Harry Potter and the Summer of the Dementors

Harry had to go back to the main Entrance Hall to return his visitor's pass. He glanced up at the statue. Was it his imagination, or were the goblin, elf and centaur looking a little less sycophantic? And the witch and wizard slightly less smug? To be honest, he couldn't really tell. He took the fireplace back to Grimmauld Place: the kitchen was empty - although gleaming now from the ministrations of Winkie and Dobby.

How to get in touch with Hermione? An owl could make it in time, he supposed. He went upstairs, wrote a short note - well, not that short by the time he'd finished - and dispatched Hedwig. He then thought he'd better find Remus and give him an update.

Remus was busy working on a small job for the twins, which he put to one side as soon as he saw Harry.

"Well, how did it go?"

"Better than I thought," said Harry, sitting down. "I managed to wangle a job at the Ministry!"

"A job?"

"Well, not quite. But Arbuthnot agreed that I could go and shadow people for the summer. And bring Ron and Hermione too."

"That sounds interesting enough."

"Yeah. And Dumbledore and Mr Weasley are coming at nine. Ron and Hermione should be here too. Not a meeting to be missed."

"Sounds good."

"Yeah. I mean, I'd thought of being an Auror - well, this is a chance to find out what it's really like."

"And if you don't like it ..."

"... I can always look at something different. Oh - and something else. Some Dementors seem to be on the loose. But I suppose you know that."

Remus nodded. "That's what led to Fudge being pushed out. You can be wrong only so many times."

"Well, according to Mr Weasley, Arbuthnot's being a ball of fire by comparison."

Remus laughed. "Not difficult. But yeah, I think he's bringing about a lot of changes that people wanted to see. And since Fudge went because of his inaction, I think Arbuthnot wants to be seen as just the opposite."

Harry thought about this. "Yeah, I see what you mean."

"If you want to get to the top of any job, it's not enough to be good at it. You've got to want to get there. And be a good politician too. And there's a fair amount of luck involved too. Being at the right place at the right time. Just like Arbuthnot."

"It's all a bit too much for me at the moment," said Harry.

"Well, seeing the Ministry in action will help. Kingsley - he's got to where he is because he's competent. To get any higher - he'll have to be more than that."

"Okay, okay," said Harry, holding up his hands. "I get the message."

"Which is what?"

"Not only being good but being seen to be good."

"Hmm," said Remus, "that's a good start."

"Right," said Harry, getting to his feet again. "I'll see you at supper."

"Okay."

Up in his room he was too restless to settle to anything. The thought of spending the summer in the Auror's department of the Ministry was too distracting. Would he be any good? What did Aurors do anyway? He paced up and down his room, trying to imagine what it would involve. His mind was so active that he didn't realise how time had passed until he heard Remus yelling upstairs for him to come down for supper.

Even then, he only picked at his food, sitting abstracted at the table, until he realised what poor company he was being for Remus.

"Remus?"

"Yes?"

"What do Aurors actually do?"

Remus looked slightly taken aback for a moment before smiling. "Depends," he said. "Think of it in terms of the Muggle world - a cross between a policeman and a soldier. Oh, with a bit of spy thrown in."

"Is it a worthwhile job?"

"Depends," he said again, "on what you think is worthwhile. Pay's not brilliant, though it's not bad. It can be dangerous, certainly, particularly at a time like this. In ordinary times, not really. The ordinary wizarding laws need policing as well as doing the things like fighting Dark wizards. Although to some extent, they're always with us."

"Right."

"You want to be one - an Auror, that is, not a Dark wizard." It was a statement rather than a question.

"I'm not sure," said Harry, "but I might get an idea when I visit the department tomorrow."

"It's something you're going to have to make up your own mind about," said Remus quietly.

"I know."

Harry glanced at his watch. "Ron and Hermione'll be here soon," he said, pushing his plate away.

"That's all right - I've plenty to do upstairs."

"Would you mind - sitting in with us? We'll use the one of the rooms upstairs."

