A story that's been swirling around in my head for a while. I don't usually do Harry Potter fanfictions, but I really wanted to get this out there. Let me know what you think... there's this button on the bottom of the page to help you with that )
~H~
"My name is Hermione Granger, and I'm here to help you." She took a look at the indifferent faces staring at her blankly and recognized too many for comfort. Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, and several others she recognized from her time at Hogwarts were among the mass of people she was addressing. "This war has wronged you, and whether you feel it necessary or not, I think every one of us in this room needs someone to talk to."
As expected, this statement was met by numerous snorts and disbelieving glances. But she caught some people biting their nails and subconsciously leaning forward. Among these disbelievers were people honestly in need of what she was offering.
"I have with me Ministry officials and former Order members. If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by the Department of Post- War Recovery Efforts. You are always welcome there." She gestured to Neville and Luna behind her. "Now I understand that you aren't exactly willing to share your thoughts and feelings to the very people you called enemies months ago, but we're not asking for that. This is only a chance for us to try and provide you all with food, shelter, and anything else you might need."
"Single file line, please," Luna called, her voice gaining some edge. Many followed her orders without question, and the stragglers quickly got in line after receiving a stern look from Hermione. Neville gestured to Hermione as Luna divided people up in tens.
"Now look, 'Mione, I think this is a great idea. But how exactly do you plan to do this? Not many people have the time or will to help out."
Hermione sighed, glancing at Luna to make she was still doing fine. "I know, I know. But Harry thought we should do something for these people. Most of them weren't ever associated with Death Eaters, only their parents, and because of that they've been labeled in society. It isn't as though all of them are dormant Death Eaters, waiting to strike."
"And what of the ones that are?" Neville gestured towards Theodore and Pansy gathered around a partially obstructed figure whose white blond hair was still painfully visible.
"I'll deal with them," she replied grimly, rubbing her arm. "But I appreciate your help, Neville. I was glad to hear of your engagement. Congratulations!"
Neville was grateful for the change of topic, and he shrugged modestly. "Thank you. Should we…?"
"Of course." Hermione snapped back into her stern manner and pointed out Pansy, Theodore, Blaise, and Draco. "You four, please follow me."
They all looked at her. On Draco's face was a hidden smirk. Then they started walking towards her at a leisurely pace, with Draco leading. Hermione turned to Luna, her expression softening.
"Will you two be alright? I'd like to straighten these few out before they try anything funny. According to records, none of them have a permanent residence and all have been directly linked to Voldemort." Hermione no longer flinched at his name any more. No one in the Order did anymore. Luna nodded in understanding and Neville turned to address the smaller groups.
"We'll be just fine," Luna said airily. War had changed her, too. "You needn't worry about us. We'll get the list you wanted and place the trace on their wands."
Hermione smiled gratefully and then turned to some of her former enemies. She held her tongue for a moment, simply staring them down, because she knew venomous words would spew from her mouth if she tried talking first. Gentleness and kindness was key.
"Thank you." Had everyone not turned towards Pansy in astonishment, Hermione would never have believed it. Pansy, thanking her? Positively unreal. Hermione paused before speaking, offering a fleeting smile.
"You're welcome."
"Why are we here, Mudblood?" Malfoy drawled, completely ignoring the semi- kind conversation that had just taken place. Hermione felt her blood boil, but she brought it to a simmer and regarded him coolly.
"Please don't use such vulgar language in anyone's presence save for yourself." Malfoy raised his eyebrows but said nothing, simply waiting for her to continue. Apparently he had learned how to hold his tongue in the year she hadn't seen him.
"Now, let me explain exactly what the trace is. It's a spell the Ministry will cast on each of your wands to allow us to see every spell you've cast and will have cast until we deem you recovered."
"Every spell?" Theodore repeated, regarding her with a mixed expression.
"Mind you, we won't need to check unless we believe something dangerous is going on. But this is procedure, yes."
"Let me guess," Draco sighed sarcastically. "It was your bloody brilliant idea, wasn't it?"
Hermione felt her patience thin. Out of everyone, Draco was the least cooperative. Never mind that it had been her idea. She simply ignored him, turning to the other three. Through their eyes she could still see mistrust and anxiousness, but they were willing, and that was enough for her. Trust and friendship would simply come later, the former more probable.
"Now, I think that on all of your agendas the most important matter is housing. None of you have a permanent residence, according to records." Hermione glanced at them expectantly. None of them moved. "Well, then, I think that getting you all a place to-"
"I'm living with my boyfriend… Adrian Pucey," Pansy interjected quietly, not meeting anyone's eyes. Hermione smiled at her kindly.
"Then that's that. And the rest of you?" She took their unbroken silence as a sign that they did not have anywhere to go but the empty warehouse, where they were housing survivors in need, and turned to the man closest to her.
"Blaise, I'll begin with you. In the meantime, you'll be staying with Mrs. and Mr. Weasely. I'll be taking you over shortly. Now keep in mind that they've agreed to your stay and if I catch even a whiff of disrespect or a problem I will have to remove you. I'll do my best to find you a small loft." Blaise did nothing but nod slightly, and Hermione had no choice but to take it as a thank you. She caught of Luna gesturing wildly to her through the window and glanced at the four stoic figures.
