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Monday, 3 September 2012

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It was 11:30 on a monday and Purple Palace was quiet. Not a single potential voter in sight. Helga, Erik, Henry and Hermione had resorted to playing cards. This time it was a muggle card game called SET where the aim is to find three cards that were either the same or different in all four attributes. Erik had brought it in yesterday and it had quickly gained popularity among both the staff and the visitors. You could only talk politics so much, after all.

They all looked up when the door opened and in walked none other than Septima Vector, Hermione's old arithmancy teacher. Hermione quickly got up to greet the newcomer.

"Professor Vector. Welcome."
"I think you are old enough now, miss Granger, to call me Septima."
"Only if you call me Hermione. Would you like some tea:"
"Yes, please. But I think I should probably avoid those purple cupcakes of yours. The Daily Prophet would love to post a picture of me supporting another candidate."
"Oh, I have a few without the propaganda hiding here somewhere. Let me check."

Hermione fussed about until she had two cups of tea and two ordinary cupcakes laid out on a table in front of them.

"So how are you doing, Septima?"
"Fine. Fine. I doubt I will become minister for magic, but one has to do one's best, don't you think?"
"Exactly what I say. One just does one's best and then it is up to the magical community to choose their favourite and if it isn't me then at least I know I did my best."
"If I remember correctly you always tended to do a little bit more than your best at Hogwarts. If it is not to be me, then I hope it will be you."
"Thank you Septima, that is very kind of you to say. For what it's worth I think you could make an excellent Minister for Magic. If I wasn't running myself I might just have decided to vote for you."
"Not for mister Zabini? You two always seem to get along so well."
"Zabini was in my year at Hogwarts. I don't know if I would call him my friend, but we do have friends in common and we bump into one another at social gatherings every now and then. But being friendly with him does not mean I think he is the best candidate for the position. He is certainly not the worst though. I would choose him over a couple of the others, I must say."
"You are probably right. He seems like a good kid."
"So, what brings you here?"
"Nothing much. Mostly I was curious to see the place. I have heard a bit about it and I figured that now that the Hogwarts rush is over and it has quieted down a bit I could spare a moment for tea with an old student."
"You are always welcome here."
"Thank you, dear."
"Can I ask you some questions about those numbers you have been quoting lately?"
"Of course."
"You seem to have a much better grasp on what is really going on with the magical community than the ministry does. Average household income, number of treatments and patients at St. Mungo's and the funding of different ministry departments and institutions. Where are the numbers coming from?"

"Honestly, most of them come from different projects my research students have done over the years. The data is there, but it needs to be analysed. By going through the records and analysing the numbers my students learn any number of skills in both data handling and analysis. There are specific spells involved that very few people bother learning. But it is useful for some careers. Both Gringotts and the ministry tend to be eager to hire my students."

"No matter how much I studied I always wish I could have studied more. I would have loved to be one of your research students after Hogwarts."
"I would have loved to have you."

"I learned the hard way that one has to make a choice. One can't do everything."
"Oh I remember. You were a shadow after only a few months with that time turner around your neck."

The two of them reminisced about Hogwarts for a bit, but eventually Septima said her goodbyes and left. Hermione told her she was welcome to stop by at any time. When she was gone Hermione stared at the door for a couple of minutes before taking up her fred.

[Hermione:] Septima Vector just stopped by Purple Palace.

[Draco:] What did she want?

[Hermione:] I don't know. Just to chat apparently.

[Draco:] Interesting.

[Hermione:] I think I have been hanging around you guys too much.

[Draco:] How so?

[Hermione:] I am suspicious. Like she must have an ulterior motive for her visit.

[Draco:] If she was a slytherin then I would say you are right, but some people are not that complex.

[Hermione:] Maybe you are right. Maybe I am seeing shadows where there are none.

[Draco:] It is always good to be suspicious. Specially where you are heading.

[Hermione:] Meaning?

[Draco:] There will be endless shadows and backstabbing at the ministry. This is good practice.

[Hermione:] I guess we'll just see what happens.

[Draco:] If she was a russian spy from an eighties movie then she just planted a bug or a tracker on you.

[Hermione:] You watch eighties movies?

[Draco:] I am full of surprises, aren't I.

[Hermione:] You sure are.

