Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, obviously otherwise my name would be JK Rowling.

Challenge: Written for Contrary-Miss-Mary's Flower Symbolism Challenge. My flower prompt was Hollyhock.

Hermione Granger woke up at the same time every day. Hermione Granger had a cup of coffee whilst begrudgingly reading the latest Rita Skeeter articles in the Daily Prophet. Hermione Granger took a shower. Hermione Granger put on her navy work robes. Hermione Granger made it to the Ministry by 8:40. Hermione Granger approached her office door at 8:50.

It was the same routine everyday. Everyday for the last 3 years. And on everyone of those day she would pause outside her office door and stare at the golden placard and take a deep breath before opening the door.

Department of International Magical Cooperation

International Magical Office of Law

Hermione Granger Assistant Liason Officer

Draco Malfoy Assistant Liason Officer

True, working with Malfoy was nothing like their confrontations in school. Sure they would still bicker, but they were Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, if anyone thought they would become best friends they were seriously mistaken.

But he had changed. Spending so much time in close contact with the Dark Lord would change anyone. Whereas when he was younger he was spiteful and would start fights with her for no reason, nowadays he would tease her, joke around with her, even flirt with her on occasion. She didn't read anything into that of course. He was Draco Malfoy. Bachelor Extraordinare. She understood that to a man of such means and looks, flirting was just second nature.

Wrapping her hand around the large brass handle she pushed open the door and saw Draco behind his desk, as usual, with a file in hand and his feet on his desk, as usual, and a smirk on his face when he saw her walk in. AS USUAL.

As she walked into the room Hermione noticed a bunch of flowers on her desk. This confused her, Hermione only ever received flowers at work once a year and that was on her birthday but that was still a few months away.

"Flowers? For me? Oh Draco you shouldn't have" Hermione teased as she bent over the vase to enhale the sweet aroma.

"Don't worry Granger I would never dream of doing something so sappy."

"Nice to know some things will never change Malfoy."

She placed her bag on the floor and relaxed into her chair before moving the flowers to the edge of the desk.

"I wonder what kind of flowers these are anyways?" she wondered outloud.

"Pink ones?"

Hermione rolled her eyes,"Your powers of observation astound me Mr Malfoy!"

"I aim to please Miss Granger" Draco replied winking at her.

Hermione opened the small card that was resting ontop of the flowers.

"Hollyhock- a flower of fertility, ease of creation and abundance, a flower that says 'Make love a daily habit and something grand and imposing will arise'."

Draco cocked an eyebrow."That sounds like an interesting proposition!"

"It does?" she asked, unaware of where he was going with it.

"Make love a daily habit and something grand and imposing will arise"

"And how is that a proposition?" she enquired still confused.

"Oh Granger you really are as naïve as you appear. Make love, something Grand, Imposing," he lingered on those words oozing as much sex into his voice as possible.

Hermione faltered. "Oh" she whispered finally understanding what he meant.

Draco sat back in his chair, chuckling. Hermione was unaware that they had both started leaning towards each other as they were talking. He stood up and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm off to give this file to the Auror department. Want me to pass on a message to Pothead or the Weasel?"

"I've told you not to call them that!" she chastised.

"You can take the boy out of Slytherin but you can't take the Slytherin out of the boy" he responded as he walked out of the door.

Hermione sat outside the little café opposite the Ministry playing with her sandwich absentmindedly as Ginny was trying to get her attention.

"Hermione? Hermione! Is it Draco? Is he bothering you? She asked.

"What?" Hermione replied snapping out of her daydream. "No, no, he's fine. We get along pretty well now."

"That's good. I can't imagine what it would be like being stuck in an office all day with the Ferret. Although, it sure does give you a great view!"

"GINNY!" Hermione exclaimed.

"What? He's really hot! You can't deny it. You aren't on the cover of Witch Weekly almost every week for being average looking!"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You can't judge a person just based on their looks!"

"Of course not, his insane intelligence and massive fortune definitely adds to his sex appeal!"

"Can we stop talking about this now!" asked Hermione nervously fiddling with her hair. Her face was growing warm with embarrassment.

Ginny just smiled at her innocent friend and moved on.

When Hermione came back from lunch she saw Draco perched on the edge of her desk fiddling with the card that came with her flowers.

She took him in as she paused at the office door. Ginny was right, he really was an impressive view. Shaking those thoughts out of her head she walked in and brushed passed him as she sat down at her desk.

"You know I was being serious about what I said earlier. These flowers do make an interesting suggestion." He mocked smiling down at her.

"Draco Malfoy, are you propositioning me?" she asked mimicking his mocking facial expression.

"So what if I am?" a teasing smile gracing his lips.

Hermione considered it. Then became utterly shocked at herself for even giving the ridiculous idea a second thought. Sure he was an attractive man. Even in school he was attractive but now he had grown up. His shoulders had filled out, his jaw had become more angular, his platinum blonde hair fell across his head in a way that only those in fashion magazines could. But he was still Malfoy! Could she actually do it? It had been a while.

Hermione wasn't exactly experienced in that sort of situation. A goodbye kiss from Victor when she was 14, a few sloppy awkward kisses with Ron after the Final Battle, a handful of uncomfortable dates set up by various friends who insisted she needed to 'get out more'. And here she was getting it offered on a plate.

"I'm sure you could use something grand and imposing in your life." He whispered raising his eyebrows suggestively.

"And where would I find something grand and imposing?" She asked trying to keep her voice steady, her flirtatious words felt foreign in her mouth.

"Oh love I have something grand and imposing right here. So what do you say Granger, are you up for being imposed on?"

She looked up to see his cool grey eyes sparkle with possibilities.

"Impose away Mr Malfoy."