Years earlier, Alecto convinced Hermione not to fire the twit that she hired as her assistant in an uncharacteristic fit of sympathy. She still couldn't remember why she took her friend's advice. Rachel Something-or-Other was a complete idiot who shouldn't have been allowed to serve tea in the canteen. Hermione didn't even bother learning her last name she was so insignificant. But, she chose to give her another chance. And then another chance. And then another chance. Staring at the wide eyes and red cheeks of her astonished assistant, she felt the urge to curse her first and fire her second. The blushing was new. Hermione hadn't seen that before. An obnoxious thought struck her. She found it almost impossible not to roll her eyes. Without bothering to address the witch, the Co-Head of the department brushed past her desk to enter the lavish office she shared.