第13章

Chapter? Very long. You? Grab a snack. Hotel? Trivago.

It was late afternoon on Sunday when Luna made it back to the campus, hauling back a bag of plushies and décor items that had been sitting cumbersomely in her aunt's spare room. It had been an enjoyable two nights in her aunt's cozy duplex, swamped as ever with plants and books and jars and antiques and the constant anxiety not to send anything toppling to the floor. Cassandra Lovegood was an archeologist, and her boxes of tools and souvenirs occupied every room like maze walls, some deployed to block the cat from accessing her treasured display cabinet in the living room. When she'd just arrived, they'd settled in the small veranda with fairy lights and oriental couches and pillows, Luna's favorite part of the house. Behind the smile he'd plastered on for her sake, her father looked more tired and downtrodden than she'd ever seen him. It had pleased her immensely to see his expression brighten when she surprised him with her new job. He'd been so proud, insisting that she was the bright light of his life, just like her mother before her. Luna never failed to tear up when compared to her mother. There had been something magical about their evening, sitting around a hot chocolate with her aunt wrapped in an Iranian shawl she'd gleaned from one of her expeditions, leaning against the open veranda door where the night winked with stars, a little smile on her face. She'd advised her to give it her best shot and be attentive to the needs of her generous new boss.

Throughout her train ride, Luna had contemplated messaging Draco, but the question of what to say simply stumped her, so as soon as Phil, her father, went to bed—it was well past midnight and he'd been dozing on and off beside her—she buttonholed her aunt.

'Aunt Cassandra, what do you think of marriage?'

'Oh, the sudden thing!' Cassandra raised a shapely eyebrow, rubbing her arms as though splashed by the topic. 'Is it on your mind, darling?' She moved to replace Phil at Luna's side, her red-painted, ringed toes resting against the beaded Moroccan carpet. She curled a hand around Luna's arm, her voice barely above a whisper, yet somehow magnified by the night. 'No…' She studied Luna's face closely, before simpering suggestively, 'did someone propose to you in your new rich people school? So impossibly soon?'

'Yes,' Luna whispered also, cultivating the mysterious atmosphere that draped around them like a comfortable dream.

'By Golly, that's got to be a record for something!'

'It's my new boss.'

'So it gets better…!' Cassandra gasped, 'Well, what did he tell you?'

'That he would give me time to think about it, and if I said yes, that he would see my father.'

'See Phil? Why my poor brother won't know what hit him! My, all this in your first week? Luna, are you sure you're not bantering?'

'I promise you, I am not. He knew me from my YouTube channel,'

'Oh, the one for relaxing people?'

Luna nodded. 'I never said who I was. Isn't it odd? It's a very small channel, I wonder how someone so busy could have come across it…'

'So the plot thickens! The start of a romance novel, dear, is what I'm hearing.'

'It's nothing like that…'

'What's his name again?'

'Draco Malfoy.'

'D-r-a-c-o…,' Cassandra typed on her phone, 'oh here it is, Malfoy right? the full name is showing up in the suggestion. That famous hmm?'

Luna held her breath, remembering that her aunt was likely to stumble upon unsavory scandals attached to the name. She braced herself for a cry of indignation. To her surprise, Cassandra's smile widened.

'My oh my! Someone's been sculpted in heaven, I see.' She grinned. 'Say, does he have an unmarried uncle?'

Luna peered at her aunt's phone. As she moved away from the portrait image, Luna was relieved to see that the Floo search results were entirely scandal-free, which was a surprise considering the fresh scandals from less than a week ago, on her first day at Hogwarts. Those seemed traceless now.

'Call him over.' Her aunt said with a gesture that was negligently royal. 'I'll throw in a good word for him before he comes for Phil.'

'You're not surprised that he asked me?'

'Why would I be? You obviously caught his attention, he did hire you, didn't he?'

'That's not…'

'Goodness, he's a machine! Look at this resume, he's barely twenty!'

'Aunt Cassandra, didn't you use to reject the idea of marriage?'

'Yes well that's me, that's just me, darling. I wouldn't want to suspend your happiness for the world.'

'He's a stranger.'

'You like him.'

'How can you tell?'

'Your face, love. That's one secret I have no need to dig up, per se, I can tell.'

'What if he wants a wife for show?'

'Ask him, let him make his intentions clear. Did he give you the chance to ask?'

'He gave me his number and told me he'd answer my questions. He told me the ball was in my court.'

'Well, so it is. Ask away, darling. You know…you shouldn't let good things slip away, my love, I know what regret feels like. It's not fun.'

'Aunt Cassandra…you…?'

