Note: Loved reading all your comments and theories (you might be on to something... who knows?). Thanks again!
I do hope you enjoy this chapter. And dear guest reader that kept commenting saying that Hermione should take some time off to herself… wish granted! (I guess)
And don't forget that now we get both POVs.
So, on with it!
(Wicked game - Lusaint)
April 29th, 2006
At a Greek Island
The sun warms her skin like a caress. Hermione sighs. Taking this time off was the best decision she made lately.
A month.
It's been a whole month since she freed Harry. A whole month without any news from the Ministry. Any news from her father or mother or her friends.
And if she's honest with herself, it's a huge relief. To be away.
It's perfect.
Except that… at the back of her mind she's always thinking about Harry - their most recent memory the murderous way he looked at her when he got his wand back-
She tries her best not to dwell on it, though.
The coin she shares with Chiara, she left in London. She doesn't want to know what's happening. She doesn't want to think about any of it.
Hermione will deal with things when she goes back.
Right now, her only concern is the amount of alcohol in her drink.
She magically asks for another one. She's dizzily inebriated. Which is wonderful.
For the past month she traveled through many countries. Some times as a Muggle, others as the witch she is. And it helped a lot. It doesn't hurt as much as it did one month ago, but even so, the heaviness in her chest suffocates her sometimes.
But she hopes things will find their natural course and settle into a secure and known routine. Harry is back to Italy and she knows there's no way of him working at the Ministry again, which soothes her soul. She has no idea what she would do if she had to see him every day.
She yawns and stretches, feeling like Crookshanks. She hopes the cat is having a great time with Ron and Luna. Hermione opens a tiny smile to herself. Ron hates Crookshanks, but when she told him she had to get away, he didn't hesitate in taking care of the cat - that scratched him the moment Hermione apparated away.
That was the only communication she made.
Apart from warning her father and mother, of course.
Bellatrix only hugged and kissed her and said she should stay away for as long as she deemed necessary.
But her father-
The conversation she had with him right after freeing Harry still makes her shudder.
March 29th, 2006
Ministry of Magic
Hermione enters the office without knocking.
She's on the edge. She finally reached her limit.
Her father is looking down at the Atrium from the big window in his office. She's sure he's waiting for Harry to leave with Matteo and Chiara.
And now that Harry is free and safe, Hermione is done.
"What are you doing here?" Her father asks through gritted teeth, slightly turning to look at her.
"I'm here to communicate that I'm taking some time off. From this day on until I deem fitting." She's so angry. "And also to say that I'm not happy or satisfied with the ridiculous test you put me through just now."
He fully turns to her and she sees the fury in his eyes. Fast enough she raises a shield around her. Just a second before the invisible slap hits it.
"How dare you talk with me like this?" He hisses.
"I'm honestly done, father. I'm an adult. A grown woman and I'm tired of your tests and the many ways you try to manipulate me! Stop treating me like a child, because I'm not one anymore." She takes a step forward, her chin high, her posture of someone who's in total control. "If you don't trust your own daughter then fire me right now because I won't have you imposing binding obediences on me anymore. The same way I won't tolerate being slapped at your will." She fists a hand. "I give everything I have to this Ministry and to my Minister. To our Society. I'm the best Head Auror in years and we never thrived so much as now. I know this is not your rule alone. I'm part of it and I won't tolerate being treated as some useless subordinate you think you can emotionally harass!"
Hermione closes her mouth, panting. She barely believes her own words. In twenty-six years this is the first time she's truly standing against her father. The first time she's letting it all out without fearing the consequences of her own attitude. And this is very different from merely disagreeing with him on political or social matters.
This is personal. It's their relationship as father and daughter.
Her father clenches and relaxes his jaw successively. Exaggeratedly. Utterly furious.
"I am your father! And you will respect me!" He yells and a strong wave of magic hits the shield.
Hermione holds her ground, showing how serious she is.
"And I'm your fucking daughter who's been waiting her whole life for some kind of respect!" She snaps completely, feeling like a ball of pure rage. And she lets out some magic, the same way he did.
Riddle widens his eyes and raises his hand in time to avoid the invisible force that was certainly going to hit him.
Hermione grits her teeth. She knew doing what she did to Harry would break her. It surely did. Since the moment she gave him the Veritaserum.
But she had to be careful while he was still inside that cell.
However, now, she doesn't have to anymore. She has nothing to lose. She already lost everything.
And there's no way of her father harming Harry to punish her.
