Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 34
After being stripped of every license, certificate and authorization that had been granted him, Springer was convicted of conspiracy against the Ministry, fraud, and several other crimes in record time.
The CW took great pleasure in reading Springer's charges. He took even greater pleasure reading Springer his sentence of five years in prison.
/*/
After leaving Percy's office, Hermione decided to visit the food services area to order a lunch for herself and Gloria. She quickly picked out two salads, two bacon sandwiches and two bottles of water, but paying for them was another matter. The queues were long. Looking around, Hermione wondered if she should put everything back and wait to eat when she got home. The queue she was in began to move and she was finally at the register.
Walking away with her sack, Hermione passed Donald and Brian's table. As she passed, Donald gave a wave and a smile. Hermione smiled back trying to put a name with the face. It wasn't until the lift was speeding to her floor that Hermione remembered Donald as Draco's assistant with the rude friend.
Stepping off the lift, Hermione tried hard not to think about the witches who wanted to get on a first name basis with Draco. She didn't want to be reminded. Not while their relationship was floundering and Draco's mindset was to leave her standing alone on a dark street.
Hurrying down the hall, Hermione realized that standing still hoping her and Draco's relationship repaired itself wouldn't accomplish anything. She had to act. How to get through to Draco was something she'd have to figure out.
Quickly.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 35
The first thing Hermione had done after arriving back in her office was to Owl Draco that the issue had been resolved. Due to their current situation, Hermione didn't expect an answer right away, but she did expect an acknowledgment before the end of the day.
After eating lunch with Gloria, still mindful she hadn't received an answer from Draco, Hermione sat down with freckle boy Walter to discuss a few things. He'd been doing a great job so Hermione thought he deserved a well done. Walter had a few interesting ideas which he shared with Hermione and their conversation had gone on for forty five minutes.
Hermione told Walter she would share his suggestions with Terry and Justin to see if they found them feasible. Walter thanked Hermione for her time then left to relieve Elroy who was covering his desk while he was speaking to Hermione.
At the end of the day, Hermione was disappointed in not having heard from Draco. Although he never mentioned responding to a message, she just assumed he would give her some kind of nod after he received it. She was actually surprised about that because even though Draco was angry, his manners remained intact.
Hermione wanted resolution, but she was wavering. Perhaps it would be better to give Draco another day to stew. Tomorrow she would initiate a discussion even if she had to hold him at wand point.
/*/
Kingsley was at his most expansive as he spoke to CW Grimsby. The men were discussing the days results and Kingsley was very happy.
"I believe we've done it Mr. Grimsby. The air is clear. From here, everyone will abide by the updated set of rules, or they will be shown the door. I have other important matters on the front burner, but Anthony, you and I will revisit this matter in six months. I believe I owe Mr. Goldstein an overly large pay rise. The man has had to have his hands in about a dozen pies at the same time."
"A dozen pies sir?" Questioned the CW not understanding what Kingsley meant by the strange statement.
"Forgive me CW. I sometimes take for granted that wizards know these Muggle terms. I simply meant Anthony has been very busy with a lot more than his normal duties. On that same note, the Governors were very impressed with your ability, as was I, to clear up a nasty situation in record time. I see big things in your future Mr. Grimsby."
Although the CW smiled broadly, Kingsley was known to slightly embellish the truth when he was pleased. The CW was chuffed to have the eyes of the Governors on him, but he'd worked hard to get to the coveted spot of Chief Warlock, and wouldn't be adverse to remaining in the spot for the rest of his career. However, he thought it smart to nod and match Kingsley's smile.
/*/
As of 5:30 pm, every loose end had been tied up.
Marshall Springer was in a holding cell ruing the day he decided to cross lines.
Rebecca Farmer, whose illegal bail had been revoked, was back in custody sharing a cell with her very good friend Betty Goyle.
Gina Kroeker had returned to the Ministry Monday morning accompanied by her father who had given her a harsh reprimand for being involved with Rebecca Farmer in the first place. Mr. Kroeker who placed all the blame on Rebecca's poor character was shocked when an officer of the court took his sweet, little Gina into custody. When Kroeker pulled out his money bag to pay Gina's fine, he was told to go home because his daughter was being detained. His galleons hadn't been able to buy his daughter out of trouble this time.
Jack Thomas had also been spoken to by his Head, the CW and Kingsley. In that order. Then he too had been stripped of his position, after which, he was taken directly to holding to join the rest of the Ministry employees who felt they were above the rules.
