Chapter 2
"Morning, Louis," Hermione said brightly once she entered the office the next day.
"Good morning, Hermione. I believe congratulations are in order," he smiled, a rare occurrence in his usually pinched or at least indifferent composure.
"Thank you, Louis. I'll begin looking over the Merionto case files immediately," Hermione smiled as she made her way to her desk. Louis nodded appreciatively, returning to his work.
"HERMIONE JEAN GRANGER!" screeched her co-worker Vanessa Sterling as she pulled Hermione aside into her cubicle. Initially, Hermione had been wary of the former Slytherin - although she had never had any contact with the girl who had been two years ahead of her, the raven-haired beauty exuded a constant perfection and familiarity with pureblood society that Hermione had assumed equalled an attitude that rivalled Malfoy's. How wrong, and pleasantly surprised, she was. "Why didn't I immediately get a floo call with the news? I had to find out from this old tosser of a rag," Nessa gestured vaguely to the Witch Weekly issue that had been unceremoniously tossed in the bin. "Oh nevermind, you and Ron must have been celebrating," she waggled her eyebrows at Hermione.
"Oh Nessa," Hermione blushed. "You know -"
"Oh that's right, you two are so disgustingly adorable that all you do is cuddle. I can never live vicariously through you to hear about how you were so enthralled in the throes of passion that-" Nessa began, until interrupted by an intentional clearing of the throat. Nessa and Hermione guiltily turned towards Louis and one of their other co-workers, Brian, who simply looked amused.
"Please keep it workplace appropriate, ladies," Louis said in a clipped tone.
"My fault, sorry Louis," Nessa grinned, her white teeth contrasting sharply with her deep red lipstick.
Louis didn't even attempt to hide rolling his eyes. Nessa wasn't fooling anyone.
"I'll tell you all the details about the proposal at lunch, all right?" Hermione smiled, attempting to appease Nessa's insatiable curiosity.
"Fine, fine. Good luck with that Merionto case. It sounds so much more interesting than the latest transgression in the Flint-Novokov divorce case. Merlin's pants, I can't imagine who would've wanted to marry Flint at such a young age. Or actually any age. Ever," Nessa smirked, turning back to her work. Hermione chuckled before swinging into her own chair and settling down to read through a hefty set of paperwork.
"Draco," Blaise nodded as he passed his friend on the way to the Minister's office.
"Blaise," Draco acknowledged. "Plans to convene with the Minister?"
"Yes, actually. Why am I surprised that you know? After all, you're only a minute number of positions away from becoming his successor, yourself," Blaise chuckled.
"No, I merely deduced your meeting since I rarely happen upon you in these halls. Ordinarily, you're traveling, to Merlin knows where. What will you be meeting him about?"
"Currently, there appears to be an opening for the British-Italian ambassador, and Shacklebolt presumes I may be a qualified candidate. With this position, I would only have to travel between England and Italy, rather than all the way to Burkina Faso or Singapore," Blaise smiled. "I've enjoyed the travel so far, but I'm beginning to miss home. There are also openings for legal, scientific, and business consultation, however, so I expect the conversation will turn to potential candidates for those positions. Actually, I thought you might be able to assist on the business side, given your experience with DM Investments and all."
"Certainly. What type of business merger or cooperation is Italy offering, then?" Draco asked curiously.
"Cooperation, not merging, yet anyways," Blaise clarified. "Related to the pharmamagical industry."
"Health related?" Draco inquired. "You know… I have a person in mind for the legal consult candidate."
"Good morning, Minister," Blaise Zabini smiled as he sat down at Kingsley Shacklebolt's desk.
"Good morning, Mr. Zabini. I trust your mother has been well?" Kingsley's deep voice resonated throughout the office.
"Yes indeed. She took a brief respite over the last week in Italy to visit some family, but she is happy to be back in England. Shall I mention you asked after her?" Blaise's eyes twinkled.
"I'd prefer to do so in person, myself," Kingsley chuckled. "Thank you for seeing me at such short notice. As you know, there's been a recent opening in relations with Italy, and it appears that we are in dire need of a British-Italian ambassador. I've reviewed your experience in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and given your previous negotiation successes as well as your historical and cultural Italian background, I think you'd be the perfect fit."
"I agree," Blaise smiled. "I would be very pleased to take on this position."
