"Are we then all agreed?" Orion asked quietly, but forcefully, as he surveyed Cygnus Black, Romulus Malfoy, and Harry Ashworth across the table. The four were seated around a large banquet table located in a private dining room. The innkeeper, whose obscure Welsh pub had been selected by Orion for the meeting, had graciously allowed the small party to occupy his large dining room during the afternoon hours.
Harry quickly nodded, though he felt incredibly nervous. They had been discussing how the Ministry, under the direction of Cygnus Black, could best cope with Voldemort and his followers. Harry did not feel qualified to be involved in such a discussion, but he had done his best to provide the wisest counsel he could. He of all people knew what was at stake.
Orion accepted Harry's nod as if it had been expected. He then turned his attention to his brother. "Cygnus?"
"It sounds all right, Orion," the Minister-elect said quietly. "It's just that… I don't feel prepared to shoulder this responsibility. Surely Professor Dumbledore is qualified. Perhaps I should step down and suggest that Dumbledore be installed as Minister."
Orion was already shaking his head. "Professor Dumbledore has always shunned a direct involvement in politics. Furthermore, the movement against Tom needs to be moderate. You are in the best position to do what needs to be done. We have already talked about all of that."
Harry suppressed a sigh. Perhaps Cygnus had not been the best choice for Minister. Orion would have been far more competent, though he had not had a good chance to be elected. They had spent just as much time bolstering the self-esteem of Cygnus as they had spent on making plans to stop Voldemort.
"All right, let's do it," Cygnus said, sounding very confident, though Harry knew how unconfident he truly was.
Orion smiled at his brother and then looked down the table at Romulus. The Malfoy patriarch was distractedly sipping on his fifth glass of firewhiskey. "Romulus? Are we agreed?"
There was no answer.
"Romulus!"
Romulus looked toward the other three. "Yes, yes. It's what must be done, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," Orion said.
"Of course," Romulus muttered, again focusing his attention on his private thoughts.
"Good," Orion said. "Cygnus, I'm sure you have important business to which you need to attend, so we'll disperse."
Cygnus nodded and stood. "I'll let you know how things stand with the department heads, Orion. If things are not well, I'll need your help."
"Of course," Orion said.
As soon as Cygnus had apparated away, Orion took Harry by the shoulder. "We need to have a few words, Mr. Ashworth." He glanced at Romulus. "But perhaps the hall outside this room would be best. I think Romulus needs some time alone."
The two made their way out of the room and into the cramped hall that connected to the main taproom of the inn. Orion drew his wand and performed a number of spells to ensure their privacy. "Now, Mr. Ashworth, as you will have noted earlier, we will likely need you to assume a position of minor authority in the Ministry come summer. If Professor Slughorn makes a recovery prior to the beginning of the fall term at Hogwarts, that position may become somewhat long-term."
"Okay," said Harry.
"It will be hard for the Ministry to employ you with forged, Australian identity documents."
"What do you suggest I do, then?" Harry asked.
"Hand over the forged documents to me, and I'll arrange for British versions to be officially forged for you," Orion said.
"How about I give you the necessary information, and I keep the forged documents?" Harry asked.
Orion smiled faintly. "Clever. I suppose that will be all right, Ashworth."
"I'll send you an owl, then," Harry said. "Was that all?"
"No, Mr. Ashworth. I must know some things about you."
"Oh?"
"Do you have romantic feelings for Bellatrix?" Orion asked.
Harry smiled. "I can't really say that I do," he said.
"Why not?"
Harry shrugged, trying to find a way to explain how he felt. His memories of the older, evil Bellatrix had predisposed him against romance with her, though time with the teenage Bellatrix had worn down his horror at the thought. Now, it was just that he didn't regard her as a potential romantic partner. His mind finally landed on a suitable reply. "Well, she's a student, isn't she?" Harry said. "All I can say is that I haven't looked at Bellatrix from a romantic perspective." That should do it, Harry thought.
"What happens when she leaves Hogwarts?" Orion asked.
Harry shrugged. "I don't know."
"Not only will she be fair game, Mr. Ashworth, but she will undoubtedly be following you around. You won't get rid of her easily, my young friend." Orion said.
"I suppose you're right," Harry said. "I have a hard time seeing my future completely devoid of acquaintance with Bellatrix." It was true. As long as the dispute with Voldemort continued, he would be drawing on her for support, and vice-versa. And then, theoretically, if the dispute were to end quickly, who would be around for Harry to hang around with? Bellatrix. Maybe the patriarchs, but what would he talk about with them? Harry didn't know anyone else-or at least no one knew Harry very well. Maybe I ought to start expanding my circle of friends, Harry thought.
"I'm sure that in the place from where you originate, wherever that may be, you are accustomed to a more modern view of certain social interactions, Ashworth." Orion said slowly. "However, have you ever considered an arranged marriage?"
"Err, no," said Harry. "Not really."
....
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