A/N: Alrighty here is chapter seven. I've requests for more Draco/Hermione interaction and I promise it's coming soon!
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to J.K. Rowling...I just like to play in it :)
Chapter Seven – Two Tailing
Even in the midst of war one thing at Hogwarts remained the same, rumours travelled fast. All week Hermione heard the whispers. There was something about a party of ministry officials being stationed at Hogwarts. She also heard that the Minister himself would be making an official announcement about Hogwarts. And apparently Luna Lovegood was telling anyone that would listen that the Ministry was training a league of Pygmy Puff guards.
What caught Hermione's attention, though, was the stress among the staff members. Filch was crabbier than ever. He prowled through the corridors making sure everything was spotless, and howling at students for leaving scuff marks on the floors, or fingerprints on the banisters. She also noticed Professor Sprout overseeing the cleaning of the greenhouses' roofs. She even noticed Professor Trelawny lighting incense sticks around the trap door leading to the divination class room. The castle had not looked this spectacular since her fourth year, when it was prepared for the triwzard tournament.
The sight of Trelawny out of her usual haunt was enough to perk Hermione's curiosity as well. She was supposed to be a spy, and she did not even now what was going on at Hogwarts! Hermione had been avoiding Malfoy like the plague. She had not spoken to him since she left potions over a week ago. She had learned nothing valuable since Moody had given her the opportunity to be a spy. She felt liking a sitting duck, waiting to be married to Malfoy to provide any useful information.
Hermione marched down to Professor McGonagall's office. She only paused when she saw the grim look on her favourite professor's face. She placed her letter back on her desk and regarded Hermione calmly. It was in this moment Hermione noticed the changes that had occurred right in front of her. Professor's McGonagall's lips sagged slightly at the corners, and there was no fiery spark left in her eyes.
"Are you alright Professor?" Hermione heard herself asking.
"I'm quite fine," she replied, and her mouth quirked up. "It was you who came to my office, was there something you wished to discuss?"
"There is," Hermione said, "There have been some wild rumours flying around lately. I was wondering if you could verify them?"
"Albus used to say that it was natural for the students to know any secrets the staff tried to keep from them," Professor McGonagall replied, "so naturally most of the rumours are true."
"I don't think the Ministry is raising an army of Pygmy Puffs," Hermione said, and Professor McGonagall almost laughed.
"Ms. Lovegood always provides such intriguing versions of the usual gossip," McGonagall said, "and as usual Ms. Granger you are correct. As far as I know there is no Pygmy Puff army in the works."
"I've noticed the staff acting rather odd lately," Hermione ploughed on, "The castle is spotless, and I'm curious as to who we are preparing it for." Professor McGonagall sighed and removed her spectacles, wiped off a speck of dirt and replaced them.
"I never know how much to tell you Ms. Granger," she said, and Hermione had never heard her sound so resigned. "You are wiser than your years. Albus would have told me to let you find out on your own, which you are more than capable of, but I don't think that is fair given what Alastor expects of you." Hermione waited silently, perched on her seat across from Professor McGonagall, who seemed to be in a very reflective mood. She was gazing at the empty portrait of Professor Dumbledore sadly, and for the first time Hermione realized how hard it must be for Professor McGonagall to fill Dumbledore's shoes.
"On Friday evening," Professor McGonagall said, returning to her normal self, "Hogwarts will be host to a party of Ministry officials." So the rumours were partially true, Hermione thought to herself. But Professor McGonagall fell silent as steps echoed, and were followed by a sharp knock on the door. McGonagall's face hardened.
"Just a moment," Professor McGonagall called. She pressed a finger to her lips silencing Hermione. "Unfortunately Ms. Granger, I have another engagement. You'll have to set up a meeting with me, and we can discuss your paper on animal transfiguration then."
"Thank you for your help," Hermione said quickly playing along, "I was hoping to analyze the difficulties in the transfiguration of magical species, so I'll put together a list of possible arguments before our meeting." Hermione headed to the door and had to jump out of the way as the door almost collided with her face.
