AN: Beeteedubz I'm not sticking to strict timelines here, however I'm going to work with it being five years after the fall of Voldemort, 2002-2003ish.
Chapter 3.
Harry made his way through the entrance hall, past the demolished Fountain of Magical Bretheren. Talks on what to replace it with were stalled within the Wizengamot, primarily because there were still so many problems that needed to be addressed at the end of the war. Progress was being made in a number of areas, however not quickly enough for Harry's liking.
He was about to be stopped by an attendant to register his wand when a hand landed on the Attendant's shoulder.
"That won't be necessary, Ms. Calloway. I think we're all aware of who Harry Potter is." a familiar female voice said from behind the Ministry employee.
"Of.. of course Madam Undersecretary. Forgive me." She said bowing her head and backing off.
"Abusing your authority already, Hermione?" Harry said with a crooked grin before she launched herself into his arms.
"God it's so good to see you Harry. I'm afraid the Minister is in a bit of a hurry today, we should go to his office right away, but afterwards can we meet with Ron for lunch?" Hermione asked.
"Sure, that sounds great! Harry said, gesturing for Hermione to lead the way.
"I love the jacket by the way." Hermione said,
"Thanks. Walter Dornez, Sir Integra's Butler, had it made for me as a "welcome to the family" gift. Took me a week to add expansion charms to all the pockets. It has so many pockets. Pockets for days." Harry said
"Pockets for days?" Hermione asked.
"Pockets for days." Harry reiterated as they stepped into the elevator. The ride took more time than usual, apparently during the Voldemort administration several attempts had been made on the lives of the death eaters closest to him, one of which involved a tricky bit of sabotage on the elevators. They stepped out, then down about 5 centimeters as the floor was not aligned properly, and walked forward and into the minister's office. He welcomed them in, giving Harry a hug and ushered them to the seats in front of his desk.
"So, is this a Minister Shacklebolt conversation, or a Shack conversation?" Harry asked. The minister responded with a deep, rumbling laugh.
"It will always be Shack to you. It's good to see you, It looks like you're doing well." Shacklebolt said.
"It's good work that we're doing, and of course Alucard always keeps me on my toes." Harry said, reaching forward and taking a toffee from a bowl on his desk.
"I'm Glad. Normally I'd insist on catching up, however thanks to the vampire attacks as well as our reconstruction efforts, time is one resource I'm sorely lacking." Shacklebolt said.
"I understand, I have here an outline of the services and resources The Hellsing Organization can provide. Note this is not an official negotiation, though I am serving as a Hellsing representative, Sir integra will insist on being here when it's time to put ink to parchment." Harry said, handing Shacklebolt a thick packet in a manila envelope.
"Of course of course. What is your read on them Harry? Are they trustworthy?" Shack asked.
"Honestly, Shack I'd trust Sir Integra over pretty much anyone in the wizarding world excluding present company." Harry replied, gesturing to both Hermione and Shacklebolt.
"Sir Integra, I've heard a lot about that woman. Is she as impressive in person as she is in the stories?" Hermione asked.
"Sir Integra is... an astonishing woman. She's a natural leader, a strategist, she commands the respect of the most dangerous vampire in the world, and that's without invoking Restraint Control Art systems." Harry said.
"She's a year younger than I am and despite that I'd follow her through the gates of hell with every expectation of getting home before dinner. Not too hard on the eyes too." Harry said, his trademarked crooked grin appearing with that last.
"I've been wary of seeking their help, to be honest. Our reports show the Hellsing Organization is quick to resort to violence, and has a mercenary group in its employ." Shack said.
"The Wild Geese. Their leader, Pip, is a solid guy. Since he took over, their policy has been to only accept reputable contracts. Their work in the Middle East is a great example." Harry said.
"Tell me more about that Control Art Restriction they have on Alucard." Hermione asked, her eyes alight with curiosity.
"We think it's technology mixed with magic. I suspect Abraham Hellsing had friends in the wizarding world. His powers are 'sealed' by a runic sigil that allows him to temporarily increase his access to his own powers provided certain criteria are met. Otherwise, he awaits orders from Sir Integra herself." Harry said.