"I'm glad that was easily settled then," Kingsley smiled. "We can negotiate your promotion salary later, knowing how talented you are at the art of negotiation."
"Very well," Blaise returned. "What else would you like to discuss?"
"Well, there's a small matter of the particular situation we're currently in with the Italian government. The main topic of discussion between our two governments is largely business related, specifically the pharmamagical industry. Likely, you'll need both a legal, scientific, and business consultant, who would also travel back and forth between Britain and Italy with you. Have you thought of any potential candidates that you know would work well with together?" Kingsley asked.
"I am sure you have already inferred my selection for my business consultant," Blaise said smoothly as he clasped his hands together on the rosewood desk.
"Draco Malfoy," Kingsley ventured, without hesitation.
"Naturally," Blaise nodded. "As one of my classmates and perhaps the most experienced businessman that Britain currently has to offer, his expertise is unparalleled, and I know for certain that I'd be able to work with him efficiently."
"There is, however, the matter of his background," Kingsley said cautiously. "Do you think he can be trusted with such a pivotal role in the future of our wizarding economy?"
"All Draco has done since the war is try to repair the damage he and his family inflicted on our society. If it hadn't been for his company that organizes and helps businesses back on their feet after the war, the entire wizarding community would have suffered an economic collapse. Besides, if you did not trust him, you never would have let him set foot in this Ministry beyond his trial, much less have an office that's a mere four doors down from you," Blaise defended his friend.
Kingsley smiled. "I couldn't have said it better myself. I hope Mr. Malfoy realizes what a true friend he has in you, Mr. Zabini. I agree, we'll appoint Mr. Malfoy to be your business consultant. Scientific consultant?"
"Naturally, Ms. Olympia Dynan. She's on the board of directors for most, if not all, of the pharmamagical companies based in Britain, and has typically been the brains behind most innovation in the field."
Kingsley nodded. "She's quite accomplished, and rumor has it that she's one of the most persuasive people in Wizarding Britain. If she'll have us, she would fit in quite nicely."
Blaise nodded his assent.
"But what of your legal consult?"
"You might be surprised of my request, but I'd like to enlist Hermione Granger, if she'll work with us," Blaise proposed as Kingsley's eyebrows shot up.
"She's certainly a talented witch, but I'm surprised that you would propose that she work with you - I understand that relations between your friends and the Gryffindor trio were less than ideal before, during, and after the war," Kingsley said confusedly.
"However unfortunately true that is - was," Blaise corrected himself, "I believe that given the chance, we'll be able to work together professionally, if not find some common ground."
"Why her in particular?"
"Well, given her position previously in the Care for Magical Creature department, she had to do a great deal of negotiation as well as perform innumerable ambassadorial positions with different creatures and their societies. In addition, her current position in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and especially with her focus in Wizengamot Administration, guarantees that she knows laws backwards and forwards. I also recently read up on her instrumental preparation in the St. Mungo's malpractice suit, so she's had experience with healthcare and healthcare laws in Britain. Honestly, sir, she couldn't be a better fit," Blaise finished. "Most other lawyers' expertise is based in estate law and custody battles. Everything after the chaos of the war is tied up in different claims to various forms of property. Healthcare has taken the back burner, and she's one of very few who have taken on St. Mungo's. Hardly anyone will challenge them, since their families more than likely owe the hospital their lives."
Kingsley nodded his head, musing. "I can certainly see what you see in her. And I certainly believe that the three of you, if given a few hours to hash out old resentments, would be able to work together smoothly and effectively. Ms. Dynan would also smooth things over. You four could be a force to reckon with," Kingsley said. He smiled at Blaise.
"Good, then I believe all that's in order is to notify her of a potential job opening. Now let's see what we can do about your salary…"
Two Months Later...
Ginny barged into Hermione's office, slamming her bag down on Hermione's desk. "You're not going to marry him," she stated coolly.
Hermione looked up from her paperwork, frowning. "I'm not marrying who?"
"Ronald, " Ginny said exasperatedly. "Who else for Merlin's sake, Draco Malfoy?"
Hermione arched an eyebrow. "And why am I not marrying Ron?"
"You may not realize it yet, but you two are just...just... bad for each other! You're not suited for one another. Look," Ginny emphasized as she noticed Hermione's amused and slightly exasperated look. "He's not at your level of intelligence-"
"There are more important things in a relationship than equal levels of smarts," Hermione broke in. "Ron isn't dumb, as I'm sure you know. That's plenty enough for me," Hermione asserted.
