A/N: - sings Her Eyes by Josh Groban- Yes… I am singing as I write as it keeps me going. I am using this non-working night to write and I need to get ahead some more! Thanks for the reviews!
DISCLAIMER: Refer to previous chapter please!
Chapter Seven: Stepping Down
"What on earth were you thinking?" cried Hermione as Torrance sat by the fire at Hagrid's Hut, "Just because you hear about Uncle Harry, Uncle Ron and I going into the forest doesn't make it okay for you to do the same, Torrance! You put Penny, Bronwyn and Savannah in danger tonight! Not to mention Hagrid as well!"
Torrance looked up at her mother ashamed of her self, "I'm sorry."
"Yes well you will be feeling sorry for a long time. I will not be surprised if Penny has nightmares for years. No doubt she'll be penning a letter to her mother as we speak! You may have exposed everything!"
"I am sorry Mum!" cried Torrance with wide eyes, "I really, really am! I know it was stupid of me. Really stupid."
Hermione gave a sigh and ran a hand through her hair before looking at Draco, "You deal with her. I need some fresh air."
Hermione walked out and Torrance looked at her father unsure of what he will do.
"So…" started Draco stepping a little closer, his hands in his pockets, "A bet, huh?"
Torrance nodded guiltily, "But she was really annoying me and I needed a way to shut her up! I didn't know she would go through with it!"
"Well being in Gryffindor should have given you some indication," said Draco honestly yet also sternly, "Since when has a Gryffindor backed out from a fight?"
Torrance scowled a little, "Mum is really mad, isn't she?"
Draco nodded, "She'll cool down. Torrance… you cannot run off risking your life anymore. Stay inside Hogwarts grounds at all times, understand? This isn't a game, this is serious. It goes for Bronwyn and Savannah as well."
Torrance nodded, "So… can I go to bed now?"
"I suppose. Hagrid is taking you up with Bronwyn and Savannah, isn't he?"
Torrance gave a nod and walked out with Hermione, Ginny and Lavender walking in moments later.
"Well?" asked Hermione.
"She knows she is at fault. And I told her this isn't a game," said Draco.
Hermione shook her head looking utterly exhausted, "Who knew having a preteen was so stressful? Merlin I am dreading it when she does turn thirteen!"
Ginny gave a chuckle, "I bet our mothers thought the exact same thing."
"I don't know," mused Lavender, "My mother loved it when I was thirteen. I could finally take care of myself. I wasn't so much of a burden anymore."
"Sorry, I can't relate here," said Draco with a grin, "I was all about Quidditch at thirteen."
"Still are," muttered Hermione earning a chuckle from Ginny and Lavender in reply, "Come on. We should get home."
CO
"In time my Lord," said the Seer spoon-feeding his master some broth, "We are only a few months away. He will persuade them. You will see. You will return My Lord."
A loud crash came from the other room causing the Great Evil to groan lifelessly. The Seer placed the bowl and spoon on a table and exited the room, closing the door behind him.
"What is it?" he snapped at the Evillian.
"It didn't work," said the Evillian, "She killed one Vampire and the Power of Three destroyed the werewolf this time."
"The young one defeated a Vampire?" frowned the Seer.
"Yes sir. With a normal charm as well, only it was twice as powerful then it should be."
The Seer nodded, "Keep watching them – the powerful one mostly. She is of most importance. Tell our insider to try and get closer if possible. We need to really gain their trust. Understood?"
"Yes."
The Seer gave a nod and walked back to his master placing all trust in his plan.
CO
Hermione looked at the speech and gave a sigh. So what was she going to do after her break? She had always had a passion for cooking and many of her friends believed that was where her calling laid. But seriously, Hermione Granger, soon-to-be former Mistress of Magic, a chef? Was that something she could see her self doing? Hermione gave a sigh and stood up, wrapping her dressing gown around her tighter. She grabbed her coffee and walked over to the window and looked out it, watching a young married couple chasing their son around the park. He was only a toddler and still a little unsteady on his feet. Hermione gave a smile. She had imagined her life that way, long ago.
"Oh sorry."
Hermione spun around to see Percy standing in the hall entrance doorway, "Hi Percy."
"Am I intruding?" he asked.
"No, no. I was just working on my speech."
