Hello! How are you this fine evening/morning/afternoon/toolatetoevenbeup?

I've been having some trouble writing the scene where they finally meet again, in the present. I know what I want to say, but I want it to be just right and I always end up not loving it. Any suggestions? What would you like to see? Tell me!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.


Year 2003, June
The Ministry of Magic

How he managed to still look elegant and intimidating all at the same time, even when being brutally escorted by two bulky Aurors, Hermione had no clue.

Her first detail of him was his hair. It seemed a bit dishevelled, not too long, not to short. Just how she used to like it.

What? No.

Hermione mentally scold herself.

No. No thinking about his hair.

His hair was untidy, but his robes were immaculate. They were fit, apparently tailored and expensive looking. So he was still rich, obviously. The expression on his face was unreadable, as he was manhandled to the chair at the centre of the room. He had his wrists tied with some sort of magical bound.

Tied wrists, hmm.

Merlin, stop it, Hermione.

Why the need to bind his wrists, she didn't know, but she assumed the Ministry was taking every precaution. As he took a seat, she noticed he seemed leaner somehow, maybe he had lost a few pounds, but the robes he was wearing, would not let her clarify that. As she took a closer look at this face, she noticed he had shaved, but there were some dark, prominent circles under his eyes. He was never one for much sleep, anyway.

He kept his stare forward, sitting with a straight back, his posture showing no signs of hesitation or fear. The two bulky Aurors made sure everything was in order, before proceeding to each corners of the room. Hermione thought that the guarding job was a bit excessive, since the room was full of well-trained Aurors that were more than capable of dealing with Malfoy, but she knew Kingsley liked to take extra-precautions.

Malfoy had yet to acknowledge her presence, his stare fixated on Kingsley and Robards.

She wished she didn't feel slightly disappointed, but she did. As she tried to examine every little aspect of him discreetly, he seemed to completely ignore her, as if she wasn't in the room.

Her heart sank a little.

Maybe this was just strictly business. As it should be, Hermione. This was all professional. Malfoy had no other reason to come back. And that is fine by you. You shouldn't have it any other way. If only he wasn't so damn gorgeous… And yes, even tied up, with his messy hair and puffy eyes, Draco Malfoy was stunning. He was beautiful. And the fact that he knew that and made use of that information, made him all the more handsome. Handsome and insufferable.

Hermione felt her poker face beginning to fade and was about to regain her composure when Kingsley spoke, getting up from this chair.

"Mister Malfoy, good-morning."

"Minister."

He sounded rugged, like he hadn't used his voice in a long time. Hermione couldn't help the small shiver that ran up her spine at the sound of this voice. She remembered what that voiced used to do to her.

Oh, Merlin. She started to think that this had probably been a very bad idea. And her husband was right there. Fuck, she was a horrible wife.

"Needless to say the reason you are here, correct?" Kingsley continued, as he rounded the table and approached the chair Malfoy was sitting on.

"No need for that, no."

"As you know, or may not know, for the sake of veracity in your statements, we must indulge you to drink a bit of Veritaserum. Do you agree with this?" Kingsley took out a small vial, full with what seemed like clear water.

"I agree."

Kingsley took the cork out of the small bottle and poured some of the liquid into Malfoy's mouth.

"Ok" Hermione thought to herself "No, going back. This is it."

The Minister put the bottle back into his robes, as Malfoy drank the last of the colourless liquid, and made his way towards his seat again. After Kingsley was seated, Robards took out a small parchment and a quill. Hermione took a slight glance at Harry and Ron, who seemed unaffected by Malfoy's presence. Harry had his total game face on and Ron would have had his too if his red, tomato ears weren't giving him away. Hermione felt pride though, how he was able to keep a professional stance.

Her gaze went back to Malfoy, who was still looking straight ahead, his eyes focused on Kinglsey. Hadn't he noticed they were all there? He must have.

"Very well, let us begin." This time, it was Robards who was speaking "What is your full name?"

"My name is Draco Lucius Malfoy." He still sounded so proud of this name.

"When were you born?"

