Hermione didn't know where to begin. She had hoped that a night away from all the papers would give her a new perspective but she was stuck. She had poured herself over every book and every text she could find. Nothing gave her any clue; nothing gave her the answers she so desperately needed. Instead she was just left with more questions.
It was nearly noon before Malfoy finally showed his face in Hermione's office. As Hermione imagined, their first meeting was awkward. Neither really knew where to begin. Neither wanted to discuss the elephant in the room, they had hated each other, they were enemies.
"Granger, it's nice to see you again."
While he still resembled the kid that Hermione remembered, he had definitely matured. His lanky build had filled out. He was no longer a boy.
"Let's cut the crap and get down to business Malfoy. We don't have to friends but we do have to figure this out."
"I couldn't agree more. Harry gave me the case file a few days ago and I am up to speed on the headway you have made. I have to admit that counter curse you created was ingenious."
Hermione was taken aback by Malfoy's words. Had he really just complimented her work?
Her voice a little unsure, Hermione quickly said, "Yes well, it was simple enough."
"Anyway, I know that so far Harry has managed to take down two factions of this anti-muggle group that has been cropping up in different places but I don't think we're going to get anywhere until we cut the snake off at the head."
Sarcastically Hermione responded, "Yes, because that has proven to be so easy. I have been working on breaking down this organization brick by brick. You think you can come in and bring the whole thing down do you?"
Malfoy quickly became defensive, "You know Granger, I am not here to have you judge me. I get that we have a history together, one that has proven to be difficult to get past in your case. For me though, I would like nothing more to start over. I would like the chance to prove to you what I am sure Harry has told you. I am no longer that stupid kid."
Hermione sighed, "Did you practice that?"
"Do you have to be such a bitch?"
His words shocked her, "Do you really think that all is forgiven and forgotten? I am sure you threw plenty of money at the ministry to get this job and I am sure that the gossip columns are just eating it up. Former death eater and bad boy turned crusader against evil. I'm sure you will relish in all those headlines. But whatever you're playing at Malfoy, I don't buy it."
His voice was low and venomous, "No what I expected was for you to act like an adult and maybe see for yourself that I am more than qualified to help you. That maybe just maybe my past could maybe give you some insight into this case that you are so hopeless floundering on."
Draco pushed his chair away from her desk and got up, "Don't worry though, I will go talk to Harry. This clearly isn't going to work. I'll get reassigned and you can continue sitting on your hands with this case."
Walking out he slammed the door, leaving Hermione alone to think about what he had said.