Warning: No blood makes direct appearance, but a lot of pure, magical or red blood was hurt in the story.
A/N: This story was a gift for astopperindeath in the Summer 2010 SSHG Exchange. Her prompt will be included at the end of the story. Thanks to saschia and pyjamapants for alpha- and beta-reading.
"Do what you must, Healer, just save my daughter." Daphne Diggory sobbed into a silk handkerchief.
"Mrs Diggory, let me stress again that your daughter is healthy. Her life is by no means threatened." Healer Stimpson sat behind her desk, elbows resting on top, fingers interlaced. It seemed she had been frowning for some time already.
"But you said that–" Daphne hiccupped and started crying with new vigour.
The healer closed her eyes for a moment, then said, "She can still live a happy and satisfying life. She is healthy. Be grateful for that."
"You don't understand! She is a niece of a Triwizard Champion. People have expectations."
"I'm sure you will be able to deal with the situation given time."
Daphne wailed.
"Would you like a Calming Treatment? It might help you regain your composure before you take your daughter home."
Daphne nodded.
The healer touched her wand to one of the slots on her desk.
A blonde, curvy nurse entered. Her face and figure reflected a shadow of former beauty, but age had started to mar her features.
"Mrs Weasley, kindly escort Mrs Diggory to the Magical Damage Department for their premium Calming Treatment. I'll send the documentation later," the healer said.
Lavender Weasley took Daphne by her arms and helped her stand up. Daphne leaned against her shoulder, and Lavender looked at the healer in alarm.
The healer sighed, nodded and gestured for the women to leave. She remembered Daphne from Hogwarts. From Lavender's year, she recalled. A Slytherin proud of her pure-blood origin. Healer Stimpson thought that a pure-blood Slytherin wouldn't show her weakness or lean on a stranger's shoulder. Daphne must have been even more distraught than her tears indicated.
The healer opened the file of her next patient.
"'Mione, did you hear that the Diggory girl had lost her magic?" Ron pulled a roll out of his mouth and put his lunch tray next to Hermione's in the Ministry cafeteria.
"Ron. First, good day to you, too. Second, speaking and eating are mutually exclusive activities. And third, if you continue to shout confidential medical information in a public place, I'll shortly have a complaint against Lavender on my desk." Hermione had worked at the Department of Law Enforcement for close to two decades now, a good part of the time at the Office for Governmental Control. Lunches of sparring with Ron had been a regular occurrence whenever they could squeeze them in.
"Okay, okay." Ron lowered his voice, leaned over to Hermione and scanned the cafeteria with his eyes. "So, have you heard about the Diggory girl?"
Hermione placed her utensils on her plate. "You want to bring out the worst in me."
Ron only looked at her sheepishly.
"Whether I've heard about her problems or not is none of your business." She held up her hand, shaking her head as Ron was opening his mouth to say something. "None of your business."
"So you have! Keep me posted!" He grinned. "Talked to Lavender lately?"
"Lavender is my business partner, so of course I talk to her regularly, as you well know."
"See?"
"But that's not true! Lavender has said nothing about–"
"Let it go. I get it. You two amaze me."
"How so?"
"With that tÍte-‡-tÍte side business of yours." Ron waved his fork in a wide circle.
"What's wrong with it?"
"That you can work together like that."
"Just because we both have carnal knowledge of your body, Ron, doesn't mean that we can't set up a mutually beneficial business. It's not a conflict of interest, I assure you."
Ron blushed.
"She as a paediatric nurse and I as a legal representative complement each other, and we are both–"
"Instrumental for the business. So I've heard. Often enough. You draw up a contract with potential clients, send them to Lavender for the medical procedure, and then you store the vials. I know," he said.
"But it seems to me that you still don't get it."
"I get it all right. You need a St Mungo's nurse, and she needs a Ministry of Magic Law Enforcement official. But, yeah. Amazing. Snape at the Ministry during the day, Lavender at the Life Bank at nights. Amazing."
"It's not as weird as you make it sound."
"Perhaps." He shrugged. "But when you mentioned the conflict of interest, wouldn't it apply?"
"No. Of course not. Why should it?"
"Your office here at the Ministry represents people when they complain against the wizarding government. Your office at Diagon Alley represents people for medical issues, and that's kind of like the Ministry too."
"Not really. My Ministry office isn't actually at the Ministry. We just use the office space. Kingsley set the Office for Governmental Control up as independent investigators to prevent another Umbridge. My Diagon Alley office is a private business. Nothing to do with the Ministry."
"Yes, but you said that you could have a complaint against Lavender for spilling confidential information on your desk. Which one then?"
"Oh. The Ministry one because she spilled St Mungo's confidential information, of course. But we'd have to treat her as any regular charge. Nothing to do with our business."
Ron frowned.
"Just accept it, Ron. Tell me instead what you have been up to lately."
"Besides gathering gossip, you mean?"
"Yes. Besides that." Hermione smiled, and they finished their lunches in an easy camaraderie.
