Hermione and Arthur made their way to his office, stopping on the way at a little cafeteria where they both bought sandwiches and a drink. Once inside Arthur's office, Hermione sent a quick flying fax over to Ron letting him know where she was so he wouldn't worry. Then, between bites of their food, Hermione started the conversation by telling Arthur about her meeting with Scrimgemour. Arthur stayed silent and listened closely to what Hermione told him about the job offer and then about her reservations and her belief that it might just be the right move for her as a way to learn more about how the ministry was run. Then, she eyed her half-eaten sandwich, picked it up, and started eating, feeling a little embarrassed about telling Arthur about all her feelings.
Arthur looked at Hermione and smiled.
"I am honored that you would come to me about all this," Arthur said. "It means a lot to know you trust and value my opinions. And I will say that I don't see anything wrong with you taking the position if you want. You are way too smart to let anyone try to use you for their own means, and I think Rufas realizes that. I believe that he just may have been being honest with you, but, Hermione, be aware...he IS against doing those things that some believe need to be done to assure that the lures of the dark arts aren't as strong as they have been. He thinks that is too radical, and unnecessary and that the general population would never stand for it and would be threatened by such ideas, know what I mean? So don't challenge him on those points, at least not now, alright?"
"Is that what you think I might do?" Hermione said.
"I just know that there are things you feel very strongly about, Hermione," Arthur said. "It is not yet time for you to let yourself be led into any kind of conversation that might let those beliefs out...at least not now. Somehow, though, I feel that the time might just come when you will be able to let people know your opinion and that at that time, people will be more prepared to take you seriously."
"What are you saying?" Hermione asked, stunned.
"I am saying that, this new path you find intreging now, could just lead you into politics someday," Arthur said. "Have you ever given that any thought?"
"Well, not really," Hermione said, astonished by what Arthur had just said. "I mean, never seriously anyway."
"Well, maybe it is time for you to think about it," Arthur said. "Because why else would you be so intreged about learning about how things are run at the Ministry?"
"Oh my!" Hermione said. "I guess you're right, Arthur. I had better really think about that before I make a final decision on it. But, please, don't say anything to anyone about our conversation, alright? I don't want anyone to get ideas before I even know I have them, know what I mean?"
She smiled up at him and Arthur nodded his ascent.
"Thank you, Arthur," Hermione said, getting to her feet. "I had better get back to my office. Ron and I will have a lot to discuss later tonight, that's for sure!!!! Then I'll have to talk to Harry because I want to know how he'd feel if I decide to take the job, especially if I might become interested in the politics."
"Great idea," and thank you for the company over lunch. Don't forget to come to dinner with us next Sunday!!!!"
"I won't!" Hermione said as she headed out into the hallway to make her way back to Ron and her office.
"Could I really be interested in politics?" she thought to herself. She took a long hard look at herself on the way back to her office.