Christa Jenkins had been read the riot act by her department head then let go with the admonition that no references would be forthcoming, so she shouldn't use his name when seeking a new position.
/*/
In the midst of the one investigation, evidence had surfaced that a junior MLE Officer as well as an older Auror were not living up to the requirements of their positions. Because their transgressions had been flagrant, they were not given the opportunity to remain with the Ministry.
Both Kingsley and the CW were disappointed with the older Auror whom they had known for years, but hadn't offered any special considerations. The junior MLE Officer who obviously hadn't taken his responsibilities seriously was sacked in two sentences.
The Head of the Aurors as well as Head of MLE were given cautions about their personnel and their management styles. The thing that had saved them from disciplinary actions were the reports they had turned in to Kingsley. The reports clearly detailed the reprimands that had been given both employees by the Heads and the follow up. The consensus between Grimsby and Kingsley was that the Heads had done what needed to be done. It was the employees who were at fault.
At 6:00 pm, the CW said goodnight to Kingsley, stopped by Anthony's office to thank him for his diligence, gave Percy a nod from the doorway and jauntily headed to the lifts. He had one more stop to make then it was two days off for him.
As he rode down the lift, a nasty thought passed Grimsby's mind. I have two days off. If anything else goes wrong, pass me by because I am not taking Owls. Taking a stretch as the lift doors opened, the CW repeated his thought. Yes, that's exactly what I mean. I'm unavailable. Do not Owl me.
Striding quickly to the front doors, Grimsby released a loud sigh. In his position, there was no such thing as not taking a Ministry Owl.
/*/
Being the wise wizard he was, Anthony had stuck his head in Kingsley's door as soon as the CW had cleared the hallway.
"A minute Minister?"
"Of course Anthony," Kingsley remarked using his hand to beckon Anthony in. "I always have time for my top assistant and advisor. What can I do for you?"
Anthony had a thing for Hermione, and he'd helped her, but he wasn't going to have it appear as though he was trying to get something past the Minister. A pretty skirt and well turned ankle would not be the reason he lost Kingsley's trust. He would reveal all. Full disclosure. Well, almost full disclosure.
"Hermione Granger came to me for assistance today and I got her sorted. During a bit of research, Hermione came across what can be construed as incendiary and vile information gathered by the Muggleborn Registration Commission and it's followers. She became uncomfortable with the fact that the information could be accessed by anyone who signed into the library. After a brief look through a few of the files, I was in total agreement. I secured the area, removed all keys and access codes from Library Wizard Chester with specific instructions that no on is allowed in until the material is reviewed for worth."
"Fine, Fine," replied Kingsley waving a hand. "I trust your judgment."
Kingsley was a smart man who knew his Assistant probably better than he knew himself. There was more.
"Something more Anthony?"
"As a matter of fact sir, there is. The aforementioned Chester nearly fell apart when I showed up at his station. He kept calling me Assistant Minister going so far as to call me the second most powerful wizard in the Ministry."
Kingsley gazed at Anthony thoughtfully before making his reply. "To me, you are."
Anthony knew the Minister did not throw compliments about lightly and felt a flush of pride course through his body.
"Thank you sir. There's one more thing. If I may speak frankly, I think I scared the shite out of Chester."
Kingsley chuckled. "Good. I imagine he is one employee who we can count on to do his job. If not, he'll find my Assistant at his desk willing to straighten him out. While you're here, I want to remind you to bring Weasley up to speed on the more mundane of your jobs. As bigger and more important things are being handed to you, someone will have to take up the slack. Keep me informed. If Weasley can't manage, we'll find someone who can. You really are a great help to this administration. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Minister."
Anthony slipped into his suit coat, gathered his wand, a file folder of items he wanted to look through that evening then headed to the lifts.
He'd had to tweak things ever so slightly to protect Hermione, but in the end, everything was as it should be. Perhaps Hermione will look on me more fondly after this, he thought. One can only hope.
/*/
During the lunch hour, after Owling his mother, Draco had Owled Theo to let him know he would be stopping by after work. Although Draco wouldn't admit it out loud, he wanted advice from the person who would most readily know what he was feeling. Malfoys normally didn't solicit advice, but the times had changed. Draco was willing to listen, if it helped steer him in the right direction. Perhaps Theo had some ideas. If not, perhaps Theo would Obliviate him.
