It had been three years since the death of Voldemort, but there were still a few of his followers hiding out or lying low for a while.
Draco Malfoy was sitting in his office annoyed that none of the people he interviewed would be a suitable assistant for him. His job as the Minister of Magic's personal assistant had too much paper work for him to do by himself. Of course, they were all women wanting to work for Malfoy, just to see if the rumors of him being a "sex god" were true. And he being the most eligible, and most gorgeous, and most wealthy bachelor of the wizarding world seemed to make it even worse.
This was his third week interviewing. Today he interviewed 12 candidates and none of them met his standards even close.
And to add to his problems, Pansy Parkinson still believed that they were together even though Malfoy broke up with her three years ago when they graduated from Hogwarts. She would randomly show up at his office wanting a little something, something. He would always tell her to bugger off, he had a lot of work to do. And she would always leave hiding her disappointment by acting like she just had the time of her life.
He finally put a charm around his house so that she couldn't get within 20 yards of the front door.
The reason he broke up with her in the first place was because she wasn't exactly smart so he couldn't hold an intelligent conversation with her. And all her mind was on was his body and trying to get inside his pants. She was so clingy too, and smothered him all the time, especially in public. Draco didn't like a lot of PDA. He also wasn't all that attracted to her. It's not like she was ugly or anything, but she wasn't the prettiest girl out there.
Draco got up to use the loo. As he was walking back to his office, he saw her.
And speak of the devil… Draco thought as Pansy came bounding towards him cheerfully.
"Draco! It's been so long!" cried Pansy with her arms extended to hug him.
"Not long enough." Draco mumbled as he walked right past her and sat down, although Pansy paid no attention. She ran to Draco leaping on top of his lap smothering him with kisses. Draco, now really annoyed, threw her off him on the ground.
"OUCH! What'd you do that for?"
"BECAUSE, WOMAN! I'VE HAD IT UP TO HERE WITH YOU! WE ARE NO LONGER TOGETHER, PANSY! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOUR STUPID ASS TO LEAVE?! THIS IS THE LAST STRAW! I'M GETTING A RESTRAINING ORDER ON YOU!" Draco yelled this so loud that the Minister himself came to see what all the noise was about.
"Draco! What the devil is all this?" The Minister asked.
"Sorry Minister, but Miss Parkinson here cannot seem to leave me alone and –"
"It's alright Mr. Malfoy. No need to explain. We can easily have her removed and if she is causing problems like this and we can be sure she is not allowed in the ministry again." said the Minister.
"Thank you, Minister." said Draco.
"But—" Pansy started.
"Miss Parkinson, it would be a lot less trouble for us and yourself if you would cooperate." the Minister said as guards came in to escort her off the premises.
As Draco watched her struggle against the guards, he saw, of all people, Hermione Granger, walk past. But Draco had to do a double-take, because this wasn't the normal Hermione Granger from Hogwarts.
She was dressed extremely nice, with her blouse low cut, but not skanky, and her hair was half up with the rest falling nicely down to the middle of her back with a little curl at the ends, and bounced as she walked.
As he was about to walk out of his office to get a better look, she walked right into him. They both fell to the floor with a crash.
"Ouch! Oh! Sorry… Malfoy?!"
"Granger?"
Hermione noticed how Draco had become even taller and had filled out nicely. More than nice. He was still lean, but he had become a little more muscular in his upper body. She also noticed that his hair was no longer slick back, but now hung loosely around his face and he wasn't quite so pale.
"Oh… Um… I was… just…I—I'm here for an interview for the Minister's second assistant, but I keep getting lost." She finally managed to get out.
He just stared at her for a moment. She is one of the girls applying for my assistant?
"Oh well, I believe you came to the right place then. I am the Minister's first assistant." Draco said emphasizing a little more on first.
Hermione's mouth dropped. Oh god, he is going to be my boss?! That is only assuming I even get the job, considering he probably won't even hire me now because of our past history.
Finally, Draco stood and held out his hand to help Hermione up. This made Hermione gape even more. But she took his hand anyway. As she touched his hand, she felt a warm feeling flood through her body that made her spine tingle. He had felt the same thing, but tried not to let it show, although he did shutter a little. After she was up on her feet, he held on for a second longer, but must have realized so he quickly let go. She realized he stood about six feet compared to her small five-three frame.
"Well…" Draco started, but didn't seem to know where to go from there.
"So was that Parkinson being dragged out of here?" Hermione said quickly trying to break the ice.
"What? Oh, yeah… She, um, has been causing problems lately, so she is being restrained." Draco said bringing himself back to reality. God, I can't even concentrate, she is so attractive. But what am I saying? This is Hermione Granger!
Hermione decided it was best not to interfere, so she just kept quiet.
"So you are here for an interview?" Draco asked after a moment.
"Yes. I had no idea you were the Minister's assistant?" It was more of a question than a statement.
"Yes, well having a well known and wealthy family does tend to make you high in." He said it as a fact rather than the normal boasting he did at Hogwarts. He said it as if he was ashamed.
"Well, I suppose we should get started with this interview. I'm sure you'll turn out better than the others." Draco said.
Hermione couldn't' believe it. Did Draco Malfoy almost compliment her?
"Yes, at least I hope so." Hermione said quickly.
The next hour went by very productively as Draco interviewed Hermione. She noticed how much he seemed to have changed since Hogwarts. He was actually very courteous to her and never made any rude remarks or called her mudblood. He was very professional at the same time, but it wasn't awkward.
Draco was intrigued by how beautiful Hermione had become in just three years. She was still the brightest witch of their age, but she did seem a little looser. They even laughed here and there as Draco told of some of the most idiotic girls that he had interviewed. She seemed more fun. She, of course, had exceeded Draco's expectations.
"Well, you've passed with flying colors. You're hired." Draco said after his last and most difficult questions. She was the only one to make it even half way through the interview. And the fact that she was able to get through the entire thing made it all the better.
"Really? Wow, thank you!" Hermione said standing to shake Draco's hand. This doesn't seem like it will be too bad.
Draco stood as well and extended his hand to hers. They shook and Draco said "Can you start tomorrow? If it's not too early?"
"That would be wonderful!" Hermione said.
"Your office is right next door to mine and there is a door connecting the two, here to your left. We will be communicating frequently about the paperwork and such. so it will usually remain open, if that is no problem." Draco said in a professional tone, but had a certain look on his face Hermione could not determine, but it seemed calm and inviting.
"Great!" Hermione said. She then realized that they were still holding on the each other's hands, yet again, but not shaking anymore. Draco must have noticed too, because he let go and glanced at the clock nervously.
"Well, I must get going if I'm to start tomorrow." Hermione said to break awkward silence.
"Yes, well, have a nice evening. See you tomorrow then."