Disclaimer: It is a well known fact that J.K Rowling is the owner of Harry Potter.
A/N: I believe a little slice of Draco's mind is in order...
Chapter 11
Draco found himself alone in the lift, in both a mental and physical standstill for about ten seconds, before it ceremoniously returned to life, beginning it's descent to a requested floor. Coming to his senses, he hit the button for the ground floor with a view to escape the Ministry as soon as possible. He certainly wouldn't have such an innocent regard for the confines of the lift space any longer. Who knew that Granger had it in her to pounce on him within the Ministry's walls? Draco did the only thing he could do to let it all out, he laughed in disbelief, his voice reverberating around him. There was no doubt it had evened out their tactlessness around each other. Draco was still cringing at the fact that he had weakened to the point of showing up at Granger's house the day after such a delightful broadcast of emotions she had inflicted on him at the Weasley's. He had spent the better part of that evening trying to make sense of it all. He had come to realise that her easily exuded defensive façade supported the walls of a highly intricate conundrum that was Granger's self destructive conscience.
The words churned through his mind repeatedly, to the point where he could not be distracted by anythings else. Not even by Carla's advances, or the bottle of firewhiskey he was demolishing far too quickly were up to the job. Carla had left in a huff, clearly exasperated by his extreme show of affection to a total disregard for her presence all in one day. 'I don't like that I was an emotional wreck in front of you at the ball, or that you put me in that state in the first place' was the first thing that struck him as strange. Sure, he knew she was embarrassed about the whole thing, but he was simply baffled by why it was him that had made her drink. They hadn't run into each other all night! In fact, in recollection, he and Granger had not spoken in years. He had seen at a few events now and then, but they barely interacted. Thinking back, most recently he had noticed her at one of Potter's team games in the VIP box, just after he had announced his sponsorship. The longest civil conversation they'd had was that day in the café when he handed her the folder of information. And, that was after the whole ordeal. Draco took another swig of his drink, heavily placing the empty tumbler on table beside him. He stood and walked over to the fireplace, the flames catching his attention as his elbow rested on the mantle.
That he made her feel 'insecure' perplexed him even more. He knew she was uncomfortable around him because he possessed an undeniable ability to push her buttons, but insecure was a whole other notion. Since when did Granger give a damn what he thought? If there was one person he could name that portrayed confidence and self-assurance, it was Granger. Even so, the indefatigable thought that continued to plague his mind was her admission that he distracted her. Since the ball, she had been the very instrument of his distraction and uncertainty, too. For her to feel the same way led him to conclude that there was no explanation other than that, on some level, Granger was attracted to him.
He had decided that there was no point on dwindling on his thoughts. He would never reach a point of clarity unless he confronted her. And, upon this self revelation, Draco had decided to turn up to Granger's house, unannounced and ignorant of any impeding wards, in an attempt to resolve this whole issue so they could get on with business. In hindsight, that had proved a futile attempt, for it had only made things more complicated and left him feeling annoyed that he, in turn, had announced something about his personal dilemma to her. He had told her that she distracted him. What's more, in his frustration with her, he had kissed her before abruptly leaving to save himself further confusion. The intimacy of their kiss irked him. After all, it had happened in her kitchen, she was wearing clothing only someone who knew her closely would see her in, and she had kissed him back. If his body had reflected his mental torment, the contusions would be unfathomable.
The lift reached a standstill as the cage doors opened on him for the last time that day and Draco disembarked from the tainted territory. He was certain that all his future use of any lift would be associated with the thought of Granger, and her terribly satisfying lips. He left the Ministry, resolved to go on with business and agree with her that they were even, for now. He could move on from all this nonsense and distraction, and deal with her as a business partner. The issue now was that he could not send Carla to these meetings, for it would appear as though he was backing down, distancing himself, and that was just not something he did. He would have to take on this whole Ministry arrangement himself. By default, Draco would be taking on more work. He scowled with dissatisfaction at the whole state of affairs as he left the Ministry.
ooo
The week progressed uneventfully in comparison, and Draco had avoided the Ministry save for signing off the contract and owling it to the Minister. Carla had been impressed by his success to secure the deal but he could tell she was displeased by the fact that he was the one who was going to be putting in the face-to-face time at the Ministry.
