The Ministry was crowded once again as Malfoy and Hermione wove through mobs of witches and wizards, attempting to keep close to one another. It was very loud and chaotic, and it hurt Hermione’s ears.
She exhaled in frustration.
“Where the bloody HE|| is Kendrina?!” she shouted over the voices.
Malfoy squinted his eyes and cupped his hand to his ear, demonstrating that he couldn’t hear her.
“WHERE IS KENDRINA?!” She screamed in an ear-splitting shriek.
Malfoy winced.
“Merlin, Granger! You didn’t have to puncture my ear drums! And do I look like I would
know? I got here with YOU!”
Hermione rolled her eyes and continued walking, His Slytherin arrogance presented itself at times she was most annoyed.
“Granger, Malfoy.” A cold voice greeted both of them as they stopped in their tracks.
Kendrina was glaring at them with an agitated expression. She was obviously not in the mood for back talk that morning, so Malfoy kept his mouth shut.
“We need you to fill out some paperwork - ”
She paused when they both groaned. Paperwork followed her everywhere; it was inescapable for her.
“OR you have the option of being kicked off of the case – Your choice.” She gave them a look that would’ve given Mcgonnogall a run for her money.
“You’ll be working with Potter and Weasley today – the paperwork haul is quite large.”
A pained look played at Malfoy’s features, and he grimaced at the thought of working with the ginger and famous Potter. Hermione’s expression was calm and collected, but beneath the outer layer lurked worry and nervousness. She didn’t want Malfoy, Ron and Harry in the same room. It’d be a complete catastrophe.
“Good. You understand. The paperwork will be delivered to Potter’s office momentarily. You’ll work there for today. He’s already with Weasley.” She nodded curtly and walked off, leaving
Hermione and Malfoy staring at each other with their mouths gaping open like goldfish.
After a moment, the silence became uncomfortable. Malfoy cleared his throat.
“What are we going to do about this, Granger?” He asked, his voice a bit acidic.
“We’re going to do what we’re told. Just don’t say anything to them, and they won’t say anything to you. We’re adults, like Kendrina said. Just don’t make an ar*se of yourself by provoking a fight.”
Malfoy’s eyes narrowed in offense.
“ME?”
“Draco, honestly. You’re the one who instigates most of it – you can’t deny that.” She said when he shot her a look of protest.
He sighed.
“Let’s go and get this over with.”
Hermione briskly walked to Harry’s office with Malfoy following along, sulking. The door was open, and Hermione could hear distinct whispering. Ron was with him, but she couldn’t quite make out what they were saying. She got closer and pressed her finger to her lips to signal
Malfoy not to say anything.
“ - I’m going to murder him if he doesn’t leave Hermione alone.” Ron said.
“I’m with you. Pureblood prat.” Harry muttered indignantly.
Hermione knew they felt that way, but they didn’t have to be so over protective. It angered her that they thought she couldn’t take care of herself. It also angered her that they assumed Malfoy was being rude. Well, he was a lot of the time, but he was getting better.
