A/N: I'm disappointed with my last chapter. I'm hoping this one will be better.


Chapter Four -- Figuring It Out

Ginny Weasley was hastily scribbling on a piece of parchment. She only pause every few minutes to dip her quill into the ink jar, only to continue writing hurriedly. She wouldn't even bother pulling much ink on it. Her writing was faded every other paragraph. Surprisingly, her handwriting was still neat. A few hairs fell over her eyes, but she ignored them. She signed the bottom of the paper and attached the letter to a small owl.

"Go on, give this to Harry," she said.

The small owl flew out of the window into the distance. Ginny watched the owl as it faded into the sky. She pushed back the hairs blocking her eyesight and sighed. Just then, Ron had walked into the room. He pulled out a chair from the corner and sat next to Ginny. He looked up at her with wondering eyes.

"So, it's true then?" he said in a barely audible voice.

"If you're talking about that," Ginny said looking directly into Ron's eyes. "then yes, you two are engaged. You're supposed to be getting married."

"It's just too weird. I mean, I did have a crush on her back then. But I forgot everything. If we really have been dating for a while, then I think I owe it to her to get married if I proposed to her. It's just too weird. I feel like I barely know her."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, for one, she started drinking."

"I think this was the only time."

"Okay, well if that's so, she didn't explain to me what happened."

"She's just shocked, Ron. Really, if you feel to weird about this, tell her the truth."

Ron sighed. He stood up and scratched the top of his red hair. His eyebrows were raised up so that wrinkles formed on his forehead. He turned to face the door. He just stood there, with his green-knitted sweater.

"Something the matter, Ron?" Ginny asked.

"No," Ron said, "I just, uhm, well..."

"Spit it out."

"Why didn't anyone tell me back at the hospital? I looked like such an idiot saying that, didn't I?"

"Ron," Ginny sighed as she walked over to Ron, "you didn't know. It would have been five-hundred times worse if Hermione was there."

"I know, but it's not easy."

"Who said it would be?"

"You don't understand," Ron said facing her. "I like her, I really do. It's just weird. I mean, listen, I don't remember anything about her except events during our second year. Now, I see her, and she's a completely grown woman."

"Ron, I need to ask you something. You have to reply honestly. Do you remember anything from two nights ago?"

"It was a blur," Ron said honestly. "I remember something about Malfoy being punched."

"Really? Then how come you don't remember Hermione?" Ginny asked, surprised with his confession.

"I don't know," he said, his eyes suddenly averted to the window. "Isn't that the same owl you sent a second ago?"

Ginny looked up at the window. It was indeed the same owl sitting there with the same letter on its leg, as if untouched. Ginny walked over, a bit dazed. She untied the letter from the owl's leg. She saw that it was written on the back, but seemed to be unread. She carefully opened the letter so that she could read the back:

Ginny,

At the moment, I cannot read this. Something strange has happened back at the Ministry. Rest assure, we're safe. It just seems that some of our documents are missing. I will be coming home late. If you have something urgent to say, you may come in to check on my assistant to find where I am. If she says I am busy, just leave a message. I'm apologize in advance.

Love,
Harry

"Ron, come with me. We're going to the Ministry."

"What happened?"

Ginny went to get her jacket out of the closet. Ron looked over the letter Ginny had left on the table. Ginny grabbed her wand and pocketed it. Ron finished reading the letter and checked to make sure he still had his wand. Ginny quickly put on her jacket and looked at Ron.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Is this an emergency?"

"Hey, this involves Hermione. This most definitely has to be an emergency."

---

"Sorry dear, Mr. Potter is busy."

"Please miss, it's an emergency," Hermione pleaded.

"What's your name, miss?"

"Granger, Hermione Granger."

"Ah, you may go in. Your name is under this list," the assistant said as she flicked her wand at the door.

Hermione thanked the lady and opened the door. She stepped it to find a large office. The room was cozy and warm with its soft brown colors and the fireplace near desk. The chair was turned away from her, but she knew it was empty. She noticed papers were scattered amongst his desk.

"Harry?" she called out.

She heard a small ruffling of papers echoing in the back. He had a few lines of bookshelves and several drawers. There were staircases leading to the top of the office with more drawers and bookshelves. She decided to check the upper floor to see if he was there. As she stepped up, she heard a noise behind one of the walls. She found a door on the upper floor and called him once more.

"Harry, you in there?"

"Who is it?" Harry said as he opened the door. He was startled when he caught Hermione's eyes. "Hermione?"

"Is something the matter?" Hermione asked.

"No, no, I just," Harry quickly smiled and wrapped his arms around her, "well, how are you doing?"

