Author's Note:
'This is a contest entry for the Dracolov challenge! If you would like to enter you must e-mail Dracolov, her e-mail is in her profile. The last day to enter is 12/1/04. Please R & R (read and review) and thank you for reading my story.
Disclaimer:
I don't own any of the original Harry Potter character because I am not that creative...but I wish I was...I only own the plot and my characters.
Chapter 2: Old Acquaintances, New Circumstances
After Parisa had left to do as she was told, Draco made a phone call to Jacq to let him know of his change in plans for the next week. Draco had not told his friend about his observations of the Ministry watchdog on his tail, so when he explained that he was going to London to meet with a Ministry Head, he made it sound as if this had come out of the blue. Jacq was ecstatic for him at the prospect of getting this revenge thing out of his system. It had long been his own belief that time would have diminished Draco's thirst for revenge, but that had never happened. Now, maybe Draco could find some peace and maybe, just for a moment, Draco could see his life for what it truly was.
Draco made some phone calls to have a car and money available to him when he arrived in London. He made sure the driver understood his instructions to pick Granger up at the address he was given at 8 o'clock sharp and take her directly to the restaurant. When she appeared, Draco would be waiting with the food already ordered and she would have to learn quickly that everything would be his way or no way. The Malfoy name and reputation may have been decimated, but the fierce sense of superiority was still there screaming to be acknowledged.
Over the last few hours, he had planned this evening down to the last detail. The menu, seating arrangement and even the topics of conversation had been structured in his mind. All that was left was the execution. Although Draco did not know when this would happen, he had imagined this moment a thousand times over the last five years. The only glitch in the scheme was Miss Granger herself. Admittedly, he had not expected her apology, as he had always presumed she was one of his accusers, but now that he had time to cogitate the events, if she didn't believe he was culpable then why not stand up and fight for him? That was the part of the discourse he was most looking forward to, but he also felt it left him the most exposed. The thrill of the chase was a guilty pleasure that he couldn't seem to deprive himself of.
On the drive to the Cafe Baudy in the village of Giverny, where he would apparate from to the Leaky Cauldron, he walked himself through his plans again and again until it was second nature to him. He felt a churning in his belly, not from fear or nervousness but excitement. The time of reckoning was near and the taste of victory would be sweet like the nectar of the honeysuckle. The time was now five o'clock and he could hardly contain himself.
An hour later, Draco had finished checking into the Plaza Suite at the Berkeley. Time was ticking closer and closer to his dinner engagement so he began his grooming ritual. Following his long, steamy shower, he stood before the full-length mirror and admired his reflection pompously. At just over 2 meters (6' 2") and 91 kgs. (200 lbs.), he was cut to perfection with well-defined muscles and practically no body fat and pale skin that was flawless and quite literally glowing, as he took painstaking measures to avoid the sun's damaging rays. His platinum hair was trimmed to exactness in a slightly messy spike. A handsomely chiseled face with no facial hair and gleaming ocean blue eyes that gave him an eternal youth and innocence that was betrayed only by his trademark smirk. The attire chosen for the evening was a sharply pressed emerald green shirt and black linen pants, the epitome of casual elegance. Draco made one final appraisal of himself in the mirror. Pleased with the result, he reminded himself that he has been ranked as one of the top five most eligible bachelors in the world by more than one publication. Truthfully, there wasn't but one woman in all his dealings and travels that had been able to resist him, which was none other than the Hermione Granger, "But that's about to change," he assured himself.
At 6:30, Hermione stepped out of her shower and went to her closet to look for something to wear, but as she stood there she realized that she had no idea where they were going. Ultimately, she decided to go for casual dress, picking a light pink lace camisole with a matching embroidered sweater, a knee length fitted black skirt with one inch slits on each side and black strapped sandals. She was now a bit under 2 meters (5' 5"), 52 kg (115 lbs.) with long tawny brown hair and light blonde highlights framing her smooth porcelain face. She performed a straightening spell to give her hair a smooth and sleek finish, which she followed up with some light makeup to give her a very clean, natural appearance. Despite her understated good looks, Hermione found dating to be tedious and distracting so avoided it for the most part. After her breakup with Ron, she concluded that her career was much more important to her than any man ever would be. Besides, she discovered that her wit and intelligence intimidated a large portion of the acceptable dating pool and she refused to lower her standards just to have a warm body beside her.
