Several Miles from the Sun

CHAPTER EIGHT: THE MINISTRY

The news of how Regulus had "saved" Harry had reached everybody in the Order, and while most of them were indifferent towards the event, a few had looked upon Regulus in a new light, especially Mrs Weasley.

They had gathered for another large lunch, when she hustled over to him, surprising him by giving him a rather hard poke in the ribs. "You're looking much too thin. Hasn't Dobby been feeding you? Don't tell me you're relying on that Kreacher, are you? Not a reliable house-elf, no matter what family you're from!" she continued, ignoring Regulus's flustered looks.

"If it weren't for you, Harry might be dead now," Mrs Weasley added, almost adoringly.

"He wouldn't be dead," Regulus muttered, grabbing a seat and setting it next to Hermione.

Harry raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Regulus knew his tactic of distraction had made the boy slightly aware of his future moves, but ignored it.

"You really cannot live by yourselves," Mrs Weasley said to Harry as she bustled around the kitchen, flicking her wand to pull out pots and pans. "You're probably not eating healthy, and it's not good to be here all this time. You must come to the Burrow next weekend. At least there, you can have a good walk in the fresh air."

The twins bustled in, quickly shoving suspicious-looking items into their many pockets. They were followed by Bill and Fleur. A few minutes after, Remus and Tonks were the last to come in, with a whistling Ginny trailing behind.

"Who's guarding Azkaban these days?" Harry asked Tonks as Ginny sat next to him, staring determinedly at her plate.

"Aurors," Tonks answered. "It's a bit livelier now, what with the Dementors all gone. The Ministry is always trying to send more people there."

Remus looked at Harry curiously. "Why do you ask?"

"I want to have a word with Lucius Malfoy," Harry answered. "Better, I want to have a word with his memories."

Hermione dropped her fork, as Regulus next to her started. "You think Malfoy has information that would be useful? Harry, he didn't even know about the Horcrux he was carrying around," she said.

"Perhaps not then, but when Voldemort punished him, something must have slipped." Hermione did not fail to see how Harry carefully glanced at Regulus, before turning back to her. "I'm positive there must be something."

"It's going to be very hard to get into Azkaban," Regulus pointed out. "More so to get Malfoy's memories."

"He certainly won't volunteer them away," Tonks agreed. "And the only way you can legally get into Azkaban is with a signed permission by the Minister--or if you're an Auror, and even then it's a bit tricky."

"I think I know how to get into Azkaban, but I need a way to get the memories," Harry said.

"Extracting them by force is unethical," Hermione piped up.

"But perhaps the best option in this case," said Ron, spearing a potato with emphasis.

Hermione looked as though she was going to answer back, but merely took a drink of water and continued to eat. Remus looked pensive, and Mrs Weasley tried to brighten the meal by changing the subject.

"What about using Felix Felicis?" Ginny finally said. "It worked for us, didn't it?"

"That... could work," Harry agreed.

"But it takes ages to prepare it," Hermione said. "And unless we can find someone who already has a batch made--which I doubt--can you really rely on luck? I mean, at least Professor Slughorn liked you."

"But he didn't even give Dumbledore the memory, Hermione," Ron added, suddenly agreeing with the idea. "I think Harry should try it again."

"You can't go to Azkaban alone, though," Remus said firmly. "And I would like to know just how exactly you expect to get permission. If you plan on breaking in...."

"We have to work fast," interrupted Harry. "Once we get news of Hagrid and Grawp, we need to destroy that Horcrux immediately. Ron, I want you to go in my place."

Ron beamed proudly. However, Hermione felt that these plans had already been discussed between them, and she had been left out.

"And what will you be doing in the mean time?" Mrs Weasley asked suspiciously.

"I will be having a word with the Minister of Magic," said Harry, grinning slyly. "I'll be taking Hermione and, well, after a few good disguise charms, Regulus."

Regulus looked surprised, as did the rest of the table.

"Regulus?" Ginny demanded, while the twins snorted.

"Harry, are you sure that's the best option?" Bill asked.

"Regulus found out about the first Horcrux on his own. I think he might be useful," Harry insisted. "Plus, it'll give him a chance to get out a bit. We know what happened to--" He suddenly became quiet and decided that the food arranged on his plate was extremely interesting. Ginny patted his hand nervously.

"I don't think I like the idea of you being in the Ministry unguarded, either," Remus said. "And since I feel I know where this is going, I don't think you should do it. Promising yourself to the Ministry--"

"He makes it sound like Harry's about to give his virginity away," muttered Fred under his breath.

"--puts you in a compromising position," ended Remus, flushing slightly, but acting as if he hadn't heard Fred.

"Sometimes we have to sacrifice," Harry said coldly.

"We do have contacts in the Ministry," Hermione added softly. "I think we can handle this." She wasn't quite sure what Harry wanted to do, but she was willing to support him all the way. That was what she had promised, wasn't it?

"Why don't we just finish our meal, and then we can discuss this properly," Mrs Weasley said, putting an end to the upcoming comment Remus was about to say.

*

Hermione found Harry and Ron in the former's room. Ron had his head buried under the pillow and was muttering something, only stopping when Harry gave a chirpy, "Hi, Hermione!"

