CHAPTER SIXTEEN

'So you're Zach.' Townsend didn't even try to hide the judgement in his voice as he looked Zach up and down in some sort of silent but dangerous examination.
Zach huffed but smiled. 'So you're Townsend.'
The two of them stared for a long time, wordless. It felt like I was watching a documentary on the Nature Channel, something about alpha males in the wild.
~Ally Carter, Out of Sight, Out of Time~

"You know, 'Mione, we still haven't met Malfoy." Harry said over breakfast. Hermione looked up from her toast, her eyes wide. She'd stayed over at Harry and Ron's apartment. Ron had let her curl up in his arms and fall asleep. She tugged at the hem of Ron's t-shirt, which was all she was wearing, and shoved the toast in her mouth.

Harry laughed, "I know what you're doing."

"I'm fnot soing anyding." She snapped, defensive, before realising no one could understand her with toast in her mouth. She winced and then swallowed. "Sorry, I'm not doing anything."

Harry smiled at her and she broke down. "When do you want to meet him?" She muttered.

"Meet who?" Ron yawned from the doorway. He wasn't wearing a shirt, just a pair of pyjama bottoms patterned in red plaid. Hermione glanced over at him, expecting him to not react well. He also, put trousers on, which she also hadn't been expecting, so maybe it would be okay.

"Mate, no one wants to see your sad, pasty chest." Harry joked, looking away from his friend. Hermione snorted. The chair next to her moved and then Ron was sitting next to her.

He leaned over, kissing her cheek. He turned to Harry, smirking, "The ladies love it."

"What ladies?"

Hermione couldn't help thinking that Draco would never refer to anyone as 'the ladies.' That was... disgusting. "Hermione doesn't even like looking at it and she should be your number one lady."

She looked over at Harry, whose voice had gone hard. She glanced between them, to see Ron didn't look very happy, either. She didn't know what was going on, but she knew they were having one of those silent conversations. She munched on her toast, wondering if she should be concerned. Ron finally broke eye contact and turned to her, his body still stiff. "Meet who?"

"Oh, Draco." She answered.

"We've already met Malfoy." Ron deadpanned.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Yes, you have. A plus for Ronald." She rolled her eyes and emptied the millions of crumbs in the garbage before washing it in their sink.

"But-" Ron started, "what?"

Harry intervened, saving her from having to explain. "We haven't seen D-Draco since the school year ended." Harry said, stumbling over using Draco's name and not Malfoy. "And 'Mione has been hanging out with him a lot for the show. We all met Jenna Boyle."

"Because none of us knew Jenna Boyle." Ron pointed out. "Why would I want to hang out with Malfoy for fun? Jenna is fun. Malfoy? Not so much."

Hermione dried the plate she washed and put it in their cabinet, slamming the door. The boys jumped, probably having forgotten she was in the room. "First of all, Ronald, it is the kind of thing supportive boyfriends do. Second, stop judging the Malfoys. You don't know anything about them and, third-"

She didn't have a third, so she was thrilled when Ron cut her off. "You LIKE the Malfoys? Nasty, Death Eater, muggle hating Malfoy? I'm just making sure we're talking about the right people here." Ron glared at her.

"There you go again! Judging!"

"I'm not judging, Hermione. They've proved it! HELLO, remember sixth year-"

Harry broke in, "He didn't do it."

Ron ignored him, since it was obviously detrimental to his argument. "And the WAR? They fought on Voldemort's side! They used their HOUSE as the headquarters. Git, just fed us to the wolves when Harry saved him. And there was that thing about torturing you! Did you forget that, Hermione? Merlin, we hate him! We've always-"

She felt her body moving forward on its own accord. She was so angry, her body was flaming and her hand was moving before she could comprehend what was happening. It wasn't until her hand was colliding with Ron's face and she heard the crack did she realise what she'd done. She didn't feel the pain in her hand, but she registered the shock in Ron's face.

"How dare you," Her voice was low, deadly. "Don't ever ask me if I've forgotten what Bellatrix Lestrange did. I have been in the Manor so many times these last three weeks and you bring it up now? Harry asked me how I was feeling. Harry cared. Where were you? Do not bring it up now like something that I should carry forever feeling sorry for myself. And what is this 'we' bullshit? I can make my own decisions. We are three different people. You can't make choices for me."

"You slapped me!" Ron said, dumbly. She wondered if he even heard a word she'd said.

There was no way she was saying all that again. She pushed passed him and got dressed in his bedroom. She pulled on her clothes blindly and had to pause several times to inside them out. She stormed out, without even fixing her hair. She nodded at Harry who waved, crestfallen. She ignored Ron, who still standing there stupidly with his hand against his flaming cheek.

After work, she found an owl from the Ministry. She didn't have high hopes since the last time this had happened, she'd been sucked into this reality tv show. She wondered what would happen if she just tossed it out without reading it and then she could just tell Wilson Betemit she'd never gotten his owl. Crookshanks parked himself in between her legs, as if he sensed her unease. She picked him up and put him on her bed, joining him.

