8. The Wager
Hermione wasn't quite sure what she was eating. It was tasty enough and consisted of chunks of seared meat and spiced rice balls with vegetables, all inside in a breaded and cone shaped wrap.
"It's good huh?" Draco said.
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, it's tasty – pretty good."
She'd been a little more than suspicious when Draco had changed their luncheon to Friday. The mystery intensified when he told her to meet him at Hackney Downs. She didn't know of any eating establishments on or near Hackney Downs.
"So how did you stumble on this?" she asked between bites.
"I was with some friends last summer. We found the street food over in London South Bank Centre. It's closed now for the winter, then I heard they were having it here – indoors," he said.
"Oh, I see."
Draco had more or less won his argument – of finding better food for less money. Street food had become wildly popular as of late. Still, it was hardly the kind of setting to conduct a business lunch. But then what the hell did Draco care about business?
He studied her leather portfolio and grimaced.
"So, it's back to business huh? Back to work?"
She smiled after politely tucking away a wayward bite of whatever it was she was eating.
"That's what we're here for isn't it?"
"Is it?"
As usual, Draco was perfectly dressed today in a three-quarter length top-coat that looked wooly and warm. He looked like he could adorn the cover of 'Fashions of the Wizarding Wealthy', if there was such a thing. She couldn't help but notice the looks from other women he drew. They drifted over to a corner table – one of the few available. The mood inside was a bit festive, and it would be difficult to keep the conversation close to the business at hand. She sat down and crossed a leg over her knee. Draco took keen notice of the length of exposed calf in navy blue hosiery.
"You look nice today Granger," he said through a wry smile.
The comment would roll off with no effect. "How's Timmy and things at the hospital?" she asked.
"He's doing fine. He had a really great Christmas I think. What about you? You ever get all those books wrapped?"
"Yeah, it went very well. What about some of the other kids you mentioned?"
He didn't answer but dug into his breaded cone to fish out a chunk of marinated meat. He toyed with it on the end of his wooden fork.
"We never talk about you – why's that?" he said and plopped the morsel into his mouth.
"We're not here to talk about me," she said and began to fish for another bite of her own.
"It's intercourse Granger – you know – two way conversation. It just works better that way. Surely you can understand that," he said.
"Sure – but we're not here for a social occasion Draco. You seem to mix business and social whenever it pleases you."
"It doesn't matter," he rebuked.
"It does with me – and I'm conducting the interview," she said.
Draco leaned back in the chair and sulked. Now she'd done it – she'd used the rules. She'd have to threaten him with Azkaban to get him to discuss work now.
"I don't want to come across as a bitch, but I think I'm being reasonable," she added.
"That's what you call being reasonable – you're joking right?"
"Look," she said. "It says here in your performance reports that your work is adequate. That's all it ever says. I'm just trying to figure out why. I'm beginning to think you paid someone at the hospital to write this, and frankly I don't give a damn. As long as the Ministry thinks you're staying busy and the kids you work with are happy – well that's fine with me," she said and then reached for her bag.
He leaned over and grabbed her sleeve. "Look Hermione, I just thought..."
"If you want to lighten up on the work talk and just chitchat, then show me something for real," she said.
"And just how the hell can I do that? Can you give me a hint?" he asked with a baffled look.
"Sure, I want to see signs of real work in your report – and not something you paid someone to write," she said.
"And then what – you'll talk to me?"
"I'll try."
"Is this a bet – will you wager on on it?"
She looked for a sign in the heavens. "Okay," she said. "If you come to our next meeting with an outstanding performance report, then you pick the next luncheon spot, and we can drop the work talk. But for now – It's back to the Ministry for lunch," she said and rose from the small table. She slung the portfolio strap over her shoulder and turned to leave.
"And don't be late," she said before working her way toward the exit.
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Draco thew down the little cornucopia surprise on the table and watched the good looking and leggy witch disappear into the crowds. Damn, the thought of going back to the Ministry for lunch was revolting. He would have to speak with Hippocrates about his work report and try and make things look a little better. Hell, he might have to start doing a little more work about the place. He didn't care if he had to lie and bribe the hospital office worker who wrote the reports, but he meant to have a superlative work record before their next meeting. He was beginning to take a rather naughty interest in Granger's shapely pair of legs – and that little patch of heaven between them.
‡‡‡‡‡
"You never dress like that when we go out to lunch," Ron said as she entered to short hall to her office.
"Oh really – well find us a place for dinner this weekend and I'll do much better," she said and he laughed. Ron had been a little peeved with her after their last outing. But that was yesterday and today he seemed to be taking more than just a little interest in her arrangement with Draco. He was very curious and perhaps a little suspicious but didn't seem to be angry about it. Christmas had turned out well and Harry had come by the Burrow for a pleasant surprise. Harry and Ginny were a little cool and diffident with each other and she and Ron just sat back and watched them with the greatest amusement. It was obvious Ginny was still crazy about him, and he wouldn't have been so angry with her if he didn't care. Nature would take it's course and they'd both be back together again before too long – she hoped. She took off the coat and slid back into the robes. There on her desk was a message from Kingsley. She was to stop by his office at her first convenience.
