There was nothing particularly special about today. It was a Wednesday in the middle of July and Hermione Granger, like the rest of the working world, was at work. While the day itself was of no consequence, the event that could take place today was quite important.
After graduating at the top of her class, she received the great opportunity to work for the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. More specifically, she worked in the Goblin Liaison Office. She very much enjoyed her work and it put her on path toward future goals.
Today, about five years from the day she had started, the director of the department was announcing the employee that would be filling the newly vacated Assistant Director position, a position to which Hermione had applied. Knowing that the announcement might be only moments away, it was rather difficult to stay on task. In fact, she was fidgeting in her desk chair worrying, a habit that she had taken up the day she applied for the job some weeks ago. As she sat there, she tried to focus on the encouragements from her friends and family. Both Harry and Ron were adamant there wasn't another witch or wizard in the department that was as highly qualified as she nor was there anyone as intelligent.
She remembered last night when they were having dinner at the Burrow, everyone had been so great in their support of her. "I mean, think about who you've got up against you. Melanie Walters? ("Slag!") Jim Heely? ("Git!") Berta Dunshire? ("Whore!")," Harry abruptly threw a roll at Ron, "Shut it! You don't even know these people!" But it was too late, Ron's interjections had everyone at the table laughing. It had been just what she needed to take her mind off her worries.
Her worries found her again the next morning, though. She attended to her normal tasks that morning, but quickly found herself idle. There were certainly other things to take care of, but none of them were pressing.
It had been five years since leaving Hogwarts, although sometimes it felt as though her first year had been only yesterday. Life after Hogwarts wasn't too much different, she supposed, but she and her two best friends were off pursuing their own careers now. Harry, luckily enough, was in the Ministry offices, also. He was on Level 2 working for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; he had become an Auror after all. Many faces from their Hogwarts days were working in the Ministry offices, actually, and greeted her on a daily basis. Ron, however, was not in the employ of the Ministry; he was wearing orange nowadays as the Keeper for the Chudley Cannons. A star Keeper, at that. 'Weasley is our King' was a new theme song for the Cannons. It was played and sung each time star Keeper, Ron Weasley, blocked a Quaffle. She was fairly certain Draco Malfoy was earning royalties from it, too.
Ah, Draco Malfoy. He was one of those people that she referred to before that was, also, working at the Ministry these days. She saw him regularly in the morning when they first arrived. Suffice it to say, he did not go out of his way to greet her, but she would bid him a good day if she found herself next to him in the morning queue. She even held the doors to the lift for him on a few occasions, for which he did manage to thank her. Though it was hard to believe, he spoke to Harry more than he did her. As amusing as it was, she didn't really wish to take part in their infrequent exchanges, which consisted of nodding from the two of them with a "Pothead" for Harry and a "Ferret" for Malfoy. They seemed to almost enjoy it. On her part, it was rather refreshing to view such civilized behavior between the two of them. It only took them twelve years. Her thoughts made her smile slightly.
A clearing of a throat ended her reverie and there stood Director Callaghan in front of the main office. Her coworkers swiveled in their seats and others came to stand in the doorways of their private offices awaiting the news. She was feeling light-headed, but realized that she was holding her breath. She took a deep steadying breath and tried to calm her nerves.
She never wanted for much in her life, but she really desired the position and she hoped desperately that it would be her name that the director called out. This was a large stepping stone for her and it was quite necessary for her in keeping to her plan. She hoped that as she advanced through the ranks that she could bring back her cause from Hogwarts: house elves. They were far too overlooked by the wizarding world and she hoped to shed light on their circumstances. She knew that with knowledge and understanding would came change.
"After careful consideration of all applicants, I have come to a decision in regard to who will be filling the Assistant Director position. This person is the embodiment of hard work and dedication, and I feel extremely lucky that we have this person employed in our office. I would be a fool to turn down the smartest witch of her class and, dare I say, of our time. I know this witch will take this office to new heights and great places. Please, join me in welcoming Hermione Granger as the new Assistant Director of the Goblin Liaison Office!" Director Callaghan applauded her and the others soon joined in. The man was always in far too good a mood. How was it possible to be so jovial on a daily basis?
She shakily got to her feet and, with a tremulous smile, walked forward to shake the Director's hand. She turned to face the rest of the office and waved her thanks. She saw nothing but kind faces smiling back at her. While she didn't have any close friends within the office, she was on friendly terms with most of them and it was a nice feeling that they seemed to approve.
