My Time

Chapter 59

After a quick breakfast, the duo made their way to the Ministry of Magic. They elected to go through the Floo network, despite Hayden's general distaste for that particular means of transportation. It was better than being side-long apparated and even better than the Knight Bus. He would never forget the pain of slamming into the glass windscreen of the bus. Truthfully, it was a liability, how someone hadn't already sued the Ministry over it he did not know.

There was a brief moment where Orion regretted that decision. Especially when Hayden had been about to attend a meeting covered in soot. The gall of Hayden to tease him over a few 'tiny bits of ash' he'd called it.

"You are covered in soot, cease walking and clean your robes," Orion cautioned him, having already spelled his own robes pristine.

Hayden turned to stare at Orion, green eyes filled with mirth, "It's a few specks of ash," he told his betrothed, barely refraining from laughing.

"You would be judged harshly, for those specks of ash," Orion declared, waiting for permission before even thinking to aim his wand at Hayden. After all he'd been through, even he wasn't foolish enough to aim his wand at a wizard who'd been to war for damn near enough a decade. "I do not wish for them to garner the wrong opinion, for their sakes." And with that the specks of ash disappeared and Hayden laughed softly, so utterly besotted with his intended.

After having their wands checked by the security desk, they were escorted towards the room. Both of them adorned with lanyards with a card declaring their reasons for being there. Hayden was stamped as visitor, and Orion had Lord Black, with a W on it, indicating Wizengamot, and basically blanket permission to go anywhere except a few areas naturally.

Huh, he wondered if the Muggle entrance spat out badges or if this all changed in his time. It was one of the last things he was able to muse about, as they stopped outside of the door. Another way to differentiate Muggle-borns perhaps from Purebloods?

"Messrs Heir Black and Peverell," the wizard introduced the two waiting to gain entrance to the room.

"Lord Peverell," Orion declared stiffly, not above calling anyone out. Not when it came to his fiancé, if he wouldn't defend himself, well Orion would do it for him. Hayden wouldn't come to that, Orion knew, too soft with most people. Piss him off then his fiancé would spend the rest of his life winding you up.

"My apologies, Sir, Lord Peverell," the wizard was all but bowing the entire time he was exiting the room, before he fled as if the grim was upon him.

Hayden glanced at his unrepentant husband-to-be, before sighing in exasperation and rolling his eyes. Honestly, that was definitely over the top. His gaze turning then, upon the group in the room. He couldn't even pretend to be surprised to find Albus Dumbledore sitting there amongst them. Manipulative old fool.

"Lord Peverell, Heir Black, please join us, would you like something to drink?" the Minister for magic, Leonard Spencer-moon asked, an air of jubilance about him. Theseus Scamander stood just directly to his left, looking deeply annoyed for some reason.

"No thank you," Orion spoke for both of them, eyeing Longbottom's egg yolk splattered tie with disgust. Mouth twisted in an actual show of his repulsed displeasure. "Hayden, may I introduce you to the Minister for Magic, Minister, Lord Leonard Spencer-Moon, the Head of the Department for Law Enforcement Theseus Scamander, my old professor, Dumbledore, Longbottom you know, and his betrothed Lady Augusta Abbott." Insulting both Longbottom and Dumbledore whilst being unfailingly polite.

"Good morning," Hayden inclined his head, refusing to say it was nice to meet them. He'd always have a very healthy respect for Augusta Longbottom though. Oh, there was a lot he didn't approve of, the way she chose to raise her grandson was one of them. However, she was bad ass, the way she'd swanned through the battle of Hogwarts as if it were a party remained of his most amusing memories to date. "Lady Abbott," inclining his head fully that denoted a lot of respect.

As if Orion could sense his thoughts, he pressed his hand against Hayden's back and urged him forward. Guiding them both to their seats, sitting straight back and poised, ready to take on the world if need be. It was the little things Hayden loved, Orion had come to realize, this morning was proof of that.