"Draco, don't you think this is something I should handle since it falls under my portfolio?"
"C'mon Carla, I'm not trying to steal your thunder here, everyone on the board knows it was you who came up with the whole thing and arranged the initial meeting," he tried to reassure. There was no way he was going to let up that there was a personal agenda at stake.
"So, are you implying you don't trust me to make a success of it, that my skills go as far as it being a great idea?" She was pushing his buttons, how was he going to get her off his case?
"That is definitely not what I'm saying. Why are you reading into this? You and your team will be preparing all the material and adverts; I'm only the front man. I just think I'll have more influence over there and get what we want with a little more ease." He was definitely digging himself into a hole.
"So, now I can't handle Hermione Granger? I am a woman in a high position, Draco. I am exactly on her level and I know how to negotiate and agree on matters. I think that comes with the territory," she admonished, hands on hips. She was flustered by his sudden display of chauvinism. He knew it would appear that way, but he was adamant with himself that he had to do it.
Draco sauntered over to her, taking hold of her hands from her hips and kissing her gently. It was a pathetic attempt to calm her, and he knew it. "I'm not doubting your abilities, Carla, or trying to pigeon hole you. You are the best at what you do, that is why you are on the board. Don't treat this as a personal attack. Granger didn't exactly agree to this, you know. It was the Minister's decision, so she is not going to play nice," he responded, circling his thumb over her hands in a soothing fashion. Her face softened and a wave of relief overcame him.
"Why do you call her Granger?" she queried, digressing. He was surprised by her question.
"I've always called her Granger. She calls me Malfoy. It's an unspoken agreement," he offered, shrugging nonchalantly since he had never really thought about it. Carla gave him a thoughtful look, before returning back to the topic at hand.
"I want to come to the meetings, too. I think I should be there," she stated decisively. Draco stiffened at the thought, inwardly cringing at the idea of being in the same room with both women. It's not like his relationship, or whatever one could call it, with Carla was exclusive but it would be awkward for him. He stood silently for a moment; a sudden realisation came to mind.
"Aren't you going to Paris this week to oversee the muggle project?" he eagerly suggested.
"Yes, why?"
"Well, the first meeting with Granger is on Friday. I can't reschedule either; you know Ministry bureaucracy and all that. I have to go through ten people to get to the source," he was lying through his teeth but he couldn't stop. He had to meet with Granger on his own the first time round. Now, all he had to do was secure a meeting for Friday. Surely that couldn't be so difficult?
"I'm sure you can re-schedule for next week?" she regarded him carefully. He knew what she was thinking. Since when is Malfoy the one unable to call the shots?
"The meetings are bi-monthly so it would run into the next month. Not possible," he reassured her, and himself. She seemed to accept that answer.
"Well, in that case, I'll just have to come to the next one. I'm sure you can handle it," she teased, as she pushed him against the sofa and a nice diversion from his unyielding distraction ensued.
ooo
The first thing Draco did when he reached his office the next morning was owl Granger's office. He expected that her secretary would be one of the best at the Ministry, knowing that she wouldn't stand for anything less, so he anticipated a prompt response as he drank his espresso while looking out his office window at the ant sized pedestrians on the streets below. He had not been pressing in his intent to meet the same week, knowing Granger, she would immediately say 'no' if he came across too forward and demanding. Despite his success at the hands of the Minister, Draco still had to deal with Hermione's reluctance, which hinted at the potential calamity that could erupt from their new business relationship.
A knock at the door broke the silence of his office. Draco looked up to see his assistant, Mac, also known as, Mackenzie Proctor, enter and strut over to his desk. That was one of the reasons he was hired. He showed no signs of stress. In fact, Mac was so blasé about things that even Draco relaxed around him. Not that he was lazy, his efficiency certainly contradicted his demeanour, yet the only thing that fazed him was the quidditch ladder. Mac was a young Slytherin pureblood just out of Hogwarts, the son of one of the other directors. He had been hired to replace Draco's female predecessor who had developed an unhealthy obsession with Draco following a one night tryst as a result of too many drinks at the last Christmas party. Despite the obvious nepotism, Draco had been desperate for a replacement to sort out the vindictive aftermath of ad hoc filing, sabotaged reports and such other administrative messes that materialised after his acknowledgment that it had been a mistake and he should not have engaged in inappropriate relations with employees. She had not taken it too lightly, he realised, even though she had apparently held the same view when he had approached her about it. His ability to read people had clearly evaded him on that occasion.
