As I step out of the fireplace and mutter a quick Scourgify to get rid of some of the ash, I am greeted with a magnificent foyer. The floors are white marble and the ceilings are so high, that the glass panels that line the entrance in lieu of any actual walls let the light in so that it reflects off the surface creating a sunny and airy space. I stand there in awe for a few minutes, before I remember where I actually am. I head towards the reception desk where there is a pretty looking girl sitting with a cheery smile on her face.
"What can I help you with?" the girl asks politely.
"I'm here for a 10:30 appointment with Mr Malfoy." I reply.
"Ok, here's your pass, it's just on the top floor." She says helpfully. I grin to myself; of course his office is on the top floor – after all he is the boss. Anyway, I thank the girl for her help and head through the barriers towards the end of the lobby where there is a row of elevators. The doors are a shimmery gold, which just accentuates the brilliance and elegance of this place. A light ding announces the arrival of the elevator and I step into it with about ten other people. I press the button for the top floor, and soon the lift empties out and I am the only one left in it, journeying all the way to the top. After what feels like an eternity, but was actually probably no more than two minutes, I reach the top floor. As I step out I am greeted by a beautiful window looking over London. The view is simply breath-taking. I stand there admiring the spectacular view of the city that I have come to love as my home. I can't believe so much has changed; the world is now no longer living in fear that a dark force is going to overcome them, no one has to be afraid because of their blood status and thankfully everything is starting to get back into order. The sound of a phone ringing at the receptionist's desk snaps me out of my daydream and I walk over to the desk.
"My name is Hermione Granger. I'm here for a 10:30 appointment with Mr Malfoy" I say as I introduce myself to the lovely looking receptionist.
"Miss Granger - how lovely to meet you. I am a big fan of yours." She gushes. I smile shyly, this is one of the things that I will never be able to get accustomed to, the fame. Of course, I have it nowhere nearly as bad as Harry. He can barely step out of the house without some photographers for Witch Weekly or the Daily Prophet snapping a picture of him. Of course, there was a whole whirlwind of chaos surrounding his and Ginny's wedding. And, when Ron and I broke up the press seemed to be genuinely upset, as they thought that we had found perfect happiness in each other. Of course, that blew over quickly, as more juicy gossip came their way. In fact, Malfoy is a prominent feature in the tabloids. His various escapades with a different woman almost every week, and him being one of the most eligible bachelors in London, mean that he is in almost every edition of the magazines. I do not analyse these articles like some other girls I know, but I can't help it if some of them pique my curiosity. The image portrayed by the salacious Malfoy, only has me intrigued as to whether that is what he is like in real life and for that reason, the young girl inside me can't wait to meet him.
"He's waiting for you in Conference room A, which is just along the corridor, last door on the right" says the receptionist. I thank her and make for the room she just pointed out. My nerves are starting to make themselves known in my stomach. I can feel the butterflies' wings beating against each other, feeling much stronger than butterflies should feel. However, being the professional that I am, I decide to lock away those feeling just for the moment and stride to the glass door. Inside I can see Malfoy, and I can't help the little gasp that falls from my mouth. He looks so different to how I remember him at school. He's dressed in a fine black suit and I am surprised that he isn't wearing robes, I thought that being a pureblood meant that you wouldn't ever be seen wearing anything but the finest robes. But I guess that is just me being hypocritical – the world isn't like that anymore; we shouldn't be constrained by the ideology of our ancestors. My eyes are drawn to his face. He looks older and more mature. That horrible air of superiority has disappeared along with the overly-slicked back hair. Now his slightly tousled platinum blond hair hangs a little in front of his eyes as he looks over the documents spread out in front of him. His fingers are drumming slowly on the table and his brow his slightly furrowed as he concentrates on his work. I can't believe the transformation before me, not only the changes between now and school, but also between now and his hearing. He has made a name for himself again, and I guess that is admirable in a way. At least now the Malfoy name has some positive connotations instead of just the professed undying loyalty to Voldemort. He glances up at me and I know that he's caught me staring at him. I could kick myself. This is not how I wanted to start the meeting – with an embarrassing blush taking over my face and spreading down my neck. He slowly curls his finger at me, beckoning me to come in. I will my skin to return to its normal pale complexion, and I push open the door.