Orion had been greeted with the sight of a shy bashful Hayden that morning. Who knew all it would take would be to put Hayden to bed? He'd fallen asleep on his lap, and regardless of his young age, Orion couldn't remain sat there all night. Hayden had been overawed for such a simple thing. Realizing in a way that Harry's offhanded comments had not enabled. It made him realise that regardless of what he bought for Hayden, he'd love it because it was from him. It was that realization that heralded him getting up before dawn and sending off a letter. He couldn't wait to hear back.

"May I ask, Minister, in what capacity is professor Dumbledore acting? I assume Longbottom has finished his probationary Auror period and has been gone from Hogwarts for at least a few years?" Hayden asked, looking so innocently curious, not all of them fell for it naturally. Scratch that, nobody in the room fell for it. They did however, admire his ability to do so, without a single twitch that belayed the masks he was exuding.

Theseus' sat down with an air of satisfaction, clearly whatever was bothering him was the fact Dumbledore was here. He'd never trusted Dumbledore fully, and it had lessened after the shenanigans his brother had gotten up to on Dumbledore's orders. He was the older brother, he had looked out for Newt, and it was impossible to do whilst he traipsed all over the damn world.

"Now, now, my boy, it's always good to have an intermediary!" Albus patronisingly stated, in his usual cheerful manner.

"Oh? And I thought that was why the Minister for Magic was here," Hayden said dryly, "Unless, I am very much mistaken?"

"You are not," Theseus confirmed, delighting in seeing Dumbledore spoken back to. In his opinion, Dumbledore was getting away with far too much and if he was right in his suspicion he'd gone too far. Unfortunately, neither of them wished to press charges, it was very unbecoming. He knew why they didn't want to; they weren't married but had almost had penetrative sex because of the spell the old man had placed on them. It would have negated the contract; she wouldn't have been a virgin anymore. She would have lost the love of her life. Both of them were just grateful that they hadn't gotten that far before they regained full body autonomy. He'd tried desperately to get them to press charges, promising to seal the room so that the news did not get out. That neither family would be involved but they'd refused.

"Then I ask that he be dismissed," Hayden informed them promptly, barely refraining from twitching when Orion placed his hand over his own. He turned to face Orion, stunned by his actions, it was just a few weeks ago he'd jerked his hand out of his own. A sweet smile appeared on his face, only for his husband-to-be. One only the people he cared for ever got to see, the rest of the world got a blank façade and smirks if he was feeling rather devious.

"I agree, he shouldn't be here." Orion declared, backing Hayden up, and he always would. He really shouldn't, he and Augusta were only here as significant others of those called to the meeting. The Minister was there as a neutral party and Scamander was there as the head of the DMLE.

"Unless it makes him feel better to need his professor to hold his hand?" Hayden suggested, "Change his nappy?" speaking so low that only those closest to him heard, which happened to be Longbottom and Orion.

Orion squeezed Hayden's hand, not out of reprimand, his lips disappearing as he tried valiantly not to laugh. His chin was quivering, it truly took all of Orion's composure to stop himself. His eyes though, were twinkling madly, in such a way that it put Dumbledore's own to shame. He was going to give his betrothed hell when they got home. He refused to lose his composure!

Even Augusta turned her head to the side and her hand daintily covering her mouth. She'd never liked her soon-to-be husband's…closeness with Dumbledore. Naturally as a good pureblood witch, she didn't say much of anything regarding that. Her husbands' associations were his own. She didn't know him well enough to say anything especially in public. Oh, don't get her wrong, she reprimanded him for a lot, she was the first born, of the Abbott family, for a decade, before a son was born. She was Lady Abbott, although, if her brother hadn't been born, she wouldn't have married a minor house which is exactly what the Longbottom family was. She was raising their status, and technically marrying beneath her.

