office," she leads them down the long corridor, stopping outside a door with a nameplate reading 'Secretary of State'.
Opening the door reveals a dozen empty desks facing the door, six desks on either side with an aisle in between, leading to another door, this nameplate reads 'Tiffany Tyler'. The room is painted an ornate red while the furniture is antique mahogany, giving the feeling that the room hasn't been changed since its opening in 1913.
"I've got your hotel information here somewhere," Megan tells them, rifling through her desk drawers.
"Where is everyone else?" Draco nods at the empty desks.
"I'm the only liaison currently within the Congress. The Australian liaison was here for a few days last week, which was nice, but usually, I'm on my own here." Megan admits.
"Is Secretary Tyler in her office now?" Hermione asks, voice quiet.
"Yes, she should be. I haven't seen her, though; she's usually in before me," Megan admits, pulling out a pack of parchments with a key. "Here we go. It's my job to make sure you get booked in. Shall we go now?" She offers.
Just as they agree, Secretary Tyler's office door swings slowly open, revealing a tall woman in black stilettos walking towards them. Her straight blonde hair, cut to her chin, is tucked behind her ear, accentuating her high cheekbones and sharp jawline.
"Aren't you going to introduce me, Megan?" Tiffany Tyler asks, perching on the edge of Megan's desk, her straight skirt inches up as her legs cross at her knee.
"Uh, yeah, sure," Megan stutters. "This is Tiffany Tyler, the Secretary of State." She introduces. "And this is Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger and their baby Scorpius."
Tiffany shakes their hands, peering curiously into the baby carrier, "The famous Scorpius Malfoy," she forcibly grins. "Very cute." She comments, leaning back on the edge of Megan's desk. "Has Megan told you about tomorrow?"
"I was going to on the way down," she explains.
Tiffany waves her hand at Megan, "Your meeting will be with President Harris and me tomorrow morning, ten o'clock sharp. We're hoping it won't take long, but there is a lot to discuss."
"We know why we're here, and we're all for it, but we're not entirely sure what we can actually do to help; we're Hogwarts professors on parental leave," Draco mentions.
"Oh, you're so much more than that. Officially? You're here as influential British war survivors to help convince us to sign the trade market contracts, just in time for the new tax year; how considerate of you," Tiffany's voice turns sarcastic. "In reality, you'll find out tomorrow morning." She adds, smirking.
"We'll look forward to it," Hermione politely smiles.
"It was nice meeting you both; I'll see you again soon." Tiffany Tyler stands, heading back into her office, the door closing itself behind her.
Megan takes that as her cue to lead her friends out into the corridor. "Don't ask!" She sighs. "She's just dramatic."
"What was all that about 'The famous Scorpius Malfoy'?" Draco asks as they walk back towards the lifts.
"You surely know what MACUSA thinks of the Ministry of Magic and Britain in general?" Megan reminds them.
"They think the Death Eater uprisings have caused a civil war," Hermione says.
"Exactly! MACUSA are working off the theory that the Death Eater's regrouped shortly after the Partner Ceremony, because you two were paired together and would inevitably have a child. There have been hints that you two were at the centre of everything, but the Malfoy Prophecy kinda confirms that you are. If you two weren't paired together, MACUSA doubts they would have resurfaced." Megan explains.
"How do they know more than we do?" Hermione frowns as they enter the lift.
"Well, the Ministry is riddled with moles. I'm sure the wrong people already know. That's probably how we got the information." Megan shrugs.
Hermione falls quiet for the rest of the lift ride down to the foyer, preoccupied with working her own knowledge into this new theory. The theory was good, not just good, it was brilliant, and she wonders why none of the Aurors working their case had come up with it themselves. Draco's hand gently takes her elbow, leading her across the foyer. She smiles softly up at her husband as they reach the revolving doors. She then wonders if the reassuring hand is for her or him, remembering the first time he attempted to use a revolving door, back when their biggest worry was how to climb an escalator.
Outside, in the warm New York air, Megan leads them onto the street. Hermione's eyes quickly take in everything. Across the road is a park. To the right, she automatically follows the buildings up as they climb into the sky. She is in awe at the height of the skyscrapers.
"The Woolworth Building was the tallest in the world when it was built, up until 1930, then New York City started building skyscrapers left, right and centre, each one taller than the last." Megan tells them, tone monotonous as she guides them left towards shorter buildings.
"What's the tallest building now?" Draco asks, curiously.
"In New York City, it's the One World Trade Centre, which is just three blocks away from here. In the world, it's the Petronus Towers in Kuala Lumpur." She continues, then sighs. "You have no idea how many people ask me this. I do the tours around Manhattan for British diplomats." She explains. "MACUSA has an apartment complex especially for diplomats or temporary international employees, such as myself. It's disguised as the New York City Department of Buildings. I've got you booked into an apartment with a double room and a single room with a crib for Scorpius." She tells them.
"Thank you, Megan, you've been such a great help," Hermione says as they continue up Broadway.
"I know a lot about Manhattan," she shrugs. "I did work here for eighteen months. When we first arrived, we were given a house to rent on a canal in Georgia; they don't like too many wizarding folks living in one place in America. I would floo into work every morning, and Gregory would meet me after work since he had little to keep him busy. We'd spend the evening exploring the island. New York City is a lot more going on than Augusta." She chuckles. "Augusta is Georgia's capital, where we lived." She clarifies.