"No problem," said Remus, surprised again.

"I've the feeling we could do with some good advice."

"I'm not sure I'm the person to give it to you, but I'll do what I can."

"Thanks."

Ron and Hermione arrived within a few minutes of each other, and Harry took them upstairs, where Remus was already ensconced in an armchair.

"Dad told me all about the meeting," said Ron. "He said you pulled a blinder with Arbuthnot!"

Ron threw himself down in a chair and stretched his long legs out in front of him. Hermione settled herself rather more tidily in another.

"Maybe," said Harry, as he too sat down. "Well, it was more that I took my chances whilst I could."

"He said you've got us in the Ministry!"

Hermione looked up with interest. "Doing what?"

"What you might call 'work experience'," Harry told her.

"Anything particular?"

"I think I'm going to shadow Kingsley for a few days."

Hermione looked across to Ron. "What about us?"

"What do you want to do?"

Hermione stared at him. "Anything we like?"

"Well, up to a point. Mr Weasley'll arrange things."

"I'd like to see what Aurors do too," said Ron immediately.

Hermione was silent for a moment. Then "What I'd really like to do ..." Her voice tailed off, and the others looked at her. She flushed slightly. "I know you'll all laugh, but what I'd really like to do is go through all the Ministry archives."

Ron rolled his eyes upwards. "Archives!" he said.

Hermione muttered something that sounded very much like "Boys!"

Remus smiled slightly. Harry didn't know what to say.

"I mean," she went on, "the Dementors. No one seems to know much about them. Okay, we can scare them off with a Patronus charm. But we need to do much more than that. I don't know - find some way of making them harmless. Or even," she bit her lip, "killing them." Her voice faltered slightly with this. Then, more firmly: "And we can't do that until we know more about them. Who knows what's hidden away in old papers?"

"That's one of the best ideas I've heard for a long time," said Remus quietly. "The Dementors pose a threat to all of us - wizards and muggles alike - and the sooner someone gets a handle on them, the better."

Ron looked startled at Remus's endorsement of Hermione's idea, but Harry could see the sense in what she was saying. After all, who were Voldemort's greatest allies at the moment other than the Dementors? Hermione had the sense to say nothing.

Harry thought he'd better change the subject. "What time does your father go into work, Ron?"

"Er - it used to be about nine - but the last couple of days it's been about half past seven."

"We'd better be at your place at about quarter past, then."

Ron groaned. "I haven't been up before ten for the past week!"

Hermione looked disapproving but had the sense to say nothing.

"Going to be some early mornings then," said Remus lightly. Harry smiled to himself.

"I suppose," muttered Ron, sinking lower in his chair.

Harry yawned deliberately and elaborately. "If we've got to be up that early, seems an early night is called for, don't you think?"

Ron gave him a disgruntled look.

Hermione, however, rose to her feet. "Quite right, Harry. And thanks for arranging all this."

"I'm sure Ron's dad put in a good word for us."

"Even so - thanks again."

"No problem."

Hermione cast an eye at Ron, who seemed to have embedded himself firmly into the armchair. "Well, I shall see you both at the Burrow at seven tomorrow."

"Quarter past," mumbled Ron, as Hermione disappeared with the faintest of pops.

Remus looked amused as Harry looked ostentatiously at his watch. Ron hoisted himself slowly to his feet.

"S'pose you want rid of me too," he grumbled.

"Not really," said Harry. "I'll be seeing enough of you tomorrow. But I've had a long day, and I'm knackered."

"Fair enough," said Ron with a sudden smile, and with a pop not much louder than Hermione's, he too disappeared.

Remus looked at Harry. "He's been practicing that as well."

"Yeah," said Harry with a slight smile.

But what he'd said to Ron was true: it had been a long day, and he was more than ready for bed.

