CHAPTER 3: THE EXCHANGE
"I would think after all those years in school, you would not need me to confirm my own name Granger" he replied snidely.
'Well I'm definitely not imagining things' Hermione thought solemnly, 'the only person I knew who could make a quip sound somewhat intimidating was Malfoy'. While her rational mind had come to terms with his presence, her eyes were still unbelieving.
"While I thoroughly approve of stunned silence in my presence, do see fit to close your mouth" he chided, "Being here is disgusting enough, I'd rather not view the remnants of your pitiful-looking salad". Hermione instantly felt like a child, made even worse by realising how unprofessional she was being.
"Sorry, that was rather rude of me – but you were quite honestly the last person I ever thought would walk through my door today." It was true – a Dementor was more likely to have wandered through her door than the person that was the literal embodiment of her exact opposite. Looking back on her school years, particularly the last two or so, she was confident that he would not try to goad or snipe at her too much… well, mostly confident. He was still standing by her doorway, looking just as tired and irritated as she was.
"The sentiment is mutual Granger." His reply was simple yet held a slightly teasing tone. 'Well this is certainly a sight to see – Malfoy being nice' she thought to herself, as she motioned for him to sit. 'Give it time' she reminded herself. Now that the shock factor was starting to wear off, she regained her composure (and possibly some dignity – after all, she did give him a front row seat to her meal).
"What is it you are here for Malfoy?" Rather than answering her question, he fired back with one of his own.
"Where's Potter and Weasley?" She could tell it was genuine curiosity, perhaps a little probing to find a weak spot for later use.
"Harry is an Auror trainer and Ron works at his brother's joke shop in Hogsmeade" she replied, it really was no secret in the Wizarding World what her two friends did with their lives. She had repeated some version of that sentence so many times to countless reporters, colleagues and occasional curious bystanders, that the memories which would normally flood to her in waves of tears, no longer affected her.
"I figured you'd end up as some ridiculous Elf Rights warrior. Honestly Granger, how predictable." Although he said it nonchalantly, a warning glance from Hermione told him that unless he wanted an argument he'd better not continue. And oh how he wanted to argue with her. 'Just like old times', with him quickly getting the upper-hand and her storming off in a huff. However, his headache hadn't lessened and there were plenty of times to argue and boss her around after he convinced her to work for him. But he couldn't help himself – 'One more couldn't hurt.'
"So which one are you shagging – Potter or Weasel?" he asked, complete with his all-too famous smirk, waiting for her to take the bait.
"As thrilling as this commentary has been, I presume you are here for a professional reason and not a social visit. So what is it you came to see me about?" she replied coolly, not a hint of annoyance or embarrassment in her voice. Slightly disappointed, he conceded defeat – though she didn't need to know that. Instead, he changed tactic.
"Why don't we discuss it at dinner?" Hermione quirked her eyebrow, clearly untrusting.
"A business dinner Granger" his eyes rolling in response, "Though I can't blame you for wanting mix business and pleasure when in my presence" he added silkily.
"Or you could stop wasting my time and tell me now. I have loads of paperwork that already warrant overtime, I do not have the time nor energy to entertain a business dinner Malfoy" she responded impassively. Ordinarily, she would have been thoroughly annoyed with his presence by now, but for some strange reason, she didn't find him that bad – for the moment anyway. Although her voice remained calm and unfazed by his stalling, Hermione was rather eager to get back to finishing off the mountain of work she had strewed across her desk. Her eyes must have given her away because for once, Draco Malfoy did exactly what she asked and had begun to tell her of his business proposition, though he did have a satisfied smirk on his face.
"It seems like a reasonable arrangement", she concluded after some thought.
"Of course it is Granger. I thought of it" he remarked. He had had enough with repeating his pitch over and over again, but thankfully Granger was much quicker to get on board than the others in his previous meeting. He was grateful she had accepted without much of a fight – then again, he did leave out one important detail. Bidding her goodbye with a curt nod of his head, just when he was almost out the door he leaned back in, barely masking his internal cackling.
"By the way Granger, you are being relocated." Puzzled, Hermione shot him a 'yeah, I don't think so' look. 'Oh the look on her face is delectable at this moment, she's got no idea', he thought relishing in her confusion and disbelief as he continued on.
"As it just so happens, a spare office space has conveniently opened up right next to mine" he paused for effect, no longer hiding his grin. It was true, he did intend on carefully monitoring whoever the Integration Manager was to ensure they were doing their job, it was his neck on the line after all. That was why he had gone to special lengths. He knew with Granger he didn't need to worry about her work ethic, but why pass up such a perfect opportunity?
"The Minister has agreed it would be prudent working in close proximity in order to maximise our success" he continued with a fake innocence and cheeriness in his voice. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a crisp beige letter, and wandlessly sent it over to her desk. Before Hermione even touched the letter, she knew from his confidence and grin that her structured life was about to be unceremoniously rearranged.
"Guess we shall be seeing much more of each other soon. See you Monday Granger" he slyly remarked, and with a mischevious wink, he was gone. All Hermione could do was bang her head on her desk and silently curse the Minister into absolute and utter oblivion.