He smiled and all I could think was 'Oh Shit'."

Chapter Two:

Leaning back I looked back up at the stucco styled ceiling. I was not expecting this at all; of all the crazy things Grootpan could have asked. Never in a million years did I think I would have anything to do with the Malfoy's. How is it that I was just thinking about the past and lo and behold here is my past coming to my present. What possessed him to personally ask for me? We haven't spoken since… well. Years ago.

"Here. It should shock you back to the living." Jacob remarks dangling a glass of Firewhiskey above me.

"Many thanks." I mumble grabbing the glass and throwing the drink back in one shot.

"So, when's the last time you've seen him?" Jacob remarked taking a seat across me.

"I'm not even sure." I remark with a sigh dropping the now empty glass on the end table, "I think the last time I saw him was his trial."

"Damn."

"You're telling me. Ugh! I have to start packing."

Jacob grabs the glass and I head towards my room, straight for the shower; dreaming of an extra strong coffee and food to sober me up. I needed be ready for whatever this meeting was going to turn out to be. I dressed in a crisp knee length dress with a belt cinched to my waist. A classic black dress with black pumps. My hand hovered over my jewelry pausing slightly. Should I? It was so tempting. Let just see.

Clasping the necklace, I paired it with red studs and with a flick of my wand I had my belongings packed and my work purse filled with all my paperwork. The necklace still shined like the first day I received it. It was a gift from Draco and somehow I could never convince myself to get rid of it. I found Jacob still lounging in the same place I left him. He glanced up when my heels hit tile, whistling as he looked me up and down and smiled when he finally held my gaze.

"Damn. Edwards."

I glared at him and walked over the rugs to the fireplace, "Hush, you've seen me in this dress. Now, keep me posted on how everything goes with finalizing the paperwork. If you need anything just let me know. I hate leaving early." I remarked adjusting the purse strap.

"Don't worry I'll be forwarding copies of the documents as they get signed." Jacob remarked with a grin as he stood up trying to tame his bed hair.

Grabbing my magically reduced trunk in my right hand and grabbing the Floo powder in my left I stepped into the Fireplace, calling out my home for location. Stepping out of fireplace I sigh as I step into my living room.

Shortly after returning to London I bought a flat that was in walking distance to Gringotts. It was a simple layout; the fireplace was angled in the corner next to a sliding door that went out into the patio. Heading to the right I went through the living room and down the hall to the master bedroom. It was a simple two-bedrooms, two bathrooms; just enough for one and extra space for a spare room for when people or my parents came to stay. Throwing my purse onto the bed and waving the trunk open I went to freshen up as my belongings zipped about the flat going to its proper place.

Putting on a pot of coffee I check the time, 8 A.M. Good, I had just enough time to finish my coffee and eat something before I headed to the office. Why was I so nervous? It's not like we were 17 years old anymore or even aquatinted for that matter. Sure, I saw his name splashed all over the papers but I usually just ignored them and moved on to whatever else I was doing.

With a fresh cup of coffee, I retrieved my purse filled with my work papers and stepped into the Floo. "Gringotts'." I state, throwing the floo powder down and watching as my flat disappears and Gringotts appears.

It was bustling with traffic, everyone was just going about their work day. Goblins in stiff suits walked by, glaring at any one who dared make eye contact. Witches and Wizards buzzed around with an even amount of traditional wizarding robes and muggle clothing. Making my way through the people I headed up to the second floor which held the Investment offices.

"Eva. We weren't expecting you back so early!"

Turning to my right I found the secretary that helped my section of the floor that handled international investments. "Good Morning Claire. Yes, I was not supposed to be back but I was called in for a meeting with Grootpan."

"I see, shall I direct messages that you have returned or keep them on hold?" Claire remarks walking in step with me.

Claire was fresh out of Hogwarts when she took up a job as a secretary in the hopes to slowly build her way up to become a Curse Breaker. At average height, dark hair and a bubbly personality she was great secretary. Amazing, really. She was completely organized and knew everyone's schedule down pat.

