Black Stained

Chapter 30: The Grey Area

Small beams of sunlight streamed through a paned window, casting light on a patterned bed, high up in the tower of Gryffindor.

Wanting to deny whatever time it was, Hermione rolled over and snuggled even deeper into her bed. However, only a few minutes later, her alarm clock ignored her attempt and started playing a song softly, building up each second. Once she could no longer ignore the thing, Hermione sat up and begrudgingly said, 'Goodmorning', silencing the magical clock.

Yesterday had been a long day, longer than she had intended. First, Hermione had done her usual studies for the upcoming exams and even some pre-study on the possible magical objects the ministry would allow her to experiment with. Next, she had met Harry, Ginny and Ron for dinner at Grimmauld Place. Thinking back on it, she might have had a little too much wine, but they had been joking all evening. A slight headache reminded her of it.

Catching up was fun. Harry told her of his training and how brutal it had been, he was doing a good enough job and his assessments have always come out positive, but he was thinking about maybe trying out for a different career. Hermione had quietly agreed with him, softly reminding him of their fifth year and how great he was at teaching the DA. Ginny wasn't so sure, however, saying his auror career had great opportunities as well. Ron said, it didn't really matter as long as he did something he enjoyed.

It wasn't as awkward as Hermione had thought at first, with Ron being there as well. When Ginny asked her if she minded him coming she had said she didn't, but honestly hadn't been too sure. Now, she's happy he did come, it showed they could still be friends even after breaking up.

The rest of the night they played muggle board games, which Harry and Hermione taught Ginny and Ron. Then Hermione had looked at her watch and hurriedly tried to get back to Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall had allowed her of the premise and lifted the apparition ban on her only. They hadn't kept track of time and it was past midnight already. She promised to soon visit them again and nearly forgot the present Harry had gotten her. A new Always-Smooth quill, which helped to keep your handwriting tidy and readable even after writing all day long. He knew her too well.

Even though none of them had wanted to think about it the evening had felt… off. Harry had given everything to hear from his sister again, evidence of his efforts on his face. But none of them dared to mention it. None of them wanted to think about where Aral would be. Only the cryptic letters assured them she was alive.

Hermione often thought back to the particular day they had last seen her. She could not shake the feeling it had been because of her. But Aral had written her a personal letter. Explaining the need to separate herself from the Weasleys and the wizarding world. Hermione had understood. Though she would never actually be able to get up and leave, she did sometimes long for the simplicity which the muggle world offered. There she would simply be Hermione Granger. Not the Brightest Witch of her Age or a War Hero. Hermione shook off the heavy thoughts, making a mental note to write to Aral once more. She had found it calming to do so the last couple of times.

Now, with a headache and eyelids too tired to open Hermione climbed out of bed. Getting ready on a saturday meant she got to take a little longer than usual. No pressing responsibilities or classes to attend. Just her and her books. Thinking about it made her smile a little. Only, a little whisper in the back of her head gave her an unsettling feeling. The feeling that she forgot something.

What did she forget?

Looking in the mirror, a confused look on her face got replaced with realization.

She was meeting the head of the department of Runes and Symbols today! For her special project!

She jumped back to her nightstand to check her calendar. She was supposed to be at the ministry at 10 o'clock. Okay, this gave her a little more time, it was still only ten past eight.

But traveling over there would take at least an hour.

Cursing herself, Hermione raced to the bathroom.

Right, so this saturday she would get less time to get things sorted.


Draco found himself having quite a nice morning. No crazy reporters snooping around, no slow traffic, his coffee even seemed to taste better than usual. With a slight spring in his step he entered the department.

'Goodmorning, Cransby.' He greeted, smirking.

The person in question swivelled his chair around.

'My, my, Draco Malfoy,' he said, his full lips pulling into a grin, 'you are chipper, working on a saturday.'

Draco stopped right at the desk, piles of files hiding its surface. His bag was slipping off his shoulder and he pushed it back up. His colleague looked at him intently, with his piercing brown eyes. Together with his thick eyebrows and tanned skin, Draco would consider him quite handsome.

'Oh, I wouldn't waste a day working on this special project I have. The Chief couldn't meet me on thursday, but today I am going to ask for clearance to work on the object I have chosen.'

'You know, I must say, I like this look on you.' Cransby responded, elegantly flicking around his wand to order some files.

Draco felt his cheeks redden slightly. He wasn't used to feeling this… chipper. He must be beaming, which he wasn't really used to. He awkwardly coughed and pulled his lips into a straight line.

