After The War - DARKNESS WITHIN (HP9)

Chapter 21 - Mysterious Scars

Things looked better at the ministry for magic almost immediately after June's arrest. The Aurors who disapproved of Harry and Ron and said that they had been given special treatment by the minister, were now smiling and congratulating them. All except for Gregar, Who was bumped to another department the next morning by Kingsley.

The capture of June was proving to be a lot more valuable than they had anticipated. The moment she entered Askaban, she began pleading for her release, desperately trying to cut deals with them by offering up information about Flamel's plans and various hideouts. Some of which were searched. Although the salemers seemed to have vanished only moments before the ministry arrived, they seemed to be getting closer to capturing them.

"Good lads!" Kingsley said cheerfully when Harry and Ron entered his office the next morning. "The incident in the graveyard was well received by the ministry. Congratulations, you are now promoted to site analyst."

Harry and Ron grinned at each other. "Thanks minister! Does this mean we don't have to do anymore paper work?"

Kingsley laughed. "Ofcourse you still have paperwork. You can't avoid that, no matter how much you are promoted." He then sighed and pointed at the pile of papers on his own desk. "Also Hester Jones returned from her mission last night, so you will be freed from Gregar."

Harry and Ron were relieved. They already knew this since the moment they entered the ministry, they found Gregar clearing his desk and cursing under his breath.

"What about Hermione, Minister?" Ron asked.

"She will be released today, she is incredibly lucky that McGonagal doesn't remember anything." Kingsley said. "You can go see her downstairs, I'm sure she would like some company."

Harry and Ron sighed in relief.

"You will be made aware of something strange." Kingsley added, his eyes traveling down to Harry's bandages hands. "Something about miss Granger."

"What is it minister?" Harry asked. But Kingsley frowned at his hands.

"Miss Granger will explain everything to you, meanwhile I'll have to check something. I'll catch up with you later." Kingsley said suddenly lost in though, dismissing them.

Harry threw Ron a sideways glance as they entered the lifts. He wasn't sure how to bring up the topic of Hermione's and Malfoy's kiss since June revealed it in the graveyard, but Ron's determination to get Hermione out of any trouble meant that, perhaps, there was still some hope for them. He didn't think they could survive a row as big as this one.

******

Hermione waited anxiously as the ministry official drew up some forms for her to sign. She knew she was being released but she couldn't calm herself, atleast not until she could finally step out of her imprisionment.

She didn't like the dungeons. There was something supremely unsettling about it. Moreover, the strange and unexplained incident last night scared her more.

"Sign here and here." The ministry official said pointing at the long parchment and handing her a quill. Hermione read through it and quickly signed it, struggling to hold the quill in her injured hands.

"You are now free to go, but we will be back to check on you, should Professor McGonagal remember something." The ministry official said sternly. Hermione gave him a nod and practically ran out of the room. Just as she reached the lift, the doors opened. Harry and Ron stepped out.