"Beep! Beep!"
"Oomph."
"Beep! Beep!"
"Shut up." A hand shot out from under a pile of covers, knocking over the source of the beeping, a wand, and a half-empty glass of water.
"Beep! Beep! Beep!"
"Oh come on."
More than annoyed, Hermione Granger slowly sat up, and glanced at her clock. 7:00 o'clock on the dot. She picked her wand up, muttered a couple words, and relaxed as the beeping stopped.
"Dumb alarm," She paused, "wand, I guess."
With another flick, the water and glass were cleaned up. Hermione stood yawning, and stretched with extravagance. It was the day of her meeting with Dumbledore, whom she hadn't seen in quite a while, and she was a bit nervous about it. She'd been caught up in Auror matters right out of Hogwarts, and after Harry had defeated Voldemort, and put most of his followers in Azkaban, she had gladly accepted a position as a reporter for Witch Weekly. Dumbledore was always disappointed that she hadn't stuck with being an Auror, though he knew very well that it wasn't her dream. She had saved many lives in the line of work. Her quick reflexes and fast decisions in bad situations made her a prime candidate for that kind of job, but she didn't want it. Hermione yawned again, and glanced at Dumbledore's letter.
Dear Miss Granger,
I request your presence at my office at 8:00am sharp on April the 1st. As you must know, this meeting is between us only. Do not tell anyone else of your visit. See you soon.
My regards,
Albus Dumbledore
Short and simple, just like Dumbledore always was. Hermione glanced again at the clock. 7:10am.
"Better be hurrying up I suppose, "Hermione said to herself, grabbing a towel for her shower.
After about ten minutes of pure relaxation, the young brunette jumped out of the shower, and quickly dried herself off.
"Spriatier liron." Hermione said briskly, and watched as her hair dried, straightened, and smoothed out as best it could, leaving just a few waves, but eliminating all frizzes. She settled on a bit of mascara, a light pink shade of lipstick, and just a tinge of blush. Satisfied with her make-up and hair, Hermione walked to her closet.
"This is the tough part." She muttered, running her fingers over various articles of clothing. She picked out a simple, but delicate black pantsuit, with a light pink undershirt.
"This'll have to work." She put her outfit on, then loosely braided her hair. She grabbed a bagel, ready to leave.
"Ginny!" Hermione called, walking over to her roommate's door. There was an undefined grunt, that Hermione could barely understand. "Look, I'm leaving for my meeting with Dumbledore, okay?"
Another undefined grunt came from one of Hermione's best friend, Ginny Weasley a 23 year old, short-tempered, and fiery- mouthed woman, also the sister of Ron Weasley, another of Hermione's good friends.
"See you later, Gin! And, oh, there's some coffee left in the pot if you need some later."
"Mhmmughn." Came a response.
Hermione merely smiled, and walked out the door. Hermione had no idea why Dumbledore had wanted to see her. There hadn't been a threat of any kind in a while, at least that she knew about, and being a reporter, she knew a lot. Hermione brushed off the thought, and saved it for later. She stepped quickly out of her uptown apartment, and locked the door behind her, then apparated to Witch Weekly offices.
-
"Hey Hermione." A pretty blonde woman called, as Hermione walked through the small, but busy building towards her office. "I thought you were coming in late today?"
"Hey Marine, well I decided I needed to stop in before my visit to," Hermione searched for an excuse. "My dentist."
"Okay, well, here's your next assignment." She handed her a paper.
"Thanks!" Hermione called and kept walking, skimming over the letter from her editor. "The Top Ten Wealthiest Wizards or Witches. Strange assignment." She said to herself.
She slowly opened the door to her office, and absently tossed the her bag on her desk, and plopped into her comfy chair. She rocked back and forth reading over the next priority in her life, nibbling on her bagel. She ran her index finger down the paper, stopping at a list of names.
