Stay the Night
Chapter Two
Oh dear, she thought. I can't believe this – why would he come to the flat? Hermione continued her thoughts as she strolled into her work place.
After her mysterious return to Wizarding London three years after her graduation from Hogwarts, Hermione took one of the most prestigious jobs offered to wizards and witches young and old—London's Centre of Magical Research and Development.
Her heels clicked along the foyer floor as she signed in at the front desk of the building. As soon as Hermione stepped onto the fifth floor from which she worked, her secretary called to her.
"Hermione!" Gretchen stated in a loud whisper. "The boss is completely pissed off. He said he wanted you inside his office immediately." Gretchen's heavily arched eyebrows brought a certain drama to the statement that made Hermione nervous considering she was new.
"Did he hint as to what it could be?" Her curiosity showing for the second time that morning.
"Not a clue, but perhaps you should go in now. He probably knows you're here." Gretchen smiled a nervous smile and went back to refilling the ink in the company quills.
Knock, knock. Hermione shivered with anticipation.
"Come in," a stern voice from the other side of the door was soon revealed to be Mr. Peters, a balding man in his fifties. Co-workers joked that his hair was running away from Peters' inflammable attitude.
"You wanted to see me sir."
"Yes, yes. Ms. Granger. I got a most disturbing phone call this morning. You wouldn't possibly have any clue as to what it could be about, would you?"
"No sir, I can't say that I would."
"Well, since you're new here, I should give you a little history about this place. Here at London's Centre of Magical Research and Development, we take charity very seriously – it always helps in the long run. Big contributors, such as a certain Mr. Malfoy, are treated with the utmost respect."
Hermione blanched. I can't believe he called, I can't believe he called.
"Noticing the color, or lack of it, on your face, I can tell you know what I am referring to. Mr. Malfoy's secretary called me, saying that Malfoy was considerably disturbed by a tone in which he received from you recently. So disturbed, in fact, that he is reconsidering his monthly donation to this place. Do you know how many Galleons he has given us? Can you fathom that large of a number in your brain? Do we-?" The blood gathering in Mr. Peters' face was a nice contrast to the white of his hair.
"Well that is enough, Mr. Peters! I might not make monetary contributions, but I surely make contributions none-the-less, so I am fairly certain that the tone of voice you're using with me is inappropriate! Not to be rude, but you don't know me. The only things you do know about me are that I am Harry Potter's friend and everything you have read in my resume. If you'd so much had questioned Malfoy as to why I would speak to him disrespectfully, you would realize – wait, no you wouldn't, because his money has got you wrapped around his finger. Good day Mr. Peters, I will be in my office." She walked saucily and slammed the door on the way out.
Pacing back and forth in her office, Hermione took a hair band and pulled her long tresses into a messy bun. After Hogwarts, she reached into her muggle heritage and purchased an anti-frizz treatment that seemed to work fine. Nothing else was done to her hair. She had grown as any woman would, with sufficient curves, height, and looks. Not to be labeled as gorgeous, as few women are, Hermione was—cute. She'd grown into her teeth and was a very, normal looking young woman – unless you recognized her as the best friend of the Boy-Who-Lived.
"I've had it. It's time for me and Mr. Malfoy to have a talk."
POP!
And she was gone.
A/N: How was it. . . I know not too lengthy, but they will get longer as I get farther – I promise. Thank you to all those who gave me reviews – now I really see how important they are to authors, and I hope you liked this chapter. . .
Someone said I didn't put enough information on them – it seemed a bit cliché to describe the characters in the first chapter, plus I think it's better that you get to know their personalities as well as their looks, am I right?. . .well until next time,
cremedelacreme