Auror Longbottom's face was red, aghast, mortification, humiliation and rage clearly set across his features. His mouth opened and closed, not daring to say a thing whilst in the presence of his superiors. He wasn't sure how long he could actually hold his temper, but he sure was giving it his all. He was genuinely worried he would lose his job, and in the presence of his wife-to-be. She could decide she was done with him – after all the effort he'd made to change for her – and it terrified him. He genuinely loved her, his own mother didn't even argue with his father, despite the fact they loved each other…he didn't want that. A betrothal that just agreed with him, he wanted passion, happiness, and of course, children.

"My boy, you must understand this all begun because of my wand," Albus chided him.

"My wand," Hayden refuted without care that he was interrupting the old fool…wait, not so old fool. "And I am sorry, but I don't see why any wand would have any affect over an Auror and his inability to do his job. He's no longer a probationary Auror, which means he's been trained, clearly inadequately if he cannot inform someone why they're being arrested. I also take exception to the way he slammed my wand on the desk whilst I was being detained."

Orion wanted to give his partner a standing ovation, best he could do was state, "Exceedingly well put anyone believe otherwise?" glancing at the others in the room. A light glare on his handsome features, just daring any of them to try and suggest the professor should be there.

Albus tried desperately to maintain his usual 'you can trust me' demeanour, and amping up his 'I know better than you' look. He also knew as long as the Minister agreed, he would be staying regardless of their complaints. "The Minister has never gone back on his word; he will not do so today." A subtle reminder and threat rolled into one.

However, Leonard Spencer-Moon wasn't easily cowed, for he had worked his way up in the Ministry by sheer determination. He'd done his dues, and while he was allowing Dumbledore liberties, it did not mean the wizard could threaten him and get away with it. "I agree. Today is not that day, I did not give you permission, Albus, you barged in uninvited and begun conversing with Auror Longbottom." Reminding the wizard that he had acted rather rudely.

Albus paused, not having expected that statement, especially given his rise in political power. Everyone was doing their level best to endear themselves to him. Attempting to insinuate themselves into his life, be seen as friend to the great and powerful Albus Dumbledore. He had expected even the Minister to attempt it as well. It was a big mistake, for Albus would use his considerably growing influence to make anyone regret messing with him. He was going to take ever advantage over his fame to accomplish a world of his own design.

"Goodbye, have a great day," Hayden said, by 'great' it sounded like it should be 'awful'.

"But he's Albus Dumbledore!" Auror Longbottom protested, all agog over their utter disrespect. Also, seeing Dumbledore treated normally likely for the first time in his life was eye opening. His parents had grown up alongside him, shared a dorm with him, grew up parroting his ideals as if it was their own. Looking forward to the day the wizard changed the magical world for the better. Making it much better for light wizards, for Gryffindors, and ensuring those nasty Slytherin's were put in their place.

"Please, Albus," the Minister stated, gesturing towards the door, wanting him to vacate the room. The meeting time has run over. Which meant he might end up having to cancel or shorten his next meeting otherwise the entire day was thrown off. "We need to start the meeting."

"Of course, do excuse me," Albus said, twinkling eyes ratcheting up a bit, and with one last reassuring nod to the young Longbottom he left the room. Nothing in his composure indicated he was pissed off, but just as he was closing the door he heard Peverell's words to Longbottom which made him seethe.

Hayden noticed Longbottom's shock at how they were with his hero, and a thoughtful frown appeared on his face. "Yes, he's a person, a wizard, not completely infallible, not a god." His tone soft, filled with understanding and a small scrape of pity. Hayden had been taken in by his act too, he understood how easily done it was. "He doesn't have powers the gods have."

Auror Longbottom wanted to snort, it was incredibly stupid what he'd just said. However, he had a look on his face that suggested he knew quite intimately. However, he shook it off, but the feeling refused to leave. Part of him refused to dismiss the warning (and it was a warning) Peverell had given. His confident demeanour didn't let up the slightest, his family had been Aurors for generations, they wouldn't dare fire him.

"Let's get this meeting started to," Scamander declared, a file in front of him, "This file is yours," pointing towards the thick file, "This one belongs to a senior Auror that's just about to retire." Gesturing towards the very thin file next to it, demonstrating just how different they were and how badly he'd screwed it up.

