Faces
oxox
A/N: I know, I know – I can see the exasperation in your faces from here at seeing me post something 'other' than an update to an existing story. The phraseology sounding akin to: 'She's starting another one?' So, I offer the only response I have to give; yes I am. This is not a story that is going to be updated with any regularity, as I am only going to work on this when I need to divest myself from Bonding for a short bit before I delve back into that consumingly colossal world. Regarding HLFM – it is going to be updated (and hopefully completed) in a few months; because I plan on taking several weeks off from Bonding once we come upon January 1st. So, with that hugely long intro – I'll leave you to this short snippet and of course, would love to know if you want to hear any more from this particular story...
Xoxo
Prologue
Hermione stared at Kingsley, disbelieving. "You must be joking. You have an entire Auror division that could impersonate Katherine, Cathy or Katie whatever her name is or if for some reason the 454 Aurors within your employ are not capable of the fairly simplistic task; you have Merlin knows how many witches and wizards in the Unspeakable division."
His deep baritone voice interjected, "I am acutely aware of the men and women who work for the Ministry, Hermione. However, I can't have this go through normal channels." His voice dropped another octave, "It's compromised."
"Surely Harry or Ron…"
He shook his head, "Too many layers of bureaucracy rest between them and myself, whereas you, have no affiliation with the Ministry. And with your recent number of holidays to Australia to visit your parents, it is commonplace for you to leave Britain for extended periods of time."
"There has to be someone else."
"I've been going through the names," his golden brown eyes boring into hers, "And there isn't anyone else that I can trust with this."
Her shoulders sank as a burdensome sigh left her lips, "It'll take two to three weeks?" She asked as she began crafting a viable cover story for the duration she'd be 'occupied'.
"I hope, but you need to plan for a month."
"I can give you three weeks, but that's where I have to draw the line." Her voice not brokering any room for negotiation, but Kingsley barreled forward.
"A month, Hermione."
Her eyes held his, "You came to me Kingsley, not I to you."
"True." He rumbled, "However I shall sleep just fine next week, but will you upon reading Madame Banning's passing?"
Her jaw rippled, "That was low Kingsley, even for you."
A wry grin pulled at his lips, "Then I take it you'll do it."
"Can I let you know in the morning?"
"By eight." He stood, "No later."
She joined him, "Very well."
"Thanks for considering, Hermione." He extended his hand and shook hers in parting.
"Good evening Kingsley."
oxox
Hermione sat down, a dubious expression upon her face as she extended her arm outward. "How long?"
"It can last up to three months barring complications." Kingsley swabbed her forearm. "However, this is highly confidential."
Hermione nodded, "Of course; however, when the capsule is removed, how long until I revert back to my normal appearance?"
"It may take up to a day depending on your age, stress, food and beverage intake amongst other factors." He reached over and grabbed the firing syringe. "Are you sure about this?"
"No," she tried quelling her nerves, "but I'll do it." He placed the end of the unit against her arm, "However, are you sure about that?"
He smiled, "It works. The Department of Mysteries just finished their second live trial."
Hermione resisted the overwhelming temptation to yank her arm away. "Only two trials?"
"They've both gone well."
"How reassuring," Hermione murmured.
"Ready?"
She gave a nod and a sharp pain erupted in her arm as the capsule was injected into the muscle of her forearm. "Damn that hurts."
"It'll stop in twenty-four to forty-eight hours."
"And how long until the polyjuice starts?"
"Three perhaps four hours…"
Oxox
