CHAPTER FIVE: The week's evaluation

Hermione Granger was sitting in her office, going through the number of letters with numerous and impossible suggestions to make the Ministry of Magic better. It was her idea – the employees could leave an anonymous tip with ways to improve efficiency. Then, she would pick one once a month, and they would try their hardest to introduce some changes. Right now, she hated herself for this idea since she actually had to read all the letters through. And people were not nearly as clever or creative as she'd previously thought.

There was a knock on the door, and Astoria peeked her head in.

"Draco Malfoy is here for the weekly evaluation, Minister," she said.

Hermione took a sharp breath in. Obviously, she remembered about the meeting, but that didn't mean she was ready.

"Let him in," she replied with a weak smile.

A tall, elegant figure came in and lay some documents on her desk.

"Here they are," he said, with a bit bitterness in his voice.

"Give me a minute to read them through," she said demandingly, and he just nodded, sitting down opposite her.

She was genuinely surprised to see very positive feedback. Malfoy's boss wrote a page-length essay about his performance. He was apparently always prepared for work, always had some brilliant ideas - while not dismissing others'. He encouraged others to speak up and was always perfectly dressed. The last one seemed a bit like a stretch to her - the Ministry didn't have a strict dress code, but if it was significant to Eugene…

"And?" he asked, piercing her with his eyes.

She sighed and looked over at him.

"If it was school, you would have to get an Outstanding."

"You sound disappointed," he noticed.

"Not disappointed," she denied quickly. "Just… surprised."

"Still? Why?"

She looked down at the letter and bit her lip.

"Look. You can't blame me for being cautious and sceptic."

"...No," he said calmly. "And I don't."

She looked him in the eyes as if to check if maybe this time it was more clear whether he was telling the truth or not. But the grey eyes were just as impenetrable as ever.

"What did you do to win them over?" she asked, finally.

He chuckled.

"You make me sound like a children's book villain, Granger."

She chuckled despite herself.

"I didn't have to win them over," he admitted with a sigh. "I just showed up to work on time, introduced myself in an orderly fashion and properly cooperated from then on."

She furrowed her brows.

"As it's said right there," he tapped the letter with his finger. "The perfect employee."

"...And you're sure you haven't tempered with these?" she asked, not really believing it.

He sighed theatrically.

"Yes, Granger, I'm sure. Not only would I be aware of such an act, but also I'm almost sure there is no spell I could use here that you wouldn't recognise in a matter of seconds."

She never would've admitted it, but she did feel proud at hearing this.

"Glad you're aware of that," she concluded coldly.

"Is that all, Madame Minister?" he asked, not even trying to hide a smirk.

"How did you like it?" she blurted out, surprising even herself.

"What?" he looked taken aback.

"How do you like the job so far?" she repeated.

"Um, you're asking me whether I like my job?" he asked as if he wasn't sure if she was joking or not.

"Yes," she, trying to sound as if she wasn't surprised by her own behaviour.

"Um… I mean, I liked it. Very much, in fact. For now, I've got some textbooks to review. And – um – I've also proposed to think about introducing workbooks for some of the subjects. Essays are good and all, but it would be a good idea to create some workbooks. It would be nice for kids to have some exercises for Charms, Divination, Potions or DADA – you know, like 'link the name of the spell with its effect'. Or 'number the actions to make this and this potion in the correct order'. Later, we could add some other subjects, like Arithmancy or Astrology."

She was listening to him intently, clearly taken in when suddenly he noticed that.

"What?" he asked, slightly abashed.

"Go on," she said with a polite smile.

"…So, um, the rest of the board is quite fond of the idea and – uh – I think it would be quite an interesting alternative to what we had as homework back in Hogwarts, right? It was mostly essays, and if we needed to study, we just had to read the books over and over – and this way, I reckon, kids will pick it up a bit faster. We shouldn't make the workbooks too long. Otherwise, the teachers would constantly overwhelm them with homework. So just like a few exercises to each chapter in the book, compatible of course, and maybe some sort of revision at the end, you know, to check yourself before the exam."

"You've really given this a lot of thought, haven't you?" she asked, desperately trying to hide that she was thoroughly impressed.

"Well – I guess – I mean, yes," he replied, and Hermione noticed with astonishment that he was flustered.

He really must care about it if he's so passionate, she thought.

"I think it's a great idea," she admitted, making sure her poker face was on. "There's a lot to go from there, but you can really make it work, I think. I suppose you may have thought about it already, but just a little advice from me – people don't like when someone takes power from them. So if I may suggest, for every subject, try to bring the teachers in on the project. Write the exercises with them. That way, if they're included, and these exercises were theirs in some way, they will be more trusting and willing to use them. Therefore, kids won't be overwhelmed by double-homework if one teacher decides that the imposed workbook is not good enough."

"Actually, it's a perfect solution," he said, clearly shocked. "I've been thinking about it for some time but never thought about working with the teachers. Obviously, it's going to take a lot of planning and organising, but it seems like the perfect idea."

"You're quite welcome," she said, allowing herself to smile with confidence.

"Thank you."

She looked at him in surprise. Was he really thanking her? It seemed just so out-of-this-world. Like it wasn't him… But it was. And it was high time for her to admit before herself that he really did change.