The Minister Spencer-Moon made a sound that could only be described is incredulous shock. Longbottom had been there only a few years, four years in total, it took him two years to pass to officially become an Auror. He knew the wizard that was set to retire, Auror Smith, he was in his seventies. He was starting to slow down, had been primarily working on desk duty, but was set to retire in a year. "He's been off probationary status for only a year…how many complaints are we talking about here?" glancing at Longbottom with a look that promised retribution.

Hayden arched a brow, glancing between them, wondering at the reaction.

"The head of the department protects the Aurors as much as it's able. When actions become very questionable, it's when they involve the Minister. Usually when they know the Auror needs real disciplinary action and not just warnings." Orion quietly explained to Hayden, whispering so low that nobody except his fiancé heard what he said.

Hayden nodded, squeezing Orion's hand in silent thanks, he was still completely out of the loop on so much he should know. Like Orion already knew all this, he should too. As a 'pureblood' his parents or magical guardian should have taught him everything. However, he had been neglected in all ways. Not just abused by his Muggle relatives but neglected when it came to his heirship duties. It shouldn't be up to Orion to help him, but he was so very glad he was. Given how busy he was, he couldn't read as much as he'd like.

Welcome to pureblood living he guessed.

Longbottom openly cringed, humiliation creeping up his cheeks. Not able to even glance at his betrothed, as his heart sank more and more. He was beyond terrified of what he'd see, on whether she would walk out on him. His mind whirled on how to get out of this, how to explain to not only his boss but Augusta.

Augusta stared at the file, before glancing slowly at her betrothed, lips pursing in displeasure. She'd known he was rather…full of himself. Her parents had laughed it off, said he was still growing up, that he'd change as he grew. That real life would teach him what his parents could not or did not. Then he had begun to calm, and seemed far less self-centred, had he truly fooled her? Or had she become wilfully blind to her betrothed? Her bored demeanour had changed as she straightened in her seat, paying attention with an eagle eye now.

"This should have been brought to my attention before this!" the Minister slammed the file down, staring at Scamander in disbelief, ready to read him the riot act.

"He's toeing the line, precariously, I agree, but nothing in there actually requires me to inform you, Sir," Theseus confessed, adhering to the letter of the law. "As you know, not all complains from those arrested are strictly accurate."

"You got copies the memories for every single one of those complaints?" the Minister asked undeterred by his by the book game. "Verified genuine memories?" not everyone liked giving up their memories, which were verified by the Unspeakables, and copied, before the original memory was returned to its owner.

"Those that were willing to do so," Theseus proclaimed, "Yes, I did." Which were only three people, not everyone trusted the Ministry unfortunately.

Hayden moved closer to Orion, "Is it normal for private information to be freely spoken about at these sorts of things? I understand my own case being discussed but the other cases?" whispering low enough to avoid any attention from the others, not that it worked, especially given the glare Longbottom sent his way. Apparently, he was going to be blamed for everything the idiot did wrong.

"Not normally," Orion turned and whispered back, "It's likely the shock of realizing how badly misinformed he was, he should have likely read the file before this meeting."

"Even as a neutral party?" Hayden whispered in surprise, so close to Orion that he could see the iris in his eyes, his beautiful grey eyes, they swirled like mercury and he was coming to love them so much.

"Even then," Orion declared quietly, "One cannot judge someone even as a neutral party when they don't have full disclosure. Although, to be fair, I don't think anyone has the ability to be truly neutral." Trying to keep an ear on the conversation still happening as they spoke; the Minister was not happy with the head of his DMLE.

Hayden conceded that was very true, it was something that was sorely missing from the Ministry he knew. Recalling Fudge's blatant treason. Allowing the Dementors to kiss Bartemius Crouch Junior…to his interference at Hogwarts. Allowing that witch to torture children. To being bought by the likes of Malfoy. Sharing secrets and letting people go free for coin. The Ministry in his time was…horrendously pathetic, with only concerns for their wealth. There were some, some who genuinely loved their job, did it to the best of their ability. Here, he thought of Bones, she couldn't be bought, but she'd been killed personally by Voldemort.

