***Disclaimer*** I don't own any aspect of Harry Potter and I'm not trying
to make a profit, just have fun writing. This chapter was hard to write .
. .
A/N After some prompting from my reviewers, crew coach, sister, and friends, I have revised ch 1-6 to make them flow better. The central idea is still there, but there were a few errors, some more serious than others, which needed to be fixed. So, ya'll can go back and read again if you like, but it's not necessary. I changed some of Hermione's dialogue to Ron to make her challenge seem more real and there were also some grammatical errors which I needed to correct. Enjoy!
A/N Also, from now on (thanks to my friend Debbie), I will be able to use British terminology for food! She set me straight the other day: potato chips = crisps, French fries = chips, cookies = biscuits, biscuits = scones.
Davie, Felicia, Lily Michelle, lollipop ~ Thanks! Here is an update.
Angelofboox ~ I'm writing, I'm writing! Glad you liked the chapter, and that you were able to take a break! Studying for too long just isn't fun. Let me know if I make any more dire British/American mistakes! Being a Yankee, I won't be able to figure it out! Haha, oh, also, I'll try to write longer chapters but if the creative juices aren't flowing then it's a problem. But I've noticed that each chapter has gotten progressively longer; for example, my first chapter was something like 1, 300 words and chapter 7 was just over 3, 000!
Chocolate Milk ~ Boats are cool, hehe. I had fun writing that part because of crew. Crew = rowing just in case you don't know.
Sakeena ~ Oh, yes, I am a hopeless romantic. Heh, yeah, I want a boyfriend too. *sigh* Hope you like this chapter!
* * * * * * * * * * *
How Many Ways
Chapter 8 ~ No One is Perfect
By Americanangel
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione walked into her apartment, locked the door, and took her papers from work into the kitchen, where she saw Ginny sitting at the table with a plate of biscuits (A/N don't forget that I'm using British terminology now!) and a glass of milk grinning from ear to ear. Hermione's jaw dropped in surprise, "You knew, didn't you."
Ginny's grin, if possible, got even wider, "Oh yes, I knew. So, tell me, what exactly did he plan for you?"
Hermione laughed, "He didn't run everything by you first?"
Ginny shook her head, "No, not everything. He told me that he was going to turn something into a Portkey which would transport you to a picnic on the slope near our aunt and uncle's house in Wales. He mentioned a rowboat as well, but was at a loss as to what else to do. I merely suggested some ideas."
Hermione raised her eyebrows, "Such as?"
"Well, the clothes were all me."
Hermione burst out laughing, "Ron said that he had to persuade you before you would agree to give him my clothes."
"Ah, the lying git. More like I suggested it and he realized it was probably a good idea. The Portkey, the picnic, and the rowboat were all him. The lunch itself was me. But that's really all I know. What else were you up to? You were gone a long time!"
Hermione blushed, "It was amazing. Your brother is a great guy. I can't believe he thought of all this. We had the picnic and then went down to the town and the harbor. We went out to your uncle's rowboat and I loved it - I haven't been out on the water much in my life. Then we walked around the village and looked in the shops; finally, we had dinner at this small seafood restaurant before Apparating back to the Ministry to get my things before coming back here." All throughout Hermione's discourse on the evening Ginny studied her face and body language, but she couldn't place Hermione's thoughts. Ginny couldn't tell whether or not Hermione was falling for Ron, although she did seem to brighten at the mention of his name.
Hermione yawned and Ginny realized that she must have been exhausted, "You should go to bed, Hermione. You have to work extra tomorrow . . ."
"I know," Hermione agreed, "I'm about halfway finished, actually. I should be able to get it all done tomorrow morning. Well, goodnight Gin."
"Goodnight, Hermione. I'm so glad that this day was so special for you."
Hermione smiled and made her way up the stairs and into bed, where she fell fast asleep within minutes.
* * *
Hermione woke earlier than usual and put on standard wizarding robes for her day in the office. She pulled her hair into a low ponytail, made her bed, and went down to the kitchen to find more of Ginny's scones for breakfast. It was still dark outside when she left the house and she left a note for Ginny on the kitchen table.
Ginny,
I went in early to work so that I can finish everything. I left some scones for you in the bread basket, and there is more butter in the icebox. I'm going to go shopping after work for more food, but owl me if you have time to go yourself and I'll send you the list of food. When are you starting work at the hospital? If you can buy the food, then I'll come home and make dinner. If not, then I'll eat in Diagon Alley, buy the food, and then come home so you'll have to make do with whatever we have. Have a great day!
