The Slave to Desperate Men

Chapter Four: Miles to Go Before I Sleep, Part Two

The woods are lonely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

(Robert Frost, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening")

The room had been quite changed since its last occupant. A large fireplace and many bookshelves took up one wall, while the opposing wall looked into a courtyard at the center of the Ministry of Magic Headquarters. Family photographs, Muggle trinkets, and cozy furniture made the room feel very much indeed like a living room. Remus found that it resembled the Common Room of Gryffindor Tower a great deal, and had no doubts that the comfort of its interior led to many successful agreements within.

Minister Arthur Weasley was sitting in his usual armchair, files spilling over his lap, a pair of reading glasses perched on his nose. His shoulders were slumped, face ashen. Remus had never seen the man looking so small.

Remus recognized Stephen Noble, head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation standing from the chair next to Arthur, and Phil Basil, a member of the Department of Magical Transportation, standing across from them.

Arthur looked up from his papers. "Thank you, Stephen, Phil. I appreciate your hard work. Just keep chugging, I know you'll come up with something." He stood slowly and shook their hands, nodded at their "Thank you, Minister Weasley"s, and then turned to his staff. "Well, good afternoon."

A collective "Good afternoon, Minister Weasley," followed, and they all found their seats quickly. Joy reentered moments later with a cup of tea for Remus.

"Thank you, Joy."

"You're welcome, Mr. Lupin. And, to avoid any awkward moments, I would like to advise you that I've been instructed to watch you take your pain potion. With your permission, Minister."

Remus's cheeks warmed, and he made a mental note to inform Tia that she had, in fact, been mispronouncing the word 'insouciant' all along and he'd just been too embarrassed to tell her.

"Of course," Arthur clapped his hands and grinned. "Getting old, are you, Remus?"

Remus bit back a retort. It would have to wait until later, when Arthur was no longer the Minister of Magic, but an old friend who was still convinced he'd obtained his high position through sheer luck and circumstance. Remus swallowed the potion quickly and then chased it with a quick sip of tea, thoroughly embarrassed by the concerned/amused glances he was receiving from his colleagues. By sheer will, he managed to keep a tight grimace from his face.

Kingsley leaned over to him and said in a low voice, "I took mine an hour ago."

Remus sighed.

After Joy had taken the empty potion bottle with a wink and left the room, Arthur clapped his hands together once more. "Alright, then, what's our first order of business?"

"You Know Who was killed this evening," Freda pointed out.

Arthur smiled, the first genuine smile that Remus had seen from him in a long while. "Yes! He was! You know, one of my sons was a party to that. Well, two if you count the one who raids my pantry every chance he gets." Arthur winked at Remus. "I'm sure you're having a lovely day, Freda."

"It's a great day for your administration, sir," she said, faking a smile. "Your country loves you."

"Yes, always important."

"Unfortunately, the EP's having a field day with our proposal for an increase in funding for magical schools."

"Thought they would," Arthur said. "They love it, don't they?"

"Gudgeon threw it in the trash and bet his right eye that it would never even make it to committee," Aubrey informed him.

"Well, he's nearly lost that eye once. Guess he's hoping his luck holds," Clyde sniggered. Remus held in a sardonic smile. It seemed the tale of Gudgeon's encounter with the Whomping Willow had not stayed in Hogwarts, after all.

"McPherson and Langdon are struggling, sir. I got a call from Langdon's office this morning - he wants to withdraw consideration before it even gets to the floor." Aubrey leaned back in her chair.

"Can he do that?" Arthur asked. "He wrote the bill."

"Yes, sir."

"And McPherson?"

"We don't know yet. John is having drinks with him later tonight. It's being seen as the next Black Bill, sir," Freda said.

"It was an act, not a bill, and the Black Act was the most significant piece of legislation to pass through the Parliament of Enchantment since the Muggle Protection Act." Lali tossed her hair.

"Yes," Clyde countered, "But not before fourteen re-writes, a near heart attack from Minister Fudge, and an exchange for elevated spending on weapons research, which I am confident that Sirius Black would not have condoned considering our situation at that time."

"Due Process with a price," John said, shaking his head.

