Lifelines (Draco X Hermione)

Chapter 8 HEADMISTRESS OFFICE

THE MINISTER OF MAGIC was not pleased with the progress. The recent reports in the newspapers were already picking up on acts of aggression from both sides. There were reports of raids to the homes of former Voldemort supporters, and there were fights breaking out in Diagon Alle. Many within the ministry had anticipated some resistance to their enforcements but there was a general air of contentment that it would work itself out. Hate would die like a flame without coal. Only something within his gut knew that Medera could be true. That small probability was enough for him to air on the side of caution. He would never live with himself after swearing to all magical creatures of their assured security.
Only Medera's plan was not fast enough. She had wanted to make Hermione and Draco fall in love naturally, and to not interfere with the timelines. But Kingsley couldn't help but feel as if they needed to do more. Even as a child he was impatient. "We need to show them. Hermione Granger is the definition of stubborn. She needs to see it for herself, they both do."

Medera had just entered the room and shut the door behind them. She sat down and pondered; she understood his urgency – they were about to reach a crucial time; when nothing would be able to change the way that the timeline played out. The point of no return. Indeed, she had never tried to show anyone their own timeline before, and all the knowledge they had on time-travel and time-line-travel showed that it was not a good idea. She flicked through her mind of any storylines to start off with. Something enough to prove the point, but not too sappy that it lost all seriousness. Making eye contact with Kingsley she nodded in agreement. What other choice did they have.

"Alright. We had better go to Hogwarts then".

She knew that the most difficult one to convince would be McGonagall that this would be a good idea. She knew that Minerva disagreed with the way that Dumbledore had let a child, fend for himself, and win the war. She had sworn to put the needs of her students above all else. Medera knew that she was asking McGonagall to break that promise. With that in mind, Medera let Kingsley describe the situation, and instead took the time to read McGonagall's expression, that was not letting any emotions show.

McGonagall nodded and asked for Granger and Malfoy to be brought up to her office. The pair entered the room and were shocked to see the Minister. "Good morning, Headmistress, Minister..." her voice frail off, as she did not recognise the last guest.
"Pleasure to meet you Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy. I am Medera. I work at the Ministry" This sort of meeting was not unusual for Hermione who sat down and waited patiently for someone to explain why they were summoned. Being a part of the Golden Trio meant that her summer was filled with public engagements with the ministry. It was discerning how well she knew the minister at this point. Especially considering how she thought him rather empty headed.
"We have another war on our hands" Kingsley started. Medera grimaced at the statement, she would have opted for a more romantic approach, and explained the magical wonderous nature of the timelines; however, let the Minister continue. "We have strong, undeniable evidence that both of you hold the key to returning the balance to our society".

Draco Malfoy couldn't help but snort with laughter. This had been the most outrageous thing he had heard all day, and he sat next to Zambini explain, at length, the different shades of dragon hide shoes that were all ultimately the same colour. The only key he had hold of was of his family's disgrace and that of wanting to lock himself away from the curious stares and daily dose of glaring in the hallway.

"Miss Granger, I trust you investigated time movements when Dumbledore lent you the time turner no?" Medera asked. To Hermione's knowledge no one else knew about that in this room. She nodded. Malfoy stayed silent. "Well to explain, I am an expert in Time and Memories, we use this to predict how our future will play out. Unfortunately, the previous war was inevitable and there was nothing we could do about it. However, the upcoming war can be stopped with no bloodshed or curses passed" she explained.
Hermione felt the irony build up in her body as she leaned back and listened further. "You see Ms Granger and Mr Malfoy; your two souls are extraordinary. I have never seen anything like it. We have reason to believe that you both have met in forty-nine other lives. Usually soulmates meet once or twice, but this is the only timeline where you have not fallen in love" she adds.

"Love?" Draco spits. "I am certain you are ridiculous now" This had been the most preposterous thing he had heard in his whole life. This whole scenario was becoming more and more unbelievable with every breath.

"And what does this have to do with the war?" Hermione remained practical in her thoughts. Medera smiled and continued. She liked that she had kept her inquisitive behaviour. She had studied the Granger-Malfoy connection for so long, that they had both become predictable. Draco brooding and analysing the situation, and Hermione seated forward and engaged. Their contrast made them work so flawlessly together.

She had to contain her excitement from observing them together first hand. She wished that her magical quill and notepad were scribbling down beside her. She was a boiling pot of excitement and had the most difficult containing it.

"Because Miss Granger, your love for each other has the power to unite our divided world. I know you both do not believe me now, so I would like to show you" she smiled. Hermione found herself too curious to care about what she was saying. There was no chance in the universe that she could love Draco Malfoy. Medera waved her wand pulling out a golden string and lead them to the pensive. "Mr Malfoy, please do join us" he had been the relucent one.

"What have you got to lose Mr Malfoy? You are a curious student, at least see what she is talking about" McGonagall chimed in, it had been the first time she had said anything, and so without further thought he stood next to Hermione and followed the instructions told to him. Draco and Hermione exchanged worried looks before following the instructions.
"Let's get this over with then" Hermione added with a strong look. Draco had to stop himself from rolling his eyes, the damn Gryffindor spirit.