Hermione
She arrived at work before anyone else and began to sort the files Percy had left and complete the work at the Ministry to send to him. Towards lunchtime, she received an owl from her boss.
Ms. Granger,
There will be a formal reception next Friday 27th September to welcome guests from the American Ministry of Magic. Members of the Ministry at your level and higher are required to attend this event. The reception will begin at 6 PM. There will first be appetizers, followed by dinner, and then the welcoming ceremony. You must wear dress robes and you are encouraged to bring a date, friend or boyfriend whichever is applicable. Please owl me in response as soon as possible to affirm your intent to attend this event.
Benjamin Cummings
Hermione wrote him a response just before she stepped out to eat a quick lunch and then return to work.
Mr. Cummings,
I will, of course, be able to attend this event. Let me know if you need me to perform any duties at this function. And I'm sure my boyfriend, Ron, would love to come. I will talk to him and owl you his reply.
Hermione Granger
Hermione tied the letter to the leg of her owl, called Faith, and sent her on her merry way to Mr. Cummings' office. She then took out a lunch she had packed from home and ate it while continuing to work. Ginny sent her an owl an hour later.
Hermione,
Sorry it took me so long to write! Yes, I'll go shopping. Just sent me the list!
Ginny
Hermione grinned and quickly wrote a response. She finished work around four and Apparated to the front of the Auror headquarters to find Ron and talk to him about the dinner affair. Grumbling to herself about not being able to Apparate into the building, she climbed up five flights of stairs to Ron's office and knocked firmly on the door.
"Just a minute!"
Hermione smiled and stepped patiently back from the door, which was opened a few seconds later by Ron.
"Hermione! Hey! How are you, baby?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'm great, just finished all the work Percy left for me. Anyway, I need to talk to you about something." Ron raised his eyebrows, but she continued, "Mr. Cummings owled me today about a reception next Friday for a group of American wizards coming to speak to Figg. It is going to be a formal dinner followed by a ceremony, and wizards who are at my level in the ministry are required to be at the event, and to bring a date. I was wondering if you would like to come."
Ron's eyes lit up, "Sure, I'd love to. Only thing, do I have to wear dress robes?"
Hermione laughed as his expression changed to one of disgust, "Well, Ron, I think that would be a good idea. Haven't you bought new ones by now?"
Ron nodded, "Yes, I have, and they look a lot better mind you! But I still don't like wearing them; all dress robes remind me of my original ones." He shivered and Hermione laughed at him again.
"Ron, you'll look fine."
"Okay."
"Well, I'm going to go now. Thanks again for yesterday. It was great."
Ron smiled, "Any time."
* * *
The following Wednesday, Ron was getting a drink with Harry late in the evening in Hogsmeade after Harry had gone to dinner at Hogwarts. Dean and Seamus were to meet them there, along with Marc, much to Ron's chagrin. Harry laughed at him and told him that he should get to know Marc better, but Ron just muttered something about having to protect his baby sister. Marc got along fine with him, though, and the five of them had a great time reminiscing, telling Marc about Hogwarts, and joking around with one another.
"Well, boys, the night has been great but I have to get going," Seamus said in his thick Irish accent.
"Been great seeing you again, Seamus," Dean said, "It's been way too long since we all got together. By the way, where is Neville? I haven't seen him in ages! Since Hogwarts!"
"Still lost," Harry said slowly. The five were silent. Dean had forgotten that Neville hadn't turned up after the final battle. Some people were beginning to think he had died, but most still held out hope that he was alive; after all, he wasn't the only one who was missing. Snape was missing as well, among a group of three others. No bodies were found, nor anything that resembled any of their possessions. They were just, gone.
Dean nodded, "Right. Just forgot, again. So, like I was saying, we should really get together more often. I'm free this Friday, want to make it a guy's night?"
The rest of the guy's affirmed Dean's suggestion adamantly; Ron felt something tickling at his conscience, but he couldn't place it.
"So, what do we want to do?" Marc asked.
"I say we meet here and then go to a pre-season Quidditch game. Cannons vs. Wasps, Harry. You have to see this one! I bet you can get us awesome seats," Seamus said looking at Harry hopefully.
"And the Cannons are sure to win," Ron declared.
