Secretary

By: Krissi

Author's Note: Plot taken from the movie"Secretary". I don't own the plot from "Secretary" or any of the Harry Potter characters

Sidenote: Hermione's point of view is in italics

Chapter One: Times Have Changed

Hot, dense steam filled the tiny bathroom as a petite young woman stepped out of the shower, wrapping herself in a fluffy cotton towel. With two steps she stood in front of the fogged mirror and with her hand, wiped away the condensation revealing that face she had grown to hate.

Hermione Granger, looking as pitiful as ever, gave a distraught sigh before sucking in her stomach and turning sideways, glancing in the mirror as she did. Still disgusted with the way she looked, she let her shoulders fall and exhaled before reaching for another towel and began toweling off her dripping wet curls. She began to hum to herself, blocking out the familiar chaos downstairs.

---

"Goddammit Merrill! I told you never to raise you voice to me!"

Henry Granger took a hold of his wife, snatching up her wrist with ease before tossing her across the room with little effort.

His wife struggled to her feet, bracing against the wall. Hunched over, Merrill gave her husband a deathly glare, trying to muster the last once of fight she had in her.

"No Henry. I can do whatever the hell I want. You don't control me. You don't own me. I want you out! Now!"

She screamed back as her husband advanced menacingly, hands balled into fists at his sides. He tossed a chair to the side, watching his wife flinch. Flashing a dark smile, he reached out for her, lifting her by the collar of her shirt and pulling her forward.

"Fine! Fine, I'm tired of this bloody marriage. I'm leaving-"

He hissed into her ear, throwing her again forcefully.

"It's OVER."

His last word reverberated throughout the dinning room as he stormed out of the quaint house, slamming the door as he left.

Physically and mentally exhausted, she slid to the floor, not before flinging a glass goblet at the door out of frustration. Merrill hugged herself into a ball as cried aloud, her fragile frame trembling out of shock and relief.

---

Sprawled across her bed face up, Hermione squeezed her eyes shut as the chaos continued below her. She continued to hum, jolting up right as a door slamming shut caught her attention. The worst is over she thought, sliding off her bed, still clad in only a burgundy towel. Inching her way out of her room, almost frightened to see the aftermath, Hermione slowly climbed down the stairs, stopping on the last step as she surveyed the area.

"'Mione-dear-"

Her mother called out for her in a weak tone as she once again struggled to her feet. But Hermione blatantly ignored her plea and stumbled back up the stairs, her facial expression still void of any emotion. Slamming her door shut, she quickly fell to her knees, scrambling across the room for her dresser. Pulling the dresser door out hastily, she retrieved a pair of scissors. Inspecting them carefully, Hermione stood and walked towards her bed calmly. Sitting down with a sort of bounce, she lifted the towel above her thigh and opened the scissors.

Pressing the tip into her skin, she dragged it across, inhaling deeply as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. The warm, thick liquid slowly dripped down her leg, splashing onto the carpet below.

---

There were several reasons why I started doing this to myself...why I started cutting. Stress, loneliness. My parents had been at each other's throats for the last five years and because of petty issues; financial problems, lack of respect, and mainly-me. Of course my mother always told me it never had anything to do with me; to this day she still feeds me those lies, but I knew they did. My life at Hogwarts had ended a bit more then six years ago but here I am, twenty-four, living with my parents with no job, no future, no goals.

I know my mother fought him on my behalf but as much as he abused her, I could never hate him completely. I always made up some excuse for his outbursts.

I suppose their really isn't an excuse for me slacking, if you can call it that. My former self, the clever, witty, insensible, 1/3 of the golden trio no longer exists anymore. I'm the exact opposite of my former self. Quirky, self-conscious, submissive. Ron and Harry are still around but they have their own lives now. Ron, a marvelous professional Quidditch player for Puddlemere United and Harry, why of course the Ministry's finest Auror.

I don't understand why I was the one that has yet to succeed, but...maybe it's time to start over. To start anew.

---

"Hermione! Breakfast's ready!"