Dear Ms. Granger-

Due to the coming elections, Minister of Magic Wilson Betemit has instituted a muggle practice called debates where the candidates talk about what they want to accomplish in office on national television. The television is also a muggle object that the Minister has insisted be put in every magical household. All debates must have moderators to ask questions and control the crowds and the politicians answers to make sure nothing gets too rowdy. The Minister has specifically asked that you, Ms. Hermione Granger, Mr. Ronald Weasley, and Mr. Draco Malfoy be moderators for this debate.

The Minister would like to remind you that you signed a contract agreeing to uphold any marketing appearances and this falls into that category. Thank you for help and continued support in furthering the mission to bridge the gap between wizards and muggles.

She stopped reading and tossed the letter aside. Not that she objected to moderating the debate, she had been pleased there was going to be a debate in the first place. It had been announced in the Prophet just the other day and was set for the following night. What got to her was why she had been chosen, along with Ron and Draco. This was obviously just meant to stir up some interest. There had to be more qualified people, in the first place, to host an event.

She had no doubt Draco would be able to string some questions together and she would also. But Ron? What was this supposed to be?

She called Harry, who answered on the first ring. "You got it?" He asked, skipping all pleasantries.

"Yes," She said, "What about Ron?"

"He went for a walk. He was off his rocker when he read Malfoy's name." It seemed it was short-lived, Harry calling Draco Draco.

"This doesn't seem right," Hermione confided, conscious of the cameras. But then again, they'd filmed her in Harry's apartment in Ron's shirt slapping her boyfriend. There was pretty much else nothing they hadn't seen. And if they didn't want her distrust for the Ministry broadcast to the world, they could edit it out.

"I know," Harry said, "You three are on odd pair. And don't they usually have old people moderating?"

"I know, it doesn't make any sense. They know how Ron feels about Draco. And I'll be caught in the middle. It's just for drama. I don't like being used." She scowled at her bedspread, trying to think of a way out of this.

But there was no way out of this and the next night she found herself in a pencil skirt and light blue blouse standing outside Dumbledore's Hall- it had been built after the war. It was the biggest exhibition hall in the whole wizarding world. Hermione glanced at her watch, waiting for her boyfriend who was arriving with Harry. She wondered if Draco was already inside and how he was dealing with this whole mess. He must have understood the Ministry's underhanded trick.

Finally, the boys arrived, Ron messing with his tie. Harry didn't look particularly happy and he gave Hermione a weary smile. She returned it and watched Ron continue to struggle with the article of clothing. She wasn't sure if she was allowed to help him since they hadn't spoken since she slapped him. Ron pushed passed her, making the decision for her. It was obvious the pair of them would be putting on quite a show that evening.

Harry greeted her with a hug and led her inside, an arm wrapped around her shoulders. "Have your questions ready?"

She nodded, remembering the notes she'd made on her index cards. She'd brought them with her and was mentally preparing herself. She kept telling herself it was just like her speech at graduation. "Ron still mad?"

"Very." said Harry, solemnly.

"Great," She miffed. A pair of cameras appeared in their face- besides the ones already following them on Ministry orders. No, these were reporters. With this new television age the minister had started, there were also first time reporters with wands as microphones on the scene interviewing people.

"Ms. Granger and Mr. Potter, may we have a few moments of your time?" A woman in an annoyingly bright purple suit asked, shoving the wand that amplified their voice in their faces in a way that told them they weren't getting out of this even if they said no. There were two spotlights shown on them, making Hermione blink her eyes rapidly.

"Ms. Granger, are you nervous about moderating tonight's historic event?" The reporter asked, not waiting for either of them to have adjusted to the lights.

"Erm..." Hermione started, wanting to smack herself for beginning in such an intelligent way. "I'm looking forward to getting to talk with each of the candidates and get the answers people need to vote confidently." She hoped that sounded good.

"Mr. Potter," the woman continued, switching her attention to the forgotten boy beside her. "Are you surprised you were not also called up to be apart of such a monumental moment?"

"Not really," Harry said, in all his usual eloquence. "I'm a bit stumped on how this whole government thing works, so I'd probably be the least useful person up there." There he was, in typical modesty.

There were a few more questions thrown at them before Hermione managed to wrangle them away. She was forced to leave Harry's side as a make-up woman whisked her away. The last glimpse of Harry she got was him saluting her with a smile as he disappeared among all the witches and wizards mulling around the hall. The place was loud, she realised, and wondered how many people were packed into the building.

When her make-up was satisfactory, she stepped out of the tiny room they'd locked her in. She already had her minuscule microphone attached to the collar of her blouse and was assured it would not be turned on until she took her seat near the stage. She flattened herself against the wall as people with headsets ran around the hall. She felt lost and in the way. She wondered where she should go to be out of peoples' way.

"GRANGER!" A familiar voice called out. She had no clue how she managed to hear it over the buzz from everyone, but she turned around, finding Draco Malfoy weaving his way in and out of people. She smiled- thankful for a familiar face in all the chaos. She met him half way, seeing he was dressed in all black. She shouldn't have expected anything less.

"Hi," She said, her stomach doing something odd. She ignored it and put it down to nerves- about the debate, not Draco's proximity or anything stupid like that. "This is crazy, isn't it?"