"Fine," Hermione said hugging him back. "You seem pretty busy. What's going on? Your assistant wouldn't even let me in until I said I was Hermione."

"Yes. Well, what's wrong?"

"Well," she said, "I was unfortunate to run into Malfoy on the way in. Do you know what he was doing here?"

"What? Malfoy was here?" he said, suddenly looking past her blankly as if concentrating on something.

"Yeah, I thought you would know," Hermione said disappointedly, "but apparently not. Did you know Ginny had asked him earlier to make me a potion?"

"No, I didn't," Harry said as he looked back to Hermione, "why?"

"I was," Hermione blushed, "well, I was hungover."

"Oh, you... what?" Harry gaped.

"Long story," Hermione cut him short, "but I need you to do me a favor."

"Hermione, if it has to do with your files-"

"I need you to search Draco's residence and company."

"-what?"

"You heard right."

"Wait, what happened?" Harry said, recollecting his thoughts.

"He put something in that potion, and I want to know out. The effects are gone now, but it doesn't mean that he doesn't use them on other people too."

"Use what?"

Hermione sighed, "Look, he used something like Veritaserum."

"That's impossible Hermione. Only the Ministry has access to that."

"I know. It's not that though, it's different. It's less extreme, but it should be just as illegal."

"Okay, I will, but there seems to be a slight problem," Harry said as he turned back to the storage room he was just in.

"What's that?" Hermione asked.

"It seems that some of the Ministry files are missing."

"Oh, that shouldn't be a problem. We always track them down in the end."

"Hermione, that's not it..."

"What files were they?" Hermione asked, carefully saying each word.

"They were," Harry started, "your work files."

---

"Please miss, it's an emergency. I'm Mr. Potter's wife."

The assistant laughed at Ginny Weasley's face saying, "Do you think no other witch has ever told me that?"

"Look," Ginny snarled, "I have the ring. I have traditional red Weasley hair. What more do you want from me? This is an emergency, and it's about Hermione Granger."

"Listen here," the assistant replied, "Ms. Granger is already in there talking to Mr. Potter. Now, leave before I call security."

"What? What's she doing there?" Ginny said, facing Ron.

"Don't ask me," Ron said. "You were the one saying that it was an emergency."

Just then, the door slammed open. Out came a raging Hermione, followed by a concerned Harry. She saw Ginny and Ron. She started to cry. Harry tried to calm her down, handing her a tissue he summoned from the tip of his wand.

"Hermione," Harry said.

"No," she said. "It's fine. I really need to find out who took them."

Ginny bit her lip as she said, "So, it's true then?"

All eyes were on Ginny as Harry said, "Wait, what are you talking about?"

"Someone was looking for Hermione's files," Ginny said.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Harry said, frustrated.

"Ginny," Hermione said, "how did you find out about this?"

"Someone sent me an owl," Ginny groaned, "I am so sorry."

Hermione scrunched her hair and squeezed her eyes, "I can't believe this."

"What's going on?" Ron asked, confused.

"Someone stole Hermione's work files," Harry explained, "and whatever they wanted from her, well now they can probably get it."

"Harry, we have to find those files," Hermione pleaded.

"I will do my best to find them," Harry said. "Did you say Malfoy was here earlier?"

"Yes, why?"

They all glanced at each other, acknowledged by what possibly happened. Actually, they were all pretty sure now. Draco Malfoy was at the Ministry earlier. He confronted Hermione. She asked him what he was doing there. He simply said that he already got what he came for. He rarely ever came to the Ministry. He only ever came for meetings and such. Harry knew that those files were missing for at least two hours. Draco was definitely here two hours ago. That was the only conclusion that they could come up with.

"Elaine?" Harry said.

"Yes, Mr. Potter?"

"Please inform this entire Department that we are missing some important files. Tell them that any of them that noticed peculiar things going around the past two hours to leave a message for me. I'm going out," he said and then added, "and next time, just call me Harry."

---

Draco Malfoy paced his office floor. He rubbed his temples. Things didn't exactly go as he planned today. He had his fun with interrogating Hermione, but he was really looking for her work files. He was informed, however, that the Ministry had misplaced her files. Either that, or they were stolen by somebody else. He was going to give the files back, really. He just needed to look them up. If she was up for that whole Anonymous Exchange thing...

He shook his head, "That's crazy. She wouldn't be up for it. Besides, she already loves her job."

But there was always a chance. What if someone took her files to check them because she really was going for the Anonymous Exchange? He would just have to track them down. It wasn't that easy, though. The Ministry was clueless about where the paperwork was. Not only that, but they would be sure to keep those papers well hidden if it was returned.