"Good morning, Granger. Have you been waiting long?" His decadently silky voice catches me off guard; it too has lost its slimy greasiness that I had become used to, throwing insults every which way. I remain stunned for a minute, as he seems genuinely worried that I had been waiting long.
"Uh…No not long at all, just a couple of minutes really. Nothing to worry about" I babble and I am immediately humiliated with the slight shake to my voice. I am stronger than this. I don't know where this side of me has come from; it's like the fourteen year old schoolgirl inside of me has decided to make an appearance, I can't believe that it is Malfoy of all people who has turned me into this quivering wreck. While I remain mortified, he raises an elegant eyebrow at me and gestures for me to sit down opposite him. I try to coolly lower myself into the comfy looking black leather chair, but I know that my earlier humiliation will tarnish any attempt I make.
"Before we start, Granger, I think we need to clear the air. I know that there is a lot of bad blood between us, and I don't think it is a good idea to become business associates with previous hate hanging over us" he states as though he has rehearsed this sentence a million times and the abruptness of the statement shocks me.
I stare dumbly at him for a moment, unbelieving of his maturity, before I realise that he is waiting for an answer. "Of course" I acknowledge "I think I forgave you a long time ago really. You did what you had to do – anyone would have done the same in your position I think". I am proud that my voice remains steady. His relief is tangible as his shoulders straighten, as if he is suddenly a burden, which has been weighing him down for a lifetime, has been lifted.
"Nonetheless I would like to formally apologise for all those derogatory things I said to you at school. I truly am ashamed of them. If I could I would take them back. You have to understand that I am no longer like that." He is almost begging now, as if his redemption is hinged on my acceptance of his apology. His usually unreadable mask slips and I can see the longing in his eyes. I am touched by the raw emotion that I never expected to see in him of all people.
I nod slowly, obviously willing to comply with him. "Wow" I mumble "This is so surreal. This is not at all what I expected when I was coming to this meeting today" I admit to him cautiously.
"Well, in that case shall we actually get on with business then, I dare say that that is what you were expecting to do today" he replies smoothly and I am glad for the change of topic.
"Yes of course" I agree quickly. "Nick said that you wanted to hear more about the research that I was conducting?"
"Yes, I'll be honest with you; I am looking to increase the funds that I am investing in your department, and although I understand it is the Department of Mysteries and everything, I would like to know a bit more about what I'm actually getting myself into. Only as much as you're allowed to say though, I understand that you are bound by some red tape." He explains.
"Yes. Well those rules mean that I can't speak to you about other people's projects, but that is a bit redundant seeing as how they aren't allowed to tell me about theirs anyway, but I can let you know as much as you want about my research as long as I have your assurance that it stays between us?" I clarify.
"Of course, you have my utmost secrecy" he responds.
"Well, as you know, after the war there were hundreds of people left suffering from the effects of the Cruciatus curse, and these effects can last a long time. Being a victim myself, I was immediately drawn to the cause, with a simple goal: a cure." I replay the spiel that I have used plenty of times when pitching my idea to other directors or potential investors, and although many of them seem interested, I often come away empty handed, which leaves me to wonder why? I always come to the same conclusion; they probably think it is a lost cause. After all, the Cruciatus has been around for as long as anyone can remember so what makes them think that after all this time; I will somehow come up with a cure. However today is different, I think that Malfoy seems to have a real interest in my case.
"That sounds very interesting, so how far have you actually got with achieving your goal?" he inquires, though instead of sounding belittling, he seems intrigued.
