第10章

Orange and purple streaks stained the clear sky as the sun, a cold pinprick of light behind thin drapes of cloud, arched toward the horizon. The autumnal air hung crisply on the astronomy tower's roof. The overlooked campus spread down below like an unfurled map. The gymnasium and swimming pool complex; a discernible glassy half-sphere, mirrored the sky's palette. Draco leaned against the railing, watching his phone screen light up with a sudden slew of business emails. One was from his assistant asking him to confirm the venue of the annual senior managers meeting due in two weeks. It was the meeting where he intended to present his vision for Malfoy Motors, and, if all went smoothly, make an announcement of a more personal order…he looked sideward at the fairy-blonde whose little mouth, partially hidden by her woolen scarf, now curled up in a smile.

'Busy day?' she asked amicably, the sweet lilt of her voice drawing a mindless sigh from his lips. Stowing his phone in his back pocket, Draco took the time to watch her through breeze-swept hair, the steely light of his eyes locking target on her face with flustering intensity. Luna's hands fidgeted with the tassels of her coat as her questioning thoughts occupied the silence. The delicious color diffusing through her cheeks and along the bridge of her nose was not lost on him.

'Yes,' he drawled.

'I'll do my best not to keep you,' she said, 'I'm sure you would like to get some rest.'

Draco raised an eyebrow, face impassive. Never mind that his mind was brewing comebacks about the idea of her keeping him.

'Trying to win points for worrying about me?' He folded his arms across his chest, straining to curb the disorienting need she stirred in him.

'Win…points?' She repeated slowly, weighing his words, before shaking her head good-naturedly. 'Isn't it natural to worry about others, strangers as they may be?' He fell silent once again, his head canted to the side, appraising her. She paused to study him back; the familiar titillation of wanting to sketch tingled along her fingers. She acknowledged the invitation for art that spoke through him, a man with secrets dancing in his eyes, filling his suit like an implacable truth, something formed by compasses of precision, brushstrokes that begged to be put to paper. It wasn't her usual interest, too; Luna was not a portraitist. She considered herself a "nargle": a nature artist representing genuine life energy. She contained the energy of what she saw, and Draco Malfoy exuded the same humbling wistfulness that drew her to still-life scenes. She allowed herself the time to word her thoughts carefully before speaking. 'I know how important it is to feel grounded, to recharge,' she said, 'one depends on it. You seem so busy—'

'Because I am,' Draco said, no inkling on his face of the effect her very presence was having on him. He intended to address her as her interviewer, no corners cut. The way Draco liked to lead his interviews was provocative, demanding, calculating at best and brazenly dismissive at worst. He didn't have time for less than perfect. Business and private didn't mix.

'Do you have an issue with being busy, Luna? It comes with the job you're currently applying for.'

'No, not at all,' Luna waved her small hands in negation, 'working hard is…where I come from it is very much valued. I am also grateful that you are taking the time to listen to my proposal. Do not hesitate to tell me right away if my idea does not speak to what you have in mind.'

'Let me hear it, Luna.'

In the back of her mind, Luna was struck by the present command of his voice in contrast with the tone he'd used to tease her last night. It was neutral, unassailable now, as though demanding she proved to him that she was not wasting his time.

Yosh. All right.

Luna held herself a little more upright and spoke calmly.

'I liked reading your brochure,' she began. 'I had never read something like it before.'

'What's the main idea?'

'You want to make MM a, I quote, bringer of change in the automobile industry. However you do say that it will be a challenge.'

'Change,' Draco said, 'is something investors who like business as usual are reluctant about. Let's cut to the chase, how do you plan to advertise to them?'

'Oh, I suppose more investors will invest when they see that more people want to buy MM cars. Do you mind if I start from there?'

'You're bringing my question back to the finality; the consumer,' Draco said, 'sure, but can you back it up?'

Luna nodded. 'Yes, if you'll allow me.' She was composed, her voice airy. Draco relaxed, enjoying every second. 'I thought you could host an international convention on the theme of capturing motion in nature. You want to change the conventional relationship between the concept of a car and how it uses energy. An international convention would make this idea reach the consumers worldwide. I would be very pleased to create the art around it.'

'I see. You're proposing experiential marketing in place of an ad campaign.'

'Won't it generate free publicity all the same? It is, after all, new.'

