Chapter 57

Sitting behind a desk with a stack of applications in front of him was a rather surreal experience for Ron. But that was where he sat, three weeks after Kingsley had asked for their assistance in finding the best people to join Hermione in the new Personal Law office.

Almost immediately after Hermione had accepted the offer, Kingsley had put word around that he was looking for two suitable applicants with a list of requirements they'd need to meet. They'd be working under Hermione, who had already been appointed Head. There'd be a senior person and then a junior person, the latter of which Kingsley encouraged he'd like to see a younger, perhaps finished Hogwarts in the last year, person considered for that position.

That was all Ron had known of it until he'd stepped into the interview room — a small, rarely used office slightly off from the Minister's one — and seen three piles of duplicated applications sitting on a desk.

Apparently, many people had liked the idea of this new office and had sent in their applications via owl. Or perhaps they just wanted a job and anything would do. Or maybe they were just interested in working with the person who'd already put so many changes into motion. Or — and Ron did not doubt this for one second — they had applied because they knew Hermione was the sister-in-law to Harry Potter and thought it would be interesting working alongside someone who was part of Harry's family.

The interviews were to take place throughout the week, two hours each day lined with fifteen minute interviews, and today was their third day. Hermione was unavailable for the time being, tying up some loose ends in the Magical Creatures office before she began her new job next Monday, so it was just Ron, Harry and Kingsley conducting them today.

If Ron was being honest, so far the list of applicants had been rather disappointing. He felt like he knew enough about what was required for this job to know that the large majority of the people who'd they'd interviewed were not suitable. Very few seemed to knowledgeable of wizarding law, let alone show any interest or knowledge in the Muggle integrations they were trying to make. Hardly anyone had bothered to research into it before coming to their interview.

The pile of people to consider was vastly smaller than the pile of discarded applications.

"Thank you for coming in," Kingsley said to a balding man by the name of Oswald Harper, who was already a Ministry worker from the Magical Accidents and Catastrophes department. "You will receive an answer by Friday evening of our decision."

The man bowed, thanked them, then hurried from the interview room looking rather pleased with himself.

The moment the door shut behind them, Ron and Harry added their copies of the application to the discard pile. Kingsley was a little slower, but he also did the same.

"At this rate, Hermione will be working by herself," Ron said. Maybe he'd set his expectations too high, or maybe he was trying to compare everyone he interviewed to his very brilliant wife, but Ron knew that none of these people would work well with Hermione. Someone like that Oswald Harper would send her insane before he did anything to help her.

"Well, she'd probably do it if she had to," Harry reasoned. He looked down at the next person on the list and Ron saw his eyes widen in surprise.

Ron looked down at his own copy and immediately picked it up to make sure he had read the name correctly.

But there was no mistaking the application. Clear as day, in black ink, was Draco Malfoy's name.

"What in Merlin's name is he applying for?" Ron asked. He scanned the application Malfoy had sent in. "Well, everything he's got here is a lie. He hasn't included past jobs. Death Eater is missing from the list." He snorted. "Three OWLs. Two NEWTs. Even with the Death Eaters in control he couldn't manage more."

Ron felt a pang of sheer satisfaction upon reading those small bits of information. And he knew for certain that Draco Malfoy wasn't going to be given a job at the Ministry. No one convicted as a Death Eater had been allowed to retain or obtain a job here. It had been one of the first rules put in place shortly after the war.

"You let him apply?" Harry asked, looking at Kingsley. "Malfoy?"

"I let anyone apply," Kingsley said.

"But he's an ex Death Eater!" Ron argued.

"He was a non-convicted Death Eater, thanks to Harry," Kingsley reminded them. "He was cleared of all charges, and he served a whole year in home isolation prior to his trial to clear him. There is nothing stopping him from applying for any job within the Ministry."

Ron shot Harry a look that said you just had to get a conscience, didn't you? But, then he realised that this might actually be fun. Sitting in a position of power, allowing Draco Malfoy to grovel to two of the three people he'd despised and who'd despised him, for all of their schooling life. He'd have to sell himself to them, try and talk himself up, probably all the while knowing that his efforts were futile.

