A dubious reunion

[dragons_can_learn]

Draco was a Malfoy, and one of the lessons he'd learned was to never tell anyone anything. Not even Hermione although he told her more than he told most people, and although Hermione knew his basic goals and plans she didn't know all the plans he had in store. And McGonnagal was unaware that Hermione was even involved.

"You ready, Hermione?" It was amazing how good she looked in his robes and he glanced appreciatively at her as he took the handful of flue powder. "Hogwarts Reception Room." One squeeze of her ass before he stepped into the flames.

Comments

[mudblood_andproud]

"Are you sure the information on the page is not an illusion? Preventing you from seeing what is actually there?"

[dragons_can_learn]

"No." Draco was of course uncertain. "But if it's more interesting than the actual workings of Hogwarts a thousand years ago I'll be impressed. You want to have a look?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"Not unless you think it has some merit to our search."

[dragons_can_learn]

"I think it doesn't fit." Draco shrugged. "Which means it's possibly a clue and the thing we want. Or possibly something else entirely, but I'm not prepared to give up the chance it would be a clue. Especially as I don't think anyone else would find what it's meant to be interesting."

[mudblood_andproud]

"If it is something that doesn't fit, than it being a clue makes sense. Let's take it with us."

"Were there any other books that you felt would be important to take?"

[dragons_can_learn]

"Plenty I want to come back to or move to Hogwarts' Library. But none that stood out as being useful right now." Which was what he'd expected; he'd given Hermione the obviously useful place to look. "What did you find?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"Plenty myself. Some that should be moved to Hogwarts' Library. Others that I think we should look over..."

[dragons_can_learn]

Draco arched one eyebrow. "Oh?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"Well, until we know if we can open the Headmaster door, I don't want to worry too much about the books that I think we should look over. They have good reference to someone who can make changes..."

"And are not helpful to those who can only make suggestions..."

[dragons_can_learn]

"I've more than a few of those." Draco shrugged. "I meant anything useful for the headmaster door." He picked up the scroll. "And if not do we want to try to decode this or go straight to try the door?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"Everything that mentions the headmaster door states that it will only open, if Hogwarts itself is satisfied that the person chosen for headmaster will be a strong influence on the future of the school."

"And I think that book won't be decoded until we get into the headmaster quarters."

[dragons_can_learn]

Draco shrugged. "Just because you roll the dice doesn't mean you shouldn't try to weight them first. But we might as well see if we can find the door. Think it's worth trying a spell or two to help?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"We will run into having different solutions to the same problem. I don't mind you not liking mine. And you are free to do whatever research you feel is necessary."

[dragons_can_learn]

Draco shrugged. "Let's use your way first." If it worked it worked and if it didn't there were still other options.

[mudblood_andproud]

Hermione frowns. "Don't be like that."

Ron and Harry always treated her like that. Like she didn't think their opinions were important. And it hurt to think Draco was treating her the same way.

[dragons_can_learn]

"Like what?" Draco was genuinely confused, not understanding the dynamic.

[mudblood_andproud]

"All of the sudden, all closed off." Hermione explained. She waves her wand over the books that she wanted to take, shrinking them down so they would be easier to carry.

"I just want us to be honest and forthright with each other."

[dragons_can_learn]

Draco blinked, looking confused and hurt - but not shrinking the trapped scroll because he didn't want to risk triggering anything. "Sorry. I was thinking and agreeing to your plan. I didn't realise that was closed off?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"What were you thinking about?" Hermione decides to start fresh. Because it seems both of them are hurt right now.

"I would like to know Draco. I always want to know."

[dragons_can_learn]

Draco shrugged. "Mentally spellcrafting. Wondering what the safest way to open that scroll was, and which location spells actually work in Hogwarts. Nothing concrete yet. Your plan's a good one I think so that part's settled."

[mudblood_andproud]

"Do you think that there might be any consequences of taking the scroll from this room, before it is opened?"

[dragons_can_learn]

Another shrug. "Only if it was written in here, which is unlikely. Do you think we should drop these books off at the library so Madame Pince can start organising them?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"That is a good idea. You know how much I love a library."

[dragons_can_learn]

"Just as long as we don't stay there too long." Draco smiled, teasing slightly, as he summoned a small pile of books he'd left to the side to take to the library. "Are we ready?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"Define too long..." Hermione moves so she can link her arm with his.

"Yes. Let's go."