Hermione riffled through the documents Draco had left for her. She got her wand and separated each task he assigned for her into different piles. Conjuring up a pot of coffee, she set up to work on her presentation.
It was nearly three in the morning when Hermione finished her sketches for the fall line, typing up a proposal for several lines that she wanted to launch during the summer shows, building two models of the interiors of the new ministry buildings and shops she wanted to design in the spring, as well as a detailed client list. Sighing as she sipped on her fifth cup of coffee, Hermione surveyed her work. For someone who was lacking sleep, she really outdid herself. Shrinking the entire folder and the models to fit into her briefcase, Hermione tidied up her office and went up to her room and fell asleep without changing.
*~*
Brrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnngg!
'Ugh,' thought Hermione as her hand deftly reached over to her bedside table to turn off her alarm clock. The sun was barely rising when Hermione rose from her sleep.
'Five-ten,' Hermione read on the face of her clock. 'Brilliant, two hours of sleep to get me through a Wednesday morning.' Hermione stretched and reached into her bedside drawer and pulled out a bottle of pepper-up potion. After drinking nearly the entire bottle, Hermione finally felt up to getting out of bed and getting ready for her day.
She took a quick shower and picked a dark brown pants suit from her wardrobe, as well as a simple beige camisole to complete the outfit. She dressed quickly, swept her thick brown hair into a loose ponytail and slipped on a pair of beige boots. Looking out her window, Hermione saw a blanket of snow was covering her lawn. She could smell coffee and bacon wafting up from the kitchen. Walking down the stairs, she saw that Mrs. Castleton, Matilda as she preferred to be called, was busy setting up the table for Hermione's breakfast. Her husband, Reynold, the butler, was already working on the house ledger, figuring out what needed to be bought for next week. There were two girls in their late teens working on cleaning the front parlour and the living room. Hermione smiled. She approved highly of her help who rose earlier than she did and the work they did to maintain her home.
"Good morning Hermione," said Matilda brightly as she set a cup of coffee on the table in front of Hermione. "I saw that your light in the office was on till late, so I brewed a very strong cup for you."
"Thanks Matilda. Please make sure that Rerynold has my briefcase in the office brought out to the front hall. I have an early meeting this morning."
Reynold and Matilda smiled as they went about their duties. Reynold promptly set out Hermione's briefcase in the front, as well as picking out a camel coat for Hermione to wear out. It was a chilly November morning, and the last thing he wanted was for his mistress to get ill.
Hermione hurriedly ate down her breakfast and was in the front hall by six-fifteen. She said good-bye to the servants and stepped out into the cold November air. It was going to be a very long Wednesday.
*~*
"Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the board. Let me begin by introducing myself. The name's Draco Malfoy, and as of today I will be taking over as the Chairman of the Board for VERSAELF. I know this is a rather hasty decision on our muggle counterpart, VERSACE, but seeing as the former chairman decided on an early retirement, Donatella was kind enough to offer me the position."
Hermione stifled a laugh as Draco continued his speech to the members of the board. She was doodling on a piece of parchment when she heard a familiar voice calling her name.
"Ms. Granger? If you're not too busy plotting my untimely and surely accidental death, would you be so kind as to start your presentation?"
Hermione glared at Draco as she rose and enlarged her folders, sketches, and models. Her assistant, Trili, passed out the folders to the different board members, as well as copies of her sketches and miniature models.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. And thank you, Mr. Malfoy, for that wonderful introduction. I assure you that when I am done plotting, it will be the most remarkable 'accidental' death you'll experience." Several board members chuckled. Most of them were aware of the animosity between their chair and the president of the company. Many had attended Hogwart's with Draco and Hermione. Hermione was right to assume that her position in the company was secure, seeing as how she had made the company extremely successful, and was continuing to do so.
"As you can see from the folders you have, I have included several lists of our most prominent clients, sketches for the new fall line, several fabrics swatches that I intend to use, as well as some miniature models of the new ministry buildings and our new store in New York. I intend to bring back a classic 50's look for our fall line, working with some tweed and wool to make simple, yet elegant suits, dresses, and accessories. This line should be ready to be launched during the summer shows…"
Hermione continued with her presentation, undeterred by the smirk plastered on Draco's face. Draco knew nothing of the fashion world and would wait until he gained sufficient knowledge to criticize Hermione openly.