[Draco:] Stop worrying about things you can't do anything about.

[Hermione:] I suppose.

[Draco:] See you tonight?

[Hermione:] I'll be the one in the dark green dress.

[Draco:] Slytherin colours. I like it.

[Hermione:] This is what happens when I make a snake restock my wardrobe.

[Draco:] Mwahahahaha.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Hermione decided to host a girls-only pre-party, with the ulterior motive of trying to get Ginny on board with the whole Ron and Pansy situation. Ginny, Pansy, Luna, Hannah and Padma were all invited to Hermione's house to "get pretty". Pansy had booked her hairdresser, her makeup artist and her nail artist to come and work their magic on them. Hermione was not a big fan of being overly girly, but every now and then one could indulge in something like this.

The living room now had several full length mirrors instead of the usual side tables and three throne like chairs where the hairdresser, the makeup artist and the nail artist could work their magic. A large chocolate fountain had been set up with some fresh fruit. Chances were that someone would spill chocolate all over their dress moments before they left for the gala.

Ginny was first to arrive with a gigantic bundle that Hermione assumed were her dress robes.

"Welcome."
"Thanks. Am I the first to arrive?"
"Apparently so."
"Who else is coming?"
"Luna, Padma, Pansy and Hannah."
"You can't be serious. Do we have to be friends with Pansy now?"
"Yes, we do. She is dating your brother. Deal with it and be nice. After yesterday's fiasko she could use at least one Weasley who is nice to her."

"Technically I am a Potter."
"Well, you're still a ginger."

Padma arrived at that and Hannah was right behind her. Both had bought new dresses for the occasion and were eager to show off. Everyone was marveling at Padma's crimson dress when Pansy came through the floo followed by three professional looking witches, each carrying a large bag of supplies. Ginny, Padma and Hannah got themselves comfortable on the thrones as Hermione and Pansy got comfortable on the couch and reached for the chocolate covered strawberries and some wine.

"Seriously, how did you talk me into this? I am here with Ron's sister who hates me, his ex-wife and his ex-girlfriend. At least you didn't invite Lavender. Or did you? Can I expect her coming through the floo any moment?"

"Relax. If you are going to make this work with Ron then you will have to put up with this lot. Just try to enjoy yourself."

"Fat chance."
"Ok. Pretend you are enjoying yourself?"
"Seventy eight minutes to go of this madness."
"That's the spirit."

Luna arrived 20 minutes late, already dressed in what she intended to wear. A floor length robe with unicorns running along the lower hemn. She rarely dressed quite as quirky as she did back at Hogwarts, but Luna had held on to her free spirit and every now and then one could see the girl she used to be.

Neither Ginny nor Pansy mentioned the unpleasantness at the Burrow the previous day, and at least they were socialising in a group together. Small progress is still progress.

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Harry, Ron and Neville were waiting the bar when the girls arrived to Greengrass manor. As before Daphne and Alexey stood there greeting the newcomers. Both Pansy and Hermione got a hug from Daphne as she marveled at their attire but the rest of the company had to contend with a polite handshake, a smile and a "Welcome to Greengrass manor".

They wondered towards the bar where Neville rushed towards Hannah saying, "Please tell me I get to go home with this beautiful witch." She just laughed and replied, "I just got here, Neville. No talking about going home until at least midnight. First I want good food, dancing and entertainment. Then maybe, just maybe, I may consider going home with you. You are quite a handsome wizard and I could do worse."

It turned out that there was assigned seating so most of them ended up at different tables. Hermione found her table and was pleased to see that she was at Daphne's table seated besides Alexey. On her other hand she was pleasantly surprised to read Filius Flitwick on the name tag, although he was not there yet. Seated already however were Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass along with Theo and Emily. Hermione smiled and greeted everyone before taking her seat.

She had not been sitting there for more than a couple of minutes when someone tugged on her hair. She turned around and found a smirking George sitting at the table behind her.

"It's rude to pull a lady's hair, George."
"Since when are you a lady," he said with a wink. Then he diverted her attention to the witch sitting next to him. "Hermione, I would like you to meet Iris. Iris, you may have heard about this one. Hermione Granger."

