A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, favorited or followed. Also, just wanted to give a shout out to Pwrmom2 - you review every chapter and have followed me through so many stories!, but since I started replying to reviews via PM, I don't want you to think that I don't appreciate the reviews! And just a huge shout out to all guest reviewers!

Okay, this chapter has got some more Lucius time and you get a little background on wtf is going on with Narcissa. Please let me know what you thought of chapter five, and be on the lookout for chapter six soon!

July, 1999

Since the meeting that Hermione had attended with Malfoy, and he'd paid her the nicest compliment he ever had, he'd been quite persistent pursuing a more face to face working relationship, rather than terse little notes and memos passed via magic, despite the fact that their desks were feet apart.

At first, it had seemed harmless enough, just extra salutations when they came across each other. But then, he'd started inviting her to lunch, which was odd. What could the two of them possibly have to discuss with each other over lunch together? It was bound to be uncomfortable, especially with Hermione's annoyance at his intent for hiring her.

Monday she'd had a good excuse seeing as she'd already eaten lunch, so she couldn't exactly go again. Tuesday, she'd not been so fortunate. She hastily told Malfoy that she had already accepted an offer to have lunch with Harry Potter.

She'd quickly sent Harry an owl and met him in the Ministry's cafeteria, only to be reminded of how exhausting it was to pretend like nothing was wrong. He'd tried guilting her into moving back into Grimmauld Place, telling her how much they all missed her and how they were rubbish at all kinds of housekeeping duties. Hermione had huffed, and told him sharply that they'd managed all last year without her, so they'd get along fine.

Then, she'd distracted him by asking him about a recent case, and ate her sandwich at record speed before telling him (not so) apologetically that she had a lot of work to get back to.

Wednesday, she'd just flat out refused, but didn't give him a reason. He didn't need to know why she couldn't go to lunch, just that she wouldn't accompany him.

Thursday, he didn't ask, and Hermione had hoped that her message was heard loud and clear. She was never going to become friends with Lucius Malfoy, going out to lunch together and talking about whatever Ministry gossip was hot that week. She could...coexist with him, until she could find herself another job.

On Friday, she received an interdepartmental memo, inviting her to a lunch meeting at one of the swankiest restaurants in Diagon Alley. Hermione had nibbled her lip, thinking that she would really rather not go, especially if it was with such an important person or persons so as to warrant such an impressive lunch.

She definitely wasn't dressed to impress today, having still not found a time to go shopping with Daphne, but she supposed that she didn't really have much choice. It was not really a request that she could deny seeing as it was a work function. And, even though she was looking for a new job, she did not want to get fired for neglecting her job duties, just because she didn't like Lucius Malfoy.

Straightening her desk, Hermione picked up her purse, determined to be as positive as she could about the meeting. It was probably going to be another chance to show her skills off, like the previous one had been. The memo said that she should meet there, the reservation being under Malfoy, so she decided to leave early, to be sure to arrive well on time.

Hermione hated feeling so underdressed at such a swanky restaurant, but she'd already glamoured her clothes as much as possible without it being obvious, so there was just nothing for it. Still, she immediately felt off balance with her tiny heels and too big shirt when she made her way to the stand that housed the maitre'd.

The rather snooty looking man was wearing full dress robes and was staring down his nose at her. Hermione wanted to shout that she was Hermione Granger for Merlin's sakes! But, instead, she cleared her throat. "Hi, I am part of the Malfoy party." She said, feeling a bit awkward.

The man ran his finger down his little book, before nodding sharply, and leading her into the restaurant. When they arrived at the table, he pulled out the chair, and Hermione sat down without thinking, and before she could blink, the man was out of sight.

Looking up, Hermione realized that she was at a table meant only for two people, which she thought was odd for a work meeting. Eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed, Hermione figured that the maitre'd must have made a mistake in seating her, and she would just have to correct him. As she was sitting there, though, she remembered just who it was she was working with, and was suddenly incensed.

Of course it wasn't actually a work meeting...Malfoy had manipulated her into going to lunch with him. He'd tricked her, and she'd walked right into his trap because she was so worried about keeping a job that she didn't even want! Standing, Hermione decided that she wasn't just going to sit here and give into his little ploy, that great arrogant prat!