Harry grinned, "You bet. Alright, mates, sounds like a plan. What time is the game, Seamus?"
"8:00"
"Alright then," Harry replied, "Meet here at five." They all agreed and then Seamus was off. The other four stayed a while longer, not leaving until after midnight. The next day Ron was on assignment once again in Wales. Hermione was swamped with work so she didn't get a chance to remind him about the dinner. She sent a note by owl to him, but oddly for owl post, it wasn't delivered because he had Apparated to Hogsmeade and then walked to Hogwarts early, confusing Faith. She left the letter on Ron's table at Harry and his apartment and returned to her mistress, who was busy getting ready as she was to meet Ron at the Ministry's ballroom at 6:00.
* * *
Hermione walked into the ballroom to see that many round tables had been set up on either side of a long walkway to a stage at the front. On the sides of the room were dishes of food which replenished themselves as they became empty, or rather, the house elves sent food up when the plates became empty; Hermione suspected this, but she couldn't confirm it so she kept silent.
She looked radiant in long midnight blue witch dress robes and sapphire earrings. She had pulled part of her hair back to keep it out of her face and let the rest hang down in wavy rows. She wore a necklace with a small sapphire stone which had been in her family for generations, and which she had inherited from her mother on her eighteenth birthday.
Hermione walked over to where guests were checking in and gave her name to the wizard at the check in table. He smiled and put a mark by her name and gave her the number of the table at which she and Ron were seated. She took her purse there and set in on her seat, smiling at the place cards by her plate and Ron's, and then walked over to where Remus was standing with a few friends.
"Hello, Hermione," he said smiling warmly.
"Hello, Remus. How are you?" she replied.
"Good, thanks. And yourself?"
"Good as well."
"That's wonderful. Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet Hermione Granger of the Department of International Relations. She's one of the smartest witches to ever graduate from Hogwarts, if not the smartest," Hermione blushed at this, "She is one of the best friends of Harry Potter, and she is dating none other than Ron Weasley, an Auror and the son of Arthur Weasley."
Hermione was very embarrassed at this introduction but she smiled and shook the hand of each man.
"Hermione," Remus continued, "These men are Daniel Lyons, Robert Crowley, and Christopher Joen, all wizards in my department. So, where is Ron anyhow?"
Hermione shrugged, "I don't know. We were supposed to meet fifteen minutes ago, but he's always late. I'm sure he will turn up soon."
Remus nodded and they spoke for a few minutes before Hermione was waved over by Mr. Cummings to speak with one of the American wizards. A half hour later, all the guests, save one Ron Weasley, had arrived and were signaled by Figg to go through the food line and take their seats. Hermione was confused; where was Ron? She took her seat, and was disappointed to see one of her table mates.
"So, if it isn't the Mudblood," Draco Malfoy drawled softly behind Hermione, being careful lest any of the other wizards or witches heard this insult. Seething, Hermione turned around to face him. He had turned from his father's ways in their seventh year and become a spy for Dumbledore, but he had not lost his dislike of Muggle-borns and Hermione, likewise, had not lost her dislike of him, strengthened by the fact that he still called her this foul name.
"Malfoy. What a pleasure to see you," Hermione said dryly, extending her hand as he shook it stiffly.
"Didn't expect to see you here," he continued in his holier-than-thou fashion, "But of course, department heads can invite any employee in their department to attend."
"For your information, I earned my job fair and square, thank you," Hermione retorted, growing angrier by the minute, but slowly trying to calm herself by counting in her head and gripping the back of the chair, an action which was not unnoticed on Draco's part.
"A little tense, are we? What's this? You invited the Weasel to come? And he isn't here? Tut, tut; what a shame on his part. Though it's a bit too high class for him, I suppose. Can't have him sauntering about in his moth-eaten Merlin forsaken robes from the last century."
Hermione couldn't take it anymore, "For your information, Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley is a better man than you will ever be. His family may be poor in material possessions, but they have something that your family does not and that something is love. Mrs. Weasley is the most loving person I have ever met and has treated me like one of her own for years. Mr. Weasley could have gotten a promotion a long time ago, but he likes where he is so he stays there. And Ron has new dress robes; remember, he is an Auror, and he gets paid very well. Now, I will sit with you and whomever your date may be, but know that if you are not civil I will speak to the head of my department and obtain his permission to leave, and it will reach the ears of the head of whichever department hired you, so watch yourself."
