A/N: Thanks for the favorites and follows. Special thanks to poka and Pteaset for the reviews!
Chapter 3: Inertia
Tuesday June 9, 1998 | Borgin and Burkes | Early Morning
The crowd was too big for the small space. The voices bounced off the walls of the hidden room in Borgin and Burkes. Lucius Malfoy hung back, pressing against the wall. He still wasn't sure whether he was trusted by the loyalists or not. Tom's endorsement had gotten around and that seemed to be enough good will to earn him an invite to the meeting. How was it possible he was in that position again, he wondered and then was forced to admit it was the first time he wasn't a believer. The first time he wasn't a standard bearer. Begrudgingly, he was forced to have some respect for Severus. He didn't know when Snape had become a double agent. The fact Lucius couldn't actually pinpoint the moment Snape turned was a testament to the man's ability to commit to the role.
"What good will this do if Voldemort is in custody?" a skeptical man asked from the crowd.
Murmuring and grumbling told Lucius that many had the same sentiment. "Tom," he said quietly. The group was tuned in enough to the former Death Eater's presence that everyone got quiet. As one collective unit the crowd turned toward him. He hadn't meant to become the center of attention. Since he had it, he continued, "Not Voldemort. Tom Riddle." The clarification caused many to sink into contemplation.
Micah Borgin gave Malfoy a nod of appreciation and he stood. "I know this a lot to accept. Took me some time myself. I knew Tom when he was young. It's that boy now. Good as new. Better than new. Pureblood."
The murmurs started up again.
"They say Bellatrix is alive," a witch shouted out.
Lucius pushed off the wall. This wasn't something that was common knowledge. It would have taken someone inside the ministry at a high level to know. He couldn't discount that Sadie hadn't leaked the information to someone and it was just now getting around. Still it was concerning.
"The ministry has her too. We need to free them both," Herbert Burke added.
His recommendation was met with mixed enthusiasm. Some in the crowd were willing to take on that impossible mission while others knew they were a fractured remnant since the end of the war. Without Voldemort to rule by fear and an iron fist, those loyal to him spiraled out of control, pursuing their best interests and building temporary coalitions. There was little chance they could pull together the army required to free Tom and Bellatrix from Azkaban.
Lucius thought that didn't mean some misguided idiots wouldn't try. He worked his way through the crowd, trying to formulate a suggestion that would appease the mob. Standing in front of Burke, Lucius looked expectantly for permission. He needed to be appropriately contrite.
The older man stood aside to give Malfoy the floor.
Surveying the faces he saw a mixture of anger from former friends and expectation from those who still recognized his position of authority as a Death Eater. "The Minister's weakness will always be a belief in the system. He is dedicated to restoring justice," Lucius started, letting contempt drip from each word.
"So what!" Someone yelled.
"So. We use that weakness against him," he said, as if it was an obvious answer. "They want to pretend their laws and rules are right. We make them work for us."
"How?" Burke asked, genuinely curious.
"Tom and Bellatrix are entitled to lawyers and visitors. We find out who is representing them. Make sure they're legitimate. If they aren't we get proper a defense team. And we get Tom to tell us what he wants us to do while the Ministry prepares for their show trial," Lucius offered. It was honestly what he would have offered when he was committed to Voldemort's movement. Now, he had faith in the process to withstand the pressure. It was safer than allowing the mob to reassemble into a violent uprising.
Murmuring seemed to indicate that his recommendation was taken as a serious next step. "Don't everyone leave all at once! You'll give it away. Go in threes at the most," Borgin called out, then looked at his son. "Go man the door. Some of these fools can't count that high."
Lucius moved to follow the crowd. Burke's hand on his arm stopped him. "Stay. Have a drink," the older wizard said, leading Malfoy to a small bar set inside a wall by a shabby table.
It wasn't what Malfoy wanted to do. Every minute he spent away from the manor was a minute his family was vulnerable. He had half a mind to relocated Narcissa and Draco. At least until Hogwarts resumed. "I can stay for one. At least let that lot distract any aurors poking around in Knockturn Alley," he said, took a glass. It gave him something to do while he waited to find out what the two men wanted from him.
He wasn't left waiting long, Micah spoke up, "You didn't look like you knew about your sister-in-law."
It seemed they interpreted his surprise at the other people knowing that secret as a revelation to himself. "I can't say that I was completely surprised. She has nine-lives that one. Apparently better at avoiding death than the aurors."
That earned a hardy laugh from Herbert. "She might useful."