"You named your daughter after the place she was born?" Draco asks.
"Yes, it was Gregory's idea. He felt closer to the city than I did, but it's an important part of our married life together, so it felt right." She gestures for them to cross the road.
Megan opens the basic double doors of MACUSA's apartment complex to reveal a foyer just as ornate and beautiful as the Congress building. Blue and red velvet cloth is draped across every wall, with golden columns breaking the open space up into a waiting area, a reception desk and a small café.
"I've got your key here, so I'll take you up to your room, then I'll have to get back to work." She tells them, guiding them over to the elevators.
Megan takes them up to the fifth floor. "Obviously, each room is bigger on the inside," she explains as they walk past many doors, all too close together to have more than seventy square-foot of space behind them. "You are in room five-one-zero-eight, so here we go." She stops outside their door, handing the key to Draco.
Draco unlocks the door, opening up into a space the size of their Hogwarts rooms. Inside, Draco places their suitcase in the bedroom, then joining his wife, child and friend in the living space. Scorpius is now wide away, sat on his mother's lap.
"This is better than I expected," he admits.
Megan smiles, "I'm up on the tenth floor, room two-fifteen if you need me, or you want to grab dinner together. This is your holiday too, so I understand if you're busy." She shrugs, feeling a little awkward, now that's she's completed her task of bringing them to their room.
"Not at all, perhaps you can take us to a nice restaurant tonight, on us, as a thank you for everything you're doing for us on this trip," Hermione suggests.
"Yeah, okay, thanks," Megan stands. "I'll meet you in the foyer around eight?" Megan leaves to return to work, and Hermione and Draco lounge on the couch in their hotel room.
"What were you thinking about earlier? In the lift at MACUSA?" Draco clarifies.
Hermione's stomach drops, turning to face her son, sat happily between them both, propped up with the cushions. "Everything fits together a little too well for it to all be a coincidence." She says, voice trembling a little.
Draco takes her hand, thumb caressing her knuckles calmingly. "Talk me through it."
"The timeline we have for the Death Eaters, and everything we know about the Prophecy, it all comes back to the Partner Ceremony. They regrouped because of us because they knew we would have a child, and they despised our union so much, they came back, and for what? What do they want from us? Scorpius is here, but they've been quiet since Christmas. The only reason they showed up at Christmas was to kill Tabitha for telling you the rest of the Prophecy. Tabitha died because of us." She explains, holding back her guilty tears.
"Hey, no," Draco moves to kneel in front of her, his hands holding hers on her lap. "If we're going to blame anyone for Tabitha's death, and for the Death Eaters return, it's Kingsley Shacklebolt. If it's our marriage that the Death Eaters despise, then that's all down to the Minister of Magic. We had no say in that, and no matter how little we regret being paired together, it doesn't make it our fault, okay?" He presses a reassuring kiss to her hands.
Hermione sniffles, nodding her head, "Okay." She agrees.
"Good," Draco smiles. "This is why we're here, isn't it? To ensure Kingsley is punished for his actions as Minister."
"I hope this works. We're committing treason just being here. I'm half expecting Aurors to show up at our door and take us back to Britain." She half-laughs.
"Not with Harry Potter on our side." Draco mentions.
"Harry doesn't know why we're here. Although, if Alexander heard rumours about our trip; I'm sure Harry is aware on some level." Hermione thinks.
"I'm tired of thinking about this. Shall we go explore New York City?" Draco jumps to his feet, lifting Scorpius up onto his hip before holding his hand out for his wife to join him.
"Let's go," she chuckles.
At eight o'clock sharp, Hermione and Draco meet Megan in the foyer, dressed in the finest clothes they brought with them, which for Hermione, is a simple black wrap dress and a pair of heels. Megan is wearing a green pair of flared trousers with a white blouse, while Draco is simply wearing his best pair of jeans with a shirt and jacket.
"How was the rest of your day?" Hermione asks, pushing Scorpius down Broadway in his pram.
"Full of paperwork," she sighs. "What about you guys? You didn't spend the whole day locked up in the apartment, I hope."
"Of course not, we asked the reception desk for something simple, and he gave us a leaflet for a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, and some coupons for discounted tickets." Hermione explains.
"It was fascinating," Draco comments. "We went up to the crown and looked out across the city. Hermione bought a magnet of the New York skyline from a woman with a shopping cart when we got back off the ferry in Manhattan." He laughs with amusement.
"We can put it on our fridge to remember our holiday." She defends herself.
"How was Scorpius on the ferry? Augusta hated it." Megan says.
"He was fine. I don't think he liked the water spraying up, but he seemed curious enough." Hermione answers.
"We're just down here," Megan takes them down Canal Street. "Do you have any plans for Sunday? You go back Monday morning, right?"
"Yeah, we want to get back to the Ministry before the workers get in."
"What's the hurry?"
"The Minister tried to stop us from leaving," Hermione sighs, shaking her head.
"Really?" Megan's eyes widen.
"Yes, we had to leave early, with the help of Alexander Vyner." Draco adds.
"I'm sure Kingsley is furious with us, so we probably shouldn't stay too long," Hermione explains.
"I do not envy you," Megan laughs. "It's nice to know Mr Vyner's on our side, though."
"He said there were rumours around the Ministry about our visit," Hermione mentions.