Kingsley's already had the pipe going and a little smoke trail was rising up and around the green bankers lamp.
"Good afternoon Hermione."
"Good afternoon Minister – just saw your note sir," she said. She quickly took a seat and felt engulfed in the huge leather chair.
"Yes, well – it's been a few weeks since we chatted. I thought you might bring me up to speed with this business with Malfoy," he said peering over the green lamp. "There's not much in these reports."
"No sir, there's not."
"Does he mention his work – I mean, there's nothing here," he said and threw the report on the table.
"He speaks very little of it sir, but I know he's been working with some children that are confined to the hospital," she said.
"Children? The report doesn't say anything about them," he said and raised an eye.
"No, but Winky and I ran into Draco in Diagon Alley before Christmas. He was taking one of the boy's for a night out," she said.
"Really... imagine that. You think that's all he does? Social errands and such?"
"More than likely. I'm not sure if he's doing any real work at all," she said, shaking her head.
Kingsley removed the reading glasses and thought on this a moment.
"Do you think we should dig into this a little further? I'm sure we could find someone at the hospital who could help us out," he said, spinning the glasses by the temple.
"Give me a week or two sir," she said. "I've been working an angle and I'd like to give it a try before we resort to something covert."
"Yeah, that's fine. You know, I'm really not too worried about it. If we keep Draco off the streets and out of trouble, then I figure we're doing some good with this guy," he said.
"I know exactly what you mean sir," she replied with a smile.
"Yes, well just as long as this doesn't turn out to be an embarrassment to the Ministry. Okay, keep me in touch Hermione," he said and slapped the desktop to conclude the meeting.
‡‡‡‡‡
Hermione fumbled through her bag for her door key. Winky was still cleaning up when she pushed open the door. It looked like she was putting a few finishing touches on the kitchen. Hermione quickly reached down and pulled off the heels.
"Good evening Miss Hermione," greeted the elf.
"Good evening Winky. Do you think we have anything in the icebox for tea?" she asked.
"I think we do Miss!"
"Okay, you get started and I'll get undressed."
Immediately peeling out of the work clothes was the first thing Hermione did after coming home from a long day at the Ministry. It was like getting rid of a part of her day she'd like to forget. She was almost out of the frock before closing the bedroom door. She quickly stripped out of the hosiery, pants, and the biting bra. The smack of cool air against naked skin felt good as she scrounged around for a decent pair of jeans. Finding a pair that looked comfortable, she wriggled in to them and slid into a old pair of flats. She pinned her hair back and then pulled a warm cardigan over her head.
Winky had cheese sandwiches toasting in the oven as Hermione returned.
"Something already smells good," she said.
"Yes Miss. Winky is fixing soup and sandwiches – they should be ready soon," she said in a feminine version of house-elf croaking.
Within a few minutes Hermione had the table set and Winky was bringing the soup and cheese sandwiches to the table. They ate in silence for a few moments.
"So Winky – how'd your day go? Alright?"
"Yes Miss. Everything, it went fine," she said while nibbling on the toasted cheese sandwich.
"You never mentioned Christmas. Did your friends enjoy their gifts?"
"Oh yes Miss, very much. They'd never had anything bought from the store before."
Hermione bit her lip and proceeded tenderly. "You and Gilbert. It seemed like you two are pretty good friends?"
Winky's huge eyes got even larger. "I think a lot of him – yes I surely do," she said and then looked away.
Hermione felt like she was close to prying and didn't want to damage their relationship by asking too many questions.
"Well he certainly looks like a handsome house-elf," she finally added and Winky grinned from ear to ear. Having the information she needed, Hermione felt a little more at ease to proceed. She didn't know all the rules of house-elf courtship and thought maybe Winky could provide some insight.
"Winky forgive me if I'm prying, I don't mean to, but is there any chance you two could become a couple?"
Winky rolled her huge eyes and wiggled her ears before working up an answer.
"Oh... no Miss," she said. "That's not possible right now, it's not."
"Oh I see," Hermione said and decided to let the subject lie. Maybe some other time she would bring up the question again.
‡‡‡‡‡
"Oh Bloody hell..." Hermione muttered to herself.
The report was back from St. Mungo's and it was all there. A complete description of his work report with excellence marks in all categories. It looked like she'd have to play along with Draco's game. He was due to be in today, so she stuffed the report away and mentally prepared for their meeting.
Hermione's heels clacked on concrete as she made her way into the canteen. She swished in today with Lavender colored custom fit robes. Draco was sitting at a table staring into space. She sat the leather portfolio on the table and pulled up a chair.
"You're early today," she said and faced the blonde wizard.