1. Gregory Hoffiern- Owner and creator of PlayWizard- Worth about
116,376,890 Galleons
2. Harry Potter- Seeker for Puddlemore United- Worth about 75,456,000 Galleons.
3. Marion Werthy- Son of the inventor of the Firebolt- Worth about 44,560,450 Galleons.
4. Mariah Rolinsky- Heir of the Rolinsky fortune- Worth about 64,576,000 Galleons
5. Draco Malfoy- Heir of the Malfoy fortune- Worth about 102,470,000 Galleons
6. Susan Kerovitch- Lead Singer of the Weird Sisters- Worth about 105,380,900 Galleons
7. Pauline Gessep- Owner of Gessep's Ball Gowns and Accessories- Worth
about 39,495,000 Galleons
8. J.K Noling- Author of the Barry Rotter series- Worth about
106,392,495 Galleons
9. Anita Brown- Owner of a Anita's Home Style Newts, a chain of
restaurants throughout London- Worth about 36,849,000 Galleons
10. Jackson Humbridge- Heir to the Humbrigde fortune- Worth about
65,890,000 Galleons
"Wow, talk about being able to retire early." Hermione said to herself. "No wonder Harry never worries about a job." Hermione was surprised nonetheless, though, she had had no idea Harry had become so wealthy; but then again, he did get plenty of rewards and publicity after finally conquering Voldemort. Harry deserved it.
"Oh great, just what I need, to be late" Hermione again glanced at the clock with distaste, which now read 7:57. She grabbed her bag quickly, and apparated for Hogwarts.
- - -
"What? Professor Dumbledore, what exactly are you saying?"
"Hermione," Dumbledore began calmly, "We need you for this job, you're the best qualified."
"Best qualified for what, spying on people?" Hermione nearly yelled.
"Look, you don't understand. . ."
Hermione stared aghast at her old Headmaster. There were a million of jobs she could be 'qualified' for, she knew, so what on earth moved this man into thinking she was cut out for this. This was for experienced Aurors, not her.
"You'll only be working at the Mafloy residence for a month, two at most." Dumbledore pleaded with his eyes. "Just until we know for sure." He trailed off.
"Let me get this straight," Hermione paused. "You want me to go work at the Malfoy Mansion, which, by the way, is an outrageous idea in the first place."
"Hermione," Dumbledore tried to interrupt.
"And," Her voice got louder, sarcasm filling her every word. "And, see if he's still involved with Dark Arts?"
"Hermione," He tried once again.
"No, no, this is the best part." Hermione almost smiled. "Disguised as a maid?!" She let out a quick laugh, and waited for Dumbledore to smile, laugh or show any sign that this was some sordid joke. And of course, he didn't laugh. In fact, he looked quite grim.
"Oh Gods, you're serious. You're crazy Professor Dumbledore, purely nuts. There's no way in Hades I'm going to do anything of the sort. And besides that, I have a job, a life. Do you think I could just drop all of that and work as a maid?" Hermione said with finality.
The silence came like a wave, washing over both of them. Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, as Hermione looked glared at things around his office. Dumbledore let the air he was holding in, out slowly. Then he began the persuading again.
"Hermione, all you have to do is watch, and if you see anything suspicious of any sort, you tell me right away. You'd have plenty of time with other affairs of any sort, including your current job." Dumbledore spoke like it was the best idea in the world.
"No, Professor. I'm sorry, but I can't help you. I'm not an Auror anymore. It's in my past, and I'm sure as hell not going to bring it into my future."
Dumbledore tried a different tactic. "You realize how important this is don't you? Lucius got out of Azkaban with good behavior, and lots, I mean lots, of money. I want him back in there for good. You're perfect for this, Hermione. Pretty, bright, determined."
"Suck-up." Hermione muttered sourly.
Dumbledore kept going. "You'd be able to get right in the midst of any situation, and they wouldn't think anything of it. You're muggle background would probably cause Lucius to brag to you about things, too, hopefully useful bits of information. And Draco knows nothing of you being in the Order, at all. He wouldn't suspect a thing."
Hermione listened. "Why would they higher a muggleborn?"
"Ah, that's the first test. Lucius is a changed man, correct? Would he higher a muggleborn, or not? Would he pay you the same amount as his other workers? It's the perfect trap."
Hermione sighed, most likely signing her death sentence with her next words. "How much is the pay?"
Dumbledore cracked a smile, and relaxed.
Hermione sat up suddenly. "Professor, don't they have house elves to do housework and such?"
"No, they don't have house elves, the family got rid of them after the war. Bad memories I suppose." Dumbledore said absently, looking through some papers on his desk.