"It does not matter." The Minister retorted, "From now on you inform me of all infractions from the Aurors! This is not the view I want the public to have of my Aurors! They're there to protect and serve! I want all complaints files available in my office by the end of tonight, if not originals, then copies at the very least!" utterly vexed and the day had only just started, it was going to be a horrendous day.

"Yes, Sir," Theseus murmured suitably chastised by his boss, refraining from glaring at Longbottom. He couldn't blame the Auror for his own actions. He'd kept it from the Minister, because it was truly his belief he was towing the line. If he had gone over that line, he wouldn't have had any qualms about informing the Minister. Now it seems things were changing yet again. He wasn't concerned about his job in terms of not having one due to the Minister taking over that duty. For he worked from 6am to 6pm.

"Slamming wands on desks and not reading people their rights! Give me one good reason not to fire you here and now!" the Minister stated, smacking the folder on the desk closed.

"So much for neutrality," Hayden whispered to Orion, so grateful for him being here.

"Nobody is truly neutral," Orion commented idly, they tried, very hard, mind you. However, nobody was truly neutral, they'd need to bring someone in from abroad to oversee things like this for true neutrality to be verified.

Hayden leaned back, watching Longbottom being reprimanded with amusement.

"You foolish wizard! How could you be so incompetent that you failed to read people their rights?! Even the rookie Aurors know better! It's like you're wanting to be fired! Pray tell is that the case here?!" almost spitting but carefully refraining from doing so.

Longbottom flushed floridly, "No, it's not," he loved his job, truly he did. He admired his family greatly, and had grown up knowing what he wanted to do. He didn't like to think back on the feeling he'd felt upon seeing his O.W.L'S and N.E.W.T's. It wasn't something he would ever tell another soul. He'd rather die than tell anyone, because if word got out…he would lose his job this time for real. He could only hope and pray that this day wouldn't end with him being fired.

"Could have fooled me! You've got more complaints than a wizard with decades under his belt! I've never seen anything like it." The Minister declared, "I've never seen such an utter incredulous display of horrible Auroring in my life! You are a representative of this government! You're supposed to uphold the law, not blatantly brush by and ignore everything you're taught! Not just once! Not just twice! But dozens of times! Dozens of proven times! I'm not even going to mention those that decided against pressing charges otherwise the list would be far longer I suspect."

"Looks like I'm hardly going to have to anything," Hayden murmured quietly, watching in awe pouting over the fact he couldn't give Longbottom what for.

Orion laughed softly, shaking his head fondly, only Hayden, "You'll get your chance," he replied, grey eyes adoring, he certainly hoped so, otherwise it would have been a waste of time really. No, seeing this most definitely wasn't a waste of time. It was thrilling to see that Longbottom wasn't getting away with his actions. It would help Hayden see that his Minister was a broken government. That this wasn't broken, not yet, cracked for sure, but what wasn't? He wanted Hayden to adore the magical world, for part of him – however irrational it was – worried he might decide to leave for the Muggle world. It was the world he was raised in and honestly? If he had nothing but distain for everything he'd not want to be in or near it himself.

"Well? What exactly where you attempting to do? Arresting a Lord of the most ancient and most noble house of Peverell!" the Minister continued on undeterred by the fact there was a lady in the room. "On such flimsy excuses! Without revealing WHY! In front of the heir of the most ancient and most noble house of Black!" the look of sheer incredulity on his face was palpable. He couldn't believe anyone could have been that stupid. "Did your parents not teach you anything?!"

Longbottom straightened, "My mistakes are my own," he said seriously, he would not allow anyone to blame his parents.