"Well, I'm normally late."
"Hope you can eat the food on Thursdays – it's just so-so I'm afraid," she said.
"I'm sure it's better than Wednesdays. Are you ready?"
"Sure."
At this hour the canteen was almost empty, and the two moved quickly and quietly through the lunch line. They returned to the table and ate in silence for a few minutes. Hermione didn't bring up the issue of his outstanding work report, and he never mentioned the little wager between them.
"These are good mashed potatoes," he finally said.
"You're kidding?" she said, grinning at the first remark that finally popped out.
"No... but I had to get used to eating them in so many different ways when I was a kid."
"Your mother, she liked to experiment?"
"No... my Mum never cooked. It was the house-elves. Dad would fire the cooks every two or three years," he said as he looked her in the eye.
"My Mum always did the cooking. Of course we never had a house-elf," she said and managed a chuckle.
"But you have one now."
Hermione had been chasing a little green pea on her plate. It had been resisting capture and Draco was beginning to take notice.
"I employ Winky two days a week. It's like a job for her, and I'm like an employer," she said looking up from the plate.
"Oh yeah? I've heard that about you," he said and nodded.
"So what do you think? Different huh?"
"Yes it is. I mean, do you have a house? Why just two days a week? Why not let her stay at your place like most house-elves?" he asked and studied her for the answer.
Hermione went back to stabbing at the green pea. She finally gave up on the little evasive one and raised her head.
"I have a flat," she said and shrugged. "It's not really big enough for a full time house-elf."
"So where does she spend the rest of her time?"
"At the castle – she spends the rest of her time at Hogwarts," she said and went after the pea again.
Draco dropped his head and looked at the plate for a few moments.
He looked up sharply,"Are you going to marry Weasley?"
"What? I just said I would talk to you. I didn't say I'd answer all your questions," she said grinning.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to pry. But you two have been together for some time – it's a simple question," he said and went back to picking at something on his plate.
"Okay. Fair enough. We've talked about it," she said.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." And she nodded.
"And... are you going to marry?" he asked as if impersonating a man who had asked a childishly simple question.
"We've decided to wait a while. Until our finances are in a little better shape," she grudgingly replied. "And what about you and Astoria – what's the story with you two?" she asked defensively.
"There's no story really," he said.
"Well, you're with her. Are you going to marry her?" she demanded.
Draco went through a little routine of his own, fiddling around with something on his plate and looking off into space. He took a quick drink of water before looking up.
"If our families have anything to say about it – yeah, we'll get married," he said and dropped his head again.
"Well, it's what you have to say about it, that's..."
"No, no it's not that simple," he reiterated.
"Of course it is," she said. "That's the one impression I've had about you from the beginning – that you're a man who knows what he wants."
"And you're right, but sometimes we all have to make concessions Granger."
"With something as important as marriage – sorry I don't buy it," she said and shook her head before returning to her plate.
"It's hard to believe, I know, but we had two powerful families behind us and our eventual marriage has been arranged," he said.
"I'm sorry – that's impossible for me to imagine," she said and placed the silverware on her plate and reached for the portfolio.
"I guess it is a little absurd in these days and times. But, we're a magical family and we live in a different world. Even you could understand that Granger."
She thought he was going to say 'even a mudblood like you' for just a moment. She opened the notebook and took out the performance report.
"This is very good," she said and grinned before laying it on the table. "I hope you didn't pay too much for it. Because we both know you didn't do this work, did you?"
"I can't fool you – can I Granger?"
"No, I don't think so. As long as you don't make the Ministry look foolish with your games, then I guess there's no harm done," she said and started to rise.
"Leaving so soon?" he said.
"Sorry, but I need more," she said and turned to leave.
"Wait..." he said, and he gazed up at her like a lost puppy. "Look, I'd like to go out with you," he said. She quickly looked around in a panicky manner to see if anyone could have overheard this. With Draco having her full attention now, she sat back down on the side of her chair. "To dinner or something like that – I'd like to very much," he said as he lowered his voice.
"You know I can't do that," she said.
"Yeah, why not," he asked through a grimaced expression.
"Well a couple of things – no make that three things. The first is that I can't go out with you and be your case officer. And the second is that I've been seeing Ron," she said and shrugged.
"Okay," he said with a puzzled grin, "what's the third?"
"You just admitted you didn't do this work. I couldn't go out with you like that. You can't buy me Draco," she said rising from the chair.
"You're a hard one Granger. Do you ever lighten up?" he asked, drawing a contented smile from Hermione.
"It's your pick for our next luncheon," she said. "Send me an owl when you know."
He nodded with a sour look on his face. "Hermione..."
"Oh and bring me back a real report. Not this tripe you paid for," she said. The freshly pressed robes made a little snap as she quickly turned to leave.
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A/N: The chapters have been coming out pretty fast. I hope this holds up. Much thanks for the follows, favs, and reviews.