I don't own it, remember?

Anyway, I thought since I made you wait a long time to get some Draco/Hermione action, I should reward you by posting this earlier than usual. Enjoy!

Chapter 10

"Granger," Pansy started carefully.

"Mhm," Hermione was currently engrossed in a report on the donations they've received since the groundbreaking. The response has been enormous, especially after Hermione's rash adjustments to her speech. They had even been on the front page of the Prophet, when originally they had only been supposed to get the front of the Life Style Section.

"GRANGER," Pansy almost shrieked to get her attention.

"WHAT," Hermione snapped back.

"We need an actual office," Pansy whined gesturing around Hermione's study. "This is not working. I mean, if you didn't have to have a separate study and library at your house, I could have my own office. But this," she now gestured at herself hunched over paperwork on the couch, "isn't working for me."

Hermione looked around the room. There were stacks of papers everywhere, on her desk, on the floor and even on the couch. Pansy was sitting on the small couch balancing a notepad on her lap looking beyond uncomfortable. She knew, the young Slytherin was right. Hermione herself was longing to get her study back for her personal use.

"I agree," Hermione sighed gloomily. "We're still a new charity, though. And while the public reaction to us has been amazing, I am not sure, office space is something I want to spend a fortune on at the moment. Unfortunately, everything that isn't a rundown dump, is out of our price range."

Hermione had looked into different offices and even considered paying for it herself. However, she wanted to be careful with her inheritance. After all, if she did start spending money like crazy, people would start getting suspicious and start digging around in her personal life.

"What if I find someone to help us," Pansy interjected innocently.

"You already have someone in mind, haven't you," Hermione asked skeptically.

"Draco," Pansy responded boldly. "He offered his help after lunch yesterday. He didn't think you would take him up on his offer, so he only told me to keep him in mind if we ever needed his help. His family does own a few office buildings down Diagon Alley, not far from the orphanage. He said he can give us a tour whenever. I'll owl him to come over for lunch today and we'll take it from there."

"You want to do lunch with him again," Hermione's head shot up. What was Pansy getting at with these lunch invitations?

"Please be nice," Pansy asked quietly. Hermione raised an eyebrow. Did Pansy just say 'please'? "You did accept his apology after all. I just want my friends to get along. Is that so difficult to understand?"

They said in silence for a few minutes, both pondering the blond Slytherin. Hermione wasn't sure she was ready to see him again. His apology had been unsettling enough. She had been quite sure, hell would freeze over before she'd ever hear those three words from him. Yet, he had said them and for all Hermione knew, he meant them as well. Of course, she had accepted it. And then, there were those blasted feelings she was experiencing around him. She wanted to blame them on the bond, but knew better after speaking to her mother.

"Back at Hogwarts, I always thought you and Malfoy were a couple," Hermione finally ended the silence.

"No," the raven haired woman snickered. "I only pretended to be love struck with him to annoy Crabbe. Imagine to be attracted and repulsed by one and the same person. I hated being betrothed to him. He always wanted me be his girlfriend and do stuff considering he was going to be my beloved future husband. I told him, he had no claim on me until after Hogwarts and I could see and date who I wanted to. Draco didn't mind, it kept the more annoying girls at bay while he could pursue who he wanted."

Hermione shuddered. She had spent her 7th year at Hogwarts researching the magical betrothal. She had been shocked when she found out the groom and his family could simply claim the bride and force her into marriage. It was disgusting. Especially if it meant having to marry someone like Crabbe. At least Draco was attractive and smart. She had also briefly considered to publicly fight this stupid law before realizing a muggle-born wouldn't care about some law affecting only pure-blood betrothals.

"You know, this may make me sound like a heartless bitch," Pansy interrupted her thoughts again, "but I was relieved when Crabbe died. I am not proud of it. There aren't a lot of things I am proud of... I think that's why I am glad that you and I became friends and we're doing this charity thing. It makes me think I am not as bad as I thought I was."

Hermione studied the girl briefly. Pansy Parkinson has come a long way from the girl who had bullied her in school. She had long forgiven her for that and the fact, she had wanted to turn Harry over to Voldemort. Hermione understood that Pansy had simply been scared when Voldemort's voice echoed through the school and had wanted to obey his demands to ensure her own safety.

"You're acting too sappy," Hermione smirked. "Very Un-Slytherin, Parkinson."

"I've been spending too much time with foolish Gryffindors lately," Pansy laughed. "You're sentimental ways are rubbing off on me," she paused to flash a brilliant smile at Hermione. "Will you talk to Draco about renting an office? He claims to have exactly what we need and is willing to give us a fair price."

Hermione nodded briefly before returning to the report. However, her thoughts weren't on the donations anymore. She was preoccupied by none other than Malfoy and the way she felt in his presence. Feelings that have been harder to ignore after his apology. She shook her head. How could she feel all these conflicting emotions when she barely knew the man? She bit the inside of her lip nervously as she became aware, that somewhere deep, deep buried inside of her, she was looking forward to lunch and bickering with Malfoy again.