"What speech?" asked Percy looking at that day's schedule, "There is no speech here."
"Well put one in to be read at 10 o'clock this morning, will you? At the Ministry in the atrium."
"What for?"
"My resignation as Mistress for Magic. Today I am stepping down."
Percy looked at Hermione stunned, "W-what?"
"You heard me Percy."
"Are you serious? Are you sure you don't just need a holiday?"
"I need a break and a change of life. I have done that job long enough. It's time I thought of myself."
"But Hermione this is a huge decision! It shouldn't be taken lightly."
"And it wasn't. I did a lot of thinking Percy."
"You are insane!"
Hermione frowned, "Excuse me?"
"I mean-"
"No, you believe I am crazy doing this, don't you? That I have no clue as to what I am really doing – right?"
"Right. Ever since Draco has returned you have turned your life upside down. He isn't good for you."
Hermione looked at Percy coldly, "And what is good for me, Percy? After all, you seem to believe you know what is best for Torrance and I."
"Me, Hermione! I love you!"
Hermione took a few moments to pick the right words but no matter how she said it, Percy would probably hate her anyway, "Percy… it was a mistake. That night… a one off that should never of happened to start with. I love you like a brother but nothing more then that."
Hermione felt cold anger come directly at her. She had been expecting it but the feeling still hurt. Percy nodded for a few moments before clearing his throat.
"Right, 10 o'clock. I shall see you at the Ministry then Miss Granger."
Hermione merely nodded, not commenting on the formal name basis. Percy gave her one more glare look and left.
"Very well handled."
Hermione jumped and spun around but calmed down as Draco walked in from the kitchen, "You scared me."
"I do that a lot," said Draco, "Must be my appearance."
Hermione just nodded and walked over to the table and rolling up her speech, "Shouldn't you be at work or something?"
"Well yes, but I thought I'd see how you were holding up."
"Fine," answered Hermione.
"Did I do something wrong? You're really distant."
Hermione looked at Draco, "How should I act? I can't get attached in anyway otherwise you will be taken away once more. I'm keeping a safe distance between us."
"But you don't want too."
"Of course I don't," replied Hermione holding the speech in her hand tightly before clearing her throat, "I should get ready and you should get to work."
CO
Dear Healer G. Potter,
As the owner and Head Healer of the Hogsmeade Medical Centre, I am pleased to inform you that we have chosen you to join our elite team of Healer's…
Ginny gave an ecstatic scream and jumped up and down clutching the letter tightly. Harry, alarmed that something was wrong came running into the kitchen with his wand at the ready. Upon seeing Ginny's overjoyed face he put it away, hugging her as she literally threw her self into his arms.
"I got the job!" cried Ginny stepping back, "They want me to work for them!"
"Who?"
"The Hogsmeade Medical Centre!"
"Oh congratulations honey!" said Harry grinning as he hugged her again, "When do you start?"
Ginny looked down at the letter scanning for the start date, "Three days after I finish up at St Mungo's, which is in a week. This will be perfect Harry. I will be home more early and be closer to you, Jake and Steven."
Harry grinned and pulled Ginny close once again, "So that means more you and me time, huh?"
Ginny nodded smiling at him softly, "I can see your mind working Mr Potter."
Harry raised an eyebrow, "Then you know what I am thinking?"
"Same things as I am."
"It must be the day for intrusions."
Harry and Ginny pulled apart looking at Percy standing beside Jake and Steven.
"I stopped by Mums and she said it is your day off Ginny," said Percy.
"It is. Hey boys."
Jake and Steven ran to their Mum for a hug before heading upstairs to put their bag of clothes away.
"I thought Mum was bringing them over," said Ginny confused, "And shouldn't you be running over your schedule with Hermione?"
"Not when the Mistress for Magic is resigning from her position."
Both Ginny and Harry looked at Percy in shock who nodded slowly.
"At 10 o'clock Hermione is giving a speech declaring her resignation. I tried to make her see sense but she won't!" cried Percy in frustration, "She knows nothing about what she is doing! And picking him! Why him?"
"Perhaps I should make some coffee's," said Harry, "And I might mix in some calming potion while I'm at it."
