Black Roses

All That Glitters

I couldn't help but gasp at the intimidating, but beautiful, sight of the large fountain in the centre of the atrium. It was new, signalling the dawn of a new era. No longer did it depict adoring house elves gazing up at perfect wizards, nor enslaved muggles breaking their backs under a grim witch on a stony throne.

The new fountain was a golden wand, water spurting from its tip. As we approached, I saw the shining plaques that were attached to the containing wall of the fountain, and still more lying under the water. They all had heartfelt messages inscripted on them in exquisite writing, memorials to those who died in the war, placed there by their loving families. A lump came to my throat.

Harry hurried on past the fountain, and I followed, not wishing to be late for my first day as a real auror. I didn't like clichés, but it really was my dream job.

Strange, really, considering I came from such a twisted family as mine. Or perhaps it wasn't strange - after all, don't people always crave revenge on those who made them suffer?

Soon enough, we came to a shining marble desk, behind which a wizard in a shiny blue uniform was sat.

"How may I help you, sir?" he asked politely when we approached.

I knew full well that this man knew who Harry was, and the title of 'sir' hadn't really been necessary, but formalities always had to be observed.

Even if that meant pretending you didn't recognise the Boy Who Lived.

"Auror Office," Harry replied. "I have a new auror who needs to be inducted."

The man (who was as shiny as his desk), smiled and flicked his wand. Two passes appeared out of nowhere and Harry tucked his into his pocket. I followed suit.

Then, we were off again, into a golden lift. Unlike the old, pre-war lifts, these ones were not manned by house elves, but were operated by the user. Harry pulled out his wand and silently cast the correct charm.

The ride to the Auror Office was silent. Harry seemed distant, and that irritated me. He had been distant for days now, and it felt as if he was treating me like some inexperienced trainee - which, on paper, I was - but he knew me. He knew what I was capable of. His apparent lack of faith annoyed me.

There was no time to voice my opinions, however, because the moment the lift stopped, Harry was out before the grille had even fully opened. Half running, I went with him.

As we made our way down the dark corridor, I couldn't help but see the contrast between the light, bright, airy atrium with the shiny receptionist, and this dim, echoing corridor that was decorated in the simplest of styles. It reminded me of the old saying: all that glitters is not gold.

At long last, we came to a wooden door that looked as if it hadn't been replaced for years. Harry cast a silent charm again and it swung open. He ushered me inside, locking the door behind us with another spell.

Before us were sat what seemed to be every auror in the Ministry. A dark, serious figure was stood at the front of the room, while the other aurors were seated in rows of chairs.

"You're late, Potter."

The figure turned to us and I recognised Kingsley at once, but, as per the formalities, I let no flicker of unprofessional emotion cross my face.

"I know, sir, but there were certain... issues that I had to deal with first."

Harry's voice sounded strained and tired. I felt a little twinge of guilt at my earlier annoyance at him.

Kingsley sighed.

"Issues like bringing Black here?"

I started at the sound of my name, and looked up at Kingsley. His face betrayed nothing.

"Partly that," Harry said. 'But -"

"I hardly see what excuse you can have for bringing an inexperienced, newly-qualified auror here. You know that inefficiency is the last thing the Ministry needs right now. I expected better of you."

Outwardly, my expression remained the same, but inside, I was bristling with fury. What did he mean by inexperienced? Didn't he know what I'd been through, what I'd done to protect myself and my friends? To protect the entire wizarding world?

Luckily, Harry voiced my argument. "She is hardly inexperienced, and what the Ministry really needs right now is numbers. Numbers of brave, clever, skilled aurors. So, yes, I brought Black."

There was silence for a moment as the two men stared unblinkingly at eachother, and I was sure that we were going to be thrown out.

At last, Kingsley relented. "Very well," he sighed. "But if she does not live up to my expectations..."

He trailed off, but his meaning was plain. I wasn't afraid. I could prove myself.

Harry nodded his head in thanks, and gestured for me to sit. I did so gladly - it felt as if we had been walking for hours.

Once we were settled, Kingsley began to speak.