Another flick of Cransby's wand pulled Draco's letters out. Before handing them over Cransby halted and looked Draco in the eyes. Again, those brown eyes seemed to look beyond whatever wall Draco tried to put up.

'Hey, it isn't a bad thing to have a good day once in a while.' His lips pulled into a smile again.

Draco nodded, although a bit awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

'Can I have my letters or are you going to keep them hostage all day?' Draco quickly steered the conversation away.

Cransby raised his eyebrows, smirk returning on his chiseled face.

'Well, that all depends on what I can get for them in return.'

Draco scoffed. 'You demand ransom?' Leaning down slightly on the desk, his heart beating a bit faster in his chest.

'I demand coffee.' Cransby stated. Draco's mouth fell open, but before he could say anything Cransby continued. 'And not from you, but with you.'

Cransby lifted the letters, the offer made. A moment passed. Draco lifted his hand and took the letters, the deal accepted.

'On Saturdays I work until four o'clock. You can come pick me up then.' Cransby informed him, then turned back to all the files around him. Not leaving any room for Draco to protest.

Draco, his eyes slightly widened, his heart racing, simply nodded - even though Cransby could not see. Slowly he turned around and walked to his office. Once the door was closed, Draco leaned against it and took a deep breath. He had no idea what had just happened. Suddenly, he realized his cheeks were bright red. Glowing.

Quit this nonsense! Draco mentally screamed at himself.

His eyes fell on the files on his desk, all about his special project. Sighing, he pushed himself forward and banned all distracting thoughts about Cransby out of his head.

Today he is working on his special project.


Hermione had arrived just in time at the ministry. Her hurriedly packed back bumped against her knee as she walked alongside her guide, mr. Philips.

'I will join you in the storage room. Safety, of course. It would be nice if you refrained from touching anything, not the objects or the shelves, or anything else. You might be surprised at how innocent some things can look even though they carry the darkest runes and spells.' He informed her, glancing back and pushing his rounded glasses up his broad nose.

He led her to the elevator, packed with wizards and witches.

Hermione nodded in response.

'But I could guess that a smart, young witch, such as yourself could think of that on your own.'

An awkward silence fell and Hermione focussed her gaze on the floor. She heard a scuffle behind her, then a cough. Someone was whispering to another.

Even though Hermione knew there wasn't anything to be afraid of right now, nothing remotely threatening, the hairs in her neck rose and an uneasy feeling came over her.

Her breathing became more shallow. Her eyesight narrowed down on a single speck on the tiled floor. And the whispers behind her became louder. Louder and louder.

Until all of a sudden a clear 'ding' sounded and mr. Philips motioned for Hermione to get off the elevator. Outside of that confining thing, the sounds quieted and Hermione raised her head. Smiling at the wizard next to her to continue.

They entered a doorway, on top of which words were engraved.

Department of Runes and Symbols

At the front desk a good-looking young wizard was sat, with a charming smile on his face.

'Good morning, mr. Philips.' He greeted.

The wizard accompanying Hermione gave a tight smile back. 'Morning, Cransby.'

Philips halted and turned to Hermione, his head nodding towards Cransby.

'This is Cransby, our front desk manager. Everytime you get here you'll have to confirm your arrival with him.'

The handsome man stood and offered his hand to Hermione.

'Welcome, miss…?'

Hermione doubted he didn't know who she was, but she had to admit it felt nice being a little anonymous.

'Granger,' she replied.

He gave her another charming smile. 'Don't let old Frank trick you into taking something from the first row. The interesting stuff we keep in the far back.' He whispered to her, winking.

Hermione thanked him, signed a waiver and continued following Philips to the right side of the department.

'On the left side there are offices of our employees, mostly working on solo projects. Though, most won't be working on a saturday. We also have group assignments every now and then.'

They walked up to a large archway with heavy wooden doors.

'This,' Philips started, opening the doors with his wand, revealing a grand hall, 'is the library.'

Hermione came to a sudden stop and had to swallow multiple curse words. Her eyes travelled across the high cases, storing thousands of books. Some seemed fairly new, while others looked like they had been written ages ago. The rows seemed to go on further than her eyes could see in the distance.

'I always thought Hogwarts had the most extensive book collection across Britain.' Hermione gasped.

Mr. Philips chuckled, 'most people think so. We like to keep our library secret from any nosy people.'

Hermione took a few steps forward to look at a glass casing presenting a book with horsehair binding and words even Hermione with her knowledge could not decipher.