He woke early next morning: he had slept well, but he was conscious that he'd been having vivid dreams that were now fading fast. Not like the dreams of the past; fairly normal dreams, even if bizarre enough. But he couldn't drag them back into his mind. Never mind. He threw the duvet aside and climbed out of bed. At this time of the year the sun was well above the horizon, even if it was only six o'clock.

He hurried for a shower then, towelling himself dry, he looked into his wardrobe. What to wear for the first day at the Ministry? And why was he suddenly worried about what he wore? Well, he told himself, at an attempt at rationalisation, he needed to make a good impression. Which was true enough. Frowning, he selected a white shirt with faint blue stripes, black trousers, and a black cloak. Businesslike enough, he thought.

Dobby wasn't around - and at that time of morning, he didn't want him disturbed - so he quickly made himself tea and toast. He looked at his watch. Ten to seven. Ah well. He went back up to his room for his wand and some money, then stood in the middle of the room, and thought hard.

"Harry!" screamed Mrs Weasley. "You gave me a real fright. You shouldn't do that!"

"What?" asked Harry innocently.

"Apparate so quietly. Honestly, first Hermione, then Ron has to start doing it, and now you. You'll all just showing off!" Harry gave a small grin. "Here," she said, pushing something towards him, "there's no chance of Ron being on time. You might as well have this."

She thrust a plate of bacon and eggs towards him.

"Umm, thanks, Mrs Weasley."

He was hungry enough not to refuse a second breakfast.

Just as he was tucking in, there was another very faint pop and Hermione appeared.

"Look, you two," said Mrs Weasley irately, "if you Apparate into this house again, do it with some warning! I'm sick and tired of people just appearing like that."

"Yes, Mrs Weasley," said Hermione contritely.

Harry caught her eye and gave her a small smile.

"You'd better have this," Mrs Weasley said, thrusting another plate at Hermione.

Preferring not to argue, she took the plate, joined Harry at the table, and started pushing the food around her plate. Harry gave her another small smile. Mrs Weasley, however, turned back to the stove and to her muttering. After a minute or so, she threw down the fork in her hand, and turned towards the stairs, disappearing with great heavy thumps. There was the sound of thunderous knockings, shouting from Mrs Weasley, yelps from Ron, then the slamming of a door - hard. Mrs Weasley re-appeared, breathing hard. Noises could be heard from upstairs, until a bleary eyed Ron came stumbling down. Mrs Weasley thrust a plate and cup at him. Without a word, he sat down and started attacking his food. This brought another tirade from Mrs Weasley.

"Ron! How many times have I told you? Don't eat like a savage."

There was a slight slowing of the movement of food from plate to face.

Mr Weasley came quietly down the stairs and stood beaming in the middle of the room.

"Harry! Hermione! How nice to see you!"

They both smiled and said good morning.

"Well, are we ready? We're going to Apparate to my office."

"Your new one?" asked Hermione.

"That's right. Do you know where it is?" Hermione shook her head, and Mr Weasley gave her details. "Are we all ready then?"

Ron stood up, gulping his tea.

"No, we're not," said Mrs Weasley sharply. "Ron! Get upstairs, brush your hair, and get a decent cloak."

Ron was wearing just jeans and a tee shirt. He looked daggers at his mother, then decided it was better not to argue. He turned and disappeared, then came back looking marginally better. Mrs Weasley stepped forward, and despite his anguished cries of "Mum!", started straightening him up and tucking his shirt in. Finally she stepped back.

"It's not you I'm doing it for," she said grimly, "but for your father's sake. If you've got to appear in public together ..."

"I'm sure other people have teenage sons, Molly," said Mr Weasley mildly.

Mrs Weasley muttered something semi-audibly along the lines of: "Not ones like this!"

"So then," said Mr Weasley, "everyone ready? After me then."

He Disapparated quietly, followed quickly by Hermione who made a slightly loud pop than usual. Harry caught Ron's eye - he didn't think that Ron had said anything intelligible yet this morning - and they disappeared together.

To find Mr Weasley and Hermione standing by the desk. A very smart desk, Harry noticed, though the calendar on the wall behind was still advertising muggle motorcars.