"Harry, do you really think the Ministry is going to grant you permission to go to Azkaban?" Hermione asked, sitting next to Ron on the bed. Harry was sprawled on the floor, a book she didn't recognise opened before him.

"I'm just giving them what they want," said Harry. "Equivalent trade, right?"

After bringing back a dead person, Hermione thought, equivalent trade was a rule they were well familiar with.

"Why aren't you asking Regulus for his memories?" Hermione continued. "I mean, after all, we know for a certainty that he has more knowledge on the Horcruxes than Malfoy could."

"We talked about it," Harry said, acknowledging Ron, "and we thought it might be best if we let Regulus volunteer his memories instead of taking them. However, if time runs short...."

Once again, Hermione felt that prickling jealousy of being left out from something important. "Well, I think you shouldn't be wasting your time by mixing around with the Ministry. Instead you should be earning Regulus' trust. Despite everything, he is a valuable ally."

Hermione vaguely noticed that Ron had flushed a violent red colour, but she couldn't tell why. He was glaring viciously at his fingers, and Harry sighed.

"Let's try Malfoy first, Hermione," the seventeen-year-old leader of the Order said. "I'm sure Voldemort must have let something slip when Malfoy was being punished. Nobody's perfect. And, perhaps, a visit to the Ministry will shake Regulus a bit."

"Yes, plus there's always Veritaserum for Regulus," said Ron, as though he were suggesting a hanging, with glee.

"You can't use that on Regulus. It's illegal," Hermione said.

"You mean unethical." Ron sneered slightly.

"No, illegal. Just like it was illegal to use it on Sirius. They're both allergic. Regulus told me," Hermione explained. "And the Ministry clearly states that anybody who is allergic to Veritaserum is exempt from taking it. No exceptions." Seeing the incredulous look on Ron's face, she added, "You can ask Mr Weasley. I checked it with him first. I'm not stupid."

"We didn't say you were," Harry said amiably, but Ron was still pouting.

*

The people who worked in the Ministry had seen many things in their lives, but the sight before them left them slightly speechless, as aeroplane memos crashed against their foreheads in desperation.

The Boy-Who-Lived had entered the Ministry grounds, even after the Minister had spent two days blowing things up in anger because of Dumbledore. Harry Potter, dressed - once again much to everybody's surprise - in a presentable business suit; his hair still wild and his glasses firmly placed upon his nose, strode down the hallway, ignoring everybody's gaping mouths, with two people in tow.

The first was someone they knew: Hermione Granger, as her picture appeared in the Daily Prophet. She was dressed, like Harry, in Muggle attire that consisted of a trouser suit in a boring shade of professional black. Her hair was in a tight bun, and she followed Harry with a more nervous gait.

The first two looked like children playing dress up, even though their image was convincing, and whispers had already started among the floors. Tonks, trying to stare at her paperwork instead, couldn't help but shoot Kingsley an amused grin.

The third person was not, as everyone might have assumed, Ronald Weasley, but someone completely unknown to them. He was a tall blond, dressed, for a change, in dark blue robes. He strode with a certain immodest confidence, staring at nothing except the back of Harry's head.

The trio walked past the people, into the lift, closing it before anyone else could join them. No one dared to; they were too busy Floo-ing their friends to tell them the news.

"Well, that was slightly exciting," Hermione said, grinning. "Quite an entrance, Harry."

"Give them something to talk about. We want the details to reach the Minister before we do," Harry said, but he, too, looked surprised at the results.

The blond scratched his hair and then quickly re-tidied it. "Why did I have to be a blond?" he moaned.

"Well, why not?" Harry asked.

Regulus, because it was indeed him, rolled his eyes, but became quiet as the lift opened onto the correct floor.

Waiting for them was a tall, red-haired man, face filled with freckles, and a sense of impatience upon him.

"Percy," Harry acknowledged with a slight bow of the head.

"I didn't know you were bringing a guest, Mr Potter," Percy said coldly, eyeing Regulus suspiciously. "I didn't know you were coming at all."

"Percy, allow me to introduce to you Mr Raúl Blanco, reporter for La Estrella," Hermione said smugly.

"Mr Blanco," Percy said, suddenly turning polite at the mention of the press. "I do not believe I've heard of your newspaper. Are you settled in the area?"

Regulus, much to both Harry and Hermione's surprise, managed to pull off a perfect Spanish accent as he said, in slightly broken English, "No, not yet, señor. We have stations in Madrid, por supuesto, as well as Versailles and Milan. We are beginning to expand our paper here in London."

"Excellent place to start," Percy assured him. "The Ministry is waiting. Please follow him."

Hermione gave Regulus a slight grin, as they walked down the hallway towards Scrimgeour's office.

"Minister," said Percy as he opened the door, "Mr Potter, Miss Granger and Mr Blanco to see you."

Scrimgeour looked up from his paperwork, which had hastily been put together in order to provide him with an image of a man who had just been interrupted. "Ah, thank you, Percy. You may leave now. Mr Potter, I must say this is a surprise."

