{2} The Letter

Draco is debating his feelings for Hermione, while dealing with the Ministry.

He wandered back to his flat in London, contemplating the events of the night. His heart pained from the sadness and loneliness that was etched in Hermione's face that night. Ever since she punched him their third year, he felt oddly different toward her. He felt, much to his surprise, attracted to the mudblood. He didn't understand how someone as talented and smart as her could be friends with someone like Potter and the Weasel.

He removed his dress robes and undid his tie as he entered his bedroom. He needed a plan to get to her, for her to trust him. With Ron as her failing husband and Potter protecting her, it was going to be difficult. He didn't want to be too forward in his feelings and scare her off. He needed to gain her trust, something that he was not quite familiar with. As his late father once told him, "Never trust anyone. You are a Slytherin now. We work alone."

The blonde continued to undress and get ready for a night's sleep, until he heard his owl soar through the window and land on his bed with a thump. There was a letter tied to its leg as it gave a small hoot toward the man. He casually walked over, untied the letter and gave the owl a quick pat on its head, before he watched it take off again through the open window.

Curiously, he opened the letter and read:

Dear Mr. Malfoy,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been assigned to work at the Department for Magical Creatures. Your campaign for the protection of goblins and house elves was extrordinary and attracted the attention of the department head. She would like to meet with you, tomorrow at the Leaky Cauldron at 6:00 pm.

Good day to you, Mr. Malfoy

In Regards,
Kingsley Shacklebolt
Minister of Magic

"Bah! I knew I shouldn't have done that campaign. Now I'm re-assigned to this department!" He angrily threw the letter in the fire, and crashed into bed.

The next morning, Draco Malfoy, groggily got out of bed, showered and scrounged around for a quick breakfast before he flooed into work. The day dragged on horribly for Draco. He was dreading his meeting this evening with the department head. He didn't want the job. Hell, he didn't really give a damn about goblins or house elves. It was only a benefit to kick off his new campaign for Minister of Magic, which he was starting to give up on.

The clock ticked 5:30. His face was pale and his palms were sweaty. He hurriedly wiped them on his pants and proceeded to clean his desk up for the day and leave. He was nervous. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous nor why he was going in the first place.

He glanced at his watch. 5:45 PM already. S**t. He thought. Guess I better make my way to the Leaky Cauldron. Get this bullshit out of the way. He made his way to the apparation station and disapparated to the doorstep of the Leaky Cauldron.

Entering, he shuddered a bit, forgetting the dinginess and darkness of the bar. He nodded to Tom, the barkeeper, and ordered a firewhiskey. He picked a somewhat clean table near the back of the bar, and waited.

The bell chimed 6:00 PM, and still no one showed up. He was antsy. He wanted to leave, but knew that was rude and the Minister would have his head. Minutes ticked by, until he heard the door open. A flustered witch ran inside, breathing heavily as if she ran from the other side of England. She glanced toward Tom. He nodded toward the witch to the table in the back. She turned toward the new face in the pub and stalked purposely toward him.

The hood of her robes were raised and her face was shrouded in the darkness of the bar. In a matter-of-fact tone, she said, "So we meet again, Draco." She lowered her hood and stared at him with a hopeful, sad smile on her lips.

Author's Note

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