A/N: Hello! Well..this is a very late update. This good news is I think there is only a chapter (or possibly two) left and I am hoping some of you will want to stick around for this to be completed :) As always, reviews are most welcome (and help tremendously!)

Chapter 6

Day 11 of 14 - evening

"So…I think that went well."

"Malfoy, my father almost punched you in the face."

"Yes, almost. That's a lot better than did. I think your mother warmed up to me a bit. She did give me an equal portion of pudding."

"Malfoy?"

"Yes, Granger? By the way, this is the worst tasting pudding I've ever had. What's wrong with it?"

"It's sugar free."

"Oh god, this has something to do with their teeth doctoring? How is this an acceptable pudding?"

"Too many sweets are bad for your teeth, Malfoy. We don't have the spells to make everything all better if you get cavities. In fact, most people dread going to the dentist."

"Poor muggles. I'm surprised they find the daily will to live. Quite impressive actually. It's actually fascinating how many witches and wizards would be interested in seeing how the other side survives."

"You're thinking about your Muggle-cation idea aren't you?"

"Yes darling, I'm going to be quite rich…er. It's a beautiful prospect."

"I actually think you are quite proud. Look at you, you're gleeful!"

"Is this what it is like to smile? I've never gotten the hang of it."

"Face it Malfoy. You cannot wait to see one of your ideas come to fruition."

"Well, we all can't be you Granger whose ideas come to fruition on an hourly basis. I believe the dunder twins have a lot to owe you due to that."

"And you, you jerk."

"Most of all me, Granger."

"Malfoy…you don't give yourself enough credit. You have lots of ideas, you just…never seem to apply yourself."

"It's not easy for us mere mortals my dear. When you've been told your whole life that everything you think or do is unacceptable. When you fail all expectations to the point where they no longer exist. God, did your mother put rum in this pudding. You've got me all nostalgic. Quick, slap me. I give you permission."

"Malfoy, you know, I'm only this way because I always felt so different. It was like all these things were happening me in the Muggle world and I could never decipher them. So, I hid, behind the books, behind my parents, and just kept working so I would have some identity…I thought…I thought it would be different when I got to Hogwarts. I was just so…excited. I would be someone different, someone who fit in. And even then…well you know the rest. So, I hid, behind the books and then Ron and Harry…"

"Well, Granger, I guess that makes two of us that never quite felt like we fit. Except I hid behind Crabbe and Goyle. They were bigger so it was easier."

"You're incorrigible."

"It's taken you a year to figure this out? And I thought you were the smartest witch of our era…"

"Jerk."

"Granger?"

"Yes, Malfoy."

"You don't still feel like you're still hiding do you?"

"Do you?"

"Touché. Now, shall we get some real pudding? I've finished my cardboard."

"Malfoy!"

"Yes, yes…incorrigible…perhaps if your family ate some sugar sometimes, your father wouldn't be as quick to anger."

"I hate you."

"Of course you do, you're like a broken record woman."

"And you're an ass."

"And a fine one at that."

Day 12 of 14 - morning

"I cannot believe father…" thundered Draco as he stormed in to Hermione's office and threw himself in his favourite chair.

"Good morning to you too sunshine," responded Hermione amusedly, not bothering to look up from her notes.

"How that man continues to control my life from Azkaban is beyond me. I know we are anti-Dementors," he said gesturing to himself and then Hermione, "But if anyone ever needed a nice smack on the lips, it's that man."

Hermione sighed and looked up at him, "What did he do this time?"

Draco mumbled under his breath, crossing his arms like a five-year old.

"Speak up, or get out, there's still a lot to do in the next 70 hours," said Hermione going back to her notes.

Draco looked at her curiously.

"Granger, you have less than 3 days left. For Merlin's sake, why are you still working? Your replacement has already started. If I were you I'd be doing next to nothing at this point!" he stared at her fascinated as she seemed to start working even faster.

"Well unlike you, I have a reputation to protect," she muttered.

"Hey! Uncalled for Granger. I have a reputation too, which may I remind you been blown to smithereens since I met you. The only girls who will associate with me…want to have a conversation first," he shuddered.

"Okay first of all, I'm sorry, that was uncalled for, and second of all you are a big disgusting pig and that is not uncalled for. Look, please tell me what the big dramatic thing that is happening in your life today and then I can go back to work," she started off heated and ended with a pleading note. She was starting to get one of her old headaches.

"Well, I guess the good news is that when you are done, this stupid work won't get in the way when we talk about my life problems," Draco dropped conversationally as he picked a trinket off her desk. It was a snow globe of Hogwarts he had given her at Christmas. She had replaced it with one of the gifts she had received from the Krum.

She looked at him afraid, "I'm never getting away from you am I?"

"No darling, we're stuck together. I made a deal with the devil. Incidentally, he's quite nicer than Voldemort," he said seriously.

"Malfoy, I'm tired, my head hurts and I am seriously worried about getting this press release out for the Fair Wages court date. You know how hard I've worked…" her eyes started filling with tears.

He stood up, "Oh no no. None of that. Granger, everything will get done. You worry entirely too much. Now mop up that face and get to work. I'm not paying you to sit around these last few days and not fulfill your obligations as my…legal counsel? Say, what is your title?"

"Director of Muggle Relations, Corporate Affairs and Philanthropy," she said blowing her nose.

"Well, no wonder I can't remember it. That's a terrible title. We'll have to do something about it," he said patting her on the shoulder and making his way out of her office.

"Hey!" she said and he turned back, "What was the big emergency about your father?"

"Oh," he shook his head, "He got Astoria on the guest list for tonight. I don't know why, probably just to assert his power. Show me who's still boss."

She grimaced at him sympathetically.

"No time for that now, I've got a title to fix," he declared and walked away as if leading an army in to battle.

Day 12 of 14 - evening

"I can't believe you…"

"Now, Granger, I can explain."

"You had at least 20 minutes to bring it up, but instead you stood there rambling about how you didn't know which shoes to choose for tonight!"

"It's a very important Gala, Granger, having the right shoes sets the tone for the whole event. And might I remind you it's YOUR event, for a charity you picked. We've been donating to your charities all year round."

"Stop. Were you even planning on telling me that the Board voted on calling off their official support for the Fair Wage court date?"

"Look Granger. It's complicated…they have a big client on the horizon. One that, employs a number of magical creatures…it's how they keep their prices low."

"Malfoy, you need to stop talking."

"Granger…"

"No. I can't do this. Just this morning…you said.…you gave me your word Malfoy…your word."

"Well..I bloody well can't control the Board…wait!"