Everything after the announcement seemed a blur. People surged forward to shake her hand and on pat her on the back and it took her at least fifteen minutes to get back to her desk. At her desk, stood the coworkers she worked with the most and often joined for lunch. They shoved her purse into her hands and proceeded to drag her from the office. While it was not yet noon, it was close enough to lunch to leave.
They took her to a little spot that they went to often and treated her to lunch. To celebrate her promotion, Berta Dunshire, who was also up for the promotion, bought her a slice of chocolate cake.
"Thanks, Bertie, and thank you, everyone! You're all far too kind to this annoying little work-a-holic!" Her lips lifted in a teasing smile as they laughed and she stood and toasted them with her water glass.
That afternoon she was shown to her own private office adjoining that the office of the director. It was by no means large, but she had wide desk, a bookshelf, guest chairs and a side table for planning. It was all perfect. With a quick summoning charm, she had her things placed and arranged on her desk just so. A few texts and reference guides from home and her office would be complete.
The director called her into his office. He explained all the new responsibilities she would hold as Assistant Director. There were many, but she was quite up to the task.
"...and, finally, one of your largest responsibilities will be to work directly with Treasury. As you know, Gringotts is goblin run and it is crucial for the Goblin Liaison Office to keep in close contact with Treasury here in the Ministry. Together we help regulate the bank and manage the wizarding economy." Director Callaghan looked at her expectantly. "You haven't said much. How are you with all of this?"
She was absolutely excited about all that he'd said. To finally realize her dream of making a difference in the wizarding world was surreal. She was full to bursting inside with emotions, but, to the director, she calmly said, "It all sounds great and I really look forward to working with the Treasury Department. I can't thank you enough for the opportunity you've given me, by the way." She smiled her thanks.
His features softened slightly and he smiled briefly. "You're welcome. I just know you're destined to do great thing here. Great things!" She laughed politely at his attempt at levity. "Well, let's go meet with your new partner. Treasury is just a floor above us with Magical Accidents. Definitely, not where you'd expect them to be, is it? But they do take up half the floor near the back. There's a security entrance, so we'll need to get you security clearance while we're there, so that you're able to come and go as needed."
They made there way to Level 3 and through the chaos that is the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes to the wall of opaque glass at the back of the floor. Callaghan directed her to wait and walked through the glass. He pushed forward and the glass stretched as if made of rubber. When he was fully through, the glass shimmered and bounced back like gelatin. Just when you thought you had seen all the tricks the Wizarding world had up its proverbial sleeve, something else would come along to shock and amaze you. She, for one, hoped to continually be amazed.
The opaque glass suddenly turned clear revealing a large reception desk and hallways flanking it to the left and right. Callaghan was standing near the left hallway and was motioning her forward. She expected to meet resistance, but she was able to walk through as if there was no wall.
Following Callaghan down the hallway to the left, he arrived at a door. "Here we are then. This is where you'll find yourself most of the work week." He knocked on the door and a masculine voice bid them to enter. She recognized the voice and a bit of dread seeped in dampening her excitement.
Callaghan entered with alacrity. "Draco, my boy, how are you?" Hermione trailed in behind her boss reluctantly. She wasn't quite sure what to think. They weren't school-aged children any longer, but she was doubtful whether they'd be able to work well together. She was going to try not to presume too much. They were both business professionals and could conduct themselves as such. Well, she knew she was capable of doing so, anyway.
"Draco, please meet your new partner, Hermione Granger. Newly appointed this morning, as a matter of fact." Malfoy took his cue. He stood and walked around his desk to extend his hand to Hermione. "Congratulations on your new appointment, Granger." She wasn't expecting this. He stood about a foot taller than she-taller than she remembered him being, that's for sure. He looked down at her with his steel grey eyes without discernable emotion.
She, too, was able to keep her emotions in check and from her face. She took his hand calmly. "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure we'll be able to work together without issue." At this, he raised a brow.
Callaghan decided to take his leave then. "Good, good. Well, I'll just return to my office. I have a few important meetings this afternoon. Ragnok should be arriving in the next ten minutes, as a matter of fact." He waved and departed, closing the door behind him.
They looked from the door to each other. What an interesting day this has been, she thought.