I don't own Harry Potter. Story has not been fully checked so I apologize for any spelling, grammar or phrasing that does not make sense.
Hermione walked down to the Conference room where interviews were being held. As she rounded the corner a line of both men and women sat waiting patiently for their turn. Some seemed to read over their resume double checking their personal details, the others seemed to chat together not noticing her presence. As she walked into the room, a slight movement of platinum blond hair caught her attention. It couldn't be…she thought, what where the odds and how cruel would faith be to here?
She smiled at Lavender who was moving the extra chairs around the large table and placing them across the room. The room was set up so there was two chairs on one side, where Hermione and Lavender would sit, and another across from her, where the interviewee would sit. The rectangle table was long but provided a comfortable distance between interviewers and interviewee.
''You don't have to do that Lav, you'll hurt yourself'' Hermione hurriedly placed her papers onto one side of the table and helping her friend move the chairs. ''We have magic for a reason'' Hermione stated obviously
''I know but I rushed in here to set up when I saw the people arriving as I was coming back from the toilets and I completely forgot my wand at my desk'' The woman explained.
''Sit down, I'll take care of it. Why don't you get us some tea, please, while I set up and we can get started, alright?'' Hermione suggested while taking out her wand. Lavender nodded and waddled out of the room. ''Oh and don't forget to get your wand on the way''
Using a simple levitation spell, Hermione was quickly moving the chairs as she waited for Lavender. A few minuets later Lavender came through the door with a trey floating behind her. The man who was first in line offered to open the door for her seeing her struggle with the trey and her swollen belly. With a quick thank you, Lav placed the trey down and they both took a moment to go through the list.
Hermione was quick on her feet when they agreed that it was time to start, not wanting her friend to struggling getting up and calling the first person in, she was at the door before Lavender could protest. The man who opened the door for Lavender was the first person to be interviewed. He was kind and had a good sense of humor but lacked the standard that both Hermione and Lavender where looking for. To say that the standards where very high would be an understatement, as this person would be The Hermione Granger's assistant, and the department's second in command. They needed to be professional and experienced while providing kindness to ALL those around the Department. Hermione had a reputation, and it would not be broken by someone who could not live up to her standards.
And so the process went on for most of the afternoon till early evening. Many of the interviewee were professional and experienced but lacked sincerity and compassion. Others were downright rude and only wanted the job to brag about working with Hermione Granger. Many of the interviewees had no enthusiasm or passion for the job. As the women set up for the final interviewee Lavender gave the list to Hermione.
There on the page one name was uncrossed: Draco Lucius Malfoy. Her head turned to Lavender and asked
''Malfoy?, Lavender are you sure this is correct. I mean, I know I should not judge but no one has heard of Malfoy since the war. Last I heard of him was at his trial. How could you not tell me?'' Hermione exclaimed as her heart started hammering in her chest. This could not be possible. Lavender knew who Angie's father was, why would she do this?
''Hermione, I know what you must think but you must understand that I was looking for the best. I know he's Angie's father and believe me when I tell you he really has changed. I spoke to him for a short while in Diagon Alley and he really has changed. Honestly Mione, don't you read the papers, the Malfoy name has been changed. They've donated to charities, turn the manor into a safe place for those children who had no where to go after the war and is now an orphanage. I wasn't thinking when I should have consulted in you before I gave him a slot in the interview. I made a mistake. I'm really sorry. I can tell him to go if you don't want him to be here. I just read his resume and thought what's the harm in trying.'' Lavender ranted out. She honestly felt so bad for not asking approval but she knew she should give anyone qualified a chance.
Hermione took a deep breath, trying to process the information. She forgave Lavender, how could she not. She didn't want to stress the very pregnant woman, knowing full well it wasn't good for the baby. She looked back at the page again and then to his resume. He had quite a resume indeed. Multiple experience with businesses, had good reviews and references from past employers and of course he had an international record. What surprised her was the International Business Degree in muggle Paris.
A light knock prevented her from arguing with Lavender, she gave a reassuring smile to her which lead Lavender to let out a sigh of relief, almost as if she was waiting to be scolded at. She politely said ''Come in'' before composing herself for the man that was about to enter the room.
''The person before me told me it was my turn''
There with his unique platinum hair, and light grey eyes was Draco Malfoy. Former Death Eater, former classmate, childhood crush and the father of her child.
Putting on her professional persona, Hermione gestured to the seat in front of her and Lavender.