"I hate to be left waiting Minerva," he said, eyeing Hermione with taste. "I have important matters to discuss with you. I noticed some tarnished suits of armour near my classroom. I want it taken care of immediately."
"I suggest you take this issue up with Argus, the castle upkeep is his responsibility," Professor McGonagall replied coolly. Hermione slipped around Carrow, and began descending the rotating staircase.
"The squib may be adequate for the castle's usual janitorial needs, but we have important guests coming this week, and the state of the castle will reflect your less than satisfactory skills as headmistress," Amycus' voice carried down the stairs.
Hermione slipped out of the door and made her way to charms. Professor Flitwick had provided ring boxes which they were expected to place a long stemmed quill into. She had more difficulty than usual focussing on her undetectable extension charm, but she was still the first to complete the task. However being the first done only allowed her mind to wander to her upcoming transfiguration class. Clearly whoever was coming to Hogwarts was important enough that Carrow was nervous, and if Carrow wanted to impress them Hermione doubted anything good would come out of it.
At long last the bell rang signalling the end of class. Hermione scrambled out of her seat and to the transfiguration classroom in the hopes that she could talk to Professor McGonagall before class commenced. The classroom, however, was deserted when Hermione arrived. Soon enough students began to trickle in, and Hermione was forced to endure another class before finally getting some answers. Hermione waited impatiently for the last student to leave before approaching Professor McGonagall's desk.
"Considering you are my best student, you were terribly vacant in class today," Professor McGonagall said.
"I'm sorry Professor," Hermione said, "Everything seems so insignificant now, given what's going on outside of Hogwarts."
"Don't say that Miss Granger!" Professor McGonagall said, "The human mind is a great asset, you must never stop training your mind. You are a brilliant witch Miss Granger, and I would hate to see your potential go to waste."
"Professor Snape said the same thing," Hermione said, "that I was going to waste the opportunity that I've be given." Hermione shook her head in disgust.
"You have done many great things in your life Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said, offering Hermione a ginger snap from the tin on her desk. "And in time you will do more. Do not give up hope." Hermione was sorely reminded of Dumbledore here, and his utmost faith in the power of love.
"I'll try my best," Hermione said, but she could hear the lack of conviction in her own voice. "But we were supposed to be discussing Friday evening."
"Yes, I did promise you an explanation," McGonagall said. "I am not at liberty to give you all the details. As I told you before, Ministry Officials will be coming to Hogwarts. Their visit will include a tour of the castle to ensure it is up to the Ministry's standards. The officials will then join us for dinner in the Great Hall, and after dinner they have a formal announcement to make."
"Do you know what the announcement is about?" Hermione asked.
"I know the general idea, but I really can't tell you any more than I have," Professor McGonagall said. "You'd better be off to your next class Miss Granger." Hermione thanked her and hurried off to her next class, her mind buzzing with the possible announcements they could possibly make. She doubted anything good was going to come out of Friday's visit.
As usual, Hermione had taken refuge in the library for her spare period. She had taken a break from her ongoing research in Occlumency, and other defensive spells that could be of use to her. Instead she was absorbed in a history book. Hermione had never given much thought to spies in the magical world, but she was quickly finding they were just as intriguing as muggle spies. As enthralled as Hermione was, she did not realize how late it was until she overheard Madam Pince ushering students out of the library. Not wanting to get on the librarian's bad side, Hermione gathered her things and slipped out before she was spotted.
Hermione was exhausted by the time she reached the portrait hole, and was looking forward to curling up in bed and revisiting Hogwarts A History. It was always the best way to calm her nerves after a stressful day and after her talk with Professor McGonagall Hermione was anxious about the news that was to come on Friday.
Hermione's warm bed had to wait a few moments when she overheard a conversation in the common room. Neville and Ginny were in a secluded corner, but Hermione's ear pricked up something that was clearly related to the DA. She hesitated, but when the word 'Friday' drifted to her ears. Her conscious getting the better of her, Hermione approached them. They looked up at her arrival.
"Hermione, what's up?" Ginny asked.