Meriel called for her daughter as she just began to brew a fresh pot of coffee.

"I have some coffee for you!"

She called again, sighing lightly, as she received no response.

Upstairs, Hermione rolled into her side as she stretched her arms and legs, yawning and grunting at the same time. It had been a four days since they whole incident but still their was not a single word from her father. But she tried her best not to let that hold her spirits down. Today..today she was starting off fresh. Today Hermione Granger would look for a job. Her first step onto the road of independence. Smiling beside herself, the brunette crawled out of bed, groggily walking out of her room and down the stairs into the kitchen, spotting her mother as she stood in front of the opened refridgerator.

"Mornin' mum. Coffee done yet?"

She greeted her mother, giving her a small hug from behind and flashing a sheepish smile before stumbling over to counter, fixing herself a plate.

"Oh yes dear. Cup is on the table for ya'"

Merrill answered, glancing over her shoulder and giving her a bright smile.

I can't stand that smile Hermione thought as she took a seat at the table, fixing her coffee with two sugars and a cream.

"Mum, today-I'm going to find myself a job."

She stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Really hun? That's brilliant. Have anything in mind?"

"Not yet. I was going to look through the listings in the paper today."

Answering back casually, the conversation was cut short as the phone rang.

"I got it."

Her mother called as Hermione attempted to answer it. Wasting no time, she ate the bit of food she had on her plate and drank nearly half of her coffee before her mother even returned.

She had an solemn expression on her face but Hermione didn't question, already knowing she wouldn't answer truthfully. Strolling out of the kitchen and into the living room, she opened the front door, snatching up the just delivered newspapers. One a muggle paper, The London Times and of course, a wizarding paper, The Daily Prophet. A content sigh leaving her mouth, she trudged up stairs and began the search for her job.

---

The clock just struck three when Hermione apparated in front of office. After two hours of reading and searching, she found the opening for a secretary. One for a wizarding law firm in the heart of Diagon Alley. The position seemed easy enough, one she was highly overqualified for but she wasn't looking for anything too challenging..in fact, nothing that involved much work at all.

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Hermione pushed the door open to reveal a office in shambles. Files and boxes and paper all about. Completely disorganization. A puzzled expression evident on her face, she entered the building cautiously, eyes drifting about.

"Hello?"

She questioned timidly, stopping in the center of the room. Before her stood a desk, a mantle reading 'Reception.' Obviously standing in the waiting room, she leaned over, glancing down the one hallway with rooms on either side. Pursing her lips together, she started for the hall only to freeze as a woman in tears appeared from behind one of the doors carrying a rather large box, probably filled with personal items.

Hermione put on her best smile, holding up a finger. "Erm-excus-"

But the lady continued on out the building, leaving her to her lonesome.

"Hmm."

Bringing her finger to her bottom lip, she ventured towards the last room, assuming it was the employer's office. Stepping over various picture frames and documents, Hermione found herself right outside the office and pushed the door, it opening without fuss. Peeking her head in, her body following after, she held her hands together, leaning forward slightly.

The office was enormous, larger then her own living room. A couch stood in the middle of the room, in front of a beautiful flower display, lilies most likely. The room was painted in a dark moss green, accented with earth tones of red and brown. A lovely decor, almost inviting.

Clearing her throat, Hermione attempted to catch the attention of the man at the desk, again gripping her hands, as she grew nervous.

"Excuse me sir? I'm here for the secretary position."

She spoke meekly, inclining her head.

The man rose his head, opening those familiar gray eyes. Her eyes swept over his features. His ear length blonde hair framed his strong face. His cheek bones, that jawline...something triggered in her instantly. Staring at the man wide eyed, almost mocking his own expression, Hermione stepped back, backing into the door.

"Mal-Malfoy?" She stuttered, her chest rising and falling, as her breathing suddenly became short.

"Granger? What are you doing here?"

He arched a curious eyebrow at her, standing from his fine leather chair.

End of Chapter One.

R&R :)