She was ready by 7:30 and spent the remaining half an hour going over her research and her proposal of how to use Narcissa's Cure to unite the two communities. If Draco agreed, she would then be able to gain access not only to the company's product lists and research data but also to the employees. Her main focus would have to be to find out what new product lines they were working on and ascertain whether or not body exchange was even really a consideration. However, she had another question on her agenda as well; it had been bothering her for the last few years. She needed to know: Why would Draco suddenly turn his back on the wizarding world and immerse himself in the muggle world, when it was common knowledge that the Malfoys hated everything muggle? Was this all just an act? Could he be putting up a front of acceptance to them only to do them harm in the end? Hermione believed that if she could find an answer to those questions, then she could get a better gauge on if Draco was really the threat that everyone else assumed him to be.
Precisely at 8 o' clock, there was a knock at her door and when she opened it, she found it was Draco's driver to pick her up. He informed her that he was to take her directly to the restaurant and Mr. Malfoy would meet her there. Hermione followed the man and got into the limousine without another word. Within fifteen minutes she arrived at Petus and was being escorted to the table, at which Malfoy was already waiting for her with their food ordered and an expectant smirk plastered on his face.
"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy. I wish you had waited for me to arrive before ordering. I prefer to pick my own food." Hermione stated sternly.
"Yes, well, Miss Granger, this is my time and I prefer to do things my way; however, if that's not acceptable, then we can end this here and call it an evening," he replied matter-of-factly.
"No, I believe this is far too important to act so rashly." she back peddled.
"First things first, Granger, we have to set some ground rules. I am here to listen only, I will ask questions and expect clear, honest answers or this meeting will terminate. I will answer questions only if I choose to, and feel absolutely no need to tell you anymore than what I deem necessary. Is that understood?" he commanded.
"I would be more than happy to answer any and all questions that you have, but if I show you that courtesy, why can't you do the same in return?" she questioned.
"Because I don't want anything from you. You, on the other hand, want my help, so it's on my terms or not at all."
"I see that time hasn't changed your perspectives at all. Same old Malfoy. I guess I was mistaken to think that this was possible. I'm sorry to have wasted your time." she got up to leave, but stopped when she heard him call to her.
"Granger, I don't believe that I said there would be no cooperating. I only stated that I would only give what information I was comfortable with. I already explained that my trust in the Ministry is nonexistent and you said you understood, if I remember correctly," he said cautiously.
"Yes, I did, but hoped you had come with an open mind because as I stated to you, I do not share the same assumptions about your guilt as others do," she replied as she stood by the table.
"I know, but that does bring a question to mind now that you mention it. If you did not believe that there was enough evidence to presume guilt, then why not stand up to the Ministry and defend me? Haven't you always had a soft spot for the underdog?" he asked.
"Yes, but I generally don't put myself on the line for someone who degraded my for seven years either."
"So what's changed then? Nothing can change what happened in school," he pressed.
"Well, for one thing, all the work your company has done for people in the muggle world as well as the magical community. If we can unite the two cultures, then the chances of someone like Voldemort rearing their ugly head is reduced. Another thing is the fact that I feel like you should have a chance to prove that they were wrong, and I would be happy to help you do that if I can count on your help with my plans to unite the muggle and magical worlds," she confessed.
"So you need something from me and are willing to swallow your pride to get it?" he mocked.
"No, I was just offering my help as a show of gratitude to you for your effort. Has anyone ever told you that you draw more flies with honey and not vinegar?" she retorted smoothly.
"What's that suppose to mean?" he challenged.
"Just that if you sweeten a deal then someone is more likely to accept, that's all. Besides, I thought you hated muggles. Why would you run to them in hard times?" Hermione ventured.
"I didn't run to them. I escaped the magical world and explored my options. None of my efforts have been with the intention of helping them; it was just a profitable market and therefore worth my time and effort. Why would you ask me that, Granger? Are you researching my plans with the muggles for the Ministry or something?" he speculated.
"Once again no, I was just curious because of the profound distaste for them that you vocalized every chance you got."
"Listen, my entire family is gone and the legacy that has been left behind is not very appealing. In the muggle world, I am respected and successful. There is no way that I would put all that in jeopardy to do any harm to them. It is their money and interest that has gotten me where I am. Now, I may not want to go out and mix blood with them, but I don't have to do that to make money from them, do I? I believe they would refer to that as cutting off my nose to spite my face. Am I correct?" he stated simply.