"What is it, Luna?" Luna glanced at her with a small smile.
"Hm? Oh, nothing- I just feel the beginnings of a terrible thunderstorm, that's all." Neville caught Luna's hand and squeezed it affectionately.
"Then perhaps we should hurry up?" Neville suggested. Luna nodded, pecking him lightly on the cheek before turning back to work. Hermione watched them hungrily- not because she was jealous, but because her own love had left for a case in Scotland and had yet to return.
"I'll get back to the four," Hermione said awkwardly, clearing her throat and turning away.
"-honestly, this is all just some Order hoax to get us to let our guards down and-" Malfoy stopped as Hermione stepped inside. She was furious by his words. How dare he try to change these people's minds before they had even been made up?
"Thank you for taking charge in my absence, Mr. Malfoy," she said coolly, meeting his glare with an even one of her own. "Even though what you're saying is completely rubbish. But allow me to lay the trace on your wands and we'll be done here. Theodore, Dean has kindly offered to take you in. Draco, you'll be staying with me."
Malfoy snorted, shaking his head. "If you think I'd even consider staying with a Mudblood-"
"Or perhaps you'd prefer to go back?" Hermione interjected with raised eyebrows. She had been to the warehouse a few times to hand out food and other provisions. There were Death Eaters and heroes alike, all without a place to go and loved ones dead. Fights were common, and the tired wardens rarely did anything to stop them. Many there had abandoned using magic, leaving the place practically filthy and inhabitable. A look of understanding passed between them, and he hung his head in utter defeat.
"Well then, I think we're done here." Hermione looked at all of them. "I… I hope to break down barriers created by war."
In their faces she saw doubt and disgust, as well as hope. Without a doubt, this was to be a long year.
Hermione carefully unlocked the door with her simple key, aware of Malfoy's scoff at her lack of magic. Her apartment was immediately flooded with light, compliments of simple household magic. The awkward silence that had taken a hold of them since their side- along apparition trailed behind them, deciding to stick around.
"Hermione?" Hermione let out a shriek of joy and surprise to see her fiancé sitting on the couch, staring at her with surprise. She flew to him, and immediately he wrapped his strong arms around her.
"You're here!" she screamed joyfully. "My goodness, you're actually here!"
"Yes," he murmured into her hair. "I wanted to surprise you, but it seems that you've surprised me…"
Hermione was suddenly aware of the third person in the room. She detached herself from Ron quickly; catching Draco's guarded expression before it smoothed into a cold smirk.
"What is he doing here?" Ron snarled his voice much colder. "Why is he here?"
"Ron, it's a part of the new department that I'm heading, the Department of Post- War Recovery Efforts and-"
"Isn't it obvious, Weasel?" Draco interjected sarcastically. "I met her at the bar and after a few drinks she persuaded me to come home with her."
Ron flew at him, and Hermione barely had time to cast her shield spell before he was viciously trying to get past it, hurling against it with all his might. Draco remained where he was, evidently pleased with the reaction he had been able to provoke out of his old enemy.
"Ron!" Hermione cried, clearly aghast. "This is hardly the time for that! Be civil; it was just a perverted joke!" Ron lowered his arms, but his expression remained dark and dangerously possessive as they flicked from Hermione to Draco and back again.
"And you!" Hermione said, turning to Draco angrily. "What are you thinking of, provoking someone like that! People allowed it when you were a child, but you're an adult! I pray you get over yourself or you'll be out of this place faster than you can say, 'Mudblood.'" Ron visibly flinched at the word, but Hermione was too agitated to care.
"I'm sorry, Ron," she apologized, turning to him. "I'm much too tired for a romantic reunion, and that's what I want more than anything. Could you maybe come back tomorrow and we'll try this again?"
Ron's eyes widened, and for a moment she thought he might refuse and cause a great fight. But after a moment he nodded solemnly, and made his way to the door with a hard glare at Draco, who barely acknowledged him as he passed him. Hermione followed him to the door.
"Will you be alright?" Ron said quietly. Hermione nodded and he pulled her into his embrace once more. "Send for me if you've any trouble; I'll be here early tomorrow, alright?"
Hermione nodded again and he kissed her. But the kiss wasn't loving like she had hoped; he kissed her hungrily as though he was searching for something to no avail. When he finally let go she was dizzy from the kiss, but his brow was furrowed and he left with a distracted goodbye. Hermione sighed and closed the door.
Draco had settled himself into the couch, and he watched her as she crossed the floor towards him, her heels clicking against the tiles furiously.
"That was hardly necessary," she told him. "I need not remind you that you're my guest."
"Where's my room?" he asked her, ignoring her completely. Hermione, opened her mouth, completely ready to yell at him, and then stopped. She looked at his indifferent but exhausted face, and a feeling of almost sympathy took hold of her.
"This way," she muttered, turning away from him. He followed with nothing but a slightly relieved sigh. She let him step into the room and slam the door behind him before she sank against the wall with a tired sigh.
Should I continue? Review, please!