Author's Note: All disclaimers apply. I do not own the characters contained in this story. They belong to J.K. Rowling, her publishers, and Warner Bros. Inc. Also thanks for all of the reviews. They are very inspirational and appreciated! Edited to add credit to Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and her plot from Shanna. This entire disclaimer applies to her work as well.

Chapter 4

Nothing Ever Proceeds as Planned

1 year later

"Have you seen this nonsense?" Ronald Weasley asked between bites of an apple while perusing the front page of the Daily Prophet. His blue eyes were narrowed in a disgusted glare and he ran a hand through his fire red hair after a bit in disbelief. "Bloody pardoning Death Eaters and the like in exchange for labor."

Hermione nodded absently only halfway paying him any attention. If she could just finish this incantation she knew she would have another successful counter spell to the hex for blindness. The words just weren't flowing properly, but a few more moments and she would have it just right. A loud clanging over the door to the shop signaled another patron and grimacing at the interruption she put her papers aside.

A frail looking little house elf tiptoed up to her counter glancing about fearfully. "This is the right place yes? Place where Miss Granger help elves?" it inquired almost near tears that it might be mistaken.

Discreetly Hermione let her gaze travel around the shop before nodding toward Fred Weasley on the other side. Returning the gesture he made it his business to occupy the two rather observant witches at the corner of the store he shared with his twin George. They really didn't fit in wearing rather expensive robes and turning up their nose at every magical object and trinket they saw. It would make Hermione feel easier if Fred held their attention while she conversed with the frightened little elf.

"Would you like to see some of the chocolates just imported from Switzerland?" she asked offhandedly. "A new assortment was shipped just the day before yesterday."

Relaxing somewhat the tiny creature enthusiastically bobbed his head and followed her around the counter. Ron took Hermione's place behind the counter and greeted the next patron without a second thought. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary and a few minutes later Hermione emerged again, except the elf was nowhere to be seen.

"All taken care of?" Ron asked under his breath keeping the two witches, now arguing with his brother over the price of a trick broom, in his line of vision.

"Yes, George is setting the dear little thing up with some galleons and finishing with the last of the paperwork to legally request his release," Hermione answered quietly smiling at the two women who had finally grown tired of Fred's zealous salesman approach and were huffing out of the store.

"Didn't think you'd actually get this society of yours off the ground," Ron said with obvious pride. If anything his friend was determined to accomplish whatever task she set out for herself.

"Well I can't say for certain how successful it is if the more prominent families are fighting me as firmly as ever," she sighed wishing that the simple concept of paying someone for a decent days work wasn't so foreign to some pureblooded families.

"They've just got their silk knickers twisted a bit and don't like admitting that change is coming. Eventually they'll have to admit it was needed for a long time," Ron shrugged knowing full well she meant the Goyle and the Crabbe families of the world still clinging to the old ways.

"At least my research is coming along nicely," she smiled brightly feeling much better when talking about applying knowledge and her progress in the areas of spells.

"Still wish you had let us in on the secret sooner. Would've liked to have met the man charming enough to finally get you to say yes." Ron cast a sideways glance toward her wondering when or if she'd ever get around to opening up more about her secret wedding. Sometimes he wondered if she'd just made the entire thing up to secure the money for her research and the society. Then again, that wasn't how Hermione went about things. If anything she was honest to a fault even going so far as to incriminate herself if need be. There had been a gentleman involved but she'd been very tight lipped as to who he was and why he'd died so suddenly.

As it always did when Ron, Harry, Ginny, any of her friends for that matter questioned her about her hasty and brief marriage she grew silent. Only Neville knew the truth of it all, the entire ghastly tale, all of the terms she had to satisfy to ensure her groom's cooperation. The only thing that eased her fears about the affair being uncovered was knowing Neville had placed the Ministry copy of the certificate in a folder and charmed the document so only he could read the contents therein.

He had given Malfoy the other certificate and he would have had it stashed on his body somewhere when he was executed. The most vicious of criminals were sometimes disintegrated and though to this day she did not think Malfoy deserving of such a sentence she was grateful that with such a violent end he had not suffered and all evidence of that night long ago would have died with him.

