The Wheels Are Falling Off the World

- Chapter Four -

After a relaxing weekend filled with nothing more than classic films, good books and all the company of a ginger tom cat, Hermione stepped into the Atrium of the Ministry feeling refreshed and raring to go at the start of a new week. Having decided it was pointless to continue to any work whilst her new assistant was catching up, she was sure there was an extra spring in her step.

Hermione relished moments like this; full of happiness and appreciation for the world around her. After joining the Ministry's work force fresh after graduating from Hogwarts, she had become aware of how easily she could get completely snowed under without a thought for herself or her own wellbeing. As such, she had made a conscious decision to keep one weekend a month entirely free for herself. And the past two days had provided the perfect opportunity.

She heard Kingsley's deep baritone reverberating through the hall before she set eyes on him, and was certain he'd be waiting to fill her in on all the details of her new colleague.

'Minister.' She greeted him with a warm handshake, both aware of the appearance of formality around their co-workers.

'Hermione,' He responded, a broad grin across his handsome features. 'Good weekend?'

'Of course. Ready to go for the week ahead, as always.'

He chuckled as they headed towards the lifts. Apparently this was to be a short briefing. 'Well I'm glad. It's always nice to see such enthusiasm and positivity about the Ministry.'

She couldn't help but notice the emphasis he applied to 'positivity'. 'How's my assistant settling in?'

'Ah he's doing nicely. Very hard working. In fact, he's been here all weekend. Said he wanted to get to know all the files that had been looked at over since the project began, and had a few ideas of his own to get started on.'

Hermione's eyebrows raised in surprise and approval at her office-mate's apparent eagerness. 'Well it'll make a nice change from Goldstein then. No pregnant wives with this one, I take it?'

Kingsley laughed again as they stepped into the golden lift. 'Not at all, you'll be glad to hear. Nothing more than a house elf at home by the sounds of things.'

She scrunched her nose up; her disapproval of such slavery already known wide across the Ministry after her previous campaigns.

He patted her shoulder, 'Now now, I'm sure you can have that conversation with him another time. For the moment you must concentrate on these rewrites. I have nothing but confidence in the both of you.'

'Thank you Kingsley.' She paused as the lift slowed in approach of her floor. 'May I ask why you haven't informed me as to who my assistant is yet?'

'I should have known nothing slips by you, my dear. I'm sure you're already familiar with each other to some degree.'

'Kingsley...' She warned, as the gate creaked open.

'Ah. Well. Both being Hogwarts graduates I'm sure you have much to catch up on...'

She stepped out onto the landing of her floor, pressing her hand against the grate to stop it from closing before she had her information. She raised her eyebrows again in expectation.

He sighed, knowing he could not stretch it out any longer. 'You shall be working for the next few months with your former classmate, Draco Malfoy.'

She stepped back, not having expected the news.

'Must dash, Hermione. I'm sure you'll catch me up on your thoughts later.' He grinned as the lift closed and moved off in the opposite direction.

She turned to head down the corridor, intrigued by the revelation. In all honesty, she didn't really mind so much. They had all grown up a lot during the war, and being seven years out of school she was sure he must have changed somewhat. She was truly interested in how they would work together, it hadn't escaped her attention that, whilst being top of the class throughout her years at Hogwarts, the Malfoy son hadn't been too far behind her in most subjects.

She reached her office door, already set on being a friendly but firm project leader. After all, they were barely acquaintances and there was no need to set an overly informal precedent.

As she entered the cramped and messy office she was taken aback to find it was quite the opposite. With everything ordered and stacked so neatly, pens in the appropriate pots, filing cabinets cleared and desktops empty other than the necessities, she couldn't help but marvel at the spacious feel the room had to it.

'Good morning.' The Slytherin alumnus rose to greet her, offering his hand in the traditional gesture.

'Good morning Mr. Malfoy.' She responded, pleased they had already started in the approach she had intended. 'I trust you're ready to begin.'