"That was us; MACUSA sent out an official statement that some British, influential war survivors were going to visit President Harris for talks about trade deals. Then, some of our moles within the Ministry put your names out there last week." Megan explains, stopping in front of an Italian restaurant.
When they enter the restaurant, and Megan speaks to the host, giving her name. She had called the restaurant on her way back to work to book a table for three. The host checks their name off his list, then guides them over to their table.
Once settled, they are given menus, which they peruse for a few minutes before a waiter arrives to take their order.
"Anyway, we're going to spend Sunday in Central Park. The receptionist gave us a leaflet; there's so much to do, and we want to take Scorpius to the zoo." Hermione explains.
"I love Central Park," Megan nods. "Hey, if you two want to spend Sunday night, or tomorrow night, on your own, I can take Scorpius for a few hours. I'm sure you've not been getting much alone time these past few months." Megan suggests.
"That's very kind of you, Megan," Draco eyes his wife. "We might just take you up on that offer."
"Perhaps Sunday night, after we've tired Scorpius out at Central Park?" Hermione suggests to her husband, who nods in return. "Thanks, Megan."
"It's no problem; I miss just holding my babe," she comments, shrugging awkwardly at the thought of her daughter.
"You should have seen Augusta and Gregory at Blaise's wedding," Hermione smiles at the memory. "He was so good with her, dancing the whole night away until Augusta fell asleep."
"I'm sure," Megan nods. "It sounds adorable." She bites the inside of her cheek, trying not to cry.
"Gregory gave me this to give you," Draco pulls out a thick envelope from his inside jacket pocket.
Megan's brow furrows in confusion, "We write constantly; I'm not sure what this could be." She breaks the Goyle wax seal, pulling out the stack of parchments, as multiple wallet-sized photographs flutter onto the table, with numbers on the back. She makes a grab at them, collecting them into the pile and flickering through them. As she does, her brow softens as a soft smile grows into a wide grin and then a tearful chuckle as she watches her daughter in varying circumstances and situations, giggling and clapping as she lives through new experiences.
"I wish I could have been there." She mutters, placing the photographs carefully in a pile to the side as she riffles through the parchments, which are journal-style letters a number in the top left corner corresponding to a number on the back of the photograph, where Gregory has, in great detail, described each new experience of their daughter. She reads through the first paragraph before glancing up to blink away her tears. "I'll read these later. Thank you, Draco."
"It's really no problem." Draco smiles. "They really miss you. Two weeks can't come soon enough." He adds.
"You're telling me," Megan laughs. "I'm already packed. As soon as the Minister receives word of MACUSA signing the new trade contracts, I'm getting the next portkey home."
The trio enjoys their drinks and meal while Scorpius sleeps in his pram beside their table. Afterwards, Draco pays for their dinner as they leave and head towards West Street, to walk down by the Hudson River towards Chambers Street, which leads to the MACUSA hotel. The three of them ride the lift up to the fifth floor, where Hermione and Draco bid Megan good night as she carries on to the tenth floor.
By half-past nine the next morning, Hermione and Draco are dressed in their professional Hogwarts robes, without their cloaks, and waiting with Scorpius for Megan to knock on their door. When she comes, they walk the ten minutes down Broadway back to the Woolworth Building together. Megan leads them up to the top floor, where President Harris' office takes up the whole floor.
"Hey, Megs, you're early, aren't ya?" The assistant sat in front of the President's office smiles up as they enter.
"Yeah, they want to make a good impression," she gestures to Hermione and Draco behind her.
"Sure, I'll let the President know you're here," the assistant stands.
"Thanks, Adam," Megan nods.
Adam exits President Harris' office a moment later, holding the door open, "You may enter now," he motions them in.
The centrepiece of the Presidents' office is her large, embellished mahogany desk, where the President herself is stood shuffling pieces of parchment into the top drawers of her desk. Behind her, two large windows are overlooking the foyer many floors below, half-covered with velvet gold curtains, complimenting the deep red wallpapers of the office walls.
"Welcome, welcome," President Harris greets them, walking around her desk to shake their hands. "It's amazing to finally meet you both. Oh, and baby Scorpius," the President shakes his little fist from where he is lying in his pram. "May I hold him?" She casts her eye on both Hermione and Draco.
"Yes, if you would like," Hermione nods, a little confused why the President of MACUSA would want to hold their son.
"All my kids are in the phase where hugging their Mom is just embarrassing," President Harris explains, lifting Scorpius out of his pram and holding him on her hip as she rocks him back and forth.
"Would you mind if I took a picture?" Hermione asks, already reaching into her bag for her camera.
"Hermione!" Draco says, thinking it isn't very professional of them.
"It will be something interesting to show Scorpius when he's older." She clarifies.
President Harris chuckles, "No problem." She poses with Scorpius, who is staring up at the strange woman curiously as Hermione snaps a picture. "How have you been enjoying your time in Manhattan?" She asks, sitting back at her desk, perching Scorpius on the edge and making faces at him.
"We had a lovely day at the Statue of Liberty yesterday and on the ferry," Hermione says.
Before anyone else can speak, there is a knock at the President's door.
"Enter," President Harris calls.
Adam enters with Tiffany Tyler, the Secretary of State, following behind him. "Secretary Tyler is here- oh, you followed." He states when she walks past him in her high stilettos.