"I was born on the 5th of June of 1980." Hermione realized his birthday had been during her honeymoon. This thought unsettled her. She hadn't even remembered…

"Who are your parents?"

Hermione knew these questions were ridiculous, but they were necessary to concede the effects of the Truth Potion.

"My father is Lucius Malfoy II and my mother is Narcissa Malfoy."

Do they even know you are here, Malfoy?

"Yes, well, good." Robards scribbled on his parchment before continuing "Let's move on to the more serious matter, which has brought us all together. Mister Malfoy, what is your purpose towards the Ministry?"

Oh for Merlin's sake, just ask him about the gatherings. Hermione was practically on the edge of her seat, literally.

"Supply the Ministry with information, to prevent greater evil." For the first time since he got there, Malfoy gave them one of his well-known smirks. Hermione believed it was like a side-affect from the potion. You are bound to tell the truth and your personal feelings and thoughts are involved in said truth, as well. His smirk was Malfoy being Malfoy.

"And what information may that be?"

"Information that I want to privately discuss with the Minister himself."

The room went quiet.

Malfoy was still smirking.

Hermione knew they didn't approve of that particular answer.

"Mister Malfoy, have you or have you not information concerning Death Eater activity in the past few months?" Robards tried another approach, instigating a more direct answer.

"Yes."

Silence.

"And?" Robards was insisting, a look of threat on his face, tried to intimidate the former Slytherin.

Robards was known for his very short temper, like Ron. But unlike Ron, who was brutal and vulgar, Robards took a more ominous approach, the use of torture one of his favourite tools. Of course, Kingsley would never approve of that. Maybe that is why Robards has been so unhappy since Kingsley took charge.

"And what?"

"Do not mock me, Mister Malfoy!" Ok, Robards was getting angry.

Malfoy's only reply was to roll his eyes.

Hermione did not like where this was going. Malfoy was acting, well, like Malfoy, but he was the one that came forward and contacted the Ministry. If this was just a waste of everyone's time, he was in serious trouble.

"Please tell the assembly, what kind of information is in your power." Robards asked again, his quill impatiently waiting.

"I already told you. I prefer to discuss the matter with the Minister himself."

"Mister Malfoy, may I remind you that you are currently seated in the Ministry of Magic, with a room full of Aurors, who will show no mercy if they are to know that this whole thing has been a –"

"That is quite alright, Gawain." Kinglsey interrupted, before Robards started to fire hexes from his quill. He looked carefully at Malfoy, who now had a very serious expression, seemingly unaffected by Robards threats "May I ask, why the firmness on talking solemnly to me?"

"Because, I don't trust the lot."

Ok, now Hermione was insulted. Didn't trust her? Them? The nerve of him! After all he has done and THEY were the ones that weren't trustworthy? Seriously, Malfoy. Pillock is clearly your middle name.

"You bloody ferret! What is that supposed to mean?" And Ron's composure was gone. He lasted a total of 10 minutes. Not bad.

"Mister Weasley, please remain seated." Robbards warned him.

Hermione didn't even notice Ron had gotten up, too busy trying to decipher Malfoy's true intentions in coming here. He couldn't possibly be lying, since he was under the effect of the potion. So, maybe, in all honesty, he knew stuff but wanted to speak to Kingsley first. But to say he didn't trust them…

She looked at her husband, who was currently fuming from his nose and years. His hands were balled into fists and the tomato red had spread to his entire face and neck. Malfoy didn't even blink. And Harry… Harry was just sitting, with his hands interlaced in front of this face, elbows on the table, as in deep thinking, staring at his former or not so former rival. She pondered on speaking, but that would mean that all attentions would be centred on her, including Malfoy's. She could not decide if that was a good or a bad thing, so she remained quiet, observing the exchange.

After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, Ron grudgingly sat back, his features hard and raging.

"Mister Malfoy, I can assure you everyone here has my absolute trust." Kinglsey continued.

"Doesn't mean they have mine." he snarled, looking with disdain at the two best-friends in the left corner.

"You fuc–" Ron rose up from the chair again.

"Mister Weasley! Do I need to ask you to leave?" Robards asked furiously.

