Draco POV

The smile tugging at my lips was forced. I did not think that the men surrounding me were in the least bit funny, but for the sake of the company I gave a smile. After all, I had to keep these old farts happy. Sighing, I turned and looked around the room. There was no one here whom I would even consider conversing with let alone be seen with. So I strolled over the glass windows overlooking the Piazza below. The muggles strolled along on their whatcha-ma call its? Cell phones? They always seemed so much more happier than me. I would rather be one of them, outside in the bright summer day. Not stuck in this boardroom full of old farts.

As I watched the busy bodies below, I noticed a brunette walking towards the fountain in the Piazza. I doubled back, expectant to see one Hermione Granger walking briskly toward my office entrance. It didn't take her long to piece together whose freight company the mafia was using. She was always a step behind me in school. Hmm.. this will be interesting…

I was about to take my place again at the table when my secretary came in.

"Mr. Malfoy, there is a Hermione Granger here to see you." She said in a monotone voice.

"Could just have her wait in my office, I'll just be a few moments longer."

With that said my secretary exited as swiftly as she had come.

The board members looked at me, awaiting my approval on a shipment of goods coming from England to Venice.

"Yes, tell Mr. Fratelli we are happy to say the shipment will be taken care of." I said as I strode out of the board room, happy to leave that dreary place. I took a deep breath and turned the handle to my office.

Hermione POV

I sat in a lush couch the décor of the office was unmistakably slytherinish. I sat there waiting in the penthouse turned office. In the silence I took in every detail about the office, it was tidy and neat considering it was a busy CEO's office. The sleek furnishings polished to perfection, the aroma was light as a breeze in the curl of a wave, clean, fresh, and had hint of masculinity.

While absorbed in my thoughts, the door opened revealing a tall blonde whose was hair loose about his face, he extended his hand for me to shake. Catching my eyes, he withdrew his hand quickly and sat behind his desk. Why did he have to be so bloody handsome.

"So… Granger what brings you to Rome?" he said glancing up at me.

"I am on a mission, involving the Brothers of Anarchy."

"And you are here because?" he said looking at me like a bug crushed under his highly polished shoe.

"I have sources that lead me to believe that you are the official delivery man for the Brothers of Anarchy, the mafia has been shipping unknown items from England to Venice for the past three weeks." I said briskly while throwing him glances awaiting his reaction.



He grinned. "Granger, as much as I know you'd like to chit chat. Don't tell me what I already know. I am a very busy man. " He finished smugly checking his watch. Why did he have to be so bloody arrogant? Even after we saved his butt in seventh year, he could be a bit more cheerful.

"So, then…are you aware that this is against the International Trade System?" I said getting frustrated as he continued to grin at me.

"Yes, and don't worry I already have my people on it. We weren't aware of Mr. Fratellis connection till earlier this week." He said firmly.

"How did yo-"I started, but he interrupted me.

"It's my business to know what people are doing in my company." He said shuffling through some papers on his desk.

"Now, is there anything else you require Ms.Granger?" he said putting the papers down and pouring himself a glass of scotch.

"Drinking on the job?" I inquired trying to change the subject. Still trying to pry for some more information.

"Coffee break." He said throwing me a smirk across the room.

"Do you know the location, of the next shipment?"

"Yes, my source confided in me earlier this morning, he said that the next location will be at Dock 92e in Venice harbor."

"So, now that the business is done. How have you been?"he said striding back to his desk,"I haven't heard much news from England since the end of the war..."

"Well umm.. Neville is teaching at Hogwarts now."I said smiling, "he is a totally different person since school."

"Teaching Herbology no doubt." He coughed.

"Actually, he is Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."I corrected tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Really? Wow I would have never thought-" he said.

"As I said before he's changed since the war"

"Well how about Potter and Weasly? "

"Harry is Head of the Auror Department, my boss." I said proudly, "Ron just got drafted into the Chudley Cannons as their new seeker."



" I am glad to see everything is going well." he said throwing a genuine smile at me, "I am sick of board meetings and old farts." We both laughed, and then stopped abrubtly. Awkward silences, ugh how I loathe them.

"Well, I better get going…" I said standing up.

"No, stay," he said grabbing my arm, his scotch clutched firmly in his other hand,"please?"

"Ever since the battle…I've never told you," he paused, "thank you for saving my life." I looked at his hand grasping my arm. He looked too and immediately let go.

With that I left the office. My mind was a blur replaying the last few moments in my head. Was that really Draco Malfoy? Awestruck by what had taken place, I called the lift and descended back to street level and hopefully my head came out of the clouds in the process…

Regaining my composure I walked out of the lift, and walked across the piazza, which was filled with businessman; I headed towards my jetta. With a click of the keys I unlocked the door. With one last I looked back up to the top of the sleek black windowed building.

Gosh.. I wonder what secrets Malfoy is hiding..he seemed a little mysterious.. who are these "people" who find information?

I turned the key in the ignition; the engine growled to life, I sped off towards my hotel to rest. Considering the events of last night, I needed a nap. A big one in fact if hadn't been for the coffee I had earlier I would have fallen asleep in that comfy couch in Malfoy's office. Then there was that caped crusader, did he think he was batman or something? Those eyes had a certain magic when I had looked into them. All the way to the hotel, my mind was filled with thoughts of those eyes. As my head hit the pillow minutes later they still managed to find their way into my dreams.