𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐎𝐌

Chapter 42

"I love eggs," Harry said shoveling the fork of his favorite food into his mouth on this Friday morning.

"So? Tell us then," Ron said eagerly in anticipation.

"You said you'd tell us at breakfast," Hermione pushed with excitement. "So?" Harry just smiled as he ate his eggs. "Come on, Harry. We're dying to know. Tell us." Draco put his arm around his beloved.

"It doesn't matter to me whether you do or not. I just want you to know that," Draco kissed Harry's cheek even though Harry had a mouthful of eggs. Harry put down his fork and wiped his lips with his napkin as he looked to his three most loyal. Harry took a deep breath.

"I took the job," Harry said with a large smile. Hermione squealed and clapped her hands. Ron pounded the table with his fist and nodded with a big grin and a mouthful of bacon, but Harry looked to his Draco who just beamed with pride.

"I knew you would," Hermione said with a bright smile.

"I'm so proud of you," Draco said leaning in for the kiss to his chosen. "I'm really proud." Draco's smile warmed Harry's heart.

"Thank you, my dragon," Harry said before taking a swig of his pumpkin juice.

"What did Albus say?" Draco asked.

"We had discussed it at length over the past few days and nights," Harry said setting down his glass. "At night before we slept, that's all we talked about. He didn't push me to make this decision, but he gave me good feedback and advice. This position in the Ministry is a very influential one. So I had to take the decision very seriously."

"Of course," Ron said.

"Harry, do you know if Fudge has finally decided to resign under the pressure?" Hermione asked.

"No, not yet. When I spoke to the committee Tuesday they were really putting the heat on Fudge. Basically, the issue was that either Fudge resign and keep his pensions, or he would be forcefully removed from office under Article seventy three, section nine of the Ministry regulatory bylaws. That particular law gives the department heads a vote to remove any Minister or official that has proven to be unqualified for the position. Fudge has about a week to make his decision before we vote."

"You'll be voting?" Ron asked in eagerness.

"Yes," Harry said.

"So when do you start?" Draco asked. Harry took a deep breath.

"They wanted me to start today," Harry said. "But I couldn't start my job until the...celebration in Hogsmeade tomorrow is over. I'm dreading speaking to a crowd of wizards anyway, but the Ministry wants me to announce my new position during my speech."

"You sound so...adult, Harry," Hermione said quietly. "It's ...different for you to sit here and talk about your job and responsibilities when the three of us are still students."

"How do you think I feel?" Harry asked. "I am a gay wizard who is already a graduate and I'm married to a student and can't even be with him at night. I live with my ancient father in a school of all places. Voldemort has been defeated and I have a prestigious job with the Ministry who, for my entire life, has done nothing but persecute me. And I'm only sixteen years old. I'm a total fruitcake." Harry ran a hand through his hair in frustration and dropped his head in his hand with his elbow on the table. "If my life gets any more strange I'll just go mad."

"Mid life crises?" Ron asked. Harry flipped him off. "Relax, Harry. I was only kidding. Besides, everything works out in the end."

"Ron's right," Draco said while putting his forehead on Harry's cheek. "Everything is great for us, Harry. I couldn't be happier." Harry took Draco's hand and then laughed softly to himself.