Author's Note:

Hello there! I'm sorry it took 3 chapters before I could greet the readers, but better late than never! This isn't my first time to write a story here, but it is the first time that I've been motivated to go beyond a one-shot and finish it. I'm not a creative writer by any means, so I'm sure I'll make a lot of mistakes or weird writing decisions, but I do hope you're enjoying the story so far!

Also, the reason I'm adding an author's note for this chapter is because I saw that people have followed and favorited my story. SO, I would just like to say thank you to those people and I promise that I'll do my best to give you a good continuation to this story. Ngl, I feel a little bit of pressure knowing that people are actually reading my work, but I also appreciate your time to open and read this little story of mine. So, thank you so much!

Actually, I've already finished writing the whole thing and I'm just posting them chapter by chapter to allow myself to see whether there is a natural flow to from one chapter to another. But, even if that's the case, I would love to hear what you think! All works are in progress until they are published, so, if you have any suggestions as to how this story's direction will go or maybe if you feel like the character/s' motivations are out of place, etc., please feel free to drop a review or PM and we'll see if and how we can work these ideas into this story.

Anyway, thank you again and please enjoy this chapter!


The rest of the week passed by uneventfully. Ginny prepared for bed and went to sleep as soon as she got home from the Burrow so that she can have an early start the next day. Truthful to what she told Maddie, she went straight to work the next day to finish her article. Since her assistant is on leave, she also dealt with the developing and post-processing of her photos in the few days that followed. Also, she got to floo Percy after work and talk about his decision to change his job. Seems like the others have been giving him grief for his decision, so she wasn't surprised when he sounded exasperated the moment he saw her face on the fireplace.

"If you have nothing nice to say, just close the connection. Nothing you say will make me change my mind. Even if Malfoy is a slimy git designed to ruin me." Percy said tiredly.

Ginny shook her head. "No, I'm not here to tell you you made the wrong decision. Since I wasn't in the family meeting, I just wanted to talk to you myself instead of just hearing it from the others. You can't blame me if I have questions."

Percy sighed deeply. "Alright, fire away."

Ginny looked at her brother for a few seconds and asked her questions. Why did you accept it? How did Malfoy know to contact you? Suffice to say, Ginny was surprised to hear the answer.

"I got into contact with Theodore Nott because of work. He's doing floo-related business. Well, we hit it off after a few meetings and we went out drinking. We caught up with each other and eventually talked about how I've been wanting to work in international cooperation. Then, he mentioned a friend looking for an adviser or something in the field and he said he'd recommend. A month and a half later, Malfoy's HR reached out, and I was just surprised as you were. But, I did a few meetings with HR and Malfoy's executive assistant, and I thought it was a far greater bargain, career-wise and financially, than what I'm getting now, so I accepted. That's all there is to it, really."

To Ginny, it doesn't make sense that Malfoy would recruit her brother based only on his friend's recommendation, making her skeptical of the whole situation. But, just like what her mother said, Percy is fully capable of making his decision and he seems to stand his ground, so there's not much she can do but offer her support.

By the end of the week, Ginny feels like she has been run over by a herd of cows. Right now, all she wants to do is have a glass of wine and collapse in bed.

When she got home, however, she found an owl waiting outside one of her windows. She let it, but the owl just dropped off the letter in front of her and flew away immediately. She took the letter, ripped it open, and read it. After reading, she placed the letter on the kitchen counter and heaved a big sigh.

"What is wrong with all these authoritative men thinking they can ask people to work after work hours? Must be nice having people in your beck and call." She huffed in exasperation and went straight to her bedroom.

A few minutes later, Ginny emerged in her pajamas with her hair up and a headband to keep the hair out of her face. She summoned her work bag and prepared her working desk. Ginny rotated her head to ease the tension that built up on her neck.

"Guess there will be no drinking and collapsing tonight. Just me and my draft, as per usual."

And Ginny worked well into the night. Only when dark blue turned to shades of orange and pink did she call it a night.

She woke up at 12:30 the next day. She stayed in bed for a bit before throwing the covers off of her and heading to the shower. After a 15-minute shower, she feels more refreshed than she has felt in the past week. She decided to cook lunch for herself and make an easy cream pasta dish. After her lunch, she changed to comfy, but casual wear to go to the café near her apartment and read while having some coffee.