"Keep them on hold for now. If you do receive anything from Jacob and our client please send those through." I remark opening the door to my office, "Also, bring me anything you can on the Malfoy accounts here at Gringotts."

"Of course! Glad to have you back!" Claire remarked cheerfully before twirling around back to her desk.

It was no corner office but I loved it. I had a cherry wood desk that gleamed from polish, the left corner behind my desk was a shelving unit. Files and binders neatly organized with moving pictures set off to the side. I had two chairs displayed at the front of my desk. The other half of my office held two large bookcases, a couch and a table with a nook stocked with a tea pot and water.

"Miss Edwards?"

Glancing up from my desk I found a young Wizard standing apprehensively at my door, with files floating in front of him, "Yes?"

"I have the files you requested to be sent up."

"Great, you can leave them here." I remarked, motioning him to drop the stack on my desk, "Thank you."

"Of course, miss."

Once he left I moved my paperwork about and began to sift through the Malfoy account. Copying anything I thought might be relevant to what this meeting was going to be about. It seemed that since Lucius Malfoy was sentenced Draco was put in charge of their family finances and investments. Of course, he had representatives that helped him learn all the responsibilities. They were worth quite a lot and it seemed that Draco has been making good investment decisions to keep income flowing through.

Checking my watch, 8:35 a.m., perfect. Clasping the binder shut with the duplicate copies I stood up, straightened the dress and headed out of the office.

"Come in." Grootpan yelled from inside his door.

Opening it up I found him leaning over his desk with a pile of paperwork all around. His office was a bit larger than mine and it also included a window overlooking Diagon Alley, "Miss. Edwards, take a seat." Grootpan remarks motioning me to come closer.

I take a seat and wait expectantly for him to start the conversation. One of the first things you learn about working with Goblins is that they don't like having someone push them into conversation or make small talk. They are always straight to the point and want to initiate the conversation themselves. I smile politely as he finally stops looking over his work and settles back into his chair.

"I have contacted Mr. Desmarais and informed him of your absence and assured him that everything would run smoothly in your absence. I need your full attention on our next assignment." Grootpan began with a steely glint in his eyes.

"Of course."

"Good. If it was any other client I would not have allowed them to bend the rules but they personally requested you to handle their affairs and would not allow me to persuade them to go with the assigned handler." Grootpan remarked dryly, annoyance evident in the tone he was using with me.

"Who is the client?" I asked.

"Mr. Draco Malfoy. He'll be meeting us in the meeting room shortly. I'll explain everything then." Grootpan remarks hoping down from his chair and ushering me to follow suit.

"Mr. Malfoy has done much to increase his wealth and has gone through Gringotts to not only store his wealth but also where he conducts all of his business. However, this time he requested that you would be his Gringotts handler. I expect the very best from you. I don't want anything at all to push the Malfoy family from using Gringotts. Their family has a very long and happy work relationship with Gringotts; it must stay the same." Grootpan lectured, looking up at me with a glare to show just how serious he was.

"Of course, Mr. Grootpan."

He nodded in approval and I tried swallow the lump in my throat as we made our way to the meeting room. After all these years I would be face to face with him. Thousands of questions flew through my head, both about what this job entailed and why he had randomly requested me for the job. Going so far as to argue with the Head of Gringotts about only wanting me.

"Tea Ms. Edwards?"

Glancing up I smiled at the middle-aged secretary, "Coffee preferably if you have it."

"Of course." the lady remarks with a soft smile before summoning the coffee pot to begin brewing,

She set about preparing our drinks and leaving a tray of milk and sugar for the coffee next to me. Grootpan continued to lecture the importance of the Malfoy family's relations with Gringotts. Basically, saying if I fucked this up I was a dead woman. No pressure. The lady handed Grootpan his drink and then brought mine overs to me.

"Thank you." I remarked with a smile, savory the heat from the cup. It helped keep me focused and calm as I try to adjust to the whole situation. A knocking, rattled against the doors and I felt my heart jump. Oh, mother of- I was not prepared for this.