'Yes well that's a story for another day.' She quickly dismissed, 'What are you afraid of, sweetie? If he's not right for you, then it won't click. Trust your natural instinct, it won't lead you astray.'

'I am afraid,' Luna avowed. 'Men are a different world away, I've never been around any, except my father, but he doesn't count. I don't know what to do…'

'And you think it will bother him so terribly, that you are inexperienced? Men have an existential need to be the absolute center of their women's world, it does a thing for their ego. And what do you know, he's still very young, he could be inexperienced as well!'

'I don't know,' Luna pouted. 'How should I go about it?'

'It's simple, Luna. Ask about his terms. You asked me what I think about marriage, I'd say that it takes two to make it work. But before you step into it, you must make sure you are on the same page, agreeing to the same terms. You'll build your relationship from there. You're a smart girl,' she brushed her hair, 'you'll figure it out just fine.'

'I don't know. I never imagined this could happen to me, Aunt Cassandra.'

'Well, certain things come easy. Good things, fated things. Clean and clear-cut, no twisting around about them. The question is, Luna, are you ready for marriage? Do you want a family of your own?'

'I do love children dearly,' Luna said, 'but am I ready? I cannot say.'

'If he's the right person for you, you will be. There, darling, take it easy now.' She kissed her forehead. 'Don't stress. If it clicks, it'll all go so smoothly you won't have time to feel any agitation or be startled away, on the contrary. You'll look forward to every step. Trust your instinct, Luna.'

Luna had gone to bed mulling her aunt's words deeply. They made sense. It was time she and Draco had a chat about his vision of marriage; of course, she would refuse if it clashed with hers, the last thing she wanted was to be a fake wife, a business acquisition for risk and reputation management. Although she could refuse him, it wouldn't be fair to do so without listening to him first, as per her aunt's suggestion. Whatever his intention was, Luna believed he wouldn't shy away from being explicit to her about it, he was secure in his decisions and she never saw a shred of doubt in his eyes.

By the end of her sojourn, thanks to a synchronized diversion plan—and her father's natural distractibility—her aunt had helped her sneak her things out unbeknownst to him before loading them in her car and driving her to the train station. Overall, she was grateful for her time with her father and aunt, and a large share of her gratitude was directed at Draco Malfoy. Luna didn't want to be in his debt; she intended to outdo herself with her new job.

She was crossing the green lawn in the company of her own thoughts when a familiar voice called her name.

Leo Cavarpin jogged down the running track toward her. 'Oi, classmate!' He pulled down his neck gaiter and smiled. He eyed her load. 'Moving in your stuff?'

'Yes,' she smiled back politely. 'Exercising?'

'Yeah, just running a few laps with my boxing team.'

'Art and boxing,' she acknowledged, 'what a refreshing combination.'

'The best of both worlds am I right?' He grinned.

'Oh yes. Sports are discipline, art is creativity. It is a lovely balance.'

'Exactly,' Cavarpin pointed at a brawny man with a pair of boxing gloves hanging around his neck. 'That's Krum, a.k.a The Goat. Already won the international championship twice. Since he started coaching at Hogwarts I decided to transfer here. Fees aren't a breeze but I manage, it's been worth my while so far. Do you practice any sports?'

'I've done Karate for six years untl nine.'

'Oh, a black belt then?'

'I suppose, we were trained in the fields and our instructor didn't really offer belts, it wasn't very formal.'

'Now I'm intrigued. You haven't joined a club yet, have you?'

Luna shook her head.

'Why don't you give boxing a try? I know you do some in karate, so it won't be all too new.'

'Oh, I don't know. I'm a bit rusty.'

'You could come for a trial.'

'I could,' Luna smiled.

He paused, watching her for a moment.

'Luna, can we talk about something?'

'What is it?'

'Well, er, I've seen the picture someone put up on the uni blog, and I'm obviously not assuming anything, I just wanted to warn you about, you know, that guy.'

'Blog? Warn me?' Luna furrowed her brows, 'I'm sorry, I don't follow.'

'You haven't seen it then?' Cavarpin slid out his phone and gave his screen a few swipes before turning it toward her. 'Someone took a picture of you.'

Luna recognized Draco and her exiting through the automatic doors of the astronomy tower.

'But…why would someone take a picture...?' She wondered. 'I don't see anything picture-worthy, I'm sure. Except perhaps Draco…'

'Oh you've been spotted too.' He flipped at the screen and showed her a second picture. 'This is you in the library.'

Luna frowned. It had been taken on her first (and last) library shift.

'I don't understand. Why?'

Cavarpin shrugged.

