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Hermione was a Death Eater now. She was Lord Voldemort’s right hand woman.
Of course, she had never expected to become a Death Eater. She had never expected to turn evil.
What the Dark Lord was doing wasn’t all evil. Quite the contrary. He had made meaningful changes in the Ministry, especially in the Wizengamot. He’d even dissolved all the patronages attached to the Wizengamot’s judicial positions. No one just inherited a place in the court now.
And, despite all the Death Eaters’ propaganda spouting blood purity, the Dark Lord had even promoted Muggleborns and Half-Bloods. This had caused quite the upheaval amongst his most devoted followers.
To Hermione, it was obvious Voldemort spent decades seducing the old pure-blood families, had told them exactly what they wanted to hear so they would supply him with resources … But now he didn’t need their resources. He no longer needed to seduce. He was in charge now. And he was the most powerful man in Britain. In Europe. The pure-bloods answered to a half-blood now.
It wasn’t all easy. The world was dark. Harry was dead. So was Ron. So was virtually every member of the Order. The only reason why the Dark Lord hadn’t killed Hermione was because he’d found her brilliance useful. And she was brilliant. And competent. And ruthless.
When Harry had died, something had also died in Hermione. She lost something she would never get back.
Still, she was cracking on. Making do. She was one of the most powerful people in the Ministry. Her office had several rooms. She had a small army of underlings who were scared to death of her. Good. Let them fear her. Let everyone fear her. She only had to answer to the Dark Lord.
Presently, she was in the middle of a conversation with him. It was via an ornate two-way mirror. She had grown accustomed to his noseless face. His red eyes now went a touch soft when they gazed upon her.
“You should expect the Malfoy boy to call upon you,” Voldemort said, distracted by a memo in front of him.
“Why, sir?”
“He is attempting to salvage his family’s reputation. It seems he will do anything to achieve his goal.”
“What is your recommendation, sir?”
Voldemort shrugged. “One can never fully trust a coward, Hermione. I proved that with Pettigrew. And with Regulus Black, for what it’s worth. The Malfoy boy will always be his father’s son. And Lucius was a weak man. Yes, he was beautiful. And yes, he was charming. But he was a coward. And cowards cannot possess true loyalty. They aren’t capable of it. You will do well if you remember it.”
Hermione glanced away, reflecting. “And if I would like to use Malfoy for my own pleasure? Would you disapprove?”
Voldemort smiled blandly. “You are only human, Hermione. And still rather young. Just don’t let your dalliances affect your work for our cause.”
“Yes, sir.”
Only an hour later, Malfoy walked into the main room of Hermione’s office. He had to go through several levels of security before reaching her, so his appearance wasn’t a surprise.
Malfoy was dressed all in black. He was groomed. His cologne gave off a sensual peppery scent.
“Hello, Granger,” he said politely.
She stood and gave him a cool smile. “It’s a pleasure, Malfoy. Please have a seat.”
He sat down. “Might I request that you call me Draco?”
“You may request it. Doesn’t mean I will do it.”
“Of course, Granger. Miss Granger.”
She couldn’t help but smirk as she lowered back into her chair. Her desk was black mahogany. Grand. And her chair was studded leather with a winged back. Both pieces utterly radiated power.
“Would you care for a cup of tea?” she asked.
He smiled. “Yes, thank you.”
She snapped her fingers and a freed elf appeared, holding a silver platter. She had made sure the Dark Lord freed all of the house-elves when they took power.
Malfoy’s smile turned brittle. It obviously angered him to see a former house-elf wearing clothes and earning a salary.
She suppressed a smile as she sipped her tea. It was brewed perfectly, with just the right amount of milk and sugar.
She let the silence stretch between them. Malfoy began to squirm.
“Um, Miss Granger,” he said finally. “I was hoping to speak to you. About a personal matter.”
“Go on.”
He squirmed some more. “I’ve come to ask you for a position. In the Ministry. I—Um. Well. You understand the state of my family’s reputation. It’s in shambles. Rightfully so, I suppose. But … I believe it is time to turn the page. My parents are dead. I’ve taken over Malfoy Manor. I’m now the face of my family and its important legacy. And I am committed to serving the Dark Lord. You and the Dark Lord.”
Oh, how she loved when she made powerful men ramble uncomfortably. Squirm. It was almost better than having an orgasm.
More silence followed. She just sipped her tea and smiled. A hot flush overtook Malfoy’s face. His pretty face.
“You are not impressed, I take it?” he asked carefully.
Still smiling, she set down her cup. “I despise cowards, Malfoy.”
His colour deepened. “I’m not a coward, Miss Granger.”
“Yes, you are. Everyone knows it. Especially the Dark Lord. You and your family tried to flee after Harry died. Your family was only interested in saving your own necks. No matter the cost.”
Outrage flashed in Malfoy’s eyes. It was quickly suppressed. “Give me another chance,” he gritted out.
“Why should I?”
“Because you of all people should understand second chances. The Dark Lord gave you the ultimate second chance, didn’t he?”
“I was never a coward, Malfoy. And the Dark Lord respects me for it.”
“Your blood is not pure!”
“So?”
Malfoy worked his mouth, obviously doing his best to remain calm. “You are right. It doesn’t matter. I’ve been brainwashed. Weakened. Please, Granger. Miss Granger. Give me a second chance. Help me understand these new ways.”
She stared at him. “What will you give me in return?”
He squirmed some more. “Anything! Everything.”
“What is your definition of everything?”
“I want to court you, Miss Granger.”
She began to laugh. She continued to laugh. “Oh, you’re cute.”
This time, he wasn’t able to suppress his outrage. “It is no laughing matter! Can’t you see how desperate I am? Can’t you see how much power you can have over me? And I’m willing to give you that power, Miss Granger.”
“Are you even attracted to me?”
“Yes.”
Another laugh. “I’m sure you would say that even if you weren’t.”
Staring her down, he stood and came around the desk. She was a bit shocked by his nerve.
Hermione stood up but her head barely reached his chin. She didn’t remember him being so tall.
Malfoy cupped her face in his warm palm. “Let me show you,” he murmured, now peering into her eyes.
The grey is so beautiful, she thought.
“Show me what exactly?”
Malfoy kissed her. It took her by surprise. It shouldn’t have but it did. He tasted of mint toothpaste.
For some reason, she let the kiss continue. She even arched against him. He made a low noise. It almost sounded like a moan.
“Please,” he whispered, his thumb caressing her cheek.
“What exactly are you asking?”
“Please give me a chance.”
“You want to court me? Date me? Sleep with me?”
He stared deeply into her eyes. “I want to marry you.”
Sighing, she brushed her lips against his. “You are rather attractive. And rather intelligent. You enjoyed your studies, if I remember correctly.”
“I did.”
She smiled. “All right, you may take me on a date.”
“Thank you, Miss Granger,” he murmured, then leaned in for another kiss.