Chapter 2!!! Nope i don't the characters..

Chapter 2: Under A Watchful Eye

"Welcome to my humble home." Draco said to the man standing in front of him. Draco was pleased to see the man, in fact he had been expecting his visit for a couple of weeks. Though he seemed concerned with his companion's exhausted appearance. The man nodded on response. Draco's companion scanned his house with interest caressing every decoration he sees. He went from room to room while Draco followed him patiently and suddenly stopped in front of the fireplace looking at the hand knitted Slytherine banner hanging atop of the fireplace. Though the young Malfoy cannot see the man's face, he surely can sense the smile on his companion's face upon seeing the banner.

"Like what you seeing?" Draco asked taking few steps toward the man until he was standing beside the man looking up at the décor of his companion's interest. The man turned to face the owner of the house, gave Draco a smile and said, "Still proud of being a Slytherine, I see."

"And you?" he asked the man, expecting a positive answer.

"Through and through" the man answered without a second thought. Draco was pleased with the answer and offered his guest a seat beside the fireplace. He called his house elf and commanded to bring them some Firewhiskey and some biscuits. The house elf quickly disappeared and reappeared giving the bottle to his master and offering a tray of biscuits. Draco poured the liquor into the glasses and offered his guest the glass.

"Don't bother, I won't be long anyway." said the guest raising his hand.

"Oh, but I insist." Draco said in which the man accepted the glass. "So, what do I owe this pleasure of your visit?" Malfoy asked sipping a glass of whisky. Before the man was about to answer, Draco interrupted.

"Let me guess, you're here because of a certain…lioness." The man smirked and drank his Firewhiskey.

"You clearly do know me."

"What do you want me to do?" Draco asked. The man stood and placed his glass on the coffee stable.

"Just watch her for me." He replied and fixed himself as he was about to leave. Draco chuckled which made his guest look at him with raised eyebrow. "Why don't you pay her a visit? Surely you already know that she's living next to me." This time it was Draco's guest who chuckled.

"Clearly, after years of my guidance you still haven't mastered the skill of…prefect timing." the man said emphasizing the last two words before disappearing.

*****

Hermoine's speculations have been correct. Two days after Lucius' attack on Ron, the Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour was found unconscious in his home and was rushed to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.

"Oh dear!" Hermoine said as she read through the article about the Minister's condition in the Daily Prophet in here office.

According to the article the official was struck with a curse that can only be given by a person who is skilled and very familiar with the Dark Arts. What made the situation more interesting is that the Minister had been struck by the same curse as Ron, which made Hermoine and the others conclude that Lucius Malfoy is behind it. Due to Scrimgeour's condition, many wizards and witches voiced their concerns regarding the Minister's ability to do his job as the Minister of the Wizarding World suggesting to step down from office in which he willingly obliged. Three days after Scrimegeour's unfortunate incident, the Wizarding world finally welcomed their new Minister, Arthur Weasley. After hearing her husband's promotion, Molly Weasley immediately planned for a celebration at the Burrow inviting every known friends and Order members. Everyone from the Order was present from Headmistress McGonagall to the lowlife Mudungus Fletcher, though many seemed not to notice another member of the Order except for Hermoine, of course. Although she knew that the potions master dislikes social activities, something inside her wished that he could atleast spare this one. She actually began changing her views of her ex-professor ever since Harry told her about the Pensieve, admiring his bravery and his love to Harry's mother, Lily. Everyone had the great time during the party including Ron, who from time to time had to take some rest sue to his weakening leg muscles. As the guests began to bid goodbye, some one the Order members namely, Lupin, his wife, Nymphodora, Kingsley, Madeye and Minerva remained in the dining room to discuss the recent attacks cause by Lucius Malfoy with Harry, Hermoine and the Weasleys.

"Should we start worrying and call for an Order meeting?" Lupin asked beside his wife.

"I'm not saying we shouldn't worry but I don't think that Lucius so much as a threat to the Wizarding World that we should call for a meeting" Nymphodora responded placing a hand on top of his husband.

"But the fact that he was able to attack a Ministry official clearly says that he's up to no good." Lupin retorted. "Oh how I would love to crush his face with my bare hands" Molly said across Lupin slamming her fist into her palm. Arthur, who was seated next to Molly, embraced his red-faced wife and calmed her down.

"My dear Molly, I don't think that won't solve anything." Minerva said in a stern yet calm voice. Fred who was standing behind his parents placed his hand on top of his father's shoulders and said, " So what is your plan Minister Weasley?"