"You are correct, and that's why I am here, staking my reputation on you, doing the one thing that could beget you more profits than even you could imagine," she suggested.
"All right, Miss Granger, what exactly is you proposition?" he mused.
"Quite simple actually. You could start by lending some validity of your products to the Wiccan sources and soften the initial blow of magical concepts. Take magic from mere parlor tricks and slight of hand with practical applications for the original ideas. Once the first brick is laid to show that these ideas are not dangerous, then we begin a slow but steady fusion of more ideas. We would essentially start with potions and take it from there," she began.
"And what makes you think that won't just succeed in killing my company by creating widespread panic that I'm the devil?" he countered.
"You said it yourself, they are your market and I'm sure you are aware that they will do anything to achieve the results that you have provided for them for years. Even if a fraction of the population raises an eyebrow, it won't deter them from using the products and eventually wanting more and more of them," she reasoned.
Draco was about to reply to Hermione's last argument when their salad and wine arrived. He watched intently as the plate was set in front of her, trying to gauge her reaction to his choice of menu as he felt this was the first test to see how well he'd judged her taste. Knowing a person's like and dislikes allowed him to decide how best to devise the plan of their seduction and she would be no different. His layout for the conversation was chosen to assess how vulnerable she would be to his charms and how apt she was to bend to his will. As the salad consisting of scallops and artichokes was placed before them, Draco noticed the slight hint of approval from her as she eagerly placed her napkin in her lap and grabbed her fork without a word of protest.
He had to admit that although she seemed open to sincere discussion of motives and plans, she was not conceding to his every whim. She remained calm and forthright during his constant attempts to goad her into an argument, and he didn't detect any deception from her relating to her motives or opinions. This intrigued him tremendously, as he had expected her to be much more accommodating since he had something that she either wanted or needed. Instead, she used her intelligence to divert his attention from conflict to instead focus on resolution. She would make an amazing negotiator in the right set of circumstances, but for his purpose she was a formidable opponent. The game is afoot, he considered as he began to eat himself and a comfortable silence enveloped the two of them.
To compliment the meal, Draco had chosen a simple Pinot Blanc from the white zinfandel family, as it would not overpower the softness of the seafood that he had ordered. After finishing their salads, they had a short break before the entrée was served, and they took this occasion to engage in light conversation.
"Did you enjoy your salad? I have always been a strong believer in light but flavorful meals in the evening." Draco reflected.
"Yes, thank you. I was a bit worried when you told me that you had already ordered for the both of us, but I was pleasantly surprised by your choice," she answered.
"Care to have an off topic banter for a bit?" he asked her evasively.
"What did you have in mind, Mr. Malfoy?" she teased.
"Something a little less formal. An opportunity to get to know the real Hermione Granger, as I may call upon you in the future to help me with the Ministry. We could start with something simple, such as are you involved with anyone." he asserted.
"Why are you asking, Malfoy?" she asked defensively.
"Touchy are we, Granger? I'm not propositioning you, only curious as to if anyone has been able to tame you yet," he quipped.
"I'm not touchy. It's just that this isn't a social visit amongst friends, it's a business affair and that's a very personal subject," she replied.
"You're asking me to trust that you have no ulterior motives in coming here, but you won't allow me access to anything personal. How am I to feel confident in your motives if I don't know anything about you?" he responded.
"Fine. No, I am not seeing anyone. My schedule is far to demanding at this point to indulge myself with personal distractions," she explained.
Just then the waitress came out with the entrees, a delicious bouillabaisse, which is a stew of mixed Mediterranean fish, tomatoes and herbs. Hermione exhaled deeply as she felt that she'd been gotten out of the hot seat of a personal interrogation and turned her attention completely to the plate in front of her. Draco smiled broadly as he had finally managed to ruffle her normally stoic demeanor. He would have commented in kind, except that he was famished from a day of running himself ragged in preparation for this event and turned in attention to his food also. Once again there was a much-welcomed silence as the two ate in peace, just enjoying the food and the serene atmosphere. After finishing this phase of the meal, Draco took another moment to observe her closely and was surprised to find himself somewhat entertained by the mystery that sat before him.
