"I'm sorry, Hermione, but it's not up to me."
With a last pointed look, Andrew, Hermione's department head, turned on his heel and shut the door with a sharp click behind him. Hermione leaned back in her office chair and rubbed her face with her hands. A loud groan escaped from her chest and she stood up to pace.
Andrew had decided to cut her funding in half, which significantly hindered her House Elf Rights Movement. How on earth was she supposed to spread the word if she didn't have anything to spread it on?
She suspected the only reason her work was still allowed at all was because she was a very famous war hero, and who knew how long that would last?
What a shit day.
Her eyes rested on her desk and, unwillingly, her thoughts shifted to the confusing letter hiding in a drawer. She didn't mean to think about it- in fact, she wanted to forget about the whole thing entirely- but, it was still there. The words were now memorized and they were replaying in her head. What did it mean?
A soft knock on her door made her jump and she took a deep breath to calm her loud thoughts before opening the door.
Ginny stood on the other side, grinning and practically bouncing with glee. "Are you ready?"
"For what?"
Ginny's smile drooped. "For the dress fitting?"
Hermione smacked the palm of her head onto her forehead. "That's today?" Ginny nodded. "Damn. Could you wait just one minute? I have just a little bit of paperwork I need to do and then I can call it a day."
With a loud sigh, Ginny plumped down into the spare chair in the office. "As long as it actually is a minute, Hermione. We really need to get going."
"Yes, I know." Hermione said, flicking her wand to organize the mass of papers on her desk. "I won't be long."
.
.
"And you're sure about this?"
Draco scowled at the skepticism in his mother's voice. "Yes, Mother. I promised her."
"I know you did, dear, and I'm not saying break that promise-"
"I'm not discussing this any further. It's done. I just wanted to make sure you could help."
"Yes, of course, you know I love the both of you."
"Yes, I know," Draco muttered, before pulling his head out of the fireplace and severing the floo connection.
He sat on the floor for a moment, frowning. Pretty soon, his life would become significantly more difficult, as if it wasn't fucked up already.
Merlin, he needed a drink.
It was a little past midnight, and the hallways were dark. He waved his hand to ignite all of the lights, but the shadows seemed to stretch longer.
He poured himself a generous portion of firewhiskey once he reached the kitchen, and he drank it slowly, enjoying the burn as the liquid buzzed down his throat and made his temples pound.
.
.
"Do you think it's too…" Reilly gestured to her chest, "busty?"
Ginny, who sat next to Hermione, giggled. "God, no! You look fantastic!"
Hermione nodded in agreement.
Reilly turned to look at herself in the mirror, a small smile forming on her lips. The long, white gown flowed down her body gracefully. Her golden hair, normally in a tight bun, flowed all the way down her back. Hermione couldn't deny it; she looked stunning.
"You look beautiful, Reilly. Honestly. You look like you stepped out of a bridal magazine."
Reilly giggled, carefully treading over to give Ginny and Hermione big hugs.
"I'm so terrified. What if I trip and fall on my face?"
Ginny grinned. "I know the whole 'heels' concept is scary, but if I made it, you can."
Reilly laughed and gave them another hug. "Saturday can't come soon enough. Now you two try on your yours!"
Hermione held back a grumble and made her way to the changing rooms.
The horrendous thing was already waiting for her, hanging up on the door. What on earth was Reilly thinking?
A few minutes later, Hermione shuffled out, her shoulders slumped. God, she hated dresses. Perhaps Reilly would let her wear her favorite sweats? Of course not.
Ginny, of course, looked stunning. The yellow set of her fiery locks perfectly, while it seemed to make Hermione seem pale. Sometimes, Hermione wished she didn't have such gorgeous friends. Constantly looking like a twelve-year-old boy with frizzy hair and knobby knees compared to the slender looks of her perfect faced model-like looks of her friends could do terrible things to one's self esteem.
Reilly teared up and gave the girls another big hug. "You both look perfect."
.
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Miss Hermione Granger,
I understand you will think this letter is suspicious.
So that you will not immediately refuse what I'm saying, I will not reveal my identification. I mean you no harm.
Meet me at the Mammoth's Diner at 3 pm this Sunday. I have matters to discuss with you that I believe you will find intriguing.
While you are debating whether or not to attend our meeting, I suggest you remember the life you are living. I can guarantee you something more substantial than an office job in a Ministry that doesn't appreciate your work.
I have power. I have money.
Trust me when I say you will not have another opportunity like this one.
Choose wisely.
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A/n: Sorry about the wait! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all those who reviewed. They were so sweet. :3
Please review!
