"Come again," he stuttered, a very un-Draco Malfoy thing to do. Hermione looked at him, feeling the rush of excitement at finally getting this project started. If she had the mental capacity, she would've pursued this head on, but being elected Minister for Magic had certainly not been on her very organized timeline, thank you very much.
There in all his pureblood glory was Draco Malfoy, the thorn in her side since her first dabble into the magical world. He had changed quite a bit since she had met that foul-mouthed eleven year old bastard. Gone was the sneer from his face (that she thought would forever stick), instead, at this very moment, he looked completely and utterly speechless. His newly acquired green robes fit his tall frame nicely, accentuating his broad shoulders that had developed over the years after Hogwarts. His perfectly manicured hands were folded elegantly in his lap, and she could see his wand had been tucked back into his arm holster.
"You heard me right Draco," his name still foreign on her tongue. "Lycanthropy. It needs to be solved, it needs to be cured, it needs to be eradicated." He nodded dumbly at her, still stunned by her admission. Hermione couldn't help but pace again.
"Greyback was completely unchecked during the Second War," she began, building her case. "He not only infected hundreds of individuals through his work with Voldemort, he infected even more during the Battle of Hogwarts." Malfoy nodded, thoughtfully assessing the situation. "I calculated that 78% of his victims were children under the age of seventeen." Her heart was racing, thinking of poor Lavender Brown lying cold on the stone floor of the castle, eyes lifeless with his filthy body hovering over her.
"I know what he has done Grang- Hermione, but how does this lead to curing lycanthropy? Won't it be even more challenging since so many suffer now? If we do cure it, how do we distribute it to everyone? And why us and not a Potions Master?" She drew a deep breath and moved closer than she had this entire meeting.
"Things are different now," she began in almost a whisper. "We all know at least someone who has been infected. There is greater concern for werewolves now, because many of us have been so deeply touched by this illness. Tomorrow, the Prophet will be publishing an article on the finalization of the Tonks Institute." She couldn't help but grin, her heart exploding with joy. It was apparently contagious, because he too smiled back at her. She felt goosebumps race across her skin, never had she seen Draco Malfoy so pleased.
"I've only heard rumors," he smirked, "but it's to my understanding this was largely supported by the Ministry of Magic?"
Hermione grinned some more, and walked back to her desk to hand him another file. This one was labeled TONKS INSTITUTE: WEREWOLF SAFE HAVEN AT HOGWARTS.
"Yes, your hard tax dollars at work Draco," she laughed. "The Ministry of Magic in conjunction with the Remus Lupin Foundation has finalized the Infirmary, affectionately titled TONKS INSTITUTE, for all children attending Hogwarts who have been and potentially will be infected with lycanthropy. We've completely torn down the Shrieking Shack and established this new facility where each month, students can floo in from the castle or other homes to transform under the safety of Wolfsbane and healers. After the full moon, they will undergo twenty-four hour surveillance until they are deemed fit for class. That's the least we can do since the prior regime failed to remain accountable."
To say she was proud was an understatement. After a year of negotiations, the support of the Wizengamot, St. Mungos, and quite a few private donors, TONKS INSTITUTE was erected where the debilitated Shrieking Shack barely stood. She had seen to it herself to evaluate the blueprint of the building, tour the facility, and finalize the floo network before beginning the press tour.
"Hermione , this is, incredible. I mean, truly outstanding." He stared at her in absolutely awe, completely stunned by her thoroughness and compassion. She felt her cheeks grow warm, a common theme of the day. "So what is the motivation for curing lycanthropy? I know a cure would be extremely impactful, but forgive me if my mind immediately jumps to business. What will happen after we cure the illness? What about the facility?"
"No apologies, I thought of it too. We've decided that after we cure lycanthropy, we will convert it to a main research facility where other maladies can be researched and cured. There are so many brilliant minds in our world, yet many individuals study alone. There is no cross-specialty research and that is where we will begin. While at TONKS, we will have at our disposal the greatest Masters of all academic areas." Hermione went to her bookcase, picking up a book labeled Genetics and Neurodegenerative Diseases. She passed it to Draco, who took it carefully and began inspecting it. "That right there is a muggle book about Genetics. According to your resume, you took a few classes at Oxford, is that right?" He nodded and turned it open.
"I needed to get a broader perspective." She noticed he was flipping through the introductory Chapter, one she spent many an evening on, trying to dust the cobwebs off her elementary Biology knowledge. "I'm curious and frankly a bit apprehensive as to how you plan on interweaving all these subjects for one particular disease."
