Chapter 9: Confrontation and Conversation
Disclaimer: Damn. Still not mine.
The digital clock at her bedside table showed that it was ten past four in the morning. Too early. She grunted loudly and remained lying on her bed. Another night of disturbed sleep had passed and she so wanted to resume her rest. She covered her face with a blanket and tried to be taken again to the land of Morpheus. Ten, twenty, thirty minutes passed but sleep wasn't catching up on her, it was the contrary, actually, for she now felt more awake.
She couldn't help but repeat in her mind everything that occurred in her dream. The sun, the clear blue sky, the soft breeze, the field of sunflowers, him, his form, his voice, their conversation, his knowledge of her plan to go to Hogwarts…her plan!
She bolted in a sitting position. So fast was her movement that the blanket covering her whole body was now on the foot of the bed. Her curls stormed around her face and her eyes were wide with shock at the realization. For some unexplainable reason, he knew of her plans. First was in Manchester and now her visit to Hogwarts? She furrowed her brow and started to think of possible explanations for this.
How long had he been stalking her? Since the dream started ? Two weeks ago? Three? Why did it seem as if he knew her? It was not the simple awareness of the birthday, the friends or the previous school of someone. Those kind of information were easy to obtain. But when he talked to her, she was sure that she could feel a certain feeling of..familiarity with him. Was it possible that she had met him before, maybe even talked to him? It was probable. But where?
She cradled her head in her hands and gripped a handful of hair. Frustration was slowly creeping to her mind as the minutes of thinking and recalling went by. She couldn't think of anyone she recently met that would qualify as the dream-man. She remembered his form but it wasn't enough. The shadows obscured much of his face and shoulder that it was impossible for her to recognize him in the real world.
One thing Hermione was sure of: he knew her quite well.
Hermione let out a loud groan. It was irritating to not know. She had prided herself for being logical and rational. But right now, facing this kind of situation had shown her that she was as normal as everyone else. Not that she held the belief that she's more worthy than others. No. She's very, very far from being prejudiced. What she thought of herself before was that if she happened to face a problem or an obstacle that involve any sort of emotion, she believed that she would handle it methodically and perfectly. It could be compared to solving a problem in Arithmancy or Ancient Runes. Both involved a high degree of concentration, of critical and logical thinking, characteristics that Hermione perfected throughout the years.
When she and Krum agreed to end their relationship, she handled the situation very well, with eyes and ears opened. Besides she wasn't totally in love with the famous Quidditch player. Back at that stage in her life, she thought that she's more in love with the idea of being in love rather than with the person. Same thing might be explained with her relationship with Ron. Both of them were still at their teens and everyone expected for them to be together. They just went with the flow and didn't even question their own feelings. As for "Ryan the player", as she termed him, thinking the relationship over was not even an option for her.
But now, after all the things she experienced and learned in Hogwarts, after all of the adventures and even life threatening situations connected to being one of the best friends of Harry Potter, and she as a career woman who's confident and who's sure of where she wanted to go, a simple looking back at her actions and reactions regarding the dream-man showed her that she was doing the exact opposite of it all.
She panicked, she flustered, she acted on pure instinct alone. It's as if she wasn't she, the usual Hermione who remained calm and calculating whenever danger comes her way.
She groaned for the third time and looked at her bedside table. It was now already half past five. Even if she wanted to sleep, she knew that her mind won't allow it so she stood up and went to the loo to ready for the day.
The breakfast consisted of strong coffee, sausages and egg fried rice. It was a bit heavy for her but she needed energy today. Aside from her usual work, she will also write to the Malfoy Enterprises. Given a choice, Hermione would postpone her meeting with Malfoy. Her plate was somehow full at the moment and she wanted the problem concerning her dreams to be resolved before diving into another matter that will sure to give her headaches. Besides, she didn't want to have any interaction, whether personal, through mail, or anything, with him. It wasn't because she's scared of him or couldn't take his insults anymore.