"Well, admittedly I am not as far along as one would have hoped. However there has been some progress with shorter-term patients. For example I have managed to free some patients of their schizophrenia, which I think is good progress. I hope to next be able to complete a potion which gets rid of the toxin that is produced when the curse is cast, and that should altogether remove the effects. Although, what I need to do first is to achieve is to understand the makeup of the toxin." I explain, hoping that I don't sound like the bossy know-it-all I know he remembers me as.
"That's very impressive, Granger" he compliments in that devilish way that only Slytherins know how. "It's good to see that all that time spent in the library at Hogwarts was worth it." He jokes, with a slight chuckle, and the transformation in his face is spectacular to behold, as his face lights up for a second, before the smile falls and he looks back at me, his silver eyes piercing. "I would like to increase the funds that are being directed towards your particular section of the research by 50%. Do you think that should suffice?"
I am in awe "Of…of course" I stutter – this has been the first increase in funds that I have had in months, after the initial excitement died down. "What are your terms?" I ask hurriedly, sure that there must be some catch.
"For starters, I would like to be kept in the loop in terms of your research, whenever you make even the slightest progress I would like to know. Here is my home address, for you to owl me at any time." He slides a piece of paper over to me with an elegantly scripted address, and I am surprised to find that he does not reside at Malfoy Manor. I decide not to press the issue though, as that would be overstepping the boundaries. Instead, I just nod and comply with his wishes, I mean I am in no state to argue, the department really needs the money, as it really depends on external investors, seeing as how the Ministry has few spare funds, instead focussing their efforts on rebuilding the magical community after the war, which hurt so many.
"Also, the wing that I donated to St Mungo's is aptly the ward for those suffering from the effects of the Cruciatus. If and when your potion succeeds, I want them to be the patients that it is used on first – it is only right" He continues. I just stare at him agog, I had no idea that the wing where Neville's parents are was donated by Malfoy, and I am in appreciation of this request. "That is all I can think of for the minute. I shall have my Finance Director draw up the necessary documents that will validate the agreement, which will need to be signed as soon as possible." He concludes "Would next Monday be suitable for you to come in to sign the documents?" He inquires "That gives me three days to get everything in order".
"Of course, that'll be fine. Thank you very much, Malfoy. This is really generous indeed" I gush.
He just nods with a polite smile. "Well, if that is it then. Let me show you out" he says, standing from his chair, and it is the first time that I properly see him. The lankiness he had as a teenager is gone. He is sleek and toned; all those years of Quidditch must have paid off. He towers over me at what I approximate to be about 6 feet tall, making me really wish I had worn heels instead today. He moves towards the door, which he holds open for me, his pureblood breeding and manners starting to show. I follow him to the lobby with the elevators, where he calls the lift for me.
"Thank you so much for meeting with me today. It has been truly enlightening" I beamed.
"For me too," he agrees "It was nice to see you after all this time Granger. I'll be seeing you on Monday then. Goodbye" he says, as he reaches out his hand for me to shake. I grasp it willingly; suddenly nervous that my palms are sweaty against his cool alabaster skin, but all too soon he withdraws his hand.
"Goodbye" I reply, and then the lift arrives with a ding. I step inside and watch him retreat as the doors close in front of me.
On the way down I reflect on the meeting that I just had. Definitely something for the Pensieve – a tool that I've found very useful in the past for looking over things that have happened to look for hidden meanings or things I might have missed before. It was definitely not what I expected, that's for sure, and not in a bad way – it was a whole lot better than what I had anticipated.
When the elevator arrives in the lobby I quickly floo home, deciding that I have just enough time for a nap before I head over to the Potters' for dinner – the lack of sleep last night is starting to have its effect, and Merlin knows I need the energy for this evening.
