            On Thursday during her lunch break, Hermione wandered up to the Ministry’s owlery. She sent a note to Lucius telling him she’d apparate or floo directly to the manor Friday morning, if he allowed it. They had work off at the Ministry, and she hoped to get in a whole day’s worth of research rather than just the evening. Tonight, Ron was throwing a New Year’s Eve party, and though she had half a mind not to attend, she knew it was best to ease the tension between them. Pretend all was normal. Not like she was living with her ex-boyfriend roommate, walking on eggshells on her way to breakfast.