Augusta pursed her lips before speaking to her betrothed, "That is technically untrue. Your mistakes are reflected back at your parents for their inability to educate you adequately. They are responsible for your upbringing, for making sure you turned out well."

"Even if you are from a minor house," Orion declared with great satisfaction.

Auror Longbottom flinched, once again reminded of his station when compared to his fiancé. He hated it, he didn't even care about coming a Lord when he married her. His parents were of course, ecstatic, a chance to become a major house instead of a minor one, despite how long they'd been around. How long they'd been protecting and serving the magical world.

"And if you were orphaned?" Hayden commented curiously.

"Still your parents, they were responsible for your placement within our society, parents, godparents, magical guardians, and such." Orion declared, it was clear they were all startled by his words, but Hayden did have a habit of becoming side-tracked by his own curiosities.

Augusta inclined her head, in full agreement with Orion.

Hayden pursed his lips; he couldn't say anything really. His parents had done all that, given him godparents, magical guardians and he'd still ended up at the Dursley's. Someone who had too much power had managed to place him in a location his parents had fundamentally not wished for him to go. It firmed his resolve to prevent Dumbledore from gaining all that power. By whatever means necessary.

"I think I've decided," the Minister said, straightening up, a thoughtful look upon his face.

"Sir, please," Longbottom pleaded with the Minister, believing that it wouldn't go in his favour, and he was quite right to think so. "Let me correct my errors."

"We have only a short while before I have to attend a Wizengamot meeting," the Minister declared, "I thereby decree that Lord Peverell be the one to decide Auror Longbottom's punishment."

"But sir! He will…" Longbottom croaked out, as his fiancé looked disheartened, but unsurprised. Clearly Augusta had seen something like this happening. "He will see to it that I am fired. You are the neutral party, you must be neutral." Vehemently opposed to Hayden Peverell deciding his future, he knew that if it was up to the wizard he'd be sacked. Merlin, he didn't even want to think on his parents' reactions. He'd be bringing shame on the entire family, his parents mostly, and himself. His fiancé wouldn't want to marry him with a shame to his name, their child would be judged too.

Orion barely refrained from snorting, it was a good way to attempt to get on Hayden's good side. He confessed himself impressed with the Minister. Although, there was no other way it would go, against the Black and Peverell's? Only fools would tread on that path and Longbottom was a fool. He hadn't expected him to pawn off the punishment. He wondered idly if they expected Hayden to take pity on him or worse actually fire him. Considering how mercurial Hayden could be…even he didn't know how this could go.

"There will be no contestation of his decision," the Minister vowed, giving Longbottom a pointed look.

The wizard in question slouched in his seat, utterly defeated. The shame that was surging through him almost paralysed him, all this because of a wand.

"If you will permit me, I'd like to ask you a few questions before I come to a decision," Hayden stated.

Orion glanced at his betrothed, wondering what he was thinking at the moment.

Longbottom straightened, "You mean you've not already decided?" amazement splashed across his face, he wasn't foolish enough to admit if the roles were reversed he'd have already gave a decision. His breathing hitched, was there a chance of a second chance after all? Respect for the wizard trickling through him, almost against his wishes.

"It might surprise you, Auror Longbottom, but I don't care about you, I've not lost a night of sleep over what happened. I haven't been cursing your name or thinking about ways to make your life a living hell. I do know you will have lost sleep since this started, likely cursing my name and thinking of ways to make my life a living hell." Hayden commented softly, watching Augusta's lips twitch and Longbottom shift clearly uncomfortable how close to the truth he was.

The Minister placed the file on top of the other listening intently to what was going on, watching them too.

"What do you want to ask?" Longbottom asked, holding himself stiff and alert, hope bubbling with him. He hated himself for feeling such hope.

"Do you truly enjoy being an Auror? Or has it been shoved down your throat since you were a child? I understand it's 'family business' so to speak." Hayden asked, watching Longbottom closely, one little give, one little clue that he doesn't like it and he'd fire him without a second thought.