A low sigh rumbled in his throat. He was forced to agree, just not in the ways that were being implied. "Her survival may have been a secret. That she's certifiably crazy is not. We can't trust anything that she says is grounded in reality."
"Let's make sure. Her sister should be granted visitation rights," Borgin continued.
The last thing Lucius wanted to do was pull Narcissa into the mess. "Bellatrix might not be entirely happy to see Narcissa. We can try. What did you hope to learn?"
Micah shifted uncomfortably, "There are many who don't quite believe Tom's claims. If she can corroborate the story in some way. It could go a long way in unifying everyone."
There was a benefit to having a fractured following. It was an idea he'd discuss with the minister and Williamson. Even as he plotted ways to sow discontent he agreed to the proposal. "I'll look into the process first thing."
~~/~~
Hermione was in her office, putting several books away when Maddy entered. Holding one of the books to her chest, she looked at her admin. "Director, a Remus Lupin is here. He said you requested his visit, but it's not on your calendar."
"Maddy, I'm sorry. It was an impulsive owl I sent this morning. I should have copied you. I didn't know if he would be free and just gave him several times that you had blocked for executive time," Hermione explained apologetically.
"It's fine, just…" Maddy trailed off, clearly flustered and not sure how to admonish her boss without being insubordinate.
"—check with you first in the future," Hermione said graciously. "Do I have thirty minutes to spare to meet with Mister Lupin?"
Clearly appeased, Maddy nodded. "Of course, director. I'll get a tea service for you," she said, opened the door and held it open. "Mister Lupin, Director Granger will see you now."
The customs and courtesies still seemed stiff to Hermione. She did understand the need for them. Especially given her young age. Even if some might not respect her, they could still respect her position. Following Maddy's lead, Hermione suppressed the instinct to hug her friend. "Remus. Thanks for coming," she said kindly, motioning to the high back chair by the fire where a tea service was zipping into place. She could tell Lupin was uncomfortable being in ministry. He spent his entire life being an outsider. It must be disconcerting to be in the heart of the organization responsible for much of that discomfort. Hermione sat herself down, giving him time and space to accept the offered decency.
"I was surprised to get the request," he finally spoke, and sat stiffly in the chair. "I was concerned and thought it best to meet at the earliest time."
Hermione put the book she was still holding on her lap to free up her hands, poured him some tea. After handing him the cup, she ran her hands over the cover of the book, thinking about the reading she had done the night before. "I didn't mean to worry you. I realized last night, I hadn't thanked you for your part in removing the consuming curse from my back," she started. It was the reason he had come to her mind the day before. Putting the pieces together from that night.
Confusion was clearly evident on Remus' face. "You don't need to thank me for that."
"I do. What you, Severus, and Albus did for me. It couldn't have been easy. I've been trying to understand why Tom had chosen to pair the ior rune with the consuming curse," she explained, sent the book to her desk and picked up her own tea.
"And? Did you find your answers?" he asked, still not sure where she was going or why he was there.
"Curses have terrible consequences. Not just the direct effects, the indirect can be more insidious. You've suffered considerably from both," she broached the sensitive topic.
"We all have our burdens to bear," he said with a wry smile, trying to lighten the moment.
"I noticed you haven't taken a job since the war."
"Who would hire a werewolf?"
"I would," she answered definitely.
The words hung in the air. Remus struggled to understand what they were talking about. He let out an exasperated sound. "Hermione. I'm afraid I don't understand what we're discussing here."
"I'm trying to hire you for my Beast and Being Resource Center and its anonymous wolfsbane potion service," she explained.
"As an advisor?"
"No. I want you to lead the initiative."
Remus reacted with surprise, then appreciation she thought of him, and then finally resignation. "Hermione, not only does no one want to hire a werewolf, absolutely no one wants to work for one," he said, trying to dismiss her graciously.
She understood that would be a huge hurdle to overcome. "Other werewolves won't mind. And we'll find more enlightened witches and wizards to fill out your staff."
"Hermione. Your job is going to be difficult enough. You want to defend employing werewolves on top of everything else?" he asked. There was hope and excitement in his eyes. Decades of prejudice was forcing him to think more rationally.
"That's an argument I will relish taking on," she told him confidently. Defending beings the ministry demonized was a domain she was most comfortable in. Wading into pureblood sentiment was much murkier water for her. "If we're going to successfully run this program. If we're going to convince other werewolves that the service will be anonymous and not a method of tracking them, I need someone they can trust setting the rules. And who better to know what other services beasts and beings need than someone who has been unfortunately labeled both."