"If you're making plans for the DA, you might want to reschedule," Hermione advised them. "Friday is not a good day for it."
"What's happening Friday?" Neville asked.
"Is it true then?" Ginny said. "Is the Minister really coming to Hogwarts?"
Hermione wanted to laugh, not being one to believe the Hogwart's rumour mill, but it was close enough to the truth. "Not exactly, but I'm not even supposed to know, so I can't tell you anything." Hermione explained this very quickly, to avoid the surge of questions that were sure to come. She could tell Ginny was struggling to refrain from asking more questions.
"That's alright Hermione," Neville said, "Thanks for telling us. We'll do it another night then." Hermione hesitated, wanting to know more of their plans, but knowing it was no longer her place, before heading off to bed. It seemed like just yesterday that she came up with the idea for the DA, and she and Ron had managed to persuade Harry to lead them. Everything was so different now. Hogwarts felt foreign without them, and Hermione had never felt more alone. And even Hogwarts A History could not prevent the tears from slipping down her face as she fell asleep.
Friday morning came, and the atmosphere was tense among all the staff and students. Professor McGonagall had announced the arrival of Ministry officials the day before, and the halls were abuzz once again with gossip. As Hermione poured herself some pumpkin juice, she watched Professor Snape scolding some first year students with a frown, and she noticed that all the Professors were out of spirits. Professor Sprout was pouring coffee in her porridge, while in serious conversation with Professor Sinstra. Professor Flitwick was paying even less attention to his breakfast, and was waving his wand at the windowsill, removing a string of cobwebs. Professor McGonagall was nowhere in sight.
Hermione was relieved when the final bell rang. Professor Snape had deducted over fifty points from Gryffindor during their Potions lesson, and all of the students were eager to escape with the few points they had left. Hermione had passed the time between class and the arrival of the Ministry Officials in the library. When she finally emerged, she found the halls quieter than usual. She suspected many of the younger students had taken cover in the common rooms to escape the foul moods of the Professors.
Hermione was too curious to remain in the common room. So instead she headed to the Entrance Hall, where their visitors would be arriving any minute. There were several students clustered in the Entrance Hall and Hermione blended in casually amongst them. Before long both the doors were thrown open, and Filch scurried in to announce the guests. A group of solemn looking wizards entered and were greeted by Professor McGonagall in the centre of the hall.
"Welcome, Gentleman, to Hogwarts," she said. "As you all know, many changes have occurred at Hogwarts this year. The Minister has personally requested that I take you on a tour of the castle so that you may witness some of these changes first hand." While Professor McGonagall was speaking, Hermione could not help but notice one of the ministry wizards communicating with someone in the hall. She turned around to find that he was nodding at none other than Draco Malfoy.
It did not take extensive skills in deduction to realize that he must be a Death Eater. Professor McGonagall led the group out of the hall, and up the grand stair case. Hermione's attention returned to Draco, who glanced around apprehensively, before heading up the staircase himself. Hermione withheld a groan. He could not have been more obvious and suspicious. So, following his lead, she made sure no one was looking (in a less obvious fashion) a tailed Draco as he tailed the tour.
The tour seemed to be pretty standard, occasionally Hermione caught snippets of conversation, usually it was Professor McGonagall reciting some fact Hermione recognized from Hogwars, A History. She had to stay out of earshot most of the time to remain hidden from Draco. This would not have been a problem, if Hermione was able to see him. He was clearly better at spying than she was, for she only caught glimpses of his blonde hair every so often.
Soon enough they returned to the first floor and McGonagall seemed to be wrapping up her tour. Hermione was tucked away behind a suit of armour, but she realized the group was reaching the end of the alcove, and at any moment they would be turning around to return to the Great Hall. Hermione weighed her options. She would almost certainly be caught if she remained where she was, and she could not cross the corridor to get back into the entrance hall without drawing attention to herself. She decided to double back and darted through a door she saw coming in.