"Now," said Mr Weasley, "I've bypassed security because I've arranged these special passes for you. You must keep them on you at all times when you're in the Ministry itself, and for heaven's sake don't lose them, or there'll be hell to pay. Remember that, Ron."

Ron muttered something like, "Why me?"

"Do you really think Hermione will loose hers?" Ron gave a shrug. "And Harry has shown himself responsible enough in the past."

"Haven't I?"

"Yes, Ron. But you're not doing a very good imitation of it at the moment. So, all of you, put them round your necks." The small cards were on a chain, and they each looped them over their heads. "The cards will respond automatically to a challenge - not that I think you're going to challenged by anyone. But, just in case.

"Now, Hermione," Mr Weasley glanced at his watch, "the Archivist is expecting you about now. He's on the sixth floor, room 403."

Hermione nodded. "Should I go now?"

"Might as well."

"Okay. And thank you very much for organising this, Mr Weasley."

"Oh, don't thank me, thank Harry here. He sweet talked the Minister into it."

"But I'm sure you helped," said Hermione diplomatically.

"A little. Now, then, he'll be waiting for you."

Hermione nodded again, and disApparated almost soundlessly.

"Now, you two," said Mr Weasley, turning to the boys. "Kingsley's going to be looking after you, but the Aurors' department's really rather busy at the moment, so you may find yourselves kicking your heels from time to time. And, Harry, I know you too well to imagine that you'd use your ... special status to gain attention when people are busy."

The gentlest of advice. Harry couldn't help grinning back. "You mean - don't abuse my pull with the Minister?"

"Something like that. Not that you would, I'm sure. Remember that they are genuinely busy people."

"Of course."

"They don't like people Apparating directly into the department, so you'll have to find your way there by old fashioned feet. You know where it is?" Harry nodded. "Right then. You'd best not be late. Off you go."

They made for the door. Outside, they found themselves in a corridor.

"This way," said Harry.

As they walked along, a figure came sweeping round the corner. Ron and Harry flattened themselves against the wall as the tall figure of Arbuthnot loomed up.

"Morning, Harry. Morning, Ron."

"Good morning, Minister."

"Your father looking after you all right?" he asked Ron, stopping. Harry noticed they were almost exactly the same height.

"Yes, thank you," said Ron, in his first coherent sentence of the day.

"Good, good." He turned to Harry. "Things sorted?"

"Thanks."

"Where's Hermione?"

Harry smiled. "She decided to go off and delve through the archives."

Arbuthnot's eyebrows rose. "Really?"

"She wants to track down all she can on Dementors."

Arbuthnot's eyebrows rose higher. "Oh?"

"Well, all we've got is the Patronus charm. She wants to find out more about them, find out what else we can tackle them with."

"I always thought that girl should be in Ravenclaw." Ron and Harry glared at him. "Well, the Sorting Hat usually gets it right. Usually."

"Too good for Ravenclaw," said Ron dismissively. Harry kicked him. "Oh! Er, I didn't mean ..."

"Of course not," said Arbuthnot. "Well, I'd better be letting you two get along."

He smiled at the two of them and strode away down the corridor again.

"Phew," said Ron. "Just like me to put my foot in it."

"You weren't to know. And besides, he was only pulling our legs."

"Yeah, well, maybe."

The door to the Aurors' Department was not that impressive: as they stood outside it, Harry looked at Ron.

"Do we knock?"

"Dunno."

Their problem was solved by a voice behind them.

"Hello, can I help?"

They turned: a small smiling witch was standing behind them. She looked at the two boys, and then her eyes widened as she saw who she was talking to. Oh, no, thought Harry. But she recovered and said: "Oh, yes, Kingsley did mention something yesterday. Come on in. I'm Phoebe MacIntyre, by the way."

"Ron Weasley."

She looked at him assessingly, then nodded.

"And that's Harry," added Ron unnecessarily.

"Right, well, let's find Kingsley."