"Shame to know you are still as daft as always Weasel. What a degrading specimen of a wizard you turned out to be. Can't say I'm surprised, considering the family that raised you." Malfoy sneered, clearly enjoying how Ron was getting all worked up.

Ron was now breathing heavily, his right hand ready to draw out his wand. Hermione felt like she should say something, knowing that her husband was currently debating himself whether to hex Malfoy into oblivion or not. She knew if she spoke, Malfoy would be obliged to concede that she was actually seated a few feet from him. Her mind was still debating if that was a good idea, but she knew she had to do something to calm Ron down or he would do something that he would later regret… or not. She quietly cleared her throat, preparing herself to speak and –

"Ron, calm down. There is no need for this."

Harry, ever the saviour.

Malfoy's gaze turned to the Boy-Who-Lived-Twice, his smirk turning into a frown. Hermione believed that was his way of showing how he always thought Harry spoiled all his fun, demonstrating just how a child would feel when they would take his favourite toy away. She released a small breath of relief, making a mental note to somehow thank Harry later.

Ron was still huffing, much like a bull when it was preparing itself to strike it's pray, but his hand had descended towards the table and he took a seat once more, still staring adamantly at Malfoy.

"I don't know why you have to feel like you can't trust us, Malfoy. If anyone here shouldn't be trusted is you." Harry stated, his eyes piercing through his glasses "After all, you are the one that came to us. If you think we are unworthy of your trust, why come here in the first place?"

"I have to teach you how to do things right, as usual, Potter." Malfoy spat, his hands twitching in his binds "Clearly, this Ministry is composed by idiots or else you lot would know that you are doing a pitiful job. And I, as a rule, don't trust or care for idiots, so as much as you would like to play the hero on this one Potter, I already told you what I know. I have information that I want to discuss privately with the Minister himself and that is the honest truth. But I'm starting to regret my decision, already. This Ministry is more doomed than I thought, with the foolish group of Aurors you've assembled, starting with Weasley over here."

Oh Malfoy, you really can't keep your mouth shut can you? Ron was livid, trembling hard with rage in his seat. Hermione feared he would snap at any second. She had to put some control on this situation, Malfoys be damned.

"Can you at least tell us if we are dealing with something dangerous? The whole purpose of this interrogation was to determine whether there is immediate danger and if we need to take action quickly."

As she predicted, the entire room focused on her, minus the blonde 'prisoner' that was currently being interrogated. Malfoy kept his gaze on Harry, not even sparing her a glance.

Well that was rude.

Hermione couldn't help but feel offended. His attitude made her remember the days he would almost spit in her face and taunt her about her heritage. Now, he acted like she wasn't even worthy of his attention. Hermione didn't know what was worse, to be honest. She was staring right at him, awaiting an answer and he wouldn't even look at her!

Ron was still fuming, but seemed to keep quiet for now, waiting for Malfoy's answer as well. Everyone was staring expectantly at him, while he kept his attention focused on Harry.

Alas, he spoke.

"I wouldn't underestimate what is happening. If it slipped passed your shitty radars, it may look like it is something manageable, that won't create much fuss." He explained "But give an aspirant to the Death Eater 'look' a wand and a mark and it will not end well."

"You should know, Malfoy. Are you sure you are not talking about yourself?" Ron said heatedly.

"Save me the pitiful moralism, Weasley. As if I'd be as idiot as you, to engage myself in the Dark Arts and sit in a room full of Aurors. I thought your marriage to Granger would at least serve to treat your pea brain to some intelligence."

Hermione didn't even have time to process what Malfoy had just said, her husband quickly getting up for the third time, this time Harry not able to stop him. Ron drew his wand and pointed it at Malfoy, his face red and flustered, body quivering with wrath.

"Don't you fucking mention my wife's name, you fucking bastard." Ron warned with a very low, serious tone.

"MISTER WEASELY, SUCH BEHAVIOUR WILL NOT BE ALLOWED!" Robards was losing it, also getting up from his chair, prepared to tackle Ron into the ground at any moment.