Hermione finished her presentation and a round of applause from the room. The board members bid her a good day and left with their assistants and headed back to their offices. Draco remained in the room, flipping through the folder of information Hermione had handed out. Hermione gathered her sketchbook and presentation materials and shrank them so they would fit in her briefcase. As she was stepping out, a hand held her back.
'Damn,' she thought as she turned around to face Draco.
"I have clients and designers to meet with Malfoy, so make this quick."
"I will. I just wanted to say that your presentation was very thorough and well thought out. I was impressed. Perhaps, if you're not too busy at lunch time, you can come by my office so we can continue discussing these upcoming lines."
Hermione searched Draco's face for any sign of malice. Finding nothing but a glint in his eyes, she sighed.
"I have plans for lunch. Have your assistant speak to Trili; she knows my schedule better than I do. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
Draco let go of Hermione's arm and bit her a good day. 'This is going to be an interesting ride,' he thought as he walked towards his office.
*~*
It was Friday morning and Hermione had yet to see Draco since the meeting Wednesday morning. She completed the designs for Parvati's dress and was waiting for the bride-to-be as she cross-checked the team of designers she had assigned to work on the fall lines, as well as the interior of the New York store.
Plip! A holographic image of Trili appeared before Hermione. "Ms. Granger, Ms. Patil is here for her appointment."
"Show her in Trili, thank you."
The doors to Hermione's office opened and Parvati Patil came strolling in, looking even more beautiful than she did at Hogwart's. She was carrying a rather large bag. A small puppy peered out from the top and yipped loudly.
"Shh…Buttons, stay in there till Mummy's meeting is over." Parvati pushed the dog's head back into her bag and walked towards Hermione.
"Darling, it's such a fantastic day don't you think? My dress is finally designed, Buttons is behaving, and I am so glad to see you."
The two women exchanged a quick hug before sitting down on the couches in the sitting area of Hermione's expansive office.
"Nice to see you too Parvati, how is Padma faring?"
"Oh, fine I suppose. Last time I spoke to her, she was off in America chasing after some rock start bloke she's currently obsessed with. Mum and Dad agree that she's far too old to be chasing after boys at her age, but she refuses to settle down. So, let me see what you've come up with."
Hermione pulled out her sketch of Parvati's bridal gown. It was a stunning strapless dress with a princess waistline. Hermione flicked her wand over the sketch and it popped off the page and turned into a three dimensional model in front of the women. The waist looked like it was see-through with what looked like several hundred swarovski crystals encrusted on the waistline. The gown flowed out into a ball gown skirt with the hem covered with the same crystals used on the waistline. The back was held together with four strands of crystals.
Parvati oozed and ahhed at the creation before her. "Hermione, this looks perfect! I can't wait till you actually make it real! When will it be ready?"
Hermione smiled. "I would say in about two weeks. That gives you six weeks to change your mind before the wedding."
"Fantastic! Well, I suppose there isn't much else for us to discuss." Parvati gathered the sketch, which had returned to the sketchbook. She took out the small dog from her bag and placed him on a leash and was about to turn towards the door when she looked back at Hermione.
"Darling, tell me, is it true that you're working with Draco Malfoy now?"
"Christ, the rumor mill around here is worse that Hogwart's! Yes, if you must know, we are working together. He happens to be the new Chairman of the company."
"Hermione! What a lucky girl you are!"
Laughing, Hermione walked back to her desk, "I hardly call myself lucky. He's still an absolute prat."
"Oh hush dear, we all know he is. But ever since the war he has been the most intriguing man. And he's bloody handsome. I suggest a swim in the company pool Hermione, we're both close to thirty and I believe the last I heard you were still single!"
Parvati spat out the word 'single' as if it left a bad taste in her mouth. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"No thank you Parvati. Come back to me as soon as possible if there are any changes that need to be made to the dress. Other than that, I believe our meeting is over." Hermione picked up a file on her desk and pretended to study it intently, waiting for her door to close.
She looked up and saw Parvati smile mischievously. "Hermione, we'll get you down the altar before you know it. I'll ring you if there is anything I need."
Parvati left Hermione mumbling about hating the world and its inhabitants.
*~*
Plip! "Ms.Granger, Mr. Ronald Weasley on the line for you. Shall I put him through?"
"Absolutely, thanks Trili," Trili's head disappeared and was replaced with a burst of red. Ron's face floated over Hermione's desk.
"'lo Herms!" Hermione cringed at the sound of her old nickname that Ron used mainly to annoy her. "What's new?"
