Harry's Future

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

"Well, sir, your recent, how shall we say, indisposition has been inconvenient but we've been able to work around it," Maxwell said. 

He was sitting across from Harry in his study in the Black house. Harry had decided that he could use a few hours each day getting back up to speed with what was going on in the Ministry. Maxwell was there to brief Harry on how the first group of Patrollers was doing. 

"We pushed off the start of training to the beginning of February and it's been mostly physical training, some charms and wand work. We start foot patrols in two weeks. Two recruits teamed with an Auror." 

"Who do you have in line as the trainers for that," Harry asked. 

He was finally able to hold a conversation but his voice was still on the quiet side. His physical strength was returning but he wasn't about to try anything magical for a while if he could avoid it. Kreacher and Ginny were both adamant on that point anyway so it wasn't likely to come up anytime soon. 

"Here's the rotation schedule, sir." 

Harry looked over the list of names and nodded. 

"I'd like to be able to talk to them before they start. Let's schedule something for next week. We can do it here. I think we can fit them in the dining room with a little rearranging." 

"We can do that. Oh, Milligan will be here this afternoon with a report on what they've found in and around that bunker. It's pretty strange stuff and these days that's saying something. But I'll let him go over it with you. That's all I have for you today, sir. Anything you need from us?" Maxwell asked. 

"Just pass on my apologies to the recruits and tell them I'll be in to see them as soon as I can." 

"Yes, sir." 

Maxwell stood up and with a nod turned around to leave the room. As he went through the door into the corridor Harry heard him say, 

"Ma'am." 

"Mr. Maxwell," came Ginny's rather cool reply. 

Harry winced a bit. He was well aware of how Ginny felt about Maxwell after the revelation that he was one of the Aurors that Abagail had 'overheard' commenting about how sorry Harry would be that he didn't take up teaching or Quidditch for a living. Her dislike for the man manifested itself in cold correctness whenever their paths crossed. 

When she came into the room the tightness around her eyes and the set of her lips broadcast her displeasure. 

"Hello, love," Harry said warmly, trying to dispel her chilly attitude. 

"Good morning, sweetheart," she replied, her answering grin warming her expression considerably. 

She walked over to Harry and bent down to give him a kiss. From the way she was dressed it was obvious to Harry that she had just arrived from Holyhead. She had been gone three days for matches. 

"How are you feeling, Harry? These meetings aren't taxing you are they?" she asked. 

"No, dear. I'm fine. In fact, its better this way. I don't feel so bloody useless. In fact, Milligan is coming this afternoon to give me a rundown on what they've figured out about all this. Should prove interesting since we haven't been able to pry anything out of Charlie." 

"Yeah, he's being such a brat. You'd think he'd be able to trust his own family," she said rolling her eyes. 

Harry just smiled and then a thought occurred to him. Actually it had reoccurred to him several times in the past but he always got distracted by something else.