The warmth of the sun began creeping on his skin and as its light touched his eyes, he woke. He was not sure when he'd fallen asleep, but he knew Fleur wasn't there when he did. That is why it came as a surprise when he saw her sitting down on the seat next to his bed, watching over him again. This time he had the energy to stand and he made his way to her. He knelt and watched her soft features being accentuated by the sunlight touching her skin ever so slightly. She was a goddess and he was being simply a mortal lucky enough to be cared for.
He slowly tried to carry her and moved her to his bed in a careful manner. He did not want to wake her up for he knew just how tired she was, having slept like that for days. He managed to do so, and she moved ever so slightly when he had managed to lay her down.
He moved to his study table right away and began to pen a letter, first to his office at the ministry.
Miller,
I had an urgent matter to attend to after the fire incident. I will be back next week. If you have an urgent letter to send to me, Zeus will carry the message for me. Kindly relay to Ronald Weasley (and Hermione Granger, if you're able to) and Kingsley.
Harry Potter
It was a small note, barely a letter but he knew he had to be careful. He wasn't sure if he was ready to talk about it. It was an attack specifically to him, he would have to prepare for it by himself for now. He debated on writing a letter to Ron or Hermione specifically, but he couldn't exactly say anything substantial in the letters or anything that will hint about his current state, no. He had to see them when he gets back.
"'Arry?" he heard from behind and he saw Fleur slowly rising up.
Harry stood and walked to his bed once again. "Hey, I'm sorry I moved you. That was an awful position to sleep on and I felt you needed to rest. Don't worry I've been up ever since," he added. Fleur smiled at him and he let out a sigh of relief. At least she's not furious today, he thought.
"Hey, Fleur? Do you want to talk?" he said finally addressing the situation.
"Hmm, only if you want to 'Arry. I was just worried. I am sorry I threw a cold shoulder. I did not know if you were going to make it," she added in her small voice.
"I know. You don't have to apologize for anything. I deserved it, honestly," he responded with a smile. He sat at the edge of his bed and silence overcame them once again.
"Do you know who it was?" Fleur finally asked. "No idea," Harry admitted while trying not to have his voice break. He was terrified but he knew it would do no good. "As much as I want to keep you safe, if you weren't there, I probably wouldn't have made it. So, thanks Fleur."
"Will you accept me?"
Harry looked in her eyes and knew what she was talking about. She still wanted to be an Auror. It was not his decision to make for her. He knew she qualified and that all she would need is a recommendation from him to start almost immediately. He was never a person to take someone's choice to fight away from them to keep them safe, so he nodded. "I will…but I urge you to think about it for one more week. Talk to Bill," he said, and Fleur looked away.
"Is he not looking for you right now?" he asked.
"I sent him a letter. I told him I am visiting a friend in France. He has demanded my return every day ever since," she said with sadness in her voice. He felt sorry for keeping her away from him. She didn't have to lie about the situation and yet she did in order to keep whatever happened to him a secret. He wasn't ready to tell anyone yet, let alone Bill. For that he was grateful.
"I'm sorry you had to lie to him. I'll make sure you can go home tomorrow Fleur. You deserve to rest and spend time with Bill. I'm sure he's just worried about you." He said and Fleur looked to protest but decided against it.
"What about you? When will you go back?" she asked, her eyes looking directly at his.
"I'll be back next week. I wrote a letter to my office already. I told them not to worry. Once you're sure of your application, just send me an owl." He said with a smile.
Fleur looked around and smiled. "We are in Avignon?" Harry nodded at this and her eyes began to light up even more.
"I live not too far from 'ere. You did not tell me you 'ad a 'ome 'ere," she stated, and Harry shrugged apologetically. "Am I not a friend?"
"You are Fleur. You're the only person who's ever been here. You're the first." He said with a smile as he looked around his room and stood to make his way to the windows. "Sirius bought this place sometime after the tournament." He began to explain, "I told him I wanted to travel and live elsewhere when the war is over. During the year he told me he acquired a place and I've been fixing it up after the war." He spun around slowly and looked at her. She stood and joined him by the window and began to admire the near perfect view of numerous trees and abundant flowers.
