Chapter 3: Athena
Burrow was especially lively on the early post-sunset evening on May 2nd, 2010.
Molly had specially prepared the feast with the help of Kreachera (Kreacher's daughter) and Pernie considering all the favorite dishes of Hermione from Starters to Desserts. All the kids were done with Dinner and sent to the game room to play, leaving the venue open for adults. All of Hermione's Magical and Muggle friends from school to work place were invited and her parents were chatting with the Weaselys Parents. Also present were all other members of the DA, Order of the Phoenix, All her Hogwarts and Muggle Teachers.
Harry found her sandwiched between Katie, Luna, her cousin Sarah and her Healing Researcher best friend Adrienne. Even her muggle school friends were here. Magical folk were instructed to Apparate outside their village and walk 10 minutes to the property. He called her out to secure her attention.
"Hermione, Arthur wants you all to go to the lawn."
Arthur and Molly were at the Center Table with a gigantic crystal bucket of champagne and a massive 10-Tier Chocolate Mousse Cake that was exactly double the height of Hermione. Arthur spoke up, "Today is my proudest day. My Protégé has been chosen as the Next Minister of Magic and she is the first witch to have this honor. She deserves every bit of it. She is among the most intelligent and capable Magic Folk after Dumbledore and England will flourish under her Leadership. I am raising a toast to England and Her!"
200 other adults did the same. Harry, Ron, Draco, Ginny and Molly took turns to eulogize her. In the end they called her to give a speech.
"Hi! It is touching to see all of you taking out time from your lives to commemorate my day. All of you have had an integral role to play in different phases of my life and shaped my personality to the extent that I have been comfortable and confident enough to accept this unprecedented honor. Thank you all. My prayers also go out to those noble souls whose sacrifice in the Second Wizarding War allows me to stand before you-Tonks, Lupin, Colin and countless others. I must also mention my pets Crookshanks and Orwell, both of whom have departed for Realms Above but served me and loved me with all their Heart in all the time they were alive. I left Crookshanks with Mrs. Figg after explicitly instructing Ginny and paid for his upkeep and used to meet him every weekend till his death in 1999. Orwell was a lovely owl who departed my life just this March. His grandson Chirpy now delivers my letters. I also thank Kreachera (who served Harry since 2008 after Kreacher retired), Pernie, Kreacher (died 2009) and Dobby for all that they did and continue doing. I love you all. However Harry, Ron, Fred, George and My Draco remain the core of my private life. Bringing light to my life are my 2 children, my 2 Angels and in their small achievements I live the glory of my childhood."
She got a thundering applause and tear filled smiles from the House-Elves. Thus said, she went to gorge herself freely on all her favorite dishes, watched on bemusedly by Draco and Harry.
Harry and Draco were about to join Hermione when Harry suddenly felt a warm glowing sensation inside his mind. A message flashed in his mind- Be IN Your Office at 8-30 pm. Now it was 8-10 pm.
His mind told him, "Explain your imminent departure to Hermione." Harry understood.
Hermione was with Ginny. "Ginny, can I steal Hermione for 1 minute to talk in a quiet area?"
Hermione and Ginny stole glances. "Sure Harry, use the drawing room."
It took one look between Harry and Hermione to convey her he sought her company urgently. She followed inside and cast a Muffliato charmaround them.
"What's up Harry?"
"Hermione, like you trust your instincts, I trust mine. It has saved me more than twice in the past. Now it tells me I need to be at my Office at 8-30pm this evening to witness something of Momentous importance of my life. I have no idea what that is but I need to go Hermione. I could not leave the party in your honor without telling you first. I had to explain my disappearance to my best friend."
Hermione smiled, "Thank You, Harry! We all know the value of instincts. My research at the Lestrange House was also driven by my instinct. My only concern is that whether you might be in some danger."
"I do not think so. If that is the case, I could already feel shivering in my skin, a common symptom before unexpected danger. Quite the contrary, I feel warm, happy and relaxed as I go there. Whatever this is, Ron and You would be the first to know."
"OK Harry, see you at work tomorrow. Goodnight!"
Harry nodded and smiled a goodbye at Hermione before wearing his shield cloak as a matter of precaution and Apparated. The clock hands showed 8-20pm.
Buckingham Palace, London (2nd May 2010-8:20pm)
A 25 year old woman popped out of thin air just behind the thick Hedges surrounding the Palace. She was wearing a Light Blue suit, a cream shirt and Black Trousers- corporate attire that were a misfit in the current surrounding. Her oil brown hair was tied in a ponytail extending to her hips. Her blue eyes, sharp Roman nose and full lips were aligned in a smile. Today was the day she was waiting for an eternity.
