Unpleasant People

Hermione arrived at the address that Oscar Westerson gave to her, or rather, in a grove of trees nearby. Peeking out from behind a willow tree, her eyes found the mansion quickly. It wasn't as big as Malfoy Manor, but it was more than any normal family would have. She walked out of the grove and started down the sidewalk, examining her surroundings. It was a beautiful neighbourhood, and the house didn't stick out, as the other homes were about the same size as Draco's former. Nobody was around, and it was eerily quiet. The mansion was white and modern looking and must have had at least 15 rooms. She rolled her eyes, thinking about how this was such a classic place for a Malfoy to live.

Up the walkway, she went. There were immaculately shaped shrubs surrounding her and lovely maple trees.

"Oh, Malfoy..." she mumbled as she arrived at the front door of the mansion.

There was a doorbell next to the white door so she pressed it, a fancy melody playing in response. Ten seconds passed and the door swung open. She held back a scream, not having expected the sight of Lucius Malfoy. Draco's father surveyed her, and a familiar sneer played on his face.

"Miss....Granger," he said slowly. "Or, are you married now?" It was apparent he was asking the question to make her feel inadequate if she wasn't.

"Hello, Mr Malfoy," she greeted, never having called him by anything else. He was the same as she remembered him, with a black cloak and platinum blond hair. However, he did have a new cane and wand.

A woman showed up at the door, and Hermione immediately recognised her as Astoria, from seeing her once at work and then in Draco's photographs. Astoria looked at her, then at Lucius, and smirked.

"Do you know where I can find Draco?" Hermione asked.

The two of them seemed taken aback at the question, Lucius the most. Perhaps it was because of Hermione's almost decade-long feud with his son. Maybe it was because of all the times she was humiliated and ridiculed by his family. Either way, it surprised him.

Lucius composed himself. "Whatever for?" He asked, giving Hermione a dirty look.

She realised how ridiculous this all was. She was 30 years old for Merlin's sake, not the 11-year-old girl she was at Hogwarts.

"It's about work," she replied, trying to stay patient.

Astoria laughed. "Why would he ever want to work with you?" As if she didn't know Hermione worked with Draco.

Hermione glared at her like she was just as rotten, which wasn't hard to do. "I'm sorry, is he not here anymore?" She asked, an edge in her voice. "I thought you were married."

Astoria froze, no other insults appearing to come to mind.

Lucius looked from Astoria to Hermione, and his sneer faltered, slightly. "Draco no longer lives here. I will fetch his new address for you, so you can, what was it you said?...discuss work."

He walked away, leaving the two women at the door. Astoria appeared confused, like she had arrived at the wrong place. She turned around and quickly disappeared into the mansion. About a minute later, Lucius showed up again, a paper in his hand. "Here you are, Miss Granger. Do tell my son I said hello," he said, handing her the paper, which had an address written on it.

"Right. Thank you, Mr Malfoy," she answered, attempting a smile, but failing.

She could sense Lucius's stare on her back while she walked back down the path, and a few seconds later the door slammed shut behind her. She ran towards the willow again, eager to Disapparate from that place.