Addicted to You

XIX

Since Hermione didn't work in the Ministry of Magic anymore, she had to use the muggle entrance, namely the London telephone-booth, to gain access to the building. She arrived in the middle of the Atrium, right amidst the crowd of office-workers heading home, done for the day. She spotted one or two of her colleagues, who recognized her and looked to her curiously, wondering why she was there. She hadn't been back there since she had made the faux pas of quitting her job and making obscene gestures to her boss- no matter how well deserved. They thought she had some nerve showing up there, but then shrugged and went on their way to the floo-network, while Hermione made her way to the Security desk.

"Welcome to the British Ministry of Magic headquarters, ma'am." the lady at the reception said, "Would you please state the purpose of your visit?"

"Hello, um...I wish to see the Minister." Hermione said.

The woman hesitated for a second; not often does some visitor come and ask to see the Minister straightaway. But of course, she recognized Hermione and knew her personal acquaintance with the Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt, even though she probably didn't know that she used to work in the department of Regulation and control of Magical Creatures. Hermione was thoroughly authoritative and business-like. But there was a protocol for everything and even though it was past the time of visiting hours with any of the ministry officials, she was willing to make an exception.

"Certainly, ma'am. Please present your wand right here."

She indicated the instrument set upon the desk that Hermione recognized as the wand-weigher, used to identify a wand's length, core material, and the length of time it has been used. Harry and Ron had managed to retrieve her wand from the Malfoy Manor before they had escaped from the place and Hermione now placed it upon the brass scales and soon after, a slip of parchment with the wand's specifications was generated out of the machine. The receptionist logged it in their record book and urged Hermione to register her name next to it, after which she issued a pass. Handing it over to Hermione, she directed her towards the lifts.

"Eric." Hermione greeted the attendant.

"Ms. Granger." he tipped his hat to her, smiling, seeing her after a long time. She requested to be taken to Basement level 1, where the Minister for Magic and his support staff had their offices.

She had never been here before and was struck by the lush carpet of a thick purple fabric that covered the whole floor. The suite of offices within, contained gleaming mahogany doors, each bearing a small plaque with the owner's name and position. Hermione was about to head towards the Minister's own office, when she was stopped by the Junior Assistant.

"Excuse me, miss, but where do you think you're going?"

"I want to see the Minister. I've got a pass." she showed it to him.

"That's okay, but you can't just waltz in there." he remarked, "Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but it's extremely crucial that I see him. It's a matter of urgency."

"Crucial for whom?" he asked, skeptical. "The Minister has lots of important issues to deal with."

Hermione was getting annoyed at his attitude. "I know that. But this can't wait. I need to-" She strode past him, getting closer to the office doors. "I have to discuss an important matter with him."

But she found her way barred by buff guards outside his doors, who had one hand upon their wands inside their vests, ready to take down any intruder. They each got a hold of her arms, easily keeping her from entering the office.

"Let me go! I told you, I need to see the Minister." she struggled. "He knows me. He'd be willing to talk to me-"

"Please, madam, there's no need for such an outburst." he coolly took out a notebook and quill. "If you would simply state your business, I would convey it to the Senior Undersecretary and she would take the decision on whether you should be granted an audience with the Minister himself."