Chapter 2 Let's get Down to House Elf business

Draco's POV

I couldn't sleep again last night so I decided to head out to work early and draft the papers for the petition to search for the enslavement collars. Hermione seemed like she was going to approve the research. I just hope that she doesn't try to stop every expedition when it comes time to excavate the curios. I looked over at my coffee and noticed that I needed more, I had become addicted to the stuff when it was introduced to me a few years ago when I joined the department. As I got up to grab another cup, I heard a voice outside my office. Who could be here at this hour it's not even 8 o'clock yet. Then in walks Hermione Granger. Four years in the same building and never have we crossed paths yet now we have seen each other twice in two days.

"Hello Ms. Granger, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I try to keep the professionalism in my voice. I have known her since I was eleven years old, granted it wasn't until recently that I became more courteous to her and others, yet she insists on 'niceties.'

"I thought we should talk about the artifact hunts and how we will deal with the remnants" she stated sounding no more interested in the job than someone would be of a dry piece of toast. Hermione was looking around my office I suppose trying to see if any dark magic lay inside it. It was plain with paper scattered all over my desk and with a safe on the wall. More than likely my office was the complete opposite of hers. She finally sat down in the only other chair in the room, opposite my desk, and started to pull papers from her briefcase.

"I brought some papers for you to fill out to commence the search procedures. I assume you will keep me closely involved as you find more dark momentos. Also I would like to take the original collar to be inspected." Hermione continued remaining nothing less than pleasant and professional. But I noticed she looked a little distracted this morning and had a far off look in her eyes. If I looked at her for just long enough or at just the right moment I could see it.

"Very well, Ms. Granger" I spoke in my well practiced calm and silky voice as I meandered over to the wall safe. I waved my wand to open the safe and then pulled out the blue box from the night before and handed it to Hermione. " Would you like to get coffee at the Witches Brew this morning to discuss the findings in the books. I think I have located another collar and would like to start searching immediately." I really did want to get to know her again, she was the only person who ever seemed to believe that I had truly changed and with everything going on right now I really wanted to connect to another person. As she looked down at her watch I knew she was going to say something about a meeting or being in a rush but I just thought I had to try.

"I suppose if you're willing to pay for it we could get coffee, and I do love the pumpkin latte at the Witches Brew, but I have a meeting at 10 so we can't take to long." she said looking up at me with a small smile.

Hermione's POV

We walked into the coffee shop known as the Witches Brew. I looked around the room and decided to sit in the booth at the back of the room. As Ron had proved earlier today Draco Malfoy was still often considered persona non grata for many people who lived through the war. I felt that a place towards the back of the coffee shop would serve best for a private discussion. He followed me to the back of the room and waited for me to sit down before taking his seat. I took the side with my back to the open and gave Draco the wall. I couldn't help but notice how polite he was, it was a change from the rough and often oblivious demeanor that Ron exhibited. I wondered if this was a habit ingrained since childhood or if this was something he had learned to do for professional reasons.

"I suppose you brought the manuscripts with you?" I asked him hoping that this outing would be fruitful.

"Yes. I have also taken the liberty to highlight areas of interest. I have transcripts of the local fables as well. From what I can decipher the next artifact is located in or around Godric's Hollow. I thought it would be advantageous to visit there as soon as possible to talk to the locals to get their opinions on the tales." Draco stated plainly. I could tell he was a bit nervous, although I fathom why he had talked with my predecessor many times for similar missions. I looked over his notes quietly and sipped my pumpkin latte. Everything seems to be in order and I am greatly impressed with the level of detail he put into his work.

"I happen to be friends with some of the residents of Godric's Hollow and I will go see them this weekend, I will have a look around while I am there," I finally declared. This will also give me the chance to see Ginny before the baby is born.

"Ms. Granger" He said the professionalism in his voice straining, 'I would like to stay on top of this case and would appreciate it if I could come with you. I understand that the Potters may not be as welcoming of me, but I could stay in a local inn?" He looked worried. Did he think I was going to take his case away from him? I suppose half the wizarding world knew that Harry Potter lives in Godric's Hollow so of course Draco knew who I was speaking of.