'Because pretty.'

Luna remained mum, entirely unsure what to say.

'That guy's never been publicly spotted with a girl around here, so people are talking. There are bad rumors around him, though.'

'Rumors are not always trustworthy, Leo. I've always been called something or the other myself, without necessarily recognizing myself in people's opinions, you see.'

'Don't be fooled, Luna. They're definitely trustworthy when it comes to him. Granted, he keeps his shady practices outside of campus, but if he's trying to make you the exception, I won't let him off the hook.'

Luna shook her head. 'It's kind of you to worry about me, but there's nothing to warrant it. I was never fooled, I assure you.'

'So you know he's no good?'

'No, I've no reason know that.'

'Luna, I don't want to see you get hurt. You're new around here, you don't know the codes yet. I can protect you.' He reached for her shoulder, and she fished inside her bag simultaneously, so whetted were here reflexes that it appeared purely coincidental, not a willful dodge of his hand. She produced a small box of mints and offered him one.

'You're most kind, Leo, but I assure you there is nothing to worry about.'

'Please, Luna, don't believe those fangirls who create romantic fantasies around him. Men like him have those sleek pretenses fronting, but behind the scenes they are just out of control.'

'Hmm…I think you ought to run another lap, Leo, your brain has gone all fuzzy with negative energy.'

'I…,' he chuckled. 'You're something else. You're right, though, The Loch Ness Krumster'll probably kick my behind later for chattering instead of exercising.'

'Good luck with your training,' she waved, teleporting away with the breeze. Leo pulled his neck gaiter back up, covering a smile.

暂停

True to his word, Dobbs waited for her at the campus drive the next Monday at 1p.m. He was as conversational and affable as she remembered, and Luna was rather embarrassed to be taking him up on his services so undeservedly. She negotiated coming back by taxi, but he wouldn't have it. He wished her a good day and she exited the car, observing the lofty, pointed building in front of her, Malfoy Motors encrusted into a high ledge in clear silver.

Taking a deep breath, she crossed the huge lobby, gaping at the sculptures melting down the ceiling, wreathing around a massive chandelier while important-looking men and women passed her by unperturbed by the striking architecture. She could see her reflection on the dark marble flooring as she waited for the receptionist to type her name on the system.

'Miss Lovegood, Office 303. Mr. Quinn is expecting you.'

Feeling slightly out of place in the hubbub of stark black and steel and millimetric precision seeming to imbue the airy space, she stepped into a spacious elevator laminated in silver and green and exited on the third floor. A few corridors later, she came across the right room.

Mr. Quinn was waiting for her in a meeting room, his team at the ready. He impressed on Luna as a curious personage. With a curled smile etched on his seemingly frozen face, he bore a vague resemblance to the motley fool from the Italian Commedia dell'arte.

'Miss Luna, we've exchanged via email this weekend. Thank you for sending your portfolio, the team has gotten well acquainted with it.'

'Of course, thank you.' Luna bowed.

He smiled, or had he? It was hard to tell, his face was entirely enigmatic.

'Let's get straight to business, shall we? I was thinking we could go over your proposal in more detail and come up with a working plan today. How does that sound?'

'Great,' Luna smiled.

'Good, I see you are motivated, that's a job half-done!'

He introduced her to the PR team, naming the members who would be working directly with her henceforth. Luna couldn't believe she was going to creatively direct such an impressive score of people.

They spent the afternoon picking at her ideas and their feasibility in three months, and discussing the art theme that would animate the convention. They decided to associate each car model out for the year with a natural scene in large statement pieces that would crown the convention, bleeding the idea of motion into something that was taking place in continuity with nature, not as a break from it. Luna quickly realized the scale of the task at hand, but it reassured her that she had three months, and she certainly wasn't alone: the team was rather cohesive, with many young people brining in fresh points of view to counterbalance the occasional rigidity of older team members, just as the older team members' experience counterbalanced overly frivolous ideas of the younger minds around the table. It seemed that nobody was thrown off by Luna's own youth; perhaps it was as Dobbs said, and they had gotten used to Draco's unconventional hiring patterns.

Mr. Quinn printed the program and slid it inside a clipboard. He handed it to Luna. 'Here, since you're our artist this year, I'll let you deliver this to Mr. Malfoy for approval.' He looked at his watch. 'He should be back from the airport any moment, now. It would be great to have his opinion before the day is over so that we can move on.'

'Understood,' Luna nodded, holding the clipboard to her chest, she realized she had no idea where the CEO office was. She turned around a corner and nearly butted into someone. It was an elder woman, perhaps in her early thirties, doe-eyed and curvaceous, with thick brown hair spilling down her creamy off-white ensemble in defined waves. A natural beauty; Luna immediately admired her. The woman returned Luna's surprised interest with a self-assured smile.