"Thank you, Adam. I do not want to be disturbed until lunch at midday." President Harris announces.
"No problem, Ma'am," he backs out, closing the door behind him.
"I see we all arrived early," Tiffany Tyler smiles, taking a seat in one of the chairs opposite the President's desk.
"You didn't miss anything, Secretary Tyler," Megan assures her. Tiffany Tyler turns to her, smile still fixed on her face, and stares at her for a moment before turning back to the President.
"We should probably begin," the President nods, standing to pass Scorpius to Draco.
Hermione takes a tiny play crib out of her handbag. She uses 'engorgio' to enlarge the crib to its usual size. Draco places Scorpius inside alone with a few soft toys to keep their son preoccupied while their meeting commences.
"First of all, introductions, have you met our Secretary of State?" President Harris asks.
"Megan introduced us yesterday," Tiffany Tyler nods, crossing one leg over the other.
"Great, well, I'm President Cerys Harris; for the purpose of our meeting, you can call me Cerys," she states.
"Thank you, Cerys," Hermione smiles.
"It seems you already know us," Draco claims. "Since you invited us here."
"Yes, we're very impressed with the work you've both been doing," Cerys announces.
"Our work?" Draco frowns.
"Yes, I suppose there's no need for secrecy now that you're here. We were impressed with what you both did at that dinner for the second anniversary of your war and then again protesting your first-anniversary dinner." Cerys admits.
"You heard about that?" Hermione asks.
"Yes, we've got many moles within the Ministry," Cerys nods, fingers interlocking on her desk.
"Then, what do you need us for? We're professors. We don't know much of what's going on in the Ministry or with Kingsley." Draco mentions.
"That is true, but you are undoubtedly on Minister Shacklebolt's bad side. You know a lot about what has been going on in the UK, and we know much less than you, even with our moles. The Minister has stopped publication of the Daily Prophet outside the UK." Cerys explains.
"That doesn't surprise me," Draco shrugs.
"What do you want to know?" Hermione asks.
"First of all, can you tell us, from the beginning, the whole process of the Marriage Decree, starting with that letter you received?" Cerys leans back, a quill ready above a pile of parchment.
Over a period of half an hour, Hermione talks through receiving her letter, answering the attached questionnaire, the months leading up to the Partner Ceremony, the actual Partner Ceremony, and then receiving the keys to their Ministry Starter House. Throughout her talk, both Cerys and Tiffany Tyler scribbles down notes.
Cerys nods, tapping the nib of her quill against the piece of parchment as she looks over the notes and sighs deeply, "Well, he's definitely broken various of the International Confederation of Wizards' Wizarding Rights Act."
"Do you have a list of these acts?" Hermione asks. "I'm sorry, I don't know them very well, but I could go through them and give an example for any other Wizarding Rights that the Minister has broken." She suggests.
Cerys nods, "Adam!" her voice calls, magically loud, for her assistant. When he enters, Cerys asks for a copy of the ICW Wizarding Rights Act and Adam returns moments later with a copy of the act. "Thank you, Adam," Cerys calls as he leaves.
Hermione scans the piece of parchment quickly, taking it all in.
"Right, you must have heard about the watch-list?" She asks Cerys.
"Yes, we have, and the rule of five?"
"Yes, no more than five watch-listers are allowed to congregate together. That breaks Article 8, the right to respect private and family life, and Article 11, the right to protest by holding meetings and demonstrations with others. So we cannot hold meetings to protest the law without breaking the law itself, which would result in our arrest. There are also some families where the parents and their children and partners are watch-listers, and so cannot visit each other as a family." Hermione explains, and Tiffany Tyler continues to take notes while Cerys listens.
"Article 10," Draco points out, reading the act over Hermione shoulder. "the right to hold our own opinion. Everyone knows the government controls the Daily Prophet. When they announced that second war anniversary dinner, the daily prophet was put on hold. The government shouldn't have any control over our right to receive information."
Cerys nods, "You are correct." She glances at Tiffany Tyler to ensure she is still taking notes. "And when you tried to express your own opinion at that dinner, you were handled off stage, yes?"
"I was, by Ministry Officials," Hermione confirms.
"Obviously, the biggest break is Article 12, our right to marry." Draco states. "Not only did the Minister take away our right to chose who we married and started a family with, but he restricted our ability to get married when he banned marriage certificates for those within the age of the Marriage Decree for five months." He adds.
"We need evidence for all of this. This is our main issue. The ICW is a global organisation, and Minister Shacklebolt chose the British seats himself. They are obviously loyal to him, so the ICW cannot ask them for help. The Supreme Mugwump, Babajide Akingbade, came to us for help as one of the most powerful countries in the world." Cerys states, sound a little prideful at her countries ranking.
"I have my copy of the letter with me; I thought it might be useful," Hermione removed the parchment from her bag, placing it in the centre of the table.
President Cerys Harris quickly snatches the document up, eyes flittering quickly along the words. "Do you have a copy of the questionnaire?" She asks, hopeful.
"I'm afraid not, but we do have a close acquaintanceship with the Head of the Registration archives, where we know the questionnaires are being held." Hermione answers.
"What is their name?" Tiffany Tyler asks.
"Alexander Vyner," Draco answers.
"Is he one of ours?" Cerys asks, glancing at Tiffany Tyler.
