Thistle and Stone [Chaennie]

Chapter 1

RUNES

Ministry of Magic, 2006

"Jennie," Jungkook grinned, pulling her into a quick embrace.

"Thanks again for coming in, I know you've been busy."

Jennie smiled and returned Jungkook's embrace, glad for the excuse to meet with him. She had been cooped up at home for weeks writing, so the chance to visit the Ministry was a welcome distraction.

"Office is looking nice, Jungkook," she mused, settling herself into the chair opposite the large oak desk that took up the centre of the room. Jungkook shrugged sheepishly, gesturing towards the rich curtains and coordinated dark colours of the space.

"I had a little help setting up, you see."

"Unsurprisingly," Jennie laughed, already knowing Taehyung had his hand in this. Jungkook had been seeing Taehyung for three years now, ever since they had worked together as Aurors. While Taehyung had moved to another arm of the DMLE soon after, Jungkook had continued, finally being appointed to the head of the DMLE.

"You're looking awfully official as well," she teased, now that he was out of his Auror uniform and in official Ministry robes. Jungkook rolled his eyes and sat himself down opposite from her.

"You've been alright though, Jennie? Not working too hard?"

Jennie brushed off his concern, eager to find out why he had asked her to come in.

"Just the usual, Jungkook. The first stages of research are always the hardest. I'm excited about this one though, I think you're going to like it." Jennie tucked a loose curl behind her head and stopped herself from launching into a monologue about the latest book she was working on. While her updated edition of Hogwarts: A History had gained her literary recognition in the Wizarding community, and her second book on the rights of magical creatures had been her passion project, her new interest in magical objects had sent her down numerous research rabbit holes that she was hoping to turn into something substantial.

"That's actually why I called you in. I was approached by Saul Croaker—"

"The head of the Department of Mysteries?" Jennie interjected.

"Right," Jungkook continued, "and he asked if I would initiate a meeting between a number of his staff, myself, and you, actually."

"Croaker wanted a meeting...between, I'm sorry, his Unspeakables and me?" Jennie looked at Jungkook incredulously, caught off guard.

"I know," Jungkook rubbed at his eyes with the heel of his palm, tired, "it seemed odd to me as well. But it appears they've come into possession of an item they're struggling to identify. Croaker caught wind of your research on magical items and asked if I could get you in to meet with him."

"Alright," Jennie sighed and leaned back in her chair, "they've caught my attention, at least. Is this sort of thing common? Bringing in outside consultants?"

Jungkook shook his head. "Not that I'm aware of, but I don't think it's unheard of."

"When does he want this meeting to take place, then? I can probably come in sometime the end of the week." Jennie dug in her bag and pulled out her small leather notebook, filled with her daily scribblings.

"That's the thing, he asked me this morning. And he wants the meeting in...ten minutes." Jungkook checked the ticking clock fixed against his wall, doing his best to look apologetic.

"Oh, you've got to be joking me," Jennie groaned. "Jungkook, warn me next time, alright? I've barely managed to put trousers on today."

"Er, next time, promise. Honestly though, Jennie, I've been busy enough without Croaker sending memos every ten minutes asking for updates on when you were coming in. Seems important to him." Jungkook stood and Jennie rose uncertainly as well, throwing her bag over her shoulder.