The witch in question was wearing blood red robes and a devious expression on her face. Hermione wondered if she really was up to something or if this was her natural expression. Whichever it was, the two of them looked good together.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

"Cheers, Miss Granger"

"And cheers to you Mrs. Potter."

"I should do this more often. I know Harry doesn't like these events, but it is nice to dress up every now and then and just enjoy life."
"Good thing one of us is enjoying herself. My face hurts from all the smiling and my hand is getting bruised from all the hand shaking. Why do Wizards think it is acceptable to grip my hand this hard?"
"They know you are fierce and they are trying to convince you they aren't scared of you."
"You're probably right."
"I noticed a couple of snakes sitting at the bar earlier. The blond one has been following you with his eyes quite a lot."
"You are very observant, Mrs. Potter."
"Well, I worry that my best friend may have fallen into a pit of snakes and may need rescuing."
"Your best friend is handling it so far."

"Are you sure?"
"The snakes are harmless. Don't worry."
"I always worry."

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Hermione was sipping at her wine and listening to Rowena Lestrange and Neolin Parkinson argue about potion making regulations. They had attracted quite a crowd and Hermione knew she should offer her own opinion on the matter but she had developed a headache. There was a piercing behind her eyes that was getting worse. She looked down at her drink and was unsure how many she had had tonight. Maybe she should switch to water.

On her way to the bar she saw both Harry and Ron on the dancefloor. Their dancing has improved slightly over the years, but their dancing skills were still unlikely to attract the ladies. It was endearing really. She noticed Pansy looking slightly uncomfortable in Ron's arms. The source of her discomfort could be located in Harry's arm. Ginny was glairing quite openly at her brother's date, but Hermione trusted Harry to calm Ginny down.

At the bar she tried to get the waiter's attention, but he was busy. This headache was very persistent. She closed her eyes and massaged the spot between her eyebrows. Suddenly there was a familiar voice in her head.

+ Green really is a lovely colour on you. I should buy you dresses more often. +

She opened her eyes and blinked twice as she tried to get the world to stop spinning.

"Malfoy?"

Draco drew his eyebrows together as he scrutinised her. She looked like she was not quite managing to focus on him.

"Are you Ok?"

"Not really, no. I have a pounding headache."

"You look a bit pale. How much have you been drinking?"

"I don't know."

"Who was minister for magic in 1826?"

"I… I'm not sure. The french one?"

"You sound drunk."

"I hope I am not about to throw up. Your dress robes look very pretty. And soft."

"Hermione. Look at me."

"Which one?"

"Focus now, Granger. Can you see the door over there?"

"Yes."

"Can you walk to that door? There is a corridor behind it. Just keep walking. I will meet you before you reach the end of it. Ok?"

"Ok."

Hermione started walking. She must be drunk. She was really not feeling well. Someone tried to catch her attention but she just smiled politely and kept going towards the door.

Why was she heading for the door again? Seemed like a silly thing to do really. But there must be something important behind it. Mustn't there? She just couldn't quite recall what that something was.

When she finally stumbled through the door she found herself in a wide corridor stretching far into the manor. She had a headache but at least it was quiet here. Maybe she had a painkiller in her purse somewhere. She started going through her purse. Why did she have some much unnecessary things in her purse? She was standing there with her purse in one hand and a novel by Oscar Wilde in the other. The happy prince and other tales. She should read that. It looked interesting. Then she noticed someone running towards her. Malfoy? She should defend herself. Where was her wand?

+ Don't curse me, Hermione. Put down your wand. +

"What are you doing here?"
"Trying my best to save you from yourself. Now come on. Mr. Greengrass has a floo in his study. Let's get you home."

Hermione allowed herself to be led to the nearest double doors. With a simple 'alohomora' from Draco they were through and at the floo. Draco assisted Hermione into the fireplace, threw down some floo powder and announced to the empty room; "Villa Villekulla".

At Hermione's house she sat down on a familiar looking couch. Her mind was slipping. Things were foggy.

"There you go. Are you feeling any better?"

"Where are we?"
"Your house. What were you drinking Granger?

"Everything is fuzzy."

"Come now, look at me."