"What's with the air quotes on the word sealed?" Hermione asked. Harry grinned.
"Alucard is a five-hundred year old vampire whom has been absorbing souls in every major conflict in Europe the whole time. I suspect that with a little effort on his part he could break those seals himself. I believe his reverence of the Hellsing bloodline, especially Sir Integra, stays his hand." Harry said.
"That's fascinating. Do you think you could introduce us some time?" Hermione asked.
"I certainly can, but you should be forewarned. He has several... eccentricities." Harry said.
"Like what?" Hermione asked.
"Last week he found one of the Black Family's dark arts books that I'd been studying and created a crater the size of the Transfiguration classroom in Hogwarts. After that I got him back, and he retaliated again by gifting me a vintage Iron Maiden t-shirt laced with Weasley itching powder. Not only was he able to open and read a cursed book without having Black ancestry, he was able to track down Fred and George. I owe them a visit by the way." Harry said
"Oh lord, those two maniacs are in touch with an ancient vampire?" Shack said, rolling his eyes. At that point Ms. Calloway appeared to announce that the minister of Muggle Affairs had arrived for their meeting, so Hermione and Harry took their leave after Harry informed Shacklebolt that Integra had agreed to meet and that he'd send an owl with details.
"So where did you want to meet up?" Hermione asked.
"Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade? I'm feeling nostalgic." Harry suggested.
"That works, I'll go down to the Auror office and get Ron. Meet us there?" Hermione asked.
"Of course." Harry said, hugging Hermione again before making his way to the public outbound apparition point. He arrived outside of Hogsmeade with a quiet pop, and looked up towards Hogwarts. Rebuilding efforts had been underway since the day after Voldemort met his end, it pained him to see that Gryffindor Tower had been completely destroyed and was currently replaced with a temporary wooden tower. There were also wooden scaffolding structures all over, and even at this distance Harry could make out the figures of Goblins, Dwarves and Wizards working on repairs.
"Harry!" He heard a familiar voice cry out behind him. He spun around to see Minerva Macgonnagal hurrying towards him with open arms. He smiled and gathered his beloved transfiguration professor, now headmistress of Hogwarts in his arms.
"Professor Mcgonagall, It's so great to see you!" Harry said. She stepped back and looked at him with a fond smile and watery eyes.
"How many times have I told you to call me Minerva?" She asked.
"Apparently not enough. How are you?" Harry asked.
"Well! Or, as well as I can be. I believe the year you defeated Voldemort was the first and only quiet year I've ever experienced here. Now that things have calmed down it's a madhouse again." She said.
"If you think it's a madhouse now, just remember as a witch you're barely middle aged, and my classmates are already starting to have children. Eleven years from now you'll be at your wit's end." Harry said, smiling.
"Oh lord, don't remind me. So you're with the Hellsing Organization now?" Mcgonagall asked, gesturing at the sigil on the breast pocket of his coat.
"Yeah, I tried the Aurors and even taking Hit Wizard contracts for a while, but there's so much going on with these vampire attacks, I couldn't do enough unless I left." Harry said.
"Those Hellsings do good work. I do hope Sir Integra doesn't take after her father, however." Minerva said.
"Oh? Did you know him?" Harry asked.
"Aye, Good man he was. Bit of a philanderer, mind you. Also a bit loose with the foul language." She said.
"Well Sir Integra definitely takes after him on that last part." Harry said grinning.
"I need to get these ingredients back to Horace soon, he's restocking the infirmary before classes start, but it was wonderful to see you! Don't forget to write young man, and don't think I've given up on hiring you as the defense teacher." Minerva said.
"Truthfully after this vampire business is over, unless Sir Integra has further need of me, I might take you up on it." Harry said, hugging her again and then making his way to the Three Broomsticks. Rosmerta lead him to a seat and left three menus for him, after he explained that he was waiting for Ron and Hermione. He was halfway through his butterbeer when they arrived. He stood and hugged Ron and then Hermione and gestured towards their seats.
"How you been, mate?" Ron asked, picking up his menu.
