Chapter 7

Draco was staring at himself in his mirror. It was the next day, and Granger had agreed to meet him for lunch. What had he been expecting? No reply, or maybe a few insults and a quick decline at his invitation. He didn't know, nevertheless, he remained shocked at the outcome.

He agonized over what to wear, which was also something that mildly shocked him since he felt that everything looked good on him so it was usually very simple to throw together an outfit. Today, however, he found himself thinking far too much. He should not wear black because it might be an unpleasant reminder of the past, but he should still wear some kind of sleeves, so as not to have his Mark on display. He didn't want to wear a tie, but did that mean unbutton his shirt a bit, or was that too casual? Was this to be a more formal meeting? He didn't tell her what the topic of interest was about, so had no idea what she would show up in. Would it be silly to wear dragon hide boots? Should he just throw on some trainers he'd picked up from a muggle shop recently?

Draco felt his head spinning with indecision, and he huffed in frustration. He looked back at his reflection, and quirked his brow at himself.

"Stop being a prat, Malfoy.." He mumbled grouchily into the silent room. He walked over to his wardrobe and quickly pulled out a pair of lightwash denim trousers, a navy blue long sleeve fitted jumper, and some distressed suede combat boots. He didn't want to make this more than what it was. Quickly getting changed, he added on a platinum watch, and a simple stainless steel curb chain necklace.

Shaking away his tension and nerves, he grabbed a light jacket and headed to the Leaky Cauldron. He kept mulling over what he wanted to say, and the best way to say it. He didn't want to upset her or make her think he hadn't changed after his time locked away. For some reason, it was important to him that she see the effort he was making. Maybe she would take the talk well and even be excited for the future.

He entered the establishment, and found that it was not very busy at all. There were a few of the hotels guests down for lunch as well, but other than them and the inn keeper, no one else was around. Draco wanted to be early so that he had a moment to collect himself. He chose a table by one of the side windows, with a clear view of the bustling Alley, and ordered two butterbeers for the table. He figured if it got awkward, he could pretend to people watch while he thought of something clever to say.

"Malfoy."

Draco turned with a start, and saw Granger standing next to the table with a small smile on her lips. She was wearing a modest yellow summer dress with a denim jacket and white flats. She also paired some small white gold hoop earrings and a matching necklace with the look. It took him a moment to gather his senses and he finally rose, gesturing so she could take a seat across him before he sat back down.

"Hello, Granger," he replied cooly. His demeanor was a perfect mask of the inner turmoil he suddenly felt at her presence. He was attempting desperately to stifle the echo of screams in his head, and busied himself with a sip of his drink. She was looking at him as though she were trying to solve a puzzle, and crossed her arms over her chest in wait.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this most unexpected invitation, Malfoy?"

"Well, Granger. To be completely honest, I was intrigued that it just so happened to be you to be the first to enter my shop just moments before I acquired it. Seems like fate, does it not?"

"It does not."

Draco laughed lightly at that, which caused a look of surprise to flicker over her face briefly, and he continued.

"I am aware you have less than tender feelings for me, however, I was hoping to request your assistance." She raised a brow at him and tapped her index finger on her forearm. "Granger, I would like to hire you to work here. I know this is your favorite magical book store, and I know you could contribute to it's continued success. Will you?"

He was watching her go wide eyed as he spoke, and she was gaping at him like he'd sprouted a third eye.

"Are you being serious, Malfoy? Why on Earth would you want me, muggle born Hermione, to work in your business?" She looked at him in disbelief.

He shrugged.

"Because I know how much of a book worm you are, and you love this place... not to mention how great you are at organizing, which is what you'd be doing a lot of as we order in new merchandise from authors all across the world."

She sat watching him, not speaking for a time, and Draco felt the anxiety coming back. He must be insane to think she would willingly work with an ex-death eater, but here he was anyway, doing his best to convince her to say yes.

"Look Granger, I know we have had plenty of unpleasant... interactions, but I am really working to change that. I hope that you find it in yourself to see me for who I am, and help me create something positive here."

She narrowed her eyes at his words and sniffed. "I already work in a muggle library," she said, calmly.

"This is better and you know it. Deny it as you might, you thrive off excitement and new changes. You'll love it." He said.

She pondered over her options briefly, taking a long swig of the butterbeer he provided for her. She looked him squarely in the eyes.

"Two weeks. Allow me two weeks to let my employer know so she can make the proper arrangements for a replacement before I go..." She replied, quietly. Draco grinned, and took a large swig of his butterbeer. He could hardly believe how well things were going for him right now. He reached out to shake her hand.

"You've got yourself a deal, Granger."

End Chapter 7