A/N: Hello. I'm back after a very long time, and hopefully that has allowed for new and better ideas to develop. Well, there's only one way to find out, so read and please review thoughtfully.
Disclaimer: None of this is mine except the plot and other things I may add that you do not recognise. JK's the mastermind here, not me. These disclaimers are really tedious, and I doubt anyone reads these (I sure as hell don't) so I'm not gonna bother putting them in every chapter.
It was the end of another year and once again, Hermione was sitting on Harry's sofa watching Ron kiss his girlfriend of two years, Rachel Appleby. Harry was also sharing a special moment with Ginny. They had finally gotten together a year ago, although Hermione had a suspicion they had been dating for much longer than that in secret. Of course, it was not only them in the room. There were various other work relations and a few Hogwarts friends they hadn't seen for a long time. Hermione stood out however because of the empty seat beside her. Suddenly she felt strong arms wrap around her and kiss planted on her cheek.
"Don't worry. There is someone out there as smart, interesting and nerdy as you. You just haven't found him. Or her." Hermione turned around and punched Harry before returning the hug.
"I know that, and for your information, I was thinking about the report I have to hand into Fudge next week." Harry rolled his eyes and returned to Ginny. The others had pulled apart now and discussing various new years resolutions they were bound to break.
It had been three years since they had graduated from Hogwarts. Harry had of course joined the Ministry straight away as an auror, and Hermione and Ron followed in his footsteps. Voldemort was still on the loose and there were suspicions that his death eaters were ever growing. It was fast becoming a world of suspicion and lies where no one could be trusted. Fortunately, a recent raid had cut Voldemort's supporters down by more than 300 but that was not enough.
Later that night…
He was kissing his way down her neck. She moaned softly which only served to spur him on. Hermione's shirt came off as did his to reveal a very toned and tanned body. She was starting to get more into it when the radio clicked on, announcing that showers was forecast today. Hermione blearily opened her eyes and pressed the snooze button, eager to continue her dream. Unfortunately, the moment had passed, so she got out of bed with a wail of frustration.
"That was a marvellous report you turned in Granger. There is however some areas I would like you to explain further." Fudge continued on and Hermione listened to every word, hoping that there was nothing wrong with her work. Fortunately, the dim-witted minister had not grasped much of the piece so Hermione had to explain it in laymen's terms.
Hermione stepped into the elevator looking forward to a nice relaxing lunch. The doors were just clanging shut when a spark hit the middle and they opened again. A young blond haired man stepped in and let out a breath of air. He looked Hermione up and down with a look of pure disgust. She was appalled. She hadn't done anything to upset the man.
"What are you looking at mudblood" the man sneered. Hermione stared at him in disbelief.
"Malfoy?"
"No, I'm just a living model of the ultimate sex god, Draco Malfoy."
"It is you. Anyone could tell by your conceited manner and stuck up nose." Normally she would have come up with a wittier comment, but she was so shocked to see him in the ministry. "What are you doing here anyway? I ought to turn you over to the authorities right now."
"Now Granger. If I was a death eater, would I be standing in the Ministry, after just being offered a job?" Hermione gaped in surprise.
"How the hell and where the hell did you get a job?"
"Why are you so eager to know? Still spawning that secret crush you've had on me since Hogwarts." He started moving closer as he said this. Hermione backed away.
"Don't flatter yourself." Just then they reached the atrium and both of them left in a huff. Hermione went over to the phone booth and Draco headed to the fireplace. Before he entered he turned around and looked at her. She had improved since the Hogwarts days, that he had to admit.
Later at lunch…
"YOU SAW MALFOY!! Is he still hot? Is he still an ass? Of course he is why am I asking? Is he single? Not that I'd have a chance because I got Harry. Did I ask if he's still hot?" Ginny was about to continue her tirade but Hermione put her hand up to silence her.
"To answer your questions, he was never hot and never will be, yes is still the biggest jerk this world ever saw and I could not care less if he was single or not."
"Ok, so he is still gorgeous, still an ass and yes, you are interested in his partner status." Hermione just gaped at her.
"Who is this Malfoy fellow? From Ginny's banter, he seems to be quite the sexy English man," Rachel said.
"What about what I said! Ginny just thinks he's hot, and I suppose his looks wouldn't blind a person, but he is rotten to the core! And the worst part is, he has a job at the ministry!"
"Brilliant. Now I'll get to see him for myself. What department does he work in? Hopefully he's an auror like you. You would make the cutest couple," Ginny gushed. Hermione raised her wand to jinx her but Rachel caught her hand in time.
"Now now girls. There is no need to fight after this man. After all, Hermione is the only one out of us he can go for." Hermione's face grew red and she began eating her salad with ferocity.
Hermione stepped back into the elevator and pressed the button for her level when a paper aeroplane flew into her hand. Upon opening, she realised it was a note from Fudge, requesting she be at his office after lunch to receive her next assignment.
"I'm sorry I'm late but there was a commotion… what is he doing here? Did he get lost on his way to the Ministry Childcare Centre?"
"Ms Granger. That is no way to talk to your new colleague!"
"Sorry. Hang on. New colleague? He's working here? But his father was a death eater! Doesn't that account for something?"
"I understand his past, but he has assured me that he has changed and we have discussed his position. Just because his parents were on the dark side, doesn't mean he is. I thought you of all people would know that Ms Granger." Hermione cast down her eyes but not before seeing Malfoy's smirk.
