I started writing this about an hour after I posted the last one, so I promise that there's a lot more coming! (I'm actually finished with the next two chapters) I don't know about you guys but my resolution is to be on time more often, and so far I'm keeping at it, but who knows.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this one; it was a lot of fun to write.

...

The next day, Hermione woke up ready to continue. She didn't know what would happen with Draco, but it wouldn't interfere with work; she had started this project and she was going to finish it.

Walking into the kitchen, she watched as he crumpled up a letter. He'd been getting a lot of letters lately that ignited an angry response. She wondered what that was about.

"Good morning," she smiled, trying to start the day off well.

He returned by telling her the most recent store updates. "We have gotten in touch with sellers for 82 percent of the items in stock and as we speak, workers are painting and shelving at the Apothecary. I have also contacted the local wizarding newspaper about the opening, hopefully in early February, and they plan on writing an article about us. I mean... about it."

"We have a long way to go, but I think that we can make it work." He sounded official, like he was announcing to a meeting, and Hermione was trying not to laugh at his little speech. It was impressive, she thought, that the shop could come together so fast. Magic technology just seemed to work a bit faster. If only she didn't feel so uneasy.

"That sounds great," she responded. "What are we doing today?"

"We need to check on the site and make sure that everything is going as planned, and we need to confirm shipments and find a source for the rest of the necessary ingredients and materials. I don't expect to finish it all today, but it's on the agenda."

"You mean that we're really getting everything that the school needs?"

"That and more is the goal." He smirked. Despite all that had happened in the past few days, his cockiness was definitely still there.

.

They started at the site, and it was definitely coming together. About a dozen people were already there, and the walls were covered in wet paint. It was a shade of light grey, very sophisticated and modern, and dark wood floors had been installed. Many shelves were being assembled and placed into aisles. Hermione was amazed at how fast everything was happening.

Draco had a checklist and was walking up to who seemed to be the head guy. At the same time, Hermione was taking notes about getting the building to code with proper light fixtures and safe conditions. She would have to research the American laws more, since she was only familiar with the ones in Europe. When she finished, she stood back and just watched the process. I hope everyone is being paid enough. I'll have to talk to Draco about that.

After about half an hour, he finished too, and they returned to the condo. She began more research and he began to contact the distributors. He originally tried calling them, Hermione had taught him how earlier, but he couldn't get through one conversation without her bursting out laughing. He couldn't punch the numbers in fast enough at first, then he called the wrong number, plus he spoke really loudly into the phone, and he started yelling at the man who was on the line with him trying to process his order. Long story short, he returned to owling.

After her research was finished she began filling in forms to be submitted, but had to keep checking in with Malfoy, because she still didn't know all the information about the store. After interrupting him five times to get different information, he decided that that was enough work for then and that they would have to get lunch.

After Hermione lectured him on the dangers of going out for meals too much, because of the monetary (though that didn't seem to bother him) and health costs, she made them both sandwiches. Sitting at the table together, they started talking about the Christmas party that they were invited to.

"They invited me to the party a long time ago, but I had forgotten about it. The girls are family friends, and we've known them for years. They were actually the ones who suggested that we open the second business here." Part of Hermione wanted to learn about his personal life, and ask about family and family friends, but another part of her was terrified.

He continued, "They're a half blood family, but are still influential in the Salem community. America is a little different that way."

At this point Hermione coughed, and Draco realized his slip. "Sorry, I should reword that. Yes, muggle borns are becoming more and more influential, and society is shaping to become less prejudiced. And that is a good thing"

She nodded, as if to accept his fix.

"I believe that it's actually this Friday, so we have two days, but it would be rude to deny their offer."

So there goes that idea, she thought.

.

After lunch, they got back to work, and Hermione tried to not bother him with her questions.

Taking a break, she headed down to the library and went searching for a book. He found her deep in a novel she pulled off the wall and decided to join her. The two sat in silence, reading and relaxing. Neither one said anything, but both felt comfortable. Eventually they both returned to their work, but for the time being, there was a peace.

Breaking the silence, Draco muttered, "I don't mean to be rude, but I hope you realize that you're going to have to dress up for this event. I won't have you accompanying me in business casual clothes. This party has always been a rather fancy occasion"

Hermione's eyes opened wide and she slowly closed the book. "But I don't have anything here… What do you want me to do?"

"You can get something tomorrow. I'll even pay for it as it seems to be a work requirement."

"Are you sure? That's really not necessary."

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Oh, ok. Thank you." She hadn't worn anything remotely fancy since Bill and Fleur's wedding, and that hadn't gone well. Who knows what will happen this time.

