A/N: Draco's thoughts are in italics. Thanks for sticking with this story x

The Encounter - Part 1

"Mr Malfoy, I am pleased to inform you that, due to your excellence in healing and Potions, you are given an opportunity to work as a Healer in Romania as a part of our Send Help Worldwide program."

Draco Malfoy was stunned to the spot. St Mungo's was sending him into his worst nightmare. If there were a place he dreaded more that the darker wing of the Malfoy Manor, it was Romania. When Draco was young, his father would threaten to use side-along Apparition to have him sent to Romania if he didn't behave; and since the Dark Lord was rumoured to be spotted in Romania once or twice, that country scared Draco out of his wits. Those threats from Lucius were still stuck in his mind.

"But, sir," he tried to hide the fear that was bubbling inside him and willed himself to sound calm, "didn't you say that I am qualified to go to France than Romania?"

Compared to Romania, France had better medical facilities so naturally they would want Healers with outstanding skills. Although Draco had only graduated from Hogwarts for 6 months, he had already proved himself capable of some complex healing methods, and whenever someone was in need of a certain kind of potion, he would be the first to offer a helping hand. So when the Send Help Worldwide program was first announced, Draco was so sure he was going to France. However, fate slapped him in the face.

"I did say that, only to compliment you."

Draco stared.

"Truth is, a French employee offered to go. She was born and raised in France so we thought it would be better to send her there, as she was more familiar with that place."

The Head Healer paused, then added, "Romania is a fascinating place, Draco, you will surely enjoy it."

As Draco walked out of the Head's office, he sneered inwardly.

Yeah. I'll enjoy that hell of a place my arse.

((-))

A week later saw Draco Malfoy sulking in his office in a local hospital in Romania, trying to figure out a way to escape the frightful place. He was interrupted by an urgent knock on his door.

"Healer Malfoy," it was his assistant, a somewhat shy young man, "we have another patient. The one that brought her in asked specifically for you."

Draco sighed. Everyone that came in asked for him. For Merlin's sake he was the best healer the locals had ever had.

When he reached the hall where patients sat waiting, however, a voice stopped him in his track.

"No way Charlie! I am NOT having Draco Malfoy as my Head Healer!"

It was not the words that stopped him. It was the voice. And its owner.

"Why, how nice to see you again, Granger."

Draco would never dream of seeing her in this country, let alone in the very hospital he was sent to help. Fate was teasing him.

Hermione shot a look at him, then back at the redhead who brought her here. Draco recognized him as another Weasley.

"You got seriously burnt by that dragon, Hermione, and Malfoy's the only healer I know of in this region who can fix that."

"Why can't you just Apparate me back to the Ministry?"

Charlie Weasley sighed, "first off, Hermione, is that no one but the Minister and myself know where you are. The mission you were assigned was and still is a secret. Kingsley made it very clear that no one should know you are in Romania."

Hermione tried to interrupt him, but he shushed her with a wave of his hand.

"And second, nearly everyone in the wizarding world is now looking for you. Do you honestly think that, after your 'mysterious disappearance' not many days after finals were taken, you could still go back without being asked questions, huh?"

"Fine." Hermione snapped, looking defeated.

So no wonder Granger was gone right after the last test in the N.E.W.T.s. She was assigned a secret mission by the Ministry.

Charlie turned to Draco.

"You've heard everything I said, Malfoy, and I think I can rely on you to keep them all to yourself."

Draco didn't answer, merely nodded.

"Very well, then, I'm leaving Hermione in your charge. You are, after all, the best healer we have here."

Draco nodded again, saying "I'll try my best, Weasley" all the while thinking, fabulous I'm stuck with my second- least favourite person in my second-least favourite place.

What are the odds?

A/N: Currently typing Part 2 so I'll update asap. Please review, xoxo