Malfoy opened his mouth as if to retort with a vengeance, but thought better of it and took his seat beside a small, pale girl whom Hermione had never met. She nodded to her and smiled as she had no such feud with this person. The girl nodded and whispered to Malfoy who rolled his eyes; luckily, she did not notice.
"She wishes to be introduced to you, Granger, so I'll make this quick. Samantha, this is Hermione Granger. Granger, this is Samantha Newton. Go ahead and talk if you must," Malfoy said in the most boring voice he could conjure. Samantha gave Hermione a small smile in return and they began to eat in silence. The other couple was older by Hermione and Malfoy by a couple years, but introduced themselves as David and Lisa Finch. They had been seventh years in Ravenclaw in Hermione's first year.
The dinner went by slowly and the ceremony afterwards was even slower. Hermione found herself sitting in hurtful silence wondering where Ron was and what she would say to him. As soon as she was able without risk of losing her job, she said good night to the David and Lisa Finch, Remus, and Mr. Cummings before putting on her jacket and walking down the hallway to the lobby. Malfoy followed her on his way back from the men's room.
"Just where is Weasley, Mudblood?" he called down the hall.
She turned and he was mildly surprised to see little trails of tears snaking their way down her soft cheeks, "Draco Malfoy if you had any humanity in you or an ounce of observational skill then you would notice that I have not had the best evening. Please, just leave me alone. I don't want to have to deal with your insults as well."
She Apparated from that very spot back to her bedroom, leaving a dumbfounded Malfoy standing in the hall staring at the spot where she had just stood. She placed a silencing charm on the room so that she would not wake Ginny, sat on her bed, and cried.
* * *
Ron had a great time with Harry, Marc, Seamus, and Dean. The Cannons actually won, and the boys decided to treat Harry and Ron to a round of butterbeer to celebrate at The Leaky Cauldron before ending the night. Ron and Harry finally Apparated home and collapsed after changing into nightclothes. Ron didn't notice Hermione's note until the following morning. He knew he was in for a hell of a day.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Review!
Alright, some of you may not like this chapter, but it's integral! I promise, it has a purpose.
I'm so happy that I am *finished* with AP exams! Don't have to take them again for another year *look of satisfaction*!!! All I have left are SAT IIs! Have a great day!
~Americanangel
A/N After some prompting from my reviewers, crew coach, sister, and friends, I have revised ch 1-6 to make them flow better. The central idea is still there, but there were a few errors, some more serious than others, which needed to be fixed. So, ya'll can go back and read again if you like, but it's not necessary. I changed some of Hermione's dialogue to Ron to make her challenge seem more real and there were also some grammatical errors which I needed to correct. Enjoy!
A/N Also, from now on (thanks to my friend Debbie), I will be able to use British terminology for food! She set me straight the other day: potato chips = crisps, French fries = chips, cookies = biscuits, biscuits = scones.
Davie, Felicia, Lily Michelle, lollipop ~ Thanks! Here is an update.
Angelofboox ~ I'm writing, I'm writing! Glad you liked the chapter, and that you were able to take a break! Studying for too long just isn't fun. Let me know if I make any more dire British/American mistakes! Being a Yankee, I won't be able to figure it out! Haha, oh, also, I'll try to write longer chapters but if the creative juices aren't flowing then it's a problem. But I've noticed that each chapter has gotten progressively longer; for example, my first chapter was something like 1, 300 words and chapter 7 was just over 3, 000!
Chocolate Milk ~ Boats are cool, hehe. I had fun writing that part because of crew. Crew = rowing just in case you don't know.
Sakeena ~ Oh, yes, I am a hopeless romantic. Heh, yeah, I want a boyfriend too. *sigh* Hope you like this chapter!
* * * * * * * * * * *
How Many Ways
Chapter 8 ~ No One is Perfect
By Americanangel
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione walked into her apartment, locked the door, and took her papers from work into the kitchen, where she saw Ginny sitting at the table with a plate of biscuits (A/N don't forget that I'm using British terminology now!) and a glass of milk grinning from ear to ear. Hermione's jaw dropped in surprise, "You knew, didn't you."
Ginny's grin, if possible, got even wider, "Oh yes, I knew. So, tell me, what exactly did he plan for you?"
Hermione laughed, "He didn't run everything by you first?"