"Well, good luck with your project, then. And remember that if you have any problems, I can help you sort things out. Especially since we'll be seeing each other every other week, anyway," said Hermione with a polite smile.

"Thank you for being so supportive," he said with a serious look on his face that made her a bit uneasy.

"No problem," she said automatically.

"Trust me, given what I went through and what I've put you through, it isn't nothing."

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"I actually…" she cleared her throat. "I wanted to apologise."

He stared at her. "For what?"

"I should've been more professional. Frankly, my behaviour at the interview was unacceptable. And… Uh… Well. We may know each other, but I'm the employer. I was conducting an interview, so I shouldn't have let my emotions get better of me. So I – I apologise for that. You were fair to me, and you even apologised to me, so… I figured we should – um – start over, so to speak."

Malfoy stared at her, mouth open.

"So I'll see you next week?" she asked, slightly terrified since he didn't move a muscle.

"Yeah," he said simply and walked out the door without another glance.

She stared at the door for at least five minutes. What just happened? Was she not supposed to say it? It was only professional to do, right? Besides, why was she so shocked he seemed like a human being? Why it was so hard for her to believe despite all the evidence? Evidently, he was the perfect employee and with the impressive project at hand, additionally.

She hid her head in her hands. But what was done was done. She had to stop wondering whether she's done a good thing or not. If the evidence pointed to him being a good employee, then it meant he was, period. Now her job was just evaluating him and guiding him in the right direction if needed.

There was a soft knock on the door, which she immediately recognised as Astoria's. Her brunette head peeked through the door a moment later.

"Do you need anything?"

"No, thank you," Hermione replied with a polite but tired smile. Astoria must've noticed it because she went into the office and sat opposite her.

"What's up?" she asked, looking at her the way that Hermione knew there was no way she could lie.

"Was it wrong of me to hire him?" she asked her, even though she never spoke to Astoria about it.

"Who? Draco?" she asked.

Hermione nodded sadly.

"Why would you think it was wrong of you?" she seemed genuinely surprised.

"Because he was a Death Eater!" Hermione said desperately.

"He was a kid, and it was a long time ago," said Astoria with raised eyebrows at her temper.

"He was quite an awful kid, though," she grimaced. To her surprised, Astoria laughed.

"I wouldn't say he was awful-"

"Maybe not to you," Hermione cut in coldly.

"Well, I understand what you mean. But believe it or not, people change. And it's in the past now, isn't it?"

"I think..." she sighed.

"You decided to give a green light for hiring him, yes? You must've had a good enough reason. I know you did because otherwise, you wouldn't have done it. Yes? He has a chance to redeem himself, and he has a chance to prove himself to you. You took precautions, everyone is observing him, and everyone is careful. So stop beating yourself up over it! You've done a good thing, and you know it, but you're afraid of admitting it only because it's not like it's hiring someone who's disabled, but like hiring a convict, right? But what are the similarities? Both types of people are discriminated against. And what are you known for? Fighting discrimination and fighting for equality."

There was a long silence after that. Hermione was looking at Astoria as if she'd seen her for the first time. Her big brown eyes were suddenly filled with fire and her face with determination. Her dark hair, as if in response, were slightly waving.

Hermione sighed heavily.

"You're right. I'm being stupid. I've done everything right… Right? Both morally and legally."

"Hell yes, you have! Because you're the smartest and the most capable person in the wizarding world. Why do you think you're a fucking minister?"

Hermione looked at her in surprise, but Astoria didn't even flinch.

"I've never heard you speak like that," she said without reprimand in her voice.

"Because it seems to me like you need a kick in the arse to push forward."

Hermione chuckled.

"Of course, you're right. I'm sorry it had come to that."

"You have nothing to apologise for," Astoria said quickly. "Everyone sometimes needs a good boost."

"Maybe you should be a motivational speaker with that passion," laughed Hermione.

"Maybe. But I hope this is the last time I'm hearing about it."

"So," said Hermione after a minute of silence. "You say I'm the smartest and the most capable person, huh? I really am impressive, aren't I?"

"Now you're talking!" Astoria cheered. "Not only that but by being considerate, you found the perfect solution. Morally – great, you hired someone who probably never would've found a job anywhere else. Legally – awesome, you managed to take precautions that ensure everyone's safety. And as a small bonus – you get to see him every other week. In your office. Alone," she winked. 'It's a win-win-win.'

"Wh-what?" Hermione flushed.

Astoria laughed heartily.

"But I – I'm not-"

Astoria patted her on the back.

"I do love seeing you getting flustered. It doesn't happen so often, Madam Minister" she smiled genuinely.

"What do you mean?" Hermione blurted out finally.

"Well, he is a handsome devil, and you are single now, yes?" Astoria said, a smirk not leaving her face.

"I couldn't possibly-"

"Ah, yes, a very Hermione answer," she laughed. "Sorry darling, but you make it too easy and too fun to tease you. Well, as much fun as it's been, we should get to work, no? We've still got a whole Ministry to run."

Hermione finally felt a smile creeping onto her face, and suddenly – she felt able to laugh again.

A/N: Hi! I'm back! And with some time on my hands, finally. So if you follow the story, you can expect regular updates again!