Hermione closed the door gently behind her and let out a sigh of relief. Glancing around she realized she was in the room off the Great Hall where first years were usually left before their sorting. She pressed her ear to the door and was rewarded a moment later when she heard the group shuffling past. She waited a couple moments for good measure before easing the door open and backing out into the corridor. Feeling quite pleased with herself, Hermione was about to follow the group to the Great Hall, when she heard footsteps stop abruptly behind her.
"Granger?" Hermione turned and found Draco behind her. His voice gave away his surprise at finding her there, but he quickly masked the expression on his face before Hermione could determine what it was. "What are you doing?"
Hermione knew she was caught, but so was he. So she said "the same thing you are. Apparently if you want any real information you have to get it yourself." She raised her eyebrow, daring him to challenger her, and turned to walk away.
"Wait," he said in his usual demanding tone, "come back here." Hermione gritted her teeth and turned around. And people thought she was bossy, Hermione thought to herself.
"What is it Malfoy?" Hermione said. "And make it quick, if we are late for dinner we'll draw attention to ourselves." He frowned as the words left her mouth, and Hermione realized why at once. She'd said 'we' making it sound as if they were some sort of team. She scoffed at the thought, and raised her eyebrows again motioning for him to get on with it.
"You really don't seem to realize what you are getting yourself into," he said. "If you want to keep your heart beating," and Hermione noticed that his eyes lowered as he said this. They lingered for a moment, before slowly travelling back up to meet her own, "keep your nose out of other people's business."
His bold gaze caused Hermione to feel a not completely unpleasant prickle on the back of her neck. But she held his gaze, and by sheer determination prevented a blush from rising to her cheeks. "I will if you do," she said tartly. He let out an aggravated growl.
"On second thoughts," he said, regaining his composure, "don't bother. If you die I won't have to marry you." He sauntered up the staircase, in what Hermione knew was a determined dramatic exit. She followed him up and managed to slip into the Great Hall inconspicuously with a couple other late arrivals.
Hermione took a seat, and joined in the anxiety of every student of the announcement that was due to come. But Professor McGonagall just introduced their guests and then dinner was served. After that Hermione would not be able to recall if she ate, let alone what she ate. She put her fork into her mouth mechanically as she took the opportunity to examine the ministry wizards. The first thing she noticed was that the assembly was all male, and Hermione wondered whether females would be the next target after Voldemort rid the world of muggles and muggleborns.
Hermione also noticed the hostility between the guests and the professors. Their conversation was minimal and curt. The scary part was the way each of the wizards looked down upon the students with the same greedy expression. As attentive as Hermione was to the wizards, taking mental notes to offer Moody later, she kept getting distracted. It was a feeling she had felt many times in her life, the feeling of being watched. But what was unusual was that she knew who was watching her, and made no attempt to hide it. Every so often, she would glance in his direction and each time their eyes met.
Hermione was finally free from his scrutiny when Professor McGonagall rose again at the end of the meal. At this point he was so attentive to the headmaster, that Hermione wondered if she had imagined the whole thing. "Attention students," she called unnecessarily for the entire hall's attention was riveted on her already. "Mister Yaxley of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has an announcement to make on behalf of the Ministry of Magic."
Yaxley stood, and Hermione's first impression of him, with his pale hair and eyes, was that he was a withered and second class version of Lucius Malfoy. "As you all know, the Department of Magical Education is under my jurisdiction as the head of Magical Law Enforcement. The Department of Magical Education is very interested in providing the best possible tools for each of you to be properly prepared for your places in the magical community. To do this, the Ministry has decided to implement a new Internship Opportunity Program for all seventh year students." There were some surprised murmurs amongst the students here, but they settled down quickly.
"Each seventh year student will be appointed to a position at the Ministry or another approved institution," Yaxley continued in his rough voice. "The Ministry is in the process of determining your position on the basis of your academic and personal potential. The most desirable candidates may find themselves working in the Foreign Affairs Department, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, or even as an undersecretary to the Minister of Magic himself. But do not fret, there are also many fascinating positions available for the less desirable candidates at the Ministry, Gringotts, and Diagon Alley."