Draco looked in Hermione's eyes and saw something looking like black smoke dancing in her eyes. The smoke thickened and swirled. Draco had never seen anything like it. As the smoke clouded over her entire eyeballs Hermione gasped and then went completely limp. She fell forwards and would have hit the floor if Draco hadn't caught her. He cursed as he lay her unconcious form on the sofa. Whatever this was, it was something more than just alcohol.

"Batty!"

Draco's house elf appeared with a pop.

"Master called?"
"In my study. In a blue box on the third shelf behind my desk. My bezoar. Go get it! Quick as you can!"

Batty disappeared again with a pop.

"Hold on Hermione. Whatever this is, we will fix it."

The seconds ticked by and Hermione's breathing slowed. This could not be happening. Draco felt sweat break out on his neck as he ran through different scenarios and assessed his options.

With a pop Batty was back. Draco grabbed the bezoar in his hand, pried Hermione's lipa open, placed it into Hermione's mouth and closed her jaws. This better work.

"Batty, where are Hermione's house elfs? Where is Spike?"

"Here master Malfoy", came a quiet squeak from the door. Spike was holding hands with another house elf, both looking petrified and staring at the pale figure laying almost lifeless on the couch.

"Spike, can you please get Potter for me? He is at Greengrass manor. Don't tell him what is going on or who sent you. Just get him here as fast as possible. He can help her."

"Yes master Malfoy."

With a pop Spike was gone. Draco turned his attention to Hermione again. He thought she might be breathing slightly easier, but it may just have been his own wishful thinking. What on Earth had happened? His mind ran through several possible explanations, but none presented itself as more likely than any of the rest.

Spike popped directly into the living room holding hands with Harry who was holding hands with Ginny. Within seconds they had jumped to their own conclusions, drew out wands and pointed them at Draco.

"Step away from Hermione, Malfoy."
"Don't be daft, Potter. I just sent Spike to get you."
"Then explain yourself."
"She was poisoned at the party. We thought she was drunk so we got her home, but when I realised the extent of the mater I shoved a bezoar into her mouth. I don't know if it's helping though. I think you need to get her to St. Mungos."

Harry dropped his wand and rushed to Hermione. He looked in her mouth and saw the bezoar on her tongue.

"It's not far enough down her throat."

He shoved it further and Hermione's breathing immediately eased a bit.

"Why did you send for me?"
"You are an Auror and her best friend. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that you needed to get involved directly."
"Why not take her to St. Mungo's yourself?"
"They would spend hours interrogating me instead of helping her. Sort of like you are doing now, Potter. If you show up with a patient they will get to work immediately, no questions asked. So go. Take her there."
"And what about you?"
"I'll stay here quietly until you can interrogate me properly. Don't worry."

"I'm going to have to take your wand."

"Of course you do. Just like old times, eh?"

Draco handed over his wand and Harry handed it to Ginny.

"I'll stay with him, Harry. Take Hermione to St. Mungo's."

Harry didn't like it but realised he had no choice but to follow Draco's plan. He lifted Hermione into his arms and walked towards the floo. Ginny helped him with the floo powder and with green flames engulfing the two of them they disappeared.

Draco and Ginny, with a wand in each hand, were left alone together in Hermione's living room. Draco threw himself on the couch and put his head in his hands as he sighed.

"So, you're in the business of saving people now?"

"That's the story I am sticking to. The question is if anyone will believe me."

Ginny scrutinised Draco for a minute, trying to see whatever Hermione saw in this man. He looked genuinely worried.

"Well, there is hope." she finally conceded. "I hear you have been helpful lately. And you did the smart thing when you called for Harry."

"You know about me helping her with the campaign?"

"Girls talk."

"I told her not to tell anyone."

"Well, fortunately for you I am not just anyone."

"Does Potter know?"
"I doubt it. I haven't told him at least."
"I might have to tell him now."
"I would recommend it, yes."

They sat quietly after that. Just waiting for Harry to return. Ginny answered a couple of messages, but Draco did not have his wand so he just picked up a random book and pretended to start reading.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Forty minutes later Harry returned to Hermione's house followed by another, unfamiliar wizard in Auror robes. Ginny ran to him asking about Hermione and Draco was glad to hear that she was out of danger, although in an induced magical coma until tomorrow afternoon. Once Harry had calmed Ginny down a bit he turned his attention to Draco.

