Draco came in more confident than ever.
"Hello Minister, I wanted to talk to you about…" he began, but Kingsley interrupted him.
"Ah. Mr. Malfoy, take a seat, I was just thinking about you." He offered him a seat and a cup of tea magically appeared beside him.
Draco took the tea, wondering what would the Minister be thinking about him for?
"Thank you" he said and took a deep breath to begin the important conversation he was planning to have, but again, the Minister cut him off.
"I have been watching your work for the past year very closely, and I have to tell you that I am very impressed! You and Mr. Zabini made an excellent project proposal today!"
"Well, thank you Minister…" said Draco.
"Miss Granger, your boss, is very pleased with your efforts, due diligence, and labor… every month she has been giving me reports of her employees work and when I get the chance to speak with her, she is consistently telling me what an excellent employee you are!"
Draco didn't believe his ears- did Granger really appreciate him? She actually spoke fondly of him and his work in front of the Minister? He had this strange feeling- something between surprise and joy, almost like, relief, in his chest. Not wanting to show his emotions, he remained cold as ice and just nodded.
"I trust her judgment, so I am giving you a task with a very important and serious businessman. He wants to invest a lot of galleons in our Ministry in exchange for permission to build a private bank in Scotland."
"I see…"
"We need to form a commission for the legalization of the project and I want you on board!" Kingsley stated with a proud voice "You deserve the chance to manifest."
"I will be honored to do this, sir!" Draco assured him, feeling quite proud of himself. "When do we start?"
"Next week. I am going to call the employees who will participate." Kingsley informed him "So, what did you wanted to talk about?"
"Sorry?" asked Draco confused
"When you came in, you told me you want something to talk about, but I interrupted you" the Minister reminded him.
Draco blinked. He regretted what he wanted to do against Granger. Turns out, everything was a big misunderstanding; in fact, it was quite the opposite. She did appreciate him, but she never showed him. Instead she had been telling the Minister all the good things about him. Additionally, she really had a good opinion about his work.
"Why are you so obsessed with her?'' Blaise words sounded in his mind, but Draco hadn't a good decent explanation. Why is he obsessed?
"Mr. Malfoy?"
"I wanted to ask if I could take a two-week vacation, but now I think that more important task is this project you have told me about." Draco said the first thing that came to his mind, not sure if it was the smartest, or if Kingsley would buy it.
"Well then, I am glad you prefer to work!" said Kingsley
After Draco left his office, he went outside to buy a coffee, get some fresh air, and to think about what the Minister just told him. He loved his job, and this project was definitely going to be a challenge, but he was ready to do it!
As for the stubborn Gryffindor?! Why had she never mentioned anything to him? Never once had she told him "well done" or "good job." Granger was always acting indifferent towards him, as if he was a burden to her team. Was Blaise, right? Was he obsessed with her? Maybe? Yes? Draco wanted to be appreciated and to be the best employee. He wanted to prove his abilities and when she never reacted, he got pissed. He wanted, no, craved her praise.
Yes, that's it! I am not obsessed with Granger, I am obsessed with being appreciated! Draco knew that this is was sign of a weakness, but he preferred to admit this weakness than to admit his attraction for his boss. Because it's not true. I am not attracted to her. I am not attracted to anyone.
Blaise Zabini entered in the beautiful decorated room, full of candles and roses. The atmosphere was very romantic. Too romantic for the difficult conversation that was about to come. The raven-haired young witch welcomed her boyfriend with a tender kiss. She was 5 years younger than him; her name was Tahmina Rain and she was very beautiful and kind.
"I've missed you babe" she whispered in his ear.
Blaise felt sick in his stomach, knowing how badly things were about to go. He pushed her back gently and she immediately knew there was something wrong.
"What's going on?" Tahmina asked him worriedly "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I love you more than anything... but we need to talk about the future" he said looking at her big brown eyes as if she were a fragile doll.
"What about the future? Are you leaving me...Blaise?" She backed away anxiously
"No... but with what I'm about to tell you, you will be the one who will leave me" he whispered.
Tahmina opened her mouth wide and closed it a few times before exploding. Angrily, she confronted the man before her.
"Did you cheat on me?!" he shook his head and avoided her gaze, knowing looking at her, seeing the anger and hurt in her eyes would make him fall apart.
"Blaise Zabini! I demand you tell me what's going on!"
"I've never cheated on you but... but I am about to do it" He whispered.
"What are you talking about?" her voice broke as she spoke
"You know my mother left a will..."
"What does this have to do with you cheating?" Tahmina asked quietly, tears welling in her eyes.
"Listen!" Blaise raised his voice slightly.
"My mother left me half of the hotel in Switzerland and the other half she left to Nathaniel Parkinson. I spoke to him because I want it all for myself. It is a family business and I have no idea why she did that…The bastard refused to sell his own part but..." Blaise stopped and swallowed.
