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Chapter 4 – Of Surprises

"Granger?"

The voice came from behind Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna. They all turned on the spot to face the person who had spoken. When they had turned they all started, slightly shocked with who was stood there.

Draco Malfoy.

He was wearing a gorgeous black tux with a black dress robe draped over his shoulders, it was fitted tightly to his body, defining and showing off his athletic figure. He had bulked out a little since the end of Hogwarts and the last time everyone saw him, he had grown into himself a little more and it really suited him.

"Malfoy? Why are you here?" Ron asked, taking a slightly more defensive stance, his hand twitching towards the inner pocket of his robes where his wand was stored.

"Well I am here because I was invited Weasley, like the rest of you. I went to Hogwarts too remember?" His voice wasn't the usual drawl it used to be, in fact there was a hint of irritation in it at being asked as to why he was there.

"Yeah well we can't forget that you went here too, just more what are you doing here, showing your face. Surely you should be hidden away in some dark dungeon somewhere?" Ron said scathingly.

"Well yes Weasley although my company does specialise in potions, it doesn't mean I spend all my time in the labs working. And when I do want to work, I have my own private lab, and it plenty of windows I'll have you know." That familiar drawl was starting to creep in, it was his way of being defensive.

"So Malfoy, I didn't know you owned and ran your own potions company," Hermione asked, this bit of information has attracted her attention, "Would you mind telling me about it? It does sound rather interesting." She leaned towards him slightly, her head tilted, the very image of interest in a subject.

"I don't mind at all Granger, I am rather proud of it. It's not a very big company at the moment as it has only recently been set up. But I have some promising workers who all try very hard and produce wonderful potions and a couple of shops we supply. Nothing too big yet, but I have my sights set high, as you might guess." Draco had walked slightly closer to Hermione and the others so he wouldn't have to talk as loudly.

"That is a wonderful achievement so far Malfoy, you are right to be proud of it. It certainly shows your family in a better light now doesn't it." Hermione replied, she very much wanted to learn more of this company and what type of potions they sold. "Also what type of potions do you make?"

"Yes I do feel it's good for the family, well with Father not around in general society at the moment it is certainly making it easier to clean up the family image a bit. Something which Mother and myself are very keen to do." Draco said, drawing himself up proudly, he was glad to see that the Gryffindor princess was talking to him so calmly, hopefully it would reflect well and help improve the family image even more. It didn't hurt that she also looked very beautiful tonight and a beautiful woman being interested in him always made Draco pleased. But he was starting to dawdle now, she had asked him a question hadn't she? "Sorry Granger, what was your question again?" He asked politely.

"What type of potions does your company make?" Hermione repeated, noticing he was leaning towards her specifically and was standing closer still to them, with an interesting look his eyes.

"Oh so many different kinds, urm I haven't picked up a drink yet, would you care to join me and we can talk more about potions?" Draco asked gesturing towards one of the many tables in the great hall.

"Yes that is a good idea, and I wouldn't mind joining you as long as Ron, Neville and Luna don't mind me leaving them." She turned to her friends to check with them, Neville and Luna nodded, saying they were going to talk to some other people anyway, but Ron being Ron spoke up.

"Urm Hermione, how do you know you can trust him, do you really want to be alone with him?" He sounded distrustful, and let's be honest he did have a right to be, yet Hermione felt Malfoy had change and meant no harm to her at all.

"Ron I'll be fine, just look at how many people are around here, and for goodness sake its only a conversation, it's not like I am eloping with the man." Hermione laughed at Ron, being his usual protective self, she was touched, but there was no need. They all knew she was capable of looking after herself.

Ron looked at her worriedly but let and Malfoy walk off, making a note to himself to keep an eye on them throughout the evening just in case.

Hermione and Draco walked over to an empty table, Malfoy picking up a drink on his way past, a glass of white wine. Hermione this was a much 'classier' choice than that of Ron, only reminding her of the sort of person Malfoy was, high class and a little up himself. Although he did certainly seem different seeing him today.

"So," Draco said as they sat down in seats next to each other, "what would you like to know about my company?"