"But Professor, Draco would never ever let me in his house. Don't you recall? Worst enemies? Mudblood? Ferret Face?" Hermione look imploringly at Dumbledore.
"Actually, I think he'll find it quite funny, and pleasing to have his favorite muggleborn at his beck and call, scrubbing his floors, don't you Miss Granger?" The silky voice of Professor Snape came out of nowhere it seemed, sending shivers of distaste up Hermione's spine.
Hermione turned to the least- friendly of professors, and acknowledged his presence with a curt nod. "Nice to see you Professor Snape."
"Ah, Severus, I was wondering when you'd show up." Dumbledore stood suddenly, and handed Hermione a paper. "You're instructions, and the address, my dear."
"Wait! Why couldn't they use their own magic to clean their house?" Hermione searched for one more excuse to get out of her ordeal.
Dumbledore spoke without looking at her. "Well, one, Lucius is prohibited to use magic in his house or at any other premises for another six months, he's on, how do you say parole? And also,"
"And also," Snape broke in coldly. "Malfoys don't do housework."
Hermione looked at them both gravely, as Dumbledore put his hand on Hermione's shoulder..
"I believe in your intelligence, my dear. You'll do wonderful. And know, Hermione, I trust you." He said quietly in her ear.
Hermione nodded, and slowly stood up.
"This is a spell that will connect us directly if there are any mishaps. Prende mien luma. An easy incantation to remember. You'll see a bright light at the end of your wand, and I'll appear. Easy enough." He said offhandedly, and smiled his grandfather smile.
"Right. Prende mien luma." She spoke quietly to herself.
"There's also a cook, and butler who are each," Dumbledore paused, finding the right word. "'Working', for us, Hermione. You'll go to them for any questions or small problems that arise. They'll be expecting you."
Hermione inclined her head to both men, and walked quickly out of his office. How could she say 'no' to Dumbledore? Especially when he was counting on her for something important like this?
-
Whoa! I'm writing again. Tis like a breath of fresh air! Woowee! Well, anywho, I feel more for this story than any of my others, and I think it might actually go somewhere on this site. Likkee, getting 2 reviews! Woo! Heh, Just kidding. Hopefully I'll get more than that, which YOU can help me with! Love ya'll!
"Oomph."
"Beep! Beep!"
"Shut up." A hand shot out from under a pile of covers, knocking over the source of the beeping, a wand, and a half-empty glass of water.
"Beep! Beep! Beep!"
"Oh come on."
More than annoyed, Hermione Granger slowly sat up, and glanced at her clock. 7:00 o'clock on the dot. She picked her wand up, muttered a couple words, and relaxed as the beeping stopped.
"Dumb alarm," She paused, "wand, I guess."
With another flick, the water and glass were cleaned up. Hermione stood yawning, and stretched with extravagance. It was the day of her meeting with Dumbledore, whom she hadn't seen in quite a while, and she was a bit nervous about it. She'd been caught up in Auror matters right out of Hogwarts, and after Harry had defeated Voldemort, and put most of his followers in Azkaban, she had gladly accepted a position as a reporter for Witch Weekly. Dumbledore was always disappointed that she hadn't stuck with being an Auror, though he knew very well that it wasn't her dream. She had saved many lives in the line of work. Her quick reflexes and fast decisions in bad situations made her a prime candidate for that kind of job, but she didn't want it. Hermione yawned again, and glanced at Dumbledore's letter.
Dear Miss Granger,
I request your presence at my office at 8:00am sharp on April the 1st. As you must know, this meeting is between us only. Do not tell anyone else of your visit. See you soon.
My regards,
Albus Dumbledore
Short and simple, just like Dumbledore always was. Hermione glanced again at the clock. 7:10am.
"Better be hurrying up I suppose, "Hermione said to herself, grabbing a towel for her shower.
After about ten minutes of pure relaxation, the young brunette jumped out of the shower, and quickly dried herself off.
"Spriatier liron." Hermione said briskly, and watched as her hair dried, straightened, and smoothed out as best it could, leaving just a few waves, but eliminating all frizzes. She settled on a bit of mascara, a light pink shade of lipstick, and just a tinge of blush. Satisfied with her make-up and hair, Hermione walked to her closet.
"This is the tough part." She muttered, running her fingers over various articles of clothing. She picked out a simple, but delicate black pantsuit, with a light pink undershirt.