"I know, which is why I am having you lead this project alongside me. I have ideas, but I need you to execute them. You'll be spearheading this, and as we get further into the research, I may consider adding an additional Unspeakable to our team. For now, this is to be your top priority." He nodded, placing the book back onto her desk. "My assistant is working on creating a system for disseminating information between us and the Masters. No one will know you are working on this project specifically, and all information will come to me simply as a formality. Any communications to and from you will be labeled Unspeakable 25." Hermione felt like her brain was going to explode, an imminent migraine on the horizon. She sighed and gathered her documents back into their color-coordinated files. "The muggle world uses cross disciplinary research to take on major maladies, and the dissemination of information is efficient and limitless. We need to advance our communication methodologies to evolve with the times. We'll start in our own way on this project" She glanced at her watch, realizing she was late again. Some days she wished those time turners were saved from destruction. Malfoy sat, digesting all of the information. He unclasped his hands and stood. He sure was a lot taller than she initially thought.
"So, where do we begin?" He looked sure of himself again. She hesitated before grabbing her wand and stood beside him.
"Well for one, I need to teach you the incantation for when we are outside this office. You noticed that during the oath binding, there were a few binds of magic. If you were to discuss any of your projects to someone besides myself or another Unspeakable, you'll find yourself unable to articulate the words. So don't worry about accidentally slipping. There is also a mechanism that if someone tries casting Legilimency or Imperio, you will be immediately transported to the atrium and a message sent to the Auror team. I'm proud to admit I thought of that last one myself," she boasted. He rolled his eyes, snorting as she led them towards the door. "As far as conversing about work, a simple Muffliato with the reverse wand arc will activate the privacy binding of your oath between us. To cancel it, simple say Finite with the normal wand movement."
"Easy enough." He grabbed the Genetics book and shrunk it before slipping it into the pocket of his robes. "I'm assuming we'll reconvene once I've digested that book?" She chuckled, sending some files into various bookcases and with a wave of her wand, locked them into place.
"Yes, I'll give you two weeks. Let me know if you have any questions, and I can arrange a meeting with the Geneticist at Cambridge I've become friendly with. She'd be delighted to have anyone pick her brain, but only after you understand her book." She shoved her files into her briefcase, before shoving thatbag into her trustworthy pink crossbody. Hermione huffed and ran over to an armoire off to the left of the office, grabbing a set of deep Purple robes. She tucked her crossbody beneath her robes and began leading him towards the door.
"Undetectable extension charm?" Draco asked, glancing knowingly at the bag.
"Old habits die hard," she chuckled and together they exited her office. The great watch tower in the atrium told her it was well past six in the evening, and she was as always, late to drinks with Harry and Ron. She looked up towards Draco, noticing his eyes surveying the atrium cautiously. Old habits indeed.
"Well, thank you Minister for taking the time to meet with me," he began formally, extending his hand towards her in earnest. "Will I be seeing you this Sunday at the Potters? I received a Howler from the Weaselette demanding my presence as I've missed the last three outings."
Hermione laughed, noticing the way his grey eyes settled on her much shorter form. He really was quite pleasant when he wasn't denouncing her blood status.
"I do hope you won't mind seeing your, well, boss at personal outings. I have a no 'work-talk' policy when its the weekend." She suddenly felt shy, noticing a few onlookers staring curiously as they made their ways to the large fireplaces. She was sure they were quite the pair, a regal pureblood Unspeakable conversing with the not so pureblood Minister. He must have been following her thought process as he stared down a few old wizards pointing rudely their way.
"I'm sure we'll be the talk of the week," he mused.
"I'm sure." It was of course, something she anticipated with his hiring. "But frankly, I've always been the topic of discussion so let them entertain themselves." He chuckled again as they walked towards the fireplaces to floo home.
"Have a good weekend Minister. See you Sunday."
"Same to you Draco. Best prepare yourself for third-trimester Ginny Potter." He rolled his eyes and with a flash of green flames, disappeared.
She sighed deeply, hoping the migraine was susceptible to a strong Firewhiskey and a quiet corner in the Leaky Cauldron.
The pub was quiet, save a few patrons who lazily met her eyes upon entering. She nodded to Tom as she headed towards the secluded far corner where her best friends were laughing uncontrollably. She slid into the booth besides Harry, who scooted further-in to free up some space.
"Gentlemen," she greeted, appreciating the double Firewhiskey on the rocks waiting for her. The liquid burned her throat and sent a wave of relaxation across her nerves. Her pulsing headache finally began to ease.
"You're late 'Mione," Harry teased, his butterbeer clinking haphazardly onto the table. She snorted and sipped her drink again. He had loosen up his tie as he worked his way through what she counted to be four pints of Butterbeer.