Ginny dined alfresco so she can enjoy the sun while relaxing into her current read. 15 minutes into her book and her coffee halfway done, she felt someone stop in front of her table. She looked up and saw that same clean cut blonde hair and those entrancing grey eyes that she hasn't seen in a couple of years. For bystanders, they'd think that he's looking at her blankly. But, she knows better to notice the little twitch teasing the right side of his mouth, and his eyes were too steely which gives away the fact that his walls are up.

"Malfoy. Fancy seeing you here," Ginny greeted coolly, with an eyebrow raised.

Malfoy held the same gaze, but softened a bit. "I didn't think I'd run into you here, Weasley."

Ginny smirked a bit. "Likewise."

They stared at each other for a few seconds before Draco cleared his throat. "Do you mind if I sit here with you?"

Ginny looked around the alfresco. There were definitely a lot of empty seats.

"Are you sure? We're pretty much in broad daylight. Would you really want to be seen sitting with a Weasley?" Ginny teased.

Draco scoffed. "Seriously? If you don't want me to, you could just say so and I'll just pick another seat for myself."

Ginny chuckled. "Geez. You're still as sensitive as ever. I was only teasing. Sit." Ginny raised her hand to get a waiter's attention. "Excuse me, I would like a refill, and please bring this man two shots of espresso and a chocolate chip cookie." The waiter looked between Ginny and Draco, a little confused, but took their orders and scurried off right away.

"Looks like he's trapped in maze. Never saw anyone that confused in a while." Ginny mused as she watched the waiter enter the café building hastily.

As Draco settled, he scoffed again and faced Ginny. "I bet it's not every day he sees supposed mortal enemies sitting together in a café alfresco in the middle of the day."

Ginny looked at him and made an understanding face. "Fair enough." Ginny placed her book on the table. "So, I heard you hired my brother."

The waiter made his way back to their table and first placed Draco's espresso and cookie in front of him, then proceeded to refill Ginny's cup. He left immediately after.

Both of them took a sip first, enjoying the taste of coffee. After putting his espresso cup down, Draco looked at Ginny.

"You were never one for subtlety, aren't you?"

Ginny just shrugged and sat back on the chair with her arms folded. "With a busy man like you, I didn't feel like wasting your time."

"At least you're considerate," Draco said as he picked a bit of cookie and popped it on his mouth.

Ginny smiled a bit at Draco. They've only met each other a few times in the last 10 years, but he's still the same. "When was the last time we met?"

Draco took another cookie crumble. "Two years ago? Where was it? Paris?"

Ginny started thinking, trying to pull out the memory from the deep recesses of her mind. As if a switch turned on, she started nodding to herself. "Yes, I think you're right. Paris. That was two years ago? How fast time flies indeed."

"Tell me about it." Draco relaxed into his chair and placed his hands clasped on the table. "To respond to your previous statement. Yes, I did hire your brother. He's bound to start in a month."

"Why?" Ginny knew Percy's perspective, but she's curious to know Draco's.

"Why? Well, there are several reasons. First, image. You know how it's like for me, right? Even if I try hard, there will always be that stain on my name."

Ginny nodded. "Alright. And what other reasons?"

Draco breathed deeply. "I need someone I can trust. Someone loyal. The last time I checked, your brother is one of the most loyal ministry employees, if not the most. I need that."

"So he's going to help with your image and he's loyal. That's it?" Ginny challenged.

Draco started playing with his thumb and looked at it. "No. He also has connections that I would need."

Ginny nodded. "I see. And do you think my brother's skills are enough?"

Draco stared at Ginny, his eyes swimming in amusement. "I would think you'd have more belief in your brother than that."

Ginny chuckled. "Don't get me wrong. I know he's capable. It just seems that you didn't hire him for that."

"What did you think I held all those meetings for? Of course, I checked. I wouldn't let a bumbling idiot deal with matters as important as international cooperation."

Ginny pulled an amused face. "I guess you're not stupid after all."

Draco feigned looking scandalized. "What do you take me for?" And they both laughed and sipped their coffee after.

"How about you?" This time it was Draco's turn to ask. "I heard you were in Japan for a month."