"Ready for your official statement, Malfoy."
"Sure."
"Do you know what happened?"
"Not really. I thought she had just had too much to drink and needed to get out of there so she wouldn't barf all over her dress. Not an image one wants on the front of the Daily Prophet tomorrow."

"And how come she came to you?"
"I am not sure she did. She came to the bar and I happened to be there."
"Did she eat or drink anything at the bar?"

"No. I believe she was going to order something but she never got a chance too. She said she had a headache and wasn't feeling well. I took her to Mr. Greengrass's study which has a floo connection and when it was clear she could not return to the gala I decided to take her home."
"Would you be willing to share your memories of tonight to confirm your story?"

This was a lot to ask and Harry knew it. Memories were private matters and legally you could never hold it against people if they refused to share. Draco and Harry stared at each other for a minute and Harry thought he could almost see the wheels turning in Draco's mind as he considered every angle of his dilemma. Draco finally gave his reply:

"Possibly. But only to you, and on a couple of conditions."

Harry exchanged glances with his colleague who just shrugged. Of the two of them it was obvious that Harry was in charge and the decision would be up to him.

"All right, Malfoy. Let's go up to Hermione's library. She keeps a pensive there."

Harry led the way upstairs and Draco followed. Once they got into the library Harry faced Draco again.

"So. Talk to me Malfoy."
"Ok. The thing is that I have a bet with Theo about who is going to win the election and become minister for magic. He favours Blaise and I am rooting for Granger. She knows about the bet and has been allowing me to help her with a few things for the past few weeks. Apparently girls talk and Granger told your wife so she should be able to confirm this.

Anyway. That's not really the point. The point is that I am not really the public's favourite ex-Death Eater. So any news about me helping her in any way will just reflect badly on Granger. The Prophet would have a field day with it. So here is my condition, or request or whatever you want to call it: I want you to take credit for saving Granger tonight and I want you to try your very best to keep my name out of this whole thing."

"You're serious? That's your condition?"
"Oh, come on Potter. Use your brain for a minute. You want her to win the election, don't you? She won't win if the Daily Prophet keeps running articles about her being cozy with snakes. That thing about Marcus Flint was bad enough. If my name pops up around her she will be out of the race."
"At this point I am just concerned about her getting well and trying catch whoever did this."
"And that is very admirable of you, Potter. But I want you to have the additional goal of trying not to sabotage her candidacy in the process."

"Ok, fine Malfoy. I'll play the hero and tell everyone I saved her. But tell me: Where did the bezoar come from?"
"I got it as a birthday present years ago. I called for my house elf and she fetched it for me from my office. If you want you could say it was Hermione's. But in my experience, the less detail you give the better. And it is always the best policy to stick as close to the truth as possible. I would suggest saying that Hermione's house elf came and fetched you from the party and when you got here you shoved a bezoar down her throat and whisked her off to St. Mungo's. All of that is true, and it has the added benefit of leaving me out of the story."

"It is concerning how good you are at adjusting the truth to suit your agenda."

"Just be happy I am using my powers for good and trying to get Granger elected instead of someone despicable."

"Yes, I suppose so."

Since Ginny was still holding on to Draco's wand he borrowed Harry's to extract the memories. Then the two of them entered the pensive. It turned out that Draco had been sitting at the bar most of the evening watching the crowd and specially Hermione. His memories therefore gave a detailed account of who she had talked to and what she had been drinking and eating. Harry had brought a notebook and jotted down names of people he wanted to question. Draco tried to be helpful identifying those Harry did not recognize. Hermione had not ingested anything out of the ordinary that they could see, but every now and then when Draco's attention was elsewhere the memory-Hermione would get fuzzy so it was possible he could have missed something. Harry watched with keen interest as memory-Hermione wandered towards the bar and listened to their brief exchange. They flew alongside a running memory-Draco who took quite a detour to get unnoticed to the corridor outside Mr. Greengrass's office. Harry did not miss the fact that Draco knew how to get to Hermione's house. He raised his eyebrow at Draco who just shrugged but gave no further explanation. Harry decided to drop it. It really was none of his business. The memory ended at the arrival of Harry to Hermione's house and they exited the pensive together.

"Well, I didn't notice anything suspicious. Did you?"

"No one was wearing a T-shirt saying 'Death to Granger' if that's what you mean. But one is rarely lucky enough for that."

