A/N: Thank you so much for your reviews!

Here's one more chapter of Ron being a total prick before we go back to romance. Let me know if you like it :)

Chapter 13

"What were you thinking?"

Startled, Hermione looked up. Before her stood a very upset Ron Weasley, who had just stormed into her office like a bloody madman and now slammed the door shut.

She should have expected that.

The article had been published this morning, the headline being "War Heroes Not So Heroic Anymore", and it was the main topic of conversation today, which she had especially noticed during lunch hour. Theo, who had just come out of a Wizengamot meeting, had joined her in the canteen (at least he wasn't just as spoiled as two certain Malfoy men she knew) and together they had amused themselves by listening in on the conversations from the nearby tables.

It seemed like people finally started to figure out that Ron wasn't the great hero everyone had thought him to be and of course that would bother Ron, because he had very much enjoyed the attention and constant praise he had received for his part in defeating Voldemort.

Of course, he was angry now, but she somehow hadn't expected him to confront her at work.

"Ronald, I have a meeting in 15 minutes. I really don't have time for that!" That was true, at 2 o'clock she had a meeting with Lucius, Draco, Theo, Blaise and Pansy. They had figured out how much of Draco's potion they would approximately need and how much the production would cost and today they wanted to talk finances. Therefore, she really didn't have time for Ron's wounded ego.

"I thought we agreed to keep this out of public!" He screamed at her, his face red.

"Well, maybe, just maybe, you shouldn't have called me a Death Eater whore then! Actions have consequences, Ronald, and if you ever decide to grow up, you may understand that."

"Yeah, right. And I suppose your new boyfriend is so much better than me."

"Believe it or not, yes!"

He made an angry noise and suddenly he was at her desk and swiped off the papers, quills and pens he could reach in one angry movement.

"Have you lost your bloody mind? Get out!" Finally, she raised her voice, too.

"The hell I will! You will tell them you lied!" He threw one of the chairs for visitors across the room, where it loudly smashed against the wall.

"I won't because I didn't." She got up, didn't bother to get her wand out of her bag, walked around the desk and grabbed Ron by the arm to drag him towards the door.

Obviously without thinking he lashed out and hit her hard across the face.

They both froze.

"'mione, I didn't mean …," he eventually stammered

"Get out." Her voice was cold. She lifted her hand against her burning cheek, felt blood come out of her nose. "Out!"

"I …"

The door opened. "Are you ready? Everyone else is there already …"

Draco froze, then Hermione saw the cold rage in his eyes as he realised what was going on. With a few long strides, he was between her and Ron, grabbed him by his collar and pushed him roughly against the wall. "You swine!"

"I didn't mean …"

"Didn't mean to hit her, you pathetic coward?" He pushed him again and Hermione noticed that some of her colleagues had now gathered at her door, watching in shock, some eyes on her and some on Draco and Ron.

That got her moving. She walked two steps forward and put a gentle hand on Draco's upper arm. "It's ok, we'll report him. Don't give him ammunition to harm you, please. He's not worth it."

Draco hesitated for a moment, Ron staring wide-eyed, wisely keeping his mouth shut for the time being and then Draco relaxed his grip, stepped back and pushed him towards the door, but he obviously couldn't help himself and kicked his legs out from under him so that he fell hard on the ground.

"You kicked me, you …"

"I didn't see anything," Valerie, who was watching from the door, stated cooly. "Did you?" She turned to Hermione's other colleagues, who collectively shook their heads.

"No," Dane, a young man who had started at the Ministry the year after Hermione, added. "The arse fell over his own feet, I didn't see anything else."

Hermione wanted to hug them all.

Ron, apparently feeling treated unfairly again, scrambled to his feet and fled the room, pushing through the little crowd.

Valerie shot Hermione a sympathetic look and closed the door behind her.

Draco took a step forward and as soon as he stood before her, she fell into his arms, let him hold her and started to cry. She didn't like that she did, but no matter how angry he had been, Ron had never physically hurt her before and, after all, she had once considered him a friend. Her face hurt, but the betrayal hurt more.

Strong arms wrapped around her and she leaned against his shoulder, sobbing quietly. Draco gave her time to calm down, his long fingers stroking soothingly through her hair.

When she finally pulled back, he pulled a cotton handkerchief out of his pocket – because of course he had a cotton handkerchief, and with his initials no less, in his pocket - and gave it to her; then he eyed her worriedly. "Are you ok?" He gently touched her chin and turned her head a little to look at her cheek. It felt slightly hot and still hurt.

She nodded. "I'm fine. Does it look bad?" There was some blood on the handkerchief, but it seemed to have stopped bleeding already.

"I think there's a little swelling and there definitely will be a bruise, but I think I have some bruise salve at home, with that it will be gone in a day or two."

She forced herself to smile. "Thanks."

"So I guess the arse was upset about the interview?"

She huffed, still upset herself, but she refused to start crying again. "You could say that. He liked all the attention and hero worship he was getting. He wanted me to tell the press that I lied. Can you believe it?"

