The next morning Hermione got up bright and early to make herself presentable. She picked out her best dress slacks, a floral blouse, a silk scarf and her favorite leather jacket. It was getting late in the year and was starting to become jacket weather in the mornings. She took extra care when applying her usual cosmetics to her face. She was low maintenance when it came to such application. Why spend copious amounts of money or time on it when such time could be better spent on something productive like reading.
She went into the sitting room where Reginald was trying to play with a disinterested Crookshanks, "So, boys how do I look?" She asked, turning around in a full circle for them to see. Reginald bobbed his head up and down with a hoot. Crookshanks simply purred. "Alright, wish me luck!" And with that she apparated to Mr. Croaker's home.
The next morning Draco dressed in his usual black suit attire. Although he figured his professional appearance wasn't necessary. He would be using Potter's invisibility cloak to observe the meeting while Granger did the talking. If the Unspeakables were unwilling to help them he would be snagging a hair sample from each to use in a Polyjuice potion to get him and Hermione into the Department of Mysteries undetected anyway. He ate breakfast with his family and said farewell. Apparating away from Malfoy manor to the residence of Saul Croaker.
He came to a stop at the end of the driveway. Granger was already there. Dressed in black slacks, a flattering blouse, a scarf around her neck and a very nice leather jacket. Perfect for the autumn bluster weather of London. Even her cheeks had a bit of blush on them. It complimented her lightly tanned skin and pink lips. "You certainly know how to dress to impress. Not that you need to. It was obvious that they are impressed with you. Let's hope that is enough to get us some willing help. Did you bring Potter's cloak? If this goes astray we are going with plan B of taking hair samples anyway and using a Polyjuice potion to get in undetected. Getting out should be easy enough. I use the cloak and you use your charm to talk your way out." He stated, smirking at the last remark, just a bit.
Pacing for only a moment before the pop of Draco's apparation, Hermione whirled around to face Draco. "Yes, I've got it right here." She said, reaching deep into her beaded bag. Pulling the cloak out she handed it to him. "And I'm pretty confident they will both help us. Or me, rather. Combined with my reputation, the fact that someone wanting to take over the world would warrant assistance. But if it comes to it, I'm also confident we can find out way through the Department of Mysteries." As Draco disappeared under the cloak and they approached Mr. Croaker's residence, Hermione smiled. "And thank you. I figured I should try to look professional. You look rather handsome yourself. I always like the way a man looks in a suit." She didn't look at him when she spoke to keep the illusion that was alone in case someone was watching.
Hermione strutted up the stone steps and rang the doorbell. A happy melody rang through the air and footsteps soon followed, "Coming. Coming." When the door opened she was greeted with, "Ah! Ms. Granger! Welcome!" A sprightly older gentleman said as he held the door open for her to enter. "I was thrilled to receive your letter. Levina just arrived a few moments ago. Please, make yourself at home." Mr. Croaker led Hermione into his parlor where a warm fire was burning and tea was being brewed. His home was fairly simple, walls lines with bookshelves, comfy furniture and a coffee table with books and trinkets strewn about.
Ms. Monkstanley set down her cup of tea and stood to greet her fellow guest. "Ms. Granger, it's a pleasure to meet you." A tuft of hair fell across her face and she quickly brushed it to the side. "Thank you, really you are both very kind." Hermione said, sitting in a chair. "I've been so caught up with work the last few years; I've nearly forgotten my reputation, which brings me to why I'm here. If you don't mind, I'd like to get down to business."
Draco was grateful he was hidden beneath the invisibility cloak. He felt ridiculous that a simple compliment from Granger affected him enough that a playful grin had spread across his lips. Such would have been harder to contain if he had been in her sight. He cautiously followed behind Granger into the Croaker home. He kept his steps quiet, doing his best to make sure he stepped when someone else did so if there was an echo it would go unnoticed. He settled an arm length away from behind the couch where Saul Croaker and Levina Monkstanley sat while Granger sat in a solo chair across from them. The tea was good quality. Draco could tell by the smell and color from Levina's cup.
