RP: Department Corruption

[bth_kingsleys]

Title: Department Corruption
Game date: September 7, 1998
Time: 2:00pm
Characters featured: Kingsley Shacklebolt, Charlie Weasley
Location: The Ministry
Status: Private
Completion: Complete

Comments

[bth_charliew]

Charlie greeted Kingsley with a quick nod and sat as he was told. He had not seen much of the older man since the latter had become Minister for Magic, but he remembered quite well each of their encounters during the war; Kingsley would often stay only for a few minutes, giving Charlie instructions and information before leaving to deal with some other mission. Efficient, hard-working, and highly reliable - the man inspired respect, and Charlie certainly felt uncomfortable meeting him after what he had done on the previous Monday. Kingsley's letter had, to say the least, highly surprised him; but he supposed that, if the Minister had wanted to meet him, Charlie was not supposed to refuse

[bth_kingsleys]

"Kingsley is fine Charlie. Anyone who nearly dies under a mission I assigned is permitted that perk." Kingsley said, amusement growing stronger in his tone. Since his promotion people who would have once hollered across a room to borrow five sickles from him were suddenly acting as though if they looked at him the wrong way they'd be arrested. It was frustrating at times but nothing he wasn't normally able to fix with a small deal of persuasion. "I have never gotten the chance to thank you for all you did for the Order - your aid was very valuable to us indeed." he said, offering the embarrassed boy a smile.

"That is not why I called you though, I would like to hear about this supposed corruption in your depar- former department, if you truly have quit." Kingsley explained. "Your brother tells me you had a row with Mrs. Kirkwell involving cruelty to your charges of magical creatures - can you explain?"

[bth_charliew]

"Ah, well, I only got attacked by a three-headed snake and a dozen Dark Magic fanatics, it was nothing, really," said Charlie, smiling at Kingsley's remark. He quickly forced himself to regain some seriousness, though. "And well, it was only right that I helped the Order as much as I could. I believe there are many witches and wizards who contributed much more than me to the victory against Voldemort

[bth_kingsleys]

"I know that quite well." Kingsley answered, a deep sigh falling from his lips. "I feared this much." Off Charlie's confused look he continued. "I had heard rumors during my time as an Auror about how the Magical Creature Department worked, but nothing substantial enough to perform a full investigation into the matter. With this I can at least defend checking their records and some supervision. With any luck we can have this done quickly and weed out the corrupt members."

Kingsley turned his attention back to Charlie, elbows resting on his desk as he spoke. "I am aware you have quit your post but, should this turn out to be as you say, I hope you may consider returning. The way to fix a rotten department is to cut away the filth and give it new life under those trustworthy, and you have proven yourself more than once to the Order. I'm unsure what position I can offer you, or if I can even offer this, but do consider it if you haven't found other work by now."

[bth_charliew]

"I see..." Charlie couldn't say he wasn't surprised by what Kingsley had just told him. He had not even once stopped to consider that maybe Kingsley could not control immediately all the departments and make things right just with a simple wave of his wand. Rebuilding took lots of time and energy, and Charlie now felt extremely stupid and thoughtless to have been so hot-headed. His admiration for Kingsley was growing every second.

He supposed he would have to write a letter (or two, or three) of apology to Percy for his conduct, too. He had said some pretty harsh things back then, and he couldn't really understand why Percy had tried to help him after that. Probably because he was a lot more intelligent than his older brother, Charlie thought, smiling inwardly.

"I have not found or looked for any other job," Charlie admitted. "And I will be glad to help you fix the department, should you need me."

He hesitated before adding, looking down but smiling: "I promise that I will try to control my temper a little more."

[bth_kingsleys]

"Your anger is understandable but restraint will most likely lead to a better outcome." Kingsley jibed lightly then growing serious once more. "The investigation should be fairly short if it bears fruit, expect an owl in a few weeks or so, you may need to be called to testify on what you were told." he said as he stood, grasping Charlie's hand in a firm shake. "Say hello to Arthur and Molly for me, I'm afraid all this rebuilding has booked may calendar from nearly all socializing. And Charlie - passion is by no means something to be ashamed of, just be careful it doesn't cloud your sight." he said, staring Charlie down for a moment before letting go of the handshake and taking his seat.