"Is she ever on bloody time," Ron chimed in. He looked equally relaxed, the liquor giving his freckled face a tiny flush. Hermione loved their Friday happy hour. With all of the chaos of the work week, it was amazing they had managed to keep a consistent time just for the three of them.
"What were you lot cackling about when I arrived?" She peered down her tumbler, watching them continue to snicker in their drinks.
"Ron was just telling me about the latest joke shop merchandise that's due to hit shelves for start of term. Poor McGonagall is going to have her work cut out." She rolled her eyes, cautiously peering into the bag beside Ron that had a soft billow of blue smoke emerging.
"The less I know, the better rule?" She asked dryly, and by their smirks knew her answer. "Good, say no more."
"Yes, there are other more important things to discuss 'Mione," Ron began, "like why the bloody hell did you hire Malfoy of all people as an Unspeakable."
"Hey!" She warned, casting a Muffliato while glaring pointedly at Harry. "Is nothing sacred?"
"Afraid not," he laughed. "Besides, it'll finally be you in the prophet with him and not me. For that, I am eternally grateful." The Chosen One leaned back, his hands folded behind his head purposefully. His Auror robes glistened in the light, but was nothing compared to the Cheshire grin adorning his face.
"Just great Harry," she sighed. Ron was looking expectantly at her, while taking a sip of his butterbeer. "Yes, alright. I've hired Draco as-"
"Since when is it Draco!" Ron exclaimed.
"Since I am going to be working with him on a very important project Ronald!" She yelled. "Last time I checked I could hire whoever the fuck I wanted."
"Language 'Mione! Jeeze where did all of this cursing come from," Harry exclaimed, waving his finger at her accusingly. "James is going to pick it up and you'll be to blame."
"Since I stopped being a pushover at Hogwarts for starters. And Viktor and his mates," she added for good measure. Ron glared at her some more, taking a forceful chug from his beer and ordered another. Some buttons were just too easy to push.
"But he's a git Hermione," Ron continued.
"So are you, yet here we are," she retorted. "But if it matters, he was second in our class to me. He had the highest marks on NEWTS besides me. He has studied and trained in Potions, Transfiguration, and some muggle studies like Biology. For this project, he is more than satisfactory." Harry sat thoughtfully across from her, an idea growing in his bright green eyes.
"You just said Malfoy and satisfactory in the same sentence 'Mione," he teased. She glared at Harry, while Ron choked on his drink, the foam soaking the entire front of his shirt.
"Now look what you've done Harry," she deflected, waving her hand and eliminating the offensive liquid from his attire.
"Whose side are you even on Potter?" Ron was clearly not taking this well. Ever since they had agreed to remain friends rather than romantic partners, at his suggestion no less, Ron had been territorial and downright rude to any male other than himself or immediate family. He barely contained himself on those times when she brought the Viktor Krum over for dinner at the Weasleys. Their-three year relationship caused much strife between she and Ron, especially since he had decided to whore himself out to the female wizarding population at the time. He swore his feelings for her had died shortly after the Battle, and was simply acting as any older brother would. Harry wisely kept himself far away from the situation as possible. Although things with Viktor and her did not pan out romantically (he still remained a dear friend), Ron was a smug bastard for two months while Hermione attempted to emotionally adjust to single life. Her attentions had been refocused on her career, so much that she wound up as Great Britain's Minister for Magic.
"I am on everyone's side," Harry eased. "But, it is quite curious why Draco has decided to take the position. You've been, what, cordial at best on Sundays?" She nodded and took another sip of her firewhiskey. It wasn't working fast enough to keep her stress at bay. "Well, whatever it is, if he hurts you in anyway, I will kill him." For a second, Hermione recognized the determination only seen when battling Voldemort or trying to bathe James. She couldn't help but smile.
"Thank you Harry for your vote of confidence. As for you Ronald," he shrank bank into his seat somewhat, "you need to trust me. I do know what I am doing, and I've gotten this far without your meddling or vocalizations." Ron shrugged and ordered another beer.
"Whatever you want 'Mione. If you want to deal with the obnoxious arsehole, that's on you."
"Yes. Now, let's stop discussing Draco Malfoy, and start with our dear Luna Lovegood." Ron could only shrink further into the booth, his blue eyes wide at her open declaration.
"Bloody hell Harry, do you not keep anything private?" Harry laughed, shaking his head 'no' before raising his mug towards his best mate.
"Luna is lovely and we adore her," Hermione said kindly. "It's about time you start settling down, your mother is growing anxious."
"What do you mean she's anxious, Ginny is about to pop Potter number two!" He cried incredulously.
"Yes, but Ginny is not you mate," Harry laughed. "She wants all of her babies having babies. You are no exception."
"Ugh, she's bloody crazy. Luna and I have only been seeing other a few months now. I can't imagine even bringing that up to her."