Of course Granger got right to the point. She was effective at not wasting time or participating in too much small chatter. "We will help you however we can. I'm sure you would not be inquired with us unless it was important and needed…" Saul answered and his colleague finished his sentence, "…discretion." Draco held his breath and waited with dread in his chest as Granger commenced her speech about the situation. It was bad enough Potter had to know their situation, but it needed to be shared with the individuals who would be key to getting in and hopefully out of the Department of Mysteries without risk of being sent to Azkaban.
"My previous co-worker and friend, Boderick Bode, was placed under the Imperious Curse by Lucius Malfoy in hopes of getting total cooperation while invading the Department of Mysteries. We cannot confirm nor deny the location of the room you seek. For it is by fate and chance that it can be found, not force." Saul shared. "Even if we let you in willingly, your prestige won't get you clearance into the Department. You would need to be disguised as me, if you want to get inside. But that puts us all at risk. One that might be worth taking, from the sounds of it." Levina said, not liking the idea of an all knowing immortal being gaining physical body and sending the world into chaos.
Draco knew his father had done terrible things. Saul's words were of no surprise to him. He knew he had been right to hide while Hermione did the talking. His father had indirectly killed this man's friend. Lucius' son would definitely not be welcomed or trusted.
"I thank you for understanding," Hermione smiled, "Quick in and out trip is all it would have to be. I honestly can't foresee anything or anyone getting in my way if I were to disguise myself." The two stayed silent and nodded slowly. This made Hermione nervous. Were they thinking of not helping? Silence has never been a good thing when it came to conversation. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, to steady herself. "Would you allow me to use one of your hairs, Ms. Monkstanley and sneak into the Department of Mysteries please?"
The two looked at each other. They hadn't expected such a straight forward question. Then Levina looked back to Hermione after a moment of thought and nodded, "I'll allow it."
"Levina…" Saul protested, but his comrade held up a hand. "It's a necessary risk, Saul. One I'm sure we'd regret not taking." She reasoned, wincing as she plucked a single hair from her head. "Here you are dear." She held out the hair to Hermione, who'd produced a small vial to keep it safe in. "Thank you, Ms. Monkstanley! I promise you won't regret it. Erm, might I trouble you for use of your bathroom, Mr. Croaker?" Hermione slipped the vial into her pocket on the inside of her jacket lapel. "Oh yes, first door on the right." He said pointing down the nearby hallway. "Thank you." She stood up and cleared her throat and when she was out of sight of the two ministry workers, nodded her head to indicate for Draco to follow. She hoped it was enough to catch Draco's eye before he plucked a hair from Croaker.
Draco took notice of Hermione's subtle gesture of follow and he did so matching her footsteps. Why would she call him away with the one opportunity he would have to get a hair? Unless…the bathroom! Of course, there was bound to be a hair of the gentleman's within. Clever witch.
Hermione entered the bathroom and closed the door. She immediately began to look for a source of hair from Mr. Croaker. His bathroom was large and surprisingly immaculate. She first looked for a comb or hairbrush, but found neither. Then she checked the tub. She didn't see any there either. She nearly gave up thinking Draco would just have to make do with using the invisibility cloak the whole time when her eye caught a single strand hanging off a towel. She carefully analyzed it to be sure it belonged to Saul. It was a match. Quickly, she put it in a vial and proceeded to flush the toilet and wash her hands to make it seem that she was in fact, doing what she said she had been doing.
She returned to the parlor room where Saul and Levina were having a hushed but heated conversation. They stopped before she could make out anything they were saying. "Again I thank you for your hospitality. I shall go and complete my mission." Hermione said with a smile. The both of them stood, Levina approaching to shake Hermione's hand. She reciprocated the gesture, but Saul stood still. "We understand what must happen and wish you the best of luck." Saul said, the slightest hint of defiance in his voice. "I'm sure you'll do just fine." Levina reassured, with equal defiance. "Thank you." Was all Hermione said before she apparated away from the residence. She apparated back into the first room of the ruins where she had spent the last two weeks. It was dark inside the ruins beyond the means of light from above and her eyes hadn't adjusted yet. "Draco? Are you here?" She called out into the darkness.