'Absolutely. I've already made a start this morning; I wanted a chance to revise what I'd been going over last night, before we met today.'

She smiled in approval. 'Excellent, I'll just get my files ready.'

As they set about to business, Malfoy filled her in on all the information he had covered and where he was currently up to, as well as providing her with new reports she had yet to look into. Suitably impressed, she told him so, and received a sharp nod and a formal 'thank you' in return.

After exchanging notes, they settled down to read over each other's work before making a start on investigating the new leads he had provided.


A short while later, Hermione found herself in need of a short break and a caffeine input.

'How about a quick break? I think we've deserved it after all this progress this morning.' She asked him.

'I'm alright thanks, but don't let me stop you.' He smiled at her, a ghost of that trademark smirk playing on his lips momentarily, a challenge almost.

Unwilling to be shown up by her assistant on his first day, she muttered about just making a suggestion and continued on with her work, although really rather wishing she'd just left.

A long twenty minutes later, with Hermione secretly checking the clock every few moments to try and decide when would be an appropriate time to try again for that coffee break, she heard his smooth chuckle from across the desks.

'Granger, just go. It's fine.' He spoke without raising his eyes to meet hers, clearly too engrossed in his findings to bother communicating properly with her.

'Oh no,' She grumbled. 'I'm quite alright, thank you very much.'

He looked up, the smirk on his face this time from suppressed laughter. 'Honestly Granger, please, you're distracting me enough with all your fidgeting.'

'I do not fidget!' She remarked hotly.

'On the contrary, apparently a lack of caffeine inspires intense fidgeting in your case.' He placed a couple of Galleons on the corner of his desk closest to her. 'While you're there, if you wouldn't mind picking me up an Americano I'd be most grateful.'

He nodded to the pile of coins before scooting over to a filing cabinet to fish out more details.

Hermione sat torn between appearing as though following his orders and her intense need for a latte.

Eventually her thirst won out, and she sprung out her chair, scooped up her handbag and his coins and flounced out the door. Not that she would admit she flounced, but the occasion certainly called for it.


Down in the cafeteria, she spotted a certain red-head trying to feed portions of banana to a small, brown haired boy, almost identical in looks to his father.

'Well, Mrs. Potter, we meet again.' She kissed the top of James' head as she placed her bag down on an empty seat.

'Oh, finally! I thought you were never coming out for your coffee! I ordered you your usual but you took so long I drank it anyway.' She glanced guiltily at the tall glass, next to a plate that had obviously been the former home of a large slice of cake.

Hermione smiled, not annoyed with her friend in the slightest. Happy to grab one herself, she picked up a hippogriff-shaped biscuit for James, unable to resist treating her godson when she had the chance.

She sat down with Ginny to wait for her own and Draco's drinks to be made, thoroughly appreciating the Ministry Cafe's policy of making coffee the traditional way rather than the instant, wand-heated method favoured by so many, and passed James his treat to be met with happy babbling.

Ginny looked fit to burst.

'Yes?' Hermione asked, feigning innocence but quite aware of her best friend's penchant for gossip.

'Oh come on!' Ginny exploded, 'You've got to give me something! Do you realise the utter drivel I have to listen to at the Hollow's play park? I'm gagging for some real news!'

'Oh Ginny, it can't be that bad.' Hermione laughed as her friend scowled at her. 'Alright, alright. You'll never guess who I'm working with.'

Ginny's forehead crumpled as she thought who might be up for the job. 'Ernie MacMillan? No, he's Interning with the Wizengamot. Well give me a clue, your year at Hogwarts?'

'Yep.' Hermione sat back, enjoying Ginny's concentration.

'Finchy-Fletchy, or whatever his name was? Last I heard he was an apprentice or something at a Muggle law firm.'

'No, it's not Justin Finch-Fletchley. Think outside the box.'

'Oh don't be mean, just tell me!' Ginny pleaded.