"Very well, I will have the Department set up a reservation for you. Also, Harry holds no grudges, I think he honestly looks for the good in everyone. It would be Ginny you might need to worry about." I don't know why, but I winked at him as I said it. Looking down at my watch I realized it was a quarter till ten.

"Oh dear I am going to be late! I must be off, this is a meeting with the Minister of Magic over how the department is doing." I quickly put away all the books in my bag. He tried to help me but before he could even get out of the booth I was up and out of the shop and off to the Ministry.

Still Hermione POV

I arrived home early determined to get a chance to talk to Ron. I got undressed to get showered and changed before dinner. I was getting out of the shower when I heard a knock on the door. Who could it be at the door? Ron was still at the Ministry and he has a key. I quickly wrapped my hair in a towel and threw my bathrobe. I looked through the peephole and saw a tall slender black man. He looked familiar, but he was too tall for me to make out the face. I noticed on his robe there was an auror's badge and assumed he must be here for Ron. I opened the door but I left the enchanted chain latched.

"Can I help you" I said cautiously as I saw that it is Blaise Zabini.

"Is Ron Weasley home Ms. Granger?" He states in a slightly nervous tone, it must be because I am in my robe.

"I apologize, but he is still at the Ministry working on papers from the last mission." I replied sheepishly.

"Thank you ma'am I will find him and report the new mission details to him immediately." Blaise responded regaining his soldier like composure.

"Wait!" I spoke up as he started to walk away. " Are you saying that you will be off on another mission soon?" I questioned.

"Yes ma'am we leave tonight at 2000 hours" He replies quickly.

"I thought your team was in town for a few days?" I responded trying to hide my disappointment, realizing he will be gone by 8 o'clock tonight.

"Well the Minister of Magic sent a new mission directly and you know we go when we are called." he said sounding more like a robot as he talked. He quickly apparated away leaving me crestfallen. I shut the door and turned around stepping further inside determined not to cry. I get to work, making arrangements by owl, for this weekend's trip to Godric's Hollow.

Draco's POV

I came home late again trying to sneak up to my room before my mother noticed me. I had recently moved back into the manor this year. Ever since then, my mum has been trying to get me back into the dating market. It had only been 7 months since the divorce was finalized between Pansy and I, and a year since she moved out of our house that we shared. After the divorce I couldn't stand to keep the house so I sold it. Mum loved Pansy, she was everything my parents wanted in a daughter-in-law. She was a pureblood and held the same values that they did. We had drifted apart even before the loss, but I guess we thought that a baby would fix everything that was wrong between us. When Pansy miscarried it tore us apart, and there was no putting us back together. The year before the divorce was total turmoil, we couldn't stand to look at each other and I swear one time she almost tried to kill me for making a nasty comment about her food. We have become friends again, but we still find it hard to look at each other sometimes.

I summoned some food to my room and sat at my desk eating while I looked over more papers. My father couldn't understand why I would work so hard if I could just do what I wanted and collect the relics for myself. I had tried to explain it was the satisfaction of helping others that made the job worth it. I looked up when I heard an owl tapping on my window. I flicked my wand opening the window letting the owl inside. It dropped a light green envelope on my desk. I picked the letter up to see it was sealed with purple wax containing the letters H.G. It smelled like parchment and roses with a hint of chamomile. I opened the letter quickly, only to see a strange lined paper with writing that looked like calligraphy on it.

Mr. Malfoy,

The Department of Magical Law Enforcement has reserved a room for you at The Prancing Pony Inn located on the north side of Godric's Hollow. As this is a muggle establishment the ministry requires that no use of magic or magical attire be evident during your stay.

Sincerely

Hermione Granger

Department Head

The Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Leader of S.P.E.W

I looked over the letter multiple times amazed by her beautiful handwriting. Then her words began to sink in. No magic, how in the world will I survive without magic for a weekend? Well if muggles could do it so can I, this is going to be a personal challenge. First thing tomorrow morning I will go to a muggle shop and buy something to wear.