Myrtle12a

Still shaking from the strange revelations that had just come to pass, Hermione obeyed Dumbledore’s request and stopped reciting the spell. She felt the sharp tug behind her navel and was transported instantly to the cellar of the Ministry of Magic.

The two guards, Brutus and Batik, led Hermione up many flights of stairs, curving and twisting, spiraling and steepening until they reached a door, which they entered. They came face to face with yet another door and again they entered. After crossing the thresholds of at least five more doors, a glistening door encrusted with gold displaying a plaque “Fay Lemosis: Minister For Magic” appeared.

Hermione rolled her eyes as she looked sideways and saw Percy Weasley amidst an abundance of paper and official looking documents. The sign on his desk “Personal Assistant to Minister” made her chortle. It was rumoured that Percy was the Minister’s personal assistant outside office hours too.

Out of the corner of her eye, two small, green eyes met hers. They belonged to a small child of about nine years old, crouching in the corner playing with some famous wizard cards. The eyes lingered for minutes boring themselves into Hermione’s. There was something strange about those eyes. But what?

Suddenly, Percy looked up and the girl turned away.

“Hermione!” Percy pompously squealed. “Brutus, Batik, please, this woman does not need to be in your custody. This is Hermione Potter! Harry’s wife!” He puffed out his chest, proud to be associated with the great Harry Potter.

At that, the brutes backed away and disappeared into the shadows.

“Thanks Percy.” Hermione said gratefully.

“No problem. These people here respect me. I’m their authority figure and I report directly to the Minister. I can handle them. Anyway, what brings you here? You’re not the hysterical woman from St Mungos are you?”

“Afraid so. You’ve heard what happened then? About Sirius and Volde..” Percy winced “You-Know-Who?”

“Who hasn’t around here? The place is near hysterical. Harry sent an owl in about an hour ago, he said to tell you that he’s home safely and the children are all fine. The Minister still doesn’t know what to do. She’s hoping it will all blow over but once the press get wind of a cover up, her career will be ruined.”
“Percy, I’m surprised. Don’t go wishing those kind of things on me.” A tall lady, fairly old, with straight, shining blond hair had emerged. Her gray eyes should have sparkled yet they were dull. She forced a smile at Percy and he beamed back at her.

“Minister, this is Hermione Potter.”

“Yes Weatherby, I am aware of who she is.” Percy’s face fell flat. “Mrs. Potter, I am very sorry for the crisis you and your family now find yourselves in. So terrible to lose one so young. He hadn’t even experienced life.”

“Excuse me Minister, my son is not dead. They’re still treating him over at St Mungos. No doubt they would have informed his mother before the Minister for Magic of his condition.” Hermione’s face was reddening. She had an intense feeling of detest for this woman. What Percy saw in her was unbelievable.

“Ahh, yes, forgive me. I myself cannot believe that one so small could again survive the wrath of The Dark Lord, but I suppose it is in your blood. Anything that you need, anything at all that will make this time easier, do not hesitate to ask us here at the Ministry. Weatherby will deal with it.”

“I think you mean Weasley, Minister, Percy Weasley.” Hermione’s tone was anything but polite. Percy shot her a look of disgust, but seemed grateful all the same.

“Of course Hermione. You understand my offer though?”

“Yes, Minister.” She replied coldly. “Is that your daughter?” Hermione changed the subject and brought it back to the girl, still crouching near Percy’s desk.

“Why yes it is. Virginia!” she ordered sharply. “Come and meet someone! This is Harry Potter’s wife Hermione.” To Hermione she said “Virginia is my only child, rather a burden at times being a working mum and all, but it’s not long before she’s off to Hogwarts. I can finally get back to work without having to worry about her. I believe she’s the same age as your daughter Eleanor is she not? Turning 10 in July?”

“Indeed she is Minister.” Glancing at her watch, she became impatient. “I really must be off. I have to see Harry before we go back to the hospital.” Without another word, she turned and apparated back to her home, the eyes of Virginia still watching the space from where she disappeared.

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