'Malfoy.' She watched her friend's eyes widen, and was promptly surprised by her subsequent squeal.

'Draco Malfoy? Merlin's pants Hermione, he's gorgeous now!'

Hermione could only stare, slack-jawed, as Ginny rambled on about how good looking her co-worker was.

'Excuse me, this is the same Draco Lucius Malfoy that we both knew and abhorred through school?'

'Come on 'Mione, we've all grown up. It's been, what, seven years? I think we've all moved on by now.' Ginny waved her hand, 'Besides, haven't you noticed? He's a certified stunner nowadays.'

Hermione shrugged, somewhat petulant that she hadn't received the reaction she'd been hoping for. Although they had indeed grown up, she still enjoyed a little scandal here and there. Provided she wasn't on the receiving end of it.

'I can only hope you're talking about me, dear wife.' Harry teased as he came around the table to join them, ruffling his son's hair along the way.

'Not quite love.' She grinned at him. 'Just talking about Hermione's new assistant that started today.'

'Ah, that would be the delightful Draco then, I presume?'

'Is everyone in love with Draco bloody Malfoy.'

'I think that ship's long sailed for he and I.' Harry joked, winking at his wife. 'No, Kingsley told me the other day.'

'The other day? And you didn't think to tell me?' Hermione shrieked.

'Of course not. Besides, I got the owl after you left on Friday. I had to know, he worked in my department so Kingsley needed to let me know he was transferring.'

'Well thanks a bunch, Scar-head.'

'Not a problem, Bookworm. Besides, he's not that bad. I'm well aware how hard he works and I've never seen anyone as dedicated to seeing a case through before. Well, except you of course.'

Hermione swatted him on the shoulder. 'You could have Flooed me. Or even called, I know you keep a mobile phone on you, just in case.'

'To be honest, 'Mione, Kingsley asked me not to. Think he wanted to save your reaction for himself.' He grinned before turning to his wife and depositing a large, napkin-wrapped object in front of her. 'I'd brought you some cake down, but I'm not surprised to see you've already tucked in.'

'Don't tell me that's the last slice of Draco's birthday cake.' Ginny murmured.

Hermione couldn't help but smile at her friend's intense craving for anything sweet, but particularly cake.

'Wait a second, Draco's birthday cake?' She asked.

'Yep,' Harry replied, 'It was his birthday a few days ago, so Daphne Greengrass in our Admin office made it. She makes one for everyone, as Gin's only aware.'

'Miss Granger?' The barrista called, 'Your coffees are ready.'

'I'd better go, can't have my assistant doing too much without me.' Hermione told them, gathering her things and patting James' head.

'From what I hear, he's been doing pretty well on his own over the weekend.' Harry grinned, knowing the thought would irk her.

'You keep quiet Harry Potter. We'll wait and see how long he lasts.' Hermione kissed him on the cheek before squeezing Ginny's shoulder in farewell. Almost enough to distract her from devouring the large slice of birthday cake in front of her.

As she collected her drinks, the good-natured Gryffindor in Hermione couldn't help but pick up a belated birthday muffin from the selection on the counter before paying.

At least she could try to the be the bigger person if Malfoy was going to insist on winding her up.


'Hermione? Is that you?' A voice asked behind her in the lift.

Hermione turned around, careful not to drop her cargo and met the dark eyes of one Dean Thomas.

'Dean? What are you doing here?' She extracted an arm from her things and hugged him at an awkward angle. 'It's so good to see you!'

'Yeah, you too. What are you up to nowadays?' He asked, seeming genuinely interested from hiS broad smile.

'Actually I'm just working on a new project. Rewriting old laws that were biased towards purebloods.'

He nodded, 'Sounds exciting. I'm surprised they haven't got round to it sooner.'

'No, well it's partly to do with the history of the laws and the government that wrote them. You see, there has to be approval from a certain amount of members of the Wizengamot, and we also have to consult with local councils as well before these can even go into review, as it affects so many parts of our politics and culture and... I'm sorry, I'm rambling. I could talk forever about it, but it's really not that interesting.' She smiled up at him, a little embarrassed.