'Experiential marketing has always been used with cars in one way or another, expositions, drive tests, all that jazz,' Draco said, his satisfaction deploying just beneath the surface. This interview was over before it began. His hunch had been correct. 'How is it new?'

'The idea is new enough to become an international movement.' Luna said seriously, echoing his own vision. Heaven, she was perfect. 'And those are usually never started by business but by people who would like business to change. If you reverse this pattern, people who want to reduce their carbon footprint will turn to Malfoy Motors, I believe there will be many, and the competition will have to follow suit.'

'First-mover advantage?' He suggested.

'Ah yes,' Luna agreed, recognizing the term from the business class she'd taken for extra-credit back in high school. The rest of her business background came from helping her father with The Quibbler. 'If you decide to sponsor scientists and invite speakers at the convention, you will show that the brand cares more about real advancement than it does about making the cars look pretty in a commercial.'

Draco had refused most of the proposals upon first glance for this very reason. He didn't just want to make his cars look pretty in a commercial. Luna had actually read his brochure thoroughly, dissecting the meanings, unlike many so-called professionals. She had that thing he remembered from her review of his debut novel. Now, he was the one with the thing for her.

'You go deep into my idea, when the job you're applying for is purely artistic. Hmm—' a quizzical rumble sounded in his throat, 'how come?'

'In the short time I had, I decided to focus on understanding your idea, because my art needs an idea to revolve around, something to capture, you see…'she tittered. 'If it was a normal car commercial I think I would be entirely inadequate.'

Draco quieted, absorbing the melodic sound of her laughter. He pushed himself off the railing and walked up to her. His hand rose to touch her scarf; enclosing the soft material between his thumb and the length of his forefinger he tugged down lightly, tucking it under her chin, baring her mouth to the cool air and his appreciative eyes. Her cute, rosebud lips parted in astonishment.

'That,' he said softly, Her pulse immediately picked up at the change in his attitude. For a suspended moment, she was entranced by his eyes, marveling at how beautiful they were, 'is why you're adequate, Luna.'

A thrilling rush surged through her, taking her by surprise.

What did he mean? Was he accepting her idea? How could that be, she hadn't even showed him her art yet…!

Moshikashite…Could it be…Am I being teased?

Draco watched the sky reflect in the blue sapphire of her eyes. A barely-there smile flitted on his lips.

'Come along,' he said, moving away to push the fire exit open for her. She slipped in obligingly, coming face to face with the elevator.

'Where…?' Luna asked, following him inside the lift.

'Library.'

'Oh,' Luna checked her wristwatch. 'My shift only begins in thirty minutes.'

'I know.' He pressed the floor button and Luna watched the elevator slide shut, a nervous flutter settling in the pit of her stomach. Draco looked over his shoulder at her. A little frown was clouding up her usually serene eyes, one rosy cheek bloated, pink lips now pursed in a thoughtful pout. He was glad he had tugged down the woolen thing out of the way, or he would be missing out on the ridiculously adorable expression she was unknowingly treating him to. He scoffed inwardly at himself, shifting his eyes to the opening gates. He had it worse than he'd imagined, and he wasn't sure what to make of that yet.

They exited the tower through the automatic sliding door and made for the castle, just round the corner. After replaying the interview in her mind, Luna had now reached her conclusion. Rejection, she understood, was his final decision concerning her proposal. It was civil of him, she thought, to walk her back with the rejection only implied rather than plainly voiced. He had also called her adequate; it may have been in jest, but judging by her own inexplicably uplifted reaction, that must have been the encouragement she needed. It was a word people didn't associate with her. It was a word she had missed for a long time. Being adequate meant belonging somewhere. How nice that would be. Yes, this was a great encouragement.

Watching him as he lead the way, paying little attention to the whispers and pointing fingers flung at her, she decided that she wouldn't ask him about his decision, which she had already guessed. He must have assumed that she would, and be smart enough not to press the topic further. That was all right, of course. She couldn't however help the twinge of disappointment. His brochure was not only beautifully written, it had made her truly believe in his project and want to help illustrate it to life. Suddenly becoming aware of the female attention directed his way as they climbed the staircase and made for the library, Luna felt the gap of their difference materialize clearly. Like a constellation, he really was a sky away. He was from a different world, talented and desirable. He could have anyone he wanted, both as an employer and as a man. His rejection made sense to her. She still had such a long way to go before she could reach for the stars.