"Ah this must be Mr. Malfoy." Grootpan remarked with a pleased grin, motioning the serving lady to allow him entrance.

Calm down. You can do this. I kept repeating to myself; taking a sip of my coffee just as she opened the door. I mentally berated myself in the seconds of the door opening before I finally swallowed the coffee, looking up as Grootpan got up to greet Draco. He was tall; taller than I remembered but it has been a while. He smiled politely at the serving lady, his years of pureblood training coming out smoothly. His blond hair was tousled in a loose but professional manner and he surprisingly he went with a modern take of business wear. He was in tailored black slacks with a dark green button down underneath a black blazer that was buttoned up. He looked professional; debonair. There was no denying that he was very attractive and if you got him to smile, well. There was nothing left of you after that.

His eyes swept the room in calculating manor before they landed on me. My breath caught as he eyes met mine, a smirk appearing on his lips making those few seconds seem to last an eternity. Fuck. This was going to be harder than I expected. His eyes quickly focused on Grootpan who had now began to walk over to Draco, shaking hands.

"Mr. Malfoy. Impeccable timing as usual." Grootpan remarked with a sly grin. "Please do have a seat. Something to drink perhaps?"

"Hello Mr. Grootpan. It is good to see you again." Draco remarked moving to the table where I sat, "Coffee, please."

The serving lady was already on it and was hurriedly preparing a cup as Grootpan walked back to his spot next to me. "This is Ms. Edwards, just as you requested." Grootpan remarks, never one to beat around the bush but still phrased the words to show his blatant annoyance that Draco forced their hand.

"Ms. Edwards." Draco remarked with a grin and quirked eye brow. Suggesting if we should play the formalities game when we were well acquainted with each other, "It's good to see you."

"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Malfoy." I reply formally giving him a soft, professional smile. Yes. We were going to play formalities, if only for Grootpan's presence.

His attention shifted as the serving lady brought over a tray, holding a cup of steaming coffee along with a pot of cream and sugar for his preference. He thanked her again and picked up the coffee and took a sip, as Grootpan began the discussion.

"Now. Ms. Edwards, you are required by Mr. Malfoy to sign a confidentially agreement regarding the manor which your service was requested. It must be signed before he or I will divulge any further information."

Sliding over a roll of parchment with a Malfoy seal I glanced between the two of them. Interesting, very interesting. I meet Draco's gaze and he continues to smile in an innocent fashion. Well. I hope I don't come to regret this decision. Breaking the seal, I begin to read the magically binding contract. Basically, forbidding me from discussing anything relating to the work I was about to be assigned to. I took another sip of my coffee and weighed the pros and cons of signing this contract.

I was basically walking in blind to whatever was going on and once I signed this there was no way to back out. However, it would be a career suicide to walk away from this opportunity. Picking up the quill, I signed my name and rolled the parchment back up and handed it to Grootpan who nodded, pleased that I had agreed to move forward.

"Good. Now that we have the legalities out of the way, Mr. Malfoy would you explain the nature to why you chose Ms. Edwards to be your representative."

"I would love too. However, I believe that you signed a contract stating that Gringotts would not seek to overstep their knowledge other then what I had provided at our meeting. Anything else related to the matter stays between myself and the designated Gringotts representative, which is Ms. Edwards." Draco remarked in a slow pointed drawl not breaking the staring contest with Grootpan. His father would be so proud.

I took the moment to take another sip of my coffee as I watched the blood vessel on Grootpan's forehead enlarge, "Very well then Mr. Malfoy." Grootpan finally said before giving me a pointed look.

He finally began gathering his papers and stepped down from his seat, taking one more glance at me before glaring at Draco as he existed the door along with the serving lady. When the door finally clicked shut I finally looked back at Draco who was now unbuttoning his blazer.

"Silencio"

I quirk an eyebrow as Draco stood up and cast the spell. He was taking great lengths for people not to know anything or nothing more that he's let on about what this was about.