"The British people don't want to spend money on education. They want to spend money on a war," Walt said. "Can I go back to my office, now? I'm sure Remus here is more than capable of taking over my job of pointing out the obvious. And I have a few catastrophes to organize."

"Calm down, Walt," Arthur said. "We'll get to you in a moment."

As the conversation continued its path towards education, Remus's mind drifted back to the past three days.

Had it really only been that evening? The killing and the screaming and the smell of his skin burning ... had it really happened?

He thought of what Sirius would say about him sitting in this office, fresh from battle and dealing with the diplomacy of a nation at war. You sod, he heard his friend's voice in his head. The whole world turns upside down and here you're talking about 'press' this and 'policy' that. Should have seen it coming, really.

And Remus wondered, not for the first time, where his Padfoot had gone, and why Remus himself had to be the one left behind to pick up all the pieces of his friends' broken lives. With that thought, his stomach dropped a level with concern for Harry's whereabouts. He'd been practically distraught with worry ever since Harry and Hermione had run off, and Tonks had had to perform two calming charms on him (that he knew about) before he made it to Ministry Headquarters that evening.

He looked at Arthur and repeated Aubrey's question in his head. How did the man do it? One dead for not but two days. One missing. One fleeing to Romania to an overtaken dragon reserve. Three fighting on the front lines in France. And Remus was sure that Arthur had left Percy in the Magical States.

Arthur sat forward and listened intently to Walt's updates on the "Muggle Situation," as they'd come to call it. There had been more Obliviating done in the past two years than in the history of Obliviation, according to Walt. And they'd hardly started.

"Any interesting Muggle news?" Arthur asked John. "Tell me what the Americans are up to."

"Um ...whales, sir." John sheaved through a few parchments.

"Whales?"

"Yes. There are some beached whales. Very big news."

"Ah. Anything we can do about it?"

"Well, they're whales, sir."

"Excellent point. What next?"

"The American President has just signed a very important piece of legislation on corporate fraud. Oh, and Belgium is trying to ban fluoride from toothpaste, sir. The first country to ever do it. Very important."

"Wonderful!"

"And some people were killed in the Middle East."

"Can you be more specific, John?"

"Well, sir, you asked me to stop giving you all the details on this particular situation. You said it was depressing. Sir."

"Yes, so I did. I change my mind."

"Just this morning, a suicide bomber killed himself and wounded four other people in Jerusalem. Israeli troops shot down a Palestinian after he stabbed one of the Jewish settlers in --"

"That will be enough, John."

"They've uncovered some fabulous fossils in Australia. Great big monsters that lived one and half million years ago, and some of them are quite extraordinary, fossil structures never seen before. One of them was a giant kangaroo - three metres tall, if you can believe it, sir."

"Brilliant!"

Remus watched Lali cover a yawn. This was always the Minister's favorite part of their Staff meetings, and they all bore through it as well as they could.

And then on to the environmental legislation being cooked up by the EP. "They want 500 million Galleons to restore all damage done to natural resources due to the war." Regina made a sour face.

Clyde shook his head. "Health care takes precedence."

"They're being pushed from all sides by environmental groups -"

"Not to mention the amount of Muggle problems the damage has been causing," Walt added.

"The Blue Party is convinced that health care is a moot point. They don't think we need the additional funds. And they're ready to get this thing taken care of." Aubrey looked to Arthur. "Sir, they've got the votes."

Lali threw up her hands. "Our own Minister is hardly getting paid a salary and these Nifflers want to spend all our money fixing trees."

"I never thought I'd live to see the day where liberals and conservatives switched sides on environmental issues," Clyde shook his head.

"Well, now that 'liberal' is a four-letter word -"

"As long as we've got sick children and parents who haven't the money to care for them," Arthur interrupted Lali with a glare of caution, "and a population of 20 to 35 year olds sustaining war injuries at 7% per day, health care will remain as our number one priority for government spending. Lali, set up a meeting with the AHCL. Tell them our situation. They need to start pushing harder than the environmental groups. I've got all the Floo records for every witch and wizard on the EP. They can call them at three in the morning if they like. Who's writing the bill?"

"Dobbs and Parkinson," Aubrey said sourly.