"These photographers are driving me insane," Hermione frowned. "I managed to stay out of the public for years. And then, one appearance breaks the dam and I am besieged with those annoying paps. Honestly, what is so interesting about me shopping with the two of you?"

Hermione was in a office furniture store with Pansy and Ron, who had tagged along to have lunch with the two later. She turned to get some sympathy from the two of them. Yet, neither Ron nor Pansy were listening to her. They were flirting with each other, something they frequently did, yet it never lead to anything.

She was sure, Pansy had an enormous crush on Ron, but just like he had been with Hermione in school, he was completely oblivious to the Slytherin's feelings. He claimed, it was all just for fun.

"Hey," she finally lost her patience after Pansy had giggled like a 13 year old. "I don't want to spend all day looking at desks. Can you just pay attention and flirt later over lunch."

Ron's face turned a brilliant shade of red, while Pansy simply smirked at her. Oh, Hermione hated that smirk. It meant Pansy was up to something and she was not going to like it.

"Well, I am sure you'll be too distracted squabbling with Draco anyway," Pansy teased.

"I forgot, we're signing the office lease at lunch?" Pansy nodded smugly. Yes, Hermione hated this. Lately, too much of her time had involved the sexy blond wizard. She had given up trying to avoid him after they had looked at some office space to rent from him just yesterday. Today marked the fourth time she saw him in the past five days. She groaned and Ron let out a low chuckle.

"'Mione," he grinned at her. "Malfoy is alright. You are just too bloody pissed, we snuck him into your charity event and that now you actually think he is ok. Bloody hell, I was pissed when I realized he wasn't bad anymore. It was bloody weird to think of him not as someone I have hated for so long but a decent bloke. You're just more comfortable with him being the bloody git he was, than who he has become. "

"Ronald, that is not it at all," she lied making sure to use her most indignant tone possible. She followed up quickly by shooting him her infamous, horror-inducing glare. Ron simply shrugged. He has been friends with Hermione for too long to let these glares affect him any longer. He knew, that as long as she wasn't yelling, he was fine.

She sighed. He may not be the most eloquent person in the world, but when did Ronald Weasley become so insightful? Things just didn't make sense anymore since the war had ended. She had turned out to be a pure-blood, Pansy was one of her best friends, Malfoy was likable and Ron insightful. What was next, tea with Lucius Malfoy? And when did everyone decide to meddle in her life?

She understood Narcissa and her own mother pushing her toward the handsome blonde. They were mothers after all and thought, they did what was best for their children. Pansy's meddling made sense as well. Just like Hermione was loyal to Harry and Ron, Pansy was loyal to her Drakey. She would do anything for him, even push Malfoy on her. But when did Harry and Ron turn on her? They had accepted, she didn't want anything to do with the blond Slytherin just as much as she had accepted their friendship with him. What had changed, that they were suddenly on his side instead of hers?

Hermione huffed. Unless she decided to become a hermit, Draco Malfoy seemed to be a part of her live now. She remembered her vision from a few weeks ago and shuddered at the thought of becoming Hermione Malfoy or even worse Alexandra Malfoy. They surely would want her to change her name back, so she could uphold their pure-blood line. She would be the living incubator for the next generation of blond ferrets.

Ugh, why do I have to be attracted to him, Hermione thought as she was getting more and more frustrated. She was attracted to him on more than just a physical level. But how was she ever going to trust him after everything that had happened?

"Granger," Pansy snickered. "Now, I didn't stop flirting with Ron to hear you huff, sigh and moan all day long. Can we just go to lunch? And we do have to meet with Draco to sign the papers, remember?"

"Let's just go," Hermione shot a dark look at the assembled reporters who were adamant about taking as many pictures of them shopping as possible. "I'll worry about this stuff later. Without the two of you or any of them," she waved toward the yelling crowd, "to distract me!"

"Just sign the bloody lease, Granger," Draco was losing his patience with her. "You had someone look this over, right?"

Hermione simply nodded. The lease was fine but she still hesitated making any kind of arrangement with Malfoy.

"'Mione, I am hungry. Just sign your bloody name on the damn line," Ron was shifting uncomfortable in his seat as his stomach was growling loudly. They were sitting at a table outside a small cafe in Diagon Alley waiting to order their food. However, Hermione was nervous about signing the lease for the office space and held up everything in the process. She shot Ron a dark look.

"She's mental, this one," he muttered under his breath as he grabbed Pansy's arm to find them another table to eat at. Pansy obliged happily, glad to have some alone time with Ron.

"So why is this place so cheap again," Hermione was stalling now.

"I am having a hard time renting it out, most businesses want bigger, flashier offices when it comes to Diagon Alley," Hermione couldn't help but find Draco's professional demeanor incredibly sexy. She had first noticed it, when he showed them the office space the previous day. His confidence and assertiveness only added to Hermione's growing attraction to him.

"I was debating on tearing down some walls and connect it with a one of the bigger offices there. But honestly, it's cheaper for me to rent it out to you guys at this rate and write the difference off as a donation."

It wasn't the whole truth but it satisfied Hermione. Draco wanted her to rent from him so he would be able to track her down more easily. Also, if he was her landlord, he would always have a reason to stop by and visit her.