"Ron I just don't like to talk about," she whispered hoping to sound distraught so that he had decided to bring the topic up yet again. "I told you about the train wreck and you all saw it on the news. It was horrible so can we please just not discuss it? His death was traumatic and I would rather not relive it is all." That much was true. Her conscience had berated her for ever thinking it could be morally sound to marry a man condemned to death just to have an end to her own means. Even though it had been for a decent cause she knew she should have looked harder for a solution, contested the will, anything.

Then there was the matter of the terms that she had fulfilled to complete the bargain. At the time she had told herself if was only a small price to pay and had fully expected to feel nothing afterward. That was not the case and there were times at night she would wake up gasping and crying at how utterly foolish she had been. Sometimes she imagined that Neville also looked at her differently for her decision to uphold the bargain to the fullest extent. Surely it was just her mind playing tricks on her, her guilt taking hold of her in weaker moments.

"Mione' I know you don't like to talk about it, but really you should you know," Ron pressed gently truly believing that a nice long discussion on the subject would help her immensely.

"Ron, I just got another client and I'm really overdue with these notes on some of the spells I've been working on. I promise when things slow down a bit we'll talk more all right?" she pleaded turning brown eyes to him that almost looked to be sparkling with tears.

Never able to upset her or push when she didn't want to open up any further Ron relented and patted her hand affectionately. "Just remember whenever you're finally ready I'll be here to listen."

Offering him a genuine smile of fondness she squeezed his hand in return. "I promise when it's easier and I can stand to talk about it I'll come to you."

They shared a brief hug then Ron not convinced that that she was as capable of dealing with such a heavy burden on her own and Hermione sighing inwardly with relief that she had avoided the topic yet another time. Of course she hadn't seen Harry in a good month as he was away with Ginny on holiday and he was always watching her with an odd note of pity in his gaze. He was careful of his words around her as if she might break. It was endearing and annoying all at once.

The door of the shop opened once more the bells jingling overhead. Hermione heard Ron groan with irritation and stiffen as they pulled away from each other. "Why the bloody hell can't he keep his prat self at the Ministry?" he whispered under his breath watching his one of his elder brothers strolling into the shop.

"Ron, be nice," Hermione warned but understood Ron's attitude with no doubt. Percy Weasley was haughty, shrewd, and without question dull and predictable to a fault. His features added to those qualities with piercing blue green eyes and sharp angled nose and mouth. The only thing that could help Hermione distinguish him as a Weasley was his red hair, not as fiery as Ron and Ginny's, but a definite trait nonetheless. If anything Malfoy had told her were true, he was also possessed of a streak of cruelty if it gained him the information he wanted.

"Ronald, Miss Granger," Percy nodded politely inclining his head as he stopped behind the counter.

His brief show of a smile as he greeted them disappeared instantly. "Honestly Ronald, I know Mother would be appalled that you've yet to form any sort of manners to draw upon in public. Do try and keep your food in your mouth from now on. It looks positively uncouth."

Hermione elbowed Ron in the side behind the counter signaling him to let the insult slide. Percy was very highly ranked in the Ministry still, Junior Assistant to the Minister. There were whispers that in the next election Percy might be favored to win the position of Minister of Magic himself. For her friend's sake she hoped that if Percy did win such an honor he wouldn't make his brothers and sister too terribly miserable in his triumph.

"Good to see you Mr. Weasley," Hermione smiled while Ron brushed bits of apple from his robes scowling at his brother wrathfully.

"Oh I would like it if you wouldn't be so formal Miss Granger. You may call me Percy," he smiled again his past annoyance with Ron forgotten. "As I would hope I might be able to address you by your own given name."

Ron's scowl to turned to shock then horror. Had his brother just casually been kind to Hermione? There was definitely a certain chill in the vicinity of hell for sure.

Taken aback at Percy's decidedly agreeable mood Hermione could only nod in bemusement. "Very well, Percy, I see no reason why we shouldn't drop some of the formalities. Yet, what brings you here? From what I understand you've a full schedule now at the Ministry."

"Actually nothing pleasant really," his mouth tensed into a set frown and his sharp features were drawn even more tightly. "I'm sure you've heard of this nonsense of allowing prisoners a chance at rehabilitation? That rubbish they've been printing in the Prophet is all true I'm afraid, implementing the old practice of Indentured Service. They'll regret it, but the Minister's so concerned with how young most of the prisoner's were when they were sentenced. He's even going so far as to wonder if in all the chaos they got fair trials." Percy snorted then as if it was the most distasteful thing he'd ever spoken of.