'Can I help you?'

'I'm looking for the CEO office, if you could please show me the way?'

'Oh, you're new around here, aren't you? Something to deliver?'

Luna nodded.

'Here, I'll take it to him for you.' She stretched her arm, gleaming jewels sliding down her wrist.

'That's very kind but I need to go myself, as I'd like to have his verdict before the end of the day.'

'Oh,' the woman primed her lips. 'He's not back yet, you know.'

'I can wait.'

'Fine.' She brushed back her hair, giving her a quick onceover. 'You're cute. Come, I'll show you.'

'Thank you,' Luna followed her inside the nearest elevator.

'So, what's your job here?'

'I'm helping out with the ad campaign,' Luna said.

'That's rather vague. What do you do, precisely?'

'I'm in charge of the artistic vision.'

'You're not an intern?' The woman shrugged. 'You looked like one to me, no offense. You're rather young for such an important job. Then again Draco Malfoy likes breaking a few codes, doesn't he?'

'I couldn't say, I'm just grateful for this chance.'

'I'm sure you are. I'm Elvira Greengrass, Financial Advisor.'

'Oh, are you by chance from the Greengrass family that awards art projects each year?'

'Just the one,' the woman said.

'How nice! I won last year's award, you see. It has opened great opportunities for me.'

'Oh, yes, I see. A little prodigy, aren't you? They don't come as young as you, usually. Belated congratulations.'

They exited at the penultimate floor. She lead her to a wooden double door.

'I'll wait with you, I wanted to see him too.'

'All right.'

She opened the door and Luna stepped inside first at the woman's gesture. She looked around slowly. It was more spacious than her old house. The setting sun carpeted the dark tiles behind motorized blinds reaching halfway down a row of casement windows. She glided toward the center of the room, admiring the paintings and the car sculptures scattered around. The clipboard slid of its own accord against the buttery smooth desktop.

She sat patiently in the smart, leathery lounging area. Elvira's voice tolled at the entrance.

'Mr. Malfoy, good to have you back.' Her voice was silkier than the one she'd used with her, Luna noted, or perhaps it was a mere impression? 'So, how was Budapest and Rome, closed the deals?'

'Yes,' came Draco's voice, instigating an anticipatory pulse in Luna's throat.

'I trust MM will be making a good return.' Elvira said. 'You must be tired. Dinner to celebrate? Let me treat you. Just you and me.'

Luna stiffened on the spot.

'We could go to that nice new five star hotel, they make excellent scallops.' Elvira continued, dragging her voice, 'What do you say?'

'Save your bedroom eyes for someone else, Greengrass.'

'Come, you can't resist me for long. I know you're not the untouchable saint you pretend to be.'

'You won't be there to tell, Greengrass. You're decent at your job, and I respect your father, but don't push your luck. Close the door behind you.'

'A little blonde's been waiting for you.'

Luna stood up in a flash, nearly stumbling back when Draco materialized inside the room in his black dress shirt and grey tie, suit jacket slung across his forearm, fair hair brushed back save for the rebellious locks screening his eyes. Luna stilled, her fingers lacing together, her eyes latching onto his the space of a suspended breath. In less than a second, Draco had absorbed her presence in his office, hair done up with a white hairpin, a white silk and lace skirt brushing down her ankles, and a pale blue blouse matching her eyes.

'Yes?' He began, his tone betraying nothing more than the pleasant timber of his voice.

'Well, Mr. Quinn suggested I deliver to you the general outline so that—with your approval—we can start tomorrow,' Luna explained, pointing vaguely across the room, 'it's on your desk. But if you don't have time I,' she pushed a loose strand behind her ear with a nervous hand, she didn't want to stay there anymore, 'I'll take my leave.'

As she made for the door, she looked to the elder woman without meaning to. Tall, ripe, womanly. Luna had never experienced this feeling before; it was an insidious, disagreeable feeling. It wasn't like her. She wanted to leave quickly. Draco walled the way, posted at the entrance, blocking her. Luna looked up at him.

'Stay,' he ordered. He turned to Greengrass. 'I want you to process the files I sent you before tomorrow's seminar.'

'You always find a way to get me busy at night, Mr. Malfoy.'

Greengrass left. Draco sighed, focusing on Luna. Suddenly, Luna felt all the intimidation of the moment overtake her. She became aware of how much taller he was, of how big his office was, of how she had no idea what to say.

