Summary: A novella length romantic story. Note: The story uses some situations and characters as developed in 'The Twelve Gates', but that's where all similarities end. And that being said, you don't have to read Twelve Gates to appreciate the story.

Disclaimer: Everything you recognize belongs to JK Rowling, and this story and it's original characters are mine. Contact before reproduction.

Pairing: HG/RW, HG/DM – sorry for the confusion you'll have to read.

Rating: M for adult themes and content.

Time-line: Story starts a month or so after the end of 'Twelve Gates' or about six months after the wars end. Our trio all have jobs at the Ministry.

Author's Note: The story is told through Hermione and Draco's PoV. A scene break will be used when they do indeed change. As in most Rom/Coms the story is character driven, but it's heavy in plot and loaded toward the end - so stick around. :)

The Long Tunnel to Azkaban

1. The Gavel Falls

Draco Malfoy looked up at fifty stern faces of the Wizengamot; each watching intently in plum-colored robes. There was not a relaxed face or smile among the lot of them. Positioned in front of the Wizengamot and presiding stately in black robes was Kingsley Shacklebolt. He thumbed through several stiff sheets of parchment while slowly shaking his head. Draco winched as three sharp reports of the gavel struck the bench and announced the court to order. The room became as quiet as a tomb as all murmurs and rustling abruptly ended. His lazy and insolent gaze transmuted into one of concern as Draco glanced upward, ready to receive sentencing. And if the looks of the Wizengamot were any clue, it was likely to be a stiff one. The Minister took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Draco Malfoy you have been found guilty of aiding the criminal Sorin Razvan and of complicity to sedition," Kingsley said as he adjusted his reading glasses and then looked closely at Draco for any signs of reaction. There were none. "Do you understand the severity of these crimes?"

Draco nodded and then resumed the insolent and defiant countenance.

"You are sentenced to three months in Azkaban and a fine of one thousand galleons," he added and Draco's head immediately drooped after hearing it. There was a long silence, and finally Kingsley removed his glasses and looked hard at Draco. "But the court offers this alternative..." he said, carefully spinning the glasses by the temple.

Slowly Draco lifted his snowy blonde head to look up at the Minister. The tiniest glimmer of curiosity was beginning to show.

"Conditions being as crowded as they are, the court would not lightly sentence anyone to Azkaban prison. We have no desire to break you or to leave you bitter for your remaining years. On the contrary, the court feels you could be a valuable asset to the wizarding community. What the court would like to do, Draco, is get you out from behind the restrictive walls of Malfoy Manor and into the magical community where you can work alongside others. What we propose is one year of public service – to be administered as we choose. A case officer will meet with you at two week intervals to evaluate your performance. If at any time you renege on your duties, then this offer will be retracted and you will serve the full three months in Azkaban. You have twenty four hours to make your decision. The court will reconvene tomorrow at this same time to hear your decision."

Draco looked at Shacklebolt unemotionally as if this whole process had been a troubling inconvenience. Perhaps it had ruined his afternoon tea.

"The court resigns," Kingsley announced as he slammed the gavel to the bench one last time.

Draco casually turned to meet Astoria and Narcissa who had been seated among the audience but were now rising to eagerly embrace Draco.

"Huh, 'to be administered as we choose' – sounds like servant stuff to me," Draco muttered barely above his breath.

"Well they can't expect you to stoop to that," Astoria chimed in.

"Don't be too hasty Draco. You know what that place has done to your father," she said in Draco's ear as if not to further alarm Astoria.

‡‡‡‡‡

"Malfoy," Draco announced to the Maitre d' as he escorted Astoria through the plush entryway.

"Yes sir. I see – yes a party of two. Right this way." The Maitre d' led Draco and Astoria to a nice corner table in the main room of the Savoy. With a smile on his face, he adjusted the lapels on the tuxedo and then pulled a chair out for Astoria to have a seat.

"Thank you," she said and Draco discreetly reached into his pocket to hand the Maitre d' something. Accepting the tip, the young man nodded politely and disappeared.

A few moments later a smiling waiter drifts by by the table immediately and graciously leaves them two large menus.

"The beef Wellington is delicious. Mother and I had it for lunch last week," Draco said and Astoria smiled in approval.

"That sounds great Draco – yes that should be fine."

Draco motioned to the waiter who quickly scampered up and after a brief exchange, and taking their order came back very shortly with the two place setting.

"You haven't mentioned anything about your decision – have you given it much thought?" she asked and Draco made a sour face.

"Been trying not to really... yeah, I'll have to take the year of public service. Mother has all but insisted on it. This whole thing with my Father and now me, getting implicated in this business – well it's put a strain on her. Said she couldn't bear it if both of us were away."

"Well, I know I'd be a lot happier if you stay out of that place," she injected.

"But this public service? I've no idea what they've got in mind. I can't think of anything worse than some degrading form of manual labor for solid year," he said stabbing angrily at the beef Wellington.

"The thought is abhorrent. We'll just have to wait and see what happens I suppose," she said while eloquently wielding the silverware with the precision of a surgeon.

"I only agreed to make mother happy for the time being. If it were my choice alone I'd take the three months and get it over with."

"Yes, of course darling, but you have to consider the well being of the entire family," she said, quite contentedly.

