Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

A/N: See end of chapter.

Chapter 2: Unexpected

The next day, Hermione woke at dawn to pay the delivery owl of the Daily Prophet, again. This time, however, she did not traipse back to bed. She was too nervous. Today she would find out if she got the job she interviewed, for the day prior. She wasn't quite sure if she was nervous aout the job or about the prospect of seeing Draco again.

Draco.

Thinking of him gave her butterflies in her stomach. That was the second time he had saved her from being raped. The first time was during the war with Voldemort. A group of about four Death Eaters had attacked her from all sides and cornered her.

"Think you can get away, mudblood?" one of them sneered at her from behind his mask.

"Yeah. Let's have some fun with 'er before we kill 'er, eh, Lucius?" another said.

A third hooded figure stepped closer to Hermione. "Yes, that would be acceptable," came an icy voice. Lucius Malfoy.

"No," Hermione whispered, "I won't let you! Stupefy!"

As a jet of red light flew out of Hermione's wand toward Lucius Malfoy, he stepped casually out of the way.

"Too easy, mudblood. Is that all you got?"

Hermione looked around frantically. The Death Eaters were closing in. "Help..." she moaned.

"No one is going to help you now, mudblood," Lucius sneered.

Suddenly, four successive shouts of "Stupefy!" were heard from behind the group of Death Eaters. All four went rigid and fell over. Hermione fell to the ground, shaking violently.

"Oh my god, I was about to get raped and killed. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," she kept repeating.

Her rescuer stepped closer to her. "Granger... did they touch you? Are you okay?"

Hermione looked up at her guardian angel. That pointed face, the platinum blonde hair, the icy grey eyes... the unmistakable features of Draco Malfoy. Without warning, Hermione stood and flung herself at Draco, squeezing him in a hug. "Thank you, Malfoy. I owe you my life," she breathed.

"Well, no one deserves that... it was no problem. But we need to get ack to the, uh, war, you know?" he awkwardly declared, lightly pushing her off of him.

You know, come to think of it, she never asked Draco how he knew about her, that day. Last she saw, he was locked in battle with Death Eaters, no where near her. How odd. She made a mental note to herself to ask him about that later... if she saw him later, that is.

Hermione bustled around the kitchen, making coffee and waffles. About ten minutes after the coffee was done, Ginny sleepily stumbled in the room.

"Gin?" Hermione asked, startled.

"Hm?" came the rather intellectual reply. Ginny's eyes were still closed.

"...what're you doing up this early?"

"I smelled coffee," the younger girl slurred.

Ginny plopped down at the table. She asked, "Herm, can you get me some? I don't quite trust myself at this hour."

Hermione, who was one step ahead as usual, had already poured a cup and passed it to Ginny.

The two girls sat in silence for a few minutes, drinking their coffee peacefully. Hermione, while drinking, was casually reading the post as she drank, or so she thought, when Ginny abruptly declared, "Hermione, I know something's wrong. Are you gonna just tell me, or do I have to pry it out of you?"

Damn, Hermione thought, and here I thought I was being casual.

"I know you probably thought you were acting all casual and smooth, and that I wouldn't notice anything was wrong, eh? Guess what, Herm, I know you too well. So spill," the younger girl prodded.

"You're right," Hermione sighed, "something is on my mind... but it's no big deal, really. Don't worry about it."

"Herm, you can tell me anything, you know that," said Ginny, gently.

"I know, Gin. I was just thinking about the interview yesterday," Hermione said. Hey, it wasn't completely a lie! She had yet to tell anyone about her near rape yesterday, nor being saved (yet again) by Draco.

Ginny frowned. "You're not telling the whole truth, Hermione. I can see it in your eyes."

Hermione was silent for a few minutes. She was sitting, looking at her coffee and occasionally swirling it. Suddenly, she looked up at Ginny and said, "You know what, Gin? You're absolutely right."

Ginny looked taken aback. She expected much more resistance than... this. "What?" she breathed.

"Yeah. You heard me. It's just... I ran, quite literally, into Draco Malfoy, yesterday."

Ginny gaped at the brunette girl. "No," she accused, "THE Draco Malfoy? The son-of-a-Death-Eater-changed-sides-at-the-last-minute-saved-you-from-his-father... ferret boy?"

"Yep, that's the one," Hermione giggled. Slowly, her face conformed into a small frown. "Yeah," she started, "he was also the one who I was interviewed by... Gin, he might be my new boss."

Ginny was dumbstruck. "You're kidding," she stated flatly.

Hermione shook her head, "Not at all. Also, after the interview, he-" She was cut off by a sudden tap at the window, followed by several more (nonstop) taps. She stood up and walked over to the window, opening the curtains. Sitting on the window was a magnificent, official-looking black owl. It hooted at her. She quickly opened the window, and the owl flew in. As it flew, Hermione noticed a rather small scroll tied to its leg. Her heart sank. So I didn't get the job after all... he was just being nice and friendly, she thought sadly.