On the contrary, he seemed to be more amiable now, a 180 degree turn to his previous self at Hogwarts; but it seemed that that was exactly the issue. She honestly didn't know how to interact with an almost-friendly Malfoy. It was like second nature to them to feel mutual dislike for each other and this latest development, whatever it was, was something she was unsure of. It was like treading an unchartered territory somewhere in the depths of the sea or in the lowest bowels of the earth or in the unseen confines of the universe. It was….new.
She finished her breakfast and went to her bedroom. The documents she took home remained unread. She tucked it in her bag along with the notebook that contained her thoughts about the dream-man and flooed to the Ministry even though it was just seven.
She wasn't expecting any of her co-workers so early and she was right. The brunette went straight to her office to make the letter to Malfoy and to evaluate the documents. She needed to finish as much work as possible because she will leave early for her visit to Hogwarts. Her goal was to complete everything before three in the afternoon.
She pulled out the stack of papers and her notebook fell on the paneled floor. Her hand twitched in anticipation and she licked her bottom lip unconsciously as her eyes fell on the simple red notebook. She badly wanted to read everything that she wrote. Picking it up and sitting at her desk, she quickly decided that she will peruse it later. Her work was more important compared to her personal problems.
She handed the fourth report to her assistant an hour ago. It was already lunch and her stomach was grumbling loudly. Her office door opened and her assistant emerged.
"Miss Hermione, it's already twelve. Sir Mark and Miss Tessa are off to the cafeteria. Aren't you joining us? You've been here since morning. Surely, you've made progress on the reports."
Hermione huffed. "I wish. There are still five more reports and I have to leave before three. I need to finish all of it before that time. I told you about my visit to Hogwarts, right?" She had mentioned it to her in passing.
"Oh, right. But it wouldn't be good for you to skip meals. I know, Miss. I'll just buy you something at the cafeteria. Would that be okay?"
"More than okay, Dahlia. Thanks so much."
Her assistant was about to close the door when she called out to her again.
"Dahlia, wait!"
"What is it, Miss?"
"Did the Malfoy Enterprises reply to the letter?"
That letter was the first thing that she accomplished that morning. It was simple, professional and direct, articulating her gratitude for the company and her query as to when and where the first meeting of the two parties will be held.
"No, not yet."
"Oh...good." Hermione sighed in relief. Her assistant looked at her questioningly but didn't ask her boss any questions. She closed the door and proceeded to the cafeteria.
Seeing Dahlia reminded her of the scene that morning. All of the people at her sub-department finally knew of the funding and everybody was in high spirits. They even planned to hold a celebration but Hermione couldn't attend so they decided to move it on another date. The cheer and the shouts lifted her spirits a bit.
Going back to the present, Hermione thought of Draco Malfoy. She didn't want to know the date where she had to confront him again. He wasn't that bad, though. That was the recurring thought in her mind. He seemed changed for the better and that was good. It meant that what they fought for during the War wasn't futile, that it's possible for people to change their views, albeit patience was much needed. But is he truly changed? She wasn't sure. He hadn't called her mudblood. Not in years. His family changed sides at the most opportune time. His mother helped Harry and his father, as far as the news from the Ministry was true, was behaving extremely well in his house arrest. Also, she remembered that the last time he insulted her was in fifth year. She shook the thoughts out of her head and pored over again to the parchment before her.
Ten minutes later, her assistant arrived and gave her lunch. She smiled and thanked her but quickly resumed her work. An hour passed before she finally took a break.
She was about to take a last, big bite at her sandwich when the door to her office opened unceremoniously. Her mouth was wide open and it only grew bigger as she saw the person currently standing before her.
As usual, he was donned in an all-black outfit. His eyes fell upon the brunette and upon seeing her and what she was about to do, his mouth immediately formed its trademark smirk. He crossed his arms before his chest and looked at her with a glint in his eyes.
She suddenly realized that her mouth was still open and she closed it forcefully that it the clashing of teeth to teeth was heard by the two of them. Merlin, that hurt!
