Nothing could be heard but the scratching of quills and the tang of type writers. At least that was all Hermione Granger paid attention to, signing her name on the last report of the day she finally sighed and rolled her shoulders back.
"So? What do you say?" inquired her red-headed friend. Ronald Weasley looked at her, glanced at the report, then back into her golden eyes which darted at him and back to the typewriter. He smiled, "You weren't listening to a thing I was saying."
Hermione sighed and pushed her hair out of her face. "I am so sorry Ron, we just made that arrest in Surrey-Surrey! Can you believe it? And another child disappearance...things are getting tense here." She looked across her desk at one of her best friends for the last-what was it? Eight years?
The battle of Hogwarts had ended and the Golden Trio, really every surviving seventh year student, had to deal with the after math. After assisting in the cleaning up Hogwarts, the three of them had been immediately directed into Aurors apprenticeships with their experience in Dumbledore's Army and the Order. Ron quickly found it was not for him and transferred into Muggle Relations and Regulations. Hermione and Harry quickly rose through the ranks. Hermione was often reminded of Mad Eye Moody's, really Barty Crouch Jr.'s, remarks that they had the makings of Aurors.
Ron made to respond as Harry Potter, the final third, plopped himself in the second chair in front of Hermione's desk. He pushed up his glasses, "Minister Shacklebolt would like a word with you-what did you do this time?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about Mr. Harry James Potter." Hermione said with a glare. Harry smirked at her.
"Really? None? You haven't freed any house elves lately? Or arrested any unicorn poachers?" Harry teased while Ron raised an eyebrow in her direction.
"Hermione Granger, the notorious rule breaker at large again? I told you we had the worst influence on her."
Hermione huffed while gathering her things. "Oh really, I mean all those things are against the law and isn't that our job catching criminals?"
Harry chuckled, "Yes they are but they are not our department. It is call a division of labor for a reason. Anyway, whatever you did, it must be big for it to go directly to Kingsley. Please make sure you don't get fired before my wedding." He stood up and grabbed her report, "I'll turn this in for you. Meet us for drinks when your meeting is done, usual place?"
Hermione watched him gather her papers as Ron also grabbed his coat. She smiled to herself, she had been afraid they would drift apart after Hogwarts but some ties really don't sever. Which reminded her to owl Luna and Neville soon. "Will do. I honestly haven't stepped a toe out of line." She smirked, "Maybe an award of some kind?"
Harry grinned while Ron laughed, "If anyone deserves one, it's you." She stood up, kissed them both on the cheek and waved them out.
Alone, she smoothed out her blouse and pants. Her choice to wear all black was intentional, being female in such a male-dominated field she felt the need to look like a force to be reckoned with. Not as if being the Hermione Granger, best friend of Harry Potter, who helped save the world wasn't enough. She lifted her satchel to her shoulder and walked out of the Auror office. Most of the desks already empty-many already home with their families.
Running through all the assignments she had been on the last two weeks, Hermione tried to determine what she did that was "in the grey". It was a full ten minutes before she was infront of the Minister of Magic's office door and she could not think of one single thing. She always acted with her heart and was able to explain her reasons for stepping out of line. In fact Gawain Robards, head of the Auror office, and herself had a fine relationship. Quickly noticing Kingsley's secretary was absent, also probably home, she knocked and slowly opened the door. "You wished to see me, Minister?" she cautiously asked.
Kingsley Shacklebolt quickly rose to greet her, "Hermione, please come in." She smiled in relief, he didn't seem angry or disappointed. Hermione walked around his desk to give the tall man a hug. "You are doing well, I trust?"
Hermione nodded, some curly brown hair falling back in her face. She quickly pulled a hair tie off her wrist and tied her hair into a bun on top of her head while taking a seat across from him. "Very well, busy, however, have you heard about the child disappearances? The fifth report came in yesterday."
Kingsley frowned, "Are you following up with them?"
"I plan to, some in the department think it's just a coincidence but there's a feeling I just can't shake. I can't connect them-all different cities. If I get the assignment you from you directly that would mean a lot." Hermione hoped. There was something there, she just needed the time.
He smiled, "For my best Auror? Of course." Hermione sat a little straighter. "There is something I need you to do for me."
Furrowing her brow Hermione leaned forward. The Minsiter cleared his throat, "As you know when you finish your apprenticeship and become a full fledged Auror you can also become a mentor. You have done this quicker than anyone" The brown hair girl nodded staying focused on the the Minsiter's dark eyes. She knew this, she put in tireless hours in her training. "I think it is time for you to have a mentee." he finished.
A grin a mile wide threatened to break out on her sun kissed face. A mentor? One usually didn't mentor until you had at least five years of experience. Hermione cleared her throat, "Whatever you need me to do."
"Excellent!" Kingsley clapped. Hermione turned in her seat as she heard the door to the office open and close. Hermione stood, taking in her new apprentice. Her eyes traveled from his shock-white blond hair to his stern face. Draco Malfoy walked into the office and shook hands with the Minister. Hermione struggled to compose her expression. She wanted to yell, she wanted to shake her very good friend and former mentor Kingsley, and ask him what the hell he was even thinking. She didn't. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear and turned her warm eyes to Malfoy's cool grey. He did not frown nor smile just simply looked at her. It was annoying.