Lupin could no longer hide the honor he felt. He'd been left to find meaningful work where he could. Something in his look changed. Like he was recalling something from the past. "Gryffindor Girl," he whispered.
Letting out a soft chuckle, she was glad for her own memories of a young Sirius and James. "They said they weren't going to tell you."
"Both of them were terrible at keeping secrets," he explained. "They were certain you were a Gryffindor. I never figured out who they were talking about and assumed they were just trying to make me jealous they knew someone I didn't. It wasn't until Harry told me about their visit to you after you returned that it all made sense. I guess I didn't really have those memories until then."
"Or you always had them," she countered, her hand rested on her stomach on top of the scar she knew was under the thin material. "Their visits were really special to me. I was glad to share the memories with Harry."
Remus took the moment to consider the young woman in front of him. "There are days I find it hard to believe you're as young as you are and there are other days I find it hard to believe you've lived as much life as you have. I'm sorry you've had to grow up so fast. You deserve to experience all the joy carefree youth can offer. The marauders certainly had, despite the war."
"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't mourned that loss myself. I guess what matters now is what I do with my new life," she said with a sad smile. "Should I have Maddy draw up the employment paperwork? Or do you want to discuss it with Tonks?"
"I think Nymphadora will be thrilled to learn my attention will be diverted to activities outside the house," he admitted. "Her parents have already offered to take Teddy more often to give me time to find work. I think this will be a welcome development for everyone."
With a flick of her wand, the bell on her desk rang. Maddy appeared in the doorway to the office suite looking expectantly. "Mister Lupin will be overseeing the beast and being welfare initiative and the wolfsbane potion service. Please show him his office and draw up the necessary paperwork," she said to her admin and then looked at Remus. "There are some initial feasibility reports on your desk. Use them to develop a budget and a staffing plan and I'll authorize the spending."
"My office?" Remus asked, slightly dumbfounded.
Hermione nodded and stood. "Potion ingredients and potioneers might be our first hurdle. If you need to consult Severus, I'm sure he'll be open to assisting, he wrote the feasibility study for me."
"Ah, yes of course," Remus said as he moved to the exit. "Would that mean Snape would work for me?"
Laughing, Hermione held up her hands. "As a consultant if you wish." As she watched him leave with Maddy who was explaining the hiring process, Hermione thought he looked a small measure taller than he was when he entered her office. Nodding, she moved to her desk and checked her schedule. More interviews were scheduled. She'd be glad when all the posts were filled. There were other priorities she wished she could focus on. Not all of them were related to her department. She looked at The Great Book of Curses. It would make Tom happy to learn she was distracted from her official duties, thinking about him and what he did to her. With a sigh, he picked up a piece of parchment and requested a meeting with Minerva. Hermione needed to talk to her about the summer program and she clearly needed to ask the former head of house if she would be willing to lend her counsel in a personal capacity. It was an nontraditional request, it should be made in person. Remembering her promise to Maddy, Hermione copied the secretary to the calendar enchantment in the scheduling section, allowing her to have final approvals. Sealing it, she put it in her outbox for external owl post.
Checking her appointment book, Hermione saw her executive time was almost up. A daunting list of meetings was broken up by a short lunch and a thirty minute afternoon break. That break would eventually disappear as meetings ran over, chipping away at her private time. Deciding she should stock some wideye potion in her office, she found the one page summary for her first meeting and decided to study up.
~~/~~
"What's this assignment?" Harry asked Tonks. A file folder flew onto his desk. He looked up and saw similar folders land on other auror's desks. The more senior officers groaned, apparently familiar with the contents without even reading them.
Tonks called out to her coworkers, "You were all rookies one day too. Mad Eye didn't complain when he got you Nelson." She looked to Harry and mumbled quietly, "Much. He complained a little."
Still not sure he understood what was happening, Harry waited for more explanation.
"I forget you didn't become an auror through official channels. The new class has been selected. Each one gets assigned to a partnership. We just need to make sure they don't do anything stupid and they stay up on their training," she explained, opened the folder. Her eyes grew big and she smiled. "Looks like we got a ringer."
"A ringer," Harry repeated, pulled the folder from her and saw Ron's personnel file. "We're his training officers? Brilliant."
"This will make you grateful Williamson let you take the crash course with him."
Harry didn't think that was possible. His first month as an auror had been exhausting. Hunting down Death Eaters at night, studying with the head auror during the day. It had been a nonnegotiable requirement. Williamson insisted that Harry pass every test, know every regulation. A four-month curriculum condensed into one month. It helped that the dueling training requirement was waived. Ron would be proficient to breeze through the defensive and offensive practicals. Harry wasn't sure his friend was ready for the coursework. "When do they get here?"
