Last time:

I felt a bit like stabbed in back. I thought I was something special, that this job is something only I was capable of achieving. And all this time, there were people also applying as ambassadors. I followed the secretary to a dark hall. We stopped at the end of it.

The woman opened the door. "Monsieur de Vitte, this is Ms. Granger. One of the diplomats from England."

I chased the room. Indeed, there were few people sitting on the couch. I didn't recognise any of them, only one. What the hell was Draco Malfoy doing here?

I couldn't believe it. Draco bloody Malfoy. Here, in Paris, doing the same job I do. I finally escaped from England and here is this ferret from Hogwarts, making me think about my school years. And those years included Harry and Ron, of course. That cannot be true. I stared at him. When the secretary said my name, he narrowed and in disbelief stared at me as well. We would continue with staring, if Monsieur de Vitte wouldn't stop the silence.

"Bon jour, Ms. Granger. We've been waiting for you. Please, take a seat."

I broke the eye contact with Malfoy and slowly sat down. I carefully made sure to sit far away from my school enemy.

"I'm sorry I'm late, sir."

"You're not, don't worry. And please, no need to be so formal. I'm Monsieur de Vitte."

He turned to my colleagues. "So, welcome in Paris. I hope this city will fulfil your expectation and this work will go swiftly and pleasantly. As I look at you all, I believe our cooperation will be very satisfacting."

I smiled as almost everyone in this room. Malfoy, of course, did not. Smile is something too normal for noble pure-blood.

"I want to have a quick talk with each of you, nothing to worry about. Just so we could know each other a bit. Then, according to your abilities, I will pair you and you will work together with your partner. Ms. Mayer, could I start with you?"

Little blond girl jumped and nervously nodded. Monsieur de Vitte smiled at her and together they went to a different room. As soon as the door closed, Malfoy jumped into his feet and came closer to me.

"What the hell are you doing here, Granger?"

I was surprised by his sudden anger, but I coolly smiled and faced him. "I have a full right to be here, Malfoy. I applied to this job and they accepted me. Your problem?"

"Great Granger left her little friends, Weaselbee and Scarhead? I find that hard to believe," he smirked. He didn't change a bit.

"Reasons why I left are none of your business. Is there anything else I can explain to you? Besides, why are you so upset? We will not work together unless they will pair us."

His eyes narrowed and hissed hatefully. "That will never happen. I'd rather die," and he walked away.

People didn't notice our quick argue and if yes, they didn't show it. They all seemed to have a nice conversation and I decided to join in. We were in the middle of a talk about our parents, when door opened. Little blond came out.

"Monsieur wants to speak with Mr. Malfoy."

Malfoy proudly stood up and walked into office. I continued to talk with other diplomats. They were all nice, but too much polite. I would like to know their real selves, not like diplomats. After five minutes, Malfoy walked out. He has been there for a several minutes less than blond girl.

"Granger. You're next." he said.

I stood up, a bit nervous. I opened the door. Monsieur de Vitte was sitting behind his table.

"Ms. Granger, take a seat. Please don't be nervous."

I sat opposite him.

"So, I've heard a lot about you. A Muggleborn, Brightest witch of her age, part of Golden Trio, helped to kill Dark Lord. I'm looking forward to work with you."

Minister was right; there was nothing to worry about. Conversation went even easier than with Mr. Collins. We talked swiftly about everything important and we were done in few minutes.

"Thank you, Ms. Granger. I see the rumours about you haven't exaggerated. Now, please ask Mr. Thorn in. Poor thing, he must be half dead nervous," he laughed and so did I. I walked out of his office.

"Mr. Thorn? Minister is ready for you," I smiled at the tall man.

By the first look, you would think nothing could make him nervous. Tall, rough...but the first look was definitely wrong. Thorn looked like he was about to throw up. He stood up and shaking went to Minister's office. I walked around the room, studying every detail and ignoring Malfoy. Every diplomat went through interview with Minister and now we waited for pairing. Monsieur de Vitte came, smiling. He looked like he never runs out of smile.

"Thank you all. You all have done well. I'm looking forward to work with you. And now, to the pairing. You will work with your partner, try to cooperate and together achieve your tasks. Pairs are..."

Monsieur de Vitte started. Thorn with Bright. Mayer with van de Camp. So on and so on.

"Ms. Granger, you will work with Mr. Malfoy."

I felt like someone punched me.

"Excuse me, Monsieur?" I asked.

"Mr. Malfoy will be your partner. Any problem?"

"No, no of course not," I forced a smile.