Ginny gave a nod and led Percy to the lounge room. She moved aside a few stuffed toys from her son's and hastily tidied up the messy coffee table by stacking magazine's up and using a bit of wandless magic to clear away crumbs from cookies. She sat down across from Percy as Harry walked in holding three cups. He handed Percy his before sitting beside Ginny and giving her, her drink.
"Thanks," said Percy taking a sip and feeling the calming affect rush over him, "She doesn't love me romantically. She loves him and I am just the brotherly figure in her life."
Ginny nodded slowly as Harry looked a little stunned at the revelation.
"And now she is stepping down from her position! How can she do that to her country?" cried Percy, "Everyone looks to her all the time!"
"That's a lot of pressure Perce," said Ginny, "That, having a daughter and Charmed stuff… its a lot to take on."
"Yeah and she can always go and run for the position again if she feels like she wants to do that again. But for now Hermione has more important priorities then running a country," added Harry.
Percy sighed, "I just don't get why she wants Malfoy. They have been apart for years… how can anything still be there?"
"Love is strange Percy," said Ginny, "You can't help who you fall for or why you love them so much that it can hurt. You just have to accept it."
Percy gave a sigh and gulped down the rest of his drink, "I suppose I should alert the press of the special announcement then. Thanks for the calming potion Harry."
Harry gave a nod and looked at Ginny as he left, "You going to see the speech?"
"Definitely. Let's get the boy's ready."
CO
"Luna hi!" said Lavender brightly, "So did your father get you a job here then?"
Luna gave a nod, "Nothing major. I'm doing the advertising pages. Organising the layouts and whatnot."
"That's pretty good," said Lavender, "But, rumour has it that Shanelle is thinking of moving to France with her husband. So a reporters position may be coming up."
Luna smiled, "Thanks. So did everything pan out okay last night?"
"Thankfully it did. We arrived on time and Hermione's ability got us to Torrance and Penny before anything horrific. How is Joseph?"
Luna managed a smile, "H-he is alright, say I should get a move on. I'll see you later, yeah?"
Before Lavender could answer Luna took off quickly. Lavender watched her silently before Jerry came hurrying from his office with some bit of parchment in his hand.
"Lavender! Just the one I was looking for! There is going to be a major announcement from Hermione at the Ministry in an hour… Lavender?"
Lavender gave a start and looked at Jerry, "Sorry?"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah… it was Luna… she was acting okay and then I mentioned Joseph and she went weird. It's probably nothing or maybe it is something."
Jerry nodded with a frown, "I'll check in on her, but you need to get to the Ministry for this major announcement from Hermione. And get the inside scoop on whatever it is, alright?"
Lavender nodded and Jerry went off to find his daughter. Lavender stood still for a moment trying to sense what caused Luna to go weird. It was her husband. There was something there that Luna didn't want to approach subject wise, whatever it was only Hermione would be able to help pin point with her Empathy power's.
CO
"Penny?"
Penny looked up at Torrance who felt tremendously guilty about their horrendous adventure the night before.
"Oh hi," said Penny, "How… how are you?"
"Fine," said Torrance sitting beside her, startling Bronwyn and Savannah further down the table, "Look, I really am sorry about last night. It was a stupid bet and I should never of made it with you."
"It's okay. I agreed to it, didn't I? I kind of deserved it for acting so snobbishly to you, Bronwyn and Savannah."
"I guess we both are to blame then?"
Penny smiled and nodded.
"Where is your friend? Jaclyn?"
"She isn't talking to me. I never really liked her anyway. She is always so… I don't know… bossy."
Torrance looked down at Bronwyn and Savannah who gave her a questioning look.
"Would you like to come sit with my friends and I?" asked Torrance before silencing as Professor McGonagall stood up behind the podium.
"This mornings first lessons are cancelled due to an announcement from the Mistress for Magic. We will be listening to it via the schools amplified wireless. Please remain in the Hall at all times and enjoy your extended breakfast."
As she sat down the school broke into chatter about the coming announcement.
"Well?" said Torrance, "Bron and Sav don't bite. They'll understand."
Penny gave a nod and stood up with Torrance moving down to the waiting Bronwyn and Savannah.
"Is it okay if Penny eats with us?" asked Torrance with a smile.
Bronwyn gave an uncaring shrug while Savannah looked at Penny for a while before finally nodding in agreement. The pair sat down and began placing some food on their plates.