Just as she was gathering her purse, though, she heard a voice clearing behind her. "Ah, Miss Granger. How lovely that you were able to make it to our little lunch meeting. I am so glad that I had the presence of mind to show up early. I would hate for you to have been waiting long."

Hermione whirled around to face Malfoy, who was looking quite pleased with himself, naturally. "This isn't a lunch meeting, Mr. Malfoy." She said fiercely.

"Of course it is." Lucius said with a pleasant smile on his face. Hermione thought that he looked rather smug and it just got under her skin. If he thought he could pull one over on her..."You've recently passed your six week probationary period, and this meeting is to see how you are settling into the department."

Hermione snorted. "I fail to see why this had to be conducted over the lunch period. We should reschedule it to take place in your office." It was a bit unseemly, Hermione thought, to be seen having lunch with Lucius Malfoy of all people.

"Well, as your supervisor, I can decide when and where this meeting takes place, and I decided that it was best spent sharing a nice meal between colleges." That smug smirk was back on his face, and Hermione could practically feel the veins in her neck throbbing. "Now please. Sit." He commanded.

Taking a deep breath to center herself, Hermione returned to the seat, and stared pointedly down at the menu. She decided that if she was going to be forced to endure his presence, she could at least get some answers from him about what this little ruse meant for him.

The waiter came over to inquire about what they would like to drink with their meal. Hermione was about to tell him that she was fine with ice water, but Lucius cut in first and ordered them a bottle of wine to share. Hermione bristled. "That's against Ministry policy." She hissed.

"Oh, is it? I didn't read the manual." Lucius said in an off handed way that just served to irritate her even more.

"Yes, drinking while on the job is strictly prohibited." She said, glaring at the glass that had been poured for her.

"Well, I won't tell if you don't." Lucius said with a secretive little smile, like they were somehow sharing in their naughty behavior together. Hermione reluctantly took a small sip of the wine, that she was sure cost more than what she spent on groceries in a month. "I sense that there is some hostility between us, Miss Granger."

Hermione wanted to scream. "Yes, I'd noticed that as well." A significantly larger drink of wine followed that understatement.

"I was hoping we could figure out why that was." Malfoy said, just as calmly.

His calmness was something that had always irritated Hermione. How was it possible that he could sit there just being completely unruffled? That and the fact that he was rather handsome for being such a git. His blue eyes were striking, mesmerizing, really. "You know why, Mr. Malfoy. You and your son have made it perfectly clear that as a mudblood I have a place in society that is beneath you and your concern, so I am completely baffled as to why you care so much about it now."

He at least had the decency to flinch at her use of the slur. "I assure you, Miss Granger, that despite prior actions I do not think that you belong beneath me."

Hermione felt her cheeks grow hot at his words, and in a flash, a picture of herself beneath him was in her mind. "Isn't it why you gave me my job? To show me that a mudblood is nothing better than a secretary to a pureblood like yourself."

"First, I told you that I hired you because you were by and far the most qualified." Lucius said. "Secondly, you have been working with me for weeks, and I think you can agree that you are not my secretary and I have not treated you as my secretary. Finally, my views, while ardent during the first war, have evolved as I grew older and developed a broader world view."

She nibbled her lower lip, and she noticed that he was studying her face intently. She was going to counter, but before she could the waiter returned for their lunch order. Hermione reluctantly ordered an expensive salmon dish, while Malfoy got an even more expensive steak. With his presence gone, Hermione could return to the topic at hand.

"Why would you hire me without interviewing me, then?" She asked, ardently, needing to get answers so that she could relax around him. Of course, his words were pretty, but it was a bit difficult to believe. "If it wasn't...because of who I am."

"The position had been open for months, and I had seen a number of lackluster candidates pass through my office. However, when I received your owl, your cover letter proved to me that you would be the best person for the job. You were...highly qualified." Lucius said, his fingers playing with the edge of his napkin. "Plus, your reputation as hard worker precedes you."