.

Later that evening, Draco left for dinner with some friends, leaving Hermione alone again. This time, though, she wasn't going to snoop. She decided that instead she would head to the store again and get ingredients for a few meals. She missed home cooked dinners.

The store was not as interesting as it was with Draco, but she got all that she needed, and walked back home.

It was nice to be in the kitchen again. Hermione had missed cooking and baking, and soon she had practically created a feast. After eating she decided to refrigerate the rest for later so that they could at least have a few homemade lunches. After putting everything away, she returned to her book, and sat in the living room.

An hour later, it was almost midnight, and Draco still hadn't returned. She told herself not to worry, but inside, she couldn't help but wonder what kept him away.

Still reading, she found it harder and harder to concentrate after time went by, whether from worry or tiredness, but didn't want to go to bed. It was now 1:15 and he had left at 6:30. Where could he be?

Fifteen more minutes passed, and she heard the door unlocking. He walked in, drunk.

"What're you doing here?" he slurred.

"Where were you? I was worried?"

"You were worried about me? How cute." Even drunk, he was arrogant. "Why'd you have to wait. What's the problem?

"I'm just going to bed." She just wanted to get away now, but before she could, he tripped over his own feet and fell onto the floor.

"Ugh!" He yelled. She was pretty sure his nose was bleeding and she couldn't leave now. She bent over to help him, but he shouted, "Don't touch me, bitch!"

At this, she backed away, unsure of what to do. He got himself to a sitting position, and she went to the kitchen and got him some water. She signed, putting it on the table, and went to her room. As long as he didn't go anywhere, all should be fine.

.

The next day, she woke up and found him in the kitchen. The glass she had left for him was gone, and he seemed hungover, but ok.

"About last night," he started, "I didn't mean to drink as much as I did, and don't remember much of what happened, but sorry for anything I said."

"Well next time before you do that, let me know please."

"I don't think I'll be drinking that much for a while. Don't worry." He paused. "Did I do anything or say anything bad?"

"Well you did call me a bitch," she responded with a snap, staring him in the eyes.

"Oh, god, I'm sorry. I was just a mess last night. It won't happen again… I promise, really."

She felt a little better but was still bothered. He continued, "we have a few places to talk with first, but don't think I forgot about getting your dress."

Well she had hoped, but it seemed like there was no escaping it.

.

After Draco had gotten some more sleep, they began contacting more suppliers. She ordered the non magical products and ones that were simpler, and he got the ones that required connections. He was amazed to watch her on the phone with distributors, and often she caught him staring.

After some time, she was ready for a break, so she got ready to go shopping. When she came back, he was standing at the door. "Ready?" he asked.

"You're coming with me? I didn't realize…"

"Of course. You didn't think I trusted you to do this alone, did you?"

"Well I…"

"I know what's expected here. Don't worry."

"Ok," she responded, rather nervously. And off they went.

They apparated to a place he had in mind. It was one of those places that had mannequins in floor length gowns all over, and Hermione had no idea where to start. Draco called a store worker over, and gave her a few requirements for the gown, so after a few minutes, she had a large selection of dresses for Hermione to try on.

Draco sat in the waiting room and worked on paperwork while she tried them on. The first was a tea length navy blue dress with lace up to her collar. It looked gorgeous, but when she stepped out to show Draco, he shook his head and sent her back in. The second was a red boat neck dress with a fit and flare shape. It wasn't her style, but she thought he would like it.

Of course he didn't, so he sent her back in. When she tried to take it off, the zipper got stuck. She didn't know what to do, and kept struggling to get it past her shoulder blades. After a minute of hearing her struggling, Draco knocked on the door. After telling him that she was stuck, he told her to open the door. He laughed, but tried to hide it, and helped her unzip. She could feel his hand gliding down her back. She had to stop herself from making a sound as he reached the small of her back. After it was unzipped, she held the dress up, and he walked out, but the smile stayed on his face.

Next, she tried a black, floor length dress with a strappy neckline and an open back. It was more form fitting than she liked, but when she stepped out, he smiled.

He called the store clerk over, who hemmed it in a second, and that was it. She wasn't sure if she loved it, but it was a free dress, and no one else that she knew would see her in it. She did not know how much it cost and was too afraid to ask. They Malfoys were a tasteful people. They made their way back to the room and it was 3:00. After some leftovers (he was impressed again with her cooking) and more work, they called it a night.

…

More of a filler, but I really liked the development between the two of them. As always, keep the reviews flowing! I love all your comments, and they really make writing easier. Enjoy the holidays, and the next chapter will come soon.