The Headmaster's office at Hogwarts had changed over the years. Granted, it was still round, and the walls were still adorned with portraits. But otherwise, its ancient atmosphere had fallen during the overall reconstruction of the castle. Appointment of a former Ministry official, Phoebus Penrose, as a headmaster cemented the changes of the new era.
At the moment, he was challenged beyond patience by the parents of a first-year.
"Mr Malfoy, you must realise that this solution is for the benefit of your son."
"Don't you give me this nonsense!" Draco Malfoy raised his voice. "As far as I'm aware, Headmaster, Scorpius's essays received highest marks. So, don't try to tell me that he should repeat his first year."
Headmaster Penrose pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes. Your son's academic record is excellent. However, he needs more time to master the practical aspects of magic."
"Do I understand you correctly," Astoria Malfoy placed her manicured hand on the crook of Draco's elbow, "that Scorpius's magic is weak?"
"I'm afraid that might be the case, Mrs Malfoy."
"But that's outrageous, Headmaster. He's a Malfoy." Draco's voice dropped as he struggled to regain composure.
"Draco, dear, would you like a drop of Creamy Calming Draught in your tea?" Astoria whispered.
Draco's eyes narrowed a tiny fraction and his breath caught. "No, thank you, dear," he said and slowly lifted a teacup. He closed his eyes as if savouring the taste. He replaced the teacup on the saucer and addressed the headmaster, "Can you be more specific?"
Astoria gently pressed his arm.
Headmaster Penrose searched amongst the parchments in front of him, adjusting his glasses. He lifted a sheet up and turned it towards a candle. "In Charms, Mr Malfoy mastered the Hover Charm with three weeks training, which is three times longer than Professor Flitwick's usual schedule. He then mastered the Cushioning Charm in two weeks, one and a half times longer than expected, slightly decreasing his lag, but followed by an increase in Pineapple Dancing Charm. Overall, his average time necessary to learn and effectively use new spells is two-point-four times longer than Hogwarts' long-term average."
Astoria blinked.
Draco gasped.
Headmaster Penrose continued without an outward sign that he noticed the parents' reaction, "In Transfiguration, he takes one-point-eight times longer than average, and in Defence Against the Dark Arts one-point-six." Headmaster Penrose raised his glasses and looked at the Malfoys, straightening the parchments. "He is on schedule with the curriculum in Herbology and Potions."
"But that's excellent news!" Astoria exclaimed. "If it's just Charms, Transfiguration and Defence, he can catch up over the summer. We'll hire private instructors, and Scorpius'll be fine for his second year."
"Mrs Malfoy, you do realise that your young son will have no break to rest, don't you?" the headmaster said.
"I always thought the breaks were too long, anyway. And one can always learn more with a private tutor than in a crowded classroom. It'll be for the best, you'll see." Astoria stood up, lacing her fingers in front of her.
Draco followed suit and they departed.
"Daphne," Astoria was holding onto her sister's forearm as they walked up a pristine path that almost looked as if it was not meant to be outdoors, "just remember all your manners lessons when you talk to Mrs Malfoy."
"She seemed nice enough at all the banquets and balls. She can't be that different in private. Surely, you exaggerate," Daphne said.
Astoria opened her mouth to protest, but quickly shut it and plastered a smile on her face as the house-elf opened a large, ornate door of the manor and preceded them into a salon.
"Dear Astoria, it is so nice of you to bring Daphne along." Narcissa Malfoy approached her daughter-in-law at a speed calculated to emphasise welcome to the guest while displaying the hostess's figure to its greatest effect. She touched Astoria's fingers in a facsimile of a warm greeting.
"Good afternoon, Mrs Malfoy." Astoria returned the gesture, but managed to squeeze Narcissa's fingers a tad more than she should.
Narcissa frowned.
Astoria withdrew her hand as if burnt.
"Thank you for inviting me, Mrs Malfoy. It's always an honour to be able to spend time in your delightful company." Daphne remained oblivious to the exchange and offered her own hand.
"I'm delighted to be able to pass on my knowledge of our noble heritage." Narcissa winced as Daphne shook her hand. "A true witch is easily recognised by her manners, so it is very important for all of us to learn from the best."
Narcissa looked straight into Daphne's eyes, but it was Astoria who responded.
"Excuse me, Mrs Malfoy. I–I,"Astoria stuttered, "I forgot myself while greeting you. I'm distressed. Please forgive me for my lapse."
Narcissa stepped back for a moment, hands clasped in front of her, then smiled and said, "Remember for the next time that covering your distress is as much a sign of good breeding as is a proper hand shake."
Astoria nodded, trying to school her features to avoid further censure from her mother-in-law.
Daphne looked from one to the other, kneading a corner of her jacket, suddenly nervous.
"Now, come over and have a seat. You must tell me all about this unpleasantness of yours." Narcissa gestured for the young women to move towards a seating area. Two lush armchairs placed near a matching sofa. All elegant curves and precise shapes, the tea table in between looked more like a sculpture than a piece of furniture. Narcissa sat in an armchair closer to the fireplace, indicating that the others should share the sofa. She smoothed her robes over her knees, crossed her legs at the ankles and placed her hands on the armrests.