Giving a short bark which was supposed to pass for a laugh, Draco looked up into the faces of Donald and Brian.
"I won't even comment," remarked Donald giving Brian a look. "Brian doesn't want any more male bantering. Here's your lunch. Beef plate as requested. Donald and I will be in the work room." Donald turned at the door obviously remembering something he had to tell Draco. "We saw Hermione in the Food Service Court. She gave me a wave. I think she has forgiven me for the utterances of my rude friend. We'll see you in a bit."
Donald was out the door, but Brian who was slow getting there noticed that Draco hadn't made any response to Donald's remarks.
"See you in a bit then Draco."
"I'll be there in a few."
/*/
Draco was just finishing up his lunch when he noticed that Donald had left the afternoon mail on his desk. Hurriedly sorting through the envelopes, Draco noticed one was from Hermione. Gingerly, he put it aside to focus on the business related mail. When he had finished responding to his business mail, Draco headed to the workroom deciding he would reply to Hermione after work.
"Almost through day one boss. We may not be in a position to present the case to Blaise today, but everything should be ready sometime tomorrow morning."
"Thanks Brian. We all know Blaise isn't looking for fast. He's looking for thorough. From the looks of things, we will be able to sit down either tonight or early tomorrow to go over our findings. One case down, two to go."
"Right in one," answered Donald. "It's almost 6:30. If my opinion counts, I'd rather we go over the findings in the morning."
Draco agreed. "No problem there. We'll go over it in the morning. Tie up whatever you are working on and we'll call it a night."
"Perfect," replied Donald and Brian at the same time as they hurriedly put away what they were working on.
"More of the same tomorrow boss. Goodnight."
"See you in the morning Draco."
"I'll see you both in the morning. Goodnight."
/*/
Draco remained behind to make some case notes. He wasn't in any hurry to get to Theo's. Lately, Theo had become a night owl. He'd be awake until all hours. Even so, Draco cleared up then headed back to his office. Grabbing the envelope from Hermione and placing it in his inside pocket, he used the men's before heading to the lifts.
Draco found himself in an odd mood. He was angry with Hermione, but he missed her. His trust in her had diminished, but he wanted to be with her. In addition, the nasty picture of his mother being ravished was somehow fading into the back recesses of his mind. With an exaggerated sigh, he stepped off the lifts and almost knocked Tracey Davis on her arse.
"Nicely done Draco," she said grabbing hold to his arm to keep from falling. "I bet all the wizards wish they had such smooth moves."
"Hello Davis. What are you doing hanging around the lifts this time of night? Assignation?"
Tracey laughed at the suggestion. "No assignation Draco. Simply waiting for a chum. We're going to have a drink at the Leaky. Would you care to join us? Nothing better than being surrounded by two beautiful witches."
Draco wavered for a second. Theo would wait. Being surrounded by two beautiful witches…
Without warning, an image of Hermione popped up in his mind cautioning him to think again. Draco smiled at Tracey before declining her invitation. "As lovely as it sounds, I'll have to decline your invitation. There is somewhere else I need to be."
Tracey Davis turned around to watch Draco walk away. Now that's a lovely male arse, she thought. I'll bet I can make him squeal. How could I have ever let that get away? Maybe. Perhaps…. Tracey laughed to herself. I might as well get my mind out of the gutter. What happened between him and I was a fluke. He probably wouldn't let me near that dick even if I paid him.
"Hey there Tracey," remarked her friend as the lift doors closed behind her. "Sorry I was so long. My prat of a boss chose now to discuss the state of the universe. I'm ready."
"No problem," Tracey replied, nodding at Hermione Granger who had stepped off the lift behind her friend. "I saw Draco Malfoy and was having a nice daydream about his tight Malfoy arse."
Her friend laughed. "I know what you mean. I wouldn't mind getting on a first name basis with that wizard for a night or two. After that, I probably wouldn't be able to stand him. Too high maintenance for me."
Tracey let out a shriek so loud the wizard on duty in the atrium gave her a pointed glare. Tracey ignored the wizard and responded to her friend with a quick answer. "Ha! One night. Two nights. The line forms behind me. Let's get to the Leaky. I don't want to be out too late."