" I do have to make a few quick renovations," he continued. "You should be able to move in about a week and a half from today. Let me know if you need any help moving."

"Thanks," Hermione responded trying to focus on something other than the sudden swooping feeling in her stomach. "But I am just having the furniture delivered when we move in. It's easier that way."

"Alright," he pushed further. "How about I bring over some snacks for you guys the day you move in. And I promise, no house-elf will be harmed to make your snacks, Granger."

Hermione couldn't help but snicker at his comment, before returning her attention back to the contract.

"This feels like I am promising you my first born," Hermione mumbled as she finally signed the first page.

"You're not," Draco responded amusedly. Because I'll be the father of your first born anyway, he added in his head admiring Hermione's tight curls. "You have to initial a few pages as well. Here, let me show you."

Draco made sure to brush Hermione's hand as he turned the first page and indicated where she needed to add her initials. The brief contact made Hermione's heart skip a beat and she bit the inside of her lip to prevent herself from physically shivering. She cursed him silently for making her feel this way.

"So, you're going to be using this for SPEW as well," he teased her having heard Weasley call it that.

"No, I think I'll keep that separate from the foundation," she frowned ignoring the fact that he was driving her crazy. "And it's S.P.E.W. not SPEW, Malfoy."

"See, that wasn't so hard," he smirked at her when she was finally finished with the paperwork. "Oh, and I'll be collecting your first born to work at my evil lair when he turns five. I can't be bothered with changing diapers and stuff anyway. Especially, since you're planning to ambush us and free our beloved Pokey."

Hermione stuck out her tongue which instantaneously earned her a quirked eyebrow from Draco.

"Very mature, Granger," he chuckled causing her to laugh out loud. Draco cherished the sound of her laugh. It was at that very moment, that he decided, he wanted to hear it more often and try to make her laugh whenever possible. He just hoped, she would let him.

"I'll have you know, that's how I finish all my successful business lunches," she responded with fake indignation.

"Oh," Draco took pleasure in teasing her. "I guess that's why you got fired from Gringotts. And here I was thinking it had something to do with embezzlement and hot goblin sex. I am going to have a word with Pansy about the lies she's been spreading about you."

"Very funny. And I do have to let you know I wasn't fired," Hermione smiled amused with the banter. "Alright, let's order something to eat," she looked over to the table where Pansy and Ron were sitting. "I guess, we should leave them alone."

The other two had already ordered and were now enjoying lunch and each other's company. Hermione smiled. Pansy deserved someone decent, especially after the way the last guy she dated, had treated her. The young Slytherin may have a tough exterior and snarky demeanor, but deep down she just wanted to be happy with the right guy. Her father kept pushing her to find a suitable, pure-blood husband. After Crabbe's death, Mr. Parkinson had even tried to betroth her again as part of a business deal. Luckily, Mrs. Parkinson interfered on her daughter's behalf. Nevertheless, his blatant disregard for her, was the reason, Pansy had started to question her father's antiquated pure-blood views and rebelled against them. Hermione knew, aggravating her father was a great side-effect of making friends with the 'muggle-born' friend of Harry Potter.

"Who would've thought, huh," Draco chuckled as he jerked his head in their direction.

"Yes, who would have," Hermione heaved a sigh. "I just hope Ron realizes soon how crazy she is about him. He can be a bit daft about these kind of things."

"Must be a Gryffindor thing then," Draco said just loud enough for Hermione to hear. She blushed furiously as he gently took one of her curls and rubbed it between his fingers . He immediately loved her soft locks. "I like your hair when it is curly like this. Reminds me of a certain bushy-haired know-it-all, I went to school with."

Hermione eyes met his grey ones causing her stomach to flip. She had expected him to be joking again, but his grey eyes were showing nothing but deep sincerity. Hermione bit her lip remembering the feeling of him holding her wrist. She longed for that sensation, his touch and wondered if he had felt the same at the time. She wriggled in her seat a little, the intensity of his gaze was igniting a strong desire for him deep inside her. When Draco let go of her hair, he let his fingertips gently brush her cheek. The intimate contact send shivers through Hermione's body, yet she never lost Draco's gaze.

"Granger," his voice was husky and made the hairs on her neck stand up. She felt giddy and very much unlike herself. Her reactions would be normal for girls like Lavender and Parvati, but not the logical, levelheaded Hermione Granger. Yet, here she was getting hormonal over a guy. Oh, but this was not just any guy. This was her former enemy, the incredibly delicious looking Draco Malfoy.

What is he doing to me, Hermione thought when she started seeing bright, flashing lights.

"Ugh," she groaned realizing what was going on. "I thought we got rid of them. They haven't stopped bothering me in days."

"How do you handle their constant presence," Draco asked pointing at the mass of reporters taking their pictures and yelling questions.

"I don't," Hermione almost whined. "They used to leave me alone. Harry threatened them after the war was over and they never bothered me. But since I made one public appearance, I seem to be fair game now. Oh, they'll love us eating together. I can see the headlines already. Ugh... Let's just go inside."

Thanks for reading. Also, most chapters will have some interaction between the two of them now.