Challenge Me

C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N

Hermione Granger

It has been 7 days since I last spoke to Malfoy, an entire week. So far it had been great, I went on with my days as if nothing ever happened between us. To be fair, nothing did really happen...

I was currently in my office discussing matters with both Harry and Ron about the location of Barnabas Woodsjung, it's said he had been spotted changing his appearance in an alleyway not far off of Knockturn. The difficult thing about him was no one knew what he looked like, he changed his appearance that often we weren't sure what he normally looked like.

"'Mione, I know you're not going to like this but Ron and I... We've had to call in someone. He is really good at his job, it's just unfortunate he is a complete arse. He knows what he is doing, and I've informed him of everything we know."

"Look, Harry, I trust both of your judgement, but you should have checked with me first. You know I need to be in the loop at all times, this could have jeopardized everything we've built."

"That's the thing, Hermione. Woodsjung knows everything we do! No matter what we try, he is always one foot ahead of us! I would rather cut my tongue out than say this, but, we need him 'Mione. We need Malfoy."

I practically felt my mouth hit the floor, they weren't serious, right? How could they believe Malfoy out of all people would be able to help capture one of the darkest wizards on the planet? I'm positive he couldn't even do his own food shopping, even if he was under imperio.

"Harry, Ron, I'm glad you believe Draco Malfoy has the ability to help put a stop to Woodsjung, but I just don't. This is Malfoy we are talking about, I wasn't even aware of his auror status until just now!" The shrill in my voice was hard to miss and by the looks of the 2 men before of me, they were aware of just how little I believed in this plan.

Just as I was about to excuse the idea entirely, the door to my office was abruptly slammed open by non-other than the man himself.

"Malfoy, good of you to join us" My eyes scanned his face as he spoke a hello to both Harry and Ron, the bags under his eyes had gone as had the stubble that had previously littered his jaw and upper lip. He wore a black suit accented with a silver necktie that complimented the steel in his eyes.

"Hello, Granger" I shivered as I felt the cool tone in his voice, a part of me yearning to slap him across the fact for the tone he took with me, the other part yearning to crash my mouth against his.

"Malfoy. Now to get to business. Both Harry and Ron have informed me of your undercover career as an auror" I shifted my brown eyes to meet ocean blue ones, not missing the guilty look on one of my best friends faces

"They also believe you can accompany them in bringing down the notorious Barnabas Woodsjung, I, on the other hand, do not. After all, I am yet to hear of anything you have done relating to this job or yours." I placed both my hands on the top of my desk, resting them under my chin as I waited for him to explain.

"Of course, Minister. I would be happy to show you exactly what I can do" My eyes locked with his as I took in his arrogant smirk, that little ferret did not just do that – did he. I placed a glare on my face and proceeded to stare him down, of course, it did nothing other than amuse him to no end.

With a chuckle he continued, explaining about his involvement in not only capturing the Carrows after the second wizarding war but Yaxley, Gaunt and Burke. I would be lying if I said I was not impressed.

"I will discuss matters with Harry, Ron and the rest of the auror department about your involvement in the capture. I will owl you with my reply in a few days, thank you, Mr Malfoy." I waved a dismissive hand and watched as all three men stood up, with a curt nod from both Ron and Harry, they exited my office leaving me with the blonde-haired man.