Arthur rolled his eyes, almost forgetting that he is in fact the present Minister of Magic. "Since I am your son, this automatically makes me one of your immediate advisers…" Harry almost gagged upon hearing George say those words, " I, George Weasley…" George continued placing his hand on top of chest where his heart was with his head held up high, "…would like to suggest to my father, Arthur Weasley, Minister of the Wizarding World, to give a reward to anyone who would catch and bring Lucius Malfoy to the Ministry dead or alive." Everyone with the exception of Molly, Alastor and Minerva laughed at George's speech while his mother slap his arm in a teasing manner, and Madeye rolled his eyes though his 'other' eye have been rolling quite awhile even before George began speaking.

"I don't think that's good idea George but thank you for your suggestion. That would only make the people worry. Let's investigate first before we do some drastic measures." Arthur said which earned him a nod from McGonagall.

"I agree. But for now we'll just have to let the Aurors do further investigating to what Lucius is up to. Clearly they can handle it themselves, am I right Harry?" Kingsley said with confidence as he tapped Harry's should who was seated to his right side. Harry smiled and looked at Hermoine whom was seated beside him.

"Is there something you want to say Alastor?" Minerva glanced at the man standing at the far corner of the room crossing his arms on his chest.

"Though I'm not to keen into giving such task to rookies," he gave Harry a look, " I agree with Shaklebolt, though I must say this..CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!"

*****

It was already 2 a. m. when she arrived at the front steps of her flat. She grabbed her bag and began rummaging its contents looking for keys. It would have been easier if she just apparate but she's too exhausted and afraid that her Muggle neighbors might notice. While her eyes are busy scanning, she sensed that someone is watching he from behind. Then suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder startling her. Due to her sudden reflex, she quickly drew her wand and turned to see the face of Draco moving away with his hands raised.

"Hey, Hermoine! It's just me, Draco, be careful where you're pointing that thing! We don't want Muggle seeing you holding that wand now, do we?" Breathing heavily, Hermoine lowered her wand and hid it inside her shoulder bag.

"You scared me!"

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"What are you doing walking around at this time of hour anyway?" she snapped.

"Well, I was about to ask you the same thing." He chuckled.

"It's none of your business!" she turned her back and began looking for her keys again. Feeling being ignored, Draco cleared her throat making Hermoine stopped and turned over her shoulder.

"What do you want?"

"I'm sorry. I just want to invite you to my house warming celebration this Friday."

"Oh." Hermoine's face blushed and felt embarrassed. "And you just waited for me until 2 in the morning just to tell me that?"

"Oh no, I just arrived also. I just attended a party." That was a lie. He had been waiting for her to arrive and Hermoine wasn't buying it. Though she's not sure why would he invite her knowing she's not even part of Draco's circle of friends. "I'll try." She said. Draco watched Hermoine as she entered.

"Oh, and please tell Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley that they're also invited." Hermoine quickly turned to him with a confused look and nodded. After Hermoine disappeared behind her front door, Draco retreated back into his house.

*****

Hermoine never imagined that the former Minister's incident would lead to a mass hysteria. Many people began seeking for cure of the said curse that hit the Minister. In fact many of them began rushing to St. Mungo's Hospital seeking consultations every now and then fearing that they might be the next victim. And because of such craze, many Potions had popped out claiming its efficiency in curing the latérale amyotrophique sclérose or what is widely known as the Scrimgeour's curse which gave Hermoine loads and loads of work. Not only that, she also had a hard time finding her boss. The Head Accreditation of Potions committee was apparently had been missing in action for quite a long time. 'How can he be missing in such a time like this?' she said one time while filing all the rejected Potions. Their committee was never paid much attention during Scrimgeour's leadership. He in fact only appointed three committee members, including Hermoine and a Head of committee.

"At the time like this, we really need more members." Said one committee member during their meeting where in Hermoine lead the other two members.

"I think we should ask—wait—I mean, demand to appoint more committee members and appoint a new Head of this committee since as you can see he's missing." Said the other while Hermoine, who was ten years younger than the others, listened attentively and nodded.

"I suggest that you talk to the Minister, Hermoine. He would no doubt grant our request if you will be the one who'll do it since…"

"Since his son was my ex?" Hermoine interrupted with a hint of irritation in her voice. Ever since Arthur began working as the Minister everyone in Hermoine's workplace seemed to hint that they Arthur is favoring her because of her closeness with the Weasleys.

"Well, yes." Hermoine was about to open her mouth in protest but decided to keep her mouth shut and nodded. 'Well I guess they have a point.' She told herself.

Without wasting anytime she flood Arthur from his office.

"Hermoine! What a pleasant surprise! I was about to floo you and ask if you can come by to my office. I have something to discuss with you." Arthur said with a wide smile.

"That's good news Minister, actually I have something to discuss with you myself" Hermoine felt relieved.

"Stop calling me Minister as if I haven't known you for quite a long time. I already consider you my daughter." Hermoine's face turned red and felt the heat spreading into her face which is unnoticeable to Arthur who was talking through a fire. "Just call me Arthur, but only when no one is around and when we're not working, okay?" Arthur added.