"Miss Hermione!" Her assistant broke the tension. I'm so very sorry! I told him that he should first make an appointment before we could accommodate him but he insisted on meeting you and Mr. Malfoy forced his way in. I'm truly, truly -"
Hermione raised her left hand, silencing her assistant. "It's okay, Dahlia. It's not your fault." She smiled at her to make sure that she wasn't angry with the intrusion.
"Would you like me to get you some tea?" She looked at her and then to Malfoy who was not taking any heed of her.
"That's not necessary." Hermione said sternly.
"If you say so." She went and closed the door softly behind her.
When the door was finally closed, she directed her eyes to the man before her. She wanted to yell at him for barging in without any notice. His stance, the smirk on his pale face and the way his grey eyes checked her office expressed haughtiness and self-importance.
How did it pass my mind that he's changed when he reeks of pompousness and insolence!
"You could finish your…snack." He drawled, walking towards her languidly, eyes focused on the brunette.
She looked at him piercingly; her hazel eyes now more of the color of gold. With a swiftness that could rival a Seeker, Hermione resumed what she was about to do when the blond entered her office. She ate the remaining piece of sandwich and sipped her juice.
He was in front of her in three long strides and was about to reach out to her. His eyes held a mysterious and intense look in them. When his hand was mere inches from her face, she spoke.
"What do you think you're doing, Malfoy?" She wanted her voice to be firm but her ears registered that she failed. She looked at him straight in the eye, trying to decipher the look that he's giving her.
"This." He said and wiped the corner of her lips with his thumb. His fingers barely brushed the corner of her mouth but there was a tingling sensation that lingered. "You're messy, Granger." He smirked. His voice was teasing. He took a seat in front of her desk, crossed his legs and placed his crossed hands above his knees.
She quickly recovered from the sudden daze brought by their brief contact and the truth of what was happening immediately sunk in her mind. Hermione was livid. Her cheeks displayed a tinge of crimson and her now empty hands were curled. How could he barge in like he owns this office, my office! She took a deep calming breath before speaking.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Malfoy?" She said dangerously. Nothing good will come out if she acted untoward to her sponsor.
He looked at her and widened his smirk. "Mr. Malfoy now, Granger? It sounds nice with you trying to act so polite to me but I'd rather hear and see you act the way you usually do." He said mischievously.
Hermione couldn't believe her ears. She thought that Malfoy would make advantage of their new relationship, no, partnership. It was just a simple partnership. A business transaction, if you will. Viewing things in a more political manner, he was wielding power over her. He being a sponsor entailed that he had a say on how the institution will be created. The specific details regarding the project such as the structure of the building itself, the programs, the people who will be part of the research, almost everything, was under his scrutiny and critique. She was the proponent of the project, yes, but she didn't have the means to make everything possible. She must also bend to the will, slightly, of her sponsor. It was a silent understanding between the sponsor and the one who was being funded. It irked her to know that fact.
"If that's how you want things to be then I won't argue with you, Malfoy." She said his last name disdainfully. "So, what are you doing here barging in my office like you own the whole place?" She said while crossing her arms.
"That's more like it. About me being here," he paused for a few seconds. "Nothing, really."
"Nothing what?" She was getting irritated by the minute.
"Nothing. I came here for nothing. I just want to see your office, that's all." He said, his eyes once again roamed around her small yet neat office. "It's organized but it's very plain." He said matter-of-factly while his eyes traveled to the Muggle painting behind her, to the bookshelf in one of the corner, to the fresh flowers near the window then to her.
"Thanks, Mr. Interior Designer. But I don't really care for your opinion. As you -"
"Wait. What did you call me?" he interjected, eyes laced with confusion.
"As you can see, I am a very busy person." She ignored his question and proceeded to finish her rant. "I don't have the time to talk with you over tea. And it's none of your business how I arrange my own office. If you have any qualms about how plain it is, the door is just behind you and you are very welcome to exit it as soon as that brain of yours register that you are not wanted here."
