That was her price, hm?
Draco leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. It was a terrible solution. He'd have no control whatsoever.
She was a Gryffindor, though, and a loyalist, to boot. She'd deliver on whatever she promised.
The brightest witch of her age, or so they'd said when they fawned over her.
It would be good for his public image, too. He'd never really expected her to say yes, no matter what he threw at her.
"You will keep me updated of your progress."
He had to have some sort of control.
"When I see fit. You won't decide how I do my research."
Stubborn bloody woman! Why did it have to be her?
"At least twice a week. And no illicit business, I'm trying to keep on the public's good side, here."
She laughed. He opened his eyes and looked at her smirk. Beauty came in many shapes. He refused to let it show on his face.
"The irony!"
"At least I haven't broken into Snape's potions cupboard."
She blushed. The old goat had always suspected that the trio, led in that case by their best potions brewer, had stolen some of his ingredients in their second year. He'd been right.
"Whatever you say, Malfoy. And I'd get to decide what new staff comes in, when the old leave, yes?"
He shuddered inwardly at the thought, but sighed and nodded.
"Assuming I have veto. It's supposed to be my people, after all."
"True, but I'm the one who has to work with them."
Who'd taught the girl to be so sneaky? She was supposed to be bookish and nerdy, not shrewd.
He sighed. "I'll draft a contract. Give it a month and then see if it works."
Then she actually smiled at him. It was so surprising, amidst all the professional bickering, that he was caught quite off guard and had to hide his face behind the napkin before he blushed like a little girl.
She didn't laugh at him, so presumably his feint was successful.
Instead, those big, brown eyes were glittering like a child's on Christmas morning.
"May I see the premises, then?"
They'd made quite an impression, apparently. He could have used it to greater advantage.
"It's in darkness now, there's little point in going there." She didn't think of everything, after all. That was a relief. "But if you like, I'll show you your office tomorrow and you can get started as soon as you like."
He'd have to pull strings to get there, but his house-elves were very efficient.
They bickered about details through the main course. He found it an easier atmosphere than her attempts at talking about nothing, earlier.
Despite breaking all the rules.