"It is beautiful 'ere. I never would have imagined you would live in anywhere but Britain. France is the least likely place I would've thought,"
"I…quite like it here. It's peaceful."
"You come home here?"
"Sometimes, during weekends usually. I'm still in the process of making this an actual home and well…I do get busy." He said with a chuckle.
"It is already lovely 'Arry," she offered with another smile to his way.
"Thanks, Fleur. I'm glad you're the first to see it."
"Whoever manages to snatch you up 'Arry will be one lucky woman," she teased. He knew she was no longer angry with him.
"I'm not sure about that. I can get pretty messy still without Kreacher cleaning up after me," he said as his laughter was joined with Fleur's.
-o-o-o-o-o-
It has been a few days after his incident and Harry made his way to his office. He had made a full recovery aside from the little bruises that can be found at the edge of his eyebrows, he seemed relatively fine.
"Harry! Blimey mate, where've you been? D 'you know how worried we've been? Hermione nearly killed me for not being able to say where you were!" Ron shouted at the top of his lungs as soon as he spotted Harry inside.
"Hey, Ron. Sorry about that. It was an emergency."
"You could've at least written!"
"I know, I'm sorry…I'll tell you later, I told Hermione I'm going to meet her for dinner with you," said Harry in a hushed tone.
"Oh, okay. This better be good. What happened to your face?" he asked as his eyes found the small injuries situated near his eyebrows.
"Long story Ron, honestly I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Yep. Positive. Don't worry, I'm alive, breathing and kicking. More than ready to take down a couple of fugitives or runaway Death Eaters."
"Alright, alright you've made your point," said Ron, putting his hand to withdraw his worry. "Well, it looks like I'm going to have to stay and look after you until after Christmas. They won't let me off until then," he said in a lively manner. "Not that I'm complaining of course. We get to be partners till then, not to mention I can still attend the Ministry Christmas Ball,"
"Ron, If I didn't know any better, I know you're just looking forward to the food."
"Am not. You take that back, Harry."
Harry laughed as he made his way to his desk which was filled with stacks of papers and unopened letters. "Oh, for heaven's sake," Harry groaned at the sight of everything. Ron patted his shoulder and said, "Well, good luck sorting that out Harry." He immediately ducked out and made his way to his own desk.
Harry sat down and began to sift through the papers. He checked all his letters first for any important ones and found one that had his name neatly written at the front of the envelope in calligraphy that he knew belonged to none other than Fleur.
Harry Potter,
I hope you are well. I am writing in advance to tell you that I will be sending my application soon. Perhaps it will be there by the time Bill is not happy with it, but my decision is final. Thank you for not attempting to change my mind any further. It means a lot. I talked to Molly and Arthur about it and they seem disappointed but did not argue any further.
Please write to me soon. I look forward to working for the Ministry.
Fleur Delacour
"Ron? Have you heard from Bill?" he voiced from his desk, careful not to sound too curious or concerned.
"Hmm? Erm, no actually. Not that much but I've been hearing mum and dad talk about him and Fleur sometimes. Why?" he said without looking Harry's way as he was busy writing.
"Oh, just thought you'd hear from him. Fleur's applying to be an Auror."
"I'm sorry, what?!"
"Yeah. She uh, recently sent an application." Holding her application at his hand, something he found underneath the letter.
"Blimey, no wonder they've been fighting."
"Sorry?" Harry put the application down, curious, for a second to look at Ron who was deep in his thoughts.
"Yeah, it's no wonder. They've been having hushed rows whenever I'm visiting. But I don't understand, it shouldn't be a problem, right? Fleur's more than capable," he mused to Harry's slight satisfaction.
"Yeah." Harry agreed.
"You reckon she's going to have to go to training?"
