A Million Things {Hamilton/Harry Potter Universe}

Chapter 24

George Washington took a deep breath before knocking on the door of the Schuyler Mansion. He knew that Alexander probably hated him right now, maybe even more so after the article in the Daily Prophet.

There was a scuffling of feet on the other side of the door and a timid, "Who's there?"

"George Washington, the Chief Auror," he said.

The locks clicked open and a young woman peered around the edge, wand slightly shaking in her hand. "Alex is not going to want to see you," she warned, gesturing him to come in quickly.

"I know."

"He is very hurt that you kicked him out."

"I know."

From another room, a voice called out, "Peggy? Who is it?"

"That's your cue," she whisphered. She turned and scurried off.

George entered the sitting room to find Alexander struggling with a mess of yarn and knitting needles. It appeared that Hamilton had attempted to make a hat or another article of clothing, it was hard to tell as it lacked shape, or really any structure. The Auror watched for a moment, smiling slightly, then cleared his thraot.

Alexander glanced up. "Oh hello," he said, returning to his work. "I don't understand how women can do this. Its quite complicat-." He froze, fully recognizing his guest. "What are you doing here?"

Washington lowered himself into the seat opposite him. "Can't I visit?"

"No."

There was the Hamilton he missed. So stubborn. "I heard about the attack on your home. I am relieved to hear you and your wife are alright."

"Now I'm stuck here until the war ends," Alexander muttered. He stood and eyed Washington curiously. "So, why are you here?"

Washington decided to not beat around the bush. "I'd like you to come back with me. I need you."

Alexander laughed harshly. "Couldn't find anyone good enough to write letters for you, eh? Missed having someone to watch over? Or perhaps realized I needed to be kept tied down?" He stared, wide-eyed at the Auror, chest heaving.

"That article," Washington said slowly, "was a bit out of line."

"A bit!? Do you think I'm a loose, dangerous cannon? A wild horse to be tamed? Don't tell me Burr didn't put ideas in your head about me."

Well, Washington was horribly temped to say yes, as it was true that Hamilton had the tendency to go off instinct rather than logical thought. And after meeting Hamilton, Aaron Burr did indeed warn him about his impulsive actions. But how did Hamilton know?

"Why would you even let me back for what I did?" Alexander asked. There was no trace of regret or shame in his tone, just curiosity.

Washington rose and crossed the room. "Because you made a mistake and it is proper for me to forgive them when they happen."

Hamilton scoffed. "You're as bad as Sunday school teachers."

The older wizard had no idea what that meant but continued anyway. "And I make mistakes too. Even worse than spending you home." He could see the surprise in Alexander's face. Washington was adored for being one of the best Aurors the wizarding world had ever seen. Him, making a mistake?

"When I was young, even younger than you, I became an Auror. People praised me for my skill and decision making. They believed I was a prodigy. One mission had us going against a group of Dark wizards, way before You-Know-Who came to power. The Head Auror gave me command over my team, though I was the youngest and most inexperienced." Washington turned away for a moment, trying to contain his emotions that churned in him like a storm. "They all trusted me, that I would lead them to victory. I think it went to my head a bit, all of it. I dreamed of the glory it would bring me. I was cocky, thinking I knew what I was doing. But we walked right into an ambush. I... lead them all to their deaths."

Alexander was silent for once, eyes wide in shock.

"I was the only one who returned. Even now, my critics never forget to bring up my biggest mistake." He cleared his throat and tried to smile. "Also, I don't want to make another one." He pulled a small badge out of his pocket and handed it to Hamilton.

All the color drained out of the younger man's face. "Sir?" he gasped, almost collapsing. "You mean? I get to-."

"Ready to fight some Death Eaters, son?"

It was probably the best day of Alexander's life. Washington had finally given him lead over a group of Aurors. He wanted to return right away but waited until Eliza and Angelica returned to the mansion to tell them. Eliza tried to look excited for him, but he could see the worry in her eyes.

"You're going to be fighting now?" she asked, biting her lip.

"Yes, hon, I am. That's what being an honorary Auror is really all about!" He handed her the pin Washington had given him.

She traced the Auror insignia with a troubled expression, as if she would unlock mysteries with it. "Are you sure you'll be safe?"

"I promise to not run with my wand pointed at anyone I like, play nice with the other kids most of the time, and only kill someone if they ask for it."

Eliza couldn't stop herself from letting out a chuckle. "Be serious, Alex." She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked straight into his eyes. "I've had enough scares to last for a lifetime. I don't want anything to happen to you." She glanced down at her stomach. "I don't want to raise him alone-."

"Shh, don't think like that," he said, kissing her forehead, nose, then mouth. "I'll be fine. And for the record, I'm always serious. Wand safety is a very important issue."