"But what?" asked Tahmina nervously
"But he made me a deal...he will give me his half of the hotel if I marry his daughter...but I have a plan"
"You would choose a hotel over me? You are a right bastard!" Tahmina hissed, the tears spilling from her eyes down her cheeks. Her voice trying to convey her anger and betrayal.
"I said I have a plan," repeated Blaise "I will tell you my plan, but if you don't agree I don't know what to do."
"I'm listening"
"I will marry Pansy and after her father gives me the Hotel, we will make our escape."
"What?" whispered Tahmina
"We are going to be rich" Blaise assured her. "The hotel is one of the most luxurious in Europe. My mother was one of top five, most successful, rich witches on the continent."
"That's great but what if something goes wrong? What if Pansy can have half of it after the divorce? I doubt her father will agree on prenuptial agreement."
"She will never say anything about the hotel, she will agree on everything." winked Blaise
"How?"
"Fove Inperpetuum" he whispered. Her face lit up
"You are genius" she knew this spell
"So…you agree? You will wait for me?" asked Blaise who tried to hug her. She let him pull her in tight and closed her eyes.
"I will wait."
After work, Hermione went to the charity office to speak with Ginny and Luna. She knew that they wouldn't be over the moon with the news of Pansy Parkinson but she had to tell them.
"Hey Ginny, Luna." She smiled at the girls as she took off her coat.
The two of them had just arrived
"Hi Hermione" smiled Ginny "I was thinking you were going to be a bit late. I know today was the big presentation day for your department" Hermione sat on the comfy arm chair near the fireplace.
"I had the presentations moved to this morning so I could have time for my reports for the Minister" she explained. Luna lit the fire while Ginny took out some posters to show them.
"I had a free afternoon so I made some posters for the Gilbert event..."
"They look nice!" Luna beamed at Ginny.
"Speaking of the event, I accepted Pansy Parkinson's offer to volunteer... Tea anyone?" Hermione said as casual as possible. Ginny and Luna stared at her
"I'm sorry, but forget the tea!" Ginny waved her hands "You brought Pansy bloody Parkinson into our charity work?!"
"I know you have prejudices about her, but she wants to donate and her family has connections. It will help us raise the money. You know this." Hermione explained to Ginny who rolled her eyes.
"I think that's a fair argument" said Luna
"I don't know if we can trust her. She's vile if I remember correctly...Merlin knows what she's up to!" Ginny told them crossly and folded her hands onto her lap.
"I don't care what she's up to. Maybe she wants to show the wizarding world that her family is capable of charity, maybe she wants attention, but we can use her and her connections for a good cause...Besides, when she showed up to my office today, she looked so different I almost didn't recognize her. She looked so sad and desperate and her tone was so quiet, and nothing like it used to be."
"Yes, we all remember her arrogant tone back then" Ginny said sarcastically "However, I will do my best not to judge and to accept her help, but you have to admit 'Mione…"
"Admit what?" asked confused Hermione
"That you have some compassion when it comes to ex Death Eaters and villains" said Luna before Ginny and giggled
"Exactly, thank you Luna!" Ginny raised her hand "What will be next - having brunch with Narcissa Malfoy? Tea with Lestrange family? Dating Draco Malfoy?"
"What?" Hermione laughed "I would never! Narcissa is definitely not my taste for brunch!"
"Aha!" Ginny pointed at her "So you would date Draco Malfoy?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Hermione stated seriously "He's not my type! I can barely stand him at work...and from what I've heard he has a girlfriend...Ginny why are you so judgmental?"
"My brother died because of people like them, so please forgive me for being like this!"
"This conversation is getting wor-" Luna said nervously, but Hermione interrupted her before she could finish.
"I was there too Ginny! I'm sorry for all of the victims! This is why we do the charity, so we can help them! I don't want you to hug and kiss Pansy, but please accept the help that is being offered…She wants to do good this time! People can change, but they also need a second chance to prove that!"
After a few moments of silence, the red head nodded
"I will try, but don't expect me to become her best friend."
"I never said that, I just want you to be civil with her." Hermione explained and gave her a hug.
"Ginny, I would never ask for anything you couldn't give. I know you've been through so much."
"Group hug!" said Luna and joined them
"Ok, now let's get back to work. In two days, I will be gone to Berlin, so I don't want to waste any time." Hermione told them as they got back on track, finalizing plans for their upcoming event.
Narcissa Malfoy visited Draco for dinner Saturday. She had just arrived from the manor in France, where she had moved after Lucius died in Azkaban.
Draco welcomed her warmly. "Hello, mother."
"Draco!" she hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek gently "I've missed you so much… look at you, how handsome you are!" She petted his pale face and was looking at him like he was an angel.