"This'll have to work." She put her outfit on, then loosely braided her hair. She grabbed a bagel, ready to leave.
"Ginny!" Hermione called, walking over to her roommate's door. There was an undefined grunt, that Hermione could barely understand. "Look, I'm leaving for my meeting with Dumbledore, okay?"
Another undefined grunt came from one of Hermione's best friend, Ginny Weasley a 23 year old, short-tempered, and fiery- mouthed woman, also the sister of Ron Weasley, another of Hermione's good friends.
"See you later, Gin! And, oh, there's some coffee left in the pot if you need some later."
"Mhmmughn." Came a response.
Hermione merely smiled, and walked out the door. Hermione had no idea why Dumbledore had wanted to see her. There hadn't been a threat of any kind in a while, at least that she knew about, and being a reporter, she knew a lot. Hermione brushed off the thought, and saved it for later. She stepped quickly out of her uptown apartment, and locked the door behind her, then apparated to Witch Weekly offices.
-
"Hey Hermione." A pretty blonde woman called, as Hermione walked through the small, but busy building towards her office. "I thought you were coming in late today?"
"Hey Marine, well I decided I needed to stop in before my visit to," Hermione searched for an excuse. "My dentist."
"Okay, well, here's your next assignment." She handed her a paper.
"Thanks!" Hermione called and kept walking, skimming over the letter from her editor. "The Top Ten Wealthiest Wizards or Witches. Strange assignment." She said to herself.
She slowly opened the door to her office, and absently tossed the her bag on her desk, and plopped into her comfy chair. She rocked back and forth reading over the next priority in her life, nibbling on her bagel. She ran her index finger down the paper, stopping at a list of names.
1. Gregory Hoffiern- Owner and creator of PlayWizard- Worth about
116,376,890 Galleons
2. Harry Potter- Seeker for Puddlemore United- Worth about 75,456,000 Galleons.
3. Marion Werthy- Son of the inventor of the Firebolt- Worth about 44,560,450 Galleons.
4. Mariah Rolinsky- Heir of the Rolinsky fortune- Worth about 64,576,000 Galleons
5. Draco Malfoy- Heir of the Malfoy fortune- Worth about 102,470,000 Galleons
6. Susan Kerovitch- Lead Singer of the Weird Sisters- Worth about 105,380,900 Galleons
7. Pauline Gessep- Owner of Gessep's Ball Gowns and Accessories- Worth
about 39,495,000 Galleons
8. J.K Noling- Author of the Barry Rotter series- Worth about
106,392,495 Galleons
9. Anita Brown- Owner of a Anita's Home Style Newts, a chain of
restaurants throughout London- Worth about 36,849,000 Galleons
10. Jackson Humbridge- Heir to the Humbrigde fortune- Worth about
65,890,000 Galleons
"Wow, talk about being able to retire early." Hermione said to herself. "No wonder Harry never worries about a job." Hermione was surprised nonetheless, though, she had had no idea Harry had become so wealthy; but then again, he did get plenty of rewards and publicity after finally conquering Voldemort. Harry deserved it.
"Oh great, just what I need, to be late" Hermione again glanced at the clock with distaste, which now read 7:57. She grabbed her bag quickly, and apparated for Hogwarts.
- - -
"What? Professor Dumbledore, what exactly are you saying?"
"Hermione," Dumbledore began calmly, "We need you for this job, you're the best qualified."
"Best qualified for what, spying on people?" Hermione nearly yelled.
"Look, you don't understand. . ."
Hermione stared aghast at her old Headmaster. There were a million of jobs she could be 'qualified' for, she knew, so what on earth moved this man into thinking she was cut out for this. This was for experienced Aurors, not her.
"You'll only be working at the Mafloy residence for a month, two at most." Dumbledore pleaded with his eyes. "Just until we know for sure." He trailed off.
"Let me get this straight," Hermione paused. "You want me to go work at the Malfoy Mansion, which, by the way, is an outrageous idea in the first place."
"Hermione," Dumbledore tried to interrupt.
"And," Her voice got louder, sarcasm filling her every word. "And, see if he's still involved with Dark Arts?"
"Hermione," He tried once again.
