Dear Readers,

I apologise profusely for my lack of updating. I was trying to figure out where I wanted to go with this. Now I think I know. So hopefully updates will be faster now! *crosses fingers* Anyways, enjoy!

Hugs and Butterfly Kisses,

You'reAbsurd

Chapter 2: New Arrangements

Draco slammed his folder onto his new desk with more force than necessary. Hermione jumped, looking up from her own work. She gave him a tentative smile. He scowled.

"Let's get something straight, Granger," he hissed. "I don't like you, you don't like me. So let's cut the small talk, shall we? We are only to discuss our work – nothing more. Understand?"

Hermione sat back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. "Still refuse to be associated with Muggleborns, huh?"

"It has nothing to with your blood." She rose a brow. "But more to do with your personality." She gave him a reproachful look. He turned back to his work.

"Oh, so now I'm the one with the attitude problem? Right. Because you're not a bigoted, manipulative, conceited, evil git," she said sarcastically.

His jaw clenched, but he didn't look up. "Precisely. But you are an insufferable, nerdy, judgmental, bushy-haired, big-toothed, know-it-all bookworm." He took pleasure in her indignant gasp, finally raising his head from his work. She looked livid. Good. He smirked.

"My teeth are not that big, and I've tamed my hair quite a bit over the years!" She flattened her hair a little. "And who are you to call me judgmental! Aren't you the one who called me a Mudblood all throughout school?"

The smirk slipped from his face. "This discussion is over," he said primly. He turned his attention back to the papers on his desk.

"What, did I touch a nerve?" She sneered. His hand clenched around his quill.

"Granger," he replied in a tight voice. "If you know what's good for you, you'll drop it." She fell silent. Finally. He was almost completely immersed in his work when he heard it. The incessant tapping noise again. He turned slowly in his seat. Hermione was sat at her own desk, drumming her fingers against the top. It took her a moment to sense his glare.

"What?"

"The tapping. It has to stop."

She looked a bit sheepish. "Sorry. It's a habit. I tend to fidget when nervous." She cringed internally. She hadn't meant to reveal that particular flaw of hers.

His face was smug. "Didn't know my presence would give you such a strong reaction."

She rolled her eyes. "Right."

"What's there to be afraid of then?"

"I didn't say I was afraid," she scoffed. "I said I was nervous."

"What are you nervous about then?"

"This whole.." She gestured to the pile of papers in front of her. "Assignment. I don't know what to make of it. What if we don't find a solution? What if there isn't one?"

"Calm down Granger," he tutted. "Be a little more confident in your own abilities. Or at least my abilities. What happened to that 'Gryffindor courage' rubbish?"

"First of all, it isn't rubbish," she said, annoyed. "Secondly, I am confident in my abilities. Yours.. not so much."

"I'm wounded Granger, really." He mockingly lifted a hand to his heart.

"Good. That was my intention." She spun around in her chair. "Now, let's get back to the matters at hand, shall we?"

Draco let out an agitated sigh, running his hands through his hair.

"I give up."

He whipped his head around to stare at Hermione, who was slumped over her desk, palms pressed against her eyes.

"I never thought I'd see the day," he said sarcastically. "Golden Girl Granger, give up? Why that's just absurd!"

She turned to glare at him. "Shut up." She looked back down at the papers spread across her desk. "This doesn't make any sense," she muttered to herself. Her line of sight was invaded by a pale hand sitting atop the file she had been reading.

"You've been at this all day," Draco stated. "Time to go home, Granger."

She glanced at the clock. "It's not that late, I can stay for a bit longer."

"No," he ordered. "Home. Now."

"What happened to only talking to me about work?" She grumbled, stacking up her work and shoving it in her bag.

"This is about work," he reminded her. "I'm telling you to stop working."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Great advice."

"I know."

They walked out the doors together, Draco surprising Hermione by holding it open for her. They continued down the corridor in silence until they reached the lifts. They stood together, waiting. Hermione was just about to break the silence when they heard a call echoing down the hall.

"Hermione!"

They turned to see Ron Weasley running towards them. Hermione groaned. She willed the lifts to arrive faster.

"Hermione," he wheezed, doubling over to catch his breath. "We need to talk."

Her gaze became icy. "I don't have anything to say to you, Ronald."

"Please," he begged. "Please just let me explain."

Her expression quickly turned to outrage. Draco smirked. The Weasel must have really screwed up this time. The lifts rattled to stop in front of them, but were ignored. Hermione was too furious to even notice. Draco was enjoying the show before him. The lifts could wait.

"And how do you expect to explain this, Ron? You two were just talking? Please," she scoffed.

"It.. it wasn't what it looked like," he stammered.

"Oh, so you weren't fucking your secretary behind my back? Or should I say in front of my face," she hissed. Both Draco's and Ron's eyes widened at her use of the swear word. "Do you mean to tell me you just fell into her? And you just so happened to conveniently have your trousers around your ankles?"

"Um.. yes?"

Her eyes narrowed. "You listen to me Ronald Billius Weasley. I will not stand here and listen to your lies. I thought I had made it perfectly clear when I threw you out two weeks ago, but apparently not. I do not want anything to do with you." She spoke each word slowly, jabbing her finger at him. "We are done. Leave me alone." She made to turn and walk away from him when he spoke.

"'Mione, I'm sor –"

She spun around, pulling her wand out in one swift movement. "Reducto!" she yelled. Ron flew backwards, slamming into the wall. "Sometimes," she whispered while pocketing her wand. "Sorry isn't enough." She turned on her heel, ignoring Draco, who was still standing by the lifts. She stepped into one, Draco following behind her. He glanced over at her as the lift started moving. Unshed tears were glittering in her eyes. He shifted his feet uneasily. He was not good with crying.

"Are uh," he coughed. "Are you alright?"

"As it is not work related, it is not to be discussed," she snapped. He fell silent. The lift opened to the Atrium. Hermione got out quickly, striding towards the fireplaces.

"See you tomorrow, Granger," Draco called. She waved to him over her shoulder, not turning around to look at him. He stared after her.

Well, he thought. At least work will never be boring.

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