"I can't just let this misbegotten shit speak to us this way!" Ron yelled, outraged at Robards reaction.

"Misbegotten? Do you even know what that means, or is that what Granger likes to call you in the sack?" Malfoy asked, still as calm and collected as ever.

Hermione knew there was no coming back from this, now.

She had seen Ron angry before, but she knew how Malfoy would push is buttons in a way that very few would. And the ferret was also aware of that fact. True, since they started dating, Ron has taken up a little more vocabulary, but it wasn't like she was teaching him. It was only natural that you'd learn new things when you spend time with a person. Hermione had also learned a lot more about Quidditch, even though she completely detested it. So, she recognised Malfoy's cruel teasing as a way to rile up Ron, other than a way to make her a target to his unkind words. Still, her patience was starting to wear thin, this interrogation turning into laughable ordeal.

Somehow Ron managed to fire a hex, but Robbards was quick on this reflexes, finally tackling him into the ground, making the hex turn its direction to the ceiling. Kinglsey was livid and ordered the two Auror's that were supposedly guarding Malfoy, to immobilize Ron. Harry looked like he just wanted a hole he could dive into and Lupin, who had kept quiet the entire time, was chuckling softly at the scene, finding this all very amusing. Everything about this situation was ridiculous and Hermione sighed in frustration, face in her hands. It had taken Malfoy twenty minutes to turn this room upside down. And not was not his personal best, by far.

In amidst to all the confusion, she tried one more glance at the former Slytherin and was surprised to be met with grey eyes, that were staring right back at her. She gasped quietly, her poker face completely gone, as she stared openly at him. He was sternly looking at her, his features clenched and his body all but relaxed. He seemed like he was debating something, like he was thinking about so many things at once.

Malfoy was angry and disappointed at the same time. He wanted to smirk and he wanted to smile. He wanted to tell her something, to talk, but couldn't bring himself to. He was trying to say so many things just through his gaze, it made her dizzy. Had he done this all on purpose, just to take a look at her? Just to take a chance to look at her freely, without repercussions? Hermione's romantic side wanted to believe that, but the more practical one immediately shut down those silly thoughts.

Her husband was currently on the ground, struggling against two Aurors and here she was, having a staring contest with Draco Malfoy. Her face was still much open to every emotion possible and she knew he had seen every single one of them. Fuck. Was there any other reason he was suddenly smirking defiantly like that?

If there was one person Draco knew well, that person was Hermione Granger. She was so easy to read, like a book. That is why he didn't buy her up-tight, lip-sealed act at the beginning of this freak fest. She was perceptibly uncomfortable with his presence and he did notice her staring at him from the corner of his eye throughout the session; staring at him like trying to decipher this big puzzle, while struggling to seem indifferent at the same time. Yes, Granger was an open book to him, her body language giving her away every time, even though she believed she had it under control. Not with him, though. Never with him. And he wanted to keep that way.

He had riled up Weasley on purpose, knowing the red-head would snap eventually. He just hoped to cause enough of a distraction to take a peek at her, make her see that he knew she was there. Because she was there and she was staring back at him and that fact made him smirk wildly. He knew Granger was no Auror and he knew the department she ran had nothing to do with Death Eaters and Dark Magic. So, he assumed she had asked to be here. And Merlin, he wanted to know why. And that only made him smirk more.

Don't fret Granger, I'll be around to ask you.

The two Aurors finally were able to get a hold of Ron, who was still yelling all kinds of profanities. Robards was yelling back, an exchange of extreme coarse language taking place. Kingsley sighed in embarrassment and Harry had his eyes closed, fingers across his temple as he groaned at all that was happening.

"He's the one you should be arresting! That fucking excuse for a ferret!"

Hermione decided she had had enough.

"Ronald Weasley, will you please stop acting like a bloody child?" she asked, finally looking away from Malfoy's annoying smirk. She took in the scene before her, her husband being held by the same Aurors that had brought in the supposed former Death Eater. How is it that the roles had reversed so quickly? Malfoy was the one that was unbearable and intolerable, not her husband. Yet, Malfoy was coolly sitting in his seat, whilst her husband was being taken away from the scene. Brilliant.