"I need to make sure that Grootpan isn't trying to overhear us when we speak." Draco remarked as he continued walking around the room with his wand, muttering softly to himself.

"You know I was already curious to why you went to great lengths to ask for me personally but I have to say. I intrigued now; with all the preparations you are going to, to make sure people agree to the terms of their contract and so that no one over hears anything." I remark casually trying to find the right thing to say to start this very strange and awkward re-introduction.

He glanced sideways at me and smirked, "I would not expect less from you."

"I'm sure Mr. Grootpan is not pleased that you kicked him out of his board room."

I chuckled at the thought of my boss fuming in his office at Draco getting the best of him and having the nerve to speak up and say that he was violating his contract by trying to stay in on our meeting.

"I have no doubt about that. However, I'm too good of a client to continue to defy my wishes." Draco replies dropping his hands and sliding his wand into a pocket.

"I see."

"I asked for you personally because I trust you out of all the people who work for Gringotts and I hoped you would keep your word about discretion." Draco began picking up his brief case and moving around the room to where I was sitting.

I glanced up at him as he took a seat next to me, close enough that I could smelling his cologne and a hint of his aftershave. He opened to briefcase and pulled out a stack of parchment and laid them on the desk as he began to explain.

"I would actually like us to discuss these matter in more detail at my business office. Would you be free tomorrow afternoon to meet?"

"I should be available." I remark locking eyes with his.

"Good. I will have my secretary owl you the information of our location and security clearance. Don't worry I will not waste your time today but I wanted us to be on better speaking terms. It has been a while since we last saw each other."

"Yes, yes it has." I murmured softly.

"I believe that last time I saw you, you still had that fiery red hair of yours." Draco remarked chuckling as he analyzed me landing a second longer on my current hairstyle. "At my trial of course. How could I forget. I believed I would spend the rest of my life in Azkaban and there you were; pushing Potter and the Wizanagmot to hold a trial in defense for my release."

He shook his head, eyes glazed over as his memory of that day appeared in front of him. I felt the room shrink smaller, the longer he talked and with shaking hands I grabbed hold of my coffee cup hoping it would calm my sudden nerves.

"I was shocked that my ex would go to such lengths to keep me a free man, even after all that I put you through and somehow you convince Potter that it was the right thing to do. I never did get a chance to thank you." Draco remarked eyes searching mine.

"It was nothing." I replied softly, "It was the right thing to do. You didn't deserve a lifetime of punishment."

"Well thank you. Eva." Draco murmured softly turning to really look at me, our knees brushed against each other when he moved and I had to hold back the shiver the ran up my spine at the contact.

"I tried to get in contact with you after my year of house arrest but I was told you went off to America." he remarked a rumble of laughter came out as he shook his head at the memory.

"I was in the States for a while but I've been here in London for quite some time now. Why not reach to me then?" I asked, leaning forward slightly.

He shrugged his shoulders, finally breaking his gaze as he looked off behind me, "It didn't seem right too, after all, time had passed and I heard you traveled a lot even though your residence was London."

"I see. Well, here we are now."

"Yes, here we are." Draco murmured with a smile, "I must say it is good to see you again."

I couldn't help but smile responding to him, "I do have to agree with you there, now. Will you at least tell me what is going on?"

"Currently any investments done in my name or in my families has been run through Gringotts, the handlers of course chosen by my father." Draco began picking up the papers as he continued, "I have found it has be rather difficult for me to choose new avenues of income that- how should I put it. Do not live up to the pureblood expectations."

I chocked on my coffee and set it down hastily, "I beg your pardon?"

"The financial handlers that advise me about how I should invest my money were groomed to my father's choosing and I found that while we have prosecuted those who were Death Eaters we still have a large audience who still believe that Purebloods are superior. It's increasingly difficult for me to change the way I do business and invest because of them blocking me." Draco remarks, handing the stack over to me to look at.

"This here is a contract. I am proposing that you become my sole financial handler in all aspects of the Malfoy money regarding investments."