Lost & Found ~ A George Weasley Love Story

3 ~ Alluring Offer

Friday, 3 July 1998
Ministry of Magic – London, England

Aino looked around in a new, completely unknown place. Mr Robards had promised to be there to welcome her, but he was nowhere to be found. However, it could have something to do with the fact the place was crowded. Witches and wizards were hurrying in every direction. They seemed to be quite busy bustling by her, not bothering to even look at her. She started to feel anxious being in the way of the others.

"Excuse me? You seem a bit lost, do you need help?" A young redhead man had gripped her shoulder and was looking down at her politely.

"I- yes, thank you. I'd like to find Mr Robards' office. I've never been here before and he told me he'd be here to show the way", Aino smiled sheepishly to the man who had offered his help.

"Oh- I can take you if you don't mind", he offered her a small smile too.

"Why thank you!" Aino said as the man started to lead her to the elevator.

The elevator ride was quite an experience. She could not tell which way they were moving and how long the ride took. She had to rely on her guide. As the elevator finally stopped, she could not help but sigh in relief. The redhead besides her chuckled a bit.

"Well, what brings you to Mr Robards may I ask?" her guide questioned as her as they started walking through the hallways. This floor was nearly empty compared to the entrance hall.

"He wants to offer me a job", Aino answered truthfully. For some reason she trusted the redhead. On the other hand, what would he do with the information anyway.

"In the Auror Office?" he continued raising his eyebrow. He didn't see the girl as an auror type, but one can never tell based on the appearance.

"I'm here to find out", Aino simply stated.

The man had stopped in front of one door, "We're here", he gave her a small smile.

"Thank you again Mr-", she stopped mid-sentence realizing she did not know his name neither did he have nameplate on his grey suit. Actually, the only thing sticking out on him was his hair. Otherwise, he looked exceptionally ordinary. If she met him again later that day, she would not probably even recognize him as the same person if it wasn't for his hair.

"Weasley, ma'am, Percy Weasley. It was nice meeting you Ms-"

"My pleasure, Mr Weasley. It's Kalla, Aino Kalla", Aino took his hand and shook it firmly.

"Perhaps we will meet again if you get a job in the ministry", Mr Weasley said knocking the door in front of them.

"Come on in!" they heard the voice of Mr Robards from the other side of the door.

"Yes, who knows", Aino whispered as Mr Weasley opened the door.

In the Mr Robards' office, there was an unknown woman accompanying him. The woman wore long black, high neck dress and deep green velvet cape. On her head she had a tall crooked black hat. She smiled at the two of them warmly. It was strange seeing witches dressing traditionally. While most of the witches and wizards in Finland are homeschooled, dressing in ropes and capes was not that common.

"Oh Aino! Come in", Mr Robards glanced at the golden watch around his wrist, "Apologises I wasn't in the entrance hall, but I got caught up in a conversation with lovely Professor McGonagall here. I'm glad you found here though", he stood up from his stool and walked to the door where Aino still stood with Mr Weasley.

"I wouldn't have found here without the help of Mr Weasley", she glanced at Percy smiling.

"Ah of course, thank you for helping my daughter-in-law", Mr Robards forced a smile in his face as he dismissed Percy.