"What's up Draco? I have a message from the department of muggle relations," he drawled, sinking into one of the chairs opposite Draco reserved for clients and colleague meetings. Draco could only chuckle at Mac's positive indifference to office protocol. It was like having a kid brother around, but one that actually followed orders when needed. Draco understood the Slytherin attitude one possessed just out of school, he knew Mac would grow out of it eventually; the absence of war would make it a slower process. 'Lucky bastard,' he thought.
"I suppose you're going to tell me what it says then?" he leaned back in his chair, clicking his pen anxiously.
"Says here that Miss Granger is free to meet Friday morning. She will be at the local till midday. Any idea what the local might be?" Mac furrowed at the ambiguity of a message coming from the Ministry.
So, Granger wanted to meet in neutral territory, away from her office? Draco smirked at the power trip. "Yeah, I know. Thanks Mac. Ask Miss Crowe's assistant to prepare the portfolio for presentation. I want it by Thursday arvo." Mac nodded.
"So, what's Miss Granger like? The Professors wouldn't shut up about her at school. Some of the Slytherin guys say she's hot."
"She's the Director of Muggle Relations, not some piece of arse. Now, get out!" He half joked, half admonished.
"Sorry, Draco," he mumbled, before grinning and strolling out of the room. Draco swivelled his chair around to face the window. He shook his head as the thought of Granger's obsessive need to be quid pro quo on everything, even to the point where he knew she would pay for the coffee this time. He then chuckled at the thought of a bunch of Slytherins talking about how 'hot' she was. That certainly wasn't the word associated with her during his time at Hogwarts. Sure, Granger's attractiveness was undeniable, but everything else about her made it hard to focus on that alone.
ooo
The rain poured relentlessly as Draco sat inside the café behind Flourish & Blotts, perusing over his documents while waiting for Granger to arrive. He had chosen to sit in the same spot they had found themselves previously; however, he occupied the wing chair facing the entrance to keep an eye out for her. The door chimed signalling the arrival of a patron. He looked up to see Granger, hair wet, flustered and displeased. She cast a drying charm over herself, but her hair still sat matted and framing her face. It would take a bit more effort than one charm to dry and tame such thick hair. Draco could easily let slip a snide remark but if he was going to be professional, he had to maintain focus. She looked up, catching his gaze, catching him staring. A brief flash of the lift incident came to mind. Surprised at letting his guard down, he quickly hid it by nodding his head in acknowledgement. She walked over, her heels tapping on the floorboards.
"Hello Malfoy," she opened in a non-committal tone. She sat down, placing her folio and the familiar daily planner on the table, sitting back distractedly as she combed her fingers through her hair, freeing it from the contact of her face and moving the lot of it so it fell rather heavily over one shoulder. Draco swallowed, mesmerized by this innocent act.
"Hi Granger. Got caught in the rain?" he observed, scolding himself for stating the obvious. She looked at him like he had grown a second head. A great start to this business relationship.
"Uhm, yeah. Didn't think it would rain until the afternoon," she added. A moment of silence ensued as each waited for the other to jump into old habits. Nothing. "Have you ordered anything?" she proceeded hesitantly.
"No, I just got here, really," he lied. He signalled for the waitress' attention. She walked over swiftly.
"Mr Malfoy, ready to order?" the waitress asked in that pleasant voice reserved for those who actually enjoyed working in customer service and those who served Malfoys.
"Yes, Jacqui. Granger, what are you having?" he asked.
"Flat white, please," she stated, crossing her legs, and unbuttoning her jacket.
"Make that two then," he said and winked at the waitress, eliciting a giggle from the young girl before she walked off to attend to their order. Draco was in control once more, for he did not miss the quiet scoff of a Granger who had noticed.
"So, when is the next issue due to be released?" he started, diverting his gaze back to Granger.
"We are working on a schedule to have each issue out on the last week of the preceding month. So the October issue will be released on the last week of September. That gives us two weeks."