/*/
It was after 7:00, but Hermione was still at her desk. The situation had been resolved and she had kept her word to Owl Draco with the information, but had received nothing but silence from Draco's end. However, instead of sitting there feeling all hard done by, Hermione allowed the first small tentacles to circle her brain. She was past apologizing. That had already been done. She was past inviting Draco to have a discussion. She had done that as well. It was time for her big brain to come up with something to get her back with Draco, or help her get past the end of a relationship. Preferably, the former rather than the latter.
Hermione sighed then leaned back to let the ideas form. A few minutes later, she was startled to look up to see Blaise standing at her door. He had approached her office so quietly it was as though he had materialized in front of her.
"Hello Hermione. I had a bit of late business over this way so I thought I'd check to see if you were still here. How are things going?"
It was like a smack upside her head. To her big brain, she offered a silent but joyous thank you. Although he didn't know it, Mr. Zabini was, in some way, going to help her get back with Draco. Did she feel bad about using Blaise? Hell no! She wanted to be back with her wizard.
"Hello Mr. Zabini," replied Hermione casually. "Have a seat. What can I do for you at this hour of the night?"
"I am here on a mission Hermione. The lovely Ginny Weasley suggested I sit down with you to sort out our differences. I tried to explain that we didn't have any differences, but she wouldn't be silenced."
Hermione again offered a silent thank you. This time to her best friend.
"So, I'm here to assure you that even though I had issues with you firing question after question across the dinner table at Theo, I got over it. Theo is an adult. If you and he have issues, I'm sure you'll work it out. That's all I have. I've done as asked. Ginny will be pleased."
Before Blaise could stand, Hermione informed him of her talk with Theo. "I have made amends to Theo. He and I had a conversation yesterday. I may not be high on his list, but I am on his good side. Where I plan to stay."
"Merlin willing," mumbled Blaise. "Was there something else?"
"Actually Blaise there is." She answered twisting her hands and keeping her eyes on her lap with her big brain egging her on. Keeping her head down until she managed to squeeze out a few tears, she finally looked up at Blaise.
Blaise couldn't believe it. The brilliant, but rigid and overbearing Hermione Granger was….. She was crying. Jumping out of his chair as though scalded by hot water, Blaise questioned if Hermione was feeling alright after assuring her that her little slip was in the past.
"I know that Blaise, but….."
"But you feel awful about what you did," finished Blaise.
Hermione nodded, allowing Blaise to finish her thought without correcting him on what she really had been ready to say.
"No worries Hermione." Blaise remarked in a soft, low voice. "We are all grown, and we all know how you get carried away. Just try not to do it again. Besides, Draco will not stand by to let you be vilified. He is quite smitten with you. I'm fairly sure all is forgiven. It's almost 8:00. I'm sorry to have kept you this long. Thanks for listening. Have a goodnight."
Blaise was very uncomfortable around crying witches. Especially the crying witch of one of his best mates, which is why he nearly stumbled in his haste to get out of Hermione's office.
/*/
Hermione felt a pang of conscience as she cleared up and got ready to leave. The crying part had been a bit devious, but if Blaise acted as she thought he would, her state would get back to Draco. Maybe soften him up a bit.
Hermione knew Blaise was slightly off the mark thinking that all had been forgiven. Even though Theo had accepted her apology, Draco hadn't forgotten about the spurious information she had carried around in her beaded bag. One thing was clear though. Blaise recognized that Draco was smitten with her, and a wizard didn't stop being smitten overnight. If she could convince Draco of her sincerity, perhaps she could bring him around.
No more wavering. Hermione's thoughts were settled. Draco had had two days. She didn't want their separation to go any longer. If one of his best mates recognized that Draco was smitten, and he himself had spoken about forever. There had to be room for forgiveness. There had to be a chink in his armor that she could slip through.
Hermione decided she would go to Draco to hopefully force a conversation even knowing her appearance at his home without invitation had risks. For the sake of their relationship, they were risks she was willing to take.
On the way down in the lifts, Hermione began taking deep breath after deep breath to calm herself. However, the deep breaths quickly turned into hyperventilating when she passed Tracey Davis and another witch and heard them discussing Draco.
Even though she was on the outs with Draco at the moment, Hermione assured herself that Tracey Davis would never get another chance at Draco's dick. No bloody way. Hearing the witches mention Draco, made Hermione all the more determined. She was getting their relationship back to where it belonged. Tonight.