"I don't think so. She was part of the Order and Kingsley will probably assign her to learn on the job. Shouldn't be a problem though. I looked at her performance in school. It's no wonder she's been chosen."
"Really? Let see them," Ron obliged as he grabbed the results from Harry's grasp.
Beauxbatons Academy of Magic
N.E.W.T Results
Pass Grades:
Outstanding (O)
Exceeds Expectations (E)
Acceptable (A)
Fail Grades:
Poor (P)
Dreadful (D)
Troll (T)
Fleur Isabelle Delacour
Ancient Runes (O)
Astronomy (E)
Charms (O)
Herbology (E)
Defense Against the Dark Arts (E)
Potions (O)
Transfiguration (E)
This record is addressed for use of the British Ministry of Magic, Auror Department only. It has been transcribed from its original records by the W.E.A.
Professor Griselda Marchbanks
Governor, Wizarding Examinations Authority
"Blimey, she took as much N.E.W.T. classes as Hermione!" said Ron, after looking at the grades.
Harry laughed at the memory of Hermione taking multiple classes while they spent their free time flying during their sixth year. They never got around to going back for their seventh year but was granted to take the exams anyway. As much as he considered Hogwarts his first true home, all the losses he acquired there still pained him that he could not find it in himself to go back, just yet. Their results were not bad considering they spent only 3 months studying (with Hermione of course,) and was then permitted to pursue their career choice in the ministry. Kingsley was more than happy to allow Harry, Ron and Neville positions within the Auror Department.
"At least Hermione can proudly say she still has more N.E.W.T.s than anyone else" Harry mused in between their laughter.
Just then, Neville walked in on their office and knocked.
"Hey Neville," Harry greeted promptly waving at his direction. "Hey, Neville!" Ron added.
"Hi, Harry, Hi Ron!" He greeted back and then walked towards Harry to announce "Kingsley wants to see you in ten minutes. Welcome back by the way! Where were you?"
"Now that I think of it, I think Harry here has a mystery lady," Ron teased as Harry blushed ever so slightly.
"Ron!" Harry threw his fake Quaffle that was sitting by his table to his friend.
"Bloody Hell, Harry. I was only kidding," said Ron as he threw the Quaffle back and almost hit his head.
"I'll see you guys at lunch," said Neville, while laughing at his friend's immature antics.
"Thanks, Neville!" said Harry as he made his way to the door.
"What do you think he wants?" said Ron going back to his desk and papers.
"Who? Kingsley? Dunno. Maybe to ask me where I went. I did take an unceremonious and unannounced leave. He'll probably tell me to work through the holidays." said Harry as he considered a possibility.
"Mum will go mental if you aren't there for Christmas day!"
"I know. I'll probably have to remind Kingsley to at least give me that." said Harry as he took off his glasses with a chuckle. He had to think about what to tell Kingsley, on top of having to provide a status report on what happened. He debated telling the truth or withholding some information. One truth would lead to plenty of questions, questions he didn't have an answer to yet. He's going to have to play his cards well.
"Alright, I'm off. See you later mate." Ron nodded him off.
As he made his way to the Minister's office, Miller stopped him on his way. "Harry! There you are. I was beginning to think you somehow died in that fire!"
Harry laughed at this and asked, "Did you guys get to find out what caused it?"
"No, I thought you would. By the time we got there the fire was out already. We figured you did that but the scorches on the place took forever to remove. We had to stay there for 5 hours. Had to constantly cast charms on all the muggles. It's a busy street!"
"Oh. Must be dark magic then?"
"No, actually. Dark magic kind of fire we have a solution for, but that we had to reconstruct the floors and walls magically just to fix it. We're not even sure it's recorded kind of magic!"
"Damn…" said Harry.
"Did you see who did it? Is that why you disappeared?" Miller asked in a low voice.
"I'll let you know in the official report Miller. I'm not sure what to make of it yet. But I promise I'll tell you." He said as Miller looked disappointed by the lack of information.