"Nothing, except I am glad that you're just an image I'm talking to, because if it was really your face floating in front of me, I would have it stuffed down the toilet immediately for calling me that horrid nickname."
"Aww….Harry was right. You are awfully curt lately. Did someone sneak another peek up your skirt? Heard Malfoy tried to last week."
"Shut up. I don't care much for discussing Malfoy's perverted antics. What can I do for you?"
"What? A friend can't check in once in a while to see how his overworked bestest buddy is faring?"
"No," snapped Hermione, "you want something. I can see it in your face."
"Am I that transparent," joke Ron. "Okay, well, here is the thing, I am coming home tomorrow and I need a place to stay. Harry won't let me in the flat for the next week, says he and Apexia are trying out 'new' things and they need the space. So I thought I could come and stay at the monster of a house of yours till they're done fouling up my home."
Hermione grimaced at a mental picture of Harry and his new conquest trying out 'new' things. "That's fine. I'll let the Castleton's know that I'll be expecting a guest for the next few days."
"Thanks, I really appreciate it 'Mione. Oh, and I heard Malfoy's the big giant head there now. He's not that bad you know. Worked with him for a bit two years ago on a case when he was still working with the Ministry. He's not my mate or anything, but he's really a different man."
"Ronald Weasley, you are the last person I know to defend Malfoy! I don't care how 'changed' he is, he's still a stupid bouncing ferret with unnaturally light hair and creepy smirk. I have things to do, I'll expect you tomorrow morning?"
"Yup, I'll be there. Thanks again. Oh, and Harry says he's no longer cross about your little episode. He says to ring him up after the weekend." And with that, Ron's face disappeared and hermione returned to her
work.
*~*
It was after seven thirty in the evening when Draco retuned to the office to pick up a few files he wanted to look over when he saw a light coming from Hermione's office. He walked over and opened the door and took a peek in. hermione was in the middle of the room, her back to the door, and what looked like several sketchbooks suspended in the air. Hermione pointed her wand to each sketchbook and automatically, several drawings appeared. While the books were busy sketching Hermione's ideas, she walked over and began to organize the pieces of fabric that was strewn around the office. After her office was tidied up a bit, hermione turned around and came face to face with Draco,
"it's Friday evening. Shouldn't the only reason to be in your office this late be that you're about to have an elicit tryst on your desk?"
"Don't be rude Malfoy, I'm working on things I didn't have a chance to finish this week. I'm expecting a guest at my home this weekend and I would like my two days off to be free of work."
Draco walked into her office and sat down on one of the couches. "Wealey. I know, he owled me and told me he was back in town." He searched Hermione's face for a reaction. "I see Ron told you that we've come to terms since Hogwart's. " He got up and examined the sketches that were being made. "these really are quite crappy Granger."
Hermione felt anger course through her veins. "Crappy?! Those designs aren't even conceivable in the muggle world! It's absolutely brilliant if you ask me. This line is going to launch VERSACELF into the height of the fashion industry in the wizarding world! It will literally revolutionize wizard attire and how it implements muggle dress! And what the hell do you know, you have no clue about this industry. Get out!"
Draco felt himself being levitated out of the office and into the hall. The door slammed shut in his face and he fell ungracefully to the ground as the charm wore off. He got up, adjusted his tie, and apparated home with a smile.
*~*
Draco arrived at his penthouse flat in London in high spirits. Irritating Hermione was more fun than when he terrorized her at Hogwarts.
After pouring himself a drink, he stepped out onto his terrace and shivered at the cold blast of air that hit him when he opened the doors. He placed a warming charm around him as he sipped his drink and looked down at the city below him. All these years of fixing the damage the Malfoy name had caused was tiring. He wanted to be different than Lucius. It was almost as though it was expected of him to redeem the Malfoy name.
And then there was Hermione. He thought she was an insufferable bitch, but the last few days of being in close proximity of her, Draco found himself drawn to her. It was almost by habit that he was so rude to her, but she intrigued him. He wondered, as he finished his drink, why Potter or Weasel weren't married to her. He thought that with their relationships, one of them would have bagged her down by now.
'Well, I suppose I can try to tame the shrew,' he thought as he entered his flat and changed for bed. Wooing one of the most respected women in the wizarding world was sure to fully return him into the good graces of the entire wizarding community. If Hermione would have him, he would polish off the tarnish of the Malfoy name quite nicely.
