𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 | draco malfoy [6]

𝐗𝐈𝐈. ICY CHRISTMAS

"So what do you think he's doing, then, Giovanna?" Lupin asked lightly.

"I think we'd be a bit daft if we ignored the fact that he's up to something. Something that doesn't benefit our side of the war." I looked to Harry. "And I don't really trust Snape either, but I trust Dumbledore."

The only sound left as everyone mulled over their own thoughts was the fire crackling in the fireplace.

Christmas day came as a shock when we saw Percy Weasley walking up to the house, alongside the Minister of Magic. The new one- Rufus Scrimgeour. Fudge had been sacked, much to Harry and I's delight.

To no surprise, the Minister clearly wished to have a few words with Harry and I. We followed him outside cautiously, assuring Mr. Weasley and Lupin we were find, who'd both stood to walk with us.

The Minister was quiet for a moment as Harry and I walked with him through the Burrow's backyard. "I've been wanting to meet you two for a very long time. Did you know that?"

"No," Harry and I answered truthfully.

"Oh, yes, for quite some time now. But Dumbledore has been very protective of the both of you. Natural, of course, after what you've both been through... especially with the events at the Ministry..."

"Yeah, well, someone had to take some action," I said bitterly. "Merlin know you lot at the Ministry weren't doing a thing."

The Minister frowned, but continued on. "The rumors that have flown around, though, eh? We all know how these stories get distorted; whispers of a prophecy... of you two being the 'Chosen Ones'. I assume Dumbledore has discussed these matters with you two?"

I kept my mouth shut, refusing to tell the Ministry anything after the way they acted last year. Harry was silent too, before saying, "Yeah, we've discussed it."

"And what has Dumbledore told you, Potters?"

"Sorry, but that's between us," I snapped. 

"Of course, of course," The Minister said, eyeing me. "In any case, does it really matter whether you're the 'Chosen Ones' or not?"

"We don't really know what you mean, Minister," Harry answered for the both of us. I shared a look with him.

"To the Wizarding community at large, it's all perception, isn't it? It's what people believe that's important. People believe you two are the 'Chosen Ones', you see. The think you both to be quite the heroes. Which, of course, you are, chosen or not! To keep everyone hopeful, you two might consider it, well, almost a duty, to stand alongside the Ministry, and give everyone a boost."

"I consider it no duty of mine to ever stand alongside the Ministry," I scowled.

"Dolores Umbridge has told me that you two cherish the ambition to become Aurors. Well, that could be arranged very easily.."

"I have no desire to be an Auror. I'll be continuing on as a Quidditch player. Far from the Ministry I daresay," I felt anger growing inside me. "Dolores Umbridge, did you say?" I looked down and saw the words I must not tell lies still scarred white on my hand.

"So basically, you'd like to give the impression that Giovanna and I are working for the Ministry?" Harry asked, and I could tell he was angry as well.

"It would give everyone a lift to think you two were more involved, Harry," Scrimgeour said, hoping to break through to at least him. 

"But if we keep running in and out of the Ministry," Harry said, the shadow of a smirk on his face, "won't that seem as though we approve of what the Ministry's up to?"

Letting a full smirk cover my face, I fist-bumped Harry behind our backs as the Minister frowned.

"Well, yes, that's partly why we'd like-"

"No, I don't think that'll work," Harry said pleasantly.

"You see, we don't really like some of the things the Ministry's doing," I shrugged.

"I see," The Minister looked down at us. "You both prefer- like your hero, Dumbledore- to disassociate yourself from the Ministry?"

"We don't want to be used," Harry said simply.

"Some would say it's your duty to be used by the Ministry!"

"Some would say it isn't," I smiled innocently.

"You don't care whether Giovanna and I live or die, but you do care that we help you convince everyone you're winning the war against Voldemort. We haven't forgotten, Minister.." Harry said, and we both raised our hands, showing our scars from Umbridge.

"I can't recall the Ministry rushing to our defense when we were trying to tell everyone Voldemort's back. Do you, Harry?" I asked my brother, glaring at the Minister.

"No, I can't say I do, Giovanna," Harry also glared. "The Ministry wasn't so keen on being pals last year."

We all stood in silence, Harry and I watching Scrimgeour, waiting for his next move.

"What is Dumbledore up to?" He asked. "Where does he go when his is absent from Hogwarts?"

"No idea," Harry answered truthfully.

"And you wouldn't tell me if you knew, would you?"

"No, we wouldn't," I answered.

"Well, then, I shall have to see whether I can't find out by other means."

"You can try," I laughed lowly. "But, Minister, I thought you seemed cleverer than old Fudge." I shook my head.

"You see, he too tried interfering at Hogwarts. You might have noticed he's not Minister anymore, but Dumbledore's still headmaster. I'd leave Dumbledore alone, if I were you," Harry told him.

"He's not a force to be messed with," I concluded.

The Minister paused before, "Well, it is clear to me that he has done a very good job on the both of you. Dumbledore's man and woman through and through, aren't you, Potters?"

"Yeah, we are," Harry and I said together.

And turning our backs on the Minister of Magic, we strode back toward the house.

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hello, everyone :) i decided to do this scene from the book instead of the scene from the movie where the burrow burns, since that doesn't happen in the book. i just feel like this is more informative and helps emphasize the relationship the twins have with dumbledore.