RETROUVAILLE // H. Granger x Male OC (Book 2)

67

The bustling corridors of the Ministry of Magic were filled with the usual hum of chatter and the rustling of robes. Harry and Ron walked side by side, discussing the latest developments in their ongoing case.

"So, you think the lead we got from Mundungus will pan out?" Ron asked, scratching his head.

Harry shrugged. "It's hard to say. He's not exactly the most reliable source, but it's worth checking out. If we can tie it to—"

He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a familiar face in the distance. Ron followed his gaze and his expression darkened.

"Is that...?" Ron began, but Harry had already quickened his pace, striding towards the figure.

Cormac McLaggen was standing near a cluster of cubicles, talking to a few other officials. He looked up just in time to see Harry and Ron approaching, their expressions less than friendly.

"McLaggen," Harry said curtly, stopping a few feet away. "What are you doing here?"

Cormac straightened, his usual smirk faltering slightly. "Potter. Weasley. I'm here on behalf of my uncle, Tiberius McLaggen. He had to leave on urgent business, so I'm filling in for him."

Ron crossed his arms, his eyes cold. "And what business does Tiberius have that's so urgent he had to send you?"

Cormac's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "It's Ministry business, Weasley. Not something I can discuss openly."

Harry's eyes narrowed. "Let's cut the crap, McLaggen. We're not thrilled to see you here, especially after what happened back in school."

Cormac sighed, a look of genuine regret crossing his face. "Look, I know we have a history, and I'm not proud of what I did back then. I've changed, alright? I'm just here to do a job."

Ron stepped forward, his voice low and threatening. "You better hope that's true, McLaggen. Because if you even think about causing trouble, you'll have more than just us to deal with."

Cormac held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I understand. Really, I do. I'm not looking for any trouble. I've apologized to Hermione, and I meant it."

Harry and Ron exchanged a glance, their skepticism clear. Harry finally spoke, his tone grudgingly less hostile. "We'll be watching you, McLaggen. Don't give us a reason to regret not hexing you on sight."

Cormac nodded, swallowing hard. "Understood. I just want to get through this assignment and be on my way."

Ron gave a curt nod, and Harry turned to leave. "Come on, Ron. We've got work to do."

As they walked away, Ron muttered under his breath, "I still don't trust him."

"Neither do I," Harry replied. "But we'll keep an eye on him. If he steps out of line, we'll be ready."