"What am I looking for again, Granger?" asked Draco, who was sitting on the couch in the flat trying to keep up with Hermione's speed.
"I'm trying to figure out what the eighth of each month would mean for Charmers," said Hermione, scrolling through her copious books and notes.
After Rose showed Hermoine the disturbing message posted on Troy Charmer's Kells account, Hermione immediately began to collect any books and encyclopedias she can think of to review dates and calendars.
"Why the eighth?" asked Draco.
"Because," said Hermione, still focusing on her books. "The phrase is - Among the eight, we'll strike the many who are small. You think you know what we mean, guess you'll see. That number must mean something."
"And you think it means a date," said Draco.
"It must mean that," said Hermione who was struggling to pick up a very heavy leather bound book.
"Oh for Merlin's sake, Granger," sighed Draco getting up. "I'll get that for you."
"I'm perfectly capable of doing it myself," protested Hermione who didn't want to admit that her bump prevented her from picking up a book. Finally Hermione acquiesced and let Draco move the book to the kitchen table.
"Thanks," said Hermione with Draco nodding silently. The door opened and Hattie rushed in while Ron walked in with the groceries.
"Hello, sweet girl!" said Hermione as Hattie slowed down to look at all of the big books. "How was nursery today?"
"Mummy, why do you have books?" asked Hattie.
"Yes, why does Mummy have books?" asked Ron, still standing at the door after being taken aback by the smell of parchment and leather. Needless to day, Ron was not thrilled that their flat has now turned into a library.
"I'm trying to decode a message from the Charmers," said Hermione. "Among the eight, we'll strike the many who are small. I think Charmer and his supporters are planning an attack, since JCharmer loves notoriety, he may be planning it on a specific day."
"I don't think Charmer's that picky about his days to attack," said Ron.
"His Gryffindor Deatheathers attacked us on Boxing Day," argued Hermione.
"Right," said Ron sensing that he would lose this argument. "Also, why is Malfoy here?"
"Granger stopped by Grimmauld Place, said 'I need your help,' then I was back in the flat," said Draco. "She then gave me a pile of books to review, and I've been doing that since you left this morning."
"Do Harry and Ginny know he's here?" asked Ron.
"Of course!" said Hermione. "I told them...later on this afternoon...when Harry came home and called me to see if Draco was at our flat."
"Oh, Hermione," sighed Ron, rubbing the temple of his forehead.
"What?" huffed Hermione, putting her hands on her hips.
"You're getting all worked up over a dodgy phrase," said Ron. "You're not thinking straight..."
"Yes I am!" countered Hermione, slightly offended. "I know what I'm doing!"
"Do you?" asked Ronald, raising his voice a little. "Because when was the last time I came home to a flat full of leather books?!"
"Um,should I leave?" asked Draco wishing he was back at Grimmauld Place.
"No!" said Ron and Hermione simultaneously making Draco immediately sit back down.
"I know what I'm doing, Ronald!" said Hermione.
"I'm just saying that maybe, just maybe, you're going a little board-over with this!" yelled Ron, gesturing to the books.
"It's overboard," corrected Hermione.
"It doesn't matter what the phrase is - you've gone completely mad!" blasted Ron pointing at Hermione.
At that phrase, Hermione took a step back and looked down at the ground. Ron immediately realized that he had gone too far in his words. Meanwhile, Draco felt like melting into the couch. He had seen Hermione and Ron argue before during their school days but never as adults in a more personal setting. While all of this was going on, Hattie had made her way to one of the piles of books and began to climb on them like a toy at the playground.
" 'Mione," said Ron. "I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean it..."
"No, you're right, Ron," sighed Hermione. "I did go overboard. I just thought that maybe, after all this time, we could finally outsmart him and beat him."
"And we will, love," sad Ron, putting his hands on her shoulders and making Hermione smile. "And I know you'll figure out whatever this message means."
"Um, I'm still here," interrupted Draco.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Draco!" said Hermione, embarrassed that they fought in front of Draco.
"Oh bloody hell," murmured Ron also embarrassed that Draco witnessed their fight. It was one thing for them to fight in front of Harry or their kids, but another to fight in front of Draco, someone they were still getting to know personally.
"I should probably head back over to Grimmauld Place," said Draco, standing up from the couch.
"Well, before you go," said Hermione. "Perhaps you could stay for dinner? We have enough for one more person." .
"Yeah," said Ron. "Besides, you're kinda part of this whole operation now, even if you are supposed to be in hiding."
Draco looked at Ron and Hermione seeing genuine kindness and hospitality in their faces. Although he was taken aback by the gesture, he nevertheless welcomed it after months of isolation and loneliness.
"Sure," said Draco smiling. "I'll stick around for dinner."