"I enjoy being an Auror very much, I worked hard for my place here in the Ministry. My parents never pushed for me to be an Auror. I'd swear an oath, but growing up watching them make a difference, it made me want to make one too." Longbottom declared, recalling those days fondly, desperation surging within him. A desperation to keep his job by any means necessary.

"Can I ask then, why you would risk everything you've worked for?" Hayden asked sombrely. "For something as replaceable as a wand?" like it or not, wands were replaceable. Well, he, Orion and Dumbledore knew that wasn't quite accurate, the Elder wand was unique.

Longbottom remained silent; did he answer the question? Or just remain quiet on that front and hope for the best? What if he didn't answer and ended up fired? He went back and forth on the ideas, the queasy feeling in his stomach expanding. Merlin, help him, he was so scared but he'd never admit to this naturally. He couldn't be, he was a man now, his father had said, he wasn't a child, he couldn't be scared.

"I think I have a good idea…let me guess…Dumbledore?" Hayden said dryly, shaking his head, honestly, it had already started. "What did he say to reassure you when you went panicking to him when it became apparent I was whom I said I was? That he was right and there was nothing to worry about?"

Longbottom choked on his own spit, shocked by the accuracy of this wizards' comments. Bloody hell, was he a seer or some sort or something? Glancing at Hayden with a wary countenance. It had to be Orion's guess surely? However, he suspected it couldn't be since Orion turned to stare at Hayden with a look of utter worship. The same way he looked at Augusta. She was his everything. It was bloody freaky though, the accuracy of his statement.

"Don't worry, my boy, everything will be fine, you'll see," Hayden imitated Dumbledore, and having to refrain from laughing at how wide Longbottom's eyes got. "Everything isn't fine, your job is on the line, whatever you think Dumbledore did for you…is it worth paying the rest of your life for it?"

Longbottom froze, "What do you mean what he did for me?" his voice pitching high in shocked credulity. He had a caught in the headlights gaze upon his face.

Orion squeezed his hand in silent warning, too much knowledge could be a bad thing.

"Please, men like him are dime a dozen, give you the most basic of help and then hooks you in like a fish and refuses to let go. Keeps you dangling hooked in the water, only emerging to 'remind' you of what he'd done for you and asking for something 'simple' for himself. Unfortunately, that something simple just gets bigger and bigger until you're doing it, your conscience being chipped away until you're a pale imitation of who you used to be."

Longbottom swallowed thickly, heart racing erratically at that, had he been played? Or was Peverell just trying to get to him? He shrank inwardly though, since it was true, Albus had come to him for small things, steadily getting bigger…and he'd been all happy to do it…oh, he felt sick to his stomach.

"Funny thing is, whatever they did for you? They cannot reveal it regardless of their threats without taking hit themselves." Hayden said wryly, a devious smirk spreading across his face. "He'd only be cutting his own nose off to spite his face." Encouraging Longbottom to break ties with Dumbledore while he still could.

"Stay on topic please, I have a meeting to attend before the Wizengamot session," the Minister reminded Hayden that there was a time limit that was fast approaching.

"Very well," Hayden commented, steeping his fingers as he leaned forward, "You have two options open to you, and I won't be changing my mind."

"They are?" Augusta asked, her voice just as blunt as Hayden remembered it, but with youthfulness to it instead of wisdom.

Hayden cocked his head to the side, genuinely curious to see what they'd pick. "My two stipulations that you'll adhere to in order to not be washed out of the Auror corps is one, you'll become a rookie again, you'll receive a rookie pay. You won't become a fully fledged Auror until you can go a full year without screwing up the most basics of your commandments adherence to your Auror training. The complaints if they are to be listened to, will have to have memories attached. I'll be fair, in that regard despite how you treated me."

Longbottom glanced at the table, truly troubled, it bled into his pores and drowned him in regret that he wasn't used to. He'd thought he was doing the right thing, he thought Dumbledore was right. He'd thought he would be a hero, but that hadn't happened. He'd screwed up his family prospects by getting one of the most influential and powerful families pissed off at him. Whether he liked to admit it or not, the Black family was likely number two or three of most influential families.