"That guy is delusional. I should have hexed him." He looked angry again, but Hermione shook her head and leaned against him once more.

"No, he's not worth it. I'll report him, preferably to Kingsley, he can't really let go of the Aurors anyway. I really don't feel like running into Harry now." Her eyes widened. "Oh shit, the others are still waiting."

"The meeting is officially postponed now."

"But …," she started to protest weakly.

"No, Hermione, no but. I'll get the bruise salve from the Manor, it works better, if it's applied as soon as possible. You can tell the others that we postpone and if I'm not back by then, please take father with you to Kingsley."

She frowned at him, feeling slightly offended. "I don't need a babysitter."

"No, but I don't want him to run into Weasley, if he's still in the building, crying to Potter or something. Probation, remember?"

She looked at him sceptically. While she was slightly worried that Lucius would do something, she didn't believe it would be a direct physical attack. He wasn't stupid and it wasn't his style. But she didn't argue and just nodded. Besides, her head started to hurt a little, either from the hit or from crying.

Together, they left the office and apparently they were done with keeping their relationship to themselves for now, because Draco had an arm around her waist as they walked. Hermione gave a small smile to her colleagues, who were still standing together, talking in hushed voices. "Are you ok?" Valerie asked.

She nodded.

"Good, if you need witnesses that Weasley definitely wasn't at all touched until he out of nowhere fell on his face, we all volunteer."

"Thanks," Draco said with a small smile and together they left the department and went to the elevators. He would go down to the fireplaces and she would go to one of the meeting rooms on this level. He gave her a gentle kiss on the unhurt cheek. "I'll be right back. I'll meet you at Kingsley's office?"

"Ok." She smiled, this time it came easier, and continued down the corridor. When she opened the door to the meeting room, she was greeted by Pansy's amused voice. "Are you two done making out on your desk?"

"What happened?" Lucius, of course, was the first to spot her red and probably swollen cheek and puffy eyes.

Pansy turned in her chair and her eyes widened. "Was that the fucking Weasel?"

She closed the door and somehow managed to keep her voice calm as she answered. "Yes. Ronald wasn't happy about the article and paid me a visit. Draco is on his way home to get a bruise salve. Can we postpone? I'd like to report that to Kingsley."

"Of course," Theo said immediately while Pansy got up and had a closer look.

"It's not that bad, really. I'll be fine," Hermione reassured her.

"Well, you won't die, but it's definitely not fine. Has he ever done that before?"

"No, that's why he caught me off guard. He started trashing my office and I wanted to throw him out and then … well, he hit me. But then Draco came and … totally didn't smash him into the wall and also didn't kick his legs out from under him. We have witnesses that he really, really didn't."

Blaise snorted. "Well, that's good. That you have witnesses, I mean."

Hermione's gaze fell on Lucius, whose lack of comments was suspicious. "Your son almost got himself into trouble already, whatever you're thinking, stop it. Or I'll tell Narcissa."

Blaise and Theo let out a surprised laugh, Lucius raised an unimpressed eyebrow, and Pansy just smirked. "And you think that's a good idea? Don't bloody underestimate Narcissa Malfoy. If I had to choose, I'd say I'd be more afraid of her than of him, if I was ever stupid enough to piss them off."

"You're well on your way, Pansy," Lucius drawled.

Pansy didn't look worried. "So, tomorrow same time?" Hermione nodded gratefully and to her surprise, Pansy hugged her. "I'll tell Daphne, Friday is girl's night. Until then, make sure your boyfriend spoils you."

Hermione wouldn't cry again, even if this was the first time she had female friends who were willing to come together just to cheer her up. But her smile was somewhat watery, she supposed. "Ok. And I'm sure he will."

Theo and Blaise got up and both gave her a reassuring smile as they left the room with Pansy.

When they were gone, she looked at Lucius. "Draco is going to meet me at Kingsley's office. Are you coming, too?"

He nodded, got up and walked with her to the elevators. He was still far too quiet for her liking, although she was slightly curious what he could come up with. But no, Draco was right, no risks while he was on probation. She'd never forgive herself, if he went to Azkaban.

"Seriously, Lucius. He'll get his due. Kingsley will see to that."

They were alone in the elevator as it went up. "I don't know what you're so worried about, I will not lock him into a jar and keep blackmailing him afterwards."

She rolled her eyes. "Good. Please don't set his robes on fire either."

That got his attention and she smirked at him. "In first year, I thought Snape was jinxing Harry's broom. Well, he was actually muttering counter-jinxes, but that's neither here nor there. I set his robes on fire to stop him."

That has the desired effect, he shook his head, obviously amused. "You are ruthless, woman. You will have to tell me more about your activities at school."

The elevator door opened and they got out on the top floor.

Kingsley's secretary let them through immediately this time, whether it was because of Hermione's face or Lucius' looming presence, she didn't know. "Draco Malfoy will be here any minute, too. Please tell him we're already in," Hermione informed her, knocked on Kingsley's door and just went in.