"Don't interrupt me!" Ginny snapped. "When have you ever had an intellectually stimulating conversation with him? Recently?"
"A perfectly normal dinner conversation about the current situation with the Death Eaters' orphans. We agreed to disagree," Hermione stated simply. "Ginny, we're fine."
"No, see, that's two, well actually three, problems right there. How often do your political views line up? Rarely - you're far too generous and kind-hearted, while Ron can barely stand to share his friendship with Harry and you, much less the Ministry's resources. Merlin help us all if you two ever get into a conversation about politics. Another thing - Death Eaters are what interest him. That's what he does for a living. When's the last time he ever gave you any airtime about your work with the mermaid judiciary systems? The things that you love, no matter how boring that might seem? If I really want to be nitpicky, I'd also comment on your word choice there, hmm? Whatever happened to 'we love each other'? You guys are just 'fine'?"
Hermione frowned, and Ginny pounced. "Look Hermione, Ron's been second-best all his life. At first just in our family, and then with you and Harry at Hogwarts. Now that he's entered Auror training, he'll always be in Harry's shadow. Frankly, Harry is just better. Faster, smarter, kinder. More strategic, better at spellwork - in a few years, he'll be Head Auror. And you know it, too, don't you deny it. If Ron marries you, he'll never be able to escape his feelings of inadequacy and jealousy. He will never challenge you to think from a different perspective, because he couldn't care less. He will get jealous, selfish, critical, and therefore unkind. Insensitive, too, as he has always been before.
"You need someone to support you, to brainstorm ideas with and to be a fantastic sounding board. Someone who is just as bright and stubborn as you, and who is interested in what you have to say simply because you find it interesting. You need someone to challenge you, cherish you, and cheer you up or cheer you on when the goings get tough or when you set out to accomplish seemingly impossible things. And that's exactly everything that Ron is not. He needs someone to dote on, someone who isn't as practical as you and independent minded. Someone who doesn't hold their career and accomplishments as high of a priority as you. He needs to be worshipped - and you refuse to worship anyone," Ginny finished her rant, breathing heavily.
"Ginny," Hermione smiled tragically. "That would be the type of person who is perfect for me. But perfect people like that don't exist."
"But there are better people for both you and Ron out there," Ginny said firmly, before picking up her bag. "Do yourself a favor for once, would you? Forget what anyone else wants and do what you want. Don't marry Ron because you don't want to hurt his feelings. Don't marry him because my mum wants you as a daughter, or because I want you as my sister. Break it off now so that you both have time to heal and find someone else before you realize ten years in with three children that you really weren't meant for each other," Ginny said sadly before turning on her heel and walking out of Hermione's office. Hermione was stunned, reeling from the redhead's abrupt intrusion and departure.
"Well, that was out of the blue," Nessa commented from her cubicle across the way.
"Not really. Ron and I had been beginning to plan our wedding date at our weekly Sunday dinner at the Burrow, yesterday. We got into a bit of a row," Hermione frowned.
"Wasn't this supposed to be your celebratory dinner about the Merionto case? What happened?"
"I want a long engagement, and he wants to be married next month. We're both stubborn, so compromise isn't exactly in our vocabulary," Hermione sighed, only to be startled by Nessa loudly making an alarm noise.
"Red flag, right there," Nessa pointed out. "How on Earth are you two going to be able to compromise if it comes to the big decisions? A wedding date is really not that big of a deal."
Hermione let her head fall and bang on her desk. "Lovely. The last thing I need on my shoulders is if my engagement is endangered."
"Hmm," Nessa examined her own fingernails as she spoke. "I would say, rather, that your whole future life is endangered if you're engaged to the wrong man."
Hermione shook her head. Couldn't they see that she and Ron, though imperfect, were meant to be?
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy. Please, come in," Kingsley Shacklebolt's voice was muffled through the door. Draco swung the door open, smiling politely as he sat without invitation. Shacklebolt studied him, slightly perplexed at the paradox sitting in front of him. Malfoy Junior was clearly arrogant and egotistical, but humbled by his mistakes and current reputation. Manipulative and scheming, but loyal to a fault within his family and friends. Selfish and cruel, but so kind and generous to a select few that it was hard to believe he was the same person. Kingsley shrugged internally. He supposed that that was what it meant to be human.