With the air of a dead girl walking, she ambled over to where the owl landed and removed the parchment from its leg. The owl hooted at her yet again and flew out the window. Ginny audibly held her breath, as did Hermione (only hers was silent).

She unrolled the (rather short) scroll, and read:

Miss Granger-

I interviewed around ten very eager young women for the position of my secretary. I am pleased to inform you that your interview was quite intriguing, so I have chosen you for the position.

You start tomorrow morning. Meet me in my office at 8 a.m. for instructions. There is no need to reply to this letter. I trust I will see you bright and early.

Until tomorrow.

-Draco Malfoy

Jr. Head of the Dept. of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

Hermione ogled the letter for a few seconds before collapsing into the nearest chair. The letter fluttered out of her hand and onto the floor. Ginny hastily picked it up and devoured it with her eyes. When she finished reading the letter, the younger girl squealed and ran over to the older girl, where she immediately hugged the elder girl.

"Herm! Oh my gosh, congrats! I'm so excited for you, oh my gosh! You know, this has to be an omen. I bet you'll end up dating the guy too!" Ginny exclaimed.

Hermione blushed furiously. "Ginny, for the last time, I DO NOT like Draco Malfoy like that!"

"Sure, right, uh huh. I believe that... NOT! Gosh, Herm, I've been hearing about that boy from YOU, for... what, three years now? Okay, you're right. You don't like him. You're OBSESSED with him!" the fiery teenager proclaimed.

"Ginny!" Hermione gasped, "I am NOT!"

"Oh, puhlease. Sounds like someone's in denial!" Ginny sang, "'Cause you know, denial isn't only a river in Egypt!"

"That is so childish!" Hermione pouted, stomping her foot.

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "I'm the childish one?"

"You, yeh... YES YOU ARE!"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Come find me when you grow up," she said, and proceeded to her bedroom, coffee in hand.

Hermione sat at the table in shock. Ginny had had a point. Hermione had been talking about the boy quite often since the war, when he saved her.

He was something of a hero to her. And now he was her boss.

She thought she would never see him again, after the war. And now she would be seeing him daily.

My, how the times had changed.

This in mind, the petite brunette sighed and headed up the stairs after her utterly correct friend and roommate. She reached the oak door that lead to Ginny's quarters, and knocked timidly. "Ginny?" she asked, just as timid as her knock.

"Come in," came a call from within. Hermione entered the room.

"Hey..." she said quietly.

"You're back. Grown up a bit yet?"

"...yeah... you were completely right, Gin, I'm really sorry."

"Naw, don't fret your little ass off over it. At least you saw the light quickly. I actually thought it'd take about two more minutes before you came up here."

"Oh," Hermione laughed, "yeah, well, I'd have to be completely daft not to realize my own feelings!"

Ginny laughed.

Hermione's face grew somber. "But, Gin, I couldn't date him... even if he and I both wanted to. He's my boss."

Ginny winked. "So? You're a clever witch, you'll think of something. Besides... you wouldn't say no to him. We both know that," she giggled.

XoXoX

The next morning, Hermione woke up at dawn, as usual. Like the prior morning, she didn't return to bed. She, instead, made herself breakfast (including the ever wonderful coffee), and ate it while reading the newspaper.

About halfway through her meal, Hermione heard the sounds of feet shuffling down the staircase. Figuring she'd see who it was in a couple of seconds, she turned back to her plate.

Sure enough, Mandy emerged into the kitchen soon after, rubbing the back of her neck. "One of these days I'll get a new bed... damn thing's so uncomfortable," she grumbled.

Hermione chuckled. "You know, I think that's the first time I've heard you curse."

"You're rubbing off on me," Mandy grinned sleepily.

Hermione put a hand over heart in mock honor. "I'm glad that it's working after all these years," she said sarcastically.

Mandy walked over to the stove. "What, didn't leave any food for me, piggy?" she asked, looking at the other girl.

Hermione opened her mouth, revealing a partially chewed glob of food. "Wan' some?" she inquired innocently.

Mandy shook her head slowly. "So immature."

"At least I'm not boring!"

"I'm not boring! Just haven't had my coffee yet is all."

"There's still some in the pot if you want some," Hermione told her, pointing at the coffeepot, "but for now, I need to go get ready for work. See you later, Mandy!"

"Later, Herm."

With that, Hermione retreated up the stairs of the four-person flat. As she was passing Lisa's room, she was struck by an idea. Quietly, she opened the door and saw the still slumbering form of her friend. Payback, Hermione thought. She conjured up a jug of ice cold water and stood over the other girl. She then emptied the jug on Lisa's head.

Lisa sat up with a start, screaming. When she saw Hermione doubled over laughing with mirth, she was furious. "Hermione Jane Granger, that was NOT nice! My gosh, what made you do that?"

"Payback," Hermione said simply, "now if you'll excuse me, I must get ready for work. Ta!"

Lisa glared at Hermione's retreating back.