"I don't like crowds." He said, and she unconsciously remembered how comfortable he always was when it was just him and a book. "But the Ministry has orchestrated this little show perfectly."

So he knew. Of course he did. She rolled her eyes, "I hope they're pleased."

"Judging by the fact everyone is running around like a chicken without its head-"

"You know that expression?" She cut in, her eyes widening.

Draco glanced down at her quizzically, "Doesn't everyone?"

"I thought it was a muggle thing," She explained, "Ron didn't know it-"

Draco scoffed, "I think I know a fair amount more than Weasley."

She couldn't help herself, but her mind was recalling everything he'd ever said about politics and a part of her was agreeing with him. Either way, she opened her mouth the defend her boyfriend's honour, when a hand snaked out around her waist and pulled her flush against them. Hermione knew who it was immediately and she looked up, meeting Ron's blazing eyes.

"Shut it, Malfoy."

"You need better come backs, Weasley," Draco's voice was oddly clipped and he kept staring at Ron's hand on her hip. She wondered what he was thinking and then she was wondering why she was wondering that.

And then she did the worst thing possible. She pushed herself away from Ron and said, "Oh, we're not fighting anymore?"

Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Draco's eyebrows disappear and the reality tv crew push closer. She looked back at Ron, watching as his face went from surprised to livid. She couldn't help noticing his tie had been properly assembled and thought scathingly about Jenna Boyle doing it for him. She waited for him to yell, but at that moment he was grabbed by a woman and pulled into make-up.

One woman came over to Draco, presumably to do the same and he growled at her. "Don't even think about it." She scurried away and Hermione couldn't help herself from glancing over at him. Was it so wrong that she was turned on at the moment?

Ginny was right. Draco was a man. A man that was never wearing make-up.

Draco's scowl disappeared when he saw her looking at him. "Trouble in paradise," He observed, watching her reaction carefully.

She wasn't sure what to tell him, but she found herself going with the truth. "For awhile now. Harry and Ginny keep telling me to end it." She was startled for revealing that much and even more blown away by how happy Draco looked. She stared at him, confused, and he immediately wiped his face clean.

"What was that?"

"What was what?" He asked, staring at a random point behind her. She turned, seeing nothing of importance and then turned back to him. "That look you got when I said-"

"Granger, you're seeing things. Now about these Olympeds-"

"Olympics," She enunciated, shooting daggers at him.

He waved her off. "Why exactly is wrestling a sport?"

"Because men are stupid," She said matter of factly, waiting for him to contradict her. But, as it turned out, Draco didn't seem to have any sort of masculinity issue since he shrugged, accepting her answer. She went to sit down at a tiny couch, that was much too close to the ground with a small table in front of it. Draco joined her and his knees were nearly bumping his chin.

She snorted and he rolled his eyes.

They launched into an easy conversation about university. Draco was curious about you apply to muggle schools so she was filling him in when Ron reappeared. He was frantically rubbing his face, presumably trying to get rid of all the powder. Hermione glanced at him as he threw himself into the chair across from them.

Apparently they were still fighting. She continued tell Draco about university, but felt Ron drilling holes into the back of her head. She turned to him, "What?"

The look Ron gave her should have sent her six feet under if looks could do such things. "Nothing."

"Clearly something is bothering you. Speak." She knew she was getting herself deeper into this mess, but she couldn't stop herself. It was like some force was propelling her further into this disaster.

"You two seem chummy." He said.

She rolled her eyes. "So did you and Jenna the other night at dinner. Remember? Honey badger?"

"What in Merlin's name is a honey badger?" Draco muttered, next to her.

Hermione turned to Draco and said with a tight lipped smile, "They are carnivorous animals from Africa that are born blind and look like demented skunks."

Draco's nose scrunched up and he said, "Sounds awful. Why would anyone want to be called that?"

"THANK YOU!" She exclaimed, turning to Ron. "Your pet name for her is ridiculous."

"So is yours for him!" Ron shot back.

"What?" asked Draco, looking between Ron and Hermione.

"Draco?" Hermione went on, staring at Ron like he was an alien.

"Yes?" Draco asked her, getting impatient.

"No," She shook her head, still looking at Ron. "I call him Draco. That's his name- in case you forgot. I know you only refer to him by 'Malfoy' or 'bane of existence.' Or 'ferret.' But some of us use actual names." She knew she was taking things too far, but it was like she couldn't control her mouth. Or the filter in her brain that told her when she was making a scene.

Ron stumbled over his words before staring down at the floor. Finally, Hermione shut her mouth and an awkward silence settled over the three of them. At that moment an intern came over to them and said, "We're ready to begin."

A/N Hi! I apologize- but I still have no power and THAT IS THE ONLY EXCUSE I NEED. I don't have anything else to say, accept I'm still "living" in the library and there are boys playing Yugi-Oh next to me and they're sooooo loud. Hope you liked it.

Thanks to: FuryPossessed, ILoveSiriusBlack4, Taylor F, loverleigh, Jazu-chan13, Loveable Leo, Dramioneluverxxx, edwardsoneandonlylove, and Guest! :)