"Well. I'm sorry I wasn't more helpful."
"You obviously have not spent much time in pensives looking at whiteness accounts. This was extremely useful, Malfoy. It gives me a list of people to talk to, plus it clears you of all suspicion."

"Happy to hear it, Potter. Now you just have to find the real culprit. We can't have assassins on the loose this close to the elections."

"No, we can't"

Harry conjured a vile and gathered Draco's memories in it.

"I am going to have to tell a few people about this deal of ours. Memories in exchange for keeping your name out of the reports. My colleague downstairs for one. Ginny for another. Probably a couple of additional Aurors that are working the case."

"Just try not to sabotage things for Granger."

The two of them wandered downstairs where Draco got his wand back. He said his goodbyes and then took the floo home to Nott manor.

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Tuesday, 4 September 2012

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The first thing Hermione became aware of when she woke up was Harry Potter by her bedside holding her hand. There were healers fuzzing about the room, but her eyes were firmly on Harry's. Harry made a quick "shush" motion, putting one fingers on his mouth so she just lay there quietly wondering what it was that she was supposed to keep quiet about.

When the healers noticed she was awake, one of them said:

"So how are you feeling miss Granger?"

Hermione glanced at Harry who gave the tiniest nod.

"I have a bit of a headache. What happened?"
"You were poisoned. Do you remember eating or drinking anything out of the ordinary."

Harry was quite still, and Hermione knew there was something he did not want her to say. She couldn't fathom what he wanted her to do. Better to just say nothing them.

"No, not really. My memories of what happened are a bit fuzzy right now."
"Aha, yes. That is not uncommon. Nothing to worry about. Just tell us if you remember anything significant or if you start feeling nauseous."

The healers conversed a bit and performed a few diagnostic spells, but after a while most of them left and Harry and Hermione had a chance to talk, although they could not be sure they were not being overheard.

"What happened?"

Harry looked intensely into Hermione's eyes and answered:

"You were poisoned. Probably at Greengrass manor. You went home and when you felt ill you sent Spike to fetch me. When I arrived you were passed out. I shoved a bezoar down your throat and whisked you to St. Mungo's where they fixed you up. You have been in a magically induced coma since last night."

Hermione had known Harry for most of her life and could immediately recognize that he was repeating the story they were to stick to. A story that obviously did not include a certain blond wizard. She assumed she would get a chance to talk to him about it later so she just nodded and saw the relief on Harry's face as she accepted the official story.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[Hermione:] Good afternoon to you from St. Mungo's best luxury suite.

[Draco:] You're awake! That must be a good sign.

[Hermione:] They got me out of the magically induced coma a few hours ago. They gave me my wand now.

[Draco:] Must mean you are getting better. Do they know what it was?

[Hermione:] Something quite lethal, or it was supposed to be at least.

[Draco:] Good thing you came and found me at the bar.

[Hermione:] Good thing you are a fast thinker. Do you always carry a bezoar?

[Draco:] Got it as a present ages ago. Didn't even know how to use it properly according to Potter.

[Hermione:] Why does everyone think Harry saved me?

[Draco:] It was the politically smart thing to do.

[Hermione:] You are too smart for your own good. You could have gotten some good press out of this.

[Draco:] I doubt it. They would have just printed that I poisoned you and then got cold feet.

[Hermione:] There's that self loathing git of mine.

[Draco:] Truth is truth. Only Potter could arrive at St. Mungo's with you out cold and be painted a hero.

[Hermione:] Well, I know the truth and you are my hero. Thank you for saving me. Again.

[Draco:] You're welcome. Again.

[Hermione:] So tell me; what are the political ramifications here.

[Draco:] I'm not sure yet. I'm hoping you get a reputation for being able to handle anything.

[Hermione:] But?

[Draco:] People may see you as to weak to hold the top office.

[Hermione:] So what do I do?

[Draco:] Get better. Preferably before friday so you can be seen at the ministry's gala dinner.

[Hermione:] Right, and then I have the second general debate on the wireless on saturday.

[Draco:] What are the healers saying about your recovery process.

[Hermione:] I don't know much yet.. They said someone would be by later.

[Draco:] Do you at least have your own room?