Ron grinned. Yes, this was going to be fun, he decided. He'd like to see Malfoy grovel.

Less than a minute after that thought crossed Ron's mind, there was a knock on the door. Kingsley stood and moved to open it.

"Mr Malfoy," Kingsley said. "Thank you for coming. Come on in."

He stepped aside to let Malfoy in. Malfoy's eyes landed on Ron and Harry and he immediately froze, looking rather dumbstruck to see them sitting there. Ron could practically see the thoughts ticking away in that small brain of his, realising that this had been a horrible, terrible mistake. He saw the hope drain from Draco's face, along with what little colour it already had.

Ron grinned, satisfied by this reaction. He glanced over to Harry, but Harry seemed to have contained himself a little better. His expression was blank of any kind of emotion.

"Please sit," Kingsley said, indicating the empty chair on the other side of the desk. Kingsley returned to his own chair in between Ron and Harry.

Malfoy sat, looking extremely nervous. He looked less dishevelled than he had the last time Ron had laid eyes on him — being led to his trial alongside his parents — but he had lost the smug look that he'd constantly worn at Hogwarts. And the air of importance had left him too.

The Malfoy name had long since lost its credibility and standing in wizarding society, and it had cleary taken its toll on Draco.

"Now," Kingsley said, "I'm sure you are aware, but alongside me I have Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley conducting this interview as well. You have fifteen minutes to answer three questions as best as you can. You will be notified via owl on Friday evening of the results. Do you understand?"

Draco nodded, eyes darting between Ron and Harry.

Ron sat a little straighter, unable to contain his own smug look. Oh, how the tables have turned, Malfoy.

"Shall we begin then?" Kingsley looked between Ron and Harry, who both nodded. He nodded too and turned back to Draco. "Tell us, in your own words, why you think you are the most suitable person for this position?"

Draco hesitated, and Ron could tell that he was unsettled by Harry and Ron's presence. What had he been thinking, anyway? The application had clearly stated Hermione would be leading the office. Was he that desperate to integrate himself back into society that he would be willing to work under her? Or was it some sadistic way of getting back at them for imprisoning his father? That, Ron could believe.

Malfoy cleared his throat. "Wizarding law has always been an interest of mine, and growing up, I was educated greatly in that area of society. I am familiar with the way the Wizengamot functions, and also the smaller intricacies involved. This position is something I'd be willing to… learn in."

Kingsley nodded, keeping the same straight face he'd kept throughout all the interviews. "I should make you aware that this new office has been introduced as the start of implementing changes to the legal system within the wizarding world. This includes a complete and total overhaul of the Wizengamot."

Malfoy clearly hadn't known that by the look on his face, but he nodded nonetheless.

"This new position," Kingsley continued, "will involve significant knowledge in both wizarding law and familiarity with the way the Muggle legal system works. Would you be willing to adapt and learn to become competent in both?"

Again, Draco hesitated. It was clearly an internal struggle for him.

Ron kept his smirk to himself.

"Mr Malfoy?" Kingsley asked. "This is an important component to this position. Would you be willing to learn and become knowledgeable in both wizarding law and Muggle law?"

It killed Malfoy, Ron could tell, but he managed to spurt out a yes to Kingsley's question.

The Minister nodded. "Please give some examples of your current knowledge of wizarding law."

Much to Ron's annoyance, Draco did seem to know more than any other person when they had been asked the exact same question. He was able to describe in annoyingly great detail specific laws, specific methods and particular events in the past that only a Pureblood would have heard about that had helped to shape the Wizengamot as it currently stood.

It also annoyed Ron how easily Draco seemed to switch personalities, and once he got comfortable, began talking himself up in a way that seemed to impress Kingsley. And, Ron thought bitterly, even him.

Once he had finished speaking, the room fell silent. Ron glared at Draco, who still looked a tad uncomfortable, but nowhere near as much as he had at the beginning.

Kingsley cleared his throat and Ron jumped. Right, it was his turn to ask a question.