"No, the name isn't familiar." She answers.
"This close acquaintanceship, is Vyner on our side?" Cerys asks.
"He's vehemently against the Minister but prefers to keep inconspicuous. He believes we are helping each other reach the same end." Hermione clarifies.
"What do you mean by 'our side'?" Draco asks.
"Well, there are people who are loyal to the Minister, there are people who are against the Minister, and there are people who aren't bothered either way. 'Our side' are those second group of people, the people who are actively going to help us take down Minister Shacklebolt." She clarifies. "The moles I mentioned earlier, they've been vetted over a period of many months to ensure they aren't loyal to the Minister and are loyal to us. This is why it's been taking us so long, and we need more moles, which is why this process is going to take a while. I will warn you now, this whole operation may take another two years. The moles we have are gathering information, but they are low level Officials and can only gather low-level intelligence." President Harris explains. "Going after the more higher-level Officials is a risky manoeuvre because they tend to be more loyal to the people who put them there."
"I've been dropping hints to Gideon Johnston, the Minister for Foreign Policy, and he's not had any adverse reactions." Megan admits.
"Keep working on him," Cerys nods.
"We haven't gone after Harry Potter yet, but I assume he would be on our side?" the President asks.
Draco scoffs, "Of course he will; he lives to do good. He trying to singlehandedly take down the Death Eaters." He jokes.
"What?" Tiffany Tyler speaks up, shocked at this revelation.
"Well, not take them down; he's trying to track down whoever is releasing the Death Eaters they arrest from Ministry holding." Hermione corrects.
"That brings us on to the Death Eaters," Cerys pulls out some parchment from her desk drawer. "What is going on over there?"
"It seems like you know more than we do," Hermione admits. "Megan told us about your theory, that our pairing and the inevitable birth of our child brought the Death Eaters back, and it makes more sense than anything our aurors have been able to come up with."
Tiffany Tyler smirks, "I heard there's one in the Aurors Department."
"That is one of our working theories, yes, but we don't have any compelling evidence that would hold up in the Wizengamot," Hermione explains.
"We would like to hear more about your theory, though," Draco adds.
"The ICW has witness statements of Death Eater sightings around the world. Within a week of the Daily Prophet announcing your marriage, the sightings started coming from countries closer and closer to the UK, over a period of a few months. They were slow and biding their time, trying to be stealthy." Cerys begins. "We don't have anything else until the Valentine's Day attack on Hogwarts."
"Harry found magical residue at a secluded area in the mountains near Beddgelert, in Wales, where the Death Eaters had been meeting before Valentine's Day. The Malfoy Prophecy led us there, 'the meeting of the clock'." Draco explains.
"We have a copy of the Prophecy published by the Daily Prophet and have some of our people working on deciphering the codes." Tiffany Tyler interrupts. "You sure seem to know a lot about the Death Eater's meeting place, though," She stares pointedly at Draco.
"We've spent months going over and over the Prophecy, trying to decipher it, then using our friends within the Auror Department to investigate for us because they, the Death Eaters, brought my family into this, my wife and my son, and I will do anything to protect them. So, I can assure you that I have as little to do with this new Death Eaters movement as you do," Draco snaps.
"I'm sure Secretary Tyler wasn't insinuating that much," President Harris says, using her colleague's title to remind her to be professional.
"Of course not," Tiffany Tyler smiles somewhat knowingly.
"Before we break for lunch, I need to ask you both," Cerys starts, making eye contact with Hermione and Draco individually. "Do you believe your country to be at civil war with the Death Eaters?" She asks.
The three British citizens in the room glance at each other to garner their response, but each seems to be schooling their features well.
Draco finally sighs, "The Death Eaters claim to have a new Dark Lord, and if that is true, then yes, we are in the middle of a civil war because the Death Eater movement is that dangerous. They've already shown they are more than willing to kill and cause fear amongst our citizens. It may not be as widespread as last time, but when the Death Eaters are involved, there is no telling how far they will go." He answers.
"It's been a while since they've been sighted, but that just increases fear, because they aren't taking a break; they're planning something. What's worse, is that we are in a civil war, but the Death Eaters seem to be on our side! They came back because of the Marriage Decree and our pairing; they want to take down the Shacklebolt as much as we do. What frightens me is what they'll do once we've achieved our goal. Will they turn on Draco and Ime and do everything in their power to separate us?" Hermione questions.
"Interesting point," Cerys states, deep in thought. "I hadn't thought about the fact the Death Eaters are working separately but towards a common goal. Do you think there is a way to get into contact with them? See if we can work together?"
"Are you serious?" Draco stares in shock at the President of MACUSA. "There is no talking or negotiating with these people. I would doubt you'd be able to find one Death Eater willing to become a double agent, never mind the whole group. We know they go by codenames now, they never did that before, so there is a level of anonymity. If they don't know who the other members are then, they can't be held accountable for their actions outside of the group, which creates a frame of mind where they believe they can get away with anything. No one is going to work with you because they value that anonymity and wouldn't risk that." Draco explains.
"I apologise, it was just a suggestion, but you're right. That was unwise." Cerys stands. "Perhaps we should take a break for lunch. Afterwards, we'll go through our next steps and where you fit into our plans. You're welcome to eat in our cafeteria, and we'll meet back here at one o'clock." She announces.