[Hermione:] Oh, yes. Complete a serious looking guard at the door and everything.

[Draco:] So no sneaking out to party tonight?

[Hermione:] No, probably not. Is there a party I am missing?

[Draco:] Blaise wants to get drunk. Theo is still sceptical but I expect him to cave in soon.

[Hermione:] Sounds like fun.

[Draco:] Sure. Probably just the same crowd as usual and end up going to a muggle club.

[Hermione:] On a Tuesday?

[Draco:] I make no comment on this plan of theirs.

[Hermione:] I could think of better things to do than hit the clubs on a Tuesday.

[Draco:] Me too. But I will probably end up going with them anyway.

[Hermione:] Then who is going to entertain me?

[Draco:] Aren't you supposed to be resting anyway?

[Hermione:] I suppose. Harry promised he would be by later with something to read.

[Draco:] There you go.

[Draco:] You still there?

[Hermione:] Healer came by. I am here at least until Thursday. Something about liver damage.

[Draco:] I really hope the Aurors find who did this and why.

[Hermione:] Any theories?

[Draco:] None with any supporting evidence. You?

[Hermione:] Not really.

[Draco:] Did you tell Potter about Vector visiting you?

[Hermione:] You can not seriously be suggesting it was Septima Vector?

[Draco:] You're the one that said it felt weird when she came to Purple Palace.

[Hermione:] I suppose. But still.

[Draco:] Might as well have him rule her out at least.

[Hermione:] Ok. I'll tell him.

[Draco:] I have to go now. Blaise is here.

[Hermione:] Have fun.

[Draco:] Doubtful, but I'll try.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[George:] How are you feeling? Is there anything I can do?

[Hermione:] It could be worse. I could be dead. They tell me my headache is a good sign.

[George:] It's a good thing to be best friends with the greatest hero ever to walk the planet.

[Hermione:] Yes, It's always good to have heroes around.

[George:] I'm sorry I wasn't there to save you. I would have liked to be your hero.

[Hermione:] Is that flirting I hear? You know that's not allowed. Think of Iris.

[George:] I don't know. I have have no experience in not flirting with pretty girls.

[Hermione:] You have a sister. Think of every girl that isn't Iris as your sister.

[George:] That's a disturbing thought.

[Hermione:] Just try not to mess this up. You look cute together.

[George:] I'm trying. I promise. Are you sure I can't do anything for you?

[Hermione:] Well, there is one thing.

[George:] Anything.

[Hermione:] Visiting ours are tomorrow at ten and my parents want to visit me. Could you go fetch them?

[George:] Sure, no problem.

[Hermione:] Take Iris with you. I am sure she would love to see Perth.

[George:] Good plan.

[Hermione:] Just remember; 7 hour time difference so it will be late afternoon over there.

[George:] Excellent point.

[Hermione:] Thank you. I'll tell them to expect you.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Hermione had just fallen asleep when Harry woke her up. After putting up a silencing charm around them he took a seat besides her bed.

"I'm sorry I didn't make it back sooner."

"Hi Harry. What time is it?"
"Almost midnight. I won't stay long. I just wanted a quiet word with you."
"Of course. I'll get up."
"No, stay. We don't want any healers to get suspicious. I promised them I wouldn't disturb you. Lets just pretend I am watching you sleep or something."
"Ok. I can pretend to be asleep. Tell me hat has been happening."

"It's been a madhouse. Normally poisonings fall under D.M.L.E. jurisdiction, but I called in some favors to get the case to the Auror office. People owe me and this way I get to be in the loop. We are running it as a joint operation with the DMLE."
"All hands on deck then."

"Pretty much. You're a high profile case."

"Great, just what I wanted. More attention."

"Says the witch who ran for Minister for Magic."

"Stupid me, I know."

"So tell me what happened. What do you remember?"

"Not much and I have no idea what happened. I just got this pounding headache and then everything went a bit fuzzy. I remember Malfoy trying to help, but I am not sure how that ended."
"Malfoy was actually very helpful. Not only did he save your life and call for me immediately, but he gave me his memories of the evening which helped me make a list of people I needed to interview. I am still going over those looking for clues."
"I guess Malfoy is good to have around sometimes."
"Who would have thought."
"That's the ting I've been trying to talk to you about for the past few days. He and the rest of the slytherins have been helping me out and I have figured out a flaw in the rehabilitation programme."
"Yes, Ginny filled me in. She said Malfoy is working for you and that you are not happy about how the world is treating him."