''Good evening Mr. Malfoy, Let's get this started shall we.'' She greeted
''Thank you, and please call me Draco'' He responded back as if they were strangers.
Lavender began to ask him the questions, but Hermione was far to deep in her thoughts to keep up. One thing that ran in her head is that they acted like strangers. But they were strangers. As the interview progressed Hermione wondered where the arrogant, obnoxious and witty boy who spent more time insulting her than keeping track of his assignments. There sat a changed man, who was quite professional, answered calmly and passionately, as he spoke about his international experiences.
Hermione will admit she liked this man better then the one in her childhood. Her thoughts took a different turn as she closely looked at the man and saw the resemblance of Angie. Her hair was a darker shade then Malfoy's, but it held the same texture of silkiness and shininess. The way this mans eyes gave a shine or sparkle as he spoke about his travels and experiences, just like her daughter eyes when she spoke of a book she completed or a fact she could relate the conversation to. It scared her to see that her daughter was so much like her father in ways she'd never realized before.
Then it hit her. He left her that morning. Her abandoned her in the room in the Leaky Cauldron and didn't bother to go looking for her. Hermione refused to go to the Malfoys trial as she could not bear to see the rejection in his eyes, couldn't bear the feeling of being abandoned again. How relieved she was when it was announced that he was free of charge, as Harry's testament stood stronger than anyone else's. Two weeks after his trial Hermione found out she was two weeks pregnant, that night she cried herself to sleep knowing full well that she had a fatherless child growing inside of her and that the father would never accept her because of her blood status. From then on, Hermione blocked out anything to do with the Malfoys didn't care if they did charity or set up an orphanage. Her main goal was to make sure that they never found out about her daughter.
''What do you think Mione?'' Lavender's voice broke her out of her deep thoughts. She let Lavender do most of the talking as she knew what was expected in a person to do her job.
''Um…Yeah sure'' Hermione replied regretting it almost instantly.
'Okay we'll get in touch with you'' Lavender replied and started gathering up all the paper.
''Thank you for giving me the opportunity'' Draco said giving a genuine smile, one that neither girls have witnessed before. Leaving the girls to their business, he walked out and was surprised to see people smiling at him as a sign of greeting rather then a frown or a glare. He and his mother had worked tirelessly to make sure the Malfoy name was redeemed.
Back at the conference room, the two women discussed about the interviewees. They managed to bring it down from 12 people to 2: Draco Malfoy and Victoria Brown. Ms. Brown was a young well experienced woman with an impressive resume. She was a kind, caring and highly determined muggle born witch with a passion for work. Hermione was still unsure about Malfoy personally, but she will not let her past and present hinder the fact that he would be an incredible asset to the department. The girls decided to give both people a chance, they would spend the day with Hermione and Lavender to see how well they can put their skills to work.
Hermione took all the paperwork back to her office as Lavender had other matters to attend to. As she walked down the corridors, she heard certain whispers between her employees.
''Have you heard about the newest case the Aurors have in their hands? Blimey, I could not deal with all of that''
What are they on about? Hermione thought slowing down her pace to hear more.
''Who hasn't? I mean I understand that they don't want anyone to panic but come on reporters are hammering down their department as we speak''
''The poor children. I better call my sister, let her know about the kidnapper, wouldn't want my niece to get taken.''
Kidnapper? Since when?
''Aren't you muggle born Liz? I'd say better bring your child to work. If I knew there was a psycho kidnapper, I'd keep the child by my side no matter what…''
That was the last straw, Hermione raced down to her office to check on Angie. Before she could go near her fireplace, Harry quickly made his way into her office, closing the door tightly and putting a silencing charm over it.
''So I guess you've heard?'' Harry asked as he looked into Hermione's worried eyes.
''There better be a good explanation Harry but that has to wait I need to check on Angie'' Hermione replied ready to floo call Molly.
''You don't need to. I already informed her, and she made sure all the children were inside the house. She's getting Bill to put extra wards around the property and limit the floo network to only family and us.''
Hermione gave a sigh of relief understanding that she needed to hear what was happening before she rushed into the burrow and probably scaring most of the children.
''Okay, go on. What's going on Harry?'' Hermione took a seat at her desk gesturing Harry to take the seat across from her, knowing full well this was gonna be a long story.
