In the End

Chapter Two - Hog's Head Truths

I woke up early Friday morning. Today was my meeting with Malfoy. I had talked to Moody, McGonagall, Remus, Mum and Dad, and Bill before agreeing to meet him at the Hog's Head. Moody assured me that I would be well protected if anything went wrong, but they all told me firmly that nothing would. Draco had been a good little spy, apparently. I stared into the depths of my closet, trying desperately to figure out what to wear. None of my clothes seemed appropriate for doing lunch with a childhood enemy.

I finally decided on a pair of jeans, a Puddlemere United t-shirt, a black jumper and black high-heeled boots that Tonks and Hermione had assured me made me look imposing and sophisticated. I pulled my uncooperative hair up in a sloppy ponytail and accented my eyes with black eyeliner. Grinning at my reflection, I tossed my hair and mentally told Malfoy to go to hell. I was ready.

~

The Hog's Head was as uninviting as it had been the last time I was there. A thick layer of dust covered everything and the old wizard behind the counter looked at me suspiciously when I smiled tightly at him. There was a figure covered in a full-length veil that I knew was Mundungus. An old witch wearing a hat that covered most of her face winked at me. Tonks had insisted on being one of my guards. I sat down at a small table near the back and waited.

It was almost 12:30 when Malfoy finally arrived. He had grown up with this war, as had so many, me included. A scar that threaded down his face from his left temple to his collarbone marred his pale face. His piercing, pale eyes scanned the room quickly before landing on me. He was dressed simply in black pants and an ice blue jumper and his white-blond hair fell softly to his shoulders.

I stood as he walked toward the table, unsure what to expect. "Weasley. Please, sit." His voice was still sneering and silky.

I sat and he pulled out the chair across from me, sitting stiffly. "Malfoy, let's make this quick. I have places to be." He raised a quizzical eyebrow at me. I glared.

"And what is the Weaslette doing these days that could be so important and time consuming? Surely not working in the confines of our lovely Ministry." He laughed softly, his voice cynical.

"No. I write for the Quibbler. And you? Do you work or are you just living on your esteemed ancestor's blood money?" It was my turn to raise an eyebrow. He stiffened and looked so fixedly at something just above my right shoulder, I was tempted to turn and see what he found so interesting.

"No, Weasley. I'm working." He let out a short laugh, "I'm an Auror. I trained in Italy and our fabulous Minister is giving me a job, hunting Death Eaters. I suppose it's their idea of a bad joke. It's nice that they trust me, though. They're even going let me work with you dashing, heroic ex."

"Who told you about me and Harry?" I gasped. For some reason, I didn't want him to know I had been rejected.

"I have my sources, Weasley." He smirked, satisfied.

"Oh shove it up your arse, Malfoy. Who told?" I gave him my best Weasley Death Glare.

"Blaise Zabini. Heard it from Daphne Greengrass, who got it from the lovely Lavender Brown." He looked at me, a strange expression twisting his scarred face. "Why did you love St. Potty, anyway? You could've done much better."

I turned away. It was a good question. One I didn't want to answer. "Go to hell."

"Touchy subject, Weasley? All right. I'll leave it alone, but one of these days you're going to have to tell me." He smirked and looked at his watch. "I'd better go. Tell your oversized brother and the Mudblood that I send my love."

"Don't call Hermione that! I can still do a Bat-Bogey Hex." I glared at him. Why was I bothering talking to this bastard. Spy or not, he was still a Death Eater to me. He was almost to the door when he turned and spoke.

"Weasley? Can I take you to dinner tomorrow? There's an Italian place in London that we could try." He raised an eyebrow and I could help but smile.

"Malfoy? There's a place underground, very hot and evil, I think you've heard of it. Why don't you go there for dinner?"

"Is that a yes, Weasley? I'll pick you up at six." He smirked at me and left. Seeming to leave a hole where he had been. Merlin. I had a dinner date with Draco Malfoy. What the hell was I thinking?