Daphne squared her shoulders, mimicking Narcissa's posture as well as she could.
"What has distressed you?" Narcissa asked after an elf served the tea and disappeared.
"Scorpius is having problems at school," Astoria said.
"Astoria, this is a private matter not suited for general discussion."
"Her daughter has the same problems, Mrs Malfoy." Astoria hurried to say. "That's why I brought her. I feel that you're the only one who might shed light in our situation."
Narcissa allowed Astoria to explain Scorpius's situation. Daphne wanted to add her bit, but Narcissa coldly shushed her after Daphne commented, "What would people say to a pure-blood turning to a Squib?"
They were discussing the merits of Hogwarts education when the door on a far side of the room opened to admit Severus and Lucius.
Narcissa turned towards them. "Severus, what do you think of Hogwarts?"
"It was a useful post to hold but decades longer than tolerable, as you well know."
"Of course. I rather meant what you think of the quality of education they provide."
Severus scanned the occupants of the seating area with a quick glance, noting pursed lips here, narrowed eyes there, and made his decision about the most suitable answer.
"Deplorable with the staff they have, no doubt."
"Really?"
"The Board of Governors have very little influence nowadays, and the school should be brought to court for hiring such personnel."
With that he bowed and excused himself.
The three women looked at each other, and a small smile spread on Narcissa's face, slowly followed by less restrained beams from Astoria and Daphne.
"Severus, my office as soon as possible, if you please." Hermione stopped by her subordinate's desk on her way back from lunch.
Severus shot her a grumpy glare, but as she only lifted an eyebrow and disappeared, he began to gather his things. He groaned and unfolded his long body from behind his desk.
Knocking on Hermione's door, he stepped in. "Gobbard's alibi's a fake. He forgot to alter the Muggle surveillance system in the club while he secured his witnesses. You can use the details in here. But–"
He paused. And frowned.
"Yes, Severus." Hermione tried to smile at him. "A new case. Diggorys vs. St Mungo's, magic theft needs interviews with clients to start with."
She handed him a thin folder, but her gesture remained unrequited. Instead, he Banished the folder he held onto her desk, turned and stalked out without a word. Hermione jogged behind him, squeezing into his office just before he could slam the door closed.
"I know. Too much work. But you're our best."
Severus glared at her and sat down.
"But you are." Hermione searched for leverage to back her up, quickly scanning his office. There was nothing to support her case on his simple desk, quite the contrary, he had several piles of papers, each placed on a single blue folder. She knew the folders. They held case files of clients her department supported. On Severus's desk, the files were mostly about violent crimes that Ministry employees got involved in. The shelf behind him was just as useless for her. It contained a standard set of law enforcement reference books, magical coercion volumes as well as some texts he consulted on criminal profiling. Almost ready to build her case without convincing evidence, she noticed his empty waste bin. As always.
"Here's the evidence."
Severus leaned over in his chair to check where she pointed. "Not that argument."
"I haven't used it in ages, so don't protest. It's valid. You still have it in you. The attention to detail."
"We've talked about this, and making sure that discarded information remains discarded is a basic measure of office security."
"Yes. But you're the only one who always takes time to Incendio it and to Vanish the ashes. What the others do at the end of the day, you keep up continuously. "
"Fine. I can see where details of the evidence don't add up. But you said yourself that this case requires interviews with the clients. Jones would be your person then. Her skills with people far surpass mine."
"Oh, Severus, just about anyone's people skills surpass yours."
"And you'd do well to avoid picking up that failing from me. It doesn't suit you."
"I apologise. It was a thinly veiled insult. You do it much better. You offend people, you make them cry, but you can spot the details that they want to hide. I need those. There's nothing in this," she dangled the folder, "I could build a case on. I need you."
He sat without a comment, looking at the folder.
"Daphne Diggory said that you specifically suggested they should sue Hogwarts."
"She must be mistaken."
"I can cite her right here. She said she was visiting Narcissa Malfoy, when you said that someone should sue Hogwarts."
"Ah."
"So?"
"They expected me to say something like that. I was just coming out of Lucius's study when those harridans ambushed me."
"Poor you," she mocked him, but focused on professional tone right after. "You could have the Gobbard file transferred to someone else, so that you'd have time for this. I'll have Jones take on the Stubb file."
"Hermione," he warned.
"Please."
Severus inhaled, shifting his gaze to her.
He took the folder.
"Thank you." She smiled.
He held her eyes for a moment and, saying nothing, opened the folder.
Hermione blinked. She felt as if her victory wasn't his loss, but she had trouble figuring out why she would feel like that. The facts were against such hopes. He was dreadfully overworked, and, she had to admit, it was mostly because of the tasks she set for him. But he was the best in the department, and she enjoyed working with him on cases. She sighed and shook her head before returning to her office, resolving, once again, to decrease his workload before he decided to leave her entirely.