A New Job

Part One, Chapter Three


Monday morning cam as a relief to Hermione. She was going back to work. Finally she could do something to take her mind off of things. She was a healer. And a bloody good one at that. For the past four years she had studied and practiced, slowly climbing her way to the official title of Healer. She currently was working as a specialist on the Creature-Induced Injuries floor, though she spent several volunteer hours in the 49th ward, working and studying patients who had suffered injuries due to dark arts.

The past weekend Hermione had gotten a letter from her boss asking her to come to the Ministry to talk about a possible job transfer. Hermione figured she was going to be asked to join the 49th ward permanently since she put in so many extra hours there. Or maybe Madam Pomfrey was looking for a replacement? Whatever it was though, the letter had made the meeting sound serious so Hermione had gotten up early to prepare for the meeting.

Deciding that since she wasn't going to the hospital it would be alright to wear something other than the lime green uniform robes. In stead she opted for a black high wasted skirt that ended right at the knees and a cream colored blouse. She wore her mary jane heals for a boost in confidence and her black robe on top to apply the wizarding touch. She pulled her hair back to keep it out of her face but left it loose to add some personality. Hermione never felt the need for wearing much makeup so a touch of blush and mascara was all she ever really wore.

Even as young as Hermione was, she was still a highly respected individual in and out of the Ministry. For this reason she always tried to look her best in public. She had been featured many times in the Daily Prophet since 4th year and thanks to Ron, the media was eating up her scandalous wedding light cake. Though Hermione never let the paper interfere with her daily life, she still felt her first appearance in public had to be an appropriate one. Since Ron was a world famous quidditch player now, he didn't have to worry about such appearances. He was always in the paper it seemed. He was probably off somewhere practicing for the stupid world cup, not even giving a second thought about what this was doing to Hermione. Bloody bastard.

Hermione shook her head trying not to think about Ron. She was much more pleasant to be around when she didn't think about him. She flooed to the ministry and marched over to the security to get her wand measured. Once that interaction was completed she hurried over towards the elevators trying to avoid as mush human contact as she could. She really didn't feel like making small talk right now. Once behind the refuge of closed doors, Hermione headed towards the Department of International Magical Co-operation. As the doors opened to her desired floor she stepped out praying she wouldn't run into anyone she knew (a.k.a. Harry). But of course, not seeing someone she knew would make life languid.

"Hermione?" a voice called from behind her. So close. She turn to see Dean Thomas heading her way. She had to give fate credit. He was definitely not someone she expected to see here.

"Dean?" She replied.

"Hey Hermione! Its good to see you. What are you doing up at the Ministry? Come to see Harry?"

"Hi Dean. I'm actually here for a meeting."

"Oh OK. Man, I'm awfully sorry about the whole wedding thing. How have you been?."

"Oh. Um, thank you. I'm fine. Thank you." Hermione suddenly felt super uncomfortable. "Yeah? Well if you ever need a good cheer up, I've got friend who owns a killer night club and I.."

"That sounds lovely Dean. Thank you. But I have this meeting and I'm already running late." Lie. "So I really can't talk. We'll catch up later?"

"Yeah, yeah. No you go ahead. I'll catch you later."

Hermione smiled and turned to leave. But just as she thought she was free he called her name one more time.

"Hey Hermione," she turned back to face him. "You know, in my opinion, any man who gives you up is the biggest mutton head if I've ever seen him. I'm serious when I say if you ever need anything just give me a call." He smile genuinely.

"Thank you Dean. That means a lot to hear. But I really have to get going."

Dean chuckled. "Alright, Hermione. I'll talk to you later."

"Good bye Dean." And with that, Hermione rushed off in the opposite direction. She could feel Dean's eyes follow her down the hallway and she couldn't help but feel the need to adjust the back of her cloak.

Once she made it to the last door on the left, Hermione took a deep breath to regain her focus before walking in. She walked over to the receptionist's desk. "Hi, I'm here to see Wanda Beatsdrum." The receptionist looked up to see who was speaking. She had soft blond hair, bright blue eyes and way to much makeup according to Hermione's standards. On her pointy nose sat a pair of reading glasses and she was smacking rather loudly on gum. Instead of asking for an appointment time though, she just kept staring at Hermione. Hermione spoke up. "I'm suppose to be at the 9:00 meeting if that helps." Awkward pause. "Um, I have a letter from Madam Beatsdrum that shows I'm to att.." Hermione said as she reached into her bag to retrieve the letter.

"You're Hermione Granger," the receptionist stated.

