Alexis pulled out several parchments from the pile and handed them to Hermione. "Here are surveillance reports of various movements. The pamphlets are not our primary concern yet. There are others whom we suspect are planning violence or could lead to it."
She sighed, shrugging her shoulders, looking all the world as if she didn't want to be handing these to the girl before her. In reality, she wanted to completely, but it wouldn't do to have the girl suspect. "As you can see, the planning stages are certainly there. We're hoping to stop them before they bring harm to others. That the pamphlets could lead to similar behaviour, to inspire such behaviour are what concern us regarding them."
She sat back then, waiting to allow Hermione to leaf through the parchments.
The mention of violence alerted Hermione to the fact that the Separatist movement was more than just resistance; it was on the verge of being a revolution. She began to read each parchment, taking in their contents. Perhaps the Ministry was really on to something.
“I didn't think that they would turn to violence,” Hermione finally said. “I've been so naïve.” There was really only one solution and Alexis had already thought of it. They needed to stop the Separatists before they hurt others. It was only a matter of time before things got too out of hand and another war started.
Alexis nodded sagely. "It is, unfortunately, the only response we came up with as well. HOwever, we want to be fair. We do not want false arrests or incompetency that leads to allowing the dangerous segments of our society to run rampant."
She paused momentarily before offering what the whole conversation had led to. "We are compiling a team of investigators, an inter-departmental committee of the brightest most talented the Ministry. We want you on that team."
“Me?” Hermione's heart began to race. They wanted her to investigate Separatist groups? “But… er…”
There really wasn't a choice. What better way to get Integration off the ground than to participate in the Ministry's investigations? Hermione knew she could do it and that most of her wanted to do it, so why was she hesitating? She took a deep breath and looked Alexis in the eyes. “I'd be happy to be a part of it.”
Alexis smiled and nodded, "Splendid. We were hoping for your fair and honest perspective as well as your mind. It is no secret that the Department of Mysteries still mourns the loss." She ate a bit more of her sandwich, then continued. "Obviously, your duties would not begin until after the Prime Minister's visit." Yes, this would work well.
Blushing a little at Alexis's compliments, Hermione tried to stay focused on what she had just done. “What exactly does this investigation involve? I won't be going undercover, will I?”
She thought back to when she, Harry, and Ron had posed as Ministry workers to gain entry into what was once one of her least favorite places. Would she have to pull tricks like that again? Hermione had hoped she was done with such things.
Alexis shook her head. "No, you won't. We need your head for strategy and charm work. Perhaps tracking these pamphlets? Perhaps locating the cells, anticipating their next moves. If someone has to go undercover, it won't be you." She was happy that Hermione was already working out the potential problems in her head. It spoke volumes for the young witch, not that she'd had any doubts as to the talent before her.
“Oh, that sounds simple enough,” Hermione replied, taking in the tasks Alexis was listing off. If anybody could do those things, it was Hermione. Compared to some of the things she had pulled off in the past, this would be easy. Plus, she was supporting the Integrationist cause.
“Thank you very much for considering me. Will we meet again after the Prime Minister's visit?”
Alexis nodded, "Yes, though perhaps not for a few weeks. YOu will be working closest with your team. Most frequently, you'll be getting memos from me as opposed to personal meetings." She handed over a portfolio. "YOur team mates and the rest of the information you need to begin."