Harry Potter: Red Weasley The Strange Red Wizard

In an office of the Ministry of Magic, behind a small mountain of papers, Amelia was signing document after document, barely glancing at them. It wasn't carelessness, but the repetitive nature of the procedures made a quick look enough to determine how much attention each required.

She was busy, tired, and fully engrossed in her work when she heard a knock at the door. However, before she could grant permission, the door swung open, and someone entered without hesitation. She was about to reprimand whoever dared to come in so confidently but stopped when she recognized him.

"Hello, Amelia. Long time no see," said Tenebrius with a confident smile.

"What are you doing here? How did you get in?" she asked, surprised.

"I have my ways. Besides, the security here... let's just say if you know what you're doing, it's not that hard to infiltrate the Ministry," he replied mockingly as he made his way to the chair in front of Amelia's desk and sat down uninvited.

"We definitely need to change that," muttered Amelia, more to herself. It wasn't the first time her former assistant had managed to get in, despite being considered a dangerous criminal by many in the Ministry.

"How's everything? Looks like you have a lot of work," said Tenebrius, gesturing at the familiar paper mountains.

"Whose fault do you think that is? Fudge didn't like me helping you with your business, and he's taking it out on me. He can't do anything severe, but increasing my workload... that he can do, and it seems he knows exactly how to do it," replied Amelia, clearly angry, though more at the corruption than at the young man in front of her.

"Didn't we agree you'd stop overworking yourself, no matter who asked? What about Susan? It might not be as noticeable with her at Hogwarts, but Christmas is coming," said Tenebrius as he grabbed a quill and began working on the papers without waiting for approval.

"Stop that," she ordered, reaching out to take the documents from him.

"You know you need help," he replied, moving the papers away with the quill still in hand. "Besides, you know I can do this, and I'm very good at it. I'll leave the important signatures to you."

Amelia could only sigh. While a helping hand would be welcome relief, she might have stopped anyone else. But she knew the young man's work well and allowed it.

"I haven't changed my mind—I'll never forget what you made me realize. My family comes first. But for just a little while longer, I'll work a bit extra," she said, returning to her tasks.

"Why?" he asked curiously, without stopping his rapid review of the papers.

"I've made a decision," she replied curtly, unwilling to elaborate.

"What decision?" (Tenebrius)

"Fudge has proven to be a problem. I saw it clearly when you were attacked and with the problems he's trying to impose on your business out of misguided interests or grudges." (Amelia)

"Oh, yes... you know inspectors and others have started showing up again lately. They're complicating things for me. I can handle it, but the mission board has been inactive since yesterday." (Tenebrius)

"You don't seem too bothered," Amelia commented, though she couldn't hide her surprise at Fudge's brazenness in resuming his attacks.

"I have connections in the French Ministry... well, a friend of a friend. I plan to open a business there. I'll keep Albion's Dragons here, but if things get too complicated, much of the business will move. Maybe even to other countries." (Tenebrius)

"Great, now our resources are going to other countries. Add another achievement to Fudge's candidacy," said Amelia with obvious frustration. Not just because of Tenebrius' situation but also for what this revealed about the state of the country.

"So, your decision is... to kill Fudge?" Tenebrius asked with a raised eyebrow and a mocking tone.

Amelia shot him a piercing glare but didn't respond directly.

"I plan to become Minister of Magic," she said at last.

"Oh, that sounds more like you... but it still surprises me," he admitted honestly.

"Yes, I like where I am, and power never interested me. But if things continue like this, no matter how hard I work from here, nothing will change. Maybe it will even get worse," Amelia responded, sighing, tired but determined. "That's why I'll endure this exhausting and unfair workload a little longer while I strengthen myself, gather like-minded allies, and prepare to run in the next elections."

"Congratulations, future Minister. I'd be happy to bring a crowd and start a revolt if they don't give you the position," said Tenebrius with a mischievous smile.

"Please don't do that," Amelia replied in her usual monotone, though she knew it was likely a joke, she didn't want to risk it with someone like him.

They both continued working in silence for a while longer. The "to-do" pile of papers gradually diminished while the "done" stack steadily grew. When the work was about three-quarters finished, Tenebrius broke the silence.

"So... if you're so busy..." (Tenebrius)

Amelia barely looked up from the documents.

"What do you want?" she asked with evident exhaustion.

"Aren't you available for a date or something?" he replied with a nonchalant tone.

At his question, Amelia momentarily lost focus, causing a streak on the parchment she was writing. Frowning, she looked at him with exasperation.

"Are you serious?" she said, trying to fix the ink smudge.

"What do you mean?" Tenebrius asked, tilting his head with feigned innocence.

"Can you stop joking while we're working?" she replied, clearly annoyed.

"Amelia, I thought we'd moved past the stage where you think I couldn't be interested in you," he said, frowning slightly with mild annoyance. "I'm honest in my courting."

"I know you're dating Tonks, so spare me the trouble with this old woman. I have enough problems," she replied without looking up from her work. "Though I must admit, you made the right choice. It never would've worked between us. It's better for you to find someone your age."

Tenebrius laughed heartily, the sound echoing in the office, earning a confused look from Amelia.

"You believed that too. I thought you were smarter than that, Amelia." (Tenebrius)

"What are you talking about?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at his mocking laughter.