"Oh I apologise! I didn't introduce myself."

"No, I know who you are. I saw your name on the list of appointments today and I just thought ole' Berny was playin' nasty trick on me. You know I keep up with all the major celebrities and may I say it's just awful what that Ronald Weasley did to you! My sister and I, her name's Betty, practically wept when we heard the news. And you know you're much prettier up close in person than in the pictures. Oh Merlin, Betty is going to die when she finds out you stop by the office today. Absolutely die. Anyways it's an honor to meet you Ms. Granger. My name is Louise by the way, so if you need anything, I mean anything, you just let me know." Louise finished nearly out of breath but still managed a wink at Hermione.

Hermione wasn't quite sure how to react. She had never, nor did she now, consider herself a celebraty and this as one of the first times she'd ever encountered a quote un-quote "fan".
"Oh... well, um thank you. It's very nice to meet you Louise. But could you actually direct me to where Madam Beatsdrum is?"

"Oh course love! She's down the hall, third door on your right."

"Thank you, Louise," Hermione said as she followed Louise's instructions.

Once she made it her final destination, Hermione knocked on the door three times. It was soon followed by a muffled, "come in!" Hermione entered.

"Good morning Ms. Granger. Welcome back." It was Wanda Beatsdrum who spoke. She had been Hermione's instructor during training and was now the President of St. Mungo's. She was a rather tall woman standing at 6 ft with wavy red hair and dark brown eyes. She had one of the biggest hearts but she was tough and not someone to mess with. Hermione respected her a great deal. She was proud to have been a student of hers and of the professional friendship the two shared.

"Good morning," Hermione replied. "Thank you for coming in today. I know its a bit earlier than we originally planned, but I assume you have no objections with that?"

"None at all."

"Wonderful. Now before we begin, I would like to introduce you to Giuseppe Lombardi and Amelia Vanover." Hermione moved to shake their hands. "Giuseppe is the President of the Dark Arts Regulation Inc. Amelia here is the manager of Magical Recourses at DARI."

"Very nice to meet you." Hermione said.

"The privilege, Ms. Granger, is all mine. We have been looking forward to meet you for some time now." Hermione couldn't help but blush at Mr. Lombardi's word's. He was a full blooded Italian man, probably in his late fifties Hermione estimated. He looked strong and sure of himself, a quality Hermione always respected. "I hear you've made quite a name for yourself up at St. Mungo's. Your resume is very impressive. And at your age! Though I suppose I shouldn't expect anything less from a fellow Gryffindor." He said with a wink.

Resume? It was true she was considered to be one of the top three mastered healers at Mungo's, but what did all of this have to do with a private wizarding company?

The four adults had moved to sit at a large round table in the center of the room. "Thank you, Mr. Lombardi. I've worked hard to get where I am." Hermione clarified. She never wanted any special treatment because of who she was or who she was friends with. Hermione had always made that clear to her colleagues and employers.

"Yes, yes! That's what Madam Beatsdrum has been telling me. She also tells me you have been doing some independent research on your own?"

"When I find the time, yes. I'm afraid I don't spend as much time on it as I would like."

"Splendid. I'm sure Wanda keeps your hand full as it is. I'm glad to see you taking your own initiative." Hermione wasn't sure if this was a crack on her boss or not. But she definitely did not miss the glance Lombardi and Madam Beatsdrum made at one another.

Madam Beatsdrum stepped in before Hermione had to respond. "Hermione have you ever heard of the DARI before?" When Hermione shook her head no, Wanda continued. "They specialize in the latest research concerning the dark arts and regulating its use. The Ministry will sometimes hire DARI for certain investigations and inquiry updates. St. Mungo's also has a partnership with DARI involving research. Adding a medical point of view only deepens their understanding of dark magic."

"Precisely. I make sure to hire only the best of the best. There is a lot of top secret information we hold back at head quarters and so only the most qualified and most trustworthy wizards and witches may be allowed inside the building. You understand the severity of your average Horace getting hold of certain research developments we've made."

"Oh absolutely."

"Good girl. Now to get to the point of this meeting. Wanda has convinced me you are much too valuable to give up at St. Mungo's and she still wants to see you master the art of healing. As would I. But we also agreed that at DARI your abilities would be put to the greatest use. That is how we came to the conclusion of offering you duel employment. If you except this job offer you would be set on a track to work both at St. Mungo's and at DARI. So what do you say Ms. Granger?"

Hermione could hardly speek fast enough. "I'll be honest sir, you offer sounds almost too good to be true."