She expected the Minister to ask her about the article, and for a moment he looked as if he would, but he closed his mouth again and looked at her in shock.

Hermione looked sidesways at Lucius. "Do I really look that bad?"

"Well, it's bruising now. You look like you were in a fight. Or maybe like your brutish ex beat you."

"Great." They both sat down on the chairs before Kingsley's desk.

"That was Ronald Weasley?"

She nodded. "Yes. He came into my office today, started to trash it, demanding that I take back what I said, which I refused. When I wanted to throw him out, he hit me. I thought I'd come to you to report it. I didn't want to go to the Aurors' offices and maybe meet Harry and possible start a fight with him because he may feel like defending poor Ron."

The Minister sighed and nodded. "I appreciate that."

He just reached his quill when there was another knock on the door and Draco stepped in. "Sorry, I'm late. Hello, Minister."

Kingsley didn't even look surprised to see him. "Mr Malfoy. Please have a seat."

Draco sat down next to Hermione and shot her a worried look. "Alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine, don't worry."

The Minister looked at them all, now holding a quill in his hand, parchment before him. "Please tell me what exactly happened."

Hermione did, right until she came to the point Draco had arrived. "Well, then Draco came and wanted to pick me up for a meeting. He saw what happened and politely asked Ron to leave. He did, but fell over his own feet, grumbled something about being tripped, and left." She only mentioned that because she knew that Ron would.

For the first time, Kingsley looked up, his eyes darted from her to Draco. "So you just politely asked him to leave?"

"Yes, Minister." He was a picture of innocence, his voice perfectly even.

"I see. Is Weasley seriously hurt?"

"No," Hermione said. "He fell, got up and left. Some of the colleagues from my department saw the whole thing."

The Minister shrugged, made another note on his parchment and leaned back. "Alright, as long as no serious harm was done, I honestly don't give a shit about your definition of asking politely. He had it coming. But from now on, you'll leave it to me."

"Of course, Sir." Draco's voice was still perfectly calm.

"It would be preferable, Minister, if you made sure that he will not bother her again. Otherwise I will, and although I will, of course, not break any laws, I believe you may prefer your own methods to mine."

To Hermione, Kingsley looked like his headache was far superior to hers as he looked at Lucius, who had spoken in a perfectly pleasant tone. "Thank you for your input, Lord Malfoy, that will not be necessary." He put his quill down and directed his gaze at Hermione. "You will take the rest of the day off."

"No, I won't!"

"Yes, you will! Mr Malfoy?" He looked at Draco. "Is it true what the papers suggest about your relationship to Hermione?"

He didn't miss a beat. "It is, Sir."

As Draco answered, Kingsley's eyes were on Lucius, as if searching for any signs of disapproval. When he didn't find any, he looked back at Draco. "Then make sure that the rest of your girlfriend's day is more pleasant than it has been so far."

This time, Draco smiled. "I will."

"Do I get a say in that?" Hermione asked indignantly.

"Obviously not." She glared at Lucius, who didn't show any sign that he noticed.

Kingsley shook his head. It was obvious that he wasn't sure what to think of the whole situation, but to his credit, he kept quiet for now.

After leaving the Minister's office they stopped in front of the elevators, as Draco gently put a hand on her shoulder to bring her to a halt. He produced a small jar from his pocked and carefully applied the salve he had promised to Hermione's cheek. It felt cooling and immediately soothed the remaining pain. "Thank you."

"No problem. Let's go to your flat and relax with your cats."

Hermione gave a dramatic sigh, but it admittedly didn't sound terrible. "Alright. Just let me get my bag."

"I'll go home. Are you two joining us for dinner?"

They both nodded and Lucius stayed in the elevator downstairs as they got out on the floor of Hermione's department.

Lucius went through the floo to the Manor. He was seething. He had no idea why someone as smart as Hermione Granger had wasted more than half of her life playing the babysitter for Weasley and Potter, but today that ungrateful brat had crossed a line.

He went upstairs and found Narcissa in their shared sitting room. She looked up from the book she had been reading. "What are you doing here so early? Draco came and went about half an hour ago, too. I thought you two had a meeting?"

"We did. Until Mr Weasley decided to trash Hermione's office and when she tried to throw him out, he hit her across the face."

Narcissa immediately abandoned her relaxed stance, put the book aside and stood up, her blue eyes cold, but Lucius knew she was furious. "Is she alright?"

"Yes, Draco went to her flat with her, they will be here for dinner. We reported it to Shacklebolt. But since this is his first offence, it will result in a slap on the wrist and probably a stern talk by the Minister."

Narcissa inclined her head; she had crossed the small distance between them and looked up at him now. "That won't do."

A small smile came to his lips – he had no idea what he had ever done to deserve that woman – and he bent down to place a kiss on the corner of her lips before meeting her eyes. "No, it won't."

~tbc~