Draco stands first, collecting his son from his play crib, where he'd fallen asleep at some point during the two hours they'd been talking, and leaves the office.
"Hermione, will you make sure Draco knows I am sorry for bringing up working with the Death Eaters? I understand why he is so uncomfortable by the suggestion; I get too lost in my head that I don't think about what I'm actually saying." President Harris explains.
"Of course, I'm sure he understands, it's just a sore topic for him." Hermione vaguely clarifies, not wanting to divulge too much of her husband's feelings to these strangers they've only known for a few hours.
"But he was a member of the Death Eater's in your last Civil War, right?" Tiffany Tyler asks, still sitting in her chair, leaning interestedly forward.
"Yes, he was, not necessarily by choice, but he takes full accountability for his actions, and is trying his hardest to leave that in the past, so he can move forward." Hermione stares sharply at the Secretary of State.
"Has he thought about re-joining, to be that double agent on the inside? He has the experience." Tiffany Tyler shrugs.
"No, he has not and I would never ask him to go through that again. We know well the mental and emotional take that role has on a person, and I will not allow my husband to go through that. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going for lunch." Hermione leaves, but she hears Cerys voice raise as she chides Secretary Tyler.
"What took you so long?" Draco asks, sitting in the President's waiting room with a still napping Scorpius cradled in his arms.
"Come on, I'll tell you at lunch."
In the cafeteria, they find their lunch has already been paid for, so they help themselves to a few options and take a table at the back of the cafeteria, with a highchair for their son who has now awoken.
"So?" Draco asks, using a charm to heat a bottle of milk up for Scorpius and handing it over to their son, who had started to be able to feed himself his own bottles in the past two weeks. Draco smiles softly as Scorpius snatches the bottle out of his hand and struggles to place the nib in his mouth, but then drinks happily from the bottle when he manages.
"Cerys wanted me to make sure you knew she was truly sorry for bringing up working with the Death Eaters," Hermione states, starting on a sandwich on her plate.
Draco nods, "Anything else?"
Hermione sighs, "Tiffany."
"I do not like her," Draco admits. "She's a strange one."
"Well, she suggested- "she pauses, wondering the best way to phrase the Secretary's suggestion. "She suggested that you should be the double agent, what with your experience. But I shot that idea down quickly." She assures him.
Draco sits a little taller, his lip twitching as he thinks.
Hermione stares at him, "Don't tell me you've already been thinking about this?"
"Of course, I have," Draco whispers. "I'm the perfect candidate from everyone on our side. Plus, there's no one else I would trust to do so, to protect you and Scorpius."
"Scorpius and I need a healthy Draco, not the person you were in sixth year," Hermione warns him.
"I knew you would never stand by and let me even attempt to join the new movement, which is why I never brought it up. It wasn't a serious thought." He assures her.
"Good, we don't need a person on the inside. They're working towards the same goal, taking Kingsley down. Once we've done that, we can see what happens when it happens." Hermione tells him.
"Do you mind if I join you?" Megan asks, standing beside Scorpius in his highchair, holding her own tray of her lunch.
"Not at all, take a seat," Hermione gestures to the chair beside her.
Megan sits down with a heavy sigh, "I assume you told Draco everything?" She looks at Hermione.
"Of course," Hermione nods.
"Megan grins, "You should have heard the telling off Tiffany got from the President."
"What did she say?"
"It was basically about how you two are our guests and that we need your help with their plans to remove Minister Shacklebolt from power to work, so she needs to either be polite or keep her mouth shut," Megan tells them.
Draco nods appreciatively, glad that President. Harris is taking everything seriously.
"Anyway, after lunch, they'll discuss everything they need from you two. It's quite a lot, but don't feel intimidated by it all, President Harris said she's expecting this all to take another two years." Megan reminds them, eating a forkful of her chicken Caesar salad.
After lunch, they make their way back up to the President's office on the top floor, and Adam checks if the President is ready for them yet. Once they're allowed in, they make themselves comfortable in their chairs, Scorpius is sitting on his mother's lap as he feels clingy after being separated for a few hours earlier.
"I hope you enjoyed your lunch?" Cerys asks.
"Yes, it was lovely, thank you." Hermione answers.
"Great, we still have a lot to discuss, so we'll get straight back into it." Cerys organises her notes on her desk. "One of the first things we're going to need from you is a copy of the questionnaire," she begins.
"We can do that easily enough," Hermione agrees. "Alexander Vyner will help. You'll probably want a copy of the rules given to the Ministry Officials who paired us. I'm sure Megan told you it was as magical as it was made out to be."
"Yes, Megan did pass on that information, and we will want a copy of that." Cerys nods.
"Then, you'll need a copy of our filled-out questionnaire. In the margins is a conversation between two Officials over who to pair me with, then they make a bet over how long Draco and I will stay together." Hermione grits her teeth, still angry over the whole bet.
"We'll definitely need a copy of that. Do you know of any other questionnaires that have similar notes?" Cerys asks.
"No, I felt it was an invasion of our friend's privacy so I only looked at my own," Hermione admits.
"We'll need more than just your questionnaire as evidence." Cerys states.
"You can have mine," Draco shrugs. "I don't recall writing anything too embarrassing on there."
"You can have mine too, and I'm sure Gregory wouldn't mind his being used either," Megan speaks up.