He finally took his gray coat off and put it up on the coat racket. He wasn't going to stay, however. He stepped out to tell his assistant that he was going to be out for a while.

"If anyone comes looking for me, tell them that I won't be back until late," he said.

He went back in his office to grab his broomstick, Shockbolt. It was even better than the Firebolt. He actually helped to design it, himself. It wasn't as reliable if it wasn't used properly. Of course, he knew how to use it. He stepped out of the balcony of the floor. He climbed over his broom and dipped forward to lift himself up. He launched himself into the air, letting the wind ripple against him. He only had a short-sleeved button-up black shirt and black slacks to protect himself from the cold air. He was fine, though. It wasn't like he himself wasn't cold.

It was then when he noticed something. Several feet below, he saw the trio and the Weasley girl heading towards the doors of his company. He quirked an eyebrow and watched them. They were indeed walking it. Hermione seemed to be the most angry out of all of them. Harry had his arm around Ginny, keeping her warm against the cool air blowing.

"Did she say something about my confrontation?" Draco mused.

---

"Where is Mr. Malfoy?" Harry demanded.

"I told you, Mr. Potter. He is not here. He said he would be coming late."

"Where did he go?" Ginny asked.

"He did not say," the assistant replied as she showed them his out schedule.

"Damn bastard, probably knew we were coming," Ron muttered.

Hermione smiled as he took her hand and squeezed it gently, in attempt to try and make things better between them.

"Did you see where he went?" Hermione asked.

"I did see him head that way," the assistant replied honestly as she pointed out his direction.

"Thanks," Harry said as the other three followed him.

"Harry, this leads to a balcony," Hermione said.

"What, did he decide to kill himself?" Harry said as he peered down from the building.

Ginny noticed a blur in the distance and said, "Harry, he's flying. Look, he's right there!"

"Thanks, Ginny. Is there a broom around here somewhere? Yes, I see a Firebolt," he said as he picked up the broom from the side.

"Harry," Ginny said, "I think he's using a Shockbolt."

"No matter," Harry said, "I like Firebolts better anyway." And with that, he headed towards Draco's direction.

"Guys, can we go inside?"

"Oh, sorry Hermione," Ron and Ginny said as they headed back inside.

---

"Potter?"

"Malfoy, what are you hiding?"

"I'm not hiding anything. Fancy a game of Quidditch?"

"I'm serious, Malfoy."

"I was serious too."

"I know you took Hermione's work files."

"Listen, I didn't mean- what?"

"Aha! So you took them," Harry said, rather proud of himself.

"No I didn't," Draco said, "I thought you were going on about something else. What makes you think I took them?"

"Well for one, you were at the Ministry earlier."

Draco scoffed, "What are you, my personal stalker?"

"Stuff it," Harry said. "We're missing her files, and I'm pretty sure you took them."

"Why would I want them? Potter, believe it or not, I didn't take them," Draco said as he flew a lap and back.

Harry followed his lead and said, "What were you doing at the Ministry?"

"I was getting information about the Anonymous Exchange," Draco said. "Anyway, how do you know they didn't pool her in there?"

"They wouldn't do that without asking her."

"Potter, you know they would," Draco said suddenly staring at him straight in the eye, "especially with recommendation."

"What are you saying?" Harry said, his face going pale.

"You know what I'm saying. I know what you're nervous about, Potter. Don't think I don't know. You just better hope that Granger doesn't find out. I know what you're on about."

"Don't you threaten me, Malfoy," Harry said, gritting his teeth.

"It's not a threat. You know it," Draco said as he landed back into the balcony.

Harry followed him inside to see Ginny, Ron and Hermione waiting there. Draco locked eyes with Hermione for a few seconds. She turned pink. Ginny and Ron were glaring at Draco.

"Get out my way," Draco said, brushing past Hermione.

"He doesn't have it," Harry said.

"How do you know?" Ginny asked.

"Come on," Harry said as he walked ahead, his head bowing low.

Ginny raised her eyes up at Hermione for Harry's strange behavior. Ron glared daggers at Draco's back as he went to a nearby fireplace to use the Floo network.

"Malfoy Manor," Ron heard Draco say.

"Why is he going home so early?" Ron asked.

"Oh, that reminds me," Harry said as he turned to Draco's assistant, "tell Mr. Malfoy to expect an investigation at the Malfoy Manor and his flat this Thursday."

"Not a problem," the assistant said as she shuffled some papers.

---

Draco Malfoy stepped out of the fireplace into the Malfoy Manor. Even though the place was warmed up, he felt cold every time he stepped into this house. It was even worse in the room he entered in. He could still hear the cries of witches and wizards in pain from the cruciatus and killing curses by his father and his aunt. He remembered the time when Hermione screamed from the infliction that his Aunt Bellatrix made her suffer. He couldn't bare being in the room anymore. It made him feel queasy inside.