"You look amazing too, France is reflecting on you well" he pointed out, feeling genuinely happy to see his mother doing so well.
"I'm feeling great there, thank you" smiled Narcissa, she really did look better than before. She was more vibrant and beautiful than ever. They sat at the table as the house- elf served dinner.
"I was thinking of visiting you in France, I wanted to see how you redecorated the manor there" Draco mentioned
"Do you want to come in for the holidays?" she asked, trying not to give away her hopefulness. She really wanted to spend Christmas with her son.
"Yes, I haven't been in the manor for 3 years at least" Draco stated.
"Oh wonderful! It's so beautiful all made up with the Christmas decorations! I've never felt so cozy, warm, peaceful, and most important – safe! Moving to France was the best thing I've done in years, Draco!" Narcissa enthused, beaming at her son she continued.
"You know, if you wanted to move in, I would be more than happy. You would love the place! The nature, the lifestyle there, and the witches are quite beautiful!" She winked at him as she put her napkin on her knees.
"I doubt I will be moving in the coming years, mother" said Draco, salting his meal "I have so much work here, my friends are here, and my job in the Ministry is the best job I could hope for."
"So, how is everything in here?" asked Narcissa "How is work in the Ministry?"
"Work is good actually; we are very busy! The department has a lot of projects and ventures that are happening all the time." explained Draco "I really like it. It keeps me on my toes."
"I am glad you do" she said "I remember at the beginning, Blaise barely convinced you to start working there"
"At the beginning, things were different." Draco reminded her, taking a sip of red wine
"I remember. How are things now?" asked she raising an eyebrow
He swallowed.
"Things are good, I enjoying being there" he simply stated and tried to change the subject
"Did you bring me that book I wrote you about last month?"
"Don't change the subject" she winked at him "I know that you are worried about how the people will treat you there, giving our past…"
"I don't give a damn about them, I am minding my own business" said Draco impatiently "This is not Hogwarts, we have work to do…"
"How is your boss?" asked directly Narcissa
"They are okay, as long as I do my job, they have no reason to complain about me" he said coldly. Draco was getting a little edgy. He hated when his mother pushed him to talk about how he felt. Feelings were trivial things after all.
"When were you intending on telling me that your boss is Ms. Granger? One third of the Golden Trio?" she asked him with a wicked smile.
"When she became the Head of the Department, I took her place that had opened up… but why is that so important to you? I told you that everything is okay at work, I even got promoted." explained Draco
"I don't know… I just see that rare flame in your eyes when it comes to her…I was wondering if there was something…" Narcissa alleged.
"It's nothing" Draco cut her off. "She's the same bossy, know-it-all girl…the difference is that she gets paid for doing it now."
"Ok then…" his mother nodded, dropping the subject for now.
"How is Blaise doing with his mother passing? I know it must be difficult for him to be alone?"
"He is good" Draco told her, thinking that he is not alone with that young hot witch of his. "He is devoted to work, we just finished our project for the protective charms systems"
"Have you been to the Manor lately?" she asked him and her face flickered, the memory of it was still hard.
"No, not lately, I like my place better" said Draco "I was thinking of selling it…"
"What?" his mother's eyes opened wide "You want to sell Malfoy Manor? You can't do that Draco. Regardless of what happened there, the manor is full of our family history. Additionally, it was our home for so long…Your father wouldn't let you sell it"
"Fine, fine… let's not argue our first day together mother, we can talk about this later." Draco told her. He didn't want to ruin their dinner by speaking of unpleasant things.
"Have you thought of what you want to do in England?"
"Well, I want visit my sister and some old friends, I want to spend time with you and oh! I almost forgot" said Narcissa suddenly "Before I came, Pansy sent me an invitation for an Hans Gilbert painting exhibition."
"Pansy? " wondered Draco, he hadn't heard from her in quite some time.
"Yes, it is a charity event, organized by…. Let me see the card… Chappy…" she called the house- elf to bring her purse.
As she withdrew the card, Draco saw that on the back of the beautiful pale pink invitation was the name of the organization Angelis and he knew that in Latin it meant Angels.
"I didn't know that Pansy was doing charity" he said "I haven't seen or heard from her in months… Are you interested in this event?"
"I'm thinking of going actually" told him Narcissa "What do you say? Would you like to accompany me?"
Draco almost rolled his eyes, he knew it would be another boring, stuffy event. Every time he got an invitation about something like this, he donated anonymously. The last few times, Luna Lovegood had invited him to different things, but instead of going he always sent an anonymous envelope.
"The invitation says it on 20th October, I thought you would be gone by then…" he mused
"Oh nonsense. I will stay few more days" Narcissa informed him "I really like Gilbert's paintings. I could buy few for my library in France"
"Great" Draco sighed as he sipped more wine.