Everyone flinched at Parkinson's name. "All right, then, I'll have Joy set up a conference with them at the end of the week. I'd like all of you to be there. With the exception of Remus, Kingsley, and Walt, of course. Clyde, I want you to privately meet with Parkinson a few days before the conference. Soften him up a bit. If it's possible."

"Me?!"

"And take Vance with you."

"Do we need two people?"

"Yes."

"I don't like her. Sir."

"She's a practiced Leglimens and an asset. Take her or I will curse you into the next war." Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose and gave a small smile.

"So it'll be next Wednesday, then, sir?" Freda commented.

Lali frowned. "Oh, much too soon, sir. I would go with the next decent Muggle American President."

"I like the Muggle American President," Clyde exclaimed defensively.

"Yes, you would. Smoking people out of caves - excellent military strategy. I was thinking that maybe we should adopt that in our own tactics. Kingsley?"

"I'll get right on that, Lali."

"Excellent."

"What's next Wednesday?" asked John, quickly changing the subject. Lali's last boyfriend had been American, and a key player in the Muggle President's campaign a couple of years before. When she'd caught the "nasty Republican" in bed with one of her assistants, she'd sworn off anything and everything American. This included Miles Davis, Pragmatism, apple pie, and support for the "land of the fucking free."

As Minister Weasley and the rest of his staff were on quite good terms with the Americans, it was best to steer clear of the topic as best as possible

"It's the Arrows and Wasps game," Walt said, pushing up the sleeves of his cloak. "T'will be most interesting."

"Why?!" Aubrey let out an uncharacteristic squeal. "We've hardly enough people to fight a war. But still, we must play Quidditch, out of season, I might add, and neither team has enough players, yet."

"I think it's a wonderful idea," replied Arthur. "Though, I do wish I could see the Cannons play again."

"The Cannons? Sir, with all due respect ... well, at least that does explain some things," Clyde frowned, shaking his head.

"Moving on, and speaking of the Cannons, it seems my youngest son has been either kidnapped, or is terribly wounded in some corner of Bulgaria."

Any warmth or sense of lightness that the staff had been clinging to with white knuckles and tense laughter left with a rush of exhaled breaths.

"Sir?" Remus asked, his voice breaking.

Arthur pulled out a sheaf of parchment from the small lamp table next to him. With thin lips and red hears, he adjusted his glasses.

After a pause, he began to read.

"Minister Weasley, I am writing this message personally, because I would like to ensure that it reach you at the soonest possible moment. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the murder of Victor Krum, which occurred late last night. It is a hard blow to a nation which is still struggling to keep order in chaos, and to find heroes in the midst of such devastation. While Victor's death weighs most on my mind, I am also concerned about the circumstances of his murder, and the objects found on his person.

"In Victor's hand, we found an identification card with a magical signature that illustrated a symbol resembling a large bird, with one star over its head, and flames at its feet. The card belongs to your son, Ronald Richard Weasley. There was a large amount of blood at the site, and I am sorry to tell you that we've found that most of it belongs not to Victor, but to Ronald. With a small bit of investigating, my ministry has managed to reveal that Victor and your son were last seen asking for the whereabouts of Igor Karkaroff.

"I cannot pretend to understand this mystery, nor can I promise that a thorough investigation will follow. My ministry is quite caught up in the trappings of war, and I greatly apologize for what must seem a grave injustice. However, I would like to assure you that any witch or wizard working for the British Ministry of Magic is welcome in Bulgaria, and are free to investigate as they so choose ...

"And he goes on about Voldemort, and the rumor of his death, etcetera, etcetera. Sincerely, Minister Ivan Oblansk of Bulgaria." Arthur sighed, took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and looked to Remus. "Old friend, please, please tell me we can get my son back."

Remus held out his hand and Arthur handed him the letter, along with a small rectangular card. Ron's Order Identification Card. Remus recognized the emblem immediately, of course. Hermione had drawn it. "A new emblem for a new war," she'd said, showing it to the Order just one day after her leaving Hogwarts. "The star represents Lily Potter's love, which saved us during the first war. The flames represent a rebirth, which will save us during this one." She was holding Ron's hand. "Death isn't enough to stop us. We all love each other too much."

The card was stained with copper smudges and one corner seemed to be burnt off.