"How may I be of service, Minister?" Draco inquired.
"I am sure Mr. Zabini has already debriefed you on why I have called you here," Shacklebolt smiled.
"I'm sure that I do not know what you mean?" Draco raised an eyebrow.
"I have no time for games, Mr. Malfoy," Shacklebolt chuckled. "Will you take the position of business advisor for our new British-Italian ambassador?"
"I would be happy to," Draco nodded seriously. "Though I have one question."
"Please," Shacklebolt gestured for him to continue.
"It is my understanding that you already confirmed Blaise for the ambassadorial position two months prior to our meeting. May I ask why you are only now able to begin assigning Blaise's advisory positions?"
"Well, Mr. Malfoy, you were not the only candidate that the Ministry was in charge of reviewing for the position, despite Mr. Zabini's recommendation."
"Of course," Draco drawled. "But I would have imagined that Blaise's recommendation would have expedited the process."
"I am sure our time would be better spent negotiating your responsibilities, promotion bonus, and subsequent benefits, rather than discussing how you came to sit across from me at this desk," Shacklebolt pointed out bluntly.
"Naturally," Draco inclined his head. "Please continue."
A ministry owl flew to Hermione's desk, startling her from her paperwork.
"Bloody owl!" Hermione cursed as the bird scattered her files across the floor. She plucked an owl treat from her jar, feeding it while she untied the message from its leg. It hooted indignantly before flying away.
HG: If possible, please come to my office at 12:30pm today.
~Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt
Hermione glanced at her watch, widening as she look between the current time and the enormous stack of files that now needed to be reorganized, thanks to the Minister's owl. She had less than an hour before her meeting with the Minister.
Fifty-four files completed and reorganized and exactly half an hour later, Hermione was walking down the hall to Kingsley's office when she bumped into none other than Draco Malfoy.
"Granger," he acknowledged as she approached Shacklebolt's office.
"Malfoy," she nodded, surprised that they had somehow called a truce of civility. "I'm surprised to see you here."
"I'd get accustomed to my presence, if I were you," Malfoy smirked haughtily. "I have a distinct feeling that we'll be seeing a whole deal more of each other."
Hermione merely looked at him questioningly before brushing past him.
"Come in!" Kingsley called.
Hermione entered to find the Minister waiting intently for her, a contemplative look on his face. "Good afternoon, Minister."
"Hermione," Kingsley smiled warmly. "And please, none of this 'Minister' nonsense. I am just 'Kingsley' to you."
"My mistake," Hermione smiled. "How have you been, Kingsley?"
"Quite well, thank you for asking. Do you know why I've called you here today?" Kingsley asked, getting straight to business.
"No, I'm afraid I really have no idea," Hermione informed him.
"Well, if you haven't heard the news, we've recently appointed an ambassador between the British and Italian governments to head the cooperation of an expansion of an Italian company into the British markets."
"Blaise Zabini?" Hermione asked, vaguely recalling her former classmate.
"Indeed," Kingsley nodded. "Now, although Mr. Zabini will be in charge of the main negotiations between our two governments, his talents lie in the negotiation rather than in the knowledge of the British business and scientific world or legal boundaries. We've already hired Mr. Zabini's business advisor, though we've just been denied by our first choice for scientific consultant. We're also looking for a legal consultant. We believe, given your talent for negotiation with magical creatures and your combined expertise in the legality of various cases during your time in the Wizengamot, that you would be the perfect fit to advise Mr. Zabini."
Hermione's interest had been peaked. "What would the responsibilities entail?"
"I wouldn't imagine too different a position than the one you currently hold," Kingsley smiled. "Like your preparation for the Wizengamot prosecution, you would similarly prepare Mr. Zabini on potential legal boundaries in Britain as well as in Italy on the topics that he happens to be negotiating. For this particular business situation, you'll likely be concerned mainly with healthcare, experimental trials, patient confidentiality and privacy, etcetera. You would have to familiarize yourself with Italian law, but I don't expect it would be too great a challenge for a mind like yours, Hermione."
Hermione was becoming more excited by the minute. "Simply put: research, prepare, advise, repeat?" Kingsley nodded. "Would I be traveling to Italy to directly take part in the negotiations, as well?"
"Yes, absolutely. Though Mr. Zabini will be, let's say, your team lead, it is expected that you take part in the discussions as well."
