— Caius POV —
I stared at the fireplace. The dry floo powder covered my hand as I watched the flames dance hypnotically.
My heart was beating faster then I remember it ever doing. Whether it was out of nervousness or excitement I wasn't sure.
The green flame felt more ferocious than before. It swallowed me and spat me back out on that cold dark marble floor.
The sound of hundreds of people bustling around washed over me. I felt myself rise higher than them. Like a lighthouse at sea I shone and stood tall.
I saw the large golden statue in the middle of the atrium. The image of a wizard standing over all others was, to put it bluntly, tacky and a bit arrogant.
But I couldn't help but feel a slight connection to it. After all wasn't I above others in a way? Not that I saw myself as worth more than others. But in the way a leader might stand above his subjects in order to lead them. In the way a teacher holds authority over his students.
Neither was superior to the other and both we're needed. I was simply aware of my role. And I knew how to do it well.
But there was also a third group of people. The one's that barely even counted as people. They were more animal than human. Unable to control even basic impulses. Unable to function in a society that was concerned with more than just their temporary enjoyment.
They were almost cancer like. They'd need to be cut off before they spread.
Voldemort was like a beacon to them. The allure of being able to do what you wanted with no consequences or thought of what would happen after drew them in. Too bad they couldn't just be wiped out with him.
I promised myself I would tear down that statue and replace it with something better.
After all stagnation and overconfidence led to nothing but suffering. Within society and within a person.
—
I made my way through the atrium itself and through the various checkpoints. Finally I could see it. The Wizengamot hall was like a large amphitheater. A large seat made of stone stood imposingly in the middle. It was elevated high and looked down at a smaller seat that was setup in front of it.
The rest of the seats were arranged in a large balcony like structure covering the sides of the hall.
It reminded me of an opera hall. Only instead of an orchestra and stage. There were only a few imposing stone seats and tables.
The meeting itself was scheduled to start soon and I could see people staring to funnel in through the entrance and make their way to their seats.
Over all there were around a 60 or so people who filled the balcony seats and began discussing things amongst themselves. There was also a section off to the side which was reserved for reporters. The section was warded so they could hear what was said but could not make any noise themselves.
Just a few minutes before the session was scheduled to start some notable members arrived. Lucius Malfoy arrived and sat down in the his seat. Which was slightly off to the side and low due to his family's lesser status among the nobility. Still his presence captured many people's attention.
Edmund Greengrass also arrived, his body language communicated confidence and class. Before going to his seat he made an effort to go around, speaking to multiple people from both sides of the hall.
I decided now would be a good time to go take my seat. I walked through the hall with my back straight and face impassive. The more I walked the more eyes I felt on me. After all, the amount of people allowed in the hall itself wasn't large and most were on the older side.
I stuck out and as I kept walking nearer and nearer to the center the looks of interest only increased. I could feel the hushed whispers where they debated who I was.
I could see my seat now. It was a mix of dark grey and dark green swirled together which looked almost gothic in design. The sacred 28 had custom seats so they stuck out. Although most of them were empty and would likely remain so. They still served as a reminder of our history to those gathered here.
Finally I had made it through the hall and into my seat. Once I sat down I could feel the latent magic in it course through me. It was judging me. Those that weren't of the right family would be thrown from it.
At this point almost every gaze in the hall had locked on to me and I saw the reporter section go wild trying to snap pictures.
The large doors at the back of the hall suddenly burst open. Out walked Dumbledore dressed in official robes. He was followed by a younger looking scribe. Dumbledore made his way to the large stone seat while the scribe settled down on a smaller seat next to it.
*BANG*
Dumbledore slammed a large gavel down onto the stone getting everyone's attention.
"Good day everyone. Today is the 23rd day of august and we are gathered here for an official Wizengamot meeting. On today's agenda we have proposals concerning the upcoming quidditch world cup and related to it a proposal for the strengthening of muggle repelling charms. In addition we have a motion concerning enchanted object labeling as well as magical pest control standards." Dumbledore said
"Does anyone have something urgent they would like to add? If so please inform us now." Dumbledore continued
I stood up, lit up the tip of my wand and raised it to get Dumbledore's attention.
"Ah, Lord Slytherin. As it's your first time taking up your seat please allow me to welcome you." Dumbledore said.
"Did you have something you'd like to add before we continue as scheduled?" Dumbledore added
I could tell Dumbledore was studying me closely. He held a friendly smile on his face but I could tell he was looking me over intensely. After taking in my appearance he seemed slightly confused for a moment. As if he somehow recognized me but couldn't tell from where.
