Burning from Within
The room was buzzing with curiosity.
People gossiping with the others around them. Whispers about the newcomer.
Hedwyn Aelius Peverell. The name jumped from one mouth to another. New faces were rare in Britain so the new addition to the Wizengamot was the talk of the month. Everyone wanted a look at the new addition to their little world.
"I heard he's from Germany", one person said.
"No, it's Sweden", another replied.
Different rumours disguised as facts flooded the minds of everyone in the chamber.
The doors closed. The talking ceased.
"The Wizengamot welcomes its new member, Lord Hedwyn Aelius Peverell", Chief Warlock Albert Smith says.
The doors open again. The young man, dressed in a purple robe as per tradition, comes forth inside the chamber, stopping at its centre. All eyes on him.
"I, Lord Hedwyn Aelius Peverell, swear to uphold the values of this body, secure its secrets and work betterment of the people we guard over", Hedwyn vowed. A curtain of light drapes over the man, signifying his acceptance.
"Welcome, Lord Peverell", Chief Warlock Smith says.
Hedwyn goes towards the other members, stopping at Lord Malfoy's side. A new chair appeared, the symbol of the Deathly Hallows displayed at its centre. The message is clear: he's a dark wizard and isn't afraid to show it. The members of the Light Sect are disappointed, by the look on their faces, but they say nothing.
"Let the session begin", the Chief Warlock starts. "Today we shall open the floor to new legislation. Whoever wishes to propose new laws may come forward."
To everyone's surprise, the new lord is the one to rise to present his ideas.
"Lords And Ladies of the Wizengamot. I have been made aware of something of great concern. Reports have reached me recently of the utter negligence towards our youngest", Hedwyn stated. "Which in itself would be a driver for immediate change. However, it has also come to my attention that no laws for the protection of magical children exist in Britain, leaving several young witches and wizards to suffer, unable to seek help."
People started to murmur. The subject of child protection laws was brought up from time to time, but no consensus was ever reached since no one in the chamber had much knowledge about it.
"What do you propose, Lord Peverell?", Lord Harvey Longbottom inquired.
"Good you have asked, Lord Longbottom. Firstly, I would like to propose some measures to ensure that our children have at least some protections from abuse."
"And what such measures would those be, Lord Peverell?", Lord Abraxas Malfoy asks.
"I believe in setting up a system where, when the child goes to Hogwarts, they will get seen by a healer in order to see if any physical abuse has happened; and that healer will send a report to the Ministry to inform of the child's condition. Of course, a department must be created to take care of these issues."
"That seems reasonable enough" the Chief Warlock said.
"Indeed. I believe it's time for us to take care of our children. We have been negligent for too long", Madam Marchbanks said, hitting the floor with her cane. "I always tried to talk to Dumbledore about it but the man never listened.
Many members of the Wizengamot nodded at Madam Marchbanks' statement. Albus Dumbledore was never one known to listen to others.
"I would also like to propose the possibility for children to stay at the school during summer if they don't feel safe at home."
"That would be a good idea. Most of the teachers stay at the school during summer anyway and the house-elfs are always there", Lord Belford Greengrass pointed it out. "But we should also think about the ones to young to stay alone all year. Perhaps some families would like to adopt them, so a system could be created to help with that. The older ones can be emancipated if they wish to."
"That is very thoughtful, Lord Greengrass", said the Chief Warlock.
The consensus was clear in most people's faces. Magical children were seen as a blessing after all and the lack of legislation to protect the next generation of witches and wizards was truly shameful.
"I agree with the provision, but there is the question of funding for such a department, however", Lord Augustus Prewett asked.
"If I'm not mistaken, the Ministry has enough money for a small department, Lord Prewett", Lord Peverell answered. "There is no need for a big department, at least for now. All we need is competent people willing to work for the protection of children."
There were several people nodding at Peverell's statement. There was really no need for a massive department since the number of children in difficult situations was probably not that high regardless.
’They do love keeping the purses closed, yes?‘, Death asked Hedwyn. Clearly annoyed by humans' antics.
Harry wanted to laugh at his friend's comment but kept a straight face for good measure.
