Hermione spent every night that week with Draco. Making sure he was prepared for his next upcoming exam, and that his confidence didn't wane when she found herself too busy to assist him; which was something she was anticipating. Before beginning, her thinking was that taking a position at the Ministry would be a monumental task that would occupy much of her time, but she hadn't expected the work load she'd been given when she reported for her first day. Initially she'd been worried that her superiors would be very lax in their approach with her and that they would make allowances for any mistakes made on her part. She quickly discovered that things would be the complete opposite. In her interview she'd expressed to Madam Fords that she had a great desire to be assigned to the Office for House Elf relocation and Madam Fords, wanting to impress her new employee complied without hesitation.
Working at the Ministry forced her to realize that every action involving house elves or any magical being needed to go through a ridiculously long chain of command for approval. On her first day Hermione approached a group of seemingly like minded individuals and inquired about the process to get new laws in place for the betterment of the small creatures. The question itself was met with looks of amusement. She'd immediately felt like a small child speaking to an adult on things they thought she couldn't possibly understand. They group quickly informed her that twice a year a draft of a purposed change could be presented to a Mr. Tiberius Thornton; the manager supporting the being department. If Mr. Thornton approved the legislation it was then passed on to Madam Fords who collected all possible new laws for each sub department for the entire division; she would then throughly reviewed each new proposal.
From this point one of three things would happen, the proposal would either be sent back to its creator with a denial or with a request for revision. If it was denied you could resubmit at the next law proposal, otherwise any revisions would need to be completed within whatever deadline provided by Madam Fords. Then it was presented to a committee that included the Minister of Magic. The creator was then able to present their proposal to the committee and if the group agreed it was passed into legislation, if not you would need to begin the process anew. She learned from this conversation that very few laws were actually passed due to the long reviewing process for each stage.
Hermione wasn't discouraged by this information, she was aware that fighting in a war was straightforward and politics was a whole new monster that she hadn't dealt with before but she liked the challenge. She'd been gathering information to begin the process for presenting new laws and rights for the elves daily. Because of this she wasn't able to spend as much time with Draco as she would like. Since their moment, things between her and Draco were awkward. They were still on good terms but there was a tension around them that she couldn't figure out how to break.
He was always polite and tried to make her feel as comfortable as possible but no matter what he did to ease her, she still tensed up whenever he was too close. That kiss, that stupid kiss and the memory associated to it still caused her head to go fuzzy. She had begun to notice things about him that she hadn't before. Like the unique color of his eye. They reminded her of that moment when the rain has finally let up after a stormy day and the sky's still cloudy and grey, but if you looked at it long enough you could just see the clear blue peeking through. She also noticed that he only wore shirts with long sleeves. It wasn't a mystery as to why she did the same thing; they were both hiding scars. Secretly she wanted to see the mark that caused so much strife within a community but knew it would be inappropriate to request that of him.
Currently she was sitting on her bed at the cottage going over a few reports that she'd pulled yesterday. She wanted to make sure she had all the fact in regards to elf history and the laws surrounding them. She'd done a lot of research while she was in Hogwarts but she didn't have access to the Ministry archives then. There was just so much to go through. Rolling her neck she sighed loudly, the history of Wizard and Elf relations was devastating to read. The Wizarding community had done a great disservice to them and she was determined to rectify that.
Checking the time she realized it was well after midnight. She has planned on going into work early tomorrow so she decided it was time to call it a night. Pulling out her wand she spelled the books and files away. Once done she threw herself down onto the bed. She was exhausted but once her head hit the pillow she found that she couldn't get her eyes to stay shut. Staring straight up at the ceiling she thought about Draco for the umpteenth time that day. She wondered if he was still awake studying. Usually she reminded him to go to bed before she left the manor for the night. He could keep going for as long as the words in whatever book he was reading dragged on. She admired that quality but knew it could easily turn into a negative if not kept in check. She knew she could always floo him but that would require her to leave the comforts of her bed; which wasn't something she was up to doing at the moment. Mostly she wanted him to know that she'd been thinking about him. She didn't want him to fade out of her life.
Turning over to her side, she tried to get comfortable. She hadn't seen him in almost two weeks. She missed his presence, he offered conversation and a unique insight on many things. She often found herself wanting to tell him about the Ministry but due to the hour she arrived home she couldn't find the time. She'd spend hours afterwards going over different files she'd taken home involving different Magical creatures and learning as much as she could about them. She hadn't been assigned to a case yet but she was assisting on another's. Breaking from her research would mean she would be forcing Draco to pause his studying as well. The thought itself caused her to feel guilt, she knew he was trying to forge a new name for him and his family. That he wanted to prove something and she wanted him to succeed.