At this Lombardi chuckled rather loudly and the two other women smiled. "I assure you, Ms. Granger, this is no joke."

"This is a once in a life time opportunity Hermione. It would be wise to take advantage of it." Madam Beatsdrum added.

"I do not know how I could refuse such an offer. I would love to come work at DARI." Hermione said.

"Wonderful. Welcome to the team Ms. Granger. For now you'll finish out the year at St. Mungo's and then you'll begin reporting to us in January for the next 6 months. How does that sound?"

"Perfect."

"Good, good. I apologise but I'm going to have to leave you ladies." Everyone stood to respect his departure. "I have an appointment with a couple of agents but Amelia here will go over the contract with you in my absence. It was very nice meeting you Ms. Granger."

"It was nice to meet you, too, Mr. Lombardi."

"Until we meet again." He put on his hat and looked at the eldest woman in the room. "Beatsdrum." He nodded.

"Lombardi." Madam Beatsdrum replied.


As Vanover was concluding her review of the Hermione's contract she explained, "In December you will receive a letter that will have the details about where and when exactly you will report to first. Until then, you might want to go back and re-freshen your memory concerning herbology and "synthetic magic.""

"I beg you pardon. But, synthetic magic?"

"It's a term the research department uses for objects that originally had no magical properties that were ordained with magic from an individual posesing magic." Vanover said in the flattest tone.

"Like the philosopher's stone."

"Exactly." When Hermione nodded in in understanding, Vanover began packing up her belongings. "Very well. If you have no more questions then, I will be on my way." From what Hermione had observed, Amelia was a serious woman. Maybe everyone who worked at DARI are all trained to be tough, Hermione thought. Vanover hardly ever smiled except when Mr. Lombardi was in the room. "We look forward to seeing you this January, Ms. Granger." Vanover said bringing Hermione out of her train of thought.

"Oh I can hardly wait." Hermione said lightly.

"Madam Beatsdrum, thank you again for everything." she said giving a slight bow.

"My pleasure, Ms. Vanover."

"Ms. Granger." She said nodding her head in Hermione's direction. Hermione said her good byes and watched Vanover shut the door behind her.

Beatsdrum turned to Hermione. "You'll have to forgive Amelia's monotone. She's not exactly a people person."

"Have you worked with her before?" Hermione asked.

"On several occasions. She is good at her job, no doubt. She just prefers the company of her cats, I think." She said with a smile.

"There's nothing wrong with that." Hermione objected.

"Of course not." Beatsdrum said a little more quietly. They had been standing as Vanover left and Beatsdrum was now leaning against the table's edge. She studied Hermione for while before speaking again. "How are you, Hermione? Really. No bull shit this time."

Hermione looked up at her mentor. "I'm fine." A stern look from Beatsdrum caused her to press onward. "It's getting better. I keep myself busy. My parents bought me a new house. I've been... making it my own."

Beatsdrum noted that Hermione was avoiding mentioning Ron directly. She concluded it was probably still to painful to think about. "I am glad to see you're well, Hermione. You've had a big day though. I want you take the rest of the day off. You've had a lot served on your plate in the last few weeks. Take the day to digest it all. I want you fresh and ready for healing tomorrow morning." With any other witch or wizard Hermione would have protested but Beatsdrum had always explained things in a way Hermione found hard to argue with. Not wanting to press matters further she looked at her feet and nodded her head. "Chin up, Granger. There is more too life than work. Come. I've been up since four and I am starving. You want to grab something to eat?" She said putting on her cloak.

Hermione thought. "Thank you, but no." There was something tugging on her conscience.

"Alright then, I'll see you in the morning."

Beatsdrum opened the door to leave when Hermione called out, "Madam Beatsdrum." Beatsdrum turned back to Hermione. "Thank you. For everything."

"You are most welcome, Hermione." She said as she took a moment to smile at Hermione. "Until tomorrow then."

"Until tomorrow." She answered as she watched her boss walk out the door leaving Hermione alone in the conference room. Hermione then began to gather her own belongings, debating on her next course of action.

Dean will have most likely told Harry I was at the Ministry today, Hermione thought. If she didn't go see him, he would know Hermione had been avoiding him and Ginny for sure then. She could always right a letter explaining she was there for strictly business. But no, that would only open the conversation she'd been avoiding via paper. She had no choice. She would have to talk to him eventually. It was not like she could avoid him, or Ginny for that matter, forever. So it was decided. Hermione was going to stop by his office. Maybe with a little bit of luck he'd be out at lunch already. Or at a meeting. Hey, she could say she at least tried.