"Perhaps the Minister is just trying to sort out some of the confusion that took place after the war ended," Hermione suggested trying to ignore the first twinges of anger. There was still a part of her that was convinced there had been underhanded forces at work during some of the trials and sentences for crimes.

"Oh, Hermione, you'd see the good in anybody really I think," he smiled placating her with an amused tone. "Be careful that you don't let that particular trait get you into trouble someday."

"The reason for your visit," Ron intoned trying to hurry his brother along so he would just leave them in peace.

"Yes, well Hermione I know how determined you've been to help those charming little elves and I wondered if you've be of a mind to help me out as well? A rather large group of prisoners were just transported back to the Ministry this morning and we haven't got the room you see to hold them all. They were offered the chance to forfeit their sentences and enter into a contract with any witch or wizard willing to pay a sum of money to the Ministry for their services. Most are committed to seven years of servitude and I know you're only days away from opening your own second hand stop down the street. Perhaps you could use the help?" Percy inquired raising a red brow of superiority.

The last thing Hermione needed was another encounter with any more prisoners. Her first impulse was to flatly refuse. She was curious however as to what would happen if they weren't placed in the home of another wizard. "Percy," she started having trouble saying his name with such familiarity, "If no one agrees to take these men and women in what will happen them?"

A deep seeded satisfaction graced his features then and a glimmer of pleasure radiated from his eyes. "They'll be shipped back to Azkaban and their case reviewed most likely ending in execution. No better than they deserve."

Hermione blanched at how callous Percy could be about the subject, but he was used to dealing with more uncivilized witches and wizards. He might have his reasons for such malice and hatred. "How much does the Ministry expect one to pay for an Indentured Servant?"

It was Hermione's turn to receive a gaze of shock and disbelief from Ron. "Mione' you can't be seriously considering…"

"They're asking for around eighteen thousand galleons a prisoner. Fair enough I think," Percy answered with a shrug. "So would you consider it?"

"Yes Percy I'll do it. I can have the money sent to the Ministry tomorrow is that soon enough?" Hermione straightened the papers on the counter and came around to stand before Percy.

"Perfect, I will expect you tomorrow then?"

"No, I'm not sure I could make the time to come to the Ministry myself, but if you could choose anyone you want. One you think might be worthy of a second chance and be willing to work, then I'm sure I'll approve," she said quickly not wanting to go about the task of picking through men and women all ready to sneer and spit in her face. The thought of being near any prisoner again unnerved her, but the notion she had been offered the chance to help one and then balked at the opportunity upset her even more. What if she refused to allow someone a fresh start and they were executed unfairly. She couldn't live with anything further on her conscience.

"I suppose that wouldn't be a problem. I could have them report to you tomorrow morning. Will you be here at this," he rolled his eyes above taking in the shop with obvious contempt, "establishment or will you be working in your own shop?"

"My own shop, and tomorrow morning would be fine," she nodded hastily extending her hand to seal their agreement.

Percy took her hand and held it firmly longer than was necessary she thought but released her after a time. "Thank you Hermione. That is one less worry to contend with. I hope you don't regret your decision. Be assured they will be properly secured with charmed wristbands and incapable of performing magic in any sense. You needn't worry about them getting hold of a wand and making an escape or turning against you," he guaranteed her before turning to leave. "Ronald, I know you've yet to decide about a career of any nature, but it would not hurt you either to try and help the cause. You know Father and Mother are frantic for you to make up your mind about that job I offered you at the Ministry."

"I'll be sure to make my decision soon," Ron grumbled half-heartedly thinking he would rather belch slugs again than work under his brother's close scrutiny.

When Percy took his leave Ron shared a sigh of relief with his brothers at the departure of the elder Weasley. "Don't know how we're related in the least," George remarked coming up behind Hermione and Ron from the back of the shop.

"Did you finish with little Prinny?" Hermione asked hoping to change the subject of Percy before Ron snatched onto the idea of quizzing her relentlessly about her choice to take on a servant.

"Yes, poor little bloke," George whistled in regret. "Don't know how people can rightly think a good beating will solve anything, but the world is full of a different lot that's certain."

"Mione' have you lost your mind? I think all those nights pouring over incantations and sneaking elves in and out of the city have buggered something in your head," Ron marveled not willing to let the matter go.

