Hermione promptly stopped walking, mouth hung agape as she took in what was in front of her and dropping her tea in the process. This couldn't be real.

That loud crash had Malfoy look up, nodding before raising an eyebrow as she showed no change in her expression and her reaction. The last thing she needs is Draco Malfoy pestering into her apartment in the middle of the night.

"Good evening, Granger. I apologize for the intrusion at this time of the night but I'm afraid you've got something of mine." He said as he walked towards her, hands crossed behind him.

"Ah, yes. Yes. The file. You must have given me the wrong one. Let me just get it for you." Not wanting to be rude like him, she asked him if he would like a cup of tea although she mentally wished that he would refuse. So she held her breath as she looked at him with wide, panicky eyes.

"That would be wonderful."

She nodded and walked into the kitchen, disappointed. There, a brown envelope lies in the middle of the table. Grabbing it, she released a deep breath, desperately calming her racing pulse. Should she floo Harry and Ron? They might think it's preposterous but it is still Draco Malfoy right? Even after everything he's done for the both the Ministry and the Wizarding community. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. How dare that git to go here though, after what happened earlier. It was still his fault they've got the wrong files anyway. He was, after all, the one who shoved this folder into her hand and took off with hers.

Again, she stared at the folder. What could be so important about these files that he personally came and this late? Her wide imagination suggested many alarming things. But she's quite certain he wasn't involved with any of his colleagues from Slytherin, that Skeeter bug made sure of it. What with reporting almost every move Malfoy does. Except maybe some truly close friends. Friends. Do they even call them friends?

"Granger."

Giving quite a start after being so lost in thoughts that it was on the verge of ridiculousness, she turned to him.

"Yes?," she asked, both eyebrows raised.

"Do you plan on giving me back my envelope or do you plan to stare at it horrified until the world ends?"

"I was thinking." She walked up to him.

"What a surprise. Now give me that and where is that tea you speak of earlier? I'm quite parched from waiting for you to be dragged out of that door."

"Wait there, you prick. You can swallow your envelope whole, I'll return it to you. Wait, I don't see you holding any envelope yourself. Did you not bring mine?" Glaring, she said in an accusing manner as she brought out a cup and poured tea into it.

"Ahh, I must have forgotten. I'll owl it to you tomorrow."

"You come here, no, barged in here demanding your envelope and not bring mine?!" Forcefully putting down the cup, she shoved the envelope to him after picking it up from the table.

"First of all, I did not demand it. I asked like a decent human being, unlike the one I'm facing now." He sneered at her. "Secondly, it didn't even look that important. I was just a record of the Ministry's recent joint companies. And thirdly, put sugar in that."

Putting two spoonful of sugar forcefully into his small cup, she puffed a breath vehemently. "Grang- what the hell?! Do you plan on giving me diabetes?"

"I'm considering worse. If you know it's from the Ministry, then you know that whatever record it is, it's important. That's why it's a record, Malfoy, to keep track of the changes and proceedings, you idiot. "

"Watch it, Granger," said Malfoy, pushing the teacup away from him, disdainfully glowering at it. She, on the other hand, got another cup and put a decent amount of sugar.

"You better return to it me," She pushed the cup to him after stirring it.

"Do not fret, Granger. I will." He took a sip before raising an eyebrow. "I must admit, this tastes good."

"Well, that's a first. Draco Malfoy compliments me, the lowly Mudblood Granger." She placed both her hands above her chest, mockingly smiling.

He stayed quiet for a moment, his form rigid. "Do not call yourself that;" Malfoy whispered sternly. For second time that night, she paused, eyes wide at his remark.

"I-I…" He stared at her and took another sip from his cup. Not knowing what to say, Hermione stood there about to say something but closing her mouth again. Draco Malfoy left her speechless.

"Not everyone stays the same, you know. Three years had passed already. You, of all people, ought to know that. You know what we've done to… redeem our family, our name; you saw the Ministry's files." His voice was almost… soft, quiet and he continued to stare at his cup.

"I didn't mean- That's not what-" She grunted in frustration as she looked upward.

"It's alright, Granger. I know, I just didn't want to you to get the impression that I hate you because of your blood. That's a prejudice lost when the war ended. I still don't like though but this tea might well be your saving grace." He lifted up the cup and smirked at her. Calming her rage, Hermione took a deep breath. And anyone who sees such action knows well enough to stop and turn the other way and walk as fast as his feet takes him. That's what her co-workers do, anyway.

"Merlin! You're infuriating, you know that?" She picked up her wand and pointed it to him. "What was that?! You wanted me guilty and insult me?"

"Hey, hey! I did praise your tea-making skill, didn't I?," he raised his hands up. "Put that down, Granger before blast anything in here."

"The only thing that will blast off in this house is your face, Malfoy. And I'm pretty sure they wouldn't want a walking body with severed neck working around your company."

"They'll have to make do. After all, they'd have to respect their boss."

She released another breath.

"You don't change, do you?" Pushing her hair back, she placed her wand back in her table and leaned into it. "You're still a git."

"I'll take that as a compliment, thank you. But I did say peo-"

"Yes, yes. People change. Blah, blah. I'm a ferret and I'm going back to whatever hellhole I sprang from and never return to pester the human kind."

Upon hearing the word ferret, he spat out the tea he was sipping.