"Okay, I'll hold you to that Harry. Welcome back by the way!"
"Thanks, Miller. I'll have to leave you, for now, Minister wants to see me." He said as he started moving forward.
"Oh, right, of course, sorry about that. On your way then." said Miller as he saluted to Harry.
"Miller, please you've got to stop doing that."
"Sorry, bad habit." He apologized.
Harry grinned and continued his walk towards the office. Ancient Magic? He was unsure what to make of it now, but he was certain the Minister would have a lot of questions.
"Ah, Mr. Potter. Good, good," said Kingsley as he made his way inside after knocking. "Take a seat. I was just about to call for you again."
"Sorry, sir got held off by Miller. Had to explain a bit." Harry offered apologetically.
"Ah yes, it's alright Mr. Potter. No need to apologize. Now onto our business…er..pumpkin juice?" he offered as Harry sat down.
"Thanks."
"Where was I? Ah yes, business. How did you make it out of Privet Drive during your 17th birthday?" he asked, immediately pointing his wand at Harry.
"I rode Sirius' bike with Hagrid, which was modified by Arthur Weasley. We escaped with 7 Potters throughout London." He said calmly.
"Excellent. I do apologize, Mr. Potter. With your recent disappearance, one has to be sure."
"Of course, sir, and it's just Harry sir."
The minister looked at him and nodded, "I don't suppose you have an explanation for your recent disappearance? I've been told you disappeared after negating the fire."
"Yes, sir. That I did."
"And?"
"Well, things got complicated."
"How so? Enlighten me, Harry." said the Minister as he stood and went to look at the windows from his office which showed the greater parts of London in its view despite being underground.
Harry sat in silence before starting, "I…encountered a man sir. I did not know his name. He was aware of mine however and he attacked." The minister turned around to face him and eyed him.
"Did you put up a fight?"
"I tried to, sir but he was powerful. Not in a magical way but in brute force. As far as I am aware, he did not carry a wand."
"I see."
"Were you the only one to witness this?"
"No, sir. I was with…Miss Delacour, if you remember her."
"Yes, I remember. She is applying to be an Auror correct?"
Harry nodded and the minister looked at the view once again, deep in thought. "Hmm, Harry. We have no information regarding that attack but what I can tell you is there had been several reports of disappearances and crimes all around Europe enough to garner our attention. Most of the Aurors will be assigned a mission to address these in the upcoming weeks, your team included."
Harry nodded at this. So, he was going to be investigating. He'll have to train harder to keep everyone safe.
"Harry be warned, however, you will have to investigate some matters in secret with Miss Delacour after or during her training, whenever you see fit. She will be assigned under you personally. The rest of your team will still train the new ones. We will be picking your second – in – command shortly after Mr. Weasley's departure."
"Sorry sir, why will Miss Delacour be assigned to me specifically? Surely, she would be assigned alongside with the others we are training?"
"Ah yes, I was going to do that however since she is aware of the attack on you and am I correct to assume she is the reason you're here now?" he asked pointedly.
Harry answered hesitantly. "Yes, sir." He did not want to have to bring Fleur with him.
"You were outmatched?" he said eyeing his injuries.
"Heavily, I'm afraid sir."
"Miss Delacour is still ahead of you in age and will most likely be able to provide you with assistance with the knowledge she has acquired over the years, I hope you will respect that even if you will be her superior."
"I understand, sir." Harry said carefully as he relaxed when the Minister finally broke off a smile.
"Thank you, Harry. Now I know Molly will probably hex me if I keep you working on Christmas, but you do have to log hours during the ministry break. I apologize for that."
"It's quite alright sir, I can manage. I hope you wouldn't mind me spending lunch with the Weasley's."
"Of course not. You're going to be working until the New Year, however, after that, you may take two days off."
"Thank you, sir," Harry replied brightly with a smile.
"Now off with you. I'll send an owl informing you about the changes in your team in a week or so."
