Harry wondered if that was word of mouth back at the Ministry - that Harry was absent working on a passion project. After a month of agonizing and unfruitful work, that was almost enough for Harry to crack a joyless smile. He, however, doubted that to be the case, leading Harry to believe the pet project in question was Draco himself.<br/>It made Harry’s eyes turn to Draco, properly looking at him for the first time since sitting down. All things considered, Draco seemed rather unbothered by the fact that he had been all but omitted from the conversation, though Harry still hesitated in speaking on his behalf.<br/>Harry’s attention returned onto Clarke as he continued. “I’m supervising him as his employer. He’s under the exact same amount of supervision as you or any other Ministry employee.”<br/>Clarke’s statement confirmed every suspicion Harry had; that he was only here because Draco was Draco. The same amount of grace Harry wanted to give Draco, equally intent did the Ministry seem on holding past mistakes over him.<br/>It made Harry’s fingers itch with annoyance, making him brush the pad of his thumb against his ring finger in an attempt to dull it.<br/>“I think that’s plenty enough considering his probation ended 6 years ago.”