"Wha-," he stared at her disbelievingly which turned into serious nods. "How mature, Granger. I expected much more from you." He turned back before adding, "Those were words of my wisdom, Granger. Treat it respectfully." She rolled her eyes and answered. "And I you. Not even owning a company increases a person's maturity level, I see."

He ignored her and impassively poured another cup of what Hermione prepared.

"No, no. That's enough. You've got your files. Now, go home." Hurriedly ceasing his action, she pushed him out of his chair.

"Now, that's a rude way to treat your guest," said Malfoy, straightening his robes.

"If the guest is you, then it is only just. Good bye, Malfoy. I hope you never return."

Rolling his eyes, he took a decent amount of powder beside the fireplace and entered it.

"I doubt it. London is a pretty small city for the magical beings. Thank you for the lovely tea, Ms. Granger. Have a pleasant evening," Hermione could only smile forcefully at him as he threw the powder. When he had gone, Hermione finally breathed in relief.


A scrawny, nervous-looking employee entered her small office, telling her to come to their superior's office immediately. Luckily for her, Hermione Granger isn't a busy as the bustling chaos that is now the Ministry. Hundreds of witches and wizards clad in different colored robes littered around. Walking hurriedly, Hermione reached her intended door. She raised her fist to knock but noticed that it was, alarmingly, shaking. What could it be that he wanted her to come immediately? Creating a mantra that she did nothing wrong, she knocked this time. Upon being allowed to enter, Hermione opened the door and briefly closed her eyes only to discover that her supervisor held a massive grin in his plump face.

"Miss Granger, sit down, please sit down."

"You called for me, sir? What is it?"

"Ahh, yes yes. I would get straight to the point if you don't mind?" The witch now faced a solemn-looking man. She began to feel anxious again but nodded stiffly.

"I have seen your records, Miss Granger, and I admit, you're good. Terrific, in fact. You worked hard for two straight years to achieve your current position and with that mind of yours, it wasn't that difficult. Am I right?" He continued when she nodded again.

"I know that you're the best in your generation and the Ministry is honored that you chose to work for your people… But I think it's time for you," At the mention of this words, she held her breathe completely. Are they firing me? Oh Merlin, no. This can't be. I did the best that I could to help improve the Ministry. Merlin help me if I got sacked. Kingsley will never hear the end of it.

"to help in another way." Good God, they are firing her. What did she ever do wrong? As far as she remembers, she only got reprimanded about four or five times and those weren't major problems.

"There is a company that the Ministry is joined to, a potion manufacturer. And I know you are gifted in the arts of Potion that in fact, the Minister himself asked for you to work there as one of their Head Potions Master. That is, if you agree. I hope you do, Hermione. This will be a good chance for you. I am very happy for you." When she looked up at him, eyes wide his words, he had that grin plastered in his face again.

"I ah-I-Merlin, I thought you were sacking me! I will, I will. Absolutely! Oh, goodness, potions! Thank you, sir!"

"Well, technically, I am sacking you. You are leaving this office, after all," his joyful expression held a bit of sadness. "We will miss you, Hermione. You've been a great help to us."

"I'll come visit when I can. I haven't even left yet!" She laughed tearfully. For the past two years, this division has become her family. Almost everyone was dear to her, especially their supervisor. He was patient and lively even after the war, exactly what they needed after all the loss they've had and the tragedy they've been through. He was Father Christmas for them. And she will terribly miss him and everyone.

"You should or else, I'll drag you back here, young lady. Now, do well in that business all right?"

After their conversation, she was directed to Kingsley, their Minister, as it was he himself that will hold the arrangements for this new corporation. It was then she discovered that it was built to help cure illnesses and curses left in the wake of the war. She had heard of the horror many of the families had gone through, the sudden sickness that had gripped them along with the pain it had brought to everyone. It was on the Quibbler on the first few months of the war; they made a special section for it in fact and since then, she had always wanted to help but she saw the state of the Ministry was in. There was nothing to be done for the people if its Ministry was in ruins and was barely thriving. She had her priorities straight.

"This, Hermione, is exactly what we were planning for the last eleven months but we lacked the resources, the money. Everything had been given for the renovations of buildings in Diagon Alley and other main streets, even in the Ministry. And of course, there are the families we had to find home for. It was a mess! But this, this could be it, Hermione. And I think you're perfect for it. The owner himself had asked for you," Kingsley's deep voice rang in his office; his hands were folded neatly on the table.

She was about to ask who the head was but Kingsley continued. "We were really surprised when they said they would handle the expenses, all they needed were staffs. And since they had starting anew, the Ministry's name would speed up the shipping of the ingredients they would need."

"This is a wonderful idea, Kingsley. But don't think that sounds a bit suspicious? Use the Ministry for their own gain? I mean-"

"I had everything checked with them. They're clean. It's all right, Hermione. I think you would enjoy working there. You can come there tomorrow to check on things."

"Wait-It's already built? The building? That's fast."

"Oh, yes. Months ago." Answering the question in her eyes, he said, "It was just now that they had proposed this." She nodded.

"And who am I working for again?"

"Well, you see, it's a bit-" The Minister looked up to the door as his secretary entered, reminding him of a meeting he was supposed to be at five minutes ago. "I'm really sorry, 'Mione. I forgot I had a schedule today but owl me if you had visited the place," he stated while putting on his cloak. "The owner will meet you there tomorrow at ten."

She had never gotten the chance to ask.