"Yes, as it's my first time here as well as the first time I make an official appearance I thought I should say a few words to introduce myself."
I took deep breath and a step forward. The room went quiet as all eyes turned to me.
"Honored members of the Wizengamot, I'd like to introduce myself to you all. I am Caius Octavian Slytherin. I stand here not just as the Lord of House Slytherin, but as a wizard who believes in the potential for growth in our world.
Many of you may make assumptions about me due to the perceived qualities and beliefs of my house and while I will not deny my heritage, I do not wish to be solely defined by it either.
I am someone who acknowledges the intricate tapestry of our society. I also believe that we must navigate the complexities of our world with a measured approach.
The foundations of our society are built not just on strength but also on mutual respect. It is important that we be able to work together even when we might not fully align. I say this not as a call for uniformity, but rather a call for pragmatic understanding of our shared interests.
I hope to focus on what matters. safeguarding our world from those who would seek to disrupt it. Because together we can forge a path that both respects our past and secures our future.
Thank you all for your time."
I sat back down
As soon as I was seated the applause began. It seemed to originate from the center of the balcony. Near where Greengrass was sitting.
I suppose that was to be expected.
'He does have the most to lose if I supported either extreme.' I thought
The applause spread from the center to both sides. It was not thunderous, as most seemed to still be thinking my words over. Still it seemed most had found at least something to agree with.
Then Dumbledore continued.
"Thank you for your words Lord Slytherin. I think I speak for everyone in saying we can all find some wisdom in them. I'd also like to welcome you on behalf of all the lords of the Wizengamot." Dumbledore spoke
"Now, I think this has been enough excitement for the day. Let's move on to the scheduled topics. Lord Thornbury, if you'd please present us with the proposal regarding the strength of muggle repelling charms?"
— — —
After 4 long hours of back and forth arguing the session was finally settled.
I had to keep myself from rolling my eyes every time someone objected to the smallest change. These people truly could argue about anything. No wonder it took so long for any change to actually happen.
I stretched after finally being able to stand up. I started to make my way through the hall once again but it wasn't long before I was interrupted.
"Lord Slytherin, pleasure to meet you. I trust you received my letter?"Dumbledore said
"Ah headmaster Dumbledore. I did indeed. Thank you for the opportunity to join, I know this is not exactly common practice"
"It's no problem. It's always a joy to see someone looking to learn and form connections with their peers." Dumbledore spoke with a warm tone
"Oh and one more thing. The ministry is holding a charity ball tomorrow evening and I realized you had most likely not received the invite because it was sent out a week ago. Feel free to attend, it serves as a chance to do some good after all. And feel free to bring a plus one" Dumbledore gave me a cheeky smile and walked off.
'Great… I'm gonna have to attend it aren't I' I sighed to myself.
I wouldn't mind events like this, but the ministry had a special skill in making things dull. But who knows. Maybe I could have fun.
I walked forward and was almost out of the hall before being stopped in my tracks once again.
"Lord Slytherin, May I have a word?" Edmund Greengrass said
"Of course Lord Greengrass" I responded with a tired smile.
"I'll make it quick don't worry" Greengrass said. Seeing my tiredness.
"I wanted to invite you to a dinner the day after tomorrow. I enjoyed your speech and I feel we agree on a number of things. I know this is quite forward but my daughters are leaving to Hogwarts soon and I wanted to discuss things with my family present."
"I think that sounds like nice idea. I wouldn't mind a dinner." I responded
"Great, we can discuss things in detail then. I'll owl you the details." Greengrass said
"I'll see you then." I said and carried on my way.
My calendar was already filling up and I hadn't even been able to leave the room yet.
*sigh*
I continued on my way through the ministry. I was planning on just going home and allowing myself to rest up a bit. But before I could make my way to the floo I came across something.
It was a woman carrying a large box with gift wrapping around it. She was staring at the signs on the wall and wandering around looking confused. I would have ignored it but something about the woman drew me in.
It might have been the fact the was quite beautiful
'It was definitely that' I confessed to myself
She was a good bit older than me. Early thirties maybe? I wasn't too sure. Those with magic tended to age slower as they got older. This also allowed them to live longer than muggles.
She had dark black hair which flowed with gentle waves and caressed her back. This only accentuated her curves which made her seem almost like some fertility goddess from myth. Her face seemed elegant and stern and the mole under her eye just added to her mature look.