/*/
Draco made a quick stop at a liquor shop to pick up a bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky and Ogden's Finest Brandy to take with him to Theo's. Theo wasn't a big drinker, but it was common courtesy to come with something in hand.
Cely, who had been Padma's elf when she was alive, now promoted to elf for all opened the door for Draco even before he knocked.
"Hello Mr. Draco. Mr. Theo been waiting for you."
Handing the liquor to Cely, Draco followed her to the den where Theo was waiting.
"Come in mate. Have a seat. We've finished dinner, but if you'd like a bite, I'll have Cely fix you something."
Draco was a bit hungry, but food could wait for the moment. There were more important things to be discussed. "Thanks for the offer Theo. I'll have something when I get home. I'm here because I have a matter to discuss."
"At least have a drink."
"That I will do," Draco answered quickly. "A brandy sounds good."
With drinks in hand, the two mates discussed this that and the other until Theo confronted Draco.
"I imagine since you are here on your own, something is amiss between you and Hermione."
Draco glanced at Theo without answering.
"Don't treat me like some ponce Draco," huffed Theo. "You two have been basically joined at the hip since becoming a couple. Yet, when you were here yesterday, I could feel the tension in the air."
"We are at odds right now. I am here hoping you will give me a bit of advice."
Theo finished off the rest of his drink and poured another. "I'm the last one to give advice Draco. Padma was the wise one in this family, but I can give you my opinion."
"Your opinion will do. I have distanced myself from Hermione because I'm angry over what she's done. I'm finding it hard to come to terms with it."
Theo sat his glass down and gave Draco a hard look. "Is this about Declan? We've hashed that out. Don't throw away a relationship because of me. I'm fine. Come on man. Where is that Malfoy fire? You are dating one of the most outspoken, opinionated witches in London. What do you expect? If you want a witch who sits idly by agreeing with your every statement, it's not Granger. Make a change. However, if you care about her as I think you do, get over it."
"There were things other than Declan."
"Really? Were they true?"
"Yes. They were true," snapped Draco. "But they were vile and….."
"The whole fucking Voldemort thing was vile. My father was vile. My aunt was vile. You don't have a corner on vile Draco." Pulling out a piece of paper, Theo handed it to Draco. "Read this. Your witch is in complete distress."
Draco read the message. Blaise had Owled Theo explaining how overwhelming it had been to see Hermione Granger cry.
Draco was angry. "Just because I'm not somewhere sobbing doesn't mean I'm not in distress. I care about this witch, but I cannot get past the things…."
"For fucks sake Draco," shouted Theo cutting Draco off. "We all have things we need to get past. I have my aunt in St Mungo's in the care of a private healer even after the shite she and my father put me and my mum through. It was a choice. Stop being a fucking, uptight pureblood for a moment. It's simple. Do you care enough about Hermione to move forward? If not, move on. It's not an OTS case. Personally, I think you are extremely lucky. Your witch is still alive. Fix it or don't. I don't want to sound like a miserable fuck, but I would give everything to be in your shoes."
The room went quiet as both Theo and Draco took a moment to ponder their thoughts.
Draco poured himself another brandy which he drank down in one swallow. "I think I'll go speak with Hermione. Funny how getting a telling off clears the mind. Thanks mate, for your time and your opinions. I look forward to meeting Declan on Saturday."
"You're welcome Draco. I will not be making Declan available on Saturday. He, Esther and I will need a bit of time to get used to each other. I'll let you know. Have a good night."
After Draco left, Theo poured himself another brandy wondering how he had the words to help Draco get sorted when he couldn't sort himself. Shortly after that, Theo used the toilet, brushed his teeth then headed out the door on his way to St Mungo's. He had been told by the healer's assistant he shouldn't come to check on Esther before 8:00 pm. It was after 8:00, so he was going to check to see if this private healer was worth the galleons he was charging.
/*/
Hermione made a quick stop by her flat to shower, change and build up her nerves. Three quick glasses of her favorite white wine did give her a bit of liquid courage. However, even with the wine, she was dreading the possibility that Draco was still in a foul mood and would turn her away before she spoke the first word.
But she was determined. This will not be me falling on my sword. If we have a conversation, it will be one in which we speak to each other as two people in a relationship who've had a difference of opinion. Not some master to elf shite.
Hermione blew a breath out through her nose as she slipped a jumper over her head. "Who am I kidding?" She said chiding herself. "This whole scheme of mine might disintegrate right before my eyes. I'm just going to take any discussion Draco and I might have, one sentence at a time."