This man in front of her is the reason why she can't have children. A man who took away her mother's choice in life and practically made her his personal slave. This is a cruel man who can only perceive power before anything else.
He's the reason why her future with Harry doesn't exist.
The notion blinds her.
Tom Riddle seems at a loss of words. He wasn't expecting this at all. To be fair neither Hermione had any idea she would explode like this.
Her father wets his lips and scoffs, straightening his suit, narrowing his eyes. Hermione relaxes a tiny bit, waiting.
"Fair enough." He says at last and she frowns. "I won't submit you to binding obediences anymore nor will I test your loyalty." He takes one step in her direction and pockets his hands. "But in return I won't accept the tiniest slip from your part, Hermione. Be aware that if you even breathe in a way I don't consider right, I'll make you pay. And I'll make you learn how to behave properly. Like I've been doing your whole life." She feels cold inside, but she knows her expression is still the same. "And if you ever dare talking with me like this again…" He trails and narrows his eyes even more, both almost looking like yellow slits from a snake. "If you dare throwing magic at me like that again…" He takes another step in her direction and she strengthens the shield around her, a chill running down her spine, raising the hairs on her nape. "I'll make you wish you were never born."
His words hit her like a brick. This is not a loving father. Or a father who cares about his daughter. This is just a monster.
She swallows the lump in her throat. And then she nods, raising both hands and extinguishing her shield. He nods to her and moves back to the window to observe the Atrium.
"Hope you enjoy your vacations." He says.
She doesn't bother answering. Hermione walks out without even glancing back.
April 29th, 2006
At a Greek Island
"So, there you are."
She turns sharply at the voice, widening her eyes and stopping mid motion while moving the glass to her lips.
Asmodeus is standing a few feet from her in only some shorts.
"Asmo." She says. What the fuck are you doing here? "This is unexpected."
"Indeed." He smiles and moves closer to sit on the chaise by her side.
This magical hotel has a gigantic pool from where she can also see the infinite blue sea.
Hermione sighs. Well, I can't complain. One month of peace was more than I'd hoped for.
"How did you find me?" She asks nonchalantly but in reality very pissed.
He opens a side smile. "I can't tell you all my secrets, can I?" He winks. "You look well." He states with a look of approval, his eyes going over her body. She's wearing only a bikini.
Hermione smiles to him, playing the part she nearly forgot she had to. "Fair." She says and sips on her drink, her mind going through all the possible ways he might have tracked her. "What brings you here? Missed me?"
"To be honest, I did." He says with a smile and she holds her expression not to contort her face into disgust.
"I missed you too." She says and leans to him, giving him a peck. She's glad she has her sunglasses on and can roll her eyes freely. "Did you also take some days off?"
"Well, I- the day you left for yours I said we were going to do it together in some kind of anticipated honeymoon." He shrugs and she purses her lips. You, fucker.
"Is that so?" She cocks her head. "If that's the case where have you been this last month?" Because he surely wasn't with her. And Hermione didn't try finding the samples this past month. She had to take this time to herself.
"I was doing my father a few favors." He shrugs. "I think that just like you I was a bit tired from the excessive workload. I mean, I can't even remember the last time we took some time off." She nods, agreeing, her mind on what he just said about doing Peter favors. What kind of favors? "And after the ridiculous way D'Angelo got away I had to cool my mind." He says in a low voice, watching her.
"I get it. It was pretty ridiculous."
Asmo exhales, lying down. "But I'm afraid our vacations are over." He states in a strange tone… angry.
"Yeah? Why is that?"
"So, you've completely alienated yourself, huh?"
She frowns. "What's going on?" Her heart starts to beat faster and she tries not jumping to conclusions.
Asmo conjures from thin air a copy of the Prophet. Hermione takes it and reads the gigantic title:
IWO REPORTS THAT KHAN MORITZ IS AN INTERNATIONAL THREAT.
ENGLAND AND ITALY TO WORK TOGETHER TO PUT AWAY THE CRIMINAL.
No. No, no. Fuck, no. Hell, no.
"What?" She shrieks. "Is this a joke?" She asks Asmo.
"Unfortunately not." He takes the paper from her hands and vanishes with it. "This Prophet is from three days ago. I got in touch with my father and asked what the fuck was going on. He said that Riddle put together a meeting with the counselors yesterday to discuss this. There's no way of going against the IWO. From what he said, two Italian Aurors will be based inside our Ministry, working in collaboration with us as leaders on this hunt to find Moritz." She opens her mouth. Chiara and Harry. She wants to scream. Like, really. Like, fuck. She can't believe he's going back after almost being executed. You're an idiot, Harry.