Ginny shook her head, "No, not everything. He told me that he was going to turn something into a Portkey which would transport you to a picnic on the slope near our aunt and uncle's house in Wales. He mentioned a rowboat as well, but was at a loss as to what else to do. I merely suggested some ideas."
Hermione raised her eyebrows, "Such as?"
"Well, the clothes were all me."
Hermione burst out laughing, "Ron said that he had to persuade you before you would agree to give him my clothes."
"Ah, the lying git. More like I suggested it and he realized it was probably a good idea. The Portkey, the picnic, and the rowboat were all him. The lunch itself was me. But that's really all I know. What else were you up to? You were gone a long time!"
Hermione blushed, "It was amazing. Your brother is a great guy. I can't believe he thought of all this. We had the picnic and then went down to the town and the harbor. We went out to your uncle's rowboat and I loved it - I haven't been out on the water much in my life. Then we walked around the village and looked in the shops; finally, we had dinner at this small seafood restaurant before Apparating back to the Ministry to get my things before coming back here." All throughout Hermione's discourse on the evening Ginny studied her face and body language, but she couldn't place Hermione's thoughts. Ginny couldn't tell whether or not Hermione was falling for Ron, although she did seem to brighten at the mention of his name.
Hermione yawned and Ginny realized that she must have been exhausted, "You should go to bed, Hermione. You have to work extra tomorrow . . ."
"I know," Hermione agreed, "I'm about halfway finished, actually. I should be able to get it all done tomorrow morning. Well, goodnight Gin."
"Goodnight, Hermione. I'm so glad that this day was so special for you."
Hermione smiled and made her way up the stairs and into bed, where she fell fast asleep within minutes.
* * *
Hermione woke earlier than usual and put on standard wizarding robes for her day in the office. She pulled her hair into a low ponytail, made her bed, and went down to the kitchen to find more of Ginny's scones for breakfast. It was still dark outside when she left the house and she left a note for Ginny on the kitchen table.
Ginny,
I went in early to work so that I can finish everything. I left some scones for you in the bread basket, and there is more butter in the icebox. I'm going to go shopping after work for more food, but owl me if you have time to go yourself and I'll send you the list of food. When are you starting work at the hospital? If you can buy the food, then I'll come home and make dinner. If not, then I'll eat in Diagon Alley, buy the food, and then come home so you'll have to make do with whatever we have. Have a great day!
Hermione
She arrived at work before anyone else and began to sort the files Percy had left and complete the work at the Ministry to send to him. Towards lunchtime, she received an owl from her boss.
Ms. Granger,
There will be a formal reception next Friday 27th September to welcome guests from the American Ministry of Magic. Members of the Ministry at your level and higher are required to attend this event. The reception will begin at 6 PM. There will first be appetizers, followed by dinner, and then the welcoming ceremony. You must wear dress robes and you are encouraged to bring a date, friend or boyfriend whichever is applicable. Please owl me in response as soon as possible to affirm your intent to attend this event.
Benjamin Cummings
Hermione wrote him a response just before she stepped out to eat a quick lunch and then return to work.
Mr. Cummings,
I will, of course, be able to attend this event. Let me know if you need me to perform any duties at this function. And I'm sure my boyfriend, Ron, would love to come. I will talk to him and owl you his reply.
Hermione Granger
Hermione tied the letter to the leg of her owl, called Faith, and sent her on her merry way to Mr. Cummings' office. She then took out a lunch she had packed from home and ate it while continuing to work. Ginny sent her an owl an hour later.
Hermione,
Sorry it took me so long to write! Yes, I'll go shopping. Just sent me the list!
Ginny
Hermione grinned and quickly wrote a response. She finished work around four and Apparated to the front of the Auror headquarters to find Ron and talk to him about the dinner affair. Grumbling to herself about not being able to Apparate into the building, she climbed up five flights of stairs to Ron's office and knocked firmly on the door.
"Just a minute!"
Hermione smiled and stepped patiently back from the door, which was opened a few seconds later by Ron.
"Hermione! Hey! How are you, baby?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'm great, just finished all the work Percy left for me. Anyway, I need to talk to you about something." Ron raised his eyebrows, but she continued, "Mr. Cummings owled me today about a reception next Friday for a group of American wizards coming to speak to Figg. It is going to be a formal dinner followed by a ceremony, and wizards who are at my level in the ministry are required to be at the event, and to bring a date. I was wondering if you would like to come."
Ron's eyes lit up, "Sure, I'd love to. Only thing, do I have to wear dress robes?"