She was an attractive woman in a forbidden and unearthly way. He was watching the various expressions that crossed her face as she devoured her food and found an underlying sense of satisfaction cross his subconscious as she relished in the menu of his choosing. At that moment, Hermione glanced up and noticed the customary smirk spreading across his face. Her internal alarm was ringing mercilessly as she felt her pulse quicken and rosy blush spread across her cheeks. Upon seeing this, Draco's smug expression deepened, as he had her just where he wanted her. Suddenly, she felt the urge to jump up and run away. Was that lust lying in wait behind those captivating blue eyes and cocky grin?
"Why are you looking at me like that, Malfoy?" she asked timidly.
"You know, now that we're bonding and all you can call me Draco. How do you think I'm looking at you?" he joked.
"Like you're undressing me with your eyes," she stated, beginning to feel very exposed.
"Don't flatter yourself, Miss. I was just taking pleasure in the fact that you were enjoying your meal. I do always aim to please, and I believe I have succeeded," he toyed with her. She looks so jumpy; I love watching her squirm he thought.
"Yes, well, please stop. I don't like it when you look at me that way," she implored.
"Very well," he brooded as all the warmth drained from him and his serious manner returned. "Back to the business at hand. Did you consider what products of ours would help you attain the Wiccan link?"
"Yes, I have." She began feeling like she back on even footing again. "I was thinking that we could start with Dragon's Fire, unless you have another product in mind?"
"To be honest, I think you would have more success with our facial products for the skin. There are about twenty ingredients in it that were taken from the Wiccan purists formulas for those versus the four in Dragon's Fire," he offered.
"So does that mean that some sort of enchantment increases the effect of the Fire's potency?" she speculated.
"Not necessarily, the ginseng is just pumped up in the growing process. Quite a little bit of genius on my part if, you ask me."
"How?"
"Now, that's a trade secret, Miss Granger. Nothing dangerous, I assure you, but a special recipe none the less," he smirked.
"Oh, dessert?" she smiled.
"But of course. I like a light meal but only so I can savor the reward."
A tempting little treat, indeed, was laid before each of them. Chocolate mousse, Hermione's
favorite. But how could he know? Draco didn't, but had ordered this as chocolate was a weakness of his own. For the second time that evening, both seemed to forget whom they were dining with and gave in to the pure delight of the delicacies that were prepared for them. Without warning, Draco was struck by a sensation that he didn't want this evening to end. Was it the chocolate, or was it another decadence that sat across from him? Unlike most of the other questions of this evening, the answer to that one utterly eluded him.
Looking down at his watch and noting that he wasn't feeling like his usual self, Draco opted to seize this moment to end the evening, as he needed some time to regroup. He had anticipated conflict and harsh words, not an enjoyable evening with a formidable adversary. He would have to go back to his room and reconsider his approach before this mudblood got under his skin. Unbeknownst to him, Hermione was having similar thoughts of her own and craved to be away from him as well. With their desserts finished and both grasping for any excuse to get away from the other but neither wanting to show weakness, they each poured another glass of wine, waiting for someone or something to break the dead air.
Reaching her breaking point, Hermione gave in and said, "So, Mr. Malfoy, can I expect your cooperation in this matter or shall I explore another option?"
"I'll tell you what, call me Draco and I'll gather some more information on our products and we can test the waters. But I must also have your word that anything I show or tell you regarding my products or projects cannot be shared with the Ministry. Do we have a deal?"
"I believe we do, Mr…. I mean, Draco." Hermione agreed with an inviting smile and extended her hand to him.
"Very well, Miss Granger, or may I call you Hermione?" he pressed further against his better judgement.
"That you may. Can I expect to hear from you soon?" she asked with an almost needy tone.
"Tomorrow, but I will need to contact you at home, not at the Ministry. Once again for privacy reasons."
She took a piece of paper and pen from her purse and wrote down her home number for him. After handing it over to him she excused herself from the table, citing a need to be at work early the next day as her reason.
"Don't you need a lift home?" he laughed.
Remembering that he had his driver pick her up, she nodded and waited for him to take care of the check after he refused to let her pay. As they walked out into the night air, both of them realized that the dinner hadn't went as either of them had thought… but was that such a bad thing? Hermione was content thinking that maybe everyone had misjudged him and Draco thinking that he might want to play with his new toy for a bit before exacting his revenge. Neither of them even remotely prepared for the future really had in store for them...
