Unfortunate Events

Event Eight: Hostile Hospital

Hermione stared across the table, smiling at the handsome blond wizard. "So, Harry tells me you just started working as an Auror. How are you liking that?"

Her date, Spencer Lawson, smiled back, blue eyes sparkling as he leaned forward. He was a couple of years older than her, with the loveliest eyelashes she had ever seen. And he had been the one to ask her out! Not that Hermione had been looking or anything, but she still couldn't believe her luck. No one that looked like that had ever been interested in her.

"I've been in training for the past three years, so it's finally great to be out in the field, you know? The first mission was exhilarating, and it confirmed to me that I'm in the right line of work. For a while there, I had been questioning my career choice, so it was good to have that reassurance."

Yeah, that must be nice. She certainly hadn't found it at her job. Merlin, she hated it. Incompetent boss, rude coworkers, toiling in thankless obscurity without any meaningful results. She should quit, really she should, but that would be admitting failure. She wasn't ready to do that. Yet. Besides, she had nowhere else to work, and she didn't have the time to start job-hunting. Thanks to her job, of course.

Spencer must have noticed she was upset, because he smiled again, seemingly self-conscious. "But I'd hate to spend our time together talking about work. Tell me your interests."

His eyes bored into hers with an intensity that was a little frightening. She reached for her water, holding the chilled glass in her clammy palm. "Oh well...I like to read, and spend time with my friends. I own two cats, watch the occasional muggle movie...and that's about it, I'm afraid. I'm kind of boring really."

"I'd hardly call any woman who was involved in taking down Voldemort boring."

Hermione took a quick sip of water, trying not to blush. "Thank you."

"I hope this doesn't scare you off, but I just want to say again how relieved I am that you agreed to go to dinner with me. I can't tell you how long I've been working up the nerve to ask you out."

It was very flattering, and also hard to believe a word of it. But she wanted to; it made her feel...nice. "What made you decide to finally take the plunge?"

"Actually, it was Harry. I had held back because I thought you were dating Draco Malfoy." Spencer's face screwed up slightly, as if he had just smelled a troll.

"Why would you think that?"

"It's always in the papers. I just assumed-"

"You shouldn't. A word of advice, anything written by Rita Skeeter is full of lies."

Spencer smiled. "That's what Harry said. So are you and Malfoy more than enemies? Friends?"

Hermione nodded her head. "I know most people think he's a bit...difficult, but he's actually a great guy once you get to know him."

Spencer didn't look like he believed her. "I hear he's an absolute beast in the boardroom. Malfoy Industries has taken over at least five major companies in the year he's been in charge, and he's increased their profits by twenty percent. Though it looks a bit suspicious, if you know what I mean."

No, actually, she didn't. "It wouldn't surprise me. Malfoy was in the top five of his class. He's very bright and persuasive, and knows how to deal with those kinds of things. I'm sure the investors can sense that."

Spencer shrugged his shoulders. "Anyway, Harry told me you two weren't dating, and I knew that once the other guys found that out, I wouldn't stand a chance. So I walked up to you that day in your office, and well, you pretty much know the rest. Now if you don't mind me asking, why did you agree?"