Hermione was stunned. She couldn’t speak. Malfoy’s cold eyes met hers, and he glared without breaking the gaze. Kendrina’s mouth hardened into a thin line.
“Tardiness will not be tolerated, Mr. Malfoy. We’re here to work on something important – you need to be here.”
“Sorry, I was busy with paperwork and lost track of time.” He said harshly, still staring at Hermione.
She squirmed beneath his glare and looked away.
“Everyone, this is Mr. Draco Malfoy, he’s a part of the case. He was the wizard who talked to
the ex- death eater.”
“Yeah, because he WAS one.” Harry said under his breath.
“IS there a problem, Mr. Potter?” Kendrina asked, turning her stare to him.
Harry coughed to cover it up and said, “No ma’am.”
“Good. I hope we’re all on the same page here. We must work together, and I’ll not tolerate any petty comments or rudeness. We’re all adults here.”
Kendrina beckoned for Malfoy to sit down in a folding chair next to the door.
“Had you have been on TIME, you wouldn’t have had to resort to sitting in an uncomfortable chair.”
Malfoy’s expression never once faltered. It remained in a cold, permanent grimace.
“As I was saying before I was interrupted, our investigations would need to be expanded and more thorough if we want to get to the bottom of this. You’re all going to be working very closely for the next month at least. We must be civil, as I said before. You must all be here ON TIME,” She shot a glare at Malfoy. “And you have to pay very close attention.”
For the rest of the briefing, Hermione concentrated on her notes. She wrote down nearly everything Kendrina said, not because she wanted to, but because she didn’t want to look up and see Malfoy staring at her. Ron’s fists were clenched and shaking, and Harry hadn’t smiled or said anything the entire meeting. Old school habits never die, Hermione supposed.
When the briefing was over, Hermione timidly approached Kendrina.
“Excuse me, Kendrina, can I talk to you for a moment?”
“All right there, Granger?” She seemed concerned from the look on Hermione’s face.
“I was wondering if it was at all possible to transfer teams.”
“I don’t understand, Granger. Why do you want to switch?”
“Well, there are er- a few … differences I have between some of my colleagues, and it’d be best for everyone if I wasn’t around. I could handle more paperwork, if you wanted.”
“Granger, you’ve been asking for the past year if I could get you on an actual case, and here you are complaining about it when I give the opportunity.”
Hermione fidgeted uncomfortably.
“Look, if I didn’t think you were up to the task, I wouldn’t have chosen you. I chose you because you’re smart, and you know how to get the job done. You’re just going to have to set whatever it is aside and buck up. No one is getting transferred or quitting. Granger, I like you, but you need to stay on this. It’s more important than some silly grudge you hold.”
“I’m sorry to have asked.” Hermione said dully.”I sincerely appreciate the opportunity, though.”
Kendrina simply nodded, then went back to talking to one of the witches on the sofa.
Hermione exited the room to meet up with Ron and Harry, a miserable sensation filling her body.
“Malfoy for the love of MERLIN!” Harry screamed just as Hermione came up to them.
“Of ALL people, HIM!” Ron said through clenched teeth.
“He WAS A death eater! He could be a part of all of this! How can she TRUST HIM?!” Harry was furious.
“I can’t be transferred… I can’t believe I’m going to have to work with him. He’s going to torture me the whole way through.” Hermione said sadly.
“I swear, if he says a THING about you being muggle-born, I’ll KILL him.” Ron promised.
“Well, if it isn’t famous Harry Potter.” Drawled a deep, cold voice.
The three turned to stand face to face with Malfoy.
“Go away, Malfoy. I don’t think our conversation was an open one.” Harry managed angrily.
“Got a problem, Potter? Tut tut, didn’t think you’d still be this … juvenile.”
“So you gave the tip, did you Malfoy? Why the change in heart? Did the death eaters finally
figure out you were useless and toss you away like rubbish?”
Malfoy’s sneer got bigger, and his eyes narrowed.
“I’d watch my mouth, Potter. You ought to be careful about how you talk to people that could cost you your job.”
“Go to H*ll, Malfoy” Ron spat.
“Ah, come to Potter’s rescue? Can’t fight his own battles, can he? I don’t think anyone was talking to you, Weasley.”
“Funny, Malfoy, because I don’t exactly remember anyone giving you an invitation to talk to US.”
Everyone turned to look at Hermione, shocked that she would even say anything. Malfoy looked amused.
“No one cares about your opinion, you’re just a mudblood who got lucky with this case. Can’t imagine how you managed to get this one, Granger.”
Ron lunged at Malfoy, but Harry caught him before he could do anything.
“He isn’t worth it, he’ll probably just run back to his boss and tell on you. Seems sucking up is all he’s good at, anyways. How else do you think he got this?” Harry said.
“Piss off.” Malfoy sneered. He turned on his heel and strode the opposite direction without so much as a glance back at them.
“Wow Hermione, didn’t think you had it in you.” Harry’s tone was approving.
“Let’s just go. It’s bad enough that this is dangerous, but it only makes it worse that Malfoy is a part of it.” Her voice was shaking in a mixture of rage and misery.
“I know one thing, if he says anything else to us, I’m going to lose my job for attacking him.” Ron growled.
“Just a month, Ron.” Harry said, sounding angry himself.
“Come on, let’s just go.”