Hermione sat silently for a moment, contemplating his words. She supposed it was true that he hadn't even tried to make her do anything even sort of secretarial once, and had only given her praise for her hard work. It was just so very unusual to receive any kind of compliment from Lucius Malfoy.

"If I may counter, Miss Granger, why would accept a job that you didn't interview for? Since this seems to be the sticking point in our little disagreement." He gave her, what seemed to be, a genuine smile. Hermione felt her breath catch in her throat by just how handsome he seemed. Was it possible she was attracted to Lucius Malfoy?

Shaking her head, Hermione considered her answer. Why had she accepted the job without interviewing? It was purely because she wanted to keep her mind off of Ronald, but she couldn't very well tell Malfoy that. It was pathetic. "I was keen to get out of the shadow of my friends." She said, staring down at her place setting. That was only a half lie. "Harry and Ron might be content to rely on their public face, but that wasn't I wanted. I am done chasing dark wizards."

"An admirable ambition, Miss Granger. One that I would have expected of you. You would never be content to just rest on your laurels." Malfoy said, in such an indulgent tone. Hermione was wondering how he knew so much about her and her personality.

Before she could ask him, their food arrived, and Hermione had to admit that it looked more than delicious. She tucked in, unable to contain the moan at the flavor of the food, only to blush seeing Malfoy smiled at her. "I am glad you like the food. This is one of my favorite restaurants."

Hermione wanted to snark about how she didn't understand why he would want her to enjoy his favorite restaurant...it wasn't as if they were going to begin going to lunches together all of the time. But, at the last moment, she held back. Maybe she should give Malfoy another chance. He'd been completely above board and complimentary with her...except manipulating her into coming to lunch with him.

Maybe, she should just give it a shot, be nice to him instead of trying to be as hostile as possible. They were working together, surely it would be better if they were getting along. Malfoy had certainly tried.

"Why did you get a job at the Ministry?" Hermione asked, wincing at how accusatory her voice sounded. "I just mean, surely you don't need the money."

Lucius was quiet for a while, before looking at her thoughtfully. "I wanted to do something to get out of the house, and it was something that I excelled and enjoyed. If I make some money while I am at it, well, it's just a bonus."

Hermione's eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. "Why would you want to get out of the house?" She asked. "I've been to your house, and while my stay was anything but pleasant, your house was obviously nice." She unconsciously rubbed her hand over her scar that Bellatrix had given her.

Malfoy winced, obviously remembering how she'd been tortured in his home, but shook his head, keen to move on from that topic of conversation, which was sure to just upset them both. "It's Narcissa." He said, sullenly. "At one point, we were friends, but any affection or friendship that we had was smothered by the war. It is...suffocating to be at the Manor with her for any extended period."

She instantly felt bad, bringing up such an obviously delicate topic of conversation with him at lunch, but also feeling oddly grateful that he would share it with her. Frowning, she reached out and grabbed his hand across the table. She was as surprised at how warm his hand was as he was surprised that she'd touched him. "I'm sorry. Did you love her?" The war had destroyed so many relationships.

"No, when we were first betrothed, we had some affection for one another and it quickly grew into a fast friendship." Lucius replied, pushing his food around on the plate. "And even after Draco was born, we were still close. But once the Dark Lo-Voldemort came back, everything good in my life was destroyed. I was happy when he was gone, and he sucked out all of the happiness."

Hermione was surprised to hear him say this, perhaps expecting that he was only acting a certain way because he was on the losing side. She didn't say anything. "So, Narcissa and I are effectively separated. We live completely separate lives. We both remind the other of the worst time of our lives."

She was surprised by how apt the assessment was, and she was surprised by how sad she was. Perhaps he would know how she felt better than anyone else. Eager to get the topic on happier topics, she asked him about how negotiations were going with the Italians.

He was as eager as she was to change the subject and he told her all the ins and outs of the deals. The meeting that she was a part of had only been a small part of it. He was happy to share her little tips and tricks for negotiating, soaking them all up eagerly. Before long, their meal was finished and Malfoy paid the bill before she could look at it.

She wanted to be annoyed, but she supposed that he had tricked her into coming to lunch with him, so she didn't say anything. She figured it was a fair payment.

When they were done, they walked back to the Ministry together.