"This is bullshit!" She exclaims, expressing her utter rage.
"I agree. But not just that. We'll be the leaders of this operation, but Aurors from China, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal are also going to be there inside our Ministry to help."
Hermione chuckles nervously. "My father must be so thrilled." Asmo chuckles too. "This is an absurd." She says, groaning and standing up.
"You got yourself a nice tan." Asmo remarks and she ignores him.
"When are they arriving? The Aurors?"
Now she's really nervous. She needs to be there, she needs to meet all of them and set the boundaries. They'll be inside her Ministry. In London. It's her home.
"Well," Asmo looks at his watch, "we're two hours ahead here, soooo… it's like almost noon there."
"And?" She frowns, why is he talking about today-
"And they must be there already."
She widens her eyes, opening her mouth. "FUCK!" Hermione curses. "Meet me at the lobby in ten minutes." She says to him and apparates to her room.
She gathers her things in a blur, totally caught by surprise and feeling an adrenaline that she hadn't in a while. For the past month she tried relaxing more than anything else, that's why she avoided any kind of contact with others or with the news. Of course she cried a lot and felt the pain from everything that happened between her and Harry. Her nights were the worst. She took so many potions to sleep she has no idea how she even wakes in the morning. Harry saying he hates her became part of the nightmares and she can't stand them.
Hermione takes the only book she brought with her and opens a tiny smile.
Invisible cities.
Her hand goes over the cover that is perfect even after she took it everywhere with her. She casted a spell on it, it felt too precious to let it torn, rip or get dirty. And as always when it comes to her feelings, Harry was right. She loved the book. And each time she read it was a different experience.
She closes her eyes for a second, stopping.
He found a way of going back to London.
She's sure this collaboration is Matteo D'Angelo's idea. And she still needs to have a conversation with this man. She didn't forget what happened that day one month ago. It was extremely odd and bizarre the way her father ignored the blackmail Matteo did - or at least, was supposed to do. She bites her lower lip. Yes, she made that deal with Matteo because of Harry, but she doesn't trust him. At all.
Hermione moves her wrist and dresses herself in a black dress. She didn't bring her uniform with her.
With all her things packed, she breathes slowly, squeezing the black stone of her necklace.
She knows Harry will be there and she has no idea what to do when she sees him.
Ministry of Magic
It's odd being back.
Harry wasn't sure what he would feel when he stepped inside this Atrium again, but he realized it's not about the Atrium or the Ministry.
It's about her.
He knows that according to his grandfather's training he shouldn't even care where Hermione is or wonder what she's doing.
But reality is that… he wants to see her. Desperately.
Deep down inside him there's a glimmer of hope that when they meet again he'll be sure it was all a nightmare, a misunderstanding-
He shakes his head. Is he acting like a fool? Is he about to make the same mistake twice?
But there are a few things that he can't ignore. Things he needs to consider. Like his grandfather wanted him to do, Harry has been avoiding thoughts of her, but Hermione saved him that day one month ago. And if she really bonded with Bellaverde- These are strong motives for him to just... observe her for now. Like he did when he first stepped inside this place.
Chiara sighs by his side, fed up. They're waiting for the foreigners Aurors to arrive so they can finally move to the Auror Department and organize things for this collaboration to work. Ron, Ginny and Draco are also there, looking impatient.
But Hermione isn't there. Pettigrew neither.
He turns to say something to Chiara but the counselors step inside the place, all of them arriving together. Harry sets his jaw when he sees Peter Pettigrew, a murderous rage taking over him.
"Relax." Chiara says by his side, looking at her nails and pretending that she's fine with all of this.
All the Aurors and counselors stand close, in a semi circle, waiting. From where Harry is, with his back to the statue that he glued back together with Hermione, he can see all the fireplaces. And in a vain expectation he keeps waiting for the moment that she'll step out of one.
He takes a deep breath, glancing at his watch. It's noon already. "Why is this taking so fucking long?" He asks no one in particular but Draco snorts by his side.
"I have no idea." The man says and they share an irritated look.
But finally the Aurors begin to arrive. They're all in uniforms, one from each country with the image of a small flag on their arms to show their nationality. Harry wonders if all of them can speak English fluently-
His thoughts are interrupted by Tom Riddle.
The Minister comes from the elevators with his cape floating behind him, an expression of distaste on his face.
Harry tries shoving down an insane desire that takes over him. He wants to choke Riddle to death.
"Where's Hermione?" Riddle asks, his eyes going over all of them, but never stopping on Harry. Look at me, coward.