Altering her train of thought she decided she would stop by Diagon alley during her meal break and pop by a few of the shops. Since the fog had cleared from her mind she hadn't been to many places. By nature she was a social person, she enjoyed meeting people and visiting new places. With Harry and Ron still in Auror training and with Ginny now away she hadn't been in communication with anyone other than Draco and that relationship wasn't strong enough for her to solely rely on it for companionship. Satisfied she closed her eyes and fell into a deep slumber.
"How are things this morning Ms. Granger?" Came a flat monotone voice above her. Looking up from what she'd been reading Hermione looked up at the forever frowning face of Mr. Tiberius Thornton. The man made his looming presence very known, she'd learned from the quiet hush that would suddenly fill the work floor when he was near to make sure she was always top notch just in case he was watching. Straightening she smiled up at the man who reminded her of Professor Snape.
"Things are going quiet well Mr. Thornton. Since I have you here, I was actually wondering about the guidelines for submitting new laws. What exactly is the committee looking for….format wise?" She questioned. Mr. Thornton's face showed the surprise she could tell he obviously wanted to hid. "Ms. Granger, I am very familiar with your very ambitious characteristics and I applaud them but usually those are submitted by more tenured employees. Perhaps you should wait until you are better versed in how this department functions before making changes." He rebutted.
"But there are no restrictions currently in place that state I won't be able to offer a submission, correct?" She responded, he looked flustered by her comment and seemed to struggle with coming up something better to say in return. "Well…..um….actually…..well no Ms. Granger, there is nothing that says you can not submit a draft for review, but as I have stated it is most unusual, I wouldn't want you to get your hopes up." He finally said. Hermione got the sneaking suspicion that he was not pleased with the direction of the conversation. "Well thank you for you concern. So is there anything I should be looking for?" She asked while smiling up at him. The older man huffed and released his hands that had been stuffed into his pockets. "Ms. Granger, I know you're used to a certain degree of freedom in your personal life and with your newfound celebrity status that freedom has most likely increased exponentially, but here Ms. Granger there is a process, a pecking order that all adhere to. I'm sure you understand my meaning."
Her smile faltered and she felt her insides beginning to burn. She was not a child anymore and she would not be told where her place was. She opened her mouth to respond when she noticed that most of the room was watching her reaction. She didn't want to guess what they were thinking, what she did know was that she walked into the job with a reputation and she wouldn't add to it by shouting at her superior. Snapping her mouth closed she simply nodded her head. Mr. Thornton pleased with her submission nodded once and walked away.
She attempted to continue her reading once he was a good deal away from her but she was too frustrated to focus. Closing the file she decided to take her lunch now to clear her head. Exiting the large room lined with desks Hermione walked the long corridors of the Ministry until she could see the Apparation point. She was thrilled to see that their weren't that many people in queue so her exit would be rather swiftly. When her turn came she quickly pictured Diagon alley and felt her body leave the Ministry.
Hermione wondered around without a purpose for a bit keeping in mind that she needed to report back to the Ministry for the rest of her shift. Because term had already begun for many students it wasn't as crowded or packed as it had been the times she'd visited before. Coming upon Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment shop she stopped. She'd been inside the shop a few times during her school years and enjoyed the variety of items they sold there. Deciding she would pop in for a bit Hermione opened the glass paneled door and stepped inside.
She looked around at the many telescopes and golden scales. It was very nostalgic and reminded her of a time long ago. When her biggest worry was performing well in her studies. She had turned to view the star charts on display when she felt a long slender hand tap her shoulder. "Hello Hermione" came the voice belonging to the havd. Turning once again she came face to face with a doe eyed blond girl who caused her heart to swell with joy. "Luna!" She shouted as she threw both arms around the lithe girl. "How are you? What are you doing here?"
"I'm doing well. I saw you go in and thought I come say hi." Luna responded in that airy tone Hermione had become so familiar with. "You look much more like yourself then the last time I saw you Hermione."
"Thanks Luna, I feel more like myself. Are you still helping your father with the Quibbler or are you doing something else these days?" She asked the fairy like girl
"I'm still helping my father. Have you seen our newest newsletter? There's a fascinating article about werewolves that I think you might enjoy. Today I thought I'd take a break and wonder through Diagon alley, it's been so long since I've been here. So many memories." Luna stared off to the side with a dazed look on her face.
"Yes…. I've been feeling the exact same way. I was a little down because Harry and Ron aren't really around much because of training and Ginny's off wherever she is. I haven't had many people to talk to lately but I'm so glad we ran into each. I'm working at the Ministry now." She excitedly explained. "That's wonderful Hermione. You always seemed well suited for Ministry life." Hermione laughed at Luna's remark, you could never tell when the girl was having a go with you but whatever Luna said she always meant it with love. "Yes, I'm definitely suited for the Ministry. How long are you planning on being in London. We could grab a bit later and catch up if you have time?"
