Day 16 - Monday
Where is she?
The lift feels empty. Even with the seven other people on board.
When he arrives at his office, he's cranky and snaps at everyone for the first half of the day.
Day 17 - Tuesday
Strangely, he feels abandoned.
Why isn't she here?
And that's when he hears, "Ms Granger is leading the hearing actually. Yesterday went quite well in her favor. They expect it to be wrapped up today." The man speaking is some older Ministry official he doesn't know.
"Good. We can get back to business as usual. Although I expect there will be plenty of griping over the outcome if it stays in her favor."
The lift shudders to a halt on their floor and the two men depart.
Relief settles over his mind. She's not gone for good.
Day 18 - Wednesday
"Saw the results of the hearing in the paper this morning."
"Oh?" she says. A faint pink tinge rises to her cheeks. He finds it endearing.
"House elves earning a wage. That's going to take some people awhile to get used to."
"Well they can sod off and get over their prejudices."
He lets out a laugh. "Is that what you told them in the hearing?"
"Yes. Only a bit nicer."
He smiles at her. She can't help the fluttering in her stomach. "I'm glad it turned out in your favor."
"Are you?"
He shrugs. "Only seems right, I suppose. No one should be a slave to another's will."
"I'm glad you agree. Because I have a feeling you'll be asked about it."
"Why?"
"I've heard whispers of a full opinion page in the Prophet with regards to the changes. Needless to say, many of the established members of the Ministry and our biggest businesses aren't happy with the change. I expect they want the opinion of a Malfoy."
"You realize my family's standing isn't what it once was."
"No, but if they think your opinions will work in their favor, they'll come right back around."
The doors opened then.
"Thanks for the heads up, I guess."
She nods and leaves the lift.
He doesn't have particularly strong feelings on the issue one way or another. Yet he finds himself spending a disproportionate amount of his morning mulling over what he will say, should he be asked.
Day 19 - Thursday
"You were right. Had a reporter accost me after work yesterday to talk about the outcome. She wanted the opinion of a stuck up pureblood like myself."
"Who was it?"
"The one I've heard is your all time favorite." He's smirking and she knows instantly who he means.
"Oh, just wonderful. I already know the tone this article will take if Skeeter's involved."
"It'll certainly be interesting."
"Oh, so what did you say then?"
"You can just wait and read the article when they publish it."
She lets out a shocked, annoyed sound. "You're kidding."
"Not at all."
"That's just cruel."
"Some things about me haven't changed."
She rolls her eyes. "I hope you said something at least halfway decent. Otherwise this lift ride is about to get far more uncomfortable than it ever was before."
The doors open. "I'll be looking forward to hearing your opinion," he says in a tone that makes her wary.
"Ugh. Goodbye, Malfoy."
She leaves.
Day 20 - Friday
...Draco Malfoy, heir to the largest estate and fortune in all of Wizarding England, and known owner of house elves, has most unexpectedly expressed support for Hermione Granger's crusade: "It's time they got a wage. Slavery of any kind is intolerable. I'm glad she successfully passed this legislation and I'm glad to pay my elves a decent wage." It may be expected the youngest Malfoy has some more progressive views, especially in light of what happened to him during the war. We hoped to get the opinion of his Father, but he is still almost never seen out in society. When asked what the rest of his family think, the youngest Malfoy replied with a bold statement: "I will not speak for them. But I will say that anyone trying to oppose Hermione Granger in this doesn't know what they're thinking. She's doing what's right, as she always has. If you're uncertain of what will happen because of this, have faith that she wouldn't lead any effort that isn't best for this country." His views are not shared by many other established families, who view Ms Granger as...
Hermione had read through that part of the article so many times at breakfast she has it memorized now. She recalls it as she waits for the lift, eager to see the smarmy git.
When the doors open and she sees him, he looks smug.
"Your comments were perfect," she says after Mr. Dawes leaves.
"I know." His smirk is particularly pronounced today.
"Arrogant bastard."
"But a most helpful and eloquent arrogant bastard."
"That you are. Why did you act like you didn't say something so nice yesterday?"
He shrugs. "Wanted to build the suspense I suppose. It amused me."
"Oh, wonderful. I sure do love being strung along for your amusement."
"Excellent, now I have full permission to make it a regular activity," he says as though he hasn't picked up on her sarcasm.
"Unbelievable," she says shaking her head. "I was going to thank you, but now I'm not so sure I want to."
"No, please do. I'll be a perfect gentleman about it," he implores.
She sees right through his act.
"Nope, not happening. Your ego is big enough already. You know I appreciate it."
The doors open and she starts to walk away.
"Granger," he calls after her.
She turns around just as she steps outside. Her expression tells him she expects another smug comment.
"It was nothing. I meant every word." His voice is sincere, his eyes honest.
The doors slam shut before her shocked face.