'Draco!' Rowena arched a dark eyebrow in perfect surprise and a budding smile lit up her face, 'why, I haven't seen you since Cissy's birthday! Look at that, I see you've met my new recruit! Did you catch each other at the constellation show?'

Luna nodded, looking between Draco and Rowena with stark curiosity on her face. They seemed to know each other very well.

'Rowena, I've a favor to ask of you.' Draco said, 'I know you've hired Luna to work for you in the afternoons, but I need you to cancel her shifts starting tonight.'

'I'm sorry…?' Luna uttered in confusion.

Rowena calculated him with expert eyes before rising gracefully from her desk, her thin fingers splayed on the dark surface.

'Excuse you, Draco. I've found a lovely help at the reception and you come here asking to sweep her away on her second day?' Rowena said smoothly in her rich, low voice, her little smile belying the complaint. She gave a pointed look to Luna; who wagged her hand in denial. 'Of course,' Rowena continued, returning her accusatory glare to Draco, 'you know I can't deny you anything. So you use my soft spot for you to your advantage. You've done so since you were this high.' She lifted her flat palm to her middle. 'I am appalled.'

'No you're not,' he smiled.

'There!' She nodded accusatorily, 'You know my weakness and you use it well.' Luna watched Rowena's eyes turn misty. A sad aura wreathed around her like a grey halo and her taut, impeccable shoulders dropped a little. 'The lilies. That was you, wasn't it?'

Luna now turned her attention to Draco, whose eyes darkened in turn. She was both entirely addled and thoroughly captivated by the whole conversation.

'Thank you,' Rowena smiled, 'I admit that I teared up a little, seeing that you'd left him a birthday gift,' she quickly brushed a tear from her thick black lashes. 'Salazar loved your company. I'm glad you still take the time to see him. I know how hard-pressed you are.'

'Rowena,' Draco said, 'I'm taking her.'

'Fine,' Rowena sniffed in her handkerchief, promptly rearranging her hair in neat ringlets around her face. 'I'll put up another announcement for now. I won't pry and ask what design you have on the pretty girl…though I have heard interesting information from your mother and cannot help but wonder if a link needs be made,' she focused on the blonde, who blinked up uncomprehendingly, 'I am already biased in your favor since you humored my endless ramblings the past couple of days, and I can tell you're a sharp one.'

'I don't understand,' Luna said. 'Why are my shifts being cancelled?'

'I suppose he will give you a better answer than I. But I'm glad I had the chance to meet you first, as I am now on your team, my sweet. If he displeases you, let me know, I will discipline him.'

'She can defend herself,' Draco remarked, remembering her vice-grip on the muckraker.

'I see. You've met your match, Draco,' Rowena smiled. 'And I rather like that it is me you come to first, one does feel like a lost crossroad of destiny in this quaint little room at the back of this age-old library.' She twisted glass balls absently between her fingers, 'Does your mother know? Oh, what am I saying, Luna doesn't seem to know herself. I suggest you start there, yes?'

'With your benediction,' Draco said, opening the door. He beckoned to Luna, who followed him outside the office. The narrow, wainscoting paneled corridor was dark and hazy, and Luna leaned back on the wall, hands pressed behind her back. Draco stood by the opposite wall, surveying her, his eyes magnified by the weak lighting.

'Why did you ask Madam Ravenclaw to cancel my shifts, Draco?'

'You don't need a side-hustle while you work for me, Luna.'

'Work…for you?'

'Yes. For the next three months.'

'Uso…(No way)' she blurted in Japanese, her hand rising to cover her mouth. 'But I thought you didn't like my idea…?'

'On the contrary,' Draco said, reveling in the picture she made, wrapped in wool, looking up at him with swirling confusion in her pretty eyes.

'I didn't show you my art yet,' she said in a small voice, her heart now beating loudly in her thoracic cage.

'I've seen your art.'

'The Greengrass Award website?'

'Not exclusively. I've seen more elsewhere.'

'That's not…the only other place...' she looked up at him, both hands now clamped on her mouth. Understanding washed through her. The last thing he'd said to her last night wasn't a coincidence at all.

'Yes,' he said, confirming her suspicions.

'You recognized me.' She breathed, her voice deserting her.

'You made it easy.'