"So, what happened to Jaclyn?" asked Bronwyn looking up from her plate.
"She's not talking to me. We weren't really friends, just knew each other through our mother's."
"She is a bit of a snob," said Savannah looking down at their fellow first year, "I don't know why the hat put her in Gryffindor."
"Morning young ladies."
The four looked up at Kenneth.
"Are we part of your daily greeting ritual now, Worthington?" asked Bronwyn.
"I suppose you are."
Bronwyn, Savannah, Torrance and Penny all swapped curious glances.
"Why do we deserve such an… honour?" asked Torrance looking at Kenneth critically.
Kenneth raised an eyebrow but smiled, which looked odd coming from a Slytherin, "Well, you three and I guess now you Patil, stand out from the other… ordinary Gryffindor's. Is that such a bad thing?"
"I guess it would depend on why we stand out from the other 'ordinary' Gryffindor's," said Savannah tilting her head to the side as she spoke.
"I'm sure you can figure that out," smiled Kenneth, before winking at Torrance and walking away with his usual strut.
Bronwyn, Savannah and Torrance all looked at each other in alarm as Penny merely looked at Kenneth's back curiously.
"What did he mean by that?" she asked looking at the other three curiously.
They shrugged in reply hoping that Kenneth didn't mean what they feared he meant.
CO
The Ministry Atrium was packed. Reporters were all squashed to the front with people coming to catch a glimpse of their Mistress for Magic taking up the rest of the room. The room behind the stage had only those closest to the Mistress for Magic inside.
"Good morning to you all here today and those of you listening from your various locations," greeted Hermione after taking her place behind the stand, her voice magically amplified to sound clear across the room, "Today I have asked you all to be here to listen to what I have to say for a reason. A reason I am hoping by the end of this speech that you all will understand."
People in the crowd looked at each other curiously, including reporters.
"I am stepping down from my post as Mistress for Magic."
A roar of protest went up in the crowded foyer. The present press all looked at Hermione in alarm, their quills in mid air with ink dripping off a few of them. Hearing this from Hermione stunned all those closest to her in the back room. Lavender actually sat down, her own quill dripping blobs of blue ink on the white carpet.
"I am stepping down due to my private life becoming increasingly demanding. I have a daughter now who is going to need her mother more then ever as she enters her teenage years and being Mistress for Magic doesn't allow me the freedom to help her when she needs me. I also need a change in my own life. I have been in this post for many years now. I know I have made a difference where I can and I sincerely hope the changes I have made remain positive for the country for a long time.
"After this I plan on going on a break and resting for some time. I want you all to know that I have enjoyed making this country a better place. You all have been a wonderful support to those in the Ministry office and myself. I hope that each and every one of you understands my reason for resigning from the post of Mistress for Magic. Thankyou."
A cry of voices broke out from the press as Hermione smiled and stepped down the stairs to the back room. She felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her mother greeted her with a hug, along with encouraging comments from Ginny, Harry, Lavender, Oliver, Ron and Draco. Percy remained silent in the corner of the room.
"Who do you pick to be temporary Mistress or Minister, Miss Granger?" asked Percy.
Hermione looked at Percy in surprise, "Who can I choose?"
"Whomever you want."
"Then I pick Lynette Granger."
Lynette looked at Hermione in surprise who smiled back at her.
"Mum you showed the ropes of the role from day one. You know what to do and you have the same vision as I do. I can't think of anyone better to take over from me."
"T-then I accept," said Lynette.
"Then you need to go inform the country," said Percy briskly.
Lynette gave a nod and ran her hands through her curly hair before stepping out to the still waiting crowd.
"Well you could have told me!" cried Lavender to Hermione, "Did anyone know?"
"Percy did. And so did my mother."
"Ginny and I found out this morning from Percy," said Harry.
"I generally know everything," shrugged Draco with a gesture to the air above him, "So Former Mistress, any ideas on what is going to be your stable income now?"
"No idea at all. But I have enough money to last me three months or so," said Hermione with a sigh, "I'd best go pack my things… Percy?"
"I should get a move on," he said, "Have to control what the Prophet publish after all. Good bye Miss Granger."