"Do I?" he said staring blankly. Astoria gave him a troubled glance, then went quickly back to carving the beef Wellington as if the remark had never happened. Draco plopped his knife and fork down on the table and turned looking for the waiter. He motioned and the waiter came to the table immediately.

"Can I help you sir?" he asked eagerly.

"Waiter, the beef is overdone. It's very tough," Draco said firmly.

"Yes waiter, the beef is very tough!" added Astoria.

‡‡‡‡‡

After several minutes of rustling and murmurs the Wizengamot was settling down to business. Today, the faces were more relaxed and eagerly awaiting the decision Draco Malfoy would make. Still just as sour an insolent as before, Draco stood beneath the Ministers podium with hands coupled behind him. The Minister casually reached for the gavel and rapped the bench three times to signal the proceedings were underway.

"This court re-convenes to hear the decision of Draco Malfoy. Draco... with formal language aside now, what's your choice? Azkaban or public service?"

With his chin on his chest, Draco mumbled something hardly anyone could hear. The members of the Wizengamot were leaning forward with troubled expressions.

"Speak up Draco. All the Wizengamot must clearly hear your reply," Kingsley added firmly.

"Public Service! Was that loud enough?"

"That will do Draco, and I am pleased you took the courts advice on this generous offer. The Bailiff will show you to the administration office where your remaining arrangements can be made," Kingsley said while looking intently for any reaction from Draco. When there were none, Kingsley gave a sigh, shook his head, and struck the bench firmly to end the court.

"Come along Gilbert – let's find this Bailiff," Draco instructed the house-elf lagging behind. A few steps away a tall man in a midnight blue suit stepped toward the pair.

"This way Mr. Malfoy," the Bailiff said while pointing toward a hall leading to the lifts. Draco nodded and looked back to confirm Gilbert was trailing behind. The little elf was almost in a trot and carrying a leather satchel on a shoulder strap.

"How long will this take? I have other errands today," he asks the Bailiff.

"Shouldn't be long Mr. Malfoy," the Bailiff replied with a perturbed look across his face. After a few stops the elevator clinked, clanked, and jerked it's way to the Wizengamot administration level. The lift attendant reached forward for the latching mechanism to open the scissor-bar doors.

"Right this way sir," Said the Bailiff while leading the way with giant size strides.

They walked down a long hall with Gilbert trotting along behind to take up the rear. What Draco didn't know and could never imagine was that the majority of Ministry employees already knew him and felt sorry for the mess he was in. Most deeply regretted the fact that one of the oldest and most well-established wizarding families had never been on their side. Most all of the employees already knew of the offer extended to Draco, and the rumor was going around like wildfire that he had accepted it.

The Bailiff opened a door to the administration office while Draco and Gilbert entered the room. A perky young female attendant look up to greet them all with a smile.

"Here to take care of your financial duties are we sir?"

"Yeah... how did you know?" he said, puzzled.

"Right this way sir," she said with a smile and moved over to an accountants desk. "Will that be cash or a certified bank draft sir?" she asked pleasantly.

"Gilbert – you have the bag?"

"Yes sir," the elf answered and worked the strap around his long ears and handed the bag to Draco. Draco briefly examined the contents and extracted a leather covered book. He opened the book to tear off a large sheet and handed it to the girl. She examined the draft and immediately went to work preparing Draco's receipt.

"There you are sir – have a nice day!"

"Wait a minute... what about my instructions? Whom am I to report to and when?" he asked impatiently.

"Oh... almost forgot. Here's your letter sir," she said and handed Draco a freshly sealed envelope.

Draco opened the envelope studied the contents immediately.

Draco Malfoy,

Report to the office of Magical Law Enforcement on the following Monday morning to begin your work assignment. Bring parchment and a quill or whatever writing materials you're accustomed to.

Minister for Magic

Kingsley Shacklebolt

"Will you need my assistance to find your way out sir?" The Bailiff interrupted.

"Huh? Oh no, thank you – we'll manage," Draco said still looking at the note and trying to imagine why he needed writing materials.

"Then, very good day to you sir," the Bailiff said while spinning around on one foot.

"Writing materials – what on earth? Why would I need writing materials? Come along Gilbert," Draco said. His long strides took him speeding away and Gilbert was running to catch up. Five minutes later he was completely aware he had taken a wrong turn somewhere along the long corridors. Down one hall and up another, past countless grey tiles and so many smiling faces, Draco was angry and lost. "Why are all these people smiling – and we're going around in circles." He came upon a sign that said, 'Magical Law Enforcement' when he heard footsteps. Coming around the corner were Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. Draco was obviously lost and Ron was the first to speak.

"You're not turned around are you Malfoy? The detention block is two levels down."

"Shut up Ron," Hermione piped in. "The lifts to the Atrium are just past section B," she quickly added and pointed the way. Draco puffed up a bit and looked for all the world ready to explode, but instead he simply nodded then slowly turned in the direction of section B, walking briskly. Gilbert stood there giving the trio a threatening look before turning to run to catch Draco. His big spatulate feet slapping the tile floor loudly. Ron had to laugh and Harry could barely hold it back.

"The word is out he accepted the public service deal," Ron said after straightening his face.

"Well, maybe he's not as dumb as I thought he was," Harry said. "Say Hermione, aren't you a case officer? Maybe they'll give ol Draco over to you!"

"No way in hell," she said shaking her head. "They know how I hate him – no, the ministry would never do that!"