Chapter Text
Greg wasn’t having a good morning. There was no hot water in the shower, third time that week. He really needed to move out of this bloody tip. It was only meant to be a temporary measure when he and the missus split. But the ink was long dry on the divorce decree and he was still here.
Then as he was eating breakfast, he spilled coffee all over himself and had to change. When he was finally ready for work and reached into the little pot next to the fireplace, he discovered that he was out of floo powder. Already running late, his only recourse was to apparate to Whitehall and flush himself down the loo.
It had been years since he’d needed to use the underground toilets typical of most Ministry workers. As a senior Auror, he was given permission to floo directly from his flat. He’d almost forgotten that phantom feeling of wetness on his leg from stepping into the portal that was disguised as a toilet. Whoever designed the system had a deranged sense of humor.
Greg shuffled through security and onto the lift with a handful of other workers who were also running late. He was surprised to note Minister Granger among them. She looked exhausted. “Morning, Minister Granger. Long night?”
She gave him a wan smile. “Morning, Lestrade. Indeed.” She bit her lip, looking pensive.
“Was it the muggle football? I know Ron and Viktor were having a few people over to watch the match. Sorry I couldn’t come.” He’d spent the weekend visiting his mum in France.
Hermione grimaced and shook her head. “No, that was in the afternoon. I got some news last night…I wasn’t able to sleep.”
Greg touched her lightly on the elbow. “M’sorry to hear it. I hope everything will be okay.”
Hermione pursed her lips together. “Part of me hopes so, too. I like to think that people can change. Especially when others have put their trust in them. I know that’s naïve, but…” She shrugged one shoulder. “One never knows, I guess.”
Greg scowled. “Did someone betray you?”
Hermione shook her head. “Not me, personally. But people I care about will certainly feel that way if it turns out to be true.”
Greg cocked his head, unable to contain his curiosity. “If what turns out to be true?”
Hermione sighed. “You’ll find out soon enough. Harry will be looking for you as soon as you get in.”
Merlin, Greg thought to himself. Of all the mornings for him to be late. Something was definitely up if it has the Minister of Magic rattled and he was about to be summoned by the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
The lift stopped at his level, and with a nod to Hermione he stepped off amidst a flurry of interdepartmental memos whizzing above his head.