Chapter 175: The Ministry of Magic

Protocol at the Ministry of Magic had become markedly sterner since Sherlock last visited. However, when requested to surrender his wand for inspection, Sherlock only handed over his everyday wand. The Ministry was no doubt aware of his collection of multiple wands but refrained from asking to examine all of them. The Personnel Department of the Ministry, responsible for all regular recruiting barring the Aurors, was tucked away within the Minister's Office Administrative Support. It was this department from which Sherlock had received his appointment letter. 

Hence, Sherlock first arrived with Eddie at the Administrative Support on the first underground floor to finalize his paperwork and secure a permit. This permit would allow him to access apparition privileges within the Ministry once presented to and approved by the Department of Magical Transportation. Nevertheless, prior to commencing this process, Eddie led Sherlock to meet the current Minister for Magic, Harold Minchum. 

Harold Minchum was a formidable wizard with an air of rigidity around him, his manner of speaking and acting bearing an uncanny resemblance to that of Rufus Scrimgeour. According to the history known to Sherlock, during the unsettling year of 1980, as Voldemort's stronghold within the wizarding world intensified, the dismay towards Minchum grew among the magical populace, leading to his eventual resignation. The exceptionally strong witch, Millicent Bagnold (Fudge's predecessor), succeeded him as the Minister or Magic. 

Minchum first expressed gratitude towards Sherlock for his contributions to the protection of the Department of Mysteries. He then subtly hinted, using his mastery over the subtle art of diplomatic linguistics, that a transition to the Auror Department could be a promising prospect for Sherlock's thriving career within the Ministry. Sherlock, in his elusive manner, didn't outright deny this, but suggested his fascination with the enigmatic realm of magic studies. He proposed that his interests might pivot towards the Auror Department once his current enthusiasm waned - a nod to the indeterminacies of the future. Minister Minchum was quite satisfied with Sherlock's reply, throwing a few encouraging words his way before Sherlock and Eddie took their leave.

"You didn't mean a word of that, did you?" Eddie accused, having seen the hypocrisy shining clear. 

Sherlock merely shrugged his shoulders. "Had to save the Minister's face, didn't I? If he threw me at the Auror Command on a whim, I wouldn't exactly have a say in the matter."

Eddie's brows furrowed. "But you've promised him now; sooner or later, Minchum will yank you off to the Aurors."

"Sooner or later you say? And how soon is that?" asked Sherlock, matching his tone.

"Well hard to say, but roughly six months to a year," Eddie estimated. "In no more than a year he'll transfer you to the Auror Command, possibly sooner if the Death Eaters make any notable advances."

At this, a mysterious smile touched Sherlock's lips. "Well, if it really comes to that, I might just obey. Moving from the Department of Mysteries to the Auror Command certainly wouldn't be the worst thing."

Of course Sherlock didn't actually plan to become an Auror - if he couldn't find a worthwhile clue within six months, his presence at the Ministry would be redundant, so even if Minchum wanted to transfer him, he'd simply leave. However, Eddie always had his doubts about Sherlock's intent to join the Ministry. Given Sherlock's prowess, penetrating the core of the Ministry wasn't an insurmountable challenge. It was unusual for him to wait until now. But Eddie kept his qualms to himself.

Upon reaching the Department of Magical Transportation to procure Apparition permits, they ran into Sophie. Thanks to Sherlock's influence, she had risen from a simple staffer to the Deputy Head of the Floo Network Office. Remarkably, even with her busy schedule at one of the Ministry's most bustling departments, Sophie set her tasks aside to guide Eddie and Sherlock through the process of acquiring his Apparition license.

Upon their departure, Sherlock, his face full of curiosity, asked, "Does she fancy you?" 

Eddie responded quite indifferently, "If Amy were not in the picture, perhaps we might have dated back in school."

Sherlock arched an eyebrow, "Childhood sweethearts, then?"

"Something like that. We've known each other since we were little. But when she found out I had a child, without even making a peep, she severed our connection and all communication stopped."

Sherlock advised, "From what I can tell, she still cares about you. If you explain the situation, she might be understanding."

Eddie shook his head, "I don't have the time nor energy to think about dating right now. Besides, given the current state of things, none of us can be sure we'll see tomorrow's sunrise." 

Eddie was, of course, right. With how things were going, Amy was a burden to him, and he had little chance in entertaining other emotions. Sherlock didn't press further, just followed Eddie into the lift, descending once again to the secretive Level Nine of the Ministry of Magic that looked much the same as the last time he was there. While the lift was crowded, it was only they who alighted on the ninth floor.

They walked down the long and deserted corridor before pushing through the black door at its end into the circular room with twelve doors on the walls. This time, they didn't have to search door by door. As they entered the Department of Mysteries, one of the black doors swung open and Mrs. Selwyn walked out. Eddie had all but finished his task at this point. After giving Mrs. Selwyn a brief report and bidding Sherlock farewell, he turned and left.

"We meet again, Mr. Watson," Madam Selwyn's voice was soft and not at all aloof.

Sherlock, of course, understood the importance of forging the right alliances. While the Minister for Magic held high esteem, it was his immediate superior, the head of the Department of Mysteries, who truly held the keys to his success.

"Just John is fine, ma'am," he offered.

"As for the previous matter," she continued "I must once again express my gratitude. We were truly fortunate that you were able to arrive just in time."

"It was the only right thing to do."

After the formalities, Mrs. Selwyn got straight to the point. "Since you have applied to join the Department of Mysteries, I personally welcome you. However, the range of research conducted here is quite diverse. Is there any particular area you're interested in?"

Sherlock hesitated for a moment, casting a glance at those twelve black doors before responding.

"Could I perhaps spend a few days here first, understanding and observing, before making a decision? At present, I'm unsure of the specific areas of magical research carried out here, thus I am indecisive."

Mrs. Selwyn nodded in agreement. "It only makes sense for you to first gain a better understanding of our department - for now, why don't you start working in the office of the Time Room. You must have heard by now, we are few in numbers in our department, even with you, we total to only five. Each of us carries out our own research and specializes in certain areas, which doesn't usually cross on daily basis."

"As for the matter concerning your friend's daughter, I am aware. Our department differs from others; you even have the liberty to reside in your selected office if needed. If you need to look after the child, you can of course bring her along. But I implore you, keep careful watch, I trust you understand how dangerous this department can be."