"I know you are all very exciting for this incredible opportunity the Ministry is providing, and we at the Ministry are also excited to begin this program. Each of you will receive a letter shortly identifying your internship position, and outlining some of your new duties. As each position is different, you will be excused from class at different times to fulfil your duties. You are still responsible for any material missed while working on your internship." There was a unanimous groan here. Hermione glanced at the Slytherin table again, and noticed that Malfoy did not seem surprised by the announcement; in fact she was quite sure he was smirking slightly.
"All of the information will be provided in the letters. Good evening all, and good luck with your internships," Yaxley concluded. The Ministry wizards all rose, as did Professor McGonagall who led the group out of the hall. Professor Snape was at the end of the group and seemed to be in serious discussion with Yaxley.
The seventh year Gryffindors huddled around the table, as the students filed out, all in shock over the announcement.
"I'm bettin' they send us all to the ministry, so they can try and brainwash us s'more," Seamus said darkly.
"And the Ministry's full of Death Eaters now too" Lavender added.
"That bloke Yaxley was one," Neville said quietly. "I remember seeing him last year, before Dumbledore..."
"I recognized him too," Ginny said grimly, as the group began to disperse. Soon just Ginny, Neville, and Hermione were left, and they were some of the last to leave the Great Hall.
"You realize what this means," Hermione said. "This internship program is going to be just like the marriage law. Who know what horrible positions they'll be giving muggleborns." Ginny gave her a sympathetic look as they entered the Entrance Hall, which was mostly empty except for a couple other students and the ministry wizards who were preparing to leave. Naturally, Hermione noted, Draco was among the students still lingering.
All three of them were surprised when he moved from his position, leaning casually against the stair rails, and approached them. Hermione paused, somehow knowing he was coming to talk to her. He cleared his throat pointedly, but Ginny and Neville remained flanked at her sides. So he proceeded to grab her arm and pull her towards him. Hermione rolled her eyes over her shoulder at Neville and Ginny.
"See you tomorrow," she called back to them, nodding to Ginny that she was fine. She turned back to Mafloy, who was waiting impatiently for her attention, and pulled her arm out of his loose grip. "You cannot just drag me off any time you please," Hermione said angrily.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Granger," he replied. For someone who was intent on talking to her, he now seemed distracted and was looking over her shoulder at Yaxley and Snape who were still standing together. "I just wanted to know what you thought about the grand 'Internship Opportunity' our marvelous Ministry is offering us."
"It's clear they are going to use it as another excuse to degrade muggleborns," Hermione answered, still raging over the whole situation. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
"Ah, so you caught the 'everyone in their proper place' theme? I figured you would," he said. "It's mostly propaganda though."
"But there has to be some other reason," Hermione pressed him. "They already made their point about muggleborns with the Matched Matrimony Law."
"Very astute aren't you?" He mused, "The Ministry is trying to rally up the rest of the purebloods. Offer their kids a fancy Ministry position, and it will be hard for them to resist joining the cause." Hermione detected a hint of bitterness in his voice, and she noticed that he said 'the cause' not 'our cause'. She was about to ask him something else, when he was called from across the hall.
They both looked up startled, to see that it was Yaxley who called. Snape was standing beside him in a travelling cloak, his eyebrows shot up when he saw Hermione.
"Malfoy, we will be requiring your services this evening," he said briskly and turned back to Snape who accompanied him out of the castle. Several students were looking a Draco and whispering, and Hermione noticed the enraged expression of Professor McGonagall's face.
"You can only imagine how much I love providing my services," Draco said sarcastically. Hermione was surprised at his unusual display of emotions, but said nothing. He scowled at Snape's back and trudged after them sourly, leaving Hermione alone in the center of the Entrance Hall. Feeling out of place, Hermione glanced to Professor McGonagall who was watching her curiously. She attempted a smile and shrugged before heading up the stair and back to her dormitory.
The next morning Hermione awoke to a light tapping on the window. She groaned and pulled her blanket over her head to block the sunlight streaming through. The tapping persisted, so Hermione got out of bed and stumbled to the window. When she saw an owl pecking at the glass, she undid the latch, allowing it to swoop once around the room before landing on her shoulder with its leg sticking out. Hermione untied the letter and the owl flew out the open window without waiting for a reply. Hermione scanned through its contents in mild surprise.