Half an hour later, Hermione was ready for work. She looked at her clock. 7:50 A.M. Perfect timing. With a deep breath, she apparated to the Ministry.

With two minutes to spare, Hermione was outside the door to Draco's office. With another deep breath, she raised a fist to knock on the door.

"Looking for me, Granger?" said an amused voice behind her.

She froze. How long had he been behind her?

Draco stepped closer to her and bent down to her ear. "You can just go in. The doorknob works fine," he whispered.

The whisper sent shivers down her spine. Although that could have been from his close presence as well. She entered the office, Draco close behind her.

"So, Granger, were you surprised when you got my owl?" he asked, looking her in the eye.

She nodded absently. Suddenly, she said, "Hermione. My name is Hermione. You know that, seeing as you've called me it before. I see no need to continue with this last name business if we are interested in a professional relationship." Not long after she finished her small speech did she realize her last two words. She blushed furiously. "I... I didn't mean it like that," she said, looking at her shoes, still blushing.

Draco chuckled, noticing her flushed cheeks. "Well then, Hermione, this will be your office. There's a desk here, for obvious reasons, and bookshelves and file cabinets, should you need them. There's an intercom on your desk, should you need to speak with me, or inform me of a visitor. Said visitor can sit on those couches until I give the OK for them to enter," he said, gesturing, "and I think that'll be all for now. I'm right through this back door if you need anything. Oh, and the lavatory's through the door on the left wall. I'll give you today to set up the office, nothing too frilly, mind you, and tomorrow I'll have you start on paperwork. ...Well, have at it, then." He retreated into his office via the back door he mentioned previously.

"Well that was awkward," Hermione said to herself, out loud. She sat at her desk, and promptly started banging her head on the surface. "Stupid, stupid, Hermione. Way to go. What a wonderful first impression on the first day of work."

A minute later, she heard a throat being cleared behind her. She stopped mutilating her head on the table and turned around to see Draco leaning on the door frame, with a raised eyebrow. "You seem to be getting a lot of work done."

She groaned. "Sorry, Mr. Malfoy... I was just a little flustered at myself... I'll get to work at once."

He smirked at her. "Draco. My name is Draco. If we want a professional relationship, we should use first names," he mocked.

"O...kay, Draco." There. She had said it out loud. Surprisingly enough, it wasn't as hard as she had thought it would be.

He continued smirking at her. "And," he continued, "if we want said 'professional relationship,' why not catch up over the past couple of years at lunch later?"

"Sure. That would be nice. Just tell me when you'd like to go... seeing as you're my boss. You say when I get lunch breaks, if I'm not mistaken," she responded. Her demeanor was nonchalant, but on the inside, she was freaking out. He asked her out. Ginny was right!

XoXoX

ENDING A/N: Hello all! I hope you're all liking my story! I'm liking where it's going! Cuz... it's sorta going in the direction that I want it to! WOO! Anyway, I hope you're all not getting too pissed at, like, Hermione almost being raped all the time... I'm done with that. Just those two times. Kinda as a redundant thing that he keeps saving her an' all. Like... her knight in shining... robes. Yep. Anyhoot. Just to clear some crap up, in case you were wondering.

At this point of the story, Hermione is, uh... lemme recheck... ah yes. She's 20 in chapters 1 and 2. In the prologue, she's 22, as are Lisa, Mandy, and Draco. ...Ginny's always a year younger than them. As I hope you know.

Also! I'm just sorta going off of my theory that dawn is like, a little after 6... cuz, y'know, I'm not up at that hour to see it anyway, so... yeah. Just so y'all know that.

Anywho, SHOUTOUTS FOR MY 3 REVIEWS! You guys rock. ...except for Tiffany, who I forced to review. :) Naw, you still rock, my Asian sister. And since there're only, y'know, 3, I can make personal comments always! Woo!

BlondeAsian... need I say anything? Haha. You rock, my Asian sister. As always.

mysteriouscharm... Thanks so much! Don't worry though, I won't abandon this story. I'll keep writin' it until it's done. :) Keep reading and reviewing! I really appreciate it!

strawberrylemonade520... DUDE! I love you so much. Hahaha, yeah, NO CONQUERING FOR YOU. I do totally agree with you though... I tend to like posthogwarts stories more than 7th year ones... cuz there are so many places you can go! But yeah, don't get me wrong, I still enjoy 7th year stories as well. And ooh, thanks TONS... I like the beginning too. It's all... angsty. Haha. Even the story isn't very angsty. ...well, yeah it is. But it has its times when it's like "fun fun fun" and all. And don't worry! Of course Draco has good reasons! He's been talking to me in my head... he's really feelin' guilty about it. Don't worry! You never know, he may beg repeatedly and profusely for forgiveness... that'd be fun. Then they go and have HOT MAKEUP SEX and all is forgiven. HAHAHA, only jokin'. And yes. I do believe that fantabulous is now officially "our word". It is quite fantabulous, as are we! Hahaha. Keep reviewin'!