Tonks stood, flung a stress ball from her desk at Nelson who was about to complain again. "Now."
A low level noise grew when a few dozen cadets shuffled into the bullpen. They were in stiff uniforms, shiny shoes, and exuded nervous excitement. Harry's smile grew as he recognized more than just Ron in the rookie class. Of course he expected several of his Hogwarts' class: Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Seamus Finnigan, and Dean Thomas. Since the war disrupted most career plans, he recognized older former students in the mix: Katie Bell and Roger Davies. The other faces were only vaguely familiar until he saw Ron standing near the back with the grin plastered on his face. When Ron finally saw Harry, he waved enthusiastically at his friend.
"We're going to tell him to ease up right," Tonks said as she leaned closer to Harry.
"He's excited. He'll even out. Probably after his first class and he finds out he still needs to study."
Williamson entered the bullpen and silence descended. Rookies and trainers all looked to the head auror for guidance.
"Listen up. We got ourselves a big class this year. The washout rate is expected to be fifty percent. Prove me wrong," he started, addressing the trainees. "I know you all have more practical experience than other classes have in the past. I expect your exams to reflect the excess time you'll have to study."
As expected, Ron's goofy grin faded when he heard the s-word.
"Trainers. Don't let them get dead their first week with us, right?"
"Yes, boss," a chorus confirmed their commitment.
"You all have your assignments and schedules. This morning is field orientation. We've found that keeps your morale up before afternoon lectures. Tonks, Potter, Weasley, my office," he finished curtly.
Ron worked his way through the people around him who were looking at the assignment sheets to verify their trainer assignments. He nearly ran to Harry when he broke through the crowd. "Hey, hi," he whispered, looking from Tonks to Harry.
"Come on rookie, we don't keep the boss waiting," Tonks said sternly.
Harry watched her hair change from brown to purple and knew she was planning to toy with Ron a bit. His friend could use a little hazing and Harry decided to go along. "Stand in the back and don't say anything unless spoken to."
Ron stood straight and serious. "Got it."
The trio filed into the small office. "Don't make me regret pairing you, right?" Williamson eyed Harry then Ron.
"No boss," Harry promised.
Ron didn't speak at first. He was trying to decide if he had been directly spoken too. Harry motioned to Henry and Ron cleared his throat before finally answering, "No sir."
Pulling out a thick file, Williamson handed it to Tonks. "Good. I need you three to go to Azkaban this morning. I need prisoner transport plans approved for upcoming hearings and trials," he explained and paused. "And I want you to transport Tom Riddle to the holding cells here."
Any amusement Harry was feeling at Ron's expense faded. "Sir?"
"There have been petitions filed this morning. He had new legal counsel and there are demands for visitation rights."
"Visitors?" Harry asked, taking the file from his partner.
"It's a new day, Mister Potter. The Minister has made it clear that prisoners will be afforded more rights. We're even building a new prison for the nonviolent offenders," the Henry explained for Ron's benefit. "Might as well schedule that interview with the director if she can fit it into her schedule."
Harry's head snapped up. It was too soon, they needed more time to prepare. "Sir. I don't think the legal team has prepared the director."
"Well, add that to your tasks today. Mister Weasley, this is the deep end. Sink or swim. Dismissed."
Tonks' eyebrow went up at the tone but held her tongue. It wasn't until they were at the roster board attaching trackers to their cloaks did anyone speak. "He's not messing around today."
Harry nodded his agreement.
"Who's the director?" Ron asked, fumbling with the tracker's clip.
Tonks gave him a hand, keeping an eye on her partner. "Director Granger. Tom's been demanding to talk to her."
Ron swallowed hard, followed the partners. "How do we get to Azkaban?"
"Boat," Harry said simply.
~~/~~
Hermione sat heavily. Her day had been as exhausting as she anticipated. Her back screamed at her, her hip protested the excessive walking as she had rushed from meeting to meeting. She was studying her next day's schedule to figure out what she was in for when a light flashed on the previous page. Something had been added to her day. Incredulous, she turned it to see what meeting was so important it would be added last minute and after business hours. Annoyance and relief warred within her. Healer Halley had made an appointment. A house call in her office. As she was considering the logic of it, the other side of her calendar started flashing violently. Just as she was turning back to see what was happening, Maddy entered with some urgency. It was clear her admin wanted to explain the changes.
