Hermione Granger was flustered visibly flustered. She didn't know what had come over her. She was a lawyer in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for goodness sake and here she was blushing like a school girl.
"Ginny, you can't say those types of things in here, this is my work place" she squeaked. The petite witch threw her head back with a snort of laughter.
"Hermione, you finally go out on a date after splitting up with my idiot brother and I need details" Ginny trilled.
Hermione smiled sometimes Ginny was just what she needed. After being serious and professional all day in her work (working too many hours she might add) it felt nice to take a lunch break with Ginny. What she really meant was it felt normal. It had been seven years since the horrors of the battle of Hogwarts and sometimes Hermione felt like nothing had changed. She still had to boss Harry and Ron around to get them to do anything, she still had to toil ten times harder to be taken seriously in her work and mostly she felt the wizarding work still had a lot of work to do squashing discrimination. She had become a lawyer to petition the Wizengamot about the rights of those who had to live with discrimination as a part of their lives. It seemed the wizarding world however wasn't ready to hear about the plight of werewolves, house elves and centaurs. She did however have some luck with the muggleborn anti-discrimination bill which made it an offense to discriminated against anyone due to their blood status. The fact that this law existed though didn't mean it was heavily enforced however Hermione felt a rush of pride when it was passed.
When the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was short staff she had been transferred with the promise that one day she would be back at Wizengamot Services trying to create law not enforce it. As much as she was loathed to play the political game the old boys club still existed and she need to play it somewhat to achieve her agenda. The move to Magical Law Enforcement had hopefully brought her the favours she needed.
"It was a perfectly lovely night, we went for dinner then he escorted me home, that's it end of story"
"BORING" yawned Ginny "really Hermione you need to get a life".
"We can't all be professional quidditch stars dating Harry Potter you know" Hermione replied. She smiled as she thought about how Ginny got her big break playing for the Harpies.
"Listen Hermione, you work too hard would it kill you to live a little, I know Ron did a bit of a number on you but it was a year ago enough time has passed you need to get back out there, get back on the horse" Ginny wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Hermione sighed she knew her little red headed friend was right but it wasn't in Hermione's nature to put herself out there. Perhaps she could make a little more effort. Her date with Eddie Charmichael was pleasant enough but there was no fire, no spark, none at all.
"Merlin's balls, look is that Malfoy, he is looking fit!" screeched Ginny. Hermione swivelled round in her chair to get a good look. Draco Malfoy had filled out a little since their Hogwarts days, his athletic build and height was impressive and even from their distance he carried himself with an air of arrogance that screamed I'm wealthy, good looking and I know it. Hermione hadn't seen him since she participated in his trial. Both her and Harry had testified that Malfoy could have told Bellatrix who they were, he certainly knew, and that he didn't attack again when he had them cornered in the room of requirement at the battle. He had been sentenced lightly due to being underage when his major crime of plotting to murder Albus Dumbledore occurred. He received a year living without magic as a muggle in order to rehabilitate him. Hermione could have laughed out loud at the thought of pureblood magic royalty Malfoy living as a muggle. As if he could feel Hermione's eyes on him he turned to look at her as their eyes locked across the canteen. He was conversing with the Minister of Magic himself. They regarded each other for a moment until Malfoy slightly dipped his head in acknowledgement.
Hermione was brought out of her stare by Ginny saying "Wonder what business Malfoy and the Minister of Magic have? They look pretty cosy over coffee."
"I couldn't guess Gin but from what I hear Malfoys a pretty big deal in the business world. His company Magitech is quite brilliant they produce technologies that are based on muggle technology with a bit of magic added. I did hear a rumour that they have developed a mobile phone that works on magic and can be used in magical areas. I mean I love owls but its not exactly a speedy way to contact someone is it?" Hermione gushed excitedly
"What's a mobile phone?" Ginny looked puzzled.
"Never mind maybe I will explain it one day" Hermione said "needless to say Malfoy is raking in the galleons and the technology is quite breath-taking". Hermione was getting increasingly more excited as she realised the implications that muggle technology could have on the wizarding world.
"I didn't know you followed me so closely Miss Granger" came a drawl from behind. Hermione whipped around to see Draco Malfoy examining her with his penetrating stare "I must have done something impressive to garner your acclaim". Hermione again flushed bright red as though caught doing something naughty. Malfoy smiled slightly he always did enjoy seeing how far he could push his peer.
"I just appreciate innovation Malfoy nothing more" retorted Hermione.
"Shame I can think of a lot more Granger" at this Malfoy took off back to his meeting with the minister. Hermione eyed Ginny with a look of what was that about? Ginny responded barely keeping her mirth from spilling out.
"He was flirting with you imagine that, Draco Malfoy flirting with Hermione Granger"
"Don't be ridiculous he was not that's that's …" Hermione stammered. Ginny not being able to contain herself any longer shook with laughter. As Ginny's laughter died down Hermione Granger had to admit it was a funny old world.