Thankfully, she wasn't asked to speak. Without a word, Draco crossed the room and grabbed the clipboard from his desk. He began looking through it.

She waited, frowning lightly at the disagreeable feeling swirling in her chest.

'Luna,' he called.

'Er, yes?'

'Where's the schedule?'

'If you're okay with this plan, we can make a provisional one tomorrow.'

'I want it by seven.'

'All right.'

He checked his watch. 'It's half past seven. You can leave.'

'Is the program all right?'

'Yes. It's all right.'

Luna nodded. Her hands knotted together again.

'You look uncomfortable.' He said lowly, measuring her. 'Why?'

'Nothing…worth mentioning.'

'Is it Greengrass?'

Luna began to protest, gave up, and nodded.

Draco sighed.

'It's not true, Luna.' He said, his voice firm with finality. 'None of it.'

Luna drew in a sharp breath at his sudden avowal. She hadn't expected it. She hadn't expected the pleasure it would bring her either. She watched the hard arch of his shoulder as he turned away from her, giving the clipboard a final perfunctory look.

Luna took out her phone and began to type.

Draco slid out his own upon feeling it vibrate in his pocket.

Unknown (7:34) Can we talk?

He looked sideways at her, and she waved her phone, cute charms jingling.

He crossed the room to where she stood. He used the edge of the clipboard to lift up her chin, aligning her eyes with his. The pressure was feathery, nearly absent, but her throat felt strained, her stomach coming alive with strange, ticklish sensations as his eyes bored down into hers.

'Did you just text me?' He asked.

'Yes.'

'That's called an opening, Luna.'

'Oh.' Her lips slackened, drawing Draco's immediate attention. 'When do you have time?'

He tore his eyes away and back to hers.

'I am hosting an important seminar tomorrow and I don't expect your sleeping habits to be on par with mine tonight.'

'I can wait for you at Hogwarts.'

'No, little girl, get your sleep. Tomorrow night, here. All right?'

'All right,' Luna smiled, tilting her head slightly so that her cheek brushed the board in a cute, sleepy manner, like a kitten rolling on its whisker. The innocent spontaneity of her gesture hit Draco hard. He released a quick, discrete breath. She was driving him mad without even trying.

'Tired?' he said softly, barely recognizing his own voice.

'Only a little. You're more tired.'

'Burning the candle at both ends, Luna.' Draco wished he could bury his face in her hair and vent to her, feel her tiny hands on him, brushing away his stress and worry.

'Otsukaresama desu.'

'What's that?'

'In Japanese culture, it is said to acknowledge that someone has worked hard.' She smiled. 'I lived in Japan the first half of my life,' she clarified.

'I've heard.' Draco retrieved the clipboard, as though releasing his hold on her by proxy. 'It's getting dark. Did you call a taxi?'

'No, your butler William—'

'William,' Draco raised an eyebrow, 'wow, the lost name returns.'

'Do you prefer Dobbs?'

Draco shook his head as though it didn't matter to him either way, his teeth peeking out behind a slow smile. Luna secretly committed the scenic sight to her memory in the same folder she stored art.

'What about him?' He asked.

'Well, he kindly and rigorously insists on driving me from and back to campus. I'm not sure how to decline.'

'Don't decline. It works for a temporary arrangement.'

'Are you sure?'

Yes, he was sure. He intended to take over as soon as she was under his care. Or perhaps the question was if she was?

'Is he spilling the beans about me?'

'Er…slowly…'

'But surely…?'

Luna laughed.

'He cherishes you.'

'He and Nina practically raised me.' Luna watched his expression with captivated curiosity; it was a most gratifying experience, like being told secrets but in silence, like being trusted, like he was baring himself to her for a split second. The ring of his phone punctured her bubble.

'Speak of the devil and he doth appear…' he answered, 'yes Dobbs. She is. Understood.'

He looked at Luna.

'Your chauffeur awaits.'

'Okay. I'll be going first, then. Good luck. Bye bye.'

'Good night.'

'You too.' As she backed away, Luna nearly tripped on the pot of a large plant. Draco caught her elbow. His eyes danced with mischief. 'Right now I'd rather you fall for me figuratively than literally, Luna.'

Luna swallowed with difficulty, unable to formulate a coherent response. He released her as soon as she steadied herself. As she stepped away toward the door with a little bow, he stood back leisurely, hands in his pockets, watching her leave with a little wave his way, door closing behind her in a soft click.

No, it was not an if.

It was a when.

Whatever it takes, Draco vowed to himself, her perfume lingering around him. He saw it in her eyes. She would be his, soon.

Slow, he reminded himself, loosening his tie.