"Director. I'm sorry for the last minute appointments."
"I see that," she said, and finally looked down. Her blood ran cold. Tom Riddle was on her calendar. It was so… ordinary. "I wasn't aware prisoners were able to make appointments with department directors. I know the minister wants to reform prisoner rights, but that's a bit much."
Maddy's face turned red. "That's my fault. He didn't make the request. The Wizengamot did. I was in a hurry to make the changes before the healer got here. I wanted to explain. I'll change how it's listed."
"Please. This is a public document," she said a little too sharply.
"The auror's transported Tom to the ministry this afternoon. He obtained new solicitors. Williamson arranged for your interview tomorrow. Ophelia requested the morning to prepare you," Maddy was talking quickly, twisted the heel of her shoe on the carpet.
"I don't need to be prepared by Ophelia to talk to Tom." She was annoyed. "What about my interviews? I won't put the department on hold. Miss Sideris can have an hour. She doesn't get my entire morning. Put Mary and Gideon back on the calendar. If Ophelia wants to send over reading material to make the meeting more efficient tell her I will be here for another hour or she can send it to my house."
Hermione's decisiveness put an end to Maddy's uncertainty. "Yes, of course. I'll make the adjustments." Once the door was open, Maddy turned, "The healer is here. Are you ready?"
"No, but send him in."
His kind face greeted her as he entered.
Hermione didn't stand. She was afraid she'd give away her aches and pains if she tried. "I was going to make an appointment."
The older wizard smiled graciously, held his hands open wide in front of him. "Well now you don't have to. I made it for you."
"Did Harry contact you?"
A flash of concern told her he was there on his own volition. "No. Should he have?"
Sighing, she stood stiffly, winced at the twinges. "No. It's just… I've had some pain since I've been back to work. At the end of the day."
Pulling his bag from off his shoulder, he set it down on a small chair. "That's not surprising. Let's take a look?" His wand was out and an exam table popped out of the medical bag.
Walking stiffly, she locked the doors, then used the small step Edmond held steady for her to help her up. He supported her arm as she sat. The triage spell obediently updated her medical chart. He scowled. "Your blood pressure is up. How long have you been back?"
"Two days. It just got some… frustrating news before you got here."
"Okay. Deep breaths, we'll retake those vitals again in a minute. Where's the pain? Your hip and back?"
Nodding, she wondered if her chart told him that or he guessed based on his experience. "Yeah. I sit in meetings a lot, that makes my back hurt. And I walk to a lot of meetings, that makes my hip hurt."
He grunted, rummaged around in his bag for some potions. "For the inflammation," he handed her a small blue bottle. "The easy solution would be to stop doing both those things. And you're going to tell me that's not possible."
"Not really. Getting to meetings, sitting in meetings, and preparing for meetings is pretty much my job." Taking the potion she felt relief almost immediately. "That's so much better. Thank you."
He scribbled notes on a pad. "I'll leave several doses for you here and will order more sent to you. Can you give yourself a twenty minute break in your office three times a day?"
"We can try putting it on the calendar. I can make it a priority. What did you have in mind?"
He updated her vitals and looked approvingly. Her blood pressure must have improved. "That's better. Lie back," he instructed, helping her back. "I'm going to teach you a modified levitation spell. It will take the weight off your pressure points, give your muscles a break. It's best to do it lying flat. In a pinch you can do it in your chair, but that's not going to be therapeutic long term." He used the spell. It wasn't as chaotic as a standard charm. It felt like floating in the ocean. Gravity still kept her from floating up, her back and limbs felt supported. "It will only allow you to levitate an inch or two, just enough to cushion you. At least three times a day or anytime you feel intense pain."
The combination of the potion and the spell was instantaneous relaxation. Her eyes started to drift shut as the tension left her. She didn't think she actually fell asleep, still she was surprised when the spell was lifted.
"Better?" Halley asked.
"Much. I'll make it a priority," she repeated, more convinced she'd do it.
"Your hip is still fragile. If I thought you would agree, I'd tell you to use a wheelchair if you had a distance to walk. Keep wearing your brace and if you can, schedule meetings physically closer together."
"I'll talk to Maddy. We can request meeting rooms in this wing of the ministry."
"Good. Everything else is on the mend. These are normal healing complications. I'm going to refer you to a physical therapist. She travels and can come to your home or office."
Taking the prescription and the referral, Hermione stood. "Thanks for making the appointment."
Packing up, the healer put a hand on her shoulder. "I'd like to follow up again in two weeks. Make a PT appointment as soon as you can."