After a restful nap I have a quick shower and get changed into a pair of jeans and a thin cashmere sweater with some pumps and head over to Grimmauld Place – I decide to apparate, I never really like to floo; the ash gets everywhere and I don't like the disconcerting feeling, I am much more used to apparating anyway. As I get there, I am greeted by James Potter, the exact replicate of his father running towards me and he wraps his little chubby arms around my legs, his head resting on my knees. "Aunt 'Mione" he squeals delightedly "I missed you".
"I missed you too, you little rascal" I giggle as I scoop him up and plant a big kiss on his forehead. "What did you get up to today? Were you a good boy?"
"I was a very good boy today. I helped Mummy tidy up my room, which was very messy because I was playing in it before. Then I did some drawings. Do you want to see them Aunt 'Mione?"
"Of course I do" I reply giddily, for some reason children always have this effect on me. I lose my sense of propriety and am reduced to a giggly mess. I watch as James toddles of upstairs, to get his pictures, and I wander off to the kitchen where I find Ginny with a kitchen cloth thrown over her shoulder and humming to herself as she checks on whatever's cooking on the stove. She glances up and sees me standing in the doorway and a smile brightens up her face. "Hey Hermione, didn't see you there" she says, coming over towards me, with her arms open for a friendly hug. "How was everything today?" she asks.
"Actually it was fine. It was much better than expected. Malfoy is so different to how I remember " I reply, so glad that I have Ginny as a friend, it's nice to have someone to talk to, who's not Harry or Ron, who are both utterly preoccupied with Quidditch or being an Auror.
"I know right, Malfoy is so hot now" she teases with a knowing smile.
"Ginerva Potter, you are a married woman, you shouldn't be saying such things!" I argue
"Just because I am taken doesn't mean I can't have a look at what's out there! Besides he's genuinely nice now." She retorts persuasively, knowing I didn't really mean it. "So…"
"So what?" I ask confused
"Do you think that he might be the one that gets you to go back into dating?" she asks as I scoff. It has been Ginny's life mission since she got married, to find me someone to get married to with little success, may I add. It is just that I haven't really been tempted by anyone, not that I haven't had the opportunity. Ginny tries to set me up with all of Harry's friends, much to his embarrassment. Before I have the chance to reply with some witty retort, which I have yet to come up with, Harry comes into the kitchen with a giggling James on his hip, he is holding the drawings from earlier. Before Harry has a chance to let go, James scrambles out of his arms and comes bounding over to me.
"Look Aunt 'Mione. Look at all these drawings I done" he cries.
"Wow, they are so beautiful James. Who's in this picture?" I ask.
"That is Daddy; he is wearing his Auror robes because he has come from work. That is Mummy, she is making some cookies for me, because I have been a good boy and that is me." He explains.
"And who is this?" I ask, seeing a little bundle in the corner, not really sure what to make of it.
"That's the new baby silly" he giggles and then runs towards Harry. I look up dumbfounded, certain that James has made a mistake, but then I catch Harry's eye and I can see the pride and excitement glowing through them, twinkling like they always do when he is truly happy. I then look over at Ginny, who is beaming excitedly from ear to ear, I can almost see the difference in her, but I know that is ridiculous, because she is not even showing yet – still as skinny as ever. I run over to them to envelope them in a hug, "I am so happy for you guys, congratulations!"
"We wanted to tell you in person, which is why we invited you over today. But of course, James here had to go and ruin the surprise!" explains Harry.
"That's ok, I am still surprised. I can't wait for another child to dote on" I joke, to which Harry replies "Merlin knows you spoil this one too much" as he ruffles James' jet black hair. This may have a bit of truth to it, as, having no kids of my own, I often indulge James when he comes over to my flat when Harry and Ginny need a night off, probably in order to make this second kid of theirs.
The rest of the night passes in celebration, as we talk about the future, something I am actually excited for. Today has been a good day, not only has the funding for my research increased but now Ginny is pregnant, and I can't help that niggling in my brain that says perhaps meeting Malfoy has also contributed to the happiness I feel.