"I got in touch with Asmo. I'm not sure if they'll get here in time." Peter says and Harry fists his hands inside his pockets.
Riddle sighs. "Fine, Ronald-"
But he's interrupted by the sound of more people arriving through the fireplace.
And Harry's heart stops beating.
When it goes back to a steady rhythm he can feel it breaking.
It shatters inside his chest into a million pieces.
Hermione and Pettigrew are coming with their hands clasped together.
And if it's even possible she looks more beautiful than ever.
The black dress she's wearing accentuates all her curves in a loose way. It has a cleavage and it's mid thigh. He can see the obvious tan she got - she really was in some paradisaic island.
His eyes go to her left hand. The engagement ring is there. Of course. Her right hand has its fingers intertwined with Pettigrew's. She's wearing high heels and light make up.
But she looks insanely good. Relaxed. Refreshed. He never saw her like this and it stirs something inside him. He can't understand exactly what.
He gulps. His eyes finally daring going to hers.
She's not looking at him, though. She's looking at her father.
"So, was a month enough rest?" Tom Riddle asks his daughter, his eyes set on her.
Everyone else is watching in silence.
Hermione opens a smile and Harry can't help thinking how warm and pretty it is.
"Indeed. I feel as new." She says in a firm voice. "We had a great time, didn't we, love?" She asks Pettigrew.
Harry grits his teeth. Shit. He can feel the jealousy burning inside him, making it harder to breath in a way. He should have moved past this.
"We did!" Pettigrew says and puts his arm around her shoulders, smiling.
Harry can't wait for a chance to punch his ugly face.
"I'm glad you're back just in time." Riddle says, focusing again on all the Aurors, but he's talking with Hermione. "I'm sure you heard what's happening here." She only nods, still with a small smile on her face, her posture firm but relaxed. Pettigrew's arm around her. And Harry notices that Pettigrew is staring at him. Harry opens a sarcastic smile to the man. Yeah, I'm back, you jerk. "Hermione, I want you to organize this whole thing-"
Harry clears his throat and takes a step forward into the semi circle. Inevitably all eyes go to him, except Hermione's. She's looking at a point beyond him.
"Excuse me, Minister Riddle." Harry says, "I'm here as the Italian Head Auror and since this joint investigation is going to be led by both Ministries, I'll also have a say in organizing this." Riddle is looking at Harry with narrowed eyes. "We're only using London as our base of operations, but Head Riddle is not my boss." He says slowly and finally-
Finally she looks at him.
His heart squeezes inside his chest.
Some of their most precious moments flashing through his mind.
When he first laid his eyes on her. The first kiss on the cheek she gave him at the Hospital after he took that bullet for her. When they practiced the Traditional and he first saw her Patronus. The way they protected each other. How she helped him save Lucinda Summers and her daughter. Their first night talking and the way she opened up to him a bit. Their Traditional. The way he felt so completely whole when they had sex for the first time. The tingle. How they took care of each other. When they decided to investigate the Persecution together. Their many smiles, kisses and caresses. Their matching phoenixes. Their dates. The ride on Bellaverde's back. Their first 'I love you'. Opening up to each other. And how she looked that night inside the bookstore.
It was-
Until.
She swallows hard, but her eyes are firm on his.
"I see no problem in working in collaboration, Head D'Angelo." She says. "But this is my Ministry, and I'll have the last word."
"You won't." He says and she purses her lips. "We'll make the decisions together."
"To be honest, Head D'Angelo, I don't even think you should be here." Hermione says and he doesn't react, but it feels like a slap on the face.
Chiara makes a sound behind him. Harry's not sure if it's a chuckle or a snort.
"I'm here, Head Riddle, because you weren't able of securing Moritz when you had him." He says harshly, knowing that he's being unfair to her. It was Tom Riddle's fault that Moritz got away. "And now the IWO is worried about the threat he poses. I'm here so we can solve this faster and differently from the first time, with efficiency."
Hermione snorts, shaking her head and crossing her arms. Harry can tell she has more to say, but Bellatrix cuts her.
"Enough of this." Hermione looks at her mother and Harry pays attention while something passes between them. He doesn't understand what exactly. "We're being rude to all the Aurors with this pointless argument. It is a joint investigation and the IWO clearly stated that England and Italy will be handling this together. So, naturally, as Head D'Angelo said, all decisions will be made in agreement. Can you do that, Heads?"
Hermione raises an eyebrow and Harry watches while she plays with her necklace, the engagement ring shining on her finger.