"I'm not Tonks' boyfriend," he said, still chuckling.

"What? But that's what everyone says. And believe me, I've heard less erotic tales in a brothel," she replied, turning her attention back to the papers, trying to downplay the matter.

"Ah, yes, those rumors..." admitted Tenebrius with a shrug. "But they're not actually about me. Yes, Tonks has a boyfriend, and yes, those rumors are true. But it's not me."

Amelia stared at him, trying to piece together the thread of the conversation.

"Then who...?" (Amelia)

"I'm a cover," he interrupted, amused by her confusion. "Tonks' real boyfriend is a good guy, but going public would ruin his reputation right now. So, being the good friend I am, I let the rumors point to me."

"This is all a farce?" she asked, a mix of incredulity and curiosity in her voice.

"Of course. As long as everyone thinks it's me, no one questions anything. And Tonks can keep her relationship a secret without any trouble. It's a bit of an elaborate ruse." (Tenebrius)

Amelia remained silent for a moment, processing the explanation. For a brief second, she considered responding, but ultimately refocused on her work. In its own way, it made sense... very much in Tenebrius' style.

"So?" asked Tenebrius, leaning slightly toward her.

"So what?" Amelia replied, not looking up from the papers.

"Are you too busy for a date? It doesn't have to be anything complicated, just a fifteen-minute coffee would do," he said, stepping closer to her desk with a carefree smile.

Amelia sighed and gave him a tired look.

"Why don't you ask Tonks' boyfriend for advice on dating someone your own age?" she shot back, surprised when her remark elicited a spontaneous laugh from the young man.

"Come on, Amelia. I've already made it clear that I'm interested in you," replied Tenebrius, maintaining his cheerful demeanor. "I thought we were past that part."

"Yes, but that doesn't make it appropriate," she reasoned, gesturing at the pile of documents in front of them. "Look at me. I'm drowning in work, and now I'm aiming to become Minister. That'll only make it worse. Do you really want to get involved in all that?"

"Maybe I like hardworking, powerful women," he chuckled, biting his lip as if enjoying his own comment far too much.

"Knock it off," she responded, ignoring the obvious tease. "Give up, find another girl. I accepted long ago that I wouldn't have a great love life and decided to spend my time on more useful things."

"So, you're telling me I wasted my piss break coming here, helping with your work, all for nothing?" he exclaimed with exaggerated indignation.

Amelia glanced at the wall clock, frowning.

"How long are your bathroom breaks?" she asked incredulously. They had been there for at least 45 minutes.

"Depends on what I've had to drink. But don't change the subject. I came here for something important," he retorted, crossing his arms.

Amelia looked at him with a mix of irritation and amusement.

"I don't want to throw you out of my office," she said finally, though her expression suggested otherwise.

"Amelia, even if you want to take over the world, you should make a little space to try being happy." (Tenebrius)

"I am happy." (Amelia)

"Lie. And if it's true, it's incomplete happiness," he insisted, meeting her gaze directly. "Just give me a chance. Let me try. I won't interfere with your plans to become Minister. In fact, you might relax and do an even better job. If necessary, I'll stay here every day helping you. I'll handle all the garbage Fudge sends you so you can focus on your political campaign."

Amelia scrutinized him, searching for a weak point in his argument.

"Why...?" she began but then sighed. "Why can't you give up?"

"Because I really want to try. Even if it fails, I at least want the chance with you," he replied, extending his hand toward her, though he stopped halfway, careful not to overstep.

"This is a huge mistake." (Amelia)

"Maybe, but at least let me try. Let me court you. You don't have to accept my invitation now. But let me send you gifts, help you, say nice things... And when you think the time is right, you can accept having a coffee with me while we plan how to overthrow this corrupt government," he pleaded, his eyes glinting with determination.

Amelia stared at him intently. His eyes seemed sincere, clear, and for a moment, vulnerable. She allowed herself a fleeting thought of what it might be like... but quickly pushed the idea aside. Or at least, most of it.

"Do what you want," she finally said with a resigned tone.

That was enough for Tenebrius, whose face lit up as if he had just received the best news of the day.

"Great! Today is a day of good news. Now I can court you more actively. And I've also solved the problem with my penis. Everything's back in working order, so if things go well between us, I've got one less worry," he said, excitedly.

Amelia blinked, confused and stunned by what she had just heard.

"Problems with your penis?" She asked, unable to help herself.

"Oh, yeah. Up until today, even if we had something, it could only have been platonic. This body didn't have active sexual functions. But now it does. So, if you're interested, I could do all... or almost all, the things people are saying about me and Tonks," he replied while standing and grabbing his trousers as if about to pull them down.

"Out!" shouted Amelia, standing abruptly with her wand in hand, furious at his vulgarity. Though she wouldn't admit it, she felt oddly flustered by his attention.

Tenebrius bolted toward the door, fearing he might be hexed. However, just before shutting it completely, he paused long enough to say:

"I'm just saying... Susan would love to have a little brother or sister." (Tenebrius)

That bombshell was enough to push Amelia over the edge. A spell shot from her wand, slamming the door shut against his nose.

"Idiot!" she yelled from inside, while Tenebrius laughed on the other side despite the pain.

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