Unexpected Visitor
2008
Hermione stared at her clock for what seemed like the millionth time in over 10 minutes. Her husband, Ron, was usually late, however on this particular day, it seemed like he was never going to show. 30 minutes was normal, even sometimes an hour; Ron’s job, while strenuous and time consuming, paid him very well and made him happy, so Hermione swallowed all her complaints about their lack of time together.
Ron and Harry were able to secure their spot in the Ministry of Magic as Aurors shortly after they all received their First Order of Merlins. Hermione was offered a position, but quickly declined.
Life on the run from dark wizards during the war didn’t convince her to continue to do so for a paycheck. As for the boys, they were ready to jump at the chance of chasing criminals and having a job that didn’t require them (the heroes of the Wizarding World) to take the necessary prerequisites before taking the job.
Hermione, ever the student, decided to go back to Hogwarts to complete her studies and strive for a job she worked hard to get, not one that was handed over due to her part in saving wizarding humanity.
As thankful as she was for her part, she wanted to be more than the brains of the Golden Trio. She wanted to be Hermione Granger, hardworking student, Muggleborn advocate, human being. Her work preparing Muggleborns for their first years at Hogwarts made that very easy. She could see herself in every single student she met. She could see the wonder and anxiety with every new lesson in their eyes. Her work meant something to her even if it was overshadowed by the glamour of being an Auror.
Ron always told her she needed to apply herself to a different position within the Ministry. She would mentally check out of the conversation every time it was brought up, but the real issue was when it was brought up in front of others, specifically, the rest of the Weasley clan.
“The real debacle will be what happens when the babies start coming around.” Molly Weasley casually responded to Ron’s incessant ranting about Hermione’s job and their last visit to the Burrow.
Hermione nearly choked on the pumpkin juice she had been sipping from.
Ron didn’t miss a beat in adding fuel to the fire, “No worries on that part, Mum. ‘Mione doesn’t want kids.”
The jab had Hermione glaring and Molly obviously heartbroken.
“Not right NOW is what I actually said, Molly.” Hermione comforted the matriarch of the Weasley’s.
“Now what could be keeping you from wanting to give me a few grandchildren? It might be time to quit that job of yours after all, dear,” Molly said in a slightly condescending tone while going back to her dinner plate in front of her.
Hermione wanted to say something as a retort, but her husband’s smug face told her to save it for when they were alone. That fight was one of their worst to date.
Hermione looked at the clock again and sighed as she gathered her things. Ron had promised to take her out to make up for the terrible things he had said after the Burrow visit, but it seemed like he had forgotten or got hung up at work. Either way, Hermione wasn’t going to sit and wait any longer.
As she was grabbing her bag, there was a knock on her office door. She went to pick up the last of her paperwork when the knocking turned frantic and continuous. In a huff, she rushed over and flung the door open to reveal a very angry and very terrifying Draco Malfoy.
Hermione was taken aback at his obvious anger and worked hard to not reach for her wand in her pocket. She had become the type of person that gave the benefit of the doubt rather than the type to immediately disarm a former Death Eater just because of the horrifying look on his face. His eyes were bloodshot like he hadn’t slept or like he had been crying, although she knew it couldn’t be the latter…could it?
His normally perfect hair had been tousled like he ran his hands through them all day, and his clothes were rumpled as if he ran there.
His presence confused Hermione, he worked at Hogwarts, not the Ministry. He was one of the best potion masters they had seen in years, aside from his mentor and Godfather, Severus. The only times their paths had crossed in recent years were at a few charity events and the rare occasion she’d have to follow up with a Muggleborn student at the school. This would be the last place he’d come for a work matter, which means…this visit had to be personal.
“Malfoy,” Hermione greeted slowly.
“Granger,” he responded, his voice gruff. He cleared his throat before continuing, “My apologies for dropping by in such a manner, however…” he looked over his shoulder as if he didn’t want anyone to eavesdrop. “Might we step into the office before we continue?”
Hermione had no interest in speaking with Malfoy alone, but the look on his face made her back up the few steps necessary to let him inside. She caught a whiff of him as he stepped inside the cramped office, he smelled like he had ran there as well.
She cringed as she closed the door behind them and turned around with her arms crossed.
“Well?” Hermione muttered impatiently.
Malfoy ran his hands through his hair and started pacing back and forth as much as he could in the small space. Hermione was beginning to regret inviting him in. Her foot started tapping as she watched him go to and frow while slightly hyperventilating. His large hands went down his face as he tried to gather the courage he needed to get him through whatever strange development brought him into her office.
Malfoy suddenly turned to face Hermione.
“Do you have any idea where your husband is tonight?”