Taking a deep breath, she considered her options. She could refuse to work with him. She could say no after everything he had put her through, for what he put Hogwarts through, why should she have to work with him? But, that would mean missing out on the assignment she desperately wanted to work on.
"Granger" he stated. No emotion came from his voice or eyes. Did she not testify on his behalf in front of the Wizengamot? Did she not have herself and Harry testify on behalf of his mother? They in the end helped their side. He served time under house arrest, maybe just maybe he changed.
"Malfoy" not breaking eye contact, she stretched out her hand. His eyes widened a bit. Maybe he did not expect her to accept him so quickly. That made the two of them. He hesitated then clasped her hand and promptly dropped it.
Once again, Kingsley clapped his hands, "Splendid! Splendid! Now I know of your past and I wish to remind you that the past is exactly that-the past. We learn from our mistakes and move on. There are more important matters at hand. Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Granger will show you the ropes of the office. The do's and don't's if you will. In fact, she is already working on a brand new case!"
Draco nodded but didn't say a word. He moved his eyes from the Minister to Hermione. She felt his gaze but fixed her eyes on her friend instead. "I will show him to a free desk and we can start tomorrow morning, if I have the assignment on my desk by then." She tilted her head slightly. Draco was mildly impressed, it almost sounded like a command.
Kingsley just chuckled, "Yes, yes by the morning." Hermione smiled. "Now Mr. Malfoy may I please speak to Ms. Granger for one more minute in private?"
Nodding his head again he replied a quick, "Yes sir" before turning and walking out of the office to wait.
Hermione sat down once again when she saw her friend do the same. "I know this wasn't who you had in mind." Hermione made to interrupt, "No, no, just listen. " Kingsley sighed deeply and regarded her for a second. "I know he made many mistakes. You spoke for him during his trail. He has passed the same testing you have and has proven himself for redemption."
A snort issued from her but she kept her mouth shut. He raised his hands, "Please, if anyone can handle him you can." He looked at her meaningfully, "And, no other mentor would take him."
Hermione quickly looked down at her hands. Of course they wouldn't. An ex-Death Eater? Even if he hadn't killed Dumbledore, he had lead the other Death Eaters into Hogwarts. She bit her tongue and finally said, "Fine, for you Minister." He smiled while they both stood up again and shook hands. "I suppose I will find him a desk. Goodnight Kingsley."
"Goodnight, Hermione." He watched her walk out hoping he made the right decision.
Closing the door and closing her eyes Hermione couldn't wait until this day was over. She should be with Harry and Ron right now. Not with-
"Well it is nice to see you again Granger" drawled that familiar voice. No, it was deeper. She rubbed her eyes and slowly turned.
Eyeing Malfoy for the second time today she noticed he looked fairly normal. Black pants and a white button down, what Aurors usually wore. "Always the pleasure, please follow me" she rolled her eyes and started to walk back to the office. Her satchel felt heavier with every step.
He moved quickly to catch up until he matched her step. "So we are meant to be partners? What an interesting development." His trademark smirk was sliding into place.
"Actually I believe you are my mentee, not partner. But interesting is a good word for what is happening." She glanced sideways at him, "Why did you chose this field?"
Draco put his hands in his pockets and shrugged one shoulder, "I thought it would be...interesting."
They walked into the Auror office, it was completely empty. "You must really love that word. Right," Hermione gestured around her, "Basically if the desk doesn't have a name on the plate, it's up for grabs. Pick whichever peaks your interest." She smiled to herself. Malfoy rolled his eyes, then started to look.
He walked down a couple of the aisles. The office as a whole wasn't anything spectacular although he knew it would be bustling with activity during the day. At the moment it was a bunch of empty wooden desks. Most of the walls were covered with posters of criminals, case updates, and laws. There were some hallways that branched off and a couple of doors that lead to private offices. He kept looking at all the name plates, he passed some that were blank. He glanced back at the witch who was currently looking at her watch. "I don't see your desk." he called out.
"What?" she looked away from her watch to him. Only 9:30, she had plenty of time.
"Your desk, which one is yours? I don't see it." he ran a hand through his hair hoping he sounded bored. He heard her huff as she started walking toward him, then veered to the right.
"This is my desk." She looked at the stack of papers and books off to the side. She chose this desk mostly because of the location; almost the middle but off to the side near the wall. It gave the opportunity to hear everything without being in the direct bustle.
Draco looked at it and saw an empty desk directly to the left. "I should have known, always look for the tower of books. I think this one will be fine." He said patting the wood.
Ignoring the jab Hermione instead lifted an eyebrow at his choice. "Really? There are plenty of other ones."
"I find the best place to be for information is next to the Know-It-All" there was a slight sneer but nothing like before. The old name wasn't spat with hate, in fact Hermione could swear she saw some laughter in his eyes. No, this wasn't the same Draco Malfoy.
Staying quiet she leaned over and tapped the golden name plate. Slowly the name Draco L. Malfoy engraved itself. The grey eyed man ran his slender fingers over his name. He looked up when the sound of heels clicked away from him. He stared at the bushy mess of a bun get to the office door.
Hermione looked over her shoulder, "Tomorrow morning-7:00. Don't be late."
Taking another deep breath after she left, Draco pulled out his chair and sat behind his desk. He could stay for a bit longer.