Ms. Granger,
Please come to my office after dinner this evening. I have some matters I'd like to discuss with you in regards to the extracurricular assignment you accepted.
Sincerely,
Professor McGonagall
P.S. I am having the most peculiar craving for Swedish Fish
Hermione held back a laugh at the last note. She tucked the letter away from prying eyes, and was the first girl out of the dormitory. She spent her day in the library working on a potions report on the qualities and uses of fluxweed. Her day passed quickly, but her mind was prone to wander. There were two directions it generally went in, either to her meeting with Professor McGonagall or to the events of the previous evening.
Hermione's curiosity was finally relieved when she arrived at Professor McGonagall's office that evening. She entered the cluttered office, and was surprised to see Moody sitting across from Professor McGonagall with a shot of firewhiskey in his hand.
"Hermione, thank you for joining us," Professor McGonagall said, gesturing for her to take a seat. "Would you like anything to drink? I might be able to find a butterbeer, but I'm more partial to gilly water myself." Hermione shook her head, as Moody muttered to himself.
"This is not cocktail hour Minerva," he said, draining the contents of his glass and slamming it back onto the desk. "Granger has agreed to spy for the order. This is a job not some extracurricular project!" Hermione refrained from laughing because McGonagall had used that as her code.
"Very well Alastor," she said. "Let's press on, shall we?"
"What have you discovered so far?" He asked abruptly. Hermione was taken aback. She felt unprepared suddenly, even though she had little opportunity to gather information. In the end, she decided to retell the events of the previous evening from her tailing him, to his departure with Snape and Yaxley.
"Well, it seems you will be of some use yet," Moody said. While she was speaking he had moved to the window, and he turned back to her now. "Have you seen him since last night?"
"No," Hermione said unsure. It appeared that Moody put more stock into her being a spy than she did. Should she have followed him when he left?
"Luckily, we know that is because he has yet to return to the castle," Moody told her. "I have a feeling he will be spending the weekend providing his services, as he put it."
"I'll have some of the other teachers keep an eye out for his arrival," McGonagall said. "There was something I wanted to give you as well Hermione." She passed Hermione a thick letter across the letter, and she saw it had the Ministry of Magic seal on it. "I managed to get your placement in advance, but it must be kept discreet."
Hermione said she understood and bid them both a good evening. She left the office and dashed into a hidden passage behind a tapestry before tearing the letter open.
Hermione Granger
Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Position: Secretary of Wizengamot Administration Services
"She's just a girl Alastor," Minerva said, "You cannot expect so much of her."
"She's the brightest witch of her age Minerva, don't underestimate her," he said, helping himself to a second firewhiskey. "She's more help than she realizes."
"What are you talking about?" She asked sharply.
"The comment the Malfoy boy made about providing his services done for one of two reasons," he said. "Either it was to make Granger trust him, or his guard is slipping."
"You think he is misleading her?"
"No," Moody replied, "We must take his circumstances into consideration. The Malfoys were humiliated and shamed by the Dark Lord, and Draco is discontent. He also admires his parents a great deal. The Marriage Law aside, I believe he would have modelled his own relationships after theirs. Say what you will about the Malfoys, but Lucius and Narcissa were always united."
"What is your point Alastor? He is equally unhappy about the arrangement as Hermione," Minerva interrupted.
"Yes, but he is more accustomed to arranged marriages than she is," Moody countered. "Draco's fate is dependent on Granger. He is subconsciously connecting with her."
"You haven't seen them like I have," Minerva said. "They cannot be in a room together without rowing."
"Mark my words, Mister Malfoy and Miss Granger will form an alliance, and when they do we'd better hope they are on our side."
Coming up in Till Death Do Us Part
Malfoy, too, had been avoiding her since then. For the most part Hermione did not mind it. However, at times she felt so isolated she missed any type of interaction, even if it was fighting with Malfoy.