'I can't wait,' thought Draco as he fell into a deep sleep.
It was nearly three in the morning when Hermione finished her sketches for the fall line, typing up a proposal for several lines that she wanted to launch during the summer shows, building two models of the interiors of the new ministry buildings and shops she wanted to design in the spring, as well as a detailed client list. Sighing as she sipped on her fifth cup of coffee, Hermione surveyed her work. For someone who was lacking sleep, she really outdid herself. Shrinking the entire folder and the models to fit into her briefcase, Hermione tidied up her office and went up to her room and fell asleep without changing.
*~*
Brrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnngg!
'Ugh,' thought Hermione as her hand deftly reached over to her bedside table to turn off her alarm clock. The sun was barely rising when Hermione rose from her sleep.
'Five-ten,' Hermione read on the face of her clock. 'Brilliant, two hours of sleep to get me through a Wednesday morning.' Hermione stretched and reached into her bedside drawer and pulled out a bottle of pepper-up potion. After drinking nearly the entire bottle, Hermione finally felt up to getting out of bed and getting ready for her day.
She took a quick shower and picked a dark brown pants suit from her wardrobe, as well as a simple beige camisole to complete the outfit. She dressed quickly, swept her thick brown hair into a loose ponytail and slipped on a pair of beige boots. Looking out her window, Hermione saw a blanket of snow was covering her lawn. She could smell coffee and bacon wafting up from the kitchen. Walking down the stairs, she saw that Mrs. Castleton, Matilda as she preferred to be called, was busy setting up the table for Hermione's breakfast. Her husband, Reynold, the butler, was already working on the house ledger, figuring out what needed to be bought for next week. There were two girls in their late teens working on cleaning the front parlour and the living room. Hermione smiled. She approved highly of her help who rose earlier than she did and the work they did to maintain her home.
"Good morning Hermione," said Matilda brightly as she set a cup of coffee on the table in front of Hermione. "I saw that your light in the office was on till late, so I brewed a very strong cup for you."
"Thanks Matilda. Please make sure that Rerynold has my briefcase in the office brought out to the front hall. I have an early meeting this morning."
Reynold and Matilda smiled as they went about their duties. Reynold promptly set out Hermione's briefcase in the front, as well as picking out a camel coat for Hermione to wear out. It was a chilly November morning, and the last thing he wanted was for his mistress to get ill.
Hermione hurriedly ate down her breakfast and was in the front hall by six-fifteen. She said good-bye to the servants and stepped out into the cold November air. It was going to be a very long Wednesday.
*~*
"Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the board. Let me begin by introducing myself. The name's Draco Malfoy, and as of today I will be taking over as the Chairman of the Board for VERSAELF. I know this is a rather hasty decision on our muggle counterpart, VERSACE, but seeing as the former chairman decided on an early retirement, Donatella was kind enough to offer me the position."
Hermione stifled a laugh as Draco continued his speech to the members of the board. She was doodling on a piece of parchment when she heard a familiar voice calling her name.
"Ms. Granger? If you're not too busy plotting my untimely and surely accidental death, would you be so kind as to start your presentation?"
Hermione glared at Draco as she rose and enlarged her folders, sketches, and models. Her assistant, Trili, passed out the folders to the different board members, as well as copies of her sketches and miniature models.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. And thank you, Mr. Malfoy, for that wonderful introduction. I assure you that when I am done plotting, it will be the most remarkable 'accidental' death you'll experience." Several board members chuckled. Most of them were aware of the animosity between their chair and the president of the company. Many had attended Hogwart's with Draco and Hermione. Hermione was right to assume that her position in the company was secure, seeing as how she had made the company extremely successful, and was continuing to do so.
"As you can see from the folders you have, I have included several lists of our most prominent clients, sketches for the new fall line, several fabrics swatches that I intend to use, as well as some miniature models of the new ministry buildings and our new store in New York. I intend to bring back a classic 50's look for our fall line, working with some tweed and wool to make simple, yet elegant suits, dresses, and accessories. This line should be ready to be launched during the summer shows…"
Hermione continued with her presentation, undeterred by the smirk plastered on Draco's face. Draco knew nothing of the fashion world and would wait until he gained sufficient knowledge to criticize Hermione openly.
Hermione finished her presentation and a round of applause from the room. The board members bid her a good day and left with their assistants and headed back to their offices. Draco remained in the room, flipping through the folder of information Hermione had handed out. Hermione gathered her sketchbook and presentation materials and shrank them so they would fit in her briefcase. As she was stepping out, a hand held her back.