Ginny put down her cup. "Yeah. For an assignment. As you know, people are getting more into travelling these days which means my job is becoming more demanding. People wanting to know where to go next. Wanting to know the next big thing. All that shit. And my publishing editor thinking that I can just travel as easily as breathing."

"Releasing a new book?"

"Yeah. Apparently. I just finished collecting content. Just need to get everything together."

Draco took another sip of his espresso. "Seems like you're busy."

"Like you're not."

"Nobody said this life was easy." Draco stared at her.

"I have to agree to that," and Ginny took another sip of her coffee.

For the next 30 minutes, the two unlikely companions caught up with each other as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Passersby did a double take when they saw the combination of blonde and red sharing a conversation and an occasional laugh. It seems unbelievable to witness such a display even after 10 years. On the other hand, Ginny and Draco appeared not to take notice of the whispers and the shocked eyes that their get together was drawing.

3 espressos, 3 cups of coffee, and 2 and a half chocolate chip cookies later, the duo began preparing to leave and stood from the table.

"Well, it was a nice time, Malfoy. Who knows when we'll bump into each other again."

Draco smoothened out the wrinkles on his clothes before facing Ginny again. "Agreed. By the way, what are you doing for the rest of the day?"

Ginny stared at Malfoy for a few seconds before replying. "Nothing. I was thinking of just lounging at home. Why? Do you have anything in mind?"

A tangle of arms and body swept like a hurricane across the darkened room. Only the sound of kissing and heavy breathing can be heard. Soon, clothing was discarded, shoes were kicked off. Wanting more, Draco carried Ginny, wrapping her legs around his torso and they proceeded to exchange hot kisses as he took both of them to his bed.

"That" breathe "was" breathe "amazing." Ginny continued breathing heavily after being ravished by her blonde companion. Draco wasn't any better. He was also still trying to get his breathing even and his heartbeat to return to normal.

Facing Ginny, "Can't say I don't feel the same. How can I go two years without that?" Draco said teasingly.

Ginny laughed. "You've managed well so far."

"Not without help."

"Then you're fine without me," Ginny said as she started rising from the bed, holding the blanket to her chest to keep her covered. Draco touched her back which stilled her movements.

"Do you have to leave so soon?"

Ginny looked back. "And why should I stay?"

Draco pulled back and laid back down in bed, but his face was still towards her. "Maybe I want a companion tonight."

Ginny smiled and leaned down to place a kiss on Draco's mouth. "I'm not your babysitter," she whispered against his lips and pushed herself off from him, taking the blanket as she stood up, leaving Draco uncovered.

"I'm not saying this with disdain or anger or anything," Ginny started as she started picking up her clothes. "but, you know that this," She stood up to face him and pointed between both of them, "is just this, right? This is not going anywhere even if we tried, and we both agreed."

Draco continued to watch her as she continues to find her clothes and put them on. Eventually, he sighed and stood up to find his own clothes. Ginny finished dressing up and did a refreshing charm to fix her hair and her face. After checking herself in Draco's mirror, she turned back to find him in his underwear and his shirt hung loosely around his shoulders, unbuttoned.

Ginny walked towards him. As soon as she was standing a reasonable distance from him, she looked up at him with a small smile.

"We've been having this pseudo-relationship, friendship, whatever you call it, in the last eleven years. And in that time, I did learn to care about you, truly. We may not see each other regularly, hell, even intentionally, but I do care about you, Draco. But, I don't know if I'm the companion you're looking for."

Draco frowned at Ginny. "I was just kidding, Ginny. You know that."

"I know. But I still want it to be clear. We're in a good place now. We don't need to compromise that. Besides, like you said, we're both busy. We don't have time for anything outside of work. This, whatever we have, is just a temporary distraction, and tomorrow, it's like we never even saw each other."

Ginny walked away and started for the door. Before opening it, she looked back at him and smiled. "Anyway, thank you again for today. It really was nice catching up with you." She started opening the door, before Draco said anything.

"At least let me walk you to the floo."

He started walking towards her, but she raised a hand to stop him and smiled. "It's alright, I can show myself out. Good night, Draco." With that, she closed the door.

Draco didn't move from his spot. He heard her state her address to the fireplace and the swish of flames as she flooed home. Only then did he allow himself to sit down on the bed and press his hands on his face.