"Yes." He says.
"Yes." She says through her teeth, annoyed.
Harry wants to smile at how perfect this is. He'll drive her mad.
Tom Riddle takes a step forward, closer to Harry. He doesn't move. He's not afraid of Riddle.
"Head D'Angelo, if you're so competent, I want this solved and done with as fast as possible. And even if you're here because the IWO wants, don't forget that you don't belong here. Your first step out of the line will be enough reason for me to reach out to the IWO and shut down this whole ridiculous investigation."
Harry opens a sneer. "I have no doubt you will, Minister Riddle."
A heavy silence follows. Harry keeps his eyes trained on Riddle's. The man looks furious.
In a way Harry's glad his presence is causing this much discomfort. It was the least he expected.
"Good." Riddle says. "Now, you and Hermione go and settle things." He turns to his counselors. "We have a meeting in my office in five minutes."
And without another word, he strides to the elevators.
The moment Riddle is gone, people relax.
But not Hermione.
Harry's watching her, trying to read every little movement she makes. And her eyes are following her father. Chiara comes to his side but he doesn't turn to talk with her.
Hermione is not looking at him. Not giving a damn.
Asmodeus kisses her cheek and she opens a smile while he says something into her ear and walks away, heading to one fireplace. Then, Bellatrix goes to her daughter, hugging her tightly. Harry can hear her asking about the vacations. But he misses Hermione's answer.
"You're acting like a psychopath. Staring at her like that." Chiara whispers by his side and he blinks, at last averting his eyes.
Harry exhales heavily, shaking his head. This will be way harder than he imagined. He thought seeing her would stir all the bad feelings he got while inside the cell, but… it's not like that. At the same time that he wants to shake her and ask a thousand questions, he wants to… hold her. Kiss her.
And his stomach churns when he realizes Hermione is coming to them.
Chiara greets her first. "Riddle. I can't say I missed you." Hermione opens a sarcastic smile.
"Likewise, Ferri." She says in a clipped tone. But then she turns to Harry. "D'Angelo, if we're doing this we need to talk. In private."
Harry sets his jaw. He can feel Ron, Ginny and Draco observing the conversation. It didn't go unnoticed to him how Hermione kind of ignored them.
"Okay." He answers. "Lead the way."
She nods. "Let me just… Ron!" She calls to him and opens a beautiful smile to her best friend.
Ron comes to them and hugs Hermione tightly. Harry envies him.
"You look good!" Ron says when they separate.
"How's Crook?" She asks, tilting her head.
Ron chuckles. "I hate that cat." Hermione laughs and Harry screams internally. Her laugh is...
"I know. But I'm very thankful that you took care of him. Now," She clears her throat, "I'll head to the meeting room to talk with D'Angelo, can you please take everyone to the Auror's floor and… break the ice, I don't know?" She makes a face. "After we decide how to organize this whole thing we'll talk with you. What do you think, D'Angelo?" She addresses him.
"Fine by me." He nods to Ron.
Hermione doesn't greet Ginny or Draco, and with another look at Chiara, she leads the way, walking to the elevators.
Harry walks calmly, his hands inside his pockets, his eyes trying to ignore the sway from Hermione's hips. He gulps, chewing the inside of his cheek.
Then he shakes his head and takes a few steps faster, walking side by side with her.
He's not a subordinate anymore. He won't be bossed around.
Hermione gives him a side glance but says nothing and they finally reach the elevator. He discreetly moves his wrist, casting a jinx on the elevator.
They walk inside in silence. Harry can feel a tension growing between them, an unspoken rage that is slowly taking over.
Hermione bangs a hand on the panel. "What the fuck?" She says, grunting.
"Is it broken?" He asks, knowing pretty well that he did this. The door already closed and the elevator is moving very, very slowly.
"I don't know." She says in a low voice, sighing. "I think it might need some repairs. It's not like we won't get there, but it'll be ridiculously slow." She keeps staring at the panel, not understanding.
Harry presses his lips together, leaning at one side of the metal box and crossing his arms.
Hermione finally looks at him.
They stare at each other for a long minute.
Harry's mind is blank. It's hard to admit that his grandfather's training was for nothing. He doesn't hate her. And he can only absorb every detail of her face. The little freckles. Her mouth. Her nose. The eyes-
"Just say it." She whispers. "Say all you want to say and let's be done with it. I don't want any personal shit to get in the way of this investigation."
"Why you think I have something to say?" He asks in an equally low voice.
"Don't you?" She cocks her head, one of her hands going to the necklace to play with it.