Working with Malfoy. Great. Nothing worse could have happened. I walked to him, avoiding his eyes.

"Ready to order a casket?" I asked sarcastically.

"Shut up. I have to work with you, not listen to your meaningless statements. You may be a diplomat, but you'll always be just a filthy Mudblood to me."

"Ou, ouch, that hurt. Don't worry, same feelings here, ferret. But I guess we have to cooperate. Come to my place at seven, we can discuss our plans there."

I gave him an address. He took it, making sure he doesn't touch me directly.

"Is that all, Monsieur?" I asked.

"I suppose that's all I wanted. You are free to go."

I stood up. "Seven o'clock. Don't be late," I said quietly to Malfoy and left.

Ding dong.

Seven o'clock exactly. Well, at least he's here on time. I checked my apartment. It was in perfect condition, not that I did it for Malfoy. I was always able to think better in clear surrounding. If I was working with somebody else, I would prepare some food and beverages. But for Malfoy, I didn't even try to set something up.

"You know, it's considered polite to open the door, when somebody rings," I heard Malfoy's annoyed voice.

I sighed. What incredible luck do I have? It´ll be a miracle if we don´t kill each other in few days. I opened the door.

"Finally, I thought you will let me stand there whole night."

"Sorry that I didn't run like devil himself to open the door to Slytherin Prince."

He smirked and came in.

"Hm, nice place you have here," he said.

I raised my eyebrows. "Seriously?"

"No, not really."

I almost laughed. It was nice to talk openly, not to pay attention to the words I say. He sat on my couch, took my cell-phone and studied it carefully.

"Well, let's start," I said.

"Somebody is eager to get to work. You haven't changed a bit."

"The sooner we start, the sooner we can end and we don't have to suffer each other's company," I barked at him and took my cell-phone out of his hands.

I sat next to him. He pulled out some documents and I pulled out my orders. We have talked for about two hours on our tactics. It was hard, because I was careful and he was eager. I wanted to wait; he wanted to jump right into it. I was no, he was yes. We had different opinions about almost everything, but in the end we made some compromises. We were done in several hours.

My "partner" stood up and straightened. "So that's it. I'll talk with Minister tomorrow."

"No, no, no, we agreed to talk to him together and in three days."

"I don't remember agreeing with anything like that. If we won't talk to him sooner, it might ruin everything."

"If we talk with him so soon, he might be under pressure. We must give him space; show him that we are patient."

"But we're not patient. At least I'm not. If we give him too much space, he might think we are too afraid to talk to him or we don't take him seriously."

"Malfoy, I know what I'm doing. Listen to me."

"Granger, once in your entire life, try to take someone else's advice."

"We'll do it my way. Mr. Collins said I have diplomacy in my veins. I know what's right."

He snorted.

"Exactly the Granger I know. Always doing things better than somebody else. Can't you see that other people have great qualities too? You know what, don't answer that. If our cooperation will continue this way, I'll rather ask Monsieur de Vitte to pair me with somebody else," he walked towards the door.

I was mad; I knew my decision is right. But something deep inside me was telling me, that if he walks out of this room, I can wave this work goodbye. So I prepared to apologize and beg him. If humiliating myself a bit means I can stay here, I´ll do it.

"Malfoy, wait. Please, don't do it. Minister won't re-pair us, you know that. He'll send us back to England. I need this job. Please. Look, I'm sorry. I'll try to listen to your ideas, cooperate more. Please. I'm sorry."

He looked at me, truly surprised. "I never thought day like this would come. Hermione Granger apologizes to Draco Malfoy. Begs him to work with her."

"You think this is about you? I need this job; I can't go back to London. So yes, I apologize if it means you work with me and I can stay here."

He stood there, and then quickly nodded.

"Alright, I won't ask him to re-pair me. But I´ll talk to Minister right tomorrow morning."

"Three days."

"You said you'll cooperate more."

"Two days."

"How stubborn you are."

"Tomorrow evening and we´ll talk to him together."

He sighed, but clearly enjoying argument. "Fine. See you at the main square."

I gave him a nod and watched him leaving. As he had his hand on door handle, I blurted: "Malfoy?"

He looked at me impatiently.

"Thank you."

He definitely wanted to make some joke but changed his mind. He nodded and left.

Even though I´m happy they have to spend time together, I somehow felt sorry for Hermione. She just wants to forget and then he shows up, reminds her of everything. But it will turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to her, don´t worry. Just stick with me. More action tomorrow. Revieeew :3
Betty xxx