Hermione nodded, lost in her whirlwind thoughts at this new opportunity.
"Do you think you might take the position?" Kingsley prompted after a moment's silence.
"I believe I'll have to talk this over with my fiancee, but I am especially excited and grateful for the opportunity, Kingsley. I think it would pose to be a very interesting and rewarding experience," Hermione smiled.
"Good. I'm glad to hear it. You don't have to get back to me immediately, but in the next two weeks would be ideal."
"Of course," Hermione smiled. "Is there anything else?"
"Not at all, I'm sorry to keep you from your work. Congratulations on the successful Merionto case, by the way. The Wizengamot truly could not have done it without your support," Kingsley praised.
"Thank you, Kingsley," Hermione smiled as she stood up and made to leave. Just at the door, however, she turned. "One last question - who has been confirmed for the business consultant?"
"Draco Malfoy," Kingsley said slowly, trying to gauge her reaction. Hermione's mouth twisted slightly, as if she weren't really surprised, but had been hoping for a different answer. "Do you think your past history would impede you from working together?" Kingsley asked gently.
Hermione paused, mulling over his words.
"I don't really believe so. In the past few times I've run into him, he's been perfectly professional and actually offered advice that, though was painful to hear, was quite valid. And I am grateful for that. I think Malfoy and I are at least mature enough to maintain a professional setting, so I don't believe it would pose a problem," Hermione answered truthfully.
Kingsley smiled. "I was hoping to hear that. Have a good day, Hermione."
Hermione waved, before returning to her office.
AN: Hi everyone! Thanks so much for your favorites, follows, and reviews! I wanted to take the opportunity to address some of the Guest reviews (If you reviewed on your account, hopefully you've gotten a PM from me, otherwise, it will be coming soon!) simply for the sake of dialogue. Apologies to those who would rather not see a lengthy AN, but Guest reviewers leave me little choice on the matter if I wish to speak with them.
Guest #1: Hopefully if you've decided to continue reading my story, you'll be able to see this! What about the summary got you "off on the wrong foot"? I recognize that I'm writing Draco and Hermione slightly different from JKR, but I'd appreciate your comments on my thoughts about their development.
MMM takes place at least 5 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, where Hermione and Draco have significant experiences that have changed them. Hermione is not Ron, but after five years of cleaning out the Ministry of Death Eater influence, I would argue that she'd be considerably more irritable that blood prejudice still appears to be ingrained within their society. Does this mean she'd blow up at every little comment? Of course not. But given the stress of a high profile case (honestly, what lawyer would want to take on St. Mungo's, the hospital that more than likely saved their loved ones' lives?) and the length of time Hermione spent in that meeting, she'd be understandably extremely frustrated that blood was a barrier yet again in such an important aspect of her career.
Another thing to note in Hermione's rage - she and Ron have spent the majority of their lives together, and as you can see by Ron's desperation to research the perfect setting for his proposal, they've picked up some of each other's traits. Is this ideal? Not necessarily, but these things can happen easily in relationships, and it was something I hope you will see as very probable and another point to the flaws in their relationship.
In regards to Draco, five years is plenty enough time to change, given the drastic consequences that I'm sure the Malfoys faced in the aftermath of the war. Before, of course he flaunted his superior status at every chance he got! But five years later after becoming the scum of wizarding society, where the public watched his every move, waiting for an excuse to throw him into Azkaban? He learned to blend in, to follow everyone else's direction whilst secretly pushing his own ideas at the same time. Even before the war, however, I expect Draco's interaction with pureblood society to be an entirely different side than what Harry saw during his time at Hogwarts. Draco would've been expected to have impeccable manners (of course only in respectable company), where he represented the Malfoy reputation and assured others that he would carry on the power and success for which the Malfoy line is infamous. I imagine a society where political maneuvers are discussed over tea as they lounge in their luxurious mansions, Merlin forbid you were to outright blurt your plot to ruin the minister's reputation. The gossip that that would bring! Draco is no stranger to the art of subtlety; he's just never had to worry about it in the audience of muggleborns and halfbloods. Now he does, and as his career fleshes out some more in the coming chapters, I hope you'll see that he wouldn't have gotten where he is had he still acted the spoilt brat from Hogwarts.
Let me know your thoughts, and for the rest of you, please review! This is how I become a better writer!