He snorts. "I have nothing to say to you." He states firmly. "I think we already said everything, didn't we? Or is there something you want to say?" He tries not showing how nervous he is.
She shrugs and wets her lips. "I'm just pissed you came back." It's a honest statement.
He opens a sarcastic smile. "I'm doing my job."
Hermione snorts, rolling her eyes. "No, you're not." She says firmly and he narrows his eyes, inevitably taking a step to her, his whole body aware of their proximity.
"What am I doing, then?"
She narrows her eyes the same way he did and takes a step to him. Now there's barely any space between them and Harry can smell her perfume. Which is… maddening.
"You're here because you can't handle what I did to you. You're here because you want my head, D'Angelo." He raises his eyebrows ironically. "But let me tell you something…" She leans closer and he stops breathing, her mouth practically on his ear. "I'm not that easy to fool or catch. And don't think that I won't play your game. I will. And I'll win it."
She doesn't move away and he uses all his self control not to seize her in his arms.
"I'm looking forward to it, Riddle." He says and slightly moves his head, his beard and own cheek touching hers.
Harry grits his teeth when he hears and feels her exhaling heavily. She still doesn't move away. And it's like an electric current is passing between them.
"It's not wise to play with fire, Harry." He closes his eyes when he hears his name.
"It's only unwise when we don't want to get burned." He says in a hoarse voice, having an extremely hard time dealing with this proximity. "But I have no problem at all with it, Hermione."
And he moves his head, their noses touching.
Now they're both panting, their eyes locking. He presses his lips together, dying to touch her. Their mouths are extremely close and he can almost taste her. Hermione wets her lips, biting softly, provoking him.
She's already playing his game.
He won't let her win, though. Not this time.
"Don't underestimate me, Hermione." He says in a clear warning and she opens a tiny smile.
"I would never. That's why I'm winning." She winks and steps back.
Harry inhales sharply, finally breathing properly. The elevator door opens and she exits it first, heading to a meeting room and not looking back at him.
Her heart is still beating extremely fast. But she keeps her cool while walking inside the meeting room.
Fucking shit. She was seconds away from kissing him.
And- He looks even hotter now. She can't help thinking how unfair it is that a beard and slightly longer hair can make him look like a God.
Harry enters the room behind her and she tries taking a deep breath to put herself back together. Both sit on opposite sides of the table, facing each other.
This is a tricky situation.
Hermione wasn't sure about his feelings, but she bluntly said he wanted her head and he confirmed in a way. So, telling him the truth is not a possibility. He won't listen. Won't believe her. From their little exchange he'll assume she's playing with him again. And if she remembers correctly, he said he wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
In honesty she's not even sure she wants to tell him everything. There are still many obstacles between them… Well.
But at the same time… she can tell that he was shaken by their proximity the same way she was. Maybe he doesn't fully hate her - which is very unexpected and almost unbelievable.
She needs to talk with Chiara. Hermione can't express how relieved she is that she's here.
"So, I was thinking," Harry begins and she gives him her attention. Right. The investigation and all that bullshit. "I want an office."
She laughs ironically. "Not a chance."
"Don't be so petty." She makes a face at him. "I'm sure there are plenty empty offices."
He's right. "You don't need an office."
"You know I do." He says. "I'm not your Auror anymore. I won't spend my whole day sitting in a tiny desk without having some privacy."
"Fine! I can arrange an office that is isolated from the rest of the floor so we don't have to bump into each other at all."
"Ah, what a pity." He says sarcastically.
She snorts. "What about the other Aurors?"
He moves his wrist, conjuring up a list with names. "I have their names and nationalities. They're five if I don't count Chi." She tries not reacting. Are they together? She's curious but at the same time… she doesn't wanna know. "So, six. Where are we putting them?"
She thinks for a moment and sighs, "We can give them one of the meeting rooms. They can work inside the whole day. I mean, they're here with the same goal. And it's a different investigation from all the others going on inside the Ministry."
He nods. "It's a good idea. But these meeting rooms are relatively small, don't you think? To spend the whole day inside…" He makes a face.
"We can magically change one of them. There's a pretty good spell that can alter interiors. I think Draco is the best at it."
"Okay." He nods. Hermione can't help noticing how relaxed he looks. She hopes he found a way of dealing with all the disappointment and hurt from what happened. "Do you have any idea on how to begin this investigation?"
She crosses her arms. "If you don't know, I was away." She states. "I've only heard about this like thirty minutes ago. And since you're here as Head, I'm sure you have a plan of action, don't you?" She provokes him and Harry shakes his head, snorting.
