Challenge Me

C H A P T E R F I F T E E N

Draco Malfoy

I'm not going to lie, it did hurt knowing she believed I wanted a good shag and nothing else. Truth be told, if she were any other witch then that would be exactly what I wanted, but she isn't just any other witch.

I had to think of a plan, one she wouldn't see coming and won't be able to refuse. I needed to make Hermione Granger fall in love with me.

Once she had rudely slammed the door in my magnificent face, I marched to my dear friend Blaise's office. We needed to think of a plan and who better to do such a thing then the one and only king if all ladies men? Nearing his office door, I didn't bother to knock, reaching out to his brass doorknob I turned it instantly being met with a scowl on my best friend's face.

"Relax, Zabini. It's just me" Striding in, I closed the door and locked it using wordless magic. A thing only powerful wizards such as myself can accomplish.

"That's exactly why I'm not relaxed, Draco. What do you want?" I could see the curiosity on his tan face, eyes searching for an answer. I only smirked, nearing closer to the sitting man.

"A favour, that is all" I approached his desk, plonking down on the chair in front of it.

"That can't be a good sign" He visibly sighed, rubbing his temples as he felt a headache growing.

"Don't be ridiculous, Zabini. Look, all I need you to do is invite Granger out for a night and then leave the rest up to me." With that, I got up from my position on the lounge and made my way to the door.

"What makes you think she will even go out with me, Draco? The lass has spoken to me once since leaving Hogwarts." I didn't bother turning around, instead, I explained that if he used his famous Zabini charm, she would cave.

Strolling down the corridor I made a mental note to send Blaise the address of where I want him to take Granger, I needed to make sure this plan was thought through properly, it needed to work.

Hermione Granger

I hadn't a lot of work to get through but I'd rather complete it then let it sit there, I was sorting through new rules that needed to be added to the law – young witches and wizards were becoming too adventurous and were beginning to find themselves in situations they best stay out of.

Overlooking to laws once more I sent them off, happy with the amount of free time I have left. I had wanted to start rereading some of my books but with the amount of work I had endured in these last months, I hadn't the time.

Just as I strolled over to my immaculate bookshelf, I saw an unfamiliar owl tap its beak onto my window. Pinching my eyebrows together I left my selected book on top of the wood and made my way over to the closed window, stretching my arm out I swiftly opened the glass and the bird flew in.

I watched as it settled itself on my stand and extended his bony leg. I wasn't surprised when my eyes were met with a sealed letter, but I was surprised to see who the sender was. In black ink, perfectly scripted, wrote the name "Blaise Zabini."

I've always been a curious person and so I believe that is why I leaned against my desk and tore open the parchment, reading the words etched into it without a single thought. Feeding the owl a treat, I gave it a scratch on the head and took in the script. Biting my lip, I felt my eyes widen and my saliva gets caught in my throat, choking, I reached for my glass of water perched on top of my desk, gulping down the cool liquid my throat was instantly relieved. Settling my eyes back onto the letter I had to reread the words to make sure I hadn't read it wrong.

"I invite you, Hermione Granger, to accompany me to dinner this evening. I await your response. – B.Z"

After I was sure I wasn't hallucinating, I debated within myself whether or not I should go. Mr Zabini has never done anything to lead me to believe he isn't someone to be trusted, he is a hard worker and does respect himself and the ministry, however, I need to be aware of the looming hurricane just out of sight – he is best friends with Draco Malfoy.

The visit I so rudely received this afternoon, in combination with this very odd letter, makes for a sneaky but very well-planned scheme. A scheme I would very much like to see squashed, I need to know what Malfoy is up to and if he is planning to jeopardise either my position as minister or the ministry in general.

Picking up the feathered quill out of my inkpot, I turned around, bent slightly over my wooden desk and began to write my response.

"Mr Zabini,

Though this request is very abrupt and random, I accept. I will meet you at the given address at the proposed time. I wish you all the best.

Miss Hermione Granger,

Minister of Magic"

After finalising the letter with the official minister wax seal, I tied the envelope onto the animal's leg and watched as it flew out of the window and out of sight. Looking at the time on my wristwatch (a gift so thoughtfully given by Ron) I noted I had exactly 2 hours and 18 minutes to get ready and meet the handsome but mysterious man.

Deciding I was done for the day and now did not have any time to get a bit of light reading in, I neatly placed up my office and headed for the door. Making sure place double locks onto my door, I began making my way to the floo networks.

Once I reach my desired space, I place my foot into the pit whilst making sure to grab a pinch of powder from the hanging vase. Turning into the correct position I lift my hand and shout my address, instantly I am engulfed by flames and soot.

Letting out a small cough, I step out of the fireplace and into my living room, Crookshanks at my feet to welcome me home from a long day at work. Smiling, I set my suitcase down beside me and pick up the orange furball. I give him a kiss on the nose and a scratch behind the ears, satisfied with my affection I laugh as he tries to wriggle from my grip.

I lean down and place him back onto his paws, I watch in amusement as he walks off with his tail in the air, the tip of it flicking wildly. I once again pick up my suitcase and stroll over to my dining table, placing my work cloak and case atop of the timber, I make my way into my room and begin to pick out my clothing for tonight's event.

After settling on a pair of snug muggle jeans and a loose-fitting business top I go to my drawer and pick out a matching pair of plain black undergarments. Leaving my wand on top of my dresses, I let my feet carry me to the shower with my clothing and a towel in hand.

Stepping out of the steamy shower, I'm careful to have my towel wrapped securely around my frame. Walking towards the mirror I swipe my hand across it, gathering the condensation onto my hand. Wiping the liquid off my hand I begin to dress, after pulling my clothing on I grab my toothbrush and begin brushing.

Walking into my room, I gather my hair in one hand and pull it over my shoulder. I begin to brush the tangled strands and cast the smoothing spell Ginny taught me in 4th year, before the yule ball. Huffing, I look at my appearance in the mirror. Crinkling my nose, I decide to change into something less formal. Going through the few casual items I have in my wardrobe, I pull out a short yellow sundress scattered with daises. Going back on my decision to leave my hair out I quickly braid it down my back, pulling some white shoes from my collection I place them onto my feet and go back to my mirror.

Not too shabby, Granger. Smiling at myself, I walk back to my dresser and grab my wand. Making sure I have everything with me I say goodbye to Crookshanks and ensure all my protection wards are up, I take a deep breath and allow myself to be sucked into my apparition.