A/N: Reviews are always appreciated :)

Chapter 5

Day 7 of 14

Draco rubbed his eyes tiredly. He stretched languidly and shifted to his left yawning. He stopped mid-yawn as peered curiously at the huddled mass beside him. His eyes widened.

"Shit."

He frantically and as quietly as possible scrambled out of the bed looking to make sure he had some clothes on. He was half perched when he heard the distinct grumble from the pile of sheets.

"Malfoy."

He closed his eyes, ready to hear the onslaught.

"What time is it?"

He opened his eyes. The pile of sheets hadn't moved. Was he in a weird dream? He cleared his throat.

"It's 5 am."

Her voice was raspy with tiredness.

"Then why the hell are you getting up?"

He gawked at her, unsure of what to say.

"Now, Granger, I know this is sort of a compromising kind of situation…but I swear, you got drunk, insisted on seeing the Malfoy Quidditch grounds, and then kind of just fell on the bed, and wouldn't let me leave to the other room…" he trailed off, tasting the ridiculousness of his truthful words.

He heard her snort.

"Thanks for the recap, now go back to sleep. We don't have work for another three hours, FOUR in your case."

He wondered if she was still drunk.

"Well, I guess…I'll go to the other room…"

"You're such a ponce, just get back in the bed Malfoy. I grew up with Harry and Ron, it's not like we all didn't fall asleep in all possible circumstances. You are already here, it's already happened. Now can we please get some sleep."

She had a point. He climbed back in and rearranged the pillows under his head.

"You know Granger…"

"I swear Malfoy, if you make a joke about 'sleeping with the boss', I will castrate you."

"Fine, can I tell Weaselbee and Pothead?"

"Sure."

"You sure you're still not drunk Granger?"

"Yes, I just know they won't believe you."

"I beg to differ. I will talk about all the lovely snoring noises you make in your sleep."

"Go for it."

"Can I ask you a question?"

The pile finally turned and he saw her face peer out at him.

"If you must."

"You said that despite having a family, Hogwarts has always felt more like home. Why is that?"

"Because even in my darkest moments at Hogwarts, even when I was made to feel unwelcomed…I still knew I belonged. The Muggle world always just felt like a stop along the way…"

—-

Day 9 of 14

"Well, less than a week to go."

"I'm aware, Malfoy."

"You have yet to find a sound replacement, Granger."

"Actually, I hired her today."

"Yes, you will have to stay on until…wait what?"

"Mhmm, while you were in the board meeting. By the way, did they approve the press release about the Fair Wages court date?"

"They wanted to review it as a courtesy, but it should be fine…now stop distracting me and tell me who the bloody hell you hired without my approval."

"She's a grandmother of three, very matronly, won't have a problem keeping your reputation clean."

"…"

"Malfoy?"

"Anything I say will result in you accusing me of being shallow."

"But you are shallow…"

"I know Granger, but I don't need you constantly reminding me."

"I'm kidding."

"You're a terrible joker, you should stop attempting humour."

"I'll ignore that. Anyways, she's great, 10 years of experience in corporate, but still has pro bono experience. Sharp as a tack. Half-blood, raised muggle. Will drive the Board insane. And will have no problem telling you when you are acting like a child."

"Hmm…sounds terrible. Not that you care, but is she at least…presentable."

"Not that this matters, but her sister is head of one of the biggest fashion brands in the muggle world."

"Okay, I approve. You may begin the process to hire her."

"I've already hired her."

"Yes, wonderful, I will reverse my decision to rescind her offer."

"Was there any other reason for this 3 am phone call?"

"You will miss our 3 am chats, Granger."

"Not likely."

"Ah yes, putting up a brave front. Atta girl."

"Yes, I'm crying on the inside."

"I thought so, hence the phone call to console you. You know, it's not too late to reassess."

"…"

"Granger?"

"Anything I say will result in you accusing me of being ungrateful."

"But you are ungrateful…"

"If you say so Malfoy."

"Tell me Granger, the other night, our, uh, flying lesson. How much do you remember of our conversation?"

"You mean that you donate money to Hogwarts, I remember that and I am keeping it locked up until the most opportune moment for blackmail."

"I see…do you remember anything else?"

"Not really, I mean I totally remember how to handle a broomstick if you are worried…everything else is a little blurry. Was there something important?"

"Uh, no, nothing at all. I mean you did say you wanted to have my babies, but that's nothing new."

"Oh god, could you imagine?"

"Bushy platinum blond hair? Yes, well, that would be quite the disaster.."

"Well..if there is nothing else, then…I'll see you tomorrow? Good night."

"Good night, Granger."

—-

Day 11 of 14

"And I think this would be a great property to raise a family in, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," grinned the realtor as she concluded her tour and turned to Draco and Hermione who shared a quirky smile.

"Yes, I think this should hold quite a few bushy-haired platinum blonde disasters. Thoughts?" queried Hermione, barely holding in her laugh.

"Well, we certainly have a lot to think about darling. Thank you for showing us these properties, Ms. Dover, we shall be on our way," replied Draco with a twinkle in his eye as he grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her out of the house.

At a safe distance, they both burst out laughing.

"That was very entertaining," Draco chuckled.

"That poor woman," Hermione shook her head, "when you asked her to keep opening and closing the automatic garage door. I still cannot understand why you wanted to do this the muggle way. Would have been quicker with a wizard company."

Draco just shrugged as if that answered the question. Hermione shrugged in response and started rooting through her bag.

"If you want to find somewhere to disapparate, I will meet you back at the office. I just need to drop something off at my parents," she peered through her bag looking for an envelope.

"Your parents?" said Draco with an expression on his face, she completely missed.

Finding the envelope, she looked up with satisfaction.

"Yes, they live around the corner. I just need to drop off some paperwork for them, shouldn't take too long and then you need to decide what property you want to pilot the Muggle-cation," responded Hermione looking ready to walk off.

"Well, I could use a bit of a walk, why don't I just come with you and we can head back together? Probably easier to leave from your folks anyways," said Draco casually.

"Uh sure, it'll be quick, mum and dad should be at work anyways," she said looking at him strangely. He motioned forward and they walked ahead.

When they reached the house, Hermione produced a key from seemingly nowhere and opened the door. She walked in, followed by Draco. Throwing the envelope on a table in the front hallway, she picked up another pile all addressed to her.

"You still receive mail here?" he said giving her an odd look.

"Well, my muggle mail. I still maintain my muggle identity, Malfoy even if I don't spend a majority of my time here. It's sort of like dual-citizenship," she responded absent-mindedly.

"Hermione, is that you dear?" a voice floated from above the staircase.

"Oh, shit," whispered Hermione and turned to Malfoy to usher him out.

"Sweetheart, what a surprise," a man emerged from another room, quickly engulfing Hermione in a large hug.

"Hullo Dad," said Hermione quietly.

Draco watched the scene interestedly.

"Well, finally," said Hermione's mom from the foot of the stairs, "you'll be staying for dinner I suppose. And who is this man?"

"Um…this is my boss."

Draco extended a hand towards Hermione's father who was staring at him.

"Draco Malfoy. It's a pleasure to meet you," drawled Draco with his usual charm. Her father just stared at his hand.

Draco stood awkwardly until Hermione's mother intervened, "Well I guess that's two for dinner then."