"Of course—Arthur."

"Good. You can come in." Arthur said.

Upon Hermoine's Arthur gestured for her to seat in front of his desk across to his chair in which Hermoine willingly obliged. The Minister then offered her a drink in which she nicely refused. She scanned his office and observed some Muggle equipments decorated such as the telephone. Being in Arthur's office gave her a feeling like she was in former Headmaster Albus Dumbledore's office in Hogwarts. The ambiance in both of their offices she find quite pleasant. Arthur cleared his throat.

"So what can I do for you Hermoine?" Hermoine then told Arthur all the things they have discussed. She noticed that Arthur was listening with keen interest and had a twinkle in his eyes which reminded her again of Dumbledore. After delivering her requests, Mr. Weasley finally gave he a big smile.

"I'm glad that you've discussed this with me."

"You are?" she asked with a questioning look at the man in front of her. Mr. Weasley laughed.

"Yes Hermoine, I am. As a matter of fact, this is the reason why I want to have a meeting with you and your other members." Hermoine was delighted.

"I'm actually concerned with the increasing numbers of potions coming out claiming that they can cure Rufus' curse. I worry that these might further harm the people. And I know how difficult your job is especially at a time like this. So I've decided to appoint ten members and one Head of your committee. If every your Head is somewhat—unavailable—then a deputy will be in charge and act as the acting Head of the committee in case it happens. And I want that deputy to be you, Hermoine." Hemoine's jaw dropped and was taken aback. She couldn't believe her ears, she wanted to pinch her self to test if it was all a dream.

"So what do you think Hermoine? Do you accept your promotion?"

She was about to open her mouth and say something when a knock interrupted her.

"Minister, your guest has arrived." Said Arthur's secretary.

"Brilliant! Let him in. " Arthur said clasping his hands together. He was very thrilled that his guest had finally arrived. Hermoine motioned to stand and said, "Sir, I think better go…"

"Oh no, please stay. I want you to meet your new boss."

'Well that was fast' she told herself and began to sit back to her chair. She heard the man entered but still didn't dare to look at the new Head of Accreditation of Potions committee.

"Good morning Minister Weasley" said the familiar voice. Hermoine felt chill flowing through her spine as she heard the silky voice of the man and quickly turned to see her former Potions professor. "Ah, Mr. Severus Snape! I'm glad you arrived." Arthur said offering his hand to the other man in the room while Hermoine stood with a surprised look staring at the two men. Severus noticed his former student .

"Ms. Granger." He said in an unreadable expression.

"Well I guess there's no need for further introductions…"

"Obviously." Snape interrupted. Ignoring what Snape said Arthur continued, "I hope that both of you will get along just fine. Severus, Hermoine will be under your wing."

"How fortunate of me." Snape said with a hint of sarcasm which made Hermoine roll her eyes.

"So, Ms. Granger what is your answer? Will you accept the position of Deputy Head of Accreditation of Potions committee?" Snape raised his eyebrow; clearly he did not expect such news. Hermoine was having second thoughts. She does want to have the position, but he doesn't like the idea of working with Snape."

"My, my, Miss Granger, did the War finally affect your ability to speak? You, the insufferable Know-It-All out of words? Tell me who did this to you and I will clearly kneel in front of whom ever did this to you." Clearly Snape haven't lost his touch of effectively insulting other people.

"Still a git eh, Prof—Severus?" she retorted.

"It's MR. SNAPE to you missy!" Snape said with fury.

"Let's not argue okay. We're all in the same side." Arthur said trying to calm his companions. He was sweating profusely.

"Well Hermoine? Do you want the position or not?" he asked again. Before Hermoine could answer Snape opened his mouth and said," Well Arthur the way I see it, Miss Granger here do want the position but…" he then glanced at Hermoine, "she's just afraid with me, am I right Ms. Granger?" Hermoine was surprised with what Snape said. 'Was he reading my mind?" then she saw Snape smirked.

Her anger started to build up. Though before she admired the man for his bravery and skillfulness, now she felt like she wanted to hex him. 'Oh, I'll prove you wrong.' She said to herself.

"Actually, I'm honored to take the position Minister. " she said with pride.

"Very good! Very good indeed!" Arthur exclaimed.

"If you'll excuse me gentlemen, I have to go back to my office and finish my paper work." She said without glancing at Snape. "I understand Ms. Granger." Arthur then turned to Severus.

"Mr. Snape I want you to stay for awhile. You and I have something to discuss."

And so Hermoine walked passed them head held high and still not giving a glance at Snape.

"Oh, Miss Granger, remember, I'll always keep an eye on you." Snape said before Hermoine exited the room.

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