The Wizarding World Calls
The next day, as they sat around the kitchen table, a sudden knock on the door shattered the quiet. Harry's heart skipped a beat as he opened it to reveal a stern-faced wizard in robes, flanked by two Aurors. "Mr. Potter," the man intoned, "I am from the Ministry of Magic. I've come to discuss a rather... delicate matter."
The room grew tense as the wizard's eyes darted to the wand in Harry's hand before settling on his stomach. The news of his pregnancy had traveled faster than the speed of a Golden Snidget, it seemed. "We've received word of your... condition," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "It's imperative that you return to Britain immediately for further evaluation."
Mickey and Ian exchanged a worried glance, their earlier excitement replaced by a cold dread. The Ministry had always been a looming presence in Harry's life, one that brought more trouble than peace. Harry's grip tightened on his wand, his resolve firming. He would not let them take him from his newfound happiness, not without a fight.
"I'm sorry," he said to the wizard, his voice steady. "But I'm not going anywhere."
The man's eyes narrowed, and Harry could see the wheels turning in his head. "You do realize the implications of this, Mr. Potter," he said, his tone stern. "Magical reproduction is a serious matter. There are laws, rules that must be followed."
"I'm aware," Harry replied, his voice calm despite the turmoil within. "But I'd like to hear you explain them to me." He gestured for the wizard to enter, his wand still at the ready. The three of them sat down at the kitchen table, the tension palpable in the air.
The Ministry wizard cleared his throat, his eyes never leaving Harry's. "Very well. You see, Mr. Potter, the laws regarding magical reproduction are quite clear. In the case of a male wizard bearing a child, there are certain... precautions that must be taken. For the safety of the child and the stability of the magical community, we require you to be under the supervision of a licensed healer and maintain a line of communication with the Ministry."
"I understand," Harry said, his voice firm. "But I have a healer here in Chicago who is well-versed in magical medicine. And as for the American Ministry, I've already informed them of my intent to remain here."
The wizard's expression grew tight, his eyes flitting to Mickey and Ian, who sat rigidly by Harry's side. "Mr. Potter, this is not a decision to be taken lightly. The British Ministry has a responsibility to its citizens."
"And I appreciate that," Harry said evenly, "but I also have responsibilities to the magical community here in Chicago. I've obtained dual citizenship. I'm as much an American wizard as I am British. And my child will be raised here, under the care of a competent healer that I trust."
The Ministry wizard's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You have American citizenship?"
"Yes," Harry replied, his voice firm. "And I have every intention of using it."
The wizard's face grew more severe. "Mr. Potter, you must understand the gravity of the situation. A magical child born under these circumstances is rare and requires special oversight. The British Ministry will not take this lightly."
"Neither will I," Harry said, his green eyes flashing. "But I assure you, my child will be well cared for. And as an American wizard, I am entitled to the same rights and protections as any other citizen here."
The wizard's face remained stony, but his eyes held a hint of understanding. "Very well, Mr. Potter. We will respect your wishes for now. But be advised, the Ministry will be keeping a close eye on the situation. Should anything... untoward occur, we will intervene."
"Understood," Harry said, his jaw set. The wizard nodded curtly, and with a pop of displacement, he and his Aurors were gone, leaving the three of them in a tense silence.