"So, Miss Delacour has officially been accepted?" Harry asked curiously just as he was about to leave.
"Yes, please inform her although an owl is currently on its way to do so anyway."
"I see."
"You don't sound ecstatic about it?"
"I am. It's just…I think it's causing a strain in her relationship with the Weasleys, particularly Bill."
"Ah…I've heard. Molly has tried to owl me informing me about it. I told her I cannot just deny a person who is more than qualified a position as an Auror," he sighed and went back to his seat. "She's also got excellent recommendations." he added pointing to the letters at this desk. For a second, Harry was almost tempted to take a peek.
He was about to ask about it before the minister decided to send him on his way hurriedly. "Take care, Harry oh and…I expect a full report on what happened," Kingsley ordered.
Harry simply nodded and found his way out. It seemed odd for him that Molly would go out of her way to prevent Fleur from getting into their department. He would have to hear about it from her point sometime, although he was already dreading on what she would say once she finds out that he supported Fleur's decision as well.
"Harry!" he heard Hermione say as she attacked him with a hug. "Oh, my goodness, what happened to you? Sorry! and what have you done with your face?" she asked as she finally let him go.
"Ouch, ouch." Harry gasped as Hermione's hug made seemingly cracked all his healing bones. "I'm okay Hermione. I'll tell you later at dinner."
"Oh, right of course. Did Ronald say he will go?"
"Yeah, he'll be there."
"Excellent. I've missed you both! You two always seem to be out there!" she said as they stood out in the corridor of Kingsley's office.
"Well yeah Hermione, we're Aurors. Got wizards to catch, witches to bed." He joked as Hermione hit him on his head lightly.
"Erm, sorry, kidding of course."
"You better be!" she said looking at him with big eyes that seemed to stare deep into his soul.
"Listen, I've got plenty of things to tell tonight but I also have to make tons of reports, so I'll catch you later yeah?"
"Oh, go on Harry. Sorry. I just saw you and I had to check on you."
"It's okay Hermione. Why are you here anyway?"
"Well, Kingsley has offered to transfer me to this Department," said Hermione while beaming.
"Really? That's brilliant! Guess I'll be seeing you more."
"Yes, he said I could still work on my policies regarding magical creatures and beings, but he won't have me saying no to being part of the DMLE and I couldn't refuse of course."
"Hermione, you know anyone would be lucky to have you wherever."
"Thanks, Harry. It means a lot," she said appreciating Harry's words to her as always. She's never felt more appreciated than with Harry. He was always a man of few words but was always quick to offer more praises for her than to anyone they've met, and she has always valued it to her heart.
"I'll go now, Hermione. Have fun with Kingsley," he winked and joked once again and gave her a small hug and ran away before Hermione could hit him again.
Hermione rolled her eyes as she made her way to Kingsley's office.
Harry looked back as Hermione went inside Kingsley's office before turning towards the elevator. He had a lot on his mind, first Fleur's appointment, how he will approach his investigations and how he plans on training to be stronger should he face the same man again. He knew that the man could've easily killed him there but leaving him alive means he has now entered a dangerous game; a gamble and he is still merely a pawn.
As he entered his office again, Ron wasn't there. He checked his watch and saw that it was already lunchtime, so he proceeded towards the Ministry Cafeteria.
"Harry! Over here!" Neville shouted as he entered the area. Harry made his way towards his friends who were seated next to a fountain of all those that have fallen on the battle of Hogwarts. He admired it before tossing a galleon and proceeded to sit next to Ron.
"Hey, guys. What'd I miss?"
"Ron was just telling us that he plans on leaving," Neville announced, "You don't seem surprised Harry!"
"Yeah, he already told me two weeks before. Sorry."
"I can't believe you're just going to leave Harry," said Dean as he joined the group with a sandwich at hand.
"Harry's more than capable. Besides, I think I've got an idea who they're assigning as your new partner mate!"