"If you give me fine minutes, I'll make some calls and asks a few friends if we can use there's." Hermione fishes her mobile phone out of her bag, passing Scorpius over to Draco for a cuddle.
Hermione takes a step out into the waiting room and calls Harry first.
"Hey, Hermione, how's America?" He asks when he answers.
"Great, how's the Ministry?" She asks in return.
"Oh, you know, suffering from your absence. Kingsley hasn't left his office since he heard you made the portkey to New York." Harry explains. "Do I want to know what you're doing there?"
"Probably not, if you want plausible deniability," Hermione smiles.
"Ah, so the rumours are true, you're trying to kick Kingsley out of office," Harry chuckles.
"Where are you, Harry?" She asks, worried.
"James and I are walking into the nearby village from the Burrow for some ice-cream." He answers. "There's no one around."
"Good."
"Wait, are you actually working with MACUSA to bring him down?" He asks.
"Of course, Harry," she grins.
"Perfect, count me in. What are you calling for?"
"The President needs copies of the questionnaires we filled out. Remember I told you there were notes in the margins of mine? Well, they want more examples, so can we use yours?" She asks.
"Course you can. Do you want me to ask around back at the Burrow? We're pretty much all there." Harry asks. "I can make it seem it's to help my own work within the Auror Department." He adds.
"Okay, if you can do it discreetly. Text me a list of the names who agree. Thanks, Harry."
"No problem, I'll let you know." He says, before they both hang up.
Hermione returns to the President's office. "Harry Potter has agreed and is asking around for others too. He'll let me know." She explains.
"Good, I'll tick that off the list," Cerys does tick something on one of her pieces of parchment.
"Megan, if you don't mind me asking, why are you getting involved in all this?" Draco asks curiously.
"I don't know, honestly," she shrugs. "It's all rather exciting, to be apart of something so important and know what you're doing is making a difference. My Aunt Hestia made me promise not to join your group in fifth year, the DA. She was a member of the Order, so knew all about it and didn't want me involved." Megan explains.
"I was going to bring up your group, the DA, was it?" Cerys asks.
"Dumbledore's Army, it wasn't purposefully an anti-Ministry group. Our purpose was to learn the practical side of spells that we weren't being taught in class. Of course, the Ministry didn't see it that way. And eventually, while Harry Potter and I were absence in our seventh year, it did turn into an anti-Ministry and anti-Death Eater group." Hermione explains.
"And the Order?" Cerys asks.
"Order of the Phoenix, a group created during our first war against Voldemort to oppose him and his Death eaters and stop them taking over the Ministry of Magic. When Voldemort returned, so did the Order for the same purpose as before." Hermione explains.
"How many of the members of these two groups do you think will be willing to support our side?" Cerys asks.
"We don't want to restart the groups," Hermione informs the President. "We have far too much at risk now, and we're adults. They can send us to Azkaban for treason if we're caught. It's better if we keep this to just us, and probably Harry, since he's already working on the Death Eater movement from within the Auror Department." She clarifies.
"If you're working with us, for the ICW, then you will be protected," Cerys tells them.
"All of us, you can offer protection against every member of both groups and those who were members but may wish to join this time?" Hermione asks doubtfully.
"We're all adults, so we can all make our own decisions on whether we want to help take down Kingsley. He has affected the lives of all of the original DA members since they were all part of the Marriage Decree, I'm sure many will want to help, and the majority of the Order have children or family that were part of the Marriage Decree. I know you think this is all about you because of the Prophecy and the Minister seems to have a personal vendetta against you two, but his actions affected everyone, and if Gregory and I want to get involved, or anyone else for that matter; you can't stop us from getting our own revenge on the Minister." Megan speaks up.
"I suppose I can't stop anyone from joining a new anti-Ministry group, but I won't be joining anything. It's not like we can easily do so anyway with the rule of five." Hermione shrugs.
"There's a good chance the rule of five will be eased once MACUSA signs the new trade contracts." Megan points out.
"And Kingsley will find new ways of controlling us," Hermione states.
"Which is all the more reason for us to create a new anti-Ministry group. The more of us working together against a common goal, the more information we can gather against the Minister, and the fast we can bring him down." Megan states.
"Megan makes a good point," Draco interrupts before they can go any further.
"Draco!" Hermione turns to frown at her husband.
"Hermione, I've kind of already told Harry that if he were to restore the Order, I would join to protect you and Scorpius. Initially, it was my plan to join such a group to destroy the Death Eaters, but if we can take down Kingsley Shacklebolt too, then why not. He's caused us just as much, if not more trouble than the Death Eaters these past few years." Draco comments.
Hermione sighs deeply, "I guess if we're working with MAUCSA and the ICW's backing, here is a lack of a risk, and we are all adults now, not just a bunch of teenagers." She agrees.
"We'll make sure anyone who wants to get involved knows the risks," Draco assures her.
Hermione is quiet for a moment as she thinks through the DA list of names, mentally crossing off the names who had died and those she doesn't think would want to join them again. Then she goes through the faces of the remaining members of the Order, doing the same. "I can think of maybe thirty people who may be interested."
Cerys' eyes widen as she grins excitedly, "That is more than I expected." She admits.
"There may be more people that I can convince to join," Draco adds. "Blaise and Pansy will most likely be up for it, and I'm sure Gregory will join with Megan," he glances at Megan who nods in agreement. "I can probably convince Theo to join too." He adds.