'Ahh yes. Some of our books are extremely old and to make sure they are not harmed in our researches we have them stored in these glass boxes.' He moved closer to show.

'When you want to read it you simply have to say your name and clearance, and ask the book to go to the next page or to show any key words, for example…' He stood in front of the casing and lifted his wand.

'My name is Frank Philips, employee of the Department of Runes and Symbols, number 104. Could you please show me any information on the sword of Gryffindor?'

Immediately the pages of the fragile book delicately flipped over to show the right page.

'And there you go.'

This was all so fascinating, Hermione had completely forgotten about why she was here in the first place.

'Can I try?' Hermione asked.

The wizard shook his head, 'You first need an employee number to have access. Which you'll receive once we get to Madam Mina's office. We still have an hour to get to storage and pick something suitable.' He said, checking his watch.

'Right!' Hermione's mind was buzzing with excitement.

All kinds of objects could possibly be stored there, and with this near infinite amount of books and knowledge… Hermione simply felt ecstatic.

Hermione's mind reminded her of what her professor had told her.

They received a rather interesting object. But because of shrinkage and the object not being their highest priority it's gathering dust.

Because it would be a breach of professional secrecy, professor Babbling had kept her mouth shut about the object in question.

Philips exited the library and guided Hermione around the corner where there seemed to be only public bathrooms on the left of the hall and a simple grey door on the right. It looked like a broom closet. Philips walked towards the right side and opened the door.

Hermione quirked her brow and halted outside for a moment, not sure if what she was meant to do. Philips, standing in the small space - which was indeed filled with cleaning supplies - motioned for her to follow him inside.

Slightly awkward and unsure she did.

'Yeah, sorry. Initiates are always confused about this.'

He started shuffling between some of the supplies and replacing some stuff.

Hermione swore she could hear him mumble, 'Why can't they ever leave it in its place?'

Then all of a sudden he straightened, head all puffy and red, 'There we go!'

He held up a brush, a seemingly regular painting brush. It all became more and more intriguing. He started tracing a symbol on the wall opposite of the door. It was an S-shape but backwards, and its lower tail almost came full circle.

'Alohomora.' Hermione smiled, once she recognized the spell.

Philips turned slightly to look at her, grinning, 'as THE Department of Runes and Symbols we couldn't leave the storage simply unlocked now could we?'

The brick wall started moving, much like the back alley wall behind the Leaky Cauldron. It opened up wide to reveal another great hall, filled with rows and rows of cases and boxes, presenting objects of all shapes and sizes. Stepping through the opening, Hermione again marveled at the high stacks and expensive collection before her.

'They are ordered by magical danger.' Philips explained, while fixing some paperwork. 'Naturally, there is a classified section, which needs certain clearance, so I can't show all of it to you.' He handed her a piece of paper and ink.

'Of course.' Hermione responded. 'Are there any objects of dark origin not in the classified section, which I could study?'

She placed her thumb in the ink and pressed it against the paper.

'Some. But you'll have to give a strong argument as to how we could let you study it, with all security measures and all.'

Hermione nodded again, pretty sure she could argue a strong case and convince the ministry. She was Hermione Granger, after all.

'Now, here is a book filled with all the tags of the objects and some basic information. Look at the objects, read the tags and write down the things that seem most interesting.' He said, while handing her a heavy book.

Hermione had to be careful not to drop her bag or the book at the same time.

'I'll stay close by. If there's anything, just shout. And remember: don't touch anything. Have fun!'

Philips turned around and started rummaging through the paperwork. Hermione took it as her cue to start searching. And gladly, with excitement flipping her stomach upside down she started.

Hermione penned down her eleventh object already, quickly stepping towards the following row of objects. She had rather quickly glanced and passed by the first few rows of objects. Deeming them a little too plain. She wasn't going to waste this opportunity on something simple. The further she went the more dingy the objects became.

Her eye fell on an encased flower. It appeared exceptionally beautiful, it's burgundy red petals without a speck of withering. Drawing her near. But it felt… off. Her eyes slid down to the book in her hands and just in time she read: Though extremely pretty, it is just as much a deceit. It draws its victims closer by all senses. Having it on display, only open to the eyes, it already proves its deadly power.

Quickly Hermione stood upright and tore her eyes off the thing. Intrigued, she penned this object down as interesting.

For the next half hour she kept walking by the shelves. Sometimes she scribbled down another object, sometimes she crossed something off the list. Nevertheless, it kept growing. In the back of her head Hermione heard a voice whisper that she could only choose one object. After another few minutes Philips appeared behind her, checking up on her.