"Two weeks!" he declared. "That is hardly enough time. Where do you stand now?" Granger was a sucker of punishment, he decided.
"Relax, Malfoy. This next issue was prepared weeks ago, thinking we would have had it published by now. We were running the release on the first Wednesday of each month with the old schedule," she reassured, amused by his distress. Since when did Granger tell anyone to relax?
"Alright then, I just didn't think it could be a polished magazine in such a short time." he added. "If we can get this current issue organised by the end of next week, then that gives us a head start on the next issue."
"Exactly, the next issue will give us a better opportunity to properly plan and arrange the adverts so consider this a test run. I asked the Minister for a month interlude to prepare but he did not see eye to eye with me on this. He is set on impressing the PM," she sighed, opening her folder to retrieve a mock up. She extended it to him to take.
Draco flicked through it with interest as the waitress returned with their coffees. He could feel Granger's eyes on him as he focused his attention on the contents. It was, in truth, not the first time he had read an issue but he would never admit that to her. There were articles ranging from technology, social issues, education, to beauty therapy. He had never known that muggle women could change their hair colour.
"Muggle communication devices being embraced by the wizarding world," he read aloud.
"I'm sure you've heard of a mobile, or cell, phone?"
"Yes, I have. Interesting little device." He did not offer the fact that he owned one. He opened his folio to reveal an advertisement for a communications company owned by Malfoy Corporation, handing it to her. "I think this would fit nicely around this article."
They spent the morning examining the mock up, with Draco showing Hermione ad campaigns and providing a background into some of the companies and the work behind the Malfoy name. They sipped on their coffee intermittently, discussing work like they had newly made each others acquaintance. Draco was impressed by the wealth of information the magazine provided, and even offered comments of his own which raised an eyebrow or two from his working partner. In turn, Granger took an interest behind the ads for products and services ranging from curse breakers, permanent glamour, to quidditch sporting gear. She even considered purchasing a particular home ward device that could be charmed to recognise individual wands. Wizarding adverts were far more interesting than those which dominated muggle magazine, being realistic, animated, and interactive – it added a whole new dimension. .
"Well, Granger, I am feeling a little less worried considering how much we've got done this morning," Draco observed, finishing off his second coffee. The result was a more polished, professional journal that could be sold rather than available as a free pick up.
"Seems like it," she reflected. He could practically see the wheels turning behind her eyes as she sat still, looking at her coffee cup grasped between both hands. "I think the Minister wants to attach a price to the journal rather than offer it as a Ministry funded serial," she frowned. Draco only expected that would be the inevitable step. Why go to all the effort if you could just print something as a black and white pamphlet? She looked up at him, "I am starting to think that was the plan all along," she sighed, placing her cup down. Draco's mind stirred as he felt an unfamiliar emotion wash over him while he regarded her demeanour. Her hair had dried into thick curls, and was still rather flat as opposed to its natural unruliness. Despite their obvious progress, she seemed – deflated. He almost had the urge to comfort her about it. Instead, he chose to service his highly polished skill of bluntness.
"It's easy to lose foresight when you work within the walls of the beast that is the Ministry. There is always a hidden agenda. I wouldn't have expected you to fall into the trap though, Granger," he stated with amusement. He expected a glare or insult at that in retort. Nothing.
"You're right. I was so into providing something that would be readily available to everyone and now its turning into some money making scheme to impress officials and bring in some petty cash."
"Ease up Granger; you're still pursuing something you're passionate about! People will buy the magazine and it will reach the masses. Goal achieved," he stated matter-of-factly. He could not believe that he had unwillingly resorted to offering reassurance.
"Maybe," she responded meekly, her tone clearly dissatisfied at her realisation. "I have lost my ability to exercise prudence. I got so worked up with you're stupid proposal for ad space; I didn't see the bigger picture. I have no say in the matter now," she seemed to be speaking for her own benefit rather. He sifted his hands through his hair in frustration.
"Whatever, Granger. Don't lose sleep over it. Let's meet at my office to finalise next week. I'll be in touch." He stood up, grabbed his jacket, packed his things and walked out. He was not going to hang around to console or convince the mind of a witch who possessed such an unflagging degree of stubbornness. Granger could be as self-absorbed as he was, he recognised the signs.
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