Still Alive (Book 4)

The Bloody Defect: Part 2

Hermione POV
'Miss Granger' a voice rang out.
'Uh huh'
'Miss Granger. It's time for the meeting—'
Hermione opened her eyes. It took some time to adjust to the bright light but her eyes finally fixed on a lady carrying a journal.

'Which meeting? Who are you?'
'Are you feeling well? I am Scarlett of course- your assistant.
The meeting with the Auror Office. Don't tell me you forgot?'

She took some time to take in this information.
'Um- what?'
'We are getting late. I have all the files arranged. Let's go.'
Scarlett opened the door and walked ahead.

What the hell was happening?
She was sure it was the damn bloody defect but .. she had practically nil idea when James meant consequences.
***
'Here we are' Scarlett handed over the journals and files to her.

She had no idea what she was doing- strolling in a meeting in the ministry of magic.. but she let herself dragged by Scarlett.
Hermione muttered a thanks then entered the conference room.

There were six men and two women sitting at the chairs lined around a long table.
They stood up on seeing her.
'Miss granger' greeted the one near her. She nodded not knowing what to do..
That was until her eyes met a redhead..

He mouthed a sorry at her which was ignored by her..
As if just saying sorry would make her forgive him.
'Have a seat please.' said a man.
Hermione went and sat at the seat closest to her. She saw two seats empty right next to her as well.

'Well then let the meeting commence—'

'Bloody wait- oh shit!'
It was none other than Neville who entered the room and seated himself ungraciously.
'I meant you must wait for Harr- um Mr Potter before you start—'

'Not to worry longbottom he will arrive said' the gruff man again.

'So this is on the topic of- um what?'
Great way to start, Hermione.
Everybody stared at her.. Almost everybody. Ron shared a brief glance of not knowing what was going on.

It was neville who coughed and replied 'Its in the matter of Dra— Malfoy.'

'What about him?'
The whole room stared. Stared intensely this time.
'No offence but what are you playing at?' said an old man.

'Dont talk to her like that' snapped Ron.
'I didn't need that' said Hermione coldly at him.
Ron lowered his gaze.

'Lets wait a few more minutes for Mr Potter and I may have a word with Mr Weasley and Miss Granger?' Neville said formally and walked out of the room without waiting for a reply.

Hermione walked out as well not knowing what to do..
Ron did the same.
He banged the door.
'Oops'

'Muffliato' muttered Neville.
'What the bloody—'
'I know' sighed Neville. 'Its the defect. The bloody fucking defect.'

'What about Malfoy?' she asked straight at the point.
Neville shifted at her gaze nervously. 'I am not sure it's a good idea—'
'Tell me.'
'But—'
'Just tell already.'
'Ok. This is going to hit hard.'
Hermione nodded.

'Draco he is in- well - um'
Hermione waited.
'He is in Azkaban.' ..
Those words..
They kept echoing in her head.. on as she cursed herself for not knowing.. not knowing how bloody the defect could be..

'And one more thing- before we go insid—'
'Who said I am?'
'Uh oh' Neville muttered flustered 'Still one last thing- because you have quite a reputation.'

She raised her eyebrows.
'You are the Minister of Magic.'
Well..
Things were fucked up..
Like they always were..