Choices

Chapter 13

Harry POV

"Thank you all for joining the Wizignamot and I this evening." My voice booms over the light chatter of the crowd. It quiets down, meaning I have their attention. "It is with great pleasure that I am able to be here tonight, to announce the ," I pause and look at Hermione's note cards, "beginning of the new era, one in which we will be better prepared if a disaster like the one some 20 years ago decides to stoke again. With this new era, I present the newest project for the Disaster Safety Comitee, the Rehabilitation Safe House!" Pictures show on the screen behind me of a grand manor, adorned with various trees, gardens, and bushes. The crowd oohs and ahs at the predicted outcome of the project. Ron, Hermione and I had thought of it three years ago, and only now were we able to put our plans into action.

"The manor that is displayed here is the predicted outcome after renovations, and the manor itself was generously donated by the Malfoys. As we speak, there is a team working on repairs. Anyone can visit as they wish, but may not enter the building or premises until reconstruction is completed. Thank you." I take a breath. This is the hardest part. "Any questions?"

A woman reporter in front waves her note pad in my face. "Mr. Potter! Mr. Potter! Is it true that you were fired from your job because you blew up your office?"

The crowd of reporters quiets down. Clearly, they all want to know the answer. "No, that is false." The scratching of quills fills he room. "However, I have resigned from my position as head auror due to family reasons, and appoint my second to my position. Ronald Weasley" I look to the side of the stage and he looks surprised. Hermione is trying not to look too proud, but failing. He smiles and walks over to me. "Really mate? You want me to be Head Auror?"

"Well, sure. You've been by my side all these years, and I've never had a braver best friend. Who better?"

He smiles and pats me on the back, then turns to the reporters. "Right, I've got answers to your questions. Follow me." He walks across the stage to the side opposite me. I sit on the edge and watch all the reporters follow him, of at least I think they do until a young man walks up to me. "'Ello there Mr. Potter. My name's Blotter, Crossby Blotter. You can call me Cross if you like." He whips out a rolled up piece of parchment. "I wanted to get you alone from those vultures. This here is a paper from the official documentary recording company, or DARCY. We made it an acronym, makes it easier to remember. Anyways, I was wondering if you'd like to meet my boss and go over it? It being the piece of paper, mind you. He's free tomorrow evening, 'round 6. Whadya say, will you give it a go?"

I blink. I'm not doing anything tomorrow, and Andromeda has Albus and Teddy. Ginny is off somewhere, so I'm by myself. "Alright. I can come. Where?"

"It's the little office building 'round the corner from here. The sign says DARCY Headquarters.  Can't miss it."

"Right then." He hands me a business card. I look back up from the card. "Tha--" I stopped because he had disappeared. I look closer at the card. The front said,

Documentary Recording               Company; DARCY

149 Hopper Rd.
London, England
547-6209
DARCY: FAMOUS LIVES EXPOSED

The back is disclaimers, comments from other people and how to find out more. I slip the card in my pocket of my dress robes, but not before Hermione notices. "Harry, what did you just put in your pocket? And what did that man want?"

I pull the card back out and hand it to her. She examines it closely. "I don't know, Harry. It could be a scam. Or they just want exclusive interviews with you, or they want your money."

I shake my head. "Hermione, I'm going to be fine. Even if it is a scam, you'll be the first to know." She gives the card back.

"I have an uneasy feeling about this, but if you think it's alright then I'll leave it alone." She stands up from her kneeling position next to me. "For now." She glanced at Ron, who is still being harassed by the throng of news reporters. "I'd better go save Ronald from his own ego before the reporters inflate it to the pint where he explodes. I'll see you later, alright?" She turns without waiting for a response and hurries over to her husband. I sigh, the tension draining out of me. Oh, how I can't stand crowds and these meetings. I'm so glad this is my last one for at least two months. The project has to finish first. I'm startled out of my thoughts as I see a flash of what looked like blond out of my peripheral vision. I look towards the spot and see a door slightly ajar. I look at the reporters and see Hermione engrossed in answering things. I roll my eyes with a smile. Sometimes even the most sensible and humble people get swept away by fame. I discreetly head to the opened door. I step out into an alleyway, dark and dank. I look right and left, but there's no one there. I'm either going crazy, or they apparated. Either way, they're not here now so I shrug and head back inside for some firewhiskey and dancing.