Hermione stood in front of another reception desk. This time the receptionist was familiar. She was an older woman and her name was Anita Dorchester. She had dark brown hair that was fading into grey, dark eyes that hid behind thin spectacles and a button nose. She was currently busy writing away at some ghastly long letter that was on her desk, blind to Hermione's presence.

Not wanting to startle the older woman, Hermione cleared her throat. The noise didn't even phase her. Hermione tried again only this time she spoke up. "Excuse me, but is Mr. Potter in today?"

"Do you have an appointment?" Anita asked without looking up from her paper.

"Um, no. I was wondering if I might be able to..."

"His open visits are on every other Tuesdays after four o'clock, dearie. You are a week and a day too early."

"Mrs. Dorchester, it's Hermione."

At this Anita looked up. "Hermione dear! Why did you not say so before? You make a fool out of me girl."

"I apologise, I was trying not to disturb your writing."

"Oh this? It's nothing. Actually it is letter to my daughter. She just got engaged to a god awful wizard and I was trying to explain to her that..." Anita soon realised who she was talking to and quickly changed the subject. "Oh its nothing really. Here I'll take you to see Mr. Potter. He doesn't have another appointment for another hour." She said leading Hermione down the hall.

Knock, knock. "Come in."

"Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger is here to see you. Is this a convenient time or shall I make an app.."

"No, no send her in!" Hermione heard him say. Her stomach was churning with guilt.

"Go right ahead dearie." Anita said smiling awkwardly before she darted off still embarrassed about telling Hermione about the letter.

Hermione was not paying any attention to the woman though. She was too focused on the matter at hand. Walking around the door frame she saw Harry coming towards her from out behind his desk.

"Hermione!" Harry had always been one of the best friends anyone could ask for. Even though Hermione had yet to respond to his or Ginny's letters since the wedding, he greeted Hermione as if she just come home from a long vacation. He pulled her into a tight hug and squeezed like it was his last. Hermione felt close to tears. For in that moment all guilt she had been holding over her shoulders melted away just like that. Here she felt loved. She felt family.

"Hello, Harry." She said squeezing back. "How are you?"

They pulled apart and Harry answered, "I'm doin' good. How about you? How have you been?" He said looking over his glasses. He looked concerned but stern at the same time. No bullshit this time, echoed in her head.

Hermione looked at him for a moment. Her immediate response would be to say that she was fine. But she knew she couldn't lie to him. She never could. "I'm doing alright. Staying busy."

Harry studied Hermione, trying to decide to push the topic any further. He decided against it. Instead he nodded his head and changed the topic. "Well come in! Have a seat. You want some tea?"

"Yes, that sounds lovely." She said taking a seat on one of the leather chairs in front of his desk. Harry went to work his magic on a teapot behind his desk and before he could ask anymore about Hermione, she turned the topic of conversation on him. "So how is being a director of your own team of aurors?"

Harry smiled. "Its... getting there. A couple of the older members haven't quite... accepted someone half their age giving orders." He said scratching the back of his head. "I don't know though. I suppose they'll come around eventually."

"I know they will. They're probably just waiting till you've proven yourself in front of them." It was one thing to famous for defeating a dark wizard. It was another to see it first hand. They both knew that first hand, thanks to Lockhart.

"That's what Ginny keeps telling me." Hermione smiled. Harry poured two cups of tea and walked around his desk to hand one to Hermione. "Speaking of Ginny, she's pretty worried about you. You haven't replied to any of her letters." He said leaning up against his desk in front of her.

Hermione looked down at her hands, the guilty feeling returning. "I know. I'm sorry Harry. Really I am." She took another breath like she was going to add something else but decided against it.

Harry noticed her discomfort. "I understand. We all cope in our own way. She tells me you moved into a new house." Hermione nodded. She and Ginny had originally shared a flat together but had plan to move in with their fiances after the wedding. Hermione's parents could not have chosen better timing giving her that house. Ginny was still able to move in with Harry and Hermione got the privacy she desired.

"It was suppose to be a wedding present." Hermione sipped on her tea. She had added that fact before she could stop herself. Fearing where the convorsation might turn she changed the subject. "I got a new job."

"What? I thought you loved being a healer."

"I do! It's a part time job, kind of. I'll finish out the year at Mungo's and then spend the next six months working for a private company doing research."

"Hermione's that's great! What kind of research?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you. Or what the company's name is."

"You're working for DARI aren't you." Harry whispered.