They all shouted and asked for Ron who seemed to tease it to Harry. "Honestly, Ron. I'm pretty sure you don't. The minister doesn't even know it yet."
"Oh yeah, what was your meeting about?"
Harry thought for a moment what to say, "Just the usual, asked where I was. Told him I ran into a problem and said I'll be working through the holidays." He tried his best to appear glum.
"Sorry to hear that Harry!" said Neville as he patted his shoulders.
"Hey, at least you'll get double pay," said Ron and then continue, "Did you ask him about Christmas?"
"Yeah, he said I can have lunch with you guys,"
"Excellent, the tradition still stands."
"You know I won't miss it," said Harry as he stood to buy something for himself.
He made his way to the counter and considered if he was going for a heavy meal or a lighter one. One thing for sure, he needed coffee.
"Well, well. Potter."
He didn't have to look to his side to see who the voice belonged to, "Hi, Daphne." He greeted in the most cheerful way possible. He probably sounded sarcastic. Not that it matters. Daphne just seemed to hate his guts more than your average wizard and some days he still doesn't get it.
Daphne Greengrass was the recruit that surprised Harry the most. Most of the people in his department were people he had expected to join. Some less than others as he thought of Neville.
Neville had divulged to him that he wanted to be a professor in Herbology but had wanted to join the department due to lacking experience in the application of his aptitude in the subject. Professor Sprout had apparently suggested the Ministry and given his heroic actions, his grandmother could not pass up the opportunity to recommend his fine grandson as an Auror. Even if for only a year or two. Here they are one year later, and he has since realized it wasn't all that bad. He got to travel around and collect samples from here and there. He also managed to excel in potions now, something he was sure was not possible previously.
That, Harry could explain. But this, he couldn't quite guess it. Not that he was passing any judgement nor exceptions on who should be an Auror but he never quite understood why Daphne took the job. From what he has heard, she comes from a moderately rich family with connections here and there. Not quite what the Malfoys had but enough traction and wits to earn her a career that doesn't involve regularly risking her life.
"It's Greengrass, you don't get to call me Daphne," she said as she filled her cup with hot water to the brim.
"Sure, Daphne," he answered much to the girl's annoyance.
"Heard you disappeared. Too bad it wasn't for long. I would've wanted to join in on the task force to find Harry Potter," she said in a cool maner as if to mock him. Harry was never sure what to make of Daphne at times. She's quiet most of the time but he isn't quite sure if its his presence that she hates enough to make enough noise or he just doesn't know her well enough.
"I'm sorry to be of major disappointment to you then, Daphne." He retaliated curious to see if it will irritate her or make her smile.
She rolled her eyes and edged herself dangerously close to Harry. "Call me Daphne again and I'll make sure the next time you disappear it's permanent,"
Guess not, he thought after. He's decided he'll stop
"Wow, empty threats, that's a new low even for you Daphne," he said in a low voice.
Daphne smirked, "Where'd you go?"
"Does it even matter?"
"Yes, famous Potter can't just disappear," she said as she edged herself close to him, "people will start to make assumptions you know,"
"Well if you must know, I rested."
"Really? Why is that? Tired?" she said with a mocking voice that only served to inspire him to irritate her further next time.
"Not really, I just took a bad fall," he said which he knew came out sounding weaker than it should have. Not that he was concerned with giving her excuses, he could hardly care less what she thinks.
"You should really learn how to lie. But then I suppose you didn't learn that being the hero of course."
"Right. Well if you don't really have anything to say, my friends are waiting for me," he said stepping away. This was a fight he didn't want to start. Or seemingly start.
"Hmm. I guess I'll be seeing you soon, Potter," she said as she stepped closer to him enough for him to feel her warm breath. Strange. He thought she would feel ice cold closer. "After your little weasel is gone of course." She added and left before he could respond.
Well, there it is. His new second – in – command. There goes his luck, he thought. Of all the people he had to get the one person who seems to be ticked off by his presence alone. Great. Just great. Ron's going to have a fit.