Apologies at how long this has taken me guys, I had a really bad case of writer's block, therefore big thanks to my wonderful best friend MrsSomerhalder10! If your trying to picture to Draco think of Chuck Bass that is who he is in my head, he's just like 'I'm Malfoy, I can do whatever the hell I please.' He's ace. Anyway here's the next chapter, hope you enjoy it, thankyou for the reviews and keep them coming! I love you all :D

- snowisfalling xx

Disclaimer: J.K Rowling is the genius in this equation, I'm merely jumping on the bandwagon of her awesomeness. Although storyline? All mine.


God knows what is hiding,

In those weak and sunken eyes,

A fiery throng of muted angels,

Giving love but getting nothing back.

14th February 2012. 09:01am

Hermione had been in the office for precisely 31 minutes, always early she liked to relax at her desk and prepare herself for the upcoming day. Today however, was slightly different, she had spent the first 10 minutes trying to cure the hangover from hell, one potion later she was feeling marginally better. Whose brilliant idea was it to have a hen party on a work night? Oh, right- hers. Left with only 20 minutes before the rest of the office clocked on she frantically applied makeup, fixed her hair and juggled the papers on the desk, by 8:59 she was primed and ready for the rabble looking no different than she did every morning. The clock struck 9:00 and a number of pops sounded- indicating that the entire office staff had just apparated. Well the entire office staff minus one. At 09:01 as he did every morning Draco Malfoy strolled through the main double doors with no sense of urgency whatsoever, and Hermione's blood started to boil as it had every morning for the past 3 months.

Although today wasn't just any other day, it was Hermione's least favourite holiday. It was in her opinion a complete waste of a day, brimming with over-commercialism and sappiness. That's right February the 14th - more commonly known as Valentine's Day. Every year Hermione had woken up with a tiny glimmer of hope and every year she had been disappointed, even whilst dating Ron she still woke up to no card or present, it was like the day went in one ear and out the other. She was just glad that she no longer had to spend every Valentine's Day listening to that idiot Lavender Brown witter on about how many cards she'd recieved from unknown suitors when everybody downright knew she sent them to herself! Hermione had been tempted to do that this year but refused to stoop to those levels, she didn't need a card to make her feel special and worthwhile- she was a grown woman for god's sake!

For Draco Malfoy however it seemed to be a different story, his desk was piled high with gifts and heartfelt messages from practically every woman in the company. For weeks they had been gossiping about who would buy what and there was a running poll on which lucky lady Draco would send a valentine to. When asked to place her vote Hermione had just laughed, did these people not know Malfoy? He would never look twice at any single women in this whole building, the whole of Diagon Alley- never mind their company! Draco Malfoy show a single ounce of feeling? Not likely. Checking her copy of the newsfeed parchment she pointed her wand to the poll section, currently top by 3% was Bonnie from HR- no surprises there! Fiery red hair and a personality to match, she gave as good as she got, perfect for Draco. Trailing in second place was Delia, a busty blonde with not much going on up there, but looks wise? Definitely the hottest woman in a 5 mile radius. She was jolted from her thoughts before she could reach third, the general consensus was that this lady was a dark horse and Hermione was looking forward to finding out who the poor soul was. Yet a prickling sensation down the back of her neck alerted her that someone was watching, raising her eyes she met a pair of stormy grey ones. Draco Malfoy was systematically going through his presents, reading the tag, maybe eating a few chocolates out of the box then dropping them straight into his overflowing bin. She soon realised that he was completing another action- checking names off a list. Wait, what? Slowly it dawned on her and she began to chuckle, Draco Malfoy had comprised a list of every woman in the company and was slowly ticking them off. No wonder his eyes were on her, only around ten gifts remained and Hermione knew that none of them were from her. Surely she wasn't the only one? The atmosphere in the office had dropped as more and more workers began to realise what was happening and right now you could probably hear a pin drop. Confidently Hermione raised her chin and looked straight into his eyes, only for her expression to falter when she realised he wasn't wearing his famous smirk. In fact, there was no indication he was being spiteful or enjoying the process, more an aura of heavy sadness and resignation to his task.

'Malfoy?' she whispered, not wanting the whole office to hear.

Once again the mask appeared and she was met by a cold stare.

'Regretting being the only one not to send me something?' he sneered, 'Don't worry, I wouldn't touch you with a 10foot broomstick.'

He casually checked the last name off his list and began to get on with his business, using an enchanted quill to scribble down notes. Jaws slowly returned to their rightful places and one by one her co-workers sat down still in a complete state of shock. Only Hermione was left standing wondering not about Malfoy's insult- she'd been dealing with them for years, but that feeling of sadness he had projected, something had changed within him. Something she couldn't quite pinpoint.

11:14am.

Hermione had resumed working and had just about caught up to her schedule that had been disturbed quite significantly by the morning's unusual set of events. She was just about to start reviewing a new manuscript when an enchanted paper aeroplane slid to a halt on her desk. The paper was a scarlet red meaning it was of the utmost importance.

Miss Granger,

I require your presence in my office now to discuss some business plans.

Mr Dagnall

(Managing Director)

Hermione snatched up her wand and hurried down the hall to Mr Dagnall's office, pausing to catch her breath she knocked on his door and entered.

'Ah' Mr Dagnall looked up, 'now you've arrived Miss Granger we can begin, if you could take a seat next to Mr Malfoy for me.'

Mr Dagnall gestured and then returned his attention to the papers on his desk. Apprehensively Hermione walked forward and slid into the seat.

'As you both well know, we at Parchment Paradise Publishing House have recently decided to compile and publish a series of books on the life's work of Albus Dumbledore, his magical findings, contributions to various societies etcetera. The press are clamouring for news and therefore we have scheduled a press conference for later this afternoon at 03:00pm sharp. We have recognised the work you have both put in over your term of employment and you were both close to the man himself therefore we have decided that you two shall be our representatives at the conference.'

Hermione was in shock, this was the big break she had been waiting for! Slaving away at the publishing house for the past year, she felt like she had finally found her calling- this job allowed her to give something back and work with the things that she loved most in the world- books. Tuning back into the conversation Hermione listened carefully taking notes on what the procedures would be. They would receive the questions at exactly 01:00pm, that gave them approximately 1 hour to compose answers, 45minutes to learn them and 15 minutes for general preparation and travel to the venue (the press room down the hall.) Double checking the math in her head she was prepared and ready to go, being dismissed she exited the room confidently. Things were definitely looking up! Turning as someone caught her elbow she came face to face with the number 1 arse himself- Draco bloody Malfoy.

'What do you want? I'm busy.'

Slowly Malfoy began to chuckle, 'you mean we're busy.'

'We're?' Hermione answered sensing her day taking another downward turn.

'Yes Granger, us. I don't know what world you were in back there but this is a joint assignment. Believe me, I'm not happy.' He said, letting go of her as if she was the carrier of some contagious disease. 'Definitely not happy, but I am not about to let you take this opportunity from me.'

'Take this opportunity from you? You've never had to want for anything in your life. Give me this one chance and stop being a self absorbed, selfish prat.' She was fuming now, doing her best to keep her voice at a normal level. Strolling away he turned and spread out his arms, almost the exact gesture she'd seen him do the previous night. The mask dropped and for the first time in her life Hermione could claim that she had seen the real Draco Malfoy. He looked her straight in the eye and replied.

'Because my life's been a fucking tea party hasn't it?'

Spinning on his heel he strode back to the office, leaving Hermione wondering if maybe she'd gone too far this time.


Reviews guys? :D