The one smart thing she had done before leaving the flat was to exchange her beaded bag for an innocuous, brown purse.
"Can't hurt," she mumbled as she closed the door behind her.
/*/
The Apparition to Draco's house was a short one, but Hermione spent a further fifteen minutes deciding if she should Apparate directly into the house. With a burst of confidence, she waved her wand, made a half turn and was inside.
The house was quiet and dark.
"Hello Draco. It's me. May I come through? Hello."
No answer. Walking through the house to check each room, Hermione waved her wand to turn on a few lights.
"Where does this man get to now that we're in a separation?"
Things flashed in front of Hermione's eyes, but she hastily pushed them away. She was not going there unless Draco told her to her face that they were through. If it came to that, he would be free to do whatever he wished.
She was being stupid standing there letting her own thoughts upset her when she knew Draco's words would probably do more than enough to upset her.
Once Hermione decided to stay and wait for Draco, a lot of the tension left her body. She'd made a decision which might go very right or very wrong, but she'd made it.
To pass the time, Hermione picked up one of the furniture catalogs she and Draco had left on the living room table, but as she flipped through pages, she jumped at every sound she heard.
"Bloody nerves."
Finally, at about 9:30, Draco came walking down the hall. Hermione put the catalog back down on the table and stood to face her wizard.
/*/
Draco left Theo's still unsure of what he wanted to do. He wasn't unsure about his feelings for Hermione. He was unsure of just how to straighten everything out without giving Hermione the impression she could do whatever she wanted without consequences. Hopefully, he could do it without being hexed to shite and back.
Even though he and Hermione were in the midst of a disagreement, he didn't hesitate to land directly in her small Apparition area. He hadn't hesitated to enter the flat, but he was cautious about frightening Hermione which he knew would not be a good thing.
The door to her study was half open so he could see the light on.
"Hermione. Would you please step into the living room. I'm hoping we can have a conversation. Hermione! Are you there?"
"She's going to be an arse about this," he mumbled heading for the study which he found empty. The light was on, but she wasn't there. Checking his Wonder Wizard Watch, Draco noticed it was after 9:00. His first thought was, why would any witch in a relationship be out after 9:00 without her wizard? Then he realized, by acting like a….Malfoy he had basically handed her the option of being out anytime, anywhere by herself.
Draco began to perspire. That was not his intention. Whatever his intention was, it wasn't blanket fucking authorization to be out without him. Anything could happen. Another Greg Goyle could be wandering about, or fucking Boot could be sneaking around trying to catch her attention.
Running his hands through his hair, Draco plopped down on the couch. "I'm being stupid." He grumbled. "She probably stopped to have a wine with Hannah, or with Gloria."
Draco ran his fingers through his hair again. There was no way Hermione was in the Leaky Cauldron drinking wine while sitting across from Tracey Davis. There was just no way.
"So where the fuck is she?"
Leaning his head back against the couch, Draco rested his eyes. "She'd better hurry up and get her arse home, and if she has that fucking tosser Boot with her,…."
Draco sat straight up. If Hermione came through the door to her own flat with anyone behind her, there wouldn't be anything he could do. It was her home. He was the trespasser.
Getting up from the couch, Draco strode to the front door and let himself out.
Aggravated with himself, Hermione and any wizard who might try to come between them, Draco growled one last comment before Apparating home. "I'm barking. She wouldn't do that to us."
/*/
There were lights on. Draco drew his wand as he walked down the hall. He never left lights on. Walking as softly as he could, Draco approached the living room and came face to face, not with some intruder, but the witch he had been looking for.
Dropping his wand, he and Hermione stood face to face, each waiting for the other to speak.
The air felt thick.
Finally, they both spoke at the same time.
Hermione said: "I'm hoping we can talk."
Draco said: "I'd like for us to talk."
"It seems we both want the same thing," acknowledged Draco. "However, before we do, I have not eaten and I am famished. May I get you something?"
"I'd like roasted chicken, mashed with gravy, carrots, peas and a pudding."
Draco smiled. "Okay. Except it will be in the form of a ham and cheese sandwich."
Hermione shrugged. "Close enough."
With those few normal words spoken as part of a normal exchange, the air cleared. How they would end up after their discussion was unknown at the moment, but it was a reality they would start off on the same foot.