Opposites attract
Chatpter 1: Unusual News
"Hermione, please, I have something to tell you! Will you come by tonight for dinner?" Hermione was sitting at her desk, at the Ministry, talking to her best friend of many years, Ginny, on the phone. "I'm just so busy..and..well, will Ron be there?" She asked, deciding she might as well just ask, knowing Ginny knew the real reason she didn't want to come. "I told him already, so that's a no. He's off with that new girl, Diamond, I think that's her name, the 4th girlfriend this month. They're in Italy, or Russia, or something." Hermione sighed, relieved, but also stressed, "Italy and Russia are a big difference, hon. ...Okay, fine, what time?". With an excited voice, Ginny said "6:30, I'm making dinner now actually. I'll see you then! Love you!" and with that she hung up.
"Great" a finally cheerfull Hermione thought, some time with Harry and Ginny is just what she needed! After that git, Ron had left her for some easy girl, she threw herself into her work at the Ministry, trying to busy herself."And so far it's worked" she thought. Slamming down some files on her desk, she smoothed her hair back with her hand and just sat in her chair, thinking about how much she missed talking to her old friends, and wondered how they were doing, and what the news could possibly be.
Suddenly, she heard a distinct voice in the doorway. "Just what I need today" she thought sarcstically. "Granger? This dump is your office?", Draco Malfoy said. "Honestly, you could've knocked! What in bloody hell do you need, anyway?",a stressed Hermione said a bit too harshly for her liking. Taken aback, by Hermione's tone of voice, Draco said "Calm down, woman! The head of department wants to speak to you.". "Me? What could possibly be wrong now?". As if it were obvious, Draco said, "Why don't you go and see...". She glared at him as she got up. While walking out of her office, they bumped shoulders, and she was sure she felt something go into her pocket. "Don't check right now, Hermione, you'll let him win." she thought. Draco turned around one last time, "Granger?", "Yes Malfoy?", "Good luck", and with a satisfied look on his face, he left, leaving her utterly confused.
She walked down the hallway, trying to think of what just happened. "Did he really mean it? Doesn't he hate me? Why do I even care?" were just some of the stray thoughts plundering through her mind. It finally clicked that she forgot to check her coat pocket, to see if there really was something there. Right when she was about to put her hand in the pocket,but didn't dare pull it out, as she reached the head of departments door. She knocked on the decorative wooden door. "Come in" a deep voice said, so deep that it just added to her tension and stress level.
After a deep breath she opened the door, to find the head of her deapartment, Jason Bones, Amelia Bones (the former head of the departments,son), sitting at his desk, his eyes glued to the door as she walked in. "Hello Mrs. Weasley. Please, take a seat. She sat on the other side of the desk. "Mr. Bones, if you please, I'd prefer you call me Miss. Granger, as I am no longer married to the Weasleys. "Ah yes, of course, my mistake. Anywho, I know you have been working very hard in your department." Mr. Bones said, very calmly. "Yes, I have thrown myself at my work recently. Was there a problem with one of my cases?" Hermione asked, rather worriedly. "No,definitley not, they're spectacular! That's why I'm asking for you to, take on a big case..." he said,knowing she could do anything she set her mind to. Hermione looked relieved "That's fine, I mean what's one more case, right?". "Well, this case is huge, so you need a partner." he said, waiting for her reply. "I work better alone, but I don't mind. Who, may I ask, is my partner?" Hermione asked curiously. "I believe you went to school with him. Draco Malfoy." he watched her reaction and said lastly "My assistant told me you might be a bit surprised. However, I am sure that you can make it work, you always do" he smiled one last time and pointed to the door. "I believe that your work today is over? See you tomorrow, Miss. Granger."