Megan Potter - A Saga of the Heart - Book 6 - Dark Temptation-

Chapter 43 - Duty and honor

"A charming garden," he commented, looking around the snow-covered ground and hidden plants.

Megan and he ambled along, Scrimgeour limping slightly. He was a former Head of Auror Office, Megan remembered, and clearly had a more gutsy view than portly Fudge and his bowler hat.

"It's even better in the summer," Megan said. "Sir, can I ask what this is about?"

He hesitated.

"Dumbledore has told me of your sharp mind." he said. "I have been wanting to meet you for a while. Did you know that?"

"No, I didn't," she admitted.

"Yes, for some time. But Dumbledore's been very... protective of you. Of course, I perfectly understand, after everything you've been through, and the events of the Ministry."

"My friends help me through anything tough." Megan said.

"Yes, of course. It's important to have people to rely on when you're facing troubled times." Scrimgeour agreed. "The rumours that have been flying around! Of course, we know the way things get distorted... all these whispers about a prophecy, you being the Chosen One..."

Megan was almost sure they were getting to the reason Scrimgeour had come all the way out here.

"I assume that you and Dumbledore have discussed these matters?"

Megan didn't answer at once. She stared into the horizon, deliberating whether to tell him or not. She finally decided on a partial truth.

"Yes, we have discussed it." she said, finally.

"Have you...?" He said, squinting at her out of the corner of his eye. "And what is it he told you?"

"I'm afraid that's between us, sir." Megan said as politely as she could.

"Oh, of course, if it's a matter of confidences. I wouldn't want you to feel like you're betraying Dumbledore, no... And besides, it hardly matters whether you are the Chosen One or not, does it?"

Megan thought for a second before answering.

"... I'm sorry, I'm not sure I follow you, sir." she said.

"Of course, I'm sure it is a very important question to you," Scrimgeour amended. "But to the Magical Community... it's what people believe that counts, isn't it?"

Megan thought she could see where Scrimgeour was going with this, but she wasn't going to help him get there.

"People believe you to be the Chosen One," he went on. "They see you as quite the heroine. And after being through so much at such a young age, you most definitely are one, of course. I mean, how many times have you faced He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, again?"

"Four, sir."

"Yes. Anyway, the point is that you are a symbol to many of us, Megan. The idea that someone may be able, and possibly, even destined, to destroy You-Know-Who... it gives people a lift, you see. And I can only feel that once you realise just how much you represent, you might understand it is, well, almost a duty, to stand alongside the Ministry and give them a boost."

"... I'm still not sure I understand..." Megan said slowly. "What do you mean, exactly, by stand alongside the Ministry?"

"Nothing very onerous for you, I assure you." he said. "If you were to be seen coming in and out of the Ministry every so often, for example, that would have a good impact... and you would be welcome to talk with Gavain Robards, he's my successor at the Head of Auror Office. I hear from Dolores Umbridge that you wish to be an Auror. That could easily be arranged..."