"I expect you to show Mr Malfoy around the ministry and he will be helping and observing your tasks for two weeks. After that, he will be given his own assignment. Now, we have got wind of a group of death eaters are in Moscow hoping to recruit new members. It is your job to track down the suspects and see who they are trying to contact. Remember, they may not only be looking for human followers. You need to suspect everyone and everything. You will be leaving tomorrow. A Russian ministry official will be waiting for you at their headquarters when you arrive. Good luck and take care. Oh, and one more thing Ms Granger. You have the afternoon off to explain the basic procedure of Mr Malfoy's job and show him around the Ministry."
Hermione's face twitched in an attempt to smile, but it just wasn't going to work. They left Fudge's office, Malfoy walking alongside her smirking and relishing in the attention he was relieving, especially from the females.
"There is the bathroom. There is the kitchen. Your desk is here, opposite mine. Obviously Fudge placed you there because he knew you would need help every step of the way. Our job is to track down the death eaters and try and find their identity. We also attempt to find Voldemort," Draco shuddered very slightly when Hermione said this, "but it is not our job to duel them until the offensive aurors arrive. Any questions?"
"Yes. Is there anyway we can put up a wall between our desks so I don't have to see your ugly face everyday?" Hermione scowled at him.
"Anything else?"
"Yes. A cup of tea and a nice foot massage should do the trick." Hermione growled in frustration and walked off. Draco smirked and got to setting up his desk. When he was finished all that could be seen on his desk were a few quills and a sheaf of parchment. This was direct contrast with Hermione's desk which was overflowing with parchment and photos of her family and friends were plastered everywhere.
Later that evening, Hermione was sitting at a bar, sipping a martini with Ginny, Ron, Harry and Rachel. She had just finished packing and had to have a goodbye drink with them. Usually she didn't have too many, but she had already had a couple so far because of the daunting prospect of spending two weeks with Malfoy. She was relaxing and getting a little tipsy when who should walk in the bar? None other than Draco Malfoy. Not only did Hermione and her company turn their heads, so did many other females in the vicinity.
"Not only is he going to make my life hell for the next two weeks, he also has to ruin this night for me" Hermione wailed.
"We can go if you want Hermione. I know this other place that's pretty good, and it's not too far away" Ron put in.
"No. we stay right here. We were here first and our night shouldn't be cut short just because of some pompous, stupid, big headed…"
"I hope that's not me you're talking about," a cool voice said from behind her.
"Well, who else could fit that description any better?" Draco scowled and then made his way to dance floor where he was soon surrounded by a gaggle of girls. Fortunately, he didn't bother them for the rest of the night.
"Are you sure you don't want us to take a taxi with you?" Harry asked.
"Nah, I'm fine. It's only a few minutes away." Hermione usually would apparate home, but had had a few too many drinks and was smart enough to realise that she could end up in the wrong place.
"Ok then. We'll see you when you get back. Take care and don't listen to anything Malfoy says. And if he gives you any trouble, I want you to contact me immediately." Harry then hugged her and the others said their goodbyes. Finally, Hermione was left waiting on the sidewalk for a taxi.
"So, excited for tomorrow?"
"I'm spending a whole two weeks with you and only you. There's more chance of me getting excited over a blade of grass than that."
"Gees, only trying to make conversation. No need to bite." Hermione was silent for a while. Was he really being nice? Or was this all an act. She decided not to say anything just to play it safe.
"So, why aren't you apparating home."
"Why are you so interested?"
"I'm not." Hermione waved her hand at that instant but the cab went straight past.
"Why are you still here? At least let me have the six or something Malfoy-free hours I have left." She waved again but the cab sailed past.
"Well, I do have a motive for putting up with the filth radiating off you for so long." Hermione rolled her eyes. "I have a proposition for you. I will remain as close to civil as I can around you, and you do the same. Oh, and you let me scam on other women in Russia without getting too jealous because there are some fine specimens over there."
"Are you seriously going to treat me like an equal human being?"
"Well, no because you are far from it. I'm just going to try and ignore you and not retaliate."
"Oh! That's rich! YOU are the one that starts most of the quarrels! If anyone stops retaliating, it'll be me!" Draco examined his nails, smirking in a knowing sort of way. Hermione grumbled and waved another taxi but it sped off.
"You know, I've changed Hermione."
"What?" Hermione looked at him in disbelief. 'He used my first name and actually sounds sincere.'
"You heard me. Since my father was killed, I've changed. I'm no longer pressured to follow Voldemort."
"Yeah, right!" Hermione exclaimed.
"You know, I though you of all people would listen and understand." He sounded very pissed off. He stuck out his hand and a cab pulled up next to them. "Ladies first," Draco said angrily. Hermione quietly stepped into the car and was then followed by Malfoy.
"What are you doing?"
"Well, seeing as I did hail the cab, you should shut up and be grateful I let you ride with me. Now we are going to your dump first. Tell him where you live."
'Why the hell did he wait for me? Is he being… protective?' Hermione thought. "Um, 255 Wymin Ave please." (I don't know if this is a real place or not, but I couldn't be bothered looking it up).
Draco didn't say a word when she stepped out and she didn't either. He was still quite mad, and Hermione didn't know how to react. 'This is going to be an interesting mission, that's for sure' Hermione thought as she went to her apartment.
