Chapter 40

The Department of Mystery's Record Room

Draco was having a bad day. A really bad, kick-in-your-teeth, papercut-and-lemon-juice, break-a-prophecy-meant-for-the-queen day, complete with hangover.

Not even his lunch break was going well.

" I'm afraid the file for that prophecy is classified," The clerk bit her lip apologetically.

Draco curled his hand into a fist and rested it on the wall next to the window.

" My name is on it, I'm un-classifying it," He tried to smile weakly at the clerk, but it must not have worked, because she reeled back.

" I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy, it's not up to me," She stammered, regarding him warily.

" Well then make it up to me," He said slowly, as though speaking to a small child, " And let me see my prophecy."

" I really, I can't…" She responded.

He took a deep breath, hoping some patience came with it, " Why not?"

" It's not in the stacks," She explained, " All that's in the file is the classification."

He let out the breath with a huff, " Well then can I see the classification?"

She bit her lip.

" I'm sorry, what's your name?" He hoped that the murder he was imagining wasn't seeping into his stance.

She hesitated, " Elisabeth."

" Elisabeth," He smiled toothily, " Is there anything I can do to get any information from you today? The classification code, who classified it, anything would help me. Please."

The poor clerk's hands trembled, " Well… I don't know the protocol."

" Elisabeth, it's just a notice of the classification. It's there for me to see," He countered, managing a calmness he didn't really have.

She paused another moment, and then handed over the slip of orange paper.

NOTICE OF CHANGE IN CLASSIFICATION:

THIS DOCUMENTMS-103415-ER98217-10

and the material transcribed there of is

By order of the Executive office of the Minister hereby

CLASSIFIED

Signature of authorizing official: Bernard Dalrymple

Draco furrowed his brow slightly, but handed the slip back quickly, " Thank you."

The clerk met his eye for the first time, " You're welcome."

He turned toward the exit, counting his steps the whole way.

One… two…

He could not even fathom why this prophecy was classified by the minister's office. Usually when something unexpected came up his mind went into overdrive, thinking of several combinations of explanations.

But he was at a total and complete loss.

fifteen...sixteen…

This wasn't what was supposed to happen. He was supposed to go and read an entirely innocuous prophecy about Granger handling his future child's school forums or something else boring.

twenty-seven… twenty eight… twenty-nine...

Draco shook his head. He had to go about this another way.

He checked his watch. Luckily for him, it hadn't taken a terribly long time for the clerk to crack, and he still time for lunch. He made it to the elevator in only thirty six steps.

Surely there had to be a way to get more information. He worked in the department, for salazar's sake, and even though Junior Clerks had less clearance than a paperweight, he would find a way.

The elevator was jammed with people trying to make it out on their lunch breaks. He even heard an audible groan when he stepped on.

Sandwiched between an ancient old witch's enormous handbag and a thin faced man's sharp shoulder, Draco took a deep breath. It was something he would never get used to, but unfortunately the world was full of confined spaces.

On the same subject, he tried to keep his mind busy by contemplating Granger. Last night had been intriguing to say the least, and even after three nights straight he wanted to see her again. But she seemed less sure.

Sometimes, Draco got the feeling that she was completely cold to him, almost businesslike in the way that she handled their arrangement. Other times, it seemed like she wanted to be closer to him. He didn't know which was more confusing.

On one hand, her brisk get-to-it attitude was incredibly sexy. On the other hand it sometimes left him with the not entirely pleasant feeling of being an item on someone's agenda.

And when she seemed to want to talk to him more, he felt like running and talking at the exact same time.

And the brandy he'd drunk last night hadn't helped sort things out. He wondered what had made her leave so abruptly, but even after all night and day, no theory he came up with made any sense. He would have to ask her.

Draco exited the elevator and edged his way around the protesting crowd, keeping his chin close to his collar. Apart from one or two dirty looks he made it through clean, and from there he joined the crush of muggles making their way through the London streets.

The anonymity of it was all very refreshing, the main reason he tried to go out into the streets as much as possible. There was something distinctly pleasurable in having people look right past you. He along the street to one of his favorite cafés, a sandwich shop run by a young Turkish couple who always greeted him warmly when he came in. He rounded the corner and headed for the door...

Only to slam into a solid wall of Weasely. Damn, he'd thought only he knew about this spot.

Weasely stumbled back, "Oh sorry mate... Malfoy?"

" Excuse me," Draco muttered, trying to pass him by. The last thing he needed was a confrontation today.

"I was meaning to talk to you," Weasley said quickly.

"I sent your clothes back, Weasley," Draco responded, " Although I noticed I haven't received mine in the post."

" Chucked them they reeked of ferret," Weasley replied, " But that wasn't what I wanted to talk about. What are you doing Saturday?"

Draco raised an eyebrow, " I had plans to do some work around my house, why?"

" Well... I asked Blaise to come to brunch with everyone, and I thought…" Weasley began.

" You thought it might not make the best second date to literally throw him to the lions?"

" Well yeah. I know you and I don't get on well."

Draco snorted.

Weasley shook his head, "...But I like him so if things work out, I guess you and I will have to try to get along."

Draco studied him warily, " You're serious aren't you."

Weasley didn't even flush as he answered, " I am."

" I'll go. But just to keep Potter from poisoning my best friend at the table," Draco shook his head.

Weasley smiled back, " Nah that's more Hermione's style."

Draco raised an eyebrow, "Isn't it just?"

Weasley cleared his throat, " She'll be there too, in case that changes your mind. I uh don't really know if you too are okay with going out together, or whatever."

Draco hesitated for a second, " As long as she's fine, I'm sure we'll be able to..."

" Keep your hands off of each other?" Weasley supplied

" I was going to say get along, but if the shoe fits," Draco smirked

" I'm... I…" Weasley stammered

Draco waited patiently

Weasley scrunched his face up, "I'm happy for you and her."

"We're not together or anything, Weasley."

" I know I just mean she seems... Calmer since you two started…" He cleared his throat

"Fucking like centaurs on pixie dust?" Draco finished his sentence.

"Yeah," weasley almost laughed, " I'm just glad she's happy... You know, even if it comes from a fucked up situation."

Draco didn't quite know how to respond, " Well I'm glad she's happy with it, sometimes I think she isn't."

Weasley winked, " Don't pay it too much mind, she'll figure herself out eventually. I've got to meet her for lunch actually. Can I send a note telling you where to meet? Harry and Ginny are picking the place."

Draco shook his head as if that would clear this surreal situation, " Yeah sure."

He started for the door of the cafe at the same time as Weasley

Weasley laughed nervously, " Guess you and Hermione have similar taste."