He stepped into the hallway and spoke to himself, "I wonder who took Granger's files."

Just then, an speckled owl zoomed in from a window in the other room. It held a small red envelope. The letter dropped into Draco's hands. He eyed in suspiciously. It wasn't a howler, but it was red. He took his wand out and flicked it. The envelope tore and folded itself into small paper cranes that flew around the letter.

Draco,

It is I, Blaise. I have something you want, but you're going to have to pay a price in order to retrieve it from me. I do not want money. I have plenty money myself. You're not the only rich pureblood in the world. I actually need you to come over this Thursday for dinner. You remember Kaitlyn? Well, I need an easy way to dump her. I'll give you five minutes, enough time for you to work your Malfoy charm and get her to make a move.

Seriously,
Blaise

P.S: I'll give you a hint on what I have. It's missing from the Ministry.

He couldn't believe it. Blaise had the work files? He had Hermione Granger's papers? Although he really didn't want to go with the idea of Kaitlyn, he knew it was the only way to get those files. He would have to make sure Harry didn't find out about this. As he was about to reply to Blaise's letter, another owl flew in and dropped a memo in his hands. It was the shape of an airplane. It unfolded itself so that Draco could read.

Mr. Malfoy,

Mr. Potter has informed us that an inspection will be taken on the Malfoy Manor and your flat on Thursday. He expects you to show up at the Ministry in the evening so it may take place. He also told us that if you do not show up, he will literally break into your house and give a weekly inspection for three months.

Marilyn Wrigley

Draco muttered a spell at the letter, "Incendio."

The letter burned mid-air into fine ashes. He glared into the now empty space before him. Blaise's letter was still at the side, being circled by small flying red cranes.

"Damn that Potter. Now how am I supposed to pull this off?"

---

"So, we're okay?" Ron asked, squeezing Hermione's hand.

Hermione smiled and said, "We're okay."

Ron took Hermione in his arms and stared awkwardly at her. She giggled.

"Ron, if you want to kiss me, go ahead. You kissed me plenty of times in the past."

"That's strange to say, especially since I don't remembering kissing you much."

Hermione's laugh was smothered by his kiss. She smiled against him.

'Well, at least he remembers how to kiss,' she thought to herself.

"Aha!" Ginny shouted.

Hermione and Ron broke apart from their kiss, both turning a similar red color. Ginny faced their direction and shook her head. She grabbed the letter on the desk and brought it up to them.

"I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about this."

"What about it?" Hermione asked.

"Look at the handwriting," Ginny said, throwing the paper into Hermione's hands.

Hermione looked at it carefully and shook her head, "I don't recognize it."

"Okay, now look at this," Ginny said as she took her wand out and flicked it at her desk, "Wingardium leviosa!" A book levitated towards them. It looked similar to a yearbook. She flipped to a certain page and showed it to Hermione.

"...Hufflepuffs beat Slytherin in house points?" Hermione read.

"No," Ginny practically shouted as she pointed, "Look here!"

Hermione saw the similar handwriting. She continued reading and saw that there was no signature left. It was only a message.

"Do you know who wrote this?" Hermione asked.

"No," Ginny said.

"It sounds like a Slytherin," Hermione said.

"Ginny got this book signed by Slytherins?" Ron said as he stuck out his tongue in disgust.

"Ron, trust me when I say they're not all gits," Ginny replied.

"Wait," Hermione said, "Why does this sound familiar?"

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.

"I read it somewhere," Hermione said biting her lip. "Darkens the skies, the mind and the soul... It sounds like one of the students' essay."

"How do you know this?" Ginny gaped at her.

"I used to help the professors grade papers."

"Probably gave them input too," Ron said sarcastically.

"Actually, I did," Hermione said as she glared at him.

"Wait, how do you know this?"

"It was a pretty good essay," Hermione said. "Too bad I don't remember who wrote it."

"You better find out, because that's who has your work files!"

"Oh yeah," Hermione said as she slapped her forehead, "I completely forgot about that."

"Oh yeah," Ron said slapping his own forehead as well, "I completely forgot about the fact that this essay is probably long gone!"

Ginny sighed as Hermione glared at him.

"You know, the best essays are usually kept by the professors as examples."

"I doubt you'll be able to find this one," Ginny agreed with Ron.

"We'll see about that," Hermione said, appariting right off the spot.

"Where'd she go?" Ron asked.

"Good question. Let's go and ask Harry, shall we?"