'Damn,' she thought as she turned around to face Draco.
"I have clients and designers to meet with Malfoy, so make this quick."
"I will. I just wanted to say that your presentation was very thorough and well thought out. I was impressed. Perhaps, if you're not too busy at lunch time, you can come by my office so we can continue discussing these upcoming lines."
Hermione searched Draco's face for any sign of malice. Finding nothing but a glint in his eyes, she sighed.
"I have plans for lunch. Have your assistant speak to Trili; she knows my schedule better than I do. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
Draco let go of Hermione's arm and bit her a good day. 'This is going to be an interesting ride,' he thought as he walked towards his office.
*~*
It was Friday morning and Hermione had yet to see Draco since the meeting Wednesday morning. She completed the designs for Parvati's dress and was waiting for the bride-to-be as she cross-checked the team of designers she had assigned to work on the fall lines, as well as the interior of the New York store.
Plip! A holographic image of Trili appeared before Hermione. "Ms. Granger, Ms. Patil is here for her appointment."
"Show her in Trili, thank you."
The doors to Hermione's office opened and Parvati Patil came strolling in, looking even more beautiful than she did at Hogwart's. She was carrying a rather large bag. A small puppy peered out from the top and yipped loudly.
"Shh…Buttons, stay in there till Mummy's meeting is over." Parvati pushed the dog's head back into her bag and walked towards Hermione.
"Darling, it's such a fantastic day don't you think? My dress is finally designed, Buttons is behaving, and I am so glad to see you."
The two women exchanged a quick hug before sitting down on the couches in the sitting area of Hermione's expansive office.
"Nice to see you too Parvati, how is Padma faring?"
"Oh, fine I suppose. Last time I spoke to her, she was off in America chasing after some rock start bloke she's currently obsessed with. Mum and Dad agree that she's far too old to be chasing after boys at her age, but she refuses to settle down. So, let me see what you've come up with."
Hermione pulled out her sketch of Parvati's bridal gown. It was a stunning strapless dress with a princess waistline. Hermione flicked her wand over the sketch and it popped off the page and turned into a three dimensional model in front of the women. The waist looked like it was see-through with what looked like several hundred swarovski crystals encrusted on the waistline. The gown flowed out into a ball gown skirt with the hem covered with the same crystals used on the waistline. The back was held together with four strands of crystals.
Parvati oozed and ahhed at the creation before her. "Hermione, this looks perfect! I can't wait till you actually make it real! When will it be ready?"
Hermione smiled. "I would say in about two weeks. That gives you six weeks to change your mind before the wedding."
"Fantastic! Well, I suppose there isn't much else for us to discuss." Parvati gathered the sketch, which had returned to the sketchbook. She took out the small dog from her bag and placed him on a leash and was about to turn towards the door when she looked back at Hermione.
"Darling, tell me, is it true that you're working with Draco Malfoy now?"
"Christ, the rumor mill around here is worse that Hogwart's! Yes, if you must know, we are working together. He happens to be the new Chairman of the company."
"Hermione! What a lucky girl you are!"
Laughing, Hermione walked back to her desk, "I hardly call myself lucky. He's still an absolute prat."
"Oh hush dear, we all know he is. But ever since the war he has been the most intriguing man. And he's bloody handsome. I suggest a swim in the company pool Hermione, we're both close to thirty and I believe the last I heard you were still single!"
Parvati spat out the word 'single' as if it left a bad taste in her mouth. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"No thank you Parvati. Come back to me as soon as possible if there are any changes that need to be made to the dress. Other than that, I believe our meeting is over." Hermione picked up a file on her desk and pretended to study it intently, waiting for her door to close.
She looked up and saw Parvati smile mischievously. "Hermione, we'll get you down the altar before you know it. I'll ring you if there is anything I need."
Parvati left Hermione mumbling about hating the world and its inhabitants.
*~*
Plip! "Ms.Granger, Mr. Ronald Weasley on the line for you. Shall I put him through?"
"Absolutely, thanks Trili," Trili's head disappeared and was replaced with a burst of red. Ron's face floated over Hermione's desk.
"'lo Herms!" Hermione cringed at the sound of her old nickname that Ron used mainly to annoy her. "What's new?"