"What would you say would be your greatest asset to this new position, keeping in mind that you will be one of the first people to occupy it? That you will essentially become one of the first wizarding lawyers people have ever seen?"

"Again, my knowledge in law will be a big advantage," Draco said, not missing a beat.

Screw it, Ron thought. Even if I get kicked off this afterwards, it's worth it. "What about your personality?" he asked. "What aspects of your personality will make you compatible in a team environment, working for Hermione Granger?" My wife. The person I love more than anyone else in this entire world. The one I want to keep people like you away from.

Surprisingly, Kingsley didn't give him a warning look, but Harry raised an eyebrow.

Draco glared, clearly understanding the meaning of the question.

Ron continued. "Are you willing to work under her?"

"Weasley," Kingsley said under his breath.

Ron sat back in his chair.

"I applied for this position with the full knowledge of what it entailed," Draco said coolly. "I am aware of my position, if I were to be successful, within the office. The assets I can bring to it is substantial knowledge that I would anticipate might be needed —"

Ron glowered. Anticipate might be needed? You arsehole, Draco Malfoy.

"— and the ability to follow instructions —"

At this, Ron had to stifle a laugh. As did Harry. This was getting out of hand, but quite frankly Ron didn't care. Draco Malfoy would not be working with Hermione.

"— and I am able to maintain an air of professionalism in many situations."

Ron shook his head, but said no more on the matter. That was complete bullshit.

He looked at Harry.

Harry was now staring at Draco with a slightly stunned expression. It was as if he couldn't quite work out what Draco was doing there, or why.

Ron knew exactly why. It was Malfoy all over. He was there to be a jerk and nothing more.

Harry seemed to come to himself after another moment and he shook his head. "Finally, please tell us what ideas you wish to bring to this new office."

Draco looked at Harry completely, his expression neutral. He then smiled. "I hope to bring a different perspective to the small team I'll be working with. The Ministry is an old place with many lodged-in values and expectations, which I understand are currently undergoing drastic changes. To assist with this, I hope to help establish a sound and justified legal system that will help to give those unfairly accused of minor crimes a fair go and sentenced to Azkaban only when they deserve it. I will bring my own expertise and personal experience in matters of supporting and representing the people who seek help with the Muggle mindset of 'innocent until proven guilty,' which I believe to be fair and justified. I will implement plans and cases that will positively support those I am representing and will do so willingly and adapt to any changes that may occur."

There was silence after that and Ron scowled. He'd given the best answer out of everyone and he knew that Kingsley and Harry realised that, too.

Maybe even Malfoy realised, because he added, "I know it doesn't make sense given my past, but I do have sound knowledge in the area of law. I can make it work."

After another moment of silence, Kingsley nodded and said, "Thank you, Mr Malfoy."

"And just so you are aware," Ron said, even though the interview was finished, "you understand that your position, if you are successful, is working under Hermione Granger? Meaning that she is leading the team and her word is the final word. Are you clear on that?"

Malfoy fixed Ron with a hard glare. Ron returned it, not backing down. This was Hermione they were talking about.

"I am fully aware of what the position entails, Weasley," he said coldly. "I am aware of where my position stands. It was advertised as such."

"And yet you still applied," Ron said.

"Yes," was all Draco said.

"Well, good luck," Ron replied, not meaning it at all.

"As I said before, Mr Malfoy," Kingsley interrupted, "you will hear of our decision via owl on Friday evening. Have a good day."

Malfoy stood, giving a nod to both Harry and Ron, and then left the room, looking just that little bit more prouder than when he'd entered.

Git, Ron thought, though he wasn't sure if he meant Malfoy or himself. He knew Malfoy's confidence had risen because of Ron's constant goading. Malfoy knew that his good responses had irritated Ron.

But, whatever…

He went to discard Malfoy's application, but before he could he caught Harry and Kingsley looking at each other. It was a look Ron didn't like, because he understood it straight away.

"No," he said. "Absolutely not."

"You can't deny he knows what he's talking about," Kingsley said.