'I've never seen you name…'

'You mean you'd have remembered it, Luna?'

'Yes,' she answered truthfully, 'it is rather special. You've never left a comment.'

'I'm leaving one now.' He moved closer—not too close—and his hand reached up to capture a tress of her hair, coiling it gently around his finger, enjoying the silky feel under his touch. 'Since you think my name is special, would you like to share it?'

Luna froze, a silent gasp forming on her mouth.

'I don't mean to overwhelm you, Luna,' Draco said carefully, brushing away the quiet tear hanging from her curled lashes. Luna, never noticing that her eyes had welled up from the strong emotions suddenly closing in on her, reached up to dab the stray tears away. 'Hiring you is a strategic move, a separate matter. My personal intention is to skip a whole lot of meanderings I don't have time for and ask you to marry me.'

'You're not teasing me,' Luna murmured, shocked by the truth of her words.

'No. I'm not teasing you.' Draco agreed.

Luna grasped her scarf, her fingers trembling slightly.

'You have been following my channel.'

'I have.'

'You need to get married…'

'I do.'

'Could it be, are you under pressure to do so? I am afraid I don't…even if you watch my videos, which makes me very happy…I don't understand at all. My father is a struggling business owner, you know.'

'It doesn't matter.'

'But you could have anyone you want, why ask me? I haven't been here a full week—'

'I want you.' He said. 'You've ruined me for a large list of heiresses, Luna.'

'I don't know you.' She sniffed.

'I don't mind answering your questions. With your green light, I want to meet your father. I'm not looking to waste my time or yours.'

She shook her head. 'I can't.'

'You can't?'

'I made a promise I can't break.'

'What kind?'

'I promised someone whose memory I cherish with all my heart to stay away from men who collect broken hearts. That person wanted to see me happy and safe, she sacrificed more than I can understand so that I would be. I promised her I would be careful. I don't think that marrying you is careful, Draco.'

'You've been filled in,' He sighed. 'Your self-preservation must be throwing red flags at you right now.'

'It is.' She nodded. 'Like this,' she mimicked firework explosions with her hands, making him smile. He felt Luna shiver under his hand, and realized that it had moved to push her hair behind her ear. Reluctantly, he leaned back on his side of the corridor. He didn't want to have to seduce her through her decision. He wanted her to accept him because she understood, like he did, how compatible they were, how good they would be together. But he had an edge over her; he knew her. She didn't know him. He would have to be patient with her.

'Do you believe the papers about me, Luna?'

'I truly don't know, but the possibility that they are right I cannot disprove.'

'Is that the only qualm you have?'

'I also don't like the world of industrial aristocracy. I don't think I would like to be a wife for show.'

'Good, I don't intend to show you to anyone if I can help it.'

'I can't say yes.'

'Do you want to say no?'

'No,' she admitted. 'I don't.'

Draco nodded. She needed time, there was no getting around that.

'My marriage proposal and your new job on my creative marketing team are separate things.' He said. 'I do not mix personal life and business. You start this Monday, as my employee, so expect to be treated as such. I'll send you the contract tomorrow morning.'

Luna nodded slowly.

'Thank you,' she bowed reflexively. Her heart was slamming wildly in her chest, but she strove for composure. 'I will do my best.'

'Don't make me wait, Luna. You have my number, the ball is in your court.' He picked up his phone, the white light smoothing over his chiseled jawline. 'I'm moving out of campus soon.' He looked at her, ascertaining that she understood. When she nodded, he slipped away, leaving her with her heart and mind in complete disarray.

Would she wake up and realize this was a dream? Otherwise, she wasn't sure her legs could carry her back to her flat.

If you were put in Luna's shoes, would you react differently?

Also, with all this business lingo, if this ff ends up helping you out with your essays...

On a side note, why the heck are Draco and Luna hogging all the talent in the world to themselves? Umm, sorry, *nudges them with the tip of my pen* what about the rest of us? Can't you share? ( ‾́ ◡ ‾́)

Draco be like ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ "(...)"

Luna be like ( ´ ∀ `)ノ* "(anata ni shika dekinai koto kitto arimasu yo)"

*puts translator glasses* : Luna just told you that there is something out there that only can do. (Japanese philosophy)

Dissatisfied all the same? Sign petition below X'D

Lovingly yours, Light.