"Ms Granger? Would you like the set-up to be prepared, now?" Someone shouted in her ear.
"Yes, yes. Please do." Hermione fiddled with her hair.
"All the speakers are ready. The minute secretary is preparing herself. Would you like your make-up done?"
"I—I've already done it."
"Oh. Well, Mr Malfoy doesn't appear to be here, as yet. You may want to refine your script?"
"Please. Stop hammering me with so many questions. I'm here, alright? So everything should go fine."
"We'll inform you of his arrival, Ms Granger."
"Yes. Tell him to wait a moment after you inform me—"
"For what, Ms Granger?"
"For…for the final preparations."
"Very well."
Hermione stared at herself in the mirror. Her lipstick was slightly smudged around the edges, but otherwise everything was in place. She smiled. Or at least, tried to smile. She stood up, and put on her coat. The café would be busy at this time, she thought. All the better, no-one would recognize me. She tucked her wand in her front pocket, picked up her speakers, clipboard and left.
The sun was just beginning to show itself through the clouds, casting itself merrily over the small wizarding village. Hermione shuffled her way through the crowds until she reached the café at the far end of the road. Kenny's Café Special, she mentally made a note: next time she and Ron could try eating here. She entered, pushing the door past her, and sat herself at the edge of a row of seats. There she took out her winter read, "The Testament of Fish – Larry Paul Adventures". Her crew, she noticed, was busy chatting to the bartender. She leaned over to listen.
"Who? Lori Jean, you mean. The singer? Yeah-yeah. She's cool." The barman said cheerfully, "So who're yeh interviewing today, then?"
"Sir Draco Malfoy. Founder of the Malfonius Reginus Bank, you know? The rich guy everyone keeps talking about these days. Apparently he got divorced a few months ago; everyone's onto him."
"And he agreed to come to Kenny's for an interview, just to see his old colleague, Ms Granger! How sweet of him. Must be some nice guy."
"Well, we certainly think so," Pat said, lowering her voice, "But we're not so sure about Ms Granger. A lot of harsh memories could come back, especially since…since her parents died."
"Yeah. That was all over the papers. Granger self-harms over parents death. Top journalist H.J. Granger spotted crying near Lake Fountain. Tough for her, innit?
"Yeah. She got over it OK, though. Fine, now. Or at least I think so."
There was a sudden hush in the café as every head turned towards the doors. They swung open and revealed a tall, blond man dressed in long black robes. As if swept by wind, this mysterious figure flew towards the bar and seated himself comfortably onto the chair.
"A citrus tonic, if you please." He said to the shaken bartender.
"Yes—yes, sir. Right now, sir."
"Oh, there's no need to call me that. And add in some cubes as you make it." Malfoy swung back his chair, "And please liven up the atmosphere around here, it would make this café very uncomfortable if you didn't." At once, the café resumed to its normal volume. Hermione Granger was still hidden under the enormity of her book.
"Draco Malfoy. Very nice to meet you, you must be the crew?" Malfoy said, indicating in Pat's vague direction.
"Yes, sir. Would you like me to get Ms Granger for you? She said she'd be doing some last minute preparations."
"Any time, any time."
Rather puzzled by this last sentence, Pat immediately stood up and walked towards Hermione's direction, fully aware her steps were being carefully watched by numerous café loungers.
"Ms Granger? Ms Granger. We're all ready for you." Pat said quietly.
Hermione put down her book and arranged herself, "Good. Yes, I would like the silencing charm put into the background at all times, lights checked, dropped backing, and minutes – is she ready for the walk?"
"Yes, Ms Granger. Everything's in tune."
"Good work, Pat. Excellent."
They walked over to the bar. Draco Malfoy was sipping his tonic. Poising himself, he put down the cup as Hermione approached. There was a gleam in his eyes.