Hermione was shocked. "Harry you're not even suppose to say it out loud!" Hermione whispered in return. "How do you know about it?"

"I'm Harry Potter remember?" Hermione rolled her eyes and Harry chuckled. "Aurors sometimes work with them."

"Oh that's right." They were talking in regular voices now. "So what type of research are you going to work on?"

"I don't know any specifics yet. All I know is that I will be helping to further they're understanding of the dark arts." She quoted. "Well it's good to hear you've got a lot going for you now." Hermione smiled slightly but Harry could tell it was painful for her to. "You know we have to talk about it."

Hermione looked up with a pleading look in her eye. "Why?"

"You know why."

Hermione sighed. "What do you want to know?"

"Why did you leave the dressing room?"

Hermione crossed her arms having finished her cup of tea. "It was stuffy in the room." Not wanting to look at Harry she walked over to the window. It was stained glass so she couldn't see out but there was a sneakoscope sitting on the window seal that she kept her fingers entertained with. "I just wanted to go for a walk. Get out of that room, that place, for a little while. I disapparated out."

"Where to?"

"To the forest edge."

"And you did this all on your own free will?" It was more a statement than a question.

Hermione looked up at Harry confused. "Yes."

"Once you apperated, where did you go then?"

"On a walk. Through the forest."

"Hermione. You knew the dangers of walking outside of the Aurors protection."

"I'm sorry. With the place practically surrounded with your lot I didn't think much about it."

"Hermione, you aren't just anybody. You didn't invite just anybody. Practically half the Ministry's department heads were there. Not to mention the Hogwarts staff."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry Harry. Really. I don't know what I was thinking. Putting everyone else in danger. God, I didn't even think about that."

"Putting yourself in danger. You didn't think about that." Hermione just shrugged her shoulders at that. Harry sighed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to raid my voice."

"It's alright."

"So about how long were you walking?"

"Oh I don't know. Half an hour maybe."

"Who found you first."

"..You found me Harry."

"No, before me."

Hermione looked down at her hands again. "Greyback."

Hermione expected Harry to explode with I told you so, but he didn't. He merely said, "Go on."

Taking a deep breath, she went on. "He said he was on his way to Askaban when he escaped. He didn't say how. He was mad." Hermione closed her eyes trying to remember the day she tried so hard to repress. "He had a wand. He.. um... was dressed in a prison uniform."

"Did anything happen between you?"

"I was throw up against a tree, then on to the ground. He was about to cast an unforgivable when you showed up."

"When I showed up."

"The first time you showed up."

"That wasn't me."

"You mean he's still out there?"

"No he was returned to Askaban."

"Oh." Hermione was now very confused.

"It was Draco Malfoy."

"What?" Hermione had been concentrating on remembering every detail of her memory that she thought she heard Harry wrong.

"It was Malfoy who found you first. You never saw him?"

"No, I.. I had my eyes shut."

Harry nodded. "Alright." Harry went onto a deep thought then. He walked around his desk searching for something. Hermione watched him. That had been the first time she'd talked about that day with anyone. She didn't even spare the details with her mother. Not about Greyback. Not about what Ron had said.

Ron. It was then all the memories came rushing back. Their first kiss, they're first actual date, the time he surprised her with a trip to France, his first professional quidditch match. Hermione felt her heart suffocating. She put a hand up to her chest as if it would ease the pain, and turned away from Harry. She had put off thinking about him for so long. Once the door was open it was hard to put her thoughts back into place. Without even thinking she spoke her mind, still not daring to look at Harry.

"Where is he?" Her voice cracked as it was a rough whisper that came out.

"Who? Malfoy?"

"No."

Harry looked up then. He knew who she was talking about. "Germany." He said softly. "They're doing some last minute training."

Hermione could not speak for fear she would cry. All she could manage was a nod. "You know, he really does feel awful about what happened. How it happened. His coach might not play him because he's been distracted at practice."

Hermione took a deep breath. Slowly she was gaining back control. "Is that right?" She whispered.

"Hermione have you talked to anyone about what happened that day. Not about Greyback. About what happened between you and Ron. Your mother sent me a letter asking if you had told Ginny and me. She said you've been pretty quiet about everything."

Hermione rolled her eyes again. She would. "I'm sorry if she worried you. But no I haven't told anyone. I don't want to. I don't want to think about it."

"You know that's not healthy."

"I know. I'll probably call my mother eventually one night after I've seen a sad movie." That was a lie.

"Why don't you come to dinner at our place this Friday."

That was definitely not something Hermione was expecting Harry to suggest. "Friday?"