"That's right. Great Hermione Riddle was at some paradisaic island getting a tan while a dangerous Alchemist was wreaking havoc throughout Europe and Asia." He opens a sneer. "What an example, Head Auror."
She opens a tiny smile. "And you were doing what for the past month, Head D'Angelo? Yearning for me?"
He opens his mouth, shocked. Oh, Harry. You're so going to lose. And she can see that… she might be exactly right. It makes her hot inside. To think about them. About what they had.
The amazing sex.
Harry clears his throat and scoffs. "Please, don't flatter yourself that much." Ouch. "You know pretty well that I'm too handsome and a month is a long time." He winks and she feels a crazy jealousy making her blood boil. Of course he's been screwing around. Oh. It hurts. But she's smiling at him.
"Well, you can keep your sexual adventures to yourself-"
"Why? Do them bother you?"
"Not at all." She shrugs, ironically thinking how she would murder all these unknown women. "I just don't think is very professional of you."
He frowns. "You brought it up-"
"I did?" She makes a face, faking outrage. Hermione can do this the whole day. Harry has no idea what he's getting himself into.
He cocks his head. She cocks hers.
"So, I do have a plan." He resumes and she discreetly breathes relieved. "I think we should start the investigation here." He opens his hand, indicating the Ministry. "Moritz used to work here and I wanna interrogate the Alchemists who worked with him."
"What do you expect to discover? And you honestly think I haven't done that already?"
"You might be surprised with what we can discover. And I don't care if you have already done it. This is a whole new investigation and we have more information to use. We need to start over, from scratch."
"Indeed." She narrows her eyes. His words are true. "Fine, we can begin the interrogations with the Alchemists, and then what?"
"Then," He gives her a pointed look, "We're going to interrogate Minister Riddle."
Hermione opens her mouth, widening her eyes. She frowns. He looks serious. She can't help thinking that he has a death wish.
"No." Her tone is firm.
"Yes." He says, also firmly. "You had Moritz, Hermione." She blinks at her name, Harry didn't even notice he said it, "And Minister Riddle stopped the whole operation. He's responsible for Moritz walking freely and in an investigation like this, there shouldn't be any exceptions. Tom Riddle is not above suspicion."
Her eyes travel the room. She thinks this one is secure, but she's not totally sure. Hermione presses her lips together. Harry's right. Of course he is. She questioned her father at the time and he said he didn't owe her any explanations. But now… with the IWO involved, it might be their only chance of getting answers.
Harry is watching her. She clears her throat.
"I'll interrogate him-"
"No." He cuts her. "We'll do it together."
"I don't think-"
"It's not up for debate. We'll do it together, Head Riddle." His tone is firm. She blinks. Shit. She's very attracted to this bossy Harry.
"I know how to handle my father-"
"But that's exactly it. We won't be questioning him as your father. He's merely a suspect in this investigation. You should be able to separate things, shouldn't you?"
Hermione shakes her head. "I don't think it's a good idea."
"I don't care." Harry says and shrugs. "I'm sure that if we voted on it, all the other Aurors would agree with me."
"This is not open for a vote. It's our decision and I don't agree with what you want. Is that simple."
"Then I'll interrogate him alone-"
"Not a fucking chance, D'Angelo."
He raises an eyebrow, his hands together on his lap. "We need to reach a common decision here, Riddle." She tries not making a face at the strangeness of hearing only her surname from him. Even if he called her Hermione without noticing, she hates that for Harry she's just that now. A Riddle. "Just agree with me. You know I'm right."
"Is that how you win your arguments? 'Just agree with me'?" She snorts. "Let's… interrogate the Alchemists first and then, we go back to this topic. Would that be possible?"
He sighs, annoyed. "Fine."
She tries not smiling. 1x0 to me.
"Good." She says. "For now I don't think there's anything else for us to discuss." She stands from the chair and he does the same, his eyes never leaving hers. "We should welcome the new Aurors and understand what they have to share about Moritz's comings and goings."
"Indeed."
"I'll ask someone to show you to your new office."
He nods.
And then, there's a loud silence.
I missed you, Harry.
She squeezes the black stone of her necklace. The color never faltered since she made it. Her love for him burns as strongly as ever.
Hermione doesn't break the silence, watching him. He's thinking hard about something, carefully chewing the insides of his cheeks.
She wants to hug him. She's so glad he looks well. Angry but also… happy that he's here.
He takes a step to her and she holds her breath.