"Harry and Hermione have gone to look for him," he said, looking to Arthur. "Seamus Finnigan spoke to Hermione before she left. She said something about a message from Ron. They were going to retrieve it." He watched Arthur for a moment and then asked, "Have you looked at the clock?"

Arthur nodded. "He's traveling."

Remus thought a moment. "We'll find him, Arthur. He's a smart boy. He can hold his own."

"I'll see what I can do on my end," Kingsley said somberly. "We've already got Unspeakables in Bulgaria and Albania. We'll put our feelers out."

"I've already notified Level Nine," Arthur replied with a shake of his head, referring to the Department of Mysteries. "And I've talked to Albus. I've also discussed it with Walt. We've agreed not to involve any Aurors."

Kingsley spluttered. "But, sir -"

Arthur held up his hands. "I'm leaving it up to the Order. Ron knew the risks he was taking when he became an officer for the DA. I won't have the Ministry spending indispensable manpower on a wizard who doesn't even take orders from it."

"Sir, he's a British wizard," Aubrey reasoned. "Whether he's a member of the Order or no -"

"My decision is final," Arthur said, and the tone in his voice made it clear that the discussion was closed. All in the room were visibly upset by the Minister's decision, but none dared to refute it. "I would also like to reiterate that the Ministry does not negotiate with Death Eaters."

"Yes, sir," Aubrey said, quietly.

"I know a hit wizard in Sofia," John said seriously. "I can find out if he's seen anything."

They all looked at him incredulously.

"What?"

"John, you're ...," Lali frowned.

"I'm a writer."

"Ri-ight."

Remus stayed in his chair while the rest of the staff finally filed out of The Living Room, watching his friend as he shook their hands and gave them small words of encouragement.

When the door snicked shut, Arthur returned to his seat and looked out at the artificial night through his windows. Despite the celebrations of Voldemort's death, Magical Maintenance had curiously decided on a sad, quiet drizzle for the evening.

It was Remus who finally spoke, clearing his throat and leaning forward in his chair. "How's Molly?"

Arthur shook his head. "She's just lost a child and a grandchild, Remus."

Remus bowed his head, trying to not be hurt by the hard edge of Arthur's tone.

"She's with Albus," Arthur spoke again, more gently. "At Hogwarts." He pressed pink fingertips to his eyes and Remus watched as the tips of his ears grew red, as the man bit hard at his bottom lip.

Arthur took one loud breath, and then another one. He wiped his face with his hands, and then looked at Remus with tired, red eyes. "Have you heard from Charlie?"

Remus shook his head.

"Right."

Another sigh. "It was Lucius," Arthur said.

"I know."

"Do you remember the first time the Red Party came to me? To speak with the EP, just a few months before Fudge's resignation?"

Remus gave a small smile. "Of course."

"Why do you think they asked me? Bumbling, penniless Arthur Weasley?"

Remus answered immediately. "Because you're Arthur Weasley. People trust you. They see your face and they see themselves. You were a comfort to them. Someone who wouldn't turn to the other side when things got hairy. The perfect party leader during a time of war, if you ask me." He took a sip of his cold tea.

"I've worn out my welcome."

"You no longer need their welcome."

"I'm tired, Remus."

"So is your country."

"Our country needs unity."

Remus sat back and grasped the arms of his chair. "Don't say it, Arthur."

"The Order is becoming a detriment to the authority of the Ministry, Remus. It's become too large, too complex. We cannot have two armies, two centers of command."

"It has worked well thus far."

"There are miscommunications, misunderstandings that we cannot afford. The DA and the Dark Force Defense League are constantly at odds with each other ..."

"Arthur, the Order is in place because the Ministry cannot be trusted. You know this."

"I am the Ministry, and I can be trusted!" Arthur's face had grown red. "No one has talked to me about this, Remus. I've decided upon it on my own."

The two men sat in silence for a long moment, and then Remus stood and placed his hand on Arthur's shoulder. "I understand." A breath. "Get some sleep, Arthur. Good night."

He left the Living Room quietly, and then headed towards his office in order to prepare for the press conference, his thoughts on Harry and the drizzling rain in the Living Room's windows.

End Chapter 4.