"It's not just him. It's all of them. Last week I met 15 marked ex-Death Eaters who are basically shunned by society because of an old tattoo on their arm."

"What, you showed up to Death Eaters Anonymous?"
"Something like that. It's a long story. My point is that it is clear that it wasn't enough to send the Death Eaters to therapy, we need to make sure society doesn't paint them as outcasts."
"You really are amazing Hermione. You can never stand injustice in any shape or form. I really hope you do become Minister for Magic. And I hope it doesn't kill you when you realize that you can't solve every problem there is out there."
"Don't patronise me Harry. I know I can't do everything. But that doesn't mean that I should just give up and ignore injustices where I see them."
"No, I suppose not. You wouldn't be you if you did. So, I guess you have a plan?"
"I did. Not sure it's applicable now that someone is after me. We have to figure out who did this, and more importantly; why I was attacked. If it is just a general attack against candidates then we need to protect the others. If I have done something specifically to piss someone off then I want to know what I have done."
"I know. I'm working on it. But people are amazingly self-absorbed. No one noticed anything suspicious. I am still trying to piece the evidence together. I don't even know if it was an attack against you specifically or if you were just an unfortunate victim."
"Do you have any leads?"
"At this point I would rather call them 'unexplored avenues'. Today we have mostly been gathering witness reports and physical evidence. Trying to piece together a detailed picture of what happened. Nothing is jumping out at us yet. But we will figure it out."

"I wish I could help you more."
"It's Ok. Just try to get better, tell me immediately if you see anything suspicious and don't protest when I assign you a guard for your own protection."

"Sure thing, Harry."
"So, tell me about this Death Eaters anonymous meeting. Do you think any of them could be after you? Who was there?"

So Hermione told him the whole story of how she had promised to teach a charm to Draco and Theo and how it had spun out of control and ended up with her teaching a whole class. When she was done Harry was silent for a moment.

"You know, I heard about that."
"About what?"
"The missing furniture at Hogwarts."
"Seriously?"
"Yes. Apparently Binns noticed and reported it to Flitwick who send a message to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Jonathan's wife works at the DMLE and she was the one who went to investigate. But by the time she got there the furniture was back. It was just noted as one of those curious things that sometimes happens at Hogwarts."

"Whops."
"Who would have guessed that the future Minister of Magic was into stealing furniture."
"Borrowing. Ok?"

"Sure. If you say so."
"But back to the point. I can't see any of the ex-Death Eaters there being after me."
"No, it sounds more like a bunch of people who just want to move on with their life. Most of them have been approved by the orbs anyway."
"Yes, and it would be detrimental to the healing process if you went after them. If the papers got a wind of you accusing any of them of anything then every single one of them would be judged without a trial by most people. No matter if you clear them all. Better if you don't go there."
"You're right. Besides; Apparently you and Malfoy are best friends now. He would surely defend your honour if any of his old buddies were after you. Knight in shining armour and all that."
"Shut up Harry."

Harry just laughed at her, and she was grateful that he couldn't see her cheeks go pink in the dark room. Why did everyone assume there was something going on between her and Draco?

"Oh, and before I forget. Septima came by Purple Palace yesterday. It was a bit weird."

"Ok. I'll add her to the list of people I should talk to."
"It's probably nothing. It was just a bit strange."

"Noted. So when are they letting you out of here?"
"Tomorrow."
"I will want to go to your house, check it for traps and put up some additional protection before you go home."

"Ok, just tell Charles, my neighbour, what you are up to. You've met him, right?"
"Yes, I know Charles. Don't worry."
"And tell Spike what's going on. He is probably worried sick."
"Anything else."
"Are Miffy and Crux still at Fourth Hallow?"

"Yes."
"Try to convince them to stay there for a while, would you. With Ginny expecting twins she really could use the help. Tell them I am very pleased by how helpful they are being. I will talk to them later about becoming permanently yours."
"I guess I have no say in the matter?"
"Not really. Ginny is the one with three votes right now while you just have the one."
"Sounds about right."