Hermione laughed as his expression changed to one of disgust, "Well, Ron, I think that would be a good idea. Haven't you bought new ones by now?"
Ron nodded, "Yes, I have, and they look a lot better mind you! But I still don't like wearing them; all dress robes remind me of my original ones." He shivered and Hermione laughed at him again.
"Ron, you'll look fine."
"Okay."
"Well, I'm going to go now. Thanks again for yesterday. It was great."
Ron smiled, "Any time."
* * *
The following Wednesday, Ron was getting a drink with Harry late in the evening in Hogsmeade after Harry had gone to dinner at Hogwarts. Dean and Seamus were to meet them there, along with Marc, much to Ron's chagrin. Harry laughed at him and told him that he should get to know Marc better, but Ron just muttered something about having to protect his baby sister. Marc got along fine with him, though, and the five of them had a great time reminiscing, telling Marc about Hogwarts, and joking around with one another.
"Well, boys, the night has been great but I have to get going," Seamus said in his thick Irish accent.
"Been great seeing you again, Seamus," Dean said, "It's been way too long since we all got together. By the way, where is Neville? I haven't seen him in ages! Since Hogwarts!"
"Still lost," Harry said slowly. The five were silent. Dean had forgotten that Neville hadn't turned up after the final battle. Some people were beginning to think he had died, but most still held out hope that he was alive; after all, he wasn't the only one who was missing. Snape was missing as well, among a group of three others. No bodies were found, nor anything that resembled any of their possessions. They were just, gone.
Dean nodded, "Right. Just forgot, again. So, like I was saying, we should really get together more often. I'm free this Friday, want to make it a guy's night?"
The rest of the guy's affirmed Dean's suggestion adamantly; Ron felt something tickling at his conscience, but he couldn't place it.
"So, what do we want to do?" Marc asked.
"I say we meet here and then go to a pre-season Quidditch game. Cannons vs. Wasps, Harry. You have to see this one! I bet you can get us awesome seats," Seamus said looking at Harry hopefully.
"And the Cannons are sure to win," Ron declared.
Harry grinned, "You bet. Alright, mates, sounds like a plan. What time is the game, Seamus?"
"8:00"
"Alright then," Harry replied, "Meet here at five." They all agreed and then Seamus was off. The other four stayed a while longer, not leaving until after midnight. The next day Ron was on assignment once again in Wales. Hermione was swamped with work so she didn't get a chance to remind him about the dinner. She sent a note by owl to him, but oddly for owl post, it wasn't delivered because he had Apparated to Hogsmeade and then walked to Hogwarts early, confusing Faith. She left the letter on Ron's table at Harry and his apartment and returned to her mistress, who was busy getting ready as she was to meet Ron at the Ministry's ballroom at 6:00.
* * *
Hermione walked into the ballroom to see that many round tables had been set up on either side of a long walkway to a stage at the front. On the sides of the room were dishes of food which replenished themselves as they became empty, or rather, the house elves sent food up when the plates became empty; Hermione suspected this, but she couldn't confirm it so she kept silent.
She looked radiant in long midnight blue witch dress robes and sapphire earrings. She had pulled part of her hair back to keep it out of her face and let the rest hang down in wavy rows. She wore a necklace with a small sapphire stone which had been in her family for generations, and which she had inherited from her mother on her eighteenth birthday.
Hermione walked over to where guests were checking in and gave her name to the wizard at the check in table. He smiled and put a mark by her name and gave her the number of the table at which she and Ron were seated. She took her purse there and set in on her seat, smiling at the place cards by her plate and Ron's, and then walked over to where Remus was standing with a few friends.
"Hello, Hermione," he said smiling warmly.
"Hello, Remus. How are you?" she replied.
"Good, thanks. And yourself?"
"Good as well."
"That's wonderful. Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet Hermione Granger of the Department of International Relations. She's one of the smartest witches to ever graduate from Hogwarts, if not the smartest," Hermione blushed at this, "She is one of the best friends of Harry Potter, and she is dating none other than Ron Weasley, an Auror and the son of Arthur Weasley."
Hermione was very embarrassed at this introduction but she smiled and shook the hand of each man.
"Hermione," Remus continued, "These men are Daniel Lyons, Robert Crowley, and Christopher Joen, all wizards in my department. So, where is Ron anyhow?"