"No, no, this is the best part." Hermione almost smiled. "Disguised as a maid?!" She let out a quick laugh, and waited for Dumbledore to smile, laugh or show any sign that this was some sordid joke. And of course, he didn't laugh. In fact, he looked quite grim.
"Oh Gods, you're serious. You're crazy Professor Dumbledore, purely nuts. There's no way in Hades I'm going to do anything of the sort. And besides that, I have a job, a life. Do you think I could just drop all of that and work as a maid?" Hermione said with finality.
The silence came like a wave, washing over both of them. Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, as Hermione looked glared at things around his office. Dumbledore let the air he was holding in, out slowly. Then he began the persuading again.
"Hermione, all you have to do is watch, and if you see anything suspicious of any sort, you tell me right away. You'd have plenty of time with other affairs of any sort, including your current job." Dumbledore spoke like it was the best idea in the world.
"No, Professor. I'm sorry, but I can't help you. I'm not an Auror anymore. It's in my past, and I'm sure as hell not going to bring it into my future."
Dumbledore tried a different tactic. "You realize how important this is don't you? Lucius got out of Azkaban with good behavior, and lots, I mean lots, of money. I want him back in there for good. You're perfect for this, Hermione. Pretty, bright, determined."
"Suck-up." Hermione muttered sourly.
Dumbledore kept going. "You'd be able to get right in the midst of any situation, and they wouldn't think anything of it. You're muggle background would probably cause Lucius to brag to you about things, too, hopefully useful bits of information. And Draco knows nothing of you being in the Order, at all. He wouldn't suspect a thing."
Hermione listened. "Why would they higher a muggleborn?"
"Ah, that's the first test. Lucius is a changed man, correct? Would he higher a muggleborn, or not? Would he pay you the same amount as his other workers? It's the perfect trap."
Hermione sighed, most likely signing her death sentence with her next words. "How much is the pay?"
Dumbledore cracked a smile, and relaxed.
Hermione sat up suddenly. "Professor, don't they have house elves to do housework and such?"
"No, they don't have house elves, the family got rid of them after the war. Bad memories I suppose." Dumbledore said absently, looking through some papers on his desk.
"But Professor, Draco would never ever let me in his house. Don't you recall? Worst enemies? Mudblood? Ferret Face?" Hermione look imploringly at Dumbledore.
"Actually, I think he'll find it quite funny, and pleasing to have his favorite muggleborn at his beck and call, scrubbing his floors, don't you Miss Granger?" The silky voice of Professor Snape came out of nowhere it seemed, sending shivers of distaste up Hermione's spine.
Hermione turned to the least- friendly of professors, and acknowledged his presence with a curt nod. "Nice to see you Professor Snape."
"Ah, Severus, I was wondering when you'd show up." Dumbledore stood suddenly, and handed Hermione a paper. "You're instructions, and the address, my dear."
"Wait! Why couldn't they use their own magic to clean their house?" Hermione searched for one more excuse to get out of her ordeal.
Dumbledore spoke without looking at her. "Well, one, Lucius is prohibited to use magic in his house or at any other premises for another six months, he's on, how do you say parole? And also,"
"And also," Snape broke in coldly. "Malfoys don't do housework."
Hermione looked at them both gravely, as Dumbledore put his hand on Hermione's shoulder..
"I believe in your intelligence, my dear. You'll do wonderful. And know, Hermione, I trust you." He said quietly in her ear.
Hermione nodded, and slowly stood up.
"This is a spell that will connect us directly if there are any mishaps. Prende mien luma. An easy incantation to remember. You'll see a bright light at the end of your wand, and I'll appear. Easy enough." He said offhandedly, and smiled his grandfather smile.
"Right. Prende mien luma." She spoke quietly to herself.
"There's also a cook, and butler who are each," Dumbledore paused, finding the right word. "'Working', for us, Hermione. You'll go to them for any questions or small problems that arise. They'll be expecting you."
Hermione inclined her head to both men, and walked quickly out of his office. How could she say 'no' to Dumbledore? Especially when he was counting on her for something important like this?
-
Whoa! I'm writing again. Tis like a breath of fresh air! Woowee! Well, anywho, I feel more for this story than any of my others, and I think it might actually go somewhere on this site. Likkee, getting 2 reviews! Woo! Heh, Just kidding. Hopefully I'll get more than that, which YOU can help me with! Love ya'll!