She crossed the street and walked towards Whitehall and the phone booth leading to Ministry of Magic Headquarters. She turned back to take in a breathtaking view of the Palace under the neon lights when her attention was captured by the stance of a veteran Navy Officer in full uniform standing beside her, similarly transfixed with the same view. Something in his face stopped her heart.
"Hi!" she said.
"Hi!"
"Nice sight, isn't it?"
"Sure it is," he said tears glistening his face. "Would you believe me if I tell you, this was the sight that helped me stay alive in Iraq waters back in 2003 and when IRA wiped out my family 35 years back? I have always sworn by the Queen and this was where I came throughout childhood to see change of guards. To keep her safe in her home here was the duty which bound me amongst blasting torpedoes in Persian Gulf. Hail the Queen!"
"Those about to die solute thee?"
"What do you mean, young lady?"
"You know exactly what I mean, Sir. Your face reflects what you want to do but why?"
The Old Veteran looked at her quietly for a long time before he asked her, "What is your name?"
"Athena!'
"Athena! The Greek goddess of knowledge. That is why you came to know my intentions in just 2 minutes."
"You have not answered me yet."
"Why indeed? It is a common story. Lifelong I have cared for my country and fought for her honor. Today her bankers threw me out like trash, calling in my mortgage in 48 hours when they have lost millions of pounds in their own faulty investments when recession struck us in 2008. I saved people from losing homes to terrorist attacks here by nabbing terrorists in Afghanistan waters and losing both my arms and legs and one eye but no one bothers here." Tears slid down his face when he recounted his story.
"How much is the total value?"
"100,000 pounds."
"I'll loan you that amount interest free for next 50 years. I will also loan you another 900K for setting up a business of your choice. All I need from you is a promise that you will never ever think of taking this step again. Our country needs to grow old after taking examples from your story. Your courage is our inspiration. Don't ever let go."
"Are you joking with me? We just met 3 minutes back. How do you know I am no cripple conman telling a sob story?"
"I have been dealing with money for past 20 years and I have a pretty good idea who is or is not genuine. I am a rich girl. You deserve every cent."
Thus saying, she wrote a check of 1 Million Pounds Accounts Payee on Standard Chartered Bank. The veteran was absolutely stunned. He took down her forwarding address and said this was a seed capital on which he would provide returns till he was alive.
"Athena, you justify your name. You have the power to transform lives. In a short while here, you gave my life a new perspective and a bright ray of hope with your optimism, intelligence, sincerity, kindness, external and internal beauty. God bless you!"
Athena smiled and continued to walk towards Whitehall phone booth. She looked at her watch. It was 8-27pm. She Apparated from an alley to a spot directly in front of the Magical fountains at the Entrance of Ministry of Magic. She took the Auror Office elevator and precisely at 8-30pm knocked Harry Potter's door.
Harry responded by opening it and stood transfixed.
"Er Hi! Please forgive my staring. I must admit one thing. I have seen many beautiful witches in my life but you surpass everyone."
Athena smiled. "Thank You, Harry Potter! So we finally meet on the eve of your 30th birthday!"
"You obviously know me and you also know enough advanced magic to send me thought messages. Your phoenix core wand is quite similar to mine. Before we begin our conversation, can I offer you something?"
"Thanks Harry! Given the weather outside a cold coffee would be nice. I just travelled 12000 Km today from South Pole Penguin Conservation Center. Compared to there, I seem to be melting here."
Harry smiled and conjured for her an Ice Cold Mocha Coffee Latte and settled down in his plush cushion opposite her.
"My name is Athena, a muggle born witch. I am an immortal 25 year old whose actual age is 84. Before I state my reason for dragging you away from your friends and tell you the story that requires the active role of your friends and your own, I must warn you that my statement may raise some unpleasant memories of your past which you strive to bury deep within the confines of your memory. Please have enough reserve strength to continue listening to my account without interruption and after I am done, we have plenty of time to engage in dialogue. Can I have that promise from you, Harry?"
Harry gave a stiff smile saying, "I have dealt with many unpleasant situations in the past. I can handle a story, however difficult it may be for me. You have my assurance that until you allow me to speak, I would not utter a single word."
Athena smiled, "OK Harry, here goes..."
A/N: Hi Viewers, kindly review my story. Your feedback would mean a world to me. How has the story developed in these 4 chapters? Here I finally introduce my pivotal character Athena, who alongside Hermione and Harry would be the base for the story and other roles would develop from this solid foundation.