16:50

Summary: Hermione Granger, Arithmancer extraordinaire, is sent to America to handle the business dealings of a successful wizard. What she expected to be a boring business trip turns out to be quite the opposite.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

A/N: I see that a few had taken to reviewing, thank you so much. This next chapter is for you guys.

Here Comes The Sun

Chapter 2

Upon seeing the bane of my Hogwarts existence, I could not resist the urge to pinch myself.

"You seriously did not just pinch yourself, Granger."

"I'm trying to wake up." I said numbly. "This is far too odd."

"And why," Draco raised an eyebrow. "Would this be odd?"

"You're Draco Malfoy."

"That I'm quite certain of."

"And you're living like a Muggle in America."

"Yes, I am."

"But you despise Muggles!" I blurted out before I could stop myself. I clapped a hand over my mouth, shocked at my sudden outburst. I had forgotten, during that short moment, that he was my client and that my job, the one that I work so hard on, was on the line.

Draco sighed. "That was eight years ago, Granger. As you can see," he gestured around him. "I've turned over a new leaf."

"I see." Was all I managed to muster.

"Have a seat."

I went slowly, my eyes darting around furtively, half-expecting some sort of dark creature to leap out and bite my neck. That's absurd Hermione. You heard him. He's a changed man. Merlin. He'd been a changed man since the War. If it hadn't been for him, You-Know-Who might have won. Which was true. His last minute switch to our side had granted us total access to Voldemort's whereabouts and underhanded plans.

"I know that I am not your favorite person in the world, but I wanted the finest Arithmancer that the Ministry of Magic had to offer, and they pointed me to you. Naturally, I just had to have the best. I would never settle for anything second rate."

Did he just call me the best?

"I'm sure that Mr. Finn had briefed you on my affairs?"

Scorpius has briefed me on your other affairs.

"Yes. He has."

"Excellent. We can begin tomorrow morning then. Do you have any questions?"

I fidgeted. "Where will I work?"

Draco nodded towards a door at the side of his office, one that I had not seen upon my entrance. "This connects to a smaller office. Feel free to use it. It is equipped with everything you need. Other than that, you may work in the living room, or even in your room if you prefer. Anywhere is fine as long as you run things by me before making any final decisions."

"That sounds fine." I said tightly, feeling a sudden need to get out of this office. All I wanted to do now was run towards a hotel, check myself in, and have a good rant with Ginny. I could almost imagine it now…

Me: I have something to tell you that you wouldn't believe.

Ginny: (squealing) You got laid by the hottest guy on earth?

Me: NO. I'm working for DRACO MALFOY.

Ginny: (silence)

Seconds pass…

Ginny: (squealing again) Lav saw him that one time. Does he really have a six pack?

Me: (appalled) I don't know! And why on Merlin's grave would I care?

Ginny: Because (drops voice) he is bloody gorgeous. Don't tell my brother though. He'll rip me to shreds.

I blinked. It suddenly came to my knowledge that I had not taken a good look at Malfoy. So while he continued to chatter on about work schedules, I zoned out and zeroed in on his face. I blinked again. Surely this couldn't be Draco Malfoy? He seems so different.

Oh the blonde hair was still there in all its shining glory, but his cheekbones had grown sharper, his chin more refined, his eyes an even lighter shade of grey. Does he really have a six pack? I wondered, my gaze trailing over his clothed abdomen.

"Granger," Draco stated impatiently. "Are you even listening to me?"

I was horrified. I was checking him out. Merlin forbid. "Um."

"Obviously not." Draco shook his head. "The maid will show you to your room. Dinner is at seven. Although you don't have to join us if you prefer to…space out for a while."

"Maid?" I echoed, letting the comment pass.

He smirked. "Yes, Granger. A maid. I don't think the people here would take too kindly with house elves running around."

"Ah."

I paused. Then I freaked. "I'll be sleeping here?"

He rolled his eyes. "Not here, here. In one of the spare guest rooms upstairs. It wouldn't make sense for you to check into a hotel now would it, seeing as you'll be spending most of your time working here anyway. Am I right?"

I shifted on my feet.

The smirk was back. "No need to feel uneasy, Granger. I won't murder you in your sleep."

I scowled. The nerve of him! I would never! Well, maybe I would, but he didn't need to know that. "I'm quite comfortable with the arrangements, thank you." I nodded stiffly at him. "If that will be all, I'd best go freshen up if I want to join you for dinner."

I will not let him get to me. I am HERMIONE GRANGER. I am a BRAVE SOUL. I can HANDLE sleeping in the dragon's den.

However, as I rounded the corner of the hallway with the maid and followed her upstairs, I happened upon an old portrait of an unmoving Lucius Malfoy and his wife: Narcissa. They were hanging a few feet from the *gasp* guest bedroom.

Or maybe not.


A/N: Any thoughts?