Without her consent, her feet move on their own to him. They gravitate to each other, a pull between them-
"Hermione." Someone calls her name from the door.
Asmodeus is there, observing them, in his uniform.
Blinking, Hermione puts some distance between her and Harry - who barely moves, his only motion a turn of the head to look at Asmo.
"I brought your uniform." Asmo says to her and she opens a forced smile.
"Thanks, love." She gives him a peck, knowing that Harry is watching, aware that Asmo needs to believe in her lie. She still needs to find the samples.
Her whole being wants to shove Asmo out of the room and go back to whatever was happening between her and Harry, but her brain takes over and she gives Harry a nod before leaving with Asmo.
He's standing by her side, assessing the new Aurors. They already found a decent meeting room to accommodate everyone and Draco enlarged it significantly.
Hermione is talking about Moritz, briefing them in a way. They all look serious and hardworking, which is what they need in this investigation.
But Harry inevitably noticed that one of them, a woman, Cho Chang, can't keep her eyes off him and he's not sure, but he thinks Hermione noticed the same thing because she was very rude to a fair question Miss Chang made.
And it gave him a warm sensation inside because he recognizes it.
She's jealous.
But not when it comes to Chiara. Not anymore. Which brings many questions. She used to be crazy jealous of her-
He's not sure what to think. Curious.
"I think we should hear from Head D'Angelo." Cho Chang interrupts Hermione and Harry presses his lips together to stop a laugh. Chiara doesn't, though, she clearly chuckles. All the others observe in silence, but Harry can see a small smile on Ron's lips.
Hermione looks ready to stupefy Chang.
"Well," Harry says before Hermione can have a reaction. "Thank you, Auror Chang-"
"Please, call me Cho". Her tone is mellow and she bats her eyelashes discreetly.
Hermione moves by his side, a palpable anger emanating from her.
"Cho." He says the name with a provocative tone. She's a beautiful woman, he can't deny. "You can call me Harry." Hermione clears her throat and he finds himself having a great time. "I'm flattered that you want to hear from me, but Head Riddle is more… organized, I'm afraid." He opens a smile to Cho. "But, to be honest." He continues before Hermione can go back to the many details she has on every little thing, "I think," He glances at his watch, "we should wrap it up for today. It's been hours and talking incessantly about Moritz's steps won't help us now, at least not so early in the investigation." He pockets his hands and takes a step forward, his eyes going over all of them - ignoring only Asmodeus and Hermione, who is behind him. "Since we're all kind of strangers to each other I think we should spend some time without work looming over us. I always believed that good Aurors work best when they have a connection to their fellow wizards and witches." He winks to Cho and she opens a huge smile.
Hermione takes a step forward. "We still have a lot-"
"How do you all feel about a night out?" Harry asks, cutting Hermione's words.
"Amazing!" Chiara says, standing from her chair. "Please, let's get drunk. I need it."
She gets words of support and they all begin talking in unison about where to go.
Harry turns to Hermione, his eyebrows raised. She's fuming.
1x1.
Pursing her lips, she gives him an angry look. Then, Ron decides that the best place they can go now is the same night club Harry went one time with them, long ago when Hermione offered to teach him the Traditional.
"Are you joining us, Head Riddle?" Harry asks, very satisfied with annoying her.
"Maybe Head Riddle wants to stay to go over all the boring details again, Harry." Cho Chang says, looking at him.
Hermione opens her mouth. Harry feels sorry for Cho.
R.I.P. Chang.
She has no idea the fight she's buying for herself.
"Auror Chang, I know you might get the wrong idea because of the way Head D'Angelo treats his subordinates, but I'm going to make it pretty clear to you right now. If you dare interrupting or talking with me like that again, you won't even perceive the Portkey taking you back to China." Harry chuckles involuntarily and Hermione looks at him. They share a look, both agreeing that Chang is very… bold. "Am I clear?" Hermione asks again, her posture and tone of badass Head Riddle.
I missed you so much.
Chang gulps. "Yes."
Hermione squints. "Good."
Harry straightens up when he notices Pettigrew coming behind Hermione. He puts his arm around her waist and kisses her cheek.
"Do you wanna go?" He asks her.
Hermione turns her head to look at Pettigrew.
"We could." She says, shrugging.
Harry hates the way they debate together what to do next. Like a couple.
So, he blinks and turns to Chang and the others, giving his back to Hermione and trying not to think how desperately he wants her to go.
But he won't let her ruin his night.
He wants to have a good time and this outing seems exactly what they all need.
Time to have some fun.
Note: Next chapter we get to see this little... night out.