"Great! Been out there killing vampires. Flirting with vampires. Getting in a prank war with vampires. You know, same old same old." Harry said, smiling.
"Fred and George told me about that! Apparently some creepy bloke in a red coat came in looking for something special for a 'friend' of his." Ron said.
"That'd be Alucard. Leave it to me to end up in a rivalry with a vampire that makes Voldemort look like a child." Harry said, smiling.
"Alucard, eh... Weird name innit?" Ron asked. Harry smiled but stayed quiet, waiting to see who figured it out first.
"It sounds French, maybe?" Hermione suggested.
"Maybe but.. alu wait a tick. Alucard backwards.. FUCKING DRACULA?!" Ron said,shouting at the end. Hermione was so shocked at the revelation that she failed to scold Ron on his language.
"Holy shit he owes me 500 pounds now!" Harry said laughing while Hermione and Ron looked astonished.
"Mate, you're working with Dracula? Vlad Tepes, the impaler? King of the Vampires?" Ron asked.
"Yup, and we had a bet going, after I told him about you two, he figured Hermione would be the first to work it out." Harry said.
"I can't believe it... Hey why did you bet against me?" Hermione asked.
"Simple. You think from the top down, looking for the most complicated possibilities first while eliminating the impossible on your way down. Ron thinks from the bottom up, examining the most simple explanation first. It's why he's a good Auror, Wizards don't tend to employ a lot of logic and dark wizards tend to underestimate their foes." Harry said, taking a swig of his butterbeer. At that point Rosmerta came by with a butterbeer for Ron and a tea for Hermione.
"Now I really need to meet him." Hermione said. Harry's expression darkened.
"Please don't interrogate him about his past Hermione. He'll volunteer snippets now and then, but 500 years is a long time to rack up bad memories. If you want to know about historical events, that'd probably be fine, but don't ask him to get personal." Harry said.
"Oh my. I suppose you're right. I suppose provoking Dracula would be dangerous." Hermione said
"Not really, at least not for you, given you're not a monster or a member of Iscariot. I ask that you don't drill him because he's my friend, and I know what it's like to not want to relive the past. Also don't call him Dracula or Vlad. Same reason." Harry said.
"Well thanks for that Debbie Downer." Ron said, grinning at Harry.
"Well we have some interesting developments to share with you." Ron continued, urging Hermione to continue. Hermione smiled brightly at this.
"I'm pregnant!" Hermione announced. Harry's expression lit up and he leapt to his feet, pulling hermione up into a hug.
"That's amazing! Congratulations! Of course, you're married to a Weasley, it was inevitable." Harry said.
"Oi!" Ron said in feigned outrage. Harry shook Ron's hand and congratulated him as well.
"Your parents must be over the moon." Harry said.
"Mum fainted when we told her. Funny that the youngest boy is the first to have a kid." Ron said.
"My parents are ecstatic, We had a party to celebrate it when you were stuck in Northern Ireland, otherwise we'd have invited you. My dad and Arthur went a bit overboard on the fire whiskey though.." Hermione said, smirking. Harry laughed. Their celebration was interrupted by a the door opening and closing, admitting a middle aged woman whose eyes were ringed red from crying who walked up to the counter to order a cup of tea.
"She looks sad." Ron said, stating the obvious. Harry paled when seeing her, and Hermione picked up on it.
"What's wrong, Harry?" She asked. He stood without a word and approached her.
"Mrs. Finnegan. I was one of Seamus' classmates. I'm... I'm so sorry." He said. The woman looked up and immediately recognized who he was.
"Harry Potter?" She asked. He nodded. She looked into his eyes, and slowly the walls cracked and the floodgates were open, and she was holding onto him for dear life and crying into his shirt. Ron and Hermione came over and offered their condolences, and the four spent a few hours reminiscing about the fallen Irishman. She was proud that her son had died protecting a group of children who'd been window shopping at Quality Quidditch Supplies. All of the children survived. As the three young adults left, she'd invited them to his memorial. Predictable enough they were holding an Irish wake, so she'd urged them to bring a few bottles. Hermione would obviously be abstaining.