"I believe it's time for the voting them", Chief Warlock Smith voiced, rising from his seat as he did so. "All in favour of the creation of a department for the protection and care of magical children; the stationing of a healer at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as well as allowing students to stay at the school if they so wish; and the creation of a system for adoption or the granting of emancipation of those whose parents have been seen as dangerous to the child wellbeing, please raise your wand."
Those agreeing with the positions raised their wand. A majority, Harry could tell. He relaxed a bit after seeing the clear victory. For a second he thought that not even the Potter seats Fleamont had allowed him to use were going to be enough, but thankfully he was wrong.
"The ayes have it!", The Chief Warlock declared. "I will delegate those who'll work in the new Department for the Protection of Magical Children, and the ones who'll take care of the adoption requests. I'll also send a letter to St. Mungus telling them to send a healer to Hogwarts and meet Headmaster Dumbledore about the changes for those who wish to stay at the school for the summer."
Hedwyn held his head a little higher after that. The youngest lord in the Wizengamot and also had his first legislation proposal approved on his first day. He knew many would be jealous but he didn't care a bit.
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’He's incredible‘, was all Regulus could think while he got up from his seat, following Hedwyn out of the chamber.
To say that he was impressed was an understatement. While helping Hedwyn with the names of the lords and ladies and with how to address the Wizengamot properly, Regulus didn't imagine he would do so well. Passing legislation during your first day between the elite families of Britain was unheard of.
"Congratulations, Hedwyn", Regulus said when the two men got inside the lift.
Harry smiled sweetly at him, which made Regulus' cheeks heat up and hands start sweating. "Thank you, Regulus. I wouldn't have done it without you."
Hedwyn then gave Regulus' right arm a light squeeze. ’Thank, Merlin I have him by my side‘, Harry thought.
Both men were still smiling at each other when another person got inside the lift, making Regulus blush even more and Harry looked away, face pinker than before.
As they reached the Atrium Harry's stomach made a sound, causing Regulus to laugh.
"Do you want to go eat something? There's this lovely restaurant in Diagon Alley I'd love to take you", the Black heir asked the lord.
"Sure. I'm starving. It's a date", Harry answered, giving Regulus a wink.
The other boy rolled his eyes but smiled, creating courage before linking his arm with Harry's. The time traveller smiled at him and blushed but didn't free his arm.
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"I have to admit, this place is breathtaking, Reggie", Harry said after they finished their dessert.
They were sitting next to each other, admiring the view of Diagon from above. The Silver Lion was one of the most luxurious restaurants in the alley, so Hedwyn was very impressed. The food had been amazing, of course, but Regulus being there with him just made it better.
"I'm glad you like it, Harry", Regulus said, with a small smile on his lips. "You needed a time off, to be honest."
"Yeah, I agree. Bringing down a dark lord and being a politician is very tiring."
Both men laughed a the comment, the relaxed in their seats.
They could almost forget about the rest of the world being there. Just listening to the music coming from the restaurant, while they sat at a table by the balcony, looking a the world outside. I wish I could stay like this forever, Harry thought.
Regulus moved in his seat, making Hedwyn look at him. The boy was already looking at him, a smile on his handsome face.
"I'm glad you came back, Harry", he said. "And I'm glad you came to me. Thank you for saving me, Harry."
Looking at Regulus, while the boy was smiling at him with his cheeks flushed melted Harry's heart. He gently placed his hand on top of Regulus'.
"I'm glad I met you, Regulus", he said almost in a whisper, his face closer to the other man's. "You make this so much better by being by my side."
"Really?", was all Regulus had the power to say. Feeling like he was at the top of a mountain, breathless, just Harry and him.
"Yeah...", Harry answered, his face so close to Regulus' he could see every detail. How beautiful, Harry thought before closing his eyes and slowly getting closer.
Regulus was the one to bridge the gap. When their lips touched, the rest of the world stopped existing. They were alone, in peace, in their own perfect place.
He tastes divine, Regulus thought, deepening the kiss. His hands were now on Harry's face, bringing him closer.
Hedwyn's hands went to Regulus' hips, trying to touch the other man as much as possible.
They stayed like this for a way. Sharing kisses, touches and smiles. In their Perfect Place, where nothing else was important but each other.