I apologise for the late update, too much things to do in the first week of university life.
Within the first day, Hermione finally got the gist of Lucius' office. Cyrus Nott was most respected by everyone in the company and a word from him could affect Lucius' decision. Both of them went to the same school and university. His son Theodore Nott was therefore a friend of Lucius' son, Draco Malfoy.
When she came to the thought of Draco Malfoy, he did not seem to be around the company. Kath said he usually stayed in the company to take care of the business. Kath particularly mentioned that he was close to Narcissa for no reason at all. She suggested that he had special affections on her but Hermione did not believe so.
A message from Diana drove her away from all those thoughts on the company. She obviously gambled and lost the money Hermione gave her last week. Had she not poured money in the casino, the amount should be more than enough to allow her get through two weeks. It was completely out of Hermione's imagination that her sister could let money flow away like water. Those savings did not come easy.
I will manage it, don't worry.
Seeing the text Diana just text, Hermione sighed. She never had the chance to not worry. Since she went to junior school, Diana would wear her infant school uniform, dragged by Hermione as they walked along the road. She would often run into trouble, touching everything within her reach. Grasses, flowers, cats…anything could be her entertainment. Then trouble always happened the next moment, boy on bikes would nearly hit them and cats would scratch her for over-petting. Once she crossed the road just to pet a puppy on the other side, Hermione went to stop her and nearly got knocked down by a car.
As long as I get paid and unharmed, everything will be fine, she thought.
Just when the clock struck eleven, Lucius came out of the room and informed Narcissa that he would be away. Then, he headed to Hermione and said,
"Meet me at the main door in five minutes."
He quickly left, leaving everyone puzzled. Hermione glanced at Kath, then Narcissa. Narcissa was staring at her, as though dissatisfied. Hermione shuddered and hurriedly went out of the company. Lucius was already there, waiting for her.
"You surely know how to get a right outfit," commented Lucius. "However, I'd get a branded one."
Hermione flushed and tried to cover her dress. It was a knee length sleeveless dress, with the colour of peppermint ice-cream. It was not exactly ugly but it was not branded, she had no money to buy any branded dresses.
"I don't have money," explained Hermione, embarrassed.
lucius wore a small grin and went towards the limousine that was parked in front of them. Hermione scurried inside and Lucius ordered the chauffeur,
"St. Tinie Restaurant."
Hermione gulped. St. Tinie Restaurant was one of the best dining place in the country and the special thing that separated tit from other restaurants was that reservations must be made, walk-ins were not welcomed and if one had to make a reservation, the booking would be six months later if one was not holding the restaurant's special elite card. Formal dress code was in the rule too, to her dismay. She had been an intern for waitress years ago, it was a horrible experience. Every day she had to put on make-up and wore high heels. The manager always reminded her that all customers were either presidents of huge corporations, tycoons, actors, celebrities that normal citizens would only see on television.
"So what concerts shall we do after the spring concert?" asked Hermione.
"Looks like you haven't done much research, have you?" answered Lucius.
Hermione licked her lips, then Lucius continued,
"We have three major events every year, Spring and Summer Concerts, then the Nutcracker in December."
Hermione nodded, then Lucius said,
"You'd better work hard till the end of the year. We always work non-stop."
"Yes, sir."
The limousine stopped and Lucius got out, followed by Hermione.
"Hand."
"Huh?"
"Do I have to repeat everything I say, Ms. Granger?" snapped Lucius. "Your hand."
Hermione lifted her hand and immediately he placed her hand on his arm, then went into the restaurant.
"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy," said the waiter and he bowed. "Please follow me."
The waiter led them to a room and left. Hermione sat beside Lucius, staring around. She had never seen anything as extravagant as this room. It almost seemed like a room in a manor.
"It would be better if you can stop looking around and focus on the menu," said Lucius.
Embarrassed, she looked down at the table, where the menu lay. She could hardly believe what she had seen, 60 pounds for a set meal! And it was the cheapest she saw. She gulped and bit her lip, then flipped the pages until Lucius stopped her.
"Please Ms. Granger, it is not that hard to make a decision," he said. "I am the one paying."
"Can I just have a glass of lemonade?"
lucius curled his lips, dissatisfied.
"Come now, Ms. Granger, do you want people to think that I would mistreat my staff?"
"No, sir."
"Fine, I will order for you."
That's probably the best thing, she thought.
A knock rang on the door and a waiter came in, said,
"Mr. Hampton has arrived."
A gentleman in black suit came in and shook hand with Lucius.
"It seems that my dear old friend has brought his new public officer," said Mr. Hampton.
"Ah-ah, William, wrong adjective."
"Oh yes, Lucius Malfoy, just step into his golden age," said Willian Hampton, then he looked at Hermione. "And this beautiful young lady is…"
Hermione stood up, then nodded and said,
"Hermione Granger."
"Looking forward to cooperate with you more often," said Hampton. "We always do interviews with Indigo a few weeks before the shows get onto the stage."
A waitress came in and Lucius ordered three set meals. Then Hampton began,
"So which favourite group of yours are going to our show?"
The waitress came in again with a bottle of wine. Lucius poured wine and raised the glass, then answered,
"The Bubblegums."
"How many?"
"All girls, 12 of them."
As the waiters brought in their meals, Lucius and Hampton moved on to other topics, Hermione decided that she should stay in silence until her comment was needed. The food was the nicest she had ever had, she kept on eating until Hampton invited her for a drink.
"I don't drink," replied Hermione, trying to said as polite as possible.
"Oh, Ms. Granger, girls should learn how to drink," said Hampton. "It is about self-protection."
Just before Hermione could say anything, Lucius said,
"Come now, William, did you not mention that you have an important meeting in an hour?"
"Oh yes, how could I forget it!"
With a farewell, Hampton left the room and finally Hermione could release a breath of relief.
Now I have mentioned his son, it's time for his debut.
