DRAMIONE So an entire week had passed since Hermione and Draco had their little lunch spectacle. Nobody really talked about it but eyes were glued to them as they walked the corridors of the Ministry. Never were their conversations littered with romantic banter and there was never a preference to Draco’s suggestions over that of the few other employees working in the department now. In fact, nothing had really changed at all at work. The calm actually bothered Granger. She was expecting someone to make a big deal about it. ”Good afternoon, Hermione.” Her bush hair had been tied behind her in a messy sort of braid so that she could edit the proposals she’d accepted - they were promised back to the individuals whom had brought them to her attention in two days. Draco was working on the finishing touches of a shelter for abandoned magical creatures as well as reviewing the building plans for a proper hospital for the the animals in need of care after the war. Remembering that the Minister himself was present she straightened herself upright and welcomed him with a dazzling smile. ”What a surprise, Mr. Shacklebolt, the pleasure is mine!” She waved her hand and pushed a chair out so that he may sit down. The offer had been silent but no less friendly. Gentlemanly as the Minister he made this sour face when someone did something he did not like - for example, when Hermione calls him “Mr. Shacklebolt.” Things were silent for a few minutes as the Minister glanced around Granger’s office. She admitted that it wasn’t exactly in the best state. Things were getting busier for her and even with her working several hours later and coming in earlier the work was simply not getting done as quickly as it needed to be. Even with Draco adopting some more responsibilities there was simply no way it would all be completed in a timely manner. Hermione started soft banter with the Minister about the weather and some news on Quidditch, as Ginny was certainly in the headlines with her string of winning tricks. Briefly he mentioned the interviewing for Aurors and how he wished that she’d leave the game for a career there. The subtext was that he was still trying to replace Ron after their split and the next topic was clearly be about Draco. Avoiding it would have been detrimental in one way or another, to her job or to her friendship with the Minister. So, bracing herself emotionally, all the could be done was keep eye contact and wait for the inevitable. ”Should I be worried of another job opening in your department, Ms. Granger, should things go south with Mr. Malfoy?” Her head sunk down into her chest. If Hermione could have her way there’d be no such event. She was very attached to the young man, the pureblood prince as he’d been referred to in the past. But he was more than that now and for that she cared for him even more. Ideally they’d never had a break-up. Yet, she’d once believed that same about Ron. ”If we’re thinking in worst case scenarios, Minister, I cannot promise anything. However, if you review this possibility logically you’ll note two things. Mr. Malfoy is a very proud and stubborn man. He’d not resign because of any relationship. Also consider what his history is - would any reputable business in the aftermath of the war consider hiring him even after his time here? They would be wary. If I were in your shoes I’d not waste my talents on worry over a such a silly matter.” Everything that could be done to diffuse the situation was applied with diligence. While the words were reasonably unkind they were unfortunately true. Draco had few other places where he might be accepted. Until they’d started dating, if one could call it that, the poor bloke had made his own lunch hour so that he could reminisce on darker days. No, the Minister had nothing to be concerned about regarding Hermione and Draco. Without warning the Minister removed himself from her presence. He didn’t get up but rather popped into the thin air. Bloody apparation was convenient but when sprung upon a person unsuspectingly it could be frightening. Burying back into the documents and refocusing the conversation still hung heavy around her. Sentences of her monologue replaying as an echo after each thought and correction. Finally she just walked to the window of her office and opened it up. Nevermind that it was chilly out from the blowing wind. Nevermind that she had a ton of work to do. Things hadn’t changed between Hermione and Draco in terms of work but the work itself was changing. Something had to give. What if Draco and Hermione both operated as heads of the department and in turn had their own assistants, the allowed Draco to do more and would give them both someone to work exclusively beneath them allowing productivity to double. Would the Minister approve such a thing? Would he even be willing to do this under the circumstances that an Auror still needed replacing? And what of the relationship - would she only cause more worries in his mind by bringing it up. “I’ll just ask Draco what he thinks about it.” Although that could do nothing for her cause. ~ Hermione Malfoy
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:35:31 +0000
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