"The second is swearing allegiance to the Peverell family upon your marriage to Lady Abbott," Hayden commented raising his hands, "To not with, to even suggest it would be an insult to my family, to my betrothed's family." They were a minor house went unsaid but definitely heard.

It would however, raise the Longbottom name and it would also make the family indebted to the Peverell family.

Ergo, Dumbledore wouldn't be able to get his claws into Longbottom and thus cut off three generations of manipulation wrought upon the family.

And to think, his betrothed was just getting started.

Orion just watched him work, admiring him, not only was he getting one over Dumbledore but he was gaining the Longbottom's family allegiance by not firing him. Although, if it was his decision, he would have fired him. That was an emotional response, however, if given time, and looked at it objectively, he'd make the same decision as Hayden. He knew better than to make emotional decisions, but when it came to Hayden? The wizard he worshiped? Would never want to see anything happen to? He went positively feral. His training just went right out of the window.

"May we have time to think it through?" Augusta asked, seeing that her partner was struggling.

"No, I'm being generous enough I think, don't you?" Hayden asked, his poker face on.

"You are," Orion declared.

"Yes, yes you are," Augusta agreed, understanding everything that went said and unsaid. She'd grown up as the Lady of the Abbott family. She had training that came with her station in life.

"An agreement must be reached and magically settled before we leave this room." Hayden added, giving Longbottom a severe look, "And it won't be offered again." In other words if he didn't agree he'd leave the room fired and with no hope of returning to his job.

There was truly no other option, if he didn't agree he would lose his fiancé, his respect, any respect his parents had despite all they'd done and of course his job.

He wasn't losing anything by agreeing to this, he was gaining everything.

"The Minister is quite right, we do have a Wizengamot meeting to get to, and I've never been late, and refuse to start now." Orion declared, "Are you ready to go?"

Hayden didn't hesitate, he stood up, the couple already ready to get out of there.

"Wait, I…agree," Longbottom said, standing up as well, resigned, "I swear upon an oath on my magic that upon the return of my honeymoon, I will swear allegiance to the Peverell family." Now to explain that to his family he thought to himself as magic flared in the room, the magic that would literally hold him to his word.

"He will remain a trainee Auror until he's capable of keeping a clear file for a year, so mote it be!" and the Minister too was bound to his words.

"I do wonder what Callidora and Harfang will think of your belief on the Black family," Orion declared ominously, a threat as well as a promise. They would need to work far harder to gain Orion's forgiveness for his actions.

Hayden frowned, oh, he'd forgotten that, but he knew for sure that Augusta was Neville's grandmother. He wonders what happened to Callidora and Harfang, did they just not have children? Neville certainly didn't make mention of any cousin line.

Longbottom blanched, almost wanting to beg Orion to not tell them, truth be told he'd actually forgotten his aunt Calli was a Black by birth.

With that last parting shot, the duo inclined their heads respectfully to the three others still in the room before exiting.

Their power would continue to grow, and Dumbledore…well, let's just say he best watch himself if not, Hayden would do it for him.

I am sorry for my long absence, well, I'm not really, but it's something kind you feel the need to say. My brother died a month and a half ago (nearly) it took that long for his funeral to be held, although, I am grateful for that for one reason and one reason only, it allowed me to raise the funds for it I worked day and night and still wouldn't have raised enough if not for those who helped big thank you for those of you who did it means more than you know. Today is the first time I've slept for more than 6 hours since 1st February it was the absolute best 😊 I have promised everyone on the group because of my long absence I'd give an update each day for at least a week 😉 we'll see if I can accomplish that and who knows…I might even be able to do it longer (unlikely) I've got a few days off to rest.

Sooo this Harry is a little more…Slytherin than Gryffindor going to tear Dumbledore apart and make him lose all his people bit by bit so I hope you're not too disappointed by the outcome. Read and Review please