Weather in London reminds me more of a sunny August day then a windy September day.
Though work practically started in the afternoon, administrative work was operated in the morning. Soon as she arrived, Narcissa showed her around the office.
"Here's the pantry," she said. "Mr. Malfoy has his personal cupboard on the top left and ours are on the right, so be aware of which cupboard you are using."
Hermione nodded.
"Here's your seat," she continued. "Miss Kathleen will gladly help you through your first week, and I shall you in her capable hands."
Immediately after Narcissa went back to her seat, Kathleen stood up and greeted her.
"Kathleen Sinclair, advertising executive, please call me Kath."
"Hermione Granger."
"Don't let Narcissa bother you, she hates every single woman that is younger and prettier than her. Legend has it, no single girls could survive here more than six months."
"What about...you?"
Kath laughed and said,
"Me? No, she soon discovers that he has no interest in me, so she lets me go."
Hermione shuddered at the idea, from Narcissa's appearance, one could hardly believe that she would do anything to eliminate others. But one could never judge a book by its cover, Hermione decided that observation should be done before conclusion.
Her seat was near to Lucius' office, and Narcissa's seat was just right next to the office door. From that angle, Narcissa could see her every moment, which made her nervous. It almost seemed she was monitored every minute when she stayed at her seat. Requesting for a change of seat was not an option she could seek for, apart from the fact that this was only her first day of work, she could not find an appropriate reason that would not alarm Narcissa and Lucius too much.
Suddenly, the office door swung open and Lucius walked out, stood erect and scanned around, then his gaze fell onHermione.
"Ten minutes," he hissed and went back to his room.
Everyone hurried pack up as if a battle was coming.
"What's 'ten minutes'?" asked Hermione.
"Meeting in ten minutes," replied Kath curtly, putting away her documents and taking out a file from her drawer.
"What should I take?"
"Pens and papers," answered Kath and she sprang towards the meeting room, with Hermione followed closely behind.
The meeting room was already filled with staff. Hermione and Kath took the two empty seats at the back. Narcissa was right next to Lucius' seat.
Three quick knocks rang the door and Lucius came in, everyone stood up and bowed before sitting down agin. Lucius began,
"The first thing that all of you might have noticed is our new staff Miss Hermione Granger joins us in te meeting today. She will take up Patricia's work as the manager from today onwards."
Everyone clapped and Hermione nodded her head. Then Lucius continued,
"We have three major events to discuss within these two hours."
"The first things is our annual concert in April," said Narcissa, typing in her laptop. "Would Alexa please briefly introduce our annual spring concert?"
The lady on the left side of the table said,
"Our annual spring concert would be held on Saturday and Sunday, from six to nine in the evening, with two fifteen-minutes intervals."
"The budget?" asked Lucius.
The man in suit next to Alexa stood up and said,
"It projected budget is the same amount as of last year."
"Mr. Malfoy,"said Alexa. "From last year's observation, it appears that the demand of souvenirs is twice of our supply. Shall we increase the amount?"
"Cyrus, I'd like to hear a word from you."
Cyrus was a gentleman about the age of Lucius, his eyes gazed around and cleared his throat, then said,
"Discussion is needed and I will inform you latest by three o'clock."
Lucius nodded and said,
"Hermione, since we need a press release for our annual spring concert, please stay behind after meeting."
"Yes, sir," replied Hermione.
She could feel others staring as her, as though curious about her existence. Narcissa was particularly glaring at her as Lucius moved on to another subject.
The meeting finally came to an end and everyone hurriedly went out of the room. Hermione remained in her seat, licking her lips and nervously staring at Lucius. Narcissa slowly rose from the chair, bowed at him and left. As soon as the door closed, Lucius began,
"I believe you have never been an audience of our annual spring concert, am I correct?"
"Is that not obvious?" asked Hermione, hoping to keep cool.
Lucius grinned, she looked just like her. He stood up and walked behind Hermione, placing his hands on her shoulders and began,
"Our spring concert always starts with advertising in television programme, then we published a press release on our website. People can either book tickets online or walk-in."
Hermione nodded, and she found his fingers slowly sliding downwards to her chest. Feeling uncomfortable, she wiggled, only finding that his breath getting nearer and nearer to her ears.
"Are you available at two next Monday's afternoon?" he asked.
"Huh?" said Hermione, puzzled. The moment she turned her head, her lips faintly touched Lucius's cheek. This made her anxious and she turned back her head, staring at the table.
"We shall have lunch with the television programme producer," said Lucius and he walked away, to her relief. "But first, we will need children."
"Huh?" asked Hermione, even more confused.
"Children to perform in the show!" said Lucius. "What were you thinking, Ms. Granger?"
"Nothing," said Hermione, finally knowing what he wanted.
Lucius wore a small grin and said,
"Come now, Ms. Granger, don't overthink."
After an awkward moment of silence, Lucius dismissed Hermione and quickly she sprinted out of the room and went down the canteen after tidying her desk. The canteen was on the ground floor, it was not large-scaled, but just enough space for a small party. Kath waved at her the moment she burst into the canteen and hurriedly she sat down beside Kath.
"I got some spaghetti for you," said Kath.
"Thank you."
"So, our new friend, why not introduce yourself to us?" said the man who sat beside Alexa at the meeting.
Hermione began,
"Hermione Granger, Public Relation Officer."
"Adrian Pucey, Finance and Budget Officer," answered the man as Hermione took her seat.
"Alexa Hillington, Marketing Officer."
One by one, they introduced themselves. By the time the last one, William Biles, had introduced himself, Hermione could not help but bringing the question,
"Where's Cyrus—"
"Mr. Nott?" said Adrian. "He's our consultant, Lucius respects him a lot—"
"Unlike us—" chipped in Alexa.
"I think he's in his office, enjoying his lavish lunch."
"What about Narcissa?" asked Hermione.
The whole table fell into silence, which made Hermione puzzled.
"Have I asked the wrong question?" she asked.
"How old are you, Hermione?" asked Alexa.
"26."
"Do you have a boyfriend or are you married?"
"Single—"
"Then you'd better stay out of Narcissa's alert zone," said Adrian. "She's not a woman to cross and her possessive, manipulative spirit will definitely fire you before you wish to leave."
Hermione gulped, so the rumours were true, best to stay away from Narcissa and Lucius. Remembering that Lucius invited her to a business lunch, she could not help shuddering. What if Narcissa mistook them as having private lunch? A small question popped up in her head and she asked,
"Is Narcissa married?"
"She wished to, but Lucius hasn't made a move," answered Kath. "I mean, despite all her flirting and possessive behaviours, Lucius doesn't seem to like them and chooses to ignore them—"
"But then Lucius stayed single, which means she still has a chance," added Alexa.
Hermione wished she could change the subject, but she did not know what to say, so she decided that she should stay in silence and observe.