"He's a Death Eater," Ron said. "A homegrown terrorist group —"

"You've been watching too much television, mate," Harry said with a smirk.

Ron ignored the dig and rounded on Harry. "He'll be working with Hermione," he said. "Your friend… your sister-in-law… my wife."

Harry said nothing, but Ron could tell that seemed to mean very little to Harry in this situation.

Anger surged in Ron, and he suddenly wanted to hit Harry. Or shake him. Or something.

"Are you forgetting everything he did? Or is that irrelevant to you now?"

"I'm not saying I want to hire him," Harry said. "I'm saying… I'm saying he did well, that's all."

"And wasn't it your idea, Ron, that everyone is employed on their merits for the job and not their status in society?" Kingsley asked.

"No, that was Hermione's suggestion," Ron grumbled.

"Well, it is ultimately Hermione's call," Kingsley continued, "as she is the one working with them. But if we want a fair system, I believe we must place Draco Malfoy in the pile to consider."

"No," Ron said stubbornly. He tried appealing to Harry again, but he could see that Harry agreed with Kingsley.

"This is exactly the reason I scheduled this interview before a short break," Kingsley said and he smiled. "I suspected it would cause some strong feelings between the three of you. Have a break, and I'll see you both back here in half an hour. And, remember, we have more interviews today and two more days afterwards. There may still be plenty more options."

Ron stood up and left the room, feeling unjustifiably (or maybe justifiably, considering they were talking about his wife) angry over the whole situation. He wasn't even mad that Draco had applied, or that Kingsley had given him an interview. Not even over the fact he'd done well at it. It was the fact that Harry didn't agree with Ron.

"Ron —"

Ron spun, rounding on Harry. "She's your best friend," he said. "And you want to subject her to him?"

"I don't want to do anything of the sort," Harry said, sounding irritated. "All I think is he should be considered. It's only fair."

"It's not fair," Ron said. "He doesn't deserve a job. He deserves nothing after everything he did. He's a Death Eater."

"Who was cleared —"

"Thanks to you."

"You seem irrationally angry over this, Ron," Harry said.

"Because I don't want Hermione to have to get up and go to work every day and have to deal with him. She's so excited about this, we've changed our own plans to fit around it, and I don't want him giving her hell every day because he can't handle being told what to do by her. She deserves to be there; he doesn't."

"I'm fairly certain Hermione can take care of herself, Ron," Harry said. "You know she can. And besides, Kingsley's right. It's her decision to make and I doubt she'll pick him anyway. But if we want a fair system and want to erase the who you know aspect of the Wizengamot, then we can't make leeways for ourselves. Malfoy did better than everyone else so far. Like him or not, we need to acknowledge that."

But Ron simply shook his head. "I don't agree with it," he said. "I can't. You… you just don't get it. You only knew Malfoy in school. You didn't hear of all the awful things that family did growing up. All the bribery, their switching from one side to another when it suited them, the way Lucius Malfoy always treated Dad… you just don't get it."

Harry looked at Ron for a moment, finally seeming to understand where Ron was coming from.

"Hermione's your best friend," Ron continued, "but she's my wife, and I love her more than anything else. If Malfoy decided he wanted to suddenly play Quidditch, would you want him playing with Ginny?"

Harry hesitated.

"You wouldn't, would you?" Ron asked.

"I suppose not," Harry relented. "But I still think it's Hermione's call. Not ours."

Ron nodded, feeling himself instantly calm down now that he had Harry back on his side. "I just don't want her to even have the option with him in it. I don't want our lives to involve the Malfoys at all. Ever again."

…

The remainder of the interviews that day were abysmal, which left Ron in a really awful mood once he returned to the Auror Office. Until Malfoy had walked into the room, he'd been enjoying doing something useful for once. But now, all he could think about (and worry about) was the fact that Malfoy truly had been the best applicant so far.

But he'd gotten through the day — finally — and was pleased to see that Hermione had beaten him home. He found her in the kitchen, starting dinner. She was peering over a saucepan that was emitting steam, causing her hair to puff up into one huge pile of frizz.