"Ron, I know it sounds a bit out of the ordinary, but the Minister wouldn't suggest such a plan to deal with the excess criminal influx or to help rehabilitate them if he didn't think there was something to the idea." She loved Ron and even more so for worrying about her. She was an adult though, and more than competent to make decisions on her own without having to explain the reasons to everyone.

"I think it's a good idea," Fred said casually straightening a table of wands and magical gadgets. "Hermione could use the help and frankly I'll be glad to be done with this dratted sneaking around all of the time. This shop is supposed to entertaining, not a center of intrigue."

Knowing he was merely teasing her Hermione did not take offense in the least. "You'll miss me Fred Weasley don't think you won't. He's right, having my own stop will be much nicer and I doubt my name will garner the same attention as yours so I will be able to conduct my business affairs more quietly."

"Be careful whose feathers you ruffle," George rejoined from behind her. "This little society is all well and good, but some people are taking this as a direct attack upon their way of life. Just be sure the effort is always worth it is all I will say."

Taking his warning to heart Hermione suspected there was more than one family ready to wish her a painful death. She had freed nearly fifty elves since her society had formally taken shape six months ago and there had been a fair amount of threats. Such warnings had been especially cruel the last time the courts had awarded one elf his freedom and payments of reparation. She hadn't let such things daunt her and dismissing her qualms about the anger of certain Wizarding families and her decision to take in a prisoner, she returned to her paperwork finally finding the right words to complete her incantation.

Percy smirked to himself feeling more than pleased with how the day's events were turning out. Upon returning to the Ministry he solemnly weeded through the horde of prisoners that were ambling through the halls in the lower section of the building. They disgusted him with their unclean smell and ill kept appearance. It was no wonder he was forced to refuse them some of the niceties normally offered, such as a simple shower and combs and brushes to groom themselves somewhat. They didn't appreciate such things and never would again.

One prisoner in particular, the one he had specifically in mind for Hermione had been placed in a solitary cell. Percy was not sure how he had managed to save himself from his original sentence of execution, but somewhere along the way fate had been shining on the undeserving wretch. It would be ideal though if he placed the man with Hermione as it would enable him to keep close watch over him. Also, he knew it would infuriate the prisoner to no end being placed in the service of someone not of pureblood or any stature in society. Watching him bow and scrap to Hermione would be worth the aggravation of allowing him to walk out of the halls of the Ministry.

Opening the door to the cell he wasn't surprised to find the man slumped in the corner his head down and his knees drawn up to his chest. "A trifle melancholy today?"

Vengeful bloodshot eyes rose with measured aggravation and hate. Seeing who had intruded on his miserable peace he shuttered his gaze to hide any and all thoughts. "Ah, the head Weasel. To what do I owe the dubious pleasure?"

"You've been spoken for, well rather I've made an arrangement for you. Miss Granger will be taking you in as a servant so you can spend the rest of your sentence in service to her. I find this particularly helpful, as it will allow me unhindered access to you at all times. I wouldn't think you'd want to try anything foolish and if you should, well more than likely I'll be on hand to see that you're punished for the offense," Percy informed him evenly finding it disconcerting that the man just stared at him dispassionately, not presenting any signs of emotions.

"Is that all? I would have thought it was something earth shattering if you lowered yourself to deliver the news firsthand," the prisoner said without any inflection save, annoyance in his tone.

Tightening his jaw Percy resisted the urge to lose his temper then and there. However that was something his brother Ronald would do, make a scene and appear inept. That certainly was not appropriate. He wouldn't let the disheveled and insignificant man slouching in front of him see he had affected him in any way. "I will be here in the morning. Try and clean yourself up before then when you're allowed and remember to use your more charming manners. Miss Granger might decide to send you back and that would not upset me in the least. I doubt you could cheat death twice."

The cell door slammed again and darkness enshrouded the room. Slowly uncurling his fists the prisoner rose to his feet and dusted himself off thinking it would be next to impossible to ever remove the filth and grime that coated his skin and ragged clothing. There would be time for that soon and at the moment that was the furthest thing from his mind.

Miss Granger, so she still thought to go by her maiden name. Trying to erase any and all connections to the husband she had so carelessly discarded. For the first time in many months he allowed himself a superior smirk that spread wide over his pale face. Yes, he had cheated death and now fate had been generous again. A gleam of excitement flashed in his silvery blue eyes along with what could only be considered possessive triumph.