"I will. Tomorrow, I'll contact her tomorrow," she promised and held the door open. Not surprised to see Harry pacing, she waved him in. "Harry. Give me a minute to pack up and we can go home." The look of worry was more than concern for her health. They were going to spend the night talking about Tom. She explained the healer's instructions to Maddy and asked her to do her best to make it work. Gathering files, she divided her attention between the items she needed to take home and Harry's state of mind. "Do you want to talk about what has you preoccupied here or wait?"
"Let's get home," he answered with a whisper.
"Okay," she said apprehensively. Snapping her bag closed, he picked it up for her, slung it over his shoulder. She wasn't going to fault him for feeling protective. There were plenty of things he couldn't protect her from. Harry opened the door for them. Hermione handed Maddy some files she had signed off on.
"Miss Sederis just sent this over for you," the admin said, holding up a folder with a half inch thick bundle of notes. "She wasn't pleased with the limited time."
"We all make compromises," she offered, tucked the folder in the outer pocket of her messenger bag. "I'm meeting with her, aren't I? Don't stay too late."
"Yes, director."
Harry took Hermione's hand. Led her down to the atrium and to the floo network. Glad their fireplace was connected again, they were stepping out into their living room in minutes.
"I'm going to have a drink," Harry said, dropping the bags in a nearby chair.
Hermione's eyes widened. Whatever was on his mind was serious. She adjusted her mindset. "It's that bad?"
Pouring the firewhiskey he held up a second glass.
"No thanks. Healer Halley gave me a potion and taught me a spell that really helped. I don't want to complicated it."
"You're alright?" he asked, turning to watch her face before she answered.
"I will be," she decided to be vulnerable in that minute. She didn't have to be invincible with him. Sensing his concern for her was genuine, she wanted to acknowledge it wasn't misplaced. "I need to take more breaks during the day, he gave me a potion, and I'm ready to start physical therapy."
The relief was just as genuine as his concern. Hermione walked to him, took his hand, and pulled him to the couch. They both sat, she positioned herself against the arm of the couch so she could face him. "What happened today?"
He shook his head. "It wasn't a bad day. Ron started. Not just Ron. Half the new cadets are former DA members. Williamson even assigned me and Tonks to be Ron's trainers."
"That's great. You're short on Aurors."
"Ron found out today there's an academic portion of the academy. Should have seen his face."
They both shared a laugh, released the tension. "It should be easier now that he's figured out what textbooks are for."
"I think Williamson is going to be really hard on all of them. He might end up here to study."
"He's always welcome." Hermione waited for Harry to work through his emotions.
His fingers traced the lines in the crystal of his glass. "We transported Tom."
Tom. He was always going to be a shadow looming over them. There was no denying his outsized influence on their life. It didn't matter if they were at the ministry or home, Tom was there. He wanted to ruin her life. Harry was collateral damage at this point. "This wasn't planned?"
"Hardly. He has a new legal team. Someone on the outside is trying to help him."
"Voldemort?"
"I don't think so. I think it's more mundane. I think it's the people who believe his promises."
It still wasn't clear to her what was bothering him so intensely. "This doesn't change the strategy."
"They're going to rush it. If we rush, we're going to make mistakes."
That was usually her position. His sudden bout of caution was stemming from something deeper than natural instinct. Something primal. She swallowed hard. Tom was changing him. Or the threat of Tom. "Harry—"
"—no. Don't Harry me. This is serious. We don't know what Tom's end game is anymore. We can't go about this as if this threat isn't different. We're just going to send you in to talk to him because we need information."
"We've had this conversation already."
"We have. And I want to have it again."
The forcefulness of his words had her sitting back. "This isn't how we deal with these issues."
"Maybe it should be. You agree to all these things like we're asking you to sit in on a department meeting. Everyone around you knows it's unhealthy. We just say just this one more thing. We'll have you do this one more thing and then we can protect you."
"You sound like Albus. I don't need you, either of you, to protect me. Everything I've done and I'm just a victim to you."
His head snapped up. "That's not fair."
She stood. The discussion was over. It needed to be before either of them said something they were going to regret. "You're right. It's not fair. I don't need a protector. I need a partner. I thought that's what we were." She gathered up her bag, and headed for the downstairs office, leaving Harry to find his answers in the bottom of his glass. A pang of guilt over walking out on him in the middle of the argument twisted in her stomach. He didn't follow her, letting her know he either didn't want to fight either or he preferred to dwell on the situation alone. Either was fine by her.