The Marriage Decree

Chapter 128: Suffering From Your Absence

"What time is their Portkey booked for?" The Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, asks, his voice hoarse from shouting.

"Ten o'clock," Alexander Vyner states, standing between the two chairs in front of the Minister's desk. He has been on the other end of Minister Shacklebolt's anger for the better part of an hour.

"You need to stop them from leaving." Shacklebolt stands from his desk chair. "It's quarter to ten now."

"Yes, Minister," Alexander Vyner nods with a short bow, turning to leave.

"And Alexander," Shacklebolt calls his attention, and Vyner glances back. "We'll be watching you." He finished, gesturing him to leave.

Alexander Vyner nods once, eyes burning with a fury he knows he can't let out without serious repercussions. He can't afford to get any further on the Minister bad side. He's supposed to be inconspicuous within the ministry. Now he's being accused of helping spy within the ministry for the 'other side', whoever the Minister believed was against him.

Hermione and Draco had arrived at the Ministry's portkey floor twenty minutes early to ensure they caught their portkey to New York City. In the six weeks since the Minister's Former Death Eater Decree came into action, life in wizarding Britain had become hostile for the 'Watch-listers'. They now lived solely in the muggle world for fear of being confronted or shouted at down Diagon Alley while with Scorpius. Their only hope was that people would come to their sense once all the restrictions were lifted at the start of the new tax year on May first.

The door to the waiting room flies open, bouncing off the back wall, surprising the few people lingering around, waiting for their portkey. Both Hermione and Draco are surprised and confused to find Alexander Vyner storming in. His eyes scan the room until they land on them in relief.

"You two, with me, now," Alexander calls, catching the door as it swings back towards him.

They follow him into the nearest portkey room, Hermione carrying Scorpius in the baby chest carrier, and Draco carrying their suitcase. The room is empty, except for the portkey in the centre, shaped like a drinking goblet.

"What's going on, Alexander?" Hermione questions.

"I've just spent the last twenty minutes in the Minister's office, getting an earful over signing your holiday permission." He explains. "He's sent me down here to stop you from leaving, so you're going now." He takes his wand out, pointing it at the goblet and changing the location to the Magical Congress of the United States of America's portkey floor. "How unfortunate? I was too late, Minister. Unfortunately, there was a cancellation, so their departure was moved up a time slot. What a shame?" Mr Vyner sarcastically roleplays himself informing Minister Shacklebolt as he gestures towards the portkey.

"Why are you risking your job for us?" Draco asks curiously. This was the man who had convinced Hermione to sign away their access to his archives because he took so much pride in his job. Now he was willing to risk that job to help them talk to the President of MACUSA.

"This acquaintance is advantageous for both of us. I help you; you help me. I don't want or need to know what the purpose of your trip to America is, but I have an idea of its importance." He pockets his wand, a smirk gracing his face. "You didn't question me when I set your location for MACUSA. I assume the rumours are true, and you're meeting with the President."

Hermione realises their mistake; she would have to be more careful not to let their secrets out to other enquiring minds. "What are the rumours?" Hermione asks.

"That you two are leading some type of dissension group of moles within the ministry and working with MACUSA to do so," he explains.

"This is the first time we're meeting with MACUSA," Hermione explains.