Luna looked to be opening her mouth to respond but something behind Hermione gave her pause. The sudden change in the girl's expression caused Hermione to turn around and look outdoors to what had captured Luna's attention. There she saw the ever polished Blaise Zabini watching the two girls from the walkway outside. He waved once towards Hermione, who awkwardly retuned it. She thought he would continue on his way but instead he turned back towards the entryway and entered the establishment. "Good Morning Ms. Granger. How are you this fine day?" He smoothly spoke.
She took a moment to adjust to the new situation before she responded. "I'm doing well Blaise….um this is my friend Luna Lovegood, Luna, Blaise Zabini. He went to Hogwarts with us."
"Yes I remember Ms. Lovegood. How are you these days? I vaguely remember your father owning a newsletter, how is that going?" He asked, his attention completely on Luna now.
"It's going very well, we've never been this popular before. It's a lot of work running it with just my father and me. We never needed anyone else before, but I suppose that's what happens when the influence of evil has been vanquished and all there is left is good and truth." If Blaise was put off by Luna's response he didn't show it. "Yes I suppose you would be correct in that." He smilingly responded before turning back to Hermione. "What are your plans today Granger? I was wondering if I could speak to you about Draco. I haven't seen the surly goat lately and was wondering if you had." At the mention of Draco's name she turned to look at Luna. No one knew she was on speaking terms with Draco Malfoy and she wasn't sure if she wanted anyone to know.
Luna simply smiled back at Hermione and didn't comment. "Actually no I haven't heard from him lately either." Happening to check the time she realized she would soon be late if she didn't hurry. "Oh no. I'm sorry but I really must be going. Let me know if you can meet up later Luna, goodbye Blaise." She said hurrying out of the shop and Apparating away. Once back to her office at the Ministry Hermione sat at her desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. Draco would still be in Healer training for another hour or so, so she decided to address it to the manor instead. She quickly scribbled a note to him and exited the work room to drop it off with one of the Ministry owls.
She finished out the rest of her day with a raging of emotions all going off at once. She was anxious and excited and also fearful. She didn't want it to get back to Harry and Ron that she'd been seen with Blaise Zabini. She wasn't sure how they would respond to the news nor did she want to find out. She'd experienced enough dramatics for a life time. Luna sent a notice while she was packing up to leave for the day, informing her that she wouldn't be available today but that she would visit the cottage tomorrow. As it was a day off for Hermione she responded back with the address and continued gathering her things. She was one of the last ones to leave and she was exhausted, she wanted to know if Draco responded to her letter or not. If not she would just floo over to the manor and see for herself that he was alright.
Hermione apparated to the cottage and had begun the task of getting into more comfortable clothing when she heard a rapping at the door. At first she wasn't sure she'd actually heard it but then it began again very clearly. She knew it couldn't be a lost muggle as they would never be able to find the place. She didn't think it could be a wizard either as there weren't many who the wards allowed in. Going to the front room she tried to look through the glass panel to see who it was. As it was very dark there was little she could see, slowly opening the door she was met with the face of Draco Malfoy. "Hi, I thought you'd appreciate a response delivered in person so here I am." He said shyly. With the changing of the seasons it was very cold outside, a sudden breeze reminded them both of the coming winter months. "Oh well come in, come in" she said moving to the side to give him room to enter.
"Are you alright? I know I've been busy and so are you but you could have at least checked in once in a while you know. Even Blaise is worried about you." She fumed
"Blaise? Blaise Zabini?" He questioned. "Yes Draco, Blaise Zabini. I ran into him today in Diagon Alley, he asked about you." He seemed to think on this for a little before responding. "Well I'm fine. I didn't want to disturb you and I've been trying to stay focused. There are now only three attending the training now so I've been a little preoccupied with making sure I get through." She could understand that, only two would become Healers and now there were three. One of them had to be Draco, she knew how badly he needed this. "Oh, I see well don't worry. As long as you stick to your studying before long I'll have to address you as Healer Malfoy." He smiled at her praise which made her in turn smile. "Thanks….well there is another reason I've been unavailable….I'm sure you remember the day……well my father comes home tomorrow and my mother has been making everything unbearable…..I didn't want to make you uncomfortable…."
She did remember the day but could never find the prefect moment to mention what she'd heard his mother say. His father was coming home, he'd be back in his posh manor tomorrow. She wanted to be angry about it but couldn't find the energy to do so. "Well your mother must be very thrilled about that. I know how much she values family and now you'll all be together again." She said with a small smile. They both avoided eye contact with each other before she spoke again, "think nothing of it Draco, I'm fine. Your father is coming home and that's good news. It goes without speaking that I won't be visiting you at the manor anymore though."
"Yes I figured that would be your response so I thought we could instead study here…..if you'd like that is." He quietly said. She couldn't believe the same person before her was the same boy who relentlessly called her names and tormented her friends for years. "Actually that works great for me….here give me a moment and we can start now. I can tell you about working at the Ministry as well."