He smiled, a rush of affection soaring through him. She hadn't heard him come from the fireplace, nor did she hear him approach to wrap his arms around her from behind.

"Hey," he said gently, burying his face against her neck.

Hermione jumped, but then relaxed against him, smiling. "Hey," she said.

"Fancy seeing you home before me." He kissed her cheek, but kept his arms around her, watching the pot of water boil.

"Well, there isn't much for me to do at the moment," Hermione confessed, and to Ron's amusement, she sounded annoyed. "They aren't giving me any new projects, and I've just about finished all the ones I've started… are you alright, Ron?"

"Just a very long… and interesting day," Ron said. "Did Kingsley tell you who showed up for an interview today?"

"He did," Hermione said. "He also mentioned that you weren't overly pleased by it."

"Not at all," Ron said, finally letting Hermione go (or, more accurately, she pulled away from him to get some eggs from the fridge).

"I heard he did well, though," Hermione said. "Better than anyone else."

"Doesn't stop him from being the biggest prat on the planet," Ron replied. He then paused, seeing the look on her face. "Hermione," he groaned. "No."

"I never said anything," she replied innocently.

"You didn't have to. Hermione — no. You can't. You can't consider him as an option."

"I don't want to," Hermione said, "but I also want competent people in there straight up. I don't want to have to be babysitting anyone."

"You'll be babysitting his ego," Ron said. "No, please don't even consider it. I don't want you working with him."

Hermione turned to face him, her expression soft and sympathetic. "I know you mean well, Ron. I do. But please… please just let me make this decision for myself. There's still so many more people to interview. I'm sure at least one will be better."

"They're all better," Ron argued. "Even if you have to do a little more training with them, it'll be better in the long run. Malfoy only knows about it because his father taught him how to manipulate the system before he could walk. And he's a superb liar, I'll give him that."

"I just —"

"I love and care about you far too much to let you pick him, Hermione," Ron said. "You know what he's capable of. He'll make that office hell for you and whoever else is in there. And one of his friends could murder a Muggle and he'd happily defend them."

Hermione was silent for a moment, watching Ron with a small smile on her lips. Then she said, "You're forgetting that I am the Head of that office. He wouldn't dare say anything to me or anyone else when he knows I have the power to get rid of him the moment he does. He's slightly smarter than you give him credit for."

"Sounds like you've made up your mind," Ron said.

"Not at all," Hermione replied. "And ideally, I'd rather not have him involving himself in the personal lives of people we will be dealing with. But…"

"But you want competent people." Ron sighed, leaning against one of the kitchen benches. "Maybe I should have applied."

Hermione laughed. "What, and give up your job as an Auror?"

Ron shrugged. "Better me working there than Malfoy. Plus, I could do it."

"You could, but would you want to?" Hermione asked.

Ron shrugged again. "Hermione, I just beg you to think about what you would be doing if you got him in there. He's… I don't care if he lives the rest of his life without ever working, but I do care about you. I don't want someone like him holding you back from doing all the amazing things you can do and reaching all of your goals."

"He wouldn't," Hermione said. "Non-convicted Death Eaters still have limitations on them in positions of employment. He could never advance further than where he would start."

"It won't stop him from acting like a complete prick, Hermione."

"And if it comes down to it, I'll deal with it," Hermione assured him. "I know you've got some innate desire to constantly shield me from harm, but I've seen the same things you have, Ron, and I can look after myself as well as you can look after yourself."

Ron smirked. "Better, probably. You're amazing."

She smiled at him. "I love how much you care, though."

Ron returned her smile and moved to hug her again.

"Just trust me in this, Ron," she said. "No matter what happens, please just trust me."

"I will," Ron promised. "I do." It's Malfoy I don't trust.

She pulled away and looked up at him again, smiling. "Are you hungry?"

"Of course."

"Good, because I think I might have cooked too much."

I couldn't resist a chapter with an over-protective Ron! I hope you all enjoyed it and all had a happy new year. Here's to hoping 2022 is better than 2021.