Percy walked out quickly and Hermione merely sighed. Ginny gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder before gesturing for her sons to hold onto her hands.
"I'll see you later," she said to Harry before kissing him, "Don't be late."
Harry nodded and Ginny left with a crack. Lavender stood and looked at her excessive notes.
"Herms, could you send a copy of your speech to me?" she said putting things away.
"Sure."
"Brilliant. Well, Oliver, you have Quidditch to get to and I have a front page article to write."
The pair left and Harry went off to his floor with Ron.
Hermione gave Draco a smile and headed for the door only to be stopped by him touching her arm. Hermione whirled around and looked at him in confusion. In his eyes she could see lust, love and a million other emotions swimming around.
"Draco," she said softly, "We can't."
He stepped back, letting her go and clearing his throat, "Right."
"I want too… but you know the damn rules."
Draco took a deep breath, "Rules seem to rule our life, wouldn't you say?"
Hermione gave a bitter chuckle, "Wouldn't I know it better then anyone other then you?"
He nodded curtly, "I should get a move on then."
Hermione nodded and he stepped past her, brushing his arm against her. Within a split second he whirled around and pulled her towards him, his lips touching hers in a passionate, yet oh so forbidden kiss. All sensible thoughts exited Hermione's normal level headed mind as longing drove her into kissing him back with equal emotions. His hands slid down her body as hers rested on his chest.
"Draco. Hermione."
CO
"Hermione is the brunette one?"
Luna nodded as she focused on trying to organise the advertising layouts, "Perhaps you should head home. I'm going to be here until five at least, Joseph."
Joseph gave a sigh, "Your father runs this business, Luna. Surely you can come home with me."
"My father," said Luna in a forced calm tone, "Treats me like anyone else here. If I screw up he will let me know. If I totally stuff up, he will fire me. That is how I made the Quibbler run when I reformed it and that's how he has kept it running all these years."
Joseph looked at Luna forcing her to look at the parchment, "You belong at home with me."
A knock at the door stopped Luna from responding, which she was glad for.
"Dad!" she said brightly, jumping up to hug him as he walked in.
"Hi sweetie… ah this must be Joseph," said Jerry smiling at the man near his daughter's already cluttered desk.
"Its good to finally meet you Mr Lovegood. Your daughter has told me so much about you," said Joseph shaking hands with Jerry.
Jerry gave a nod, his blue eyes eyeing Joseph carefully before turning to his daughter, "Shocking announcement wasn't it?"
"Yes!" agreed Luna heartily; "Hermione never said a thing about stepping down. But I dare say she put a lot of thought into her decision."
"Are you okay, Luna?" asked Jerry surprised at his daughter's change in speech manner.
"Well of course I am, Dad. Just busy with the article."
Jerry nodded as Joseph beamed at his wife, "Well then, I should get a move on. It was nice to meet you finally, Joseph. You and Luna should come around for tea sometime soon. I cook a lovely stew."
Joseph gave a kind smile and nodded, "I will indeed take you up on that offer Mr Lovegood."
Jerry gave a curt nod and left. Once the door clicked behind him Joseph looked at Luna critically.
"What kind of stew does your father cook?" asked Joseph.
"You wouldn't like it, Joseph," answered Luna looking at her draft copy.
"How do you know that?"
"Because I know you don't like beef!"
"You don't want me to spend time with your father do you?" he said stepping closer to the desk.
Luna looked up at him with wide eyes and swallowed a lump in her throat, "I-I never said that Joseph. I swear."
"But you were going to, weren't you?"
Luna gripped the arms of her chair tightly as he came even closer to her, "N-no."
His hand struck her face with the echoing sound of a whip, "Don't lie!"
Luna felt blood in her mouth from the hit and tears filled her eyes. She resisted the urge to flinch as he kissed her on the cheek.
"I'll see you at home- no later then five, understand?"
Luna nodded and waited until he was gone before she let out a weep.
A/N: So now we know why Luna is 'broken' and why she doesn't like to speak about Joseph that much. When and who will find out what is happening? What is going to happen to Hermione and Draco now that they have broken the boundary? Does Kenneth know the secret Torrance, Savannah and Bronwyn-Lily are trying to hide?
Well be sure to review to find out!
Until next time…
Love yas!
Love Coz!