With furrowed brows and widened eyes he regarded her list.

'Yeah, it might be a bit long right now, but I promise I'm trimming it down in a minute! There are just so many interesting objects… And I want to have a thorough look before finally choosing my object.'

Philips simply nodded, informed her she had about a few minutes left and turned around again.

Stepping further towards the back of the room Hermione's eye fell on a silver object, displayed on a soft velvet pillow. Her eyes widened as she recognized the peculiar patterns adorning it.


Draco went from feeling great to miserable as his appointment with the Chief neared. Nerves were making him shake all over. He could practically hear his father breathing down his neck about posture and how Malfoy's never display anxiousness. He had drawn up a case to allow him to work on his special project. The object of his choice wasn't from the classified department, but was of very dark origin he knew. Dread and excitement made him choose it. Now he only had to convince Madame Mina of his choice. Checking his watch he noted it was five minutes before his planned meeting. Draco stood up and headed for his boss' office. Papers in his hands with a detailed explanation.

Draco had to purposely slow down his steps as to not haste himself. When he passed the front desk his eyes quickly flickered towards where Cransby had set this morning. But he noticed Cransby was gone. An odd feeling rose, but he pushed it down.

In front of the office door of the Chief Draco collected himself one last time and knocked on the door.

''Come in!''

He opened the door and stepped inside. Nerves now thoroughly racking his brain.

''Yes, Draco, have a seat!''

Softly he greeted the woman.

She shuffled some papers out of the way and fixed her gaze on him before looking at the papers clenched in his hand.

''Have you managed to choose an object?''

''Yes!'' Draco breathed out, his voice hitching in a weird way.

He cleared his throat and repeated a little more relaxed, ''Yes, I have''.

''Well, let's break the suspense then?''

''Yes, of course. Uhm- I, I had been looking at some very interesting objects, all of them very interesting in their own right, but I was hoping to be able to do a study of the object under label D16 5 20 5 18.'' Under the table his fingers were shaking. ''It's the hand of-''

''Peter Pettigrew'', Madam Mina cut him off.

Her face betrayed nothing.

She sat back in her chair, thinking of her answer.

When it lasted a little too long for Draco's comfort he pointed to the papers he had layed on the desk.

''I have a detailed explanation and case to support this idea. You could read it or I can tell you right now, uhm-'', his mouth clamped shut as his boss raised her hand to silence him.

''It's alright. It is a very interesting object. I get why you would want to research it. And I also think it would be a waste for it to lay forgotten in this department. However,'' Madam reasoned.

It became hard for Draco to breath. However…

However, I am an ex-death eater.

However, I am an ex dark wizard.

However, I worked with the very same wizard who had created the dark thing.

However, I cannot be trusted with such an object.

Draco already heard the words coming from her. He sagged a little in his chair. Posture, all but forgotten.

''However,'' Madam Mina repeated. ''There are certain instances, certain objects, where I have to justify the research and the people researching it.''

She explained it at a painfully slow pace. Draco wanted to tell her to just do it quickly, like a bandaid.

''Most of the work we do is classified. I'm afraid however such a project will get leaked to the public. I am not accusing anyone, but it happens. And were this project to come into the public eye it might get you in some heat.''

Madam Mina sighed, looking away from her employee for a second before continuing her musings.

''I read the papers, and my wife the gossip magazines - I hear plenty from her. All I am saying is: I know the position you're in. Working on this, if it gets out, could get you in - frankly - a lot more shit.''

Draco carefully thought about what she was saying.

''You have proven yourself to this department, proven to be different than what the tabloids are saying. However, I am afraid the public will see it differently.''

Draco fumbled with his fingers under the table.

''Are you saying you're not allowing me to work on the object?''

''I am saying it is up to you, but there might be some private consequences attached to it.''

Draco opened his mouth to say something, but got interrupted by a quick rapping on the door.

''Excuse me,'' she said to Draco apologetically, before shouting ''come in!''.

Draco trained his face forward, he didn't want to see whoever was interrupting them. And he certainly didn't want to let them see him in this befuddled state.

''What is it, Philips?'' The Chief asked, showing nothing on her face.

She was good at that, Draco noted.

''Oh, of course! The Hogwarts trainee!'' She exclaimed before he could respond.

''Hello Madam Mina, it's nice to meet you. I'm Hermione-''.

''Granger.'' Draco turned around in his chair, the word passing his tongue before he could clamp down on it.