Draco looked at her amusedly. "That was a mouthful, don't you think? And I only commented about your office."
"That's not the point. I owled you this morning to ask the schedule for our first meeting not for you to visit me unannounced and grace me with your presence." She replied sarcastically.
"Well, I love to give surprises, Granger." He said cryptically.
Hermione could sense that there was more to his simple words but she didn't want to address them as of now, so she mentally encased it for future scrutiny.
"This is not the time for surprises. Can't you see that I'm very busy? I don't have the time and the energy to exchange useless barbs with you. Just spit out whatever it is you want from me. If what you said is true, that you're here for nothing, or that you just want to see my office, then you've fulfilled the desire of your heart. You could leave my office now."
Both of them were still sitting but the crackling of magic was in the air. The two seemed ready to engage in a duel and they were in a duel, a staring match that both want to win in.
"Gryffindor to the core." He whispered but made sure that Hermione will hear at least a part of it.
"What-what did you say?" Her concentration was now off and the intense look in her eyes was now gone. She heard that before.
"Nothing, Granger. Next Monday at Malfoy Enterprises, nine sharp."
He immediately stood up and exited her office without another word.
He emerged from the office with an indifferent look on his face. On the outside he seemed totally calm and cool but inside he was a raging fire. It seemed that every time he came into some form of contact with her, whether it was a simple exchange of words or even a slight brush of skin to skin, his need for her becomes stronger and more forceful. It wasn't a simple lust. Lust was a feeling, a mere push of the body to quench its thirst. What he felt for Hermione was greater than that. Yes, he longed for her warmth and scent, but he knew that he needed more than that. He could easily claim her, own her, but that's not what he wanted. It surpassed mere feeling, mere liking. He never thought that he would admit it to himself.
It was years after their graduation before he finally admitted to himself that maybe, maybe he's not so different at all with other people, that he was capable of this wondrous and frightening feeling that he now harbored for the Gryffindor. And yes, he succumbed to it.
He allowed it to encircle his thoughts, to entwine him to his instincts, to overpower his mind, to drive him into doing what he was doing. He opened his arms wide open to it and now he was a slave, a slave who owned whole or parts of companies around the world, a slave who's willing to do anything to get what he wanted. Ironic. Tormenting. Agonizing. But true. And he won't give up. He will never give up.
Draco knew why she was so heated up to kick him out of her office. Knowing her, he knew that she was already itching to go to Hogwarts. She was right to go back to their school. Something of concern to her nightly visits was in the castle, in the library specifically. She might doubt in finding anything of connection to her problems there but he was sure that if she only knew where to look, she would finally locate it.
Hermione wouldn't know who he was but it would give her more to think about, something that would, he hoped, distract her. Oh, he liked teasing her. He only wished he could watch her while she was pondering over it. He wanted to accompany her to Hogwarts but a meeting with his business partners in the Philippines was in order. He was planning on investing on some of the companies in the country. Even though, it was a third world nation, he knew that it has a potential. After that, he will head to the Japan and then to Russia.
Draco was now in front of the lift. When it opened, he saw Hermione's assistant, Dahlia. He looked at her and she looked back.
A conversation had just transpired.
A/N: I want to give a BIG hug to those who encouraged me to continue writing this. Thanks for giving me strength to make another chapter to this story! I was a bit down when I posted the last chapter thus the almost-depressed note. Anyway, who checked Pottermore? I'm still waiting for my email.
About this chapter: Did you like it? What do you think about the last part? Intriguing? Haha. The next chapter will be Hermione in Hogwarts and some more. You're very welcome to voice out your thoughts. If you have any suggestions, whether in the style of writing or in the content of the story, feel free to review. Tell me your thoughts. I yearn for them tremendously. If it's also not too much I would like to ask for pointers on how to write engaging conversations. I suck at them. I know.
Thank you for reading!