Harry did not wait to be invited to sit down, and immediately took a place across from the Minister. It had been planned like that. Regulus had told Harry exactly how to behave, how to show off his power.

"I never was able to pull it off," Regulus had said miserably. "But my father, he was a master at it."

"Mr Blanco, is it?" Scrimgeour asked, eyeing Regulus. "I'm afraid we have not properly been introduced."

Regulus, who had taken the only other seat next to Harry (Hermione was left standing, but that was how it had been planned), reached over to shake the Minister's hand.

"Mr Blanco for La Estrella, Ministro. A pleasure to be here, of course," said Regulus, looking slightly nervous for the first time.

"Now, Harry," said Scrimgeour, "what can I do for you? I thought you were never going to set foot in here."

"I have a ...business proposition," and Harry began to explain his need to get into Azkaban, merely saying that he would like a word or two with Malfoy.

Hermione, who was hardly needed, glanced out the large window. It was a bright and sunny day. She listened carefully to Scrimgeour's comments.

"In exchange," Harry continued, "a dazzling article on how the Boy Wonder spent over an hour talking with the Minister of Magic, and both came out looking very pleased with their results--providing, of course, that I am pleased with the results."

Once again it pained Hermione to see how callous Harry had become. He was a business man already; a born leader. She couldn't help but wonder if this change in personality was for the best.

"Ah," said Scrimgeour knowingly at Regulus. "I take it you're to be the fine reporter behind that masterpiece."

"Mr Potter's parents and I go back quite a bit," said Regulus in ironic truth. "It is a favour."

"A favour?" asked Scrimgeour.

"Well," Regulus admitted with a slight business-like tone, "there are benefits, of course. Imagine the first issue of the paper to begin with 'Minister and Potter Talk Tactics'."

"Indeed, indeed," agreed Scrimgeour, his wide smile giving him the impression of a well-fed lion.

"Quid pro quo, as they say?" Harry said.

Hermione bit back a snort. She had given him that line.

The Minister pretended to ponder over the decision. He looked at Harry, then at Regulus, then back at Harry. "Will this leave open a possibility that you will firmly entrust yourself to the Ministry?"

Harry lied, "Yes. If everything should go well, there are good odds."

Scrimgeour stood up, a signal that the conversation was over. "Well, then, Harry, I do believe we have a deal." He shook the boy's hand. "Shall I owl you the permission slip? I don't believe I have your address."

"I'll come fetch it tomorrow personally," Harry said. "Raúl, the article should be ready by the end of the week?"

"Claro, señor," Regulus answered promptly. He gave a short bow to the Minister and followed Hermione out of the office, leaving Harry behind.

"I'm glad you've come to your senses, Harry," Scrimgeour said. "It will help bring a bit of peace of mind to the community."

Harry gave a sharp laugh, and left the Minister to himself.

*

"I can't believe we got away with it," Hermione said as they caught the train. They were still dressed in their suits, with the exception of Regulus whose robes had been transfigured by Hermione into a normal pair of slacks and a warm shirt.

"It won't be that easy," Regulus said, still blond. "He'll probably have watch guards all over you when you enter."

"That's what the Felix Felicis is for," Harry answered, feeling incredibly pleased with himself. "Now, about that article?"

"No problem," Hermione assured him. "I've already spoken with Rita Skeeter. She'll write the article herself, pretend she bought it off Mr Raúl Blanco, and have it published in the Prophet. Scrimgeour won't care less, and we haven't broken our deal."

"You're brilliant, Hermione," said Harry.

Hermione blushed.

"How does it feel to be out in the world again, Raúl?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.

Regulus grinned. "Things have changed since I was, er, last here in London. But the ambience is the same; that feeling of dread and despair." He suddenly became quiet, and looked interested in the scenery.

Harry and Hermione shrugged. "Hagrid's coming this afternoon," Harry continued, lowering his voice. "Ron's all ready to go. It should be a quick job, right? Nothing... nothing bad will..." He trailed off uncomfortably.

Hermione knew he was remembering about Dumbledore and how Voldemort's ring had weakened him. She gave Harry's arm a reassuring squeeze, and changed the topic to Charlie's upcoming visit.

*

Regulus' hair had been changed back to its dark colour. He had locked himself up in his room, while Harry briefed the Order on his small victory with the Ministry. Hermione had gone to have tea with Rita Skeeter, and discuss the privileges she would have over the article. "I'll tell her to go wild," Hermione had said quickly before leaving, accompanied by Bill.

Regulus scratched the Phoenix tattoo; it tended to itch a lot. His mirror made little comments, and he preferred it that way. Being outside for the first time had been so invigorating, even if he had been in disguise as a Spaniard. He wished he could be out more, but Potter would never allow it. And, as the tattoo constantly reminded him, Regulus was supposed to be his little lapdog.

Regulus slipped under the sheets of his bed. He was tired, but not quite sleepy. Hermione had done nothing but praise him on his performance with the Ministry, but she didn't know how exhausting it had been. He was so nervous, frightened even, that he would be found out and sent to some laboratory. Furthermore, he was afraid about what effect the Magical World had on him now.

He felt incredibly incomplete.