Brown eyes met grey ones. Shock and recognition and awkwardness washed over Draco.

He hadn't seen Hermione Granger for about a couple of months now. Only seen her picture in the papers.

The Brightest Witch of Her Age. Valedictorian of her year at Hogwarts. Hero. One of the Golden Trio.

But he knew her as Granger, the know-it-all. As mudblood.

The same uncomfortable recognition passed across her face. He saw her quickly school her face in something friendly. Saw her pull up the wall she had let go for only a second.

She ignored him as she turned to Madam Mina again extending her hand.

He only just now noticed his boss had stood up, greeting the young witch.

Philips glanced between the uncomfortable exchange between Hermione and Draco.

''So have you chosen an object yet?''

''Yes, although you have a very extensive and interesting stock of objects I have chosen to settle for... '' She glanced down at her paper to word the correct tag, ''D16 5 20 5 18, which is-''.

''Peter Pettigrew's hand.'' Hermione, Draco and Madam Mina said simultaneously.

Solemnly Draco sank back in his chair. Even if he had still wanted to take on the project he wouldn't be allowed now. Granger was going to get the project. Being the perfect witch, Brighest of her Age, being a fucking hero. She could get everything he wanted.

Hermione glanced between Draco and Madam Mina. Not sure of what to do.

Madam Mina pointed at the second chair in front of her and turned to Philips.

''You can go back to your independent work now, Philips.''

The man simply nodded and left.

Draco suddenly felt the urge to escape his situation and flee after Philips. Already mumbling apologies and grabbing the papers off of the desk he went to stand.

Madam Mina fixed him with her stern gaze again. ''Mister Malfoy, please sit down, I am not done yet.''

Draco fell back down again. Doing his best not to let his gaze wander to the witch in the chair beside him. He clamped his mouth shut hard.

''Miss Granger, allow me to explain,'' Madam Mina started.

''First off, I am very happy with your decision to work on a special project here at this department. Second, call it fate or luck, but mister Malfoy here, an employee of mine, has chosen the exact same object to work on. I had just given him the permission, in fact.''

Draco was staring a whole in the wall opposite of him, listening only with one ear.

''Now given both of you want to work on this project and it being a very high-profile case I propose the following: instead of independent research you work together on this project. It would solve some… justification problems, as well.''

Draco's eyes shot towards his boss. Did she mean this? Had he heard this right? Working together with… her?

His gaze involuntarily flicked toward Granger. She seemed to be thinking the same.

''I'm not sure if-''

''I don't think-''

Both awkwardly stopped talking as the other spoke. Nervous glances exchanged between the two. Draco motioned for her to continue at the same time she said, ''What did you want to say?''

Madam Mina regarded all this awkwardness and cleared her throat.

''Let me make it a little easier for the two of you: because I don't want to favor any of you, you either work together on this case or neither of you.''

Draco stared at the witch. She had to be joking.

He really wanted to do this project. If it meant working together with Granger…

But Granger would have to consent to working with him as well.

All hope flew out the window at that realization.

He didn't even listen to Granger as she spoke, already thinking of other objects he wanted to choose.

After a moment Draco felt both pairs of eyes on him and he looked at his boss. A little hint of pink creeping up on his cheeks.

''Malfoy, what do you say?'' Madam Mina asked.

''I'm sorry I didn't quite get that.''

''Miss Granger just said she would want to work with you on the project.''

Befuddled Draco looked straight at the witch beside him.

Mouth slightly opened.

After another moment Draco quickly recovered and said, ''Yes, I would like to work on the project… with Granger.''

He looked at Granger to see her reaction, but like before there was a stoic wall put in place, not betraying any of her emotions or thoughts.

''Than it's decided!'' Madam Mina exclaimed enthusiastically.

''I'm sure mister Malfoy will be able to show you around right now and explain the workings of this department. I've got your clearance,'' The woman rummaged through all the papers across her desk until she grabbed one, ''right here!''

Quickly she glanced at her watch.

''Now, I've got another appointment in a minute, so if the two of you don't mind…'' She trailed off suggestively.

Draco stood and nodded to his boss. He ignored Granger as she followed him out.

He stalked back to his office. Once again passing the front desk. This time Cransby was sitting in his chair. Draco could feel him looking up towards him, but Draco kept his gaze trained in front of him.

Back in his office he now finally looked at the witch who was now his partner in this special project. Her face still as unreadable as before as she voiced the same thought he was thinking.

''What now?''