Chapter 4

Draco was livid. First Alex Foley was a no show and now a stranger, a woman no less, insulted him in front of his inferiors in his own office building. Well dear readers you can assume that Draco was not just going to dust off that behaviour. Pressing the elevator button, with more force than necessary, Draco intended to follow that admittedly attractive, yet totally out of line, brunette and demand some answers.

Hermione, meanwhile, was quite pleased with herself. She knew that it probably wasn't the wisest move to insult Draco Malfoy but ferret-face deserved it for old time's sake. The elevator ride was almost over in an instant with only a few people coming in and out and no one of particular notice.

She was the only one on the elevator to get out at level ten to see several men, all dressed in suits and dress-robes, waiting outside an office, which could only be Mr Thompson's. The interviews were obviously on going, which suited Hermione well considering the position was to be hired on the spot.

As she approached the office, all the men began to look at her curiously. Hermione knew that the secretary was usually male, well that had been its precedence. However as she assumed Draco Malfoy knew of her identity as a female, somehow he managed to get her an interview. As she sat down of course it clicked; Draco Malfoy did not know, that is why he did not realise she was Alex Foley/Kingston and that is how she got an interview. However Hermione was not a sleuth for nothing and was not going to give up a chance to get a job just because she was female. She would just have to use it as an advantage.

Mr Thompson's door creaked open and out came a quite attractive man, in his thirties grinning from ear to ear. Before he could open his mouth, Hermione knew that this man had been hired as the new secretary. And Hermione was right. In a confident tone, the newly hired secretary announced that the job was filled and that could all applicants please accompany him to the exit. Begrudgingly the rest of the applicants filed towards the elevator, disappointed.

Hermione decided to act in this time of movement. Grabbing the newly elected secretary, who introduced himself as Adam, she whispered a few words in his ears. Listening intently to this attractive stranger who was asking for an interview with Mr Thompson, Adam smiled and nodded. Adam knew of Mr Thompson's partiality to attractive brunettes and thought why not indulge her. Adam needed time to clear the failed applicants from the building and thought it was the perfect example of quick, thinking that was a reason for his employment.

Briefly leaving the applicants, he knocked on the door of Mr Thompson and had a few quick words. Although Mr Thompson was reluctant, Adam pushed just enough to get Alex a few moments with the Minister. Adam, seeing the elevator about to open, headed back to the failed applicants and told Alex to go inside, but only for a few minutes.

Hermione had just entered the office when the elevator opened with Malfoy looking exasperated and ready to get even.

Getting out of the elevator with a cool air, Draco passed Adam and the failed applicants and inquired about the secretary position and to see if Alex Kingston had arrived. Adam replied chirpily that he had received the position. He continued, informing Draco that Alex Kingston was here but busy with Minister and to not interrupt. Draco with a cool air nodded and sauntered to wait by the office to wait for this Alex Kingston. At least he showed up thought Draco, he would wait here for Alex and deal with the feisty brunette later.

As Hermione entered the office, with her head held high and chest out, she swallowed in her surroundings. The office was green and black with a feature of mahogany furniture, the desk the centrepiece. Behind the desk sat a grey haired man, who was on the other side of fifty, eyes gazing curiously at Hermione. He was not entirely amused by his new secretary asking for another interview applicant but with Hermione's appearance, Thompson was glad he agreed.

'Alex Kingston?'

'Yes, Minister?'

'I regret to inform you, that the position for secretary has been filled. But no doubt you heard. I do not usually talk with failed applicants but your application states that you are male so I was curious when Alex told me that you were an attractive, brunette; which is indeed true. Is there a reason for you wanting an interview now?'

'Minister, I was hoping that I could apply for another position within this building. My credentials should speak for themselves. I understand that the process of finding a well suited Minister for Magic, at your standard, is very difficult. I wish to offer you my services to assist you. As you can see, it would mean that we could spend lots of time together', Hermione pouted and waited for his response.

Being one never to reject such an interesting offer, Mr Thompson was more than happy to keep listening.

'Perhaps there is a position for you here. But I feel that I should get to know you a bit more… How 'bout we sit on the couch and have a little chat.'

Hermione grimaced on the inside. He was a slimy one but already hooked, all she had to do was reel him in.

'I completely agree, Minister', Hermione sauntered over to the leather couch knowing that the Minister was sizing her up. The Minister followed and sat next to her a little too close for comfort.

The Minister began to speak but stopped when Hermione pressed her fingers on his lips.

'Minister, before we continue I would like to get some things straight. I would very much like to get on the same page. I am aware that the position of secretary has been taken but perhaps I could become a consultant for the Ministry, aiding you in your training process for the next Minister for Magic. I could consult your candidates and then report back to you, so you can know everything that happens before it happens.' Hermione leaned closer, pressing herself on to the Minister, 'You would have power at your fingertips. And no one will be able to doubt your control.'

Dear Readers, the affect that Hermione was giving off aroused the Minister, both conceptually and physically.

So when Hermione produced a contract from thin air, the Minister had no choice by to sign, he needed to have her. He didn't even have to read it, his only query was that she needed to attend the weekly croquet match. She agreed.

With that Hermione was inside and ready to get into the Ministry.