A Million Things {Hamilton/Harry Potter Universe}

Chapter 5

Alexander pushed through the crowds of Diagon Alley. Two years out of Hogwarts and he was fustrated that he had not gone farther than he hoped. Yes, he secured a small job as an assistant in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry, but he just couldn't settle for it.

The war that had been brewing since his school days was nearly upon them. Mysterious disappearences and deaths were popping up more and more. People who called themselves the Death Eaters had been credited with attacks on muggles, muggle-borns, and what they called "blood-traitors." Alexander had tried his hardest to keep a low profile during these dark times but he just couldn't help it.

He wanted to be an Auror, which he felt was the best way for him to contribute to the war. He had heard a familiar name swimming around the Auror Office and he needed to ask him for advice. He had recieved a tip-off that this man always took a stroll through Diagon Alley after work. Where was he?

He grinned as he caught sight of a person of familiar face and stature, walking in his direction.

Aaron Burr was enjoying his peaceful evening when a young man with dark hair suddenly ran up to him. He raised an eyebrow curiously but the man was now bending over, trying to catch his breath. They stood like that for a few moments. Aaron wondered if he should just go, but the young man straightend up abruptly. He only had time to register his large, dark eyes when the man launched right into whatever he was there for.

"Pardon me, are you Aaron Burr, sir?"

Aaron crossed his arms. "That depends," he said carefully. "Who's asking?" he demanded.

The young man help up his hands in surrender. "Oh, well, sure! I'm Alexander Hamilton. We were were at school together five years ago. I have been looking for you," he breathed excitedly.

Aaron chuckled unformortably. "Okay, I'm getting nervous-."

"Sir, I've heard of your acceleration as a Auror through the Ministry," Hamilton interrupted. "I was seeking for a way to do that too. Though I got sort of out of sorts with a buddy of yours." He turned red. "I...may have punched him. It was a blur, sir," he explained quickly.

"You punched the bursar?" Aaron said faintly. Oh this was not good. If it ever got around that he was accociated with Hamilton, it would be very messy.

"Yes!" Alexander said, as if this was perfectly ordinary. "I wanted to do what you did. Become an Auror in two years and join the war. I told him so and he looked at me like I was stupid. I'm not stupid," he said fiercely. Taking a deep breath he said, "So how'd you do it? How'd you climb up so fast?"

Burr ran his hand over his head. "Well, its what my parents whished for before they passed away. They had a lot of influence in the Ministry." Usually this statement would deter anyone from continuing. Perhaps a mention of condolences and a quick goodbye.

But if possible, Hamilton looked even more delighted. "You're an orphan! Of course, I'm an orphan!"

"Well I wouldn't put it that way-," Burr tried.

"Don't you wish this war would come on faster?" Hamilton asked. "We could prove to everyone that we are more than they ever could ever bargain for!"

Aaron sighed. He was not going to ge rid of this loud-mouth was he? "Can I buy you a drink?" he asked finally.

He beamed. "That would be nice."

They began to walk towards the Leaky Cauldron. After a few moments, Aaron made up his mind. "Can I give you some advice, Mr. Hamilton?"

"Ummm, sure?" They stopped outside the door to the pub.

Burr smiled kindly. "Talk less."

"What?"

"Talk less and smile more."

Hamilton laughed loudly as if this was some sort of joke. A few passerbys stared at them.

"I mean it. Don't let them know what you're against or what you're for," Burr said patiently.

Alexander stared in disbelief. "You can't be serious."

"You want to get ahead, right?" he asked. To this, Hamilton nodded. "Well, remember fools that run their mouths off wind up dead."