"You better not!" Hermione warned. "Luna is a lot more perceptive than she let's on. She is a Ravenclaw through and through. Be kind to her. She doesn't deserve your dishonesty or immaturity."
"Yes, yes I know," he huffed. "She may be too good for me," chuckling as Harry and Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "And she's only gotten more beautiful since you last saw her. She just finished her animal Healer training and is starting some fellowship thing where she specializes in a specific area. Of course, all she wants to work with are Thestrals and Hippogriffs." He smiled fondly, forgetting he was in the company of two slightly inebriated friends.
"We expect to see her on Sunday," Harry said. "Ginny will not take no for an answer."
"Yes, Draco said he received a howler?" Hermione laughed. No one said 'no' to Ginny Potter.
"Great, we get to see him again on Sundays! I thought we rid him for good," Ron whined. Harry and Hermione rolled their eyes.
"Mate, ya gotta give it up. He was completely cleared of all charges, his mum too. He helped us hunt and charge dozens of Death Eaters who ran off during the battle. Ever since Lucius got the kiss, he has been a completely new person. Probably because he isn't being manipulated to be a prick anymore."
"Yes, I reviewed all of his files naturally," she added. "Lucius was really quite horrible to Draco and Narcissa. The things they were forced to witness, forced to do. It makes you wonder if it was Voldemort's bidding or Lucius's."
"Yeah, yeah," Ron said. "Still doesn't change the fact that he was a coward. He could've stopped Bellatrix torturing you." The mood suddenly dropped, and Hermione was taken to the drawing room that fateful day. She felt a shudder run through her body. Harry laid a comforting hand on hers and Ron looked away guiltily.
"If he had tried to stop her, she would've done even worse. She was completely unhinged then. I think he played it as best he could given the situation," she finally let out. Ron sighed heavily, downing his last drink before checking the time.
"I'm having dinner with Luna tonight. You guys want to join?"
"Such manners!" Harry teased. "But no, I'm taking James out to the movies tonight while Ginny finishes the final touches on the nursery."
"I can't wait to see it finished," Hermione said, leaving a hefty lump of money for all of their drinks. She downed the rest of her Firewhiskey and followed Harry and Ron out to the disapparating point behind the pub. She hugged them both tightly before moving off.
"I'll see you both Sunday. Harry, tell Ginny I'll be over early so I can spend some time with my godson." She added. Harry nodded and with a pop he disappeared into the night sky.
She turned to Ron, who was staring absently at the ground, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.
"I'm sorry I go on and on about Malfoy," Ron admitted. She knew it was incredibly hard for him to apologize.
"Is there something I missed?" She asked him. "Something I don't know that everyone is keeping from me?"
He sighed, wrapping his arms around her. Her head had always fit perfectly under his chin. He still smelled like the sun on a summer day, now mixed with a hint of a faded fire and butterbeer. He sighed deeply and mumbled into the top of her hair. "It's not that Hermione. I just can't help but be overprotective of you. I know we didn't work out, and I like to think it would have caused us more harm than good if we tried. So I'm not jealous," he added quickly. "I just think you deserve the best. And I always thought he had a thing for you, Malfoy that is." She looked up questioningly, the sudden movement causing her to sway just slightly.
"What? That's insane. I'm the bushy haired Mudbood, the Gryffindor princess, the third of the 'Golden Trio.'"
"Yes, I get that. But we all tend to pick on those we admire most. And now that you aren't off limits, well, who's to say he won't pursue a great opportunity? Especially since she now is Minister."
"I'm glad you still think of me so highly Ron," she laughed.
"Oh shush, you know it's true."
"Yes, but I never arranged for him to lead my project because I had feelings for him," she emphasized.
"You're right," he admitted. "But that doesn't mean things can't change. Just promise you'll be careful. I know you are professional above all else, but don't be naive to think you aren't a great catch 'Mione." She felt tears flood her eyes, and she hugged him even tighter.
"Oh Ron, when did you grow up?" She rubbed her wet nose on his jacket. Gone was the emotional range of a teaspoon.
"I don't know, but I reckon Luna is a big part of it. She's got great perspective on things," he said sheepishly. "I really like her 'Mione. She might be it for me."
"I know Ron, it's about bloody time! Don't ruin it, she's wonderful."
"Yeah yeah," he smiled. "See you Sunday?"
She nodded and after pulling away, watched as he disapparated with a soft 'pop'.
In that moment, she suddenly felt so alone. The silence that greeted her was unwelcome, the cold wind seeping into her bones. She drew in a breath and spun on her heel, disappearing into the night sky.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I have a few written out, just editing and reworking a few things. Looking forward to your comments!
Xo
MistAccio613