Chapter 10

                                        

                                              
Published: July 31st, 2025
Happy Birthday Harry Potter!
Natalie handed him a message from Ron claiming he was just playing along with Robards and was on his side. Harry hoped Ron wasn't lying. Ron also said that Malfoy was doing okay, but Ron needed to know if his son was okay. Harry left a note with Natalie explaining what had happened so far and the boy's handling of it.
By that time, Robards found out he was back and called him in to get reamed, again. He pressed again for information about Malfoy's son. Harry, very impolitely, told him to go screw himself. Killens body-checked him as he left Robards, who was still screaming at him. Another flunkie spilled hot coffee on him.
Harry wondered if the Auror office was the right place for him anymore. He had felt disillusioned for a long time. It was never enjoyable or satisfying, and his hopes that the system would change were dying. After enduring hours of underhanded comments and hostile looks, he left early. He decided to stop by the WWR to file an official complaint of workplace harassment. Harry assumed his days in the Aurors were limited, anyway.
Then, he went to MCAPs to make sure that he was doing everything correctly. The MCAPS receptionist was gushing about how proud she was that he was checking up on an abandoned child.
"He's not abandoned. His father was arrested and is being held for trial," he clarified. 
"Yes, and we all know what's going to happen to that Death Eater!" she scoffed, as though it was preordained.
"No, we don't," he shot back.
She waved her hand, dismissively. "Well, in any event, we aren't going to release a child back to a former Death Eater."
"Even if he's found innocent?"
"Based on the report I have, Mr. Malfoy took his infant son on the run with him, and they were found squatting in a condemned muggle building. So, no, his parental rights are suspended. He'd have to petition to get his son back and prove he's a competent parent," she said, pursing his lips.
Harry's heart fell, but he didn't argue it. Then the woman checked and said that the child's great aunt would have to apply for permanent custody as the next of kin. As of now, Andromeda Tonks only had emergency custody. When Harry asked about the difference, she explained that if permanent custody is granted, MCAPS can't terminate the custody arrangement without grounds and a hearing. With permanent custody, the child would be with that guardian unless the child becomes of age, the guardian was found to be unfit, or the parental rights of the parents were restored. 
"And if Andromeda Tonks stays with only emergency custody?" he asked.
"If the MCAPS case worker feels that the home is not suitable or an incident occurs, they can remove and reassign the child to a new foster home without a trial. Additionally, there are mandatory home visits, as the child is a ward of the Ministry. We also may send the child to a muggle orphanage if no suitable home is found, "she said, nonchalantly as Harry froze. "Oh... don't worry, he was raised as a muggle, so it's better if we send him to a mu...."
"Stop!" Harry growled, and she looked at him. "I was abused in my muggle home, Madam. Your presumptions are wrong. Can I have the paperwork for permanent custody?"
She grimaced. "This child is the son of a Death Eater, Mr. Potter!"
"I don't care. It doesn't matter, and it never will. Papers."
She scanned the file. "I can give you them, but it says here that Andromeda Tonks already has permanent custody of a child, Theodore Lupin. She'd have to provide proof that she has the means and ability to care for two small children. The caseworker might question her ability at her age."