''Okay well, about 2 days ago we got a destressed call from a muggle born witch. She stated that her child was missing, she was at a muggle park and she was just sitting on a bench reading. She said that, one minute her child was by the swings and the next time she looked up she was nowhere to be seen. She looked around but couldn't find her, she asked a couple if they had seen her daughter, but they didn't. She reported it to the local police but after a day they haven't seen any signs of her daughter. She called knowing well that if no sign of her daughter was in the muggle world then perhaps it had to do something with our world. In the last 2 days 4 children where kidnapped. We've been getting leads on potential kidnappers, but they always seem to be a dead end. So, we've looked back at the cases and found a connection. With all the children that were kidnapped one of their parents were muggle born. Our leads have shown us that the kidnapper could possibly be a pure blood, who's still deep into the whole pureblood supremacy unless some half-blood has gone mental...again or believed in shut ideals.''
At that fact Hermione was expressionless. She didn't want to believe it, couldn't fully process it.
''Have you made a list of all pure blood families?'' she asked suddenly
''Well yeah but I don't se-''
''Have you checked with the Malfoys?'' She interrupted him
''Malfoys? Hermione, they have an orphanage for all blood types. Yes, we investigated and informed them and they reassure us that the manor had ancient wards to protect those children. And if they were the kidnappers, Mrs. Malfoy must be a really good actress''
''She lied to Voldemort and survived Harry!'' She snapped back
''We used the Veritaserum on them and I can assure you it's one of the newest versions of the potion. Hermione, I know you have a past with the Malfoys, but you have to get over that. This isn't like you Hermione! you can't blame it on just the Malfoys. I know they hurt you more then you deserve but you have to remember that you wouldn't have Angie without their son, regardless if he regretted that night or not.'' Harry countered.
Hermione opened her mouth but shut it quickly. Shutting her eyes she focused on her breathing to calm herself down. Harry was right, she'll never admit out loud but he was right. She needed to stop acting like a stubborn teenager and own up to the truth.
''I apologize for snapping but you have to realize Harry, that my daughter's life is on the line because of a psychopath who can't handle the fact that are wizards and witches born outside of the Wizarding World. I'm not just bringing the Malfoy's into this because of my...encounters with them but could you blame me for wanting to protect my daughter from the family that's caused me so much pain?'' Hermione exclaimed
''I know, I'm really trying I can to find out who's doing this, Hermione. I don't want anything to happen to her either. I think, now you don't have to agree to it now, but if the situation becomes worst, I think you should move into Grimmauld Place with Ginny and I. That way we can look out for you and Angie.'' Harry offered.
''I'll think about it, Harry, thank you for always looking out for us. Does the press know about the situation?'' Hermione asked curiously.
''Yes, we announced it before I came here. I better head back to my department, I really need to catch this man or women or them. I'm meeting Ginny at the Burrow later for dinner, are you going?''
''Yeah, I have to talk to Molly and what the plan of action is. I have to process everything and think of the different wards I have to put up around my home.'' Hermione explained tiredly.
''I think I'll head out early, I really need to check on Angie''
''Alright, we can head there together, I'll see you in 20 mins?.''
Harry got up and unsilenced the door and opened it, before he walked out, he gave one final reassuring smile at Hermione.
Just as the door of her office closed, Hermione felt like she could take a moment to think, however Lavender rushed in, as much as her belly would let her, and explained that Victoria dropped her position to take care of her daughter. Word really did spread fast in the Wizarding world.
''Lav, you know you shouldn't be running around, what if you fell or worst.'' Hermione argued with her friend.
''I'm sorry, I wanted to check up on you as soon as I heard about the cases, and also it means that Draco will have the position. I need to train him of course, just to let him know how things worked around here….'' Lavender explained. Deep down, she knew Hermione was extremely anxious about the whole situation.
''That's fine Lav. I think I'm gonna take a half day. I need to be with Angie right now. Could you perhaps inform Malfoy if his position and have him working as soon as possible. I need to talk to Angie about all of this and explain how things will work for the time being. You can take a half day as well. I think we both need time to process everything.'' With that Hermione began to gather up her work and tidied her desk, packing extra documents into her bottomless bag for her to work on at home.
She was going to be working during the night as the interviews took the majority of her evening and she knew this kidnapper would not let her sleep tonight.
Quickly locking up her office with the normal wards she decided to add a few extra to make sure no one could go in. Harry was waiting for her in the floo corridor, once spotted he smiled at her and let her floo to the burrow first.
Hey guys sorry for the long wait, I have just been so overwhelmed with work. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Tell me what you liked or didn't like.