"Yeah. Ginny will be thrilled. We'll have stake and wine and you two can talk. You can't hold in everything you know. You'll have to talk to some one eventually."

Hermione thought about it. She looked at Harry across the room. As much as she hated it, he was right. Talking to Ginny was like talking to Crookshanks, except she could talk back. Hermione could tell her anything. "What time?"

Harry smiled.


Mean while, outside Harry's office, the receptionist was having a little difficulty constraining a certain visitor. "I understand that the matter in which you would like to speak to Mr. Potter is urgent, but he specifically told me to hold all appointments temporarily."

"No, you don't understand. I am not an appointment. I work with him. You've seen me here before."

"Yes well, I'm sorry Mr. Malfoy, but you're just going to have to wait." He had to give her credit. The old woman definitely had some nerve.

"Listen. I'm just going to pop in on Potter, check if he is busy" which I doubt that he is, "and I'll come right back." He was already making his way towards Harry's office when he said this.

Anita jumped up after him. "Mr. Malfoy, please!"

"I'll just be a second, I promise." This was getting old. He beat her to the door and had the intention of storming in demanding information from Potter.

"Mr. Malfoy. At least allow me to announce your impatience." She said popping in between Malfoy and the door.

Malfoy let go of the door knob and said with the most sarcastic face, "After you."

Anita huffed a breath of hot air, adjusted her blouse, turned around with her chin sticking out and knocked on the door. Malfoy fought the urge to roll his eyes.

Anita opened the door and began announcing his presence. "Excuse me, Mr. Potter. I apologise the interruption..."

"That's alright Anita."

Anita smiled. "Yes well, I know you are a bit busy at the moment, but there is someone..."

I don't have time for this. Malfoy's patience was wire thin today. He didn't wait for the receptionist to finish. "Potter, what on earth could you possibly be doing?" He stormed past Anita, who through her hands up in exasperation. Harry was sitting behind his desk acting as if he hadn't done a thing wrong in his whole life. "You're not even doing anything." He said looking down at Harry's desk. It was then when Hermione cleared her throat that Malfoy even realized she was there.

She was standing in front of the mirror causing her figure to be illuminated. Malfoy would never admit it aloud but her presence, her appearance caused him to catch his breath. But he wasn't the type to get easily aw-struck by a woman so he was quick to recover. He looked back at Harry then back at Hermione not quite sure what to say. Before the silence could become awkward Harry jumped to the rescue. As usual. Prick.

"Thank you Anita. He's alright."

Malfoy had his back to her so he couldn't see the daggers she was glaring at him with. He did turn to watch her leave though. Anita gave Draco one last stare down before turning around with a "humf" and shut the door behind her. Women.

"Mr. Malfoy." It was Hermione who was first to break the tension between the former class mates. Malfoy, who couldn't decide how to address her earlier, was glad she spoke first.

"Ms. Granger." Malfoy responded. Good. Now that that is taken care of, "Potter, I don't mean to intrude but we have a meeting to prepare for."

"Oh I apologise. I didn't mean to keep you, Harry." Hermione said.

"No, you're fine!" Harry objected.

Hermione smiled at her friend and began gathering her cloak and bag. "I don't want to be a bother. I should get going anyways."

"I'm never too busy to talk, Hermione. I'm serious. Come by any time."

Hermione stood putting her cloak on. "Thank you for the tea. I had a lovely time." She said heading to the door.

"Can we still expect you Friday?" Hermione turned back to face Harry not realizing how close to Malfoy she suddenly was.

"Of course."

"Great. Seven sound alright?"

"Sounds lovely." Hermione nodded. "I'll see you later then."

"Bye Hermione."

Draco took a step back to give Hermione more room to leave. "It was good to see you Mr. Malfoy." She said walking past him.

He nodded politely in return and focused his attention on Harry and the purpose of his visit.

Hermione shut the door and walked down the hallway at a slow pace going over the past five hours. She should probably thank Malfoy some how for what he did. Would that be appropriate? How did he know where to find her in the first place? What was he doing out there? Hermione mentally kicked herself for being too concerned with her own feelings when she could have been asking Harry all these questions. Oh well, she could always drill him Friday. Friday. Right. She should write back to Ginny today.

Hermione said good bye to Anita and headed back towards the elevator. Now that she didn't have to go into work today, what should she do? It was too early to go back home. Some soup and tea sounded pretty appetizing at the moment. Hermione decided she'd go to a cafe, maybe stop by a book store. She'd figure out some way to waste away the day.