Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 56

Chapter 56: A New Day at the Ministry

The first day of work at the Ministry of Magic had arrived, and Adhara awoke with a mix of excitement and nerves that fluttered in her stomach like a swarm of butterflies. She had spent the night before carefully preparing her robes, ensuring everything was in order for her debut as an apprentice member of the Wizengamot. The weight of the position settled on her shoulders, filling her with a sense of purpose.

As she dressed, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The emerald green robe she wore was tailored perfectly, a fitting homage to her Slytherin roots. Her blonde hair was pinned up elegantly, framing her face with a professional touch. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of Fred's words: "You've got this."

After a quick breakfast at the Burrow, where Fred and George animatedly discussed the latest plans for their joke shop, Adhara slipped out into the brisk morning air. The rain from the previous day had left everything fresh and glistening, and the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers filled her lungs as she walked toward the apparition point. With a pop, she vanished from the familiar surroundings of the Burrow, arriving at the grand entrance of the Ministry.

Stepping into the Ministry was like entering a different world. The impressive architecture surrounded her, with towering marble pillars and an enchanted ceiling reflecting the overcast sky. The hustle and bustle of witches and wizards going about their business created an exhilarating atmosphere, and Adhara felt a surge of determination. This was where she belonged.

As she made her way to the Wizengamot offices, she spotted several familiar faces, some of whom she had only seen in books or during her time as a student. She felt a thrill of recognition when she saw members of the Wizengamot entering the chamber, their expressions serious and intent. She couldn't believe that she was about to join their ranks.

Arriving at the Wizengamot office, she was greeted by her supervisor, a stern-looking witch with sharp features named Madam Minaldra. "Welcome, Ms. Malfoy. I trust you're ready to get started?" Her tone was brisk but not unkind.

"Yes, Madam Minaldra. I'm eager to begin," Adhara replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her stomach.

"Good. We have a busy day ahead of us. You will shadow me during a series of hearings today, and I expect you to take detailed notes. Pay attention to the proceedings—there's much to learn from observing how the members handle their cases," Madam Minaldra instructed, motioning for Adhara to follow her.

As they walked through the halls, Adhara took in the vibrant atmosphere. She noticed how various departments had their unique decorations, reflecting their functions within the Ministry. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures was lively, filled with magical creatures, while the Department of Mysteries was dark and mysterious, cloaked in an air of secrecy.

They soon arrived at the Wizengamot chamber, a grand room filled with rows of seats facing a raised dais where the Head of the Wizengamot presided. The chamber was filled with a murmur of conversations as members exchanged pleasantries before the proceedings began. Adhara took her seat at a small desk in the corner, eager to absorb everything around her.

The first case was about a wizard accused of illegally breeding dangerous magical creatures. Adhara listened intently as the members of the Wizengamot debated the evidence presented. She was fascinated by how each member brought their own perspective to the case, weighing the facts against the ethics of magical creature treatment.

"Remember, Adhara, it's crucial to consider both sides of the argument," Madam Minaldra whispered to her during a lull in the proceedings. "Understanding the nuances will help you form well-rounded opinions in your future cases."

Adhara nodded, diligently scribbling notes, her mind racing with ideas and questions. She found herself engrossed in the arguments and counterarguments, appreciating the complexity of the legal system that governed their world.

After a couple of cases, Adhara was tasked with organizing the evidence for the next trial. A prominent witch had accused her business partner of fraud, and the tension in the chamber was palpable. As the members debated, Adhara carefully reviewed the documents, her analytical mind piecing together the timeline of events.

When it came time for her to present her findings to Madam Minaldra, she felt the weight of her responsibilities. "The evidence suggests inconsistencies in the partner's claims. There are transactions that don't align with their stated profits, and I believe this needs further investigation," Adhara stated confidently.

Madam Minaldra raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Very good. Your attention to detail is commendable. Let's ensure we include this in our report." Adhara felt a swell of pride at the acknowledgment, bolstering her confidence as the day continued.

As lunch approached, Adhara was invited to join some of the other apprentices in the Ministry cafeteria. She was nervous but excited to meet her peers, who seemed to be just as passionate about their work. They shared stories of their own experiences and aspirations, and Adhara found a camaraderie among them.

"You must be the new apprentice," one of the witches said with a friendly smile. "I'm Hannah. Heard a lot about you already! Congrats on your position!"

"Thanks, Hannah! It's great to be here," Adhara replied, her enthusiasm bubbling over.

They exchanged tales about their backgrounds, and Adhara mentioned her time at Hogwarts. "I'm still getting used to the shift from student life to the professional world," she admitted, "but I'm excited about what's to come."

After lunch, they returned to the chamber for the afternoon sessions. The cases became more complex, and Adhara found herself increasingly engaged in the discussions. The day flew by, and she marveled at how invigorating it felt to be part of something greater than herself.

As the day wound down, Madam Minaldra called for a brief meeting with the apprentices. "You all have been doing wonderfully today. I have one last task for you before we wrap up. We need to assess a mock case. I want you to prepare a short argument based on the materials I'll provide," she instructed, handing them a file filled with documents.

Adhara's heart raced. "We'll be evaluated?" she asked, excitement mingling with nerves.

"Exactly. This will give you a taste of what to expect in actual hearings," Madam Minaldra replied. "You have thirty minutes."

The apprentices quickly organized into small groups, Adhara teaming up with Hannah and another apprentice named Leo. They dove into the case, sharing ideas and dissecting the evidence with fervor. Adhara's mind raced as she formulated a solid argument, each point building on the last.

When their time was up, they presented their case to Madam Minaldra. "Our client, the defendant, has been wrongfully accused based on circumstantial evidence," Adhara argued confidently. "We can demonstrate that there were multiple opportunities for the actual culprit to have committed the crime. We have witnesses who can testify to our client's alibi."

Madam Minaldra listened intently, her expression inscrutable. After a thorough Q&A session, she nodded slowly. "Excellent work, all of you. You showed critical thinking and a strong grasp of the issues at hand. Adhara, your contributions were particularly insightful."

Adhara beamed with pride, feeling the weight of the day transform into a sense of accomplishment. As she left the Ministry that evening, the sky painted with shades of orange and purple, she couldn't help but reflect on her incredible first day.

Arriving back at the Burrow, she found Fred working in the kitchen, flour dusting his hair as he attempted to bake a cake for the joke shop's upcoming grand opening. His face lit up when he saw her.

"How was your first day?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

"It was amazing! I can't wait to tell you everything!" Adhara replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

As they shared stories and laughter over the cake batter, Adhara felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one filled with promise, excitement, and the unwavering support of the people she loved.