I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I just walked away now…
Gathering my courage I approached her
"Excuse me miss, I noticed you seemed a little lost and was wondering if you needed any help?" I said to her
"Oh, thank you young man, I was looking for the auror department. My daughter works there and I need to drop this off there." She said showing me the gift wrapped package
"Her birthday?" I asked
"Oh no, she actually just joined the aurors! It's been her dream for a long time and I thought I'd get her something to celebrate" she said with a smile. Seemingly remembering some happy memories.
"Congratulations! It's not easy to get in." I said
"But to be honest I just got out of the Wizengamot session and I don't exactly know this place by heart… I could still help you search though."
"Well I would appreciate some help, even if we're both lost… Did you say you just got out the Wizengamot?" She said, being quite shocked when she realized I wasn't just a random ministry worker
"I should introduce myself. I'm Lord Caius Slytherin, It's a real pleasure to meet you miss?" I said
"I should tell you now my lord, I may not be a muggleborn but I have married one in the past. I know you might find that… problematic. And if you do perhaps it's better we part ways now." She said. Her guard having gone up after hearing my name
I suppose that's to be expected. Some people will assume I lean dark because of my heritage. Especially since the papers haven't had time to publish my speech
"I have no problem with that. I simply saw a pretty lady in trouble and had to help. The one thing I have a problem with is that I still don't know your name" I said to her
"Andromeda Tonks née Black" she curtsied
"A beautiful name for a beautiful lady" I said
She rolled her eyes but I could see a slight smile tugging at her lips
"Well I certainly wasn't expecting to run into the Black family here." I said
"We'll I'm not sure really I count. I was expelled from the family after marrying a muggleborn" She said with a hint of sadness and bitterness on her face
"So you're married then?" I said with some disappointment in my voice
"Oh no, he died shortly after I became pregnant. Just a few years out of Hogwarts." Andromeda said
"I'm sorry to hear that" I said. Although to be honest I was quite happy to hear that.
"So you are single then?" I asked with a smirk
"Yes, but aren't there younger girls for you to chase after" She said with a humorous tone.
"Oh don't worry, I know what I want." I said in a quiet voice
She blushed slightly and cleared her throat
"Shouldn't we start searching?" Andromeda said
"I suppose we should"
We started searching through the ministry while carrying on our conversation. The more I learned about her and the longer I spent with her the more I grew to like her.
And the longer we walked the deeper the conversation seemed to go.
She talked about her past. Living with the Black family and learning the old customs. Falling in love and being expelled from her family. Getting pregnant and living as a single mother. I detected a hint of regret when she discussed marrying her previous husband. The way she talked about it gave off a similar feeling to a teenage romance destined to end badly. She seemed to miss her family too. Though I guess that made sense seeing as they were all either dead or in Azkaban.
That feeling of regret never came up when discussing her daughter though. She seemed to light up with joy and pride everytime she mentioned her.
I managed to open myself up to her as well. For some reason being with her made me feel warm inside. I wasn't even sure why. Just talking to her made me feel like I was sitting in front of a fireplace cuddled up in blankets. I told her of my isolation. The fact that while I had trained extensively, my practical experience of actually living was low. How I was excited to start Hogwarts and finally see the legendary castle myself.
My grandfather would call me foolish. Opening myself up to someone I had just met could end badly and I knew that. But for some reason I just couldn't help it.
Then finally we reached it. The sign saying 'Auror Department' hung above a set of wooden doors.
"Oh, I guess we're here…" I said
"Yes, we finally found it…" Andromeda said
A silence hang in the air as we both stared at the door, neither making a move. It seemed neither of us wanted the moment to end.
"Look…" I begun
"I've had a great time talking to you. And I'd love to be able to continue doing so. So I was wondering if you'd agree to being my plus one to tomorrow's charity ball?"
"Oh! Truthfully I've had a great time too… I don't even remember the last time I did something like this. So I would love to be your date… But are you really sure? I mean, I'm a fair bit older than you are and I've been married to a muggleborn and cast out of my family. I don't want to end up causing you trouble."
"I'm sure Andromeda. The papers will always come out with whatever drama they can and people will always judge you for something. Might as well do what makes you happy… Besides I don't think it'll be as bad as you said. Just trust me okay?"
"Alright then. I trust you." she said while staring into my eyes
I could feel my heart thump when she looked at me like that
"Great" I smiled
"Just send me an owl on where to pick you up and I'll be there"
"I will. See you tomorrow then" She said
She leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. I enjoyed the warmth of it but I was shocked when I felt her move over to my ear, lightly bite it and whisper
"Be a good boy… and maybe I'll reward you"
She shot a mischievous grin at me and then walked into the auror department
'Fuuuuuuck me' was the only thing I managed to think
That was in fact the only thing I managed to think about for the rest of the day