"This is all good," Cerys nods, scribbling more notes down. "Megan also told me you researched previous Marriage Decrees?"
"Yes, as soon as the Decree was announced, the minister recalled many books from bookshops and libraries. Anything that referenced, referred or discussed the previous Marriage Decree was banned and stored in the archives of the Ministry of Magic, which for a short time, Draco and I gained access to, which allowed me to discover the previous one in the first place." Hermione explains.
"How did you gain access to the archives?" Cerys asks curiously.
"We bribed the Minister of Magic," Draco admits proudly. "Was it you or I who bribed him for the archive access?" He turns, asking his wife
"That was you; I did the other thing." Hermione vaguely reminds him.
Cerys is leaning back in her armchair, smiling amusedly between Draco and Hermione, "It seems we definitely chose the right people to help us." She grins.
"Anyway, that was where we met Alexander Vyner, the Head of the Registration Department and Archives. He's very proud of the job he does and despised the fact the Minister gave us access. He has been a lot more forthcoming since we rescinded our access." Hermione explains, getting back on topic.
"Well, we'd like you to use that knowledge you gained to write an essay for us on the effectiveness of the first Marriage Decree. We'll publish it here in the Congress Times but ensure it is spread throughout Britain too." Cerys explains.
"I can do that," Hermione nods, her thoughts already running through an essay plan and structure.
"Great, next-" Cerys begins when Hermione's phone beeps with a text message.
"Sorry, one moment," Hermione apologises, pulling her phone out. "It's from Harry, a list of names of people who have agreed to give us their questionnaire." Hermione scans through the list, frowning. "And he's apparently told them the reasoning too, and all names have also agreed to join a reformed Order." She adds, sighing.
"Can I have the list?" Cerys asks, quill tip poised over her parchment.
"Sure. Harry and Ginny Potter, Ron Weasley and Pansy Parkinson, George and Angelina Weasley, and Percy Weasley, for the questionnaires, and Arthur and Molly Weasley, and Andromeda Tonks have agreed to join the Order." Hermione reads the text.
"So basically, the Weasleys?" Tiffany Tyler states.
"There are actually two more siblings we'll have to ask." Draco clarifies pointedly.
"I think we're nearly done here. I just want to clarify what it is we are asking of you both. First of all, we want that essay. Then, if you can work on gathering as many of the questionnaires as you can, that's something we'll need before our next catch up, which will be every three months through owls. Also, gathering a list of people willing to join your new Order. Finally, any more information you can gather on the Minister or the Ministry as a whole breaking the ICW Wizarding Rights Act." Cerys concludes their meeting.
Hermione writes the notes quickly on a piece of parchment, returning it to her handbag. Draco returns a sleeping Scorpius to his pram, then shrinks the playpen and toys down for Hermione to place in her handbag.
"Well, thank you for inviting us here today. We'll keep in contact on our end." Hermione stands, stretching her hand out to shake President Cerys Harris' and Secretary Tiffany Tyler's hand.
"We're very appreciative of you and Draco helping us and the ICW in our task. I'll remind you that our desired outcome, the removal of Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt, is going to take a while." Cerys states.
"Of course, understood."
"To hold up the rumours we spread for why you're here today, we'll sign the new tax contract for the next two years. Hopefully, by then, there will be a new Minister for us to bargain with." Cerys smiles.
"Thank you, I hope that will increase our standing with the Minister, get him off our back, since he did try to stop us from coming here in the first place," Hermione adds.
"Megan, will you show our guest back down to the foyer?" Cerys asks.
"Of course, Ma'am." Megan stands, walking to the office door, gesturing for the two of them to follow her.
Draco quickly says, "Thank you," to the President as he leaves, pushing Scorpius into the waiting room behind Megan, with his wife following.
"That was all quite exciting," Megan states, leading them towards the lift. "It's nice to finally be making progress. I've heard Tiffany talk about all this for months." She explains.
"We've definitely got a lot of work to do when we get back to Britain." Hermione agrees as they wait for the lift to arrive.
"You can drop Scorpius off tomorrow night whenever you want. I get Sunday's off and usually go to a café and read," Megan tells them.
"Aren't you sharing an apartment with Angela West?" Hermione asks, entering the lift and pressing the button for the foyer.
"Oh, yeah, I was, but she got called back to the ministry on Wednesday. I don't know when, or if, she's coming back. It's honestly been a nightmare living with her these past few months. All she does is work, at all hours of the day and night. I have my own bedroom but I hear her walking around and talking to herself." Megan sighs.
"You've not got long left, stay positive." Hermione reminds her, as they exit into the foyer.
Megan nods, leaning in for a hug with Hermione. "I'll see you both tomorrow night then. Have a great day tomorrow at the Park and Zoo. I should head back up." She backs away, nodding at Draco, before entering the lift once again and leaving them.
"Shall we head back to the apartment to change before heading out for a walk?" Draco suggests as they walk through the foyer towards the large doors leading out into Manhattan.
"I think I'll need a sit down and a cup of tea before we head out." Hermione half-jokes.
"Do we even have a kettle in the apartment?" Draco asks, not recalling seeing one in their apartment kitchen.
"I brought one just in case," Hermione admits. "And some tea bags."
"Let's get back then," Draco laughs.
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