'Not at all, it sounds fascinating.' He grinned back, seeming sincere.

'So what brings you to the Ministry? I haven't seen you around here before.'

'I've actually just started in an official capacity here.' He explained, 'I'm up in Magical Sports and Games in the Quidditch League HQ. I've been promoted, so it's all pretty exciting stuff.'

'Oh fantastic Dean, I'm so pleased for you.' The light bell announcing her floor sounded as the lift slowed. 'Well this is me. It's been so nice to see you, we should have a proper catch up some time.'

'That'd be nice. It's lovely to see you again Hermione.' He slid the grate back to let her out as she stepped past him.

'Bye Dean, take care.' She smiled as he raised his hand to wave goodbye, before she turned to head to her office.

'Hey Hermione,' Dean's voice called back to her just as she started to walk away.

'Yes?' She looked round, a little surprised.

'Do you fancy going for a drink sometime? You know, for that catch up.' He grinned at her, leaning casually against the gate and preventing the lift from going anywhere, much to the chagrin of his fellow passengers.

'Yes of course,' She replied.

'Sunday any good? We could just do the Leaky Cauldron?'

'Sure. Um, 8 o'clock ok?' She smiled as an elderly Warlock behind Dean tutted and tapped his foot.

'Brilliant. See you then.' He waved briefly as he stepped back to let the lift close.

Hermione turned back to her office, a little unsure of what had just happened, but pleased that she'd be able to spend some time with a good friend.


'You took your time.' Malfoy noted as she sat down at her desk.

'Unintentionally, of course. I happened to bump into an old friend and didn't want to seem rude.' She replied, passing over his Americano.

'Not a problem, I just like to drink my coffee warm.' He smirked, attempting to wind her up again, she was sure of it.

'You know as well as I do, Malfoy, that they cast warming charm's on the cup. I could have taken your coffee home and back again and it would still be the same temperature as when it was made.' She passed over the muffin. 'And happy belated birthday.'

'How did you...'

'Harry.' She replied, rearranging the papers in front of her. 'So, where are we up to so far?'

After receiving no reply for her colleague, she looked up to see him staring down at the blueberry muffin sat in front of him.

'Malfoy?' She asked again.

'Hm? Oh right. Erm, I was reading over this archive material from an appeal made during the 1860s in Coventry over prioritising pureblooded families in a nearby Wizarding settlement. Thought there might be some useful arguments.'

'Ah yes. It was repealed of course, but definitely an interesting case to study.' She nodded, sifting through her folder for the relevant information.

'So who was the friend?' Malfoy asked.

'Oh, just Dean Thomas. You know, our year at Hogwarts.'

'A fellow Gryffindor? I thought you were all best of friends still.'

'Not exactly. I hear about what they're all doing now and then, but I don't really have time to keep up with all the intricacies of Lavender Brown's love life or Parvati Patil's gossip column in the Prophet.'

'Fair enough. I suppose we all go separate ways at some time in our lives.' He nodded. 'I have the Caerphilly petition over her by the way, if you're looking for it.'

'Thanks Malfoy.' She took it from him gladly, ready to make a fresh start on the project, and pleased his interest in her personal life was far more limited than that of her previous assistant.


A/N: So this story is beginning to take direction! It's going to be a bit of a slow burner, but I'm writing many chapters ahead and have a clear direction for each chapter and character, so I hope you've enjoyed this new update so far!

Without meaning to give a sob story or garner sympathy, I have had a very hectic two months or so that haven't been easy, but I hope you can appreciate that this means that I haven't had time to prioritise my writing here. Happily, I now have a home, a job, and time and freedom once again, so I can start giving this and my other work on the site the attention and dedication it deserves!

Thank you for keeping with this story, even though it hasn't been easy for you readers. I am immensely grateful.

SimpsonSortia