Hermione shrugged, "I don't know. We were supposed to meet fifteen minutes ago, but he's always late. I'm sure he will turn up soon."
Remus nodded and they spoke for a few minutes before Hermione was waved over by Mr. Cummings to speak with one of the American wizards. A half hour later, all the guests, save one Ron Weasley, had arrived and were signaled by Figg to go through the food line and take their seats. Hermione was confused; where was Ron? She took her seat, and was disappointed to see one of her table mates.
"So, if it isn't the Mudblood," Draco Malfoy drawled softly behind Hermione, being careful lest any of the other wizards or witches heard this insult. Seething, Hermione turned around to face him. He had turned from his father's ways in their seventh year and become a spy for Dumbledore, but he had not lost his dislike of Muggle-borns and Hermione, likewise, had not lost her dislike of him, strengthened by the fact that he still called her this foul name.
"Malfoy. What a pleasure to see you," Hermione said dryly, extending her hand as he shook it stiffly.
"Didn't expect to see you here," he continued in his holier-than-thou fashion, "But of course, department heads can invite any employee in their department to attend."
"For your information, I earned my job fair and square, thank you," Hermione retorted, growing angrier by the minute, but slowly trying to calm herself by counting in her head and gripping the back of the chair, an action which was not unnoticed on Draco's part.
"A little tense, are we? What's this? You invited the Weasel to come? And he isn't here? Tut, tut; what a shame on his part. Though it's a bit too high class for him, I suppose. Can't have him sauntering about in his moth-eaten Merlin forsaken robes from the last century."
Hermione couldn't take it anymore, "For your information, Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley is a better man than you will ever be. His family may be poor in material possessions, but they have something that your family does not and that something is love. Mrs. Weasley is the most loving person I have ever met and has treated me like one of her own for years. Mr. Weasley could have gotten a promotion a long time ago, but he likes where he is so he stays there. And Ron has new dress robes; remember, he is an Auror, and he gets paid very well. Now, I will sit with you and whomever your date may be, but know that if you are not civil I will speak to the head of my department and obtain his permission to leave, and it will reach the ears of the head of whichever department hired you, so watch yourself."
Malfoy opened his mouth as if to retort with a vengeance, but thought better of it and took his seat beside a small, pale girl whom Hermione had never met. She nodded to her and smiled as she had no such feud with this person. The girl nodded and whispered to Malfoy who rolled his eyes; luckily, she did not notice.
"She wishes to be introduced to you, Granger, so I'll make this quick. Samantha, this is Hermione Granger. Granger, this is Samantha Newton. Go ahead and talk if you must," Malfoy said in the most boring voice he could conjure. Samantha gave Hermione a small smile in return and they began to eat in silence. The other couple was older by Hermione and Malfoy by a couple years, but introduced themselves as David and Lisa Finch. They had been seventh years in Ravenclaw in Hermione's first year.
The dinner went by slowly and the ceremony afterwards was even slower. Hermione found herself sitting in hurtful silence wondering where Ron was and what she would say to him. As soon as she was able without risk of losing her job, she said good night to the David and Lisa Finch, Remus, and Mr. Cummings before putting on her jacket and walking down the hallway to the lobby. Malfoy followed her on his way back from the men's room.
"Just where is Weasley, Mudblood?" he called down the hall.
She turned and he was mildly surprised to see little trails of tears snaking their way down her soft cheeks, "Draco Malfoy if you had any humanity in you or an ounce of observational skill then you would notice that I have not had the best evening. Please, just leave me alone. I don't want to have to deal with your insults as well."
She Apparated from that very spot back to her bedroom, leaving a dumbfounded Malfoy standing in the hall staring at the spot where she had just stood. She placed a silencing charm on the room so that she would not wake Ginny, sat on her bed, and cried.
* * *
Ron had a great time with Harry, Marc, Seamus, and Dean. The Cannons actually won, and the boys decided to treat Harry and Ron to a round of butterbeer to celebrate at The Leaky Cauldron before ending the night. Ron and Harry finally Apparated home and collapsed after changing into nightclothes. Ron didn't notice Hermione's note until the following morning. He knew he was in for a hell of a day.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Review!
Alright, some of you may not like this chapter, but it's integral! I promise, it has a purpose.
I'm so happy that I am *finished* with AP exams! Don't have to take them again for another year *look of satisfaction*!!! All I have left are SAT IIs! Have a great day!
~Americanangel