Ron gave an incredulous laugh "I'm the child? Have you all lost your minds? Am I surrounded by bloody lunatics? He's a fucking Death Eater!"

"Was, Weasley. I have long decided that line of business didn't really suit me. Something you should consider as well, regarding the Auror profession." Malfoy corrected, still finding this situation very amusing.

Harry's hands landed on top of the table with a loud bang that caught everyone's attention.

"That is enough, Malfoy." He warned, his tone dead serious. "You said it yourself, you don't trust us and you want to speak with the Minister alone. Well, by all means, go ahead. Honestly, I'm tired of your bullshit. So do us all a favour: have your nice, little chat with the Minister and then fuck off."

The change in the room was palpable and Malfoy's amusement quickly vanished from this face. Harry made for the exit, not even bothering to say goodbye. The rest of the 'squad' merely stood there, looking at the blonde, a stern look on their faces. Lupin was next to leave, not saying anything as he had done during the whole session. Ron was still enraged and angry for being immobilized, but soon followed suit and with a small nod to Robards, decided he was going to go as well. Robards nodded back, giving the order for the Aurors to let Ron go. Hermione feared that as soon as he was free, he would make a dash for Malfoy, but to her surprise, he just gave her the most heated expression he could muster, one that said 'You just humiliated me and hurt me and your duty as my wife was to do the exact opposite, so, no sex for you tonight' and headed for the door as well, the Aurors and Robards right on his tail.

This left Kingsley and Hermione and she did not know what to do. Should she stay? Would Malfoy want her to stay? Should she leave?

"Hermione, please leave us."

It seemed Kingsley had already decided for her and Hermione had no choice but to obey him. She shouldn't have been here in the first place, so it was really not up to her. She looked at him, gesturing she agreed and got up from her chair.

Malfoy was looking intently at her. She didn't like that, not when Kingsley was looking at her as well. A small blush was forming in her cheeks, not enjoying the feeling of being observed, as she rounded the table to leave. She did notice, from the corner of her eye that Malfoy's gaze had travelled a little lower than it was supposed to and she cursed under her breath, unwanted feelings and memories rushing to her brain.

Why was he staring at her like that? He should stop. Stop right now. He had just made her husband look like a fool. She should be mad, annoyed, repulsed. She should be rushing out of the room to find Ron and try to soothe things. She did believe he had been acting like a complete infant, but she also knew, Malfoy was no saint himself. And Ron was her husband, the man she had chosen to share her life with. She owed him a little bit more consideration. So, stop staring at my fucking legs Malfoy.

Hermione finally made it to the door, opened it and closed it. The hallway was empty and she figured Harry and Ron had went somewhere to blow off some steam. She leaned back against the closed door, exhaling deeply and looking blankly at the ceiling above her.

This had clearly been a bad idea. Not only did she not know if what Malfoy claimed was true and the real reason behind his return, but she had let Ron down, for not showing him support. She did support him, oh Merlin, she did. But, dammit, he was acting like a five year old.

It didn't matter now. She had to find a way to fix it.

She shook her head, collecting her thoughts and readying herself for a long day at the office. She then took a peek at her outfit and gasped, outraged and humiliated at the same time. It seems her skirt had decided to not collaborate with her, somewhere in the middle of the session and was now wrinkly and well above her knees. And Malfoy had noticed it, clearly. Why else would he be staring so shamelessly at her legs? And for Hermione that excited her and scared at the same time.

Oh, Merlin, why? Why had he returned? Why was he here?

Fucking Malfoy.

She re-arranged herself, pulling the skirt down, making sure it was proper, before heading up to the Auror department to try and clean up the mess she made. She knew if Malfoy had something important to say, Kinglsey would tell them. That is what she should have thought in the first place, before pleading with him to sit through this ordeal. For someone who was so bright, she could sure act dumb, sometimes.

Fucking Malfoy.


Thank-you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it :) Any critiques, suggestions, opinions or even some shameless love are very much welcome!

Hope you are having a nice day/night wherever you are!