"Nothing, except I am glad that you're just an image I'm talking to, because if it was really your face floating in front of me, I would have it stuffed down the toilet immediately for calling me that horrid nickname."
"Aww….Harry was right. You are awfully curt lately. Did someone sneak another peek up your skirt? Heard Malfoy tried to last week."
"Shut up. I don't care much for discussing Malfoy's perverted antics. What can I do for you?"
"What? A friend can't check in once in a while to see how his overworked bestest buddy is faring?"
"No," snapped Hermione, "you want something. I can see it in your face."
"Am I that transparent," joke Ron. "Okay, well, here is the thing, I am coming home tomorrow and I need a place to stay. Harry won't let me in the flat for the next week, says he and Apexia are trying out 'new' things and they need the space. So I thought I could come and stay at the monster of a house of yours till they're done fouling up my home."
Hermione grimaced at a mental picture of Harry and his new conquest trying out 'new' things. "That's fine. I'll let the Castleton's know that I'll be expecting a guest for the next few days."
"Thanks, I really appreciate it 'Mione. Oh, and I heard Malfoy's the big giant head there now. He's not that bad you know. Worked with him for a bit two years ago on a case when he was still working with the Ministry. He's not my mate or anything, but he's really a different man."
"Ronald Weasley, you are the last person I know to defend Malfoy! I don't care how 'changed' he is, he's still a stupid bouncing ferret with unnaturally light hair and creepy smirk. I have things to do, I'll expect you tomorrow morning?"
"Yup, I'll be there. Thanks again. Oh, and Harry says he's no longer cross about your little episode. He says to ring him up after the weekend." And with that, Ron's face disappeared and hermione returned to her
work.
*~*
It was after seven thirty in the evening when Draco retuned to the office to pick up a few files he wanted to look over when he saw a light coming from Hermione's office. He walked over and opened the door and took a peek in. hermione was in the middle of the room, her back to the door, and what looked like several sketchbooks suspended in the air. Hermione pointed her wand to each sketchbook and automatically, several drawings appeared. While the books were busy sketching Hermione's ideas, she walked over and began to organize the pieces of fabric that was strewn around the office. After her office was tidied up a bit, hermione turned around and came face to face with Draco,
"it's Friday evening. Shouldn't the only reason to be in your office this late be that you're about to have an elicit tryst on your desk?"
"Don't be rude Malfoy, I'm working on things I didn't have a chance to finish this week. I'm expecting a guest at my home this weekend and I would like my two days off to be free of work."
Draco walked into her office and sat down on one of the couches. "Wealey. I know, he owled me and told me he was back in town." He searched Hermione's face for a reaction. "I see Ron told you that we've come to terms since Hogwart's. " He got up and examined the sketches that were being made. "these really are quite crappy Granger."
Hermione felt anger course through her veins. "Crappy?! Those designs aren't even conceivable in the muggle world! It's absolutely brilliant if you ask me. This line is going to launch VERSACELF into the height of the fashion industry in the wizarding world! It will literally revolutionize wizard attire and how it implements muggle dress! And what the hell do you know, you have no clue about this industry. Get out!"
Draco felt himself being levitated out of the office and into the hall. The door slammed shut in his face and he fell ungracefully to the ground as the charm wore off. He got up, adjusted his tie, and apparated home with a smile.
*~*
Draco arrived at his penthouse flat in London in high spirits. Irritating Hermione was more fun than when he terrorized her at Hogwarts.
After pouring himself a drink, he stepped out onto his terrace and shivered at the cold blast of air that hit him when he opened the doors. He placed a warming charm around him as he sipped his drink and looked down at the city below him. All these years of fixing the damage the Malfoy name had caused was tiring. He wanted to be different than Lucius. It was almost as though it was expected of him to redeem the Malfoy name.
And then there was Hermione. He thought she was an insufferable bitch, but the last few days of being in close proximity of her, Draco found himself drawn to her. It was almost by habit that he was so rude to her, but she intrigued him. He wondered, as he finished his drink, why Potter or Weasel weren't married to her. He thought that with their relationships, one of them would have bagged her down by now.
'Well, I suppose I can try to tame the shrew,' he thought as he entered his flat and changed for bed. Wooing one of the most respected women in the wizarding world was sure to fully return him into the good graces of the entire wizarding community. If Hermione would have him, he would polish off the tarnish of the Malfoy name quite nicely.
'I can't wait,' thought Draco as he fell into a deep sleep.
