Hermione walked into her office the next morning, her head high, and ignored the few amused glances that were thrown her way. Moira brought her coffee and she got to work immediately on her trade project and passed away most of the morning hard at work. It was pleasant not having to think about her life for a few hours. Moira rapped on her door a little before lunch.

"Yes?"

"Were you going out to lunch or ordering in?" Moira asked her.

"In. Would you order me a roast beef sandwich?" Hermione asked, looking up from her stack of papers.

"Of course," Moira answered, but continued to stand in the doorway.

"Was there something else?" Hermione smiled at her.

"Well," Moira said, looking uncomfortable. "I was thinking. Maybe it would be better if I moved offices? I mean, I love working with you, it's just-"

"I know," Hermione interrupted her. "I was thinking about it as well. I though you might like being Mary Witherwood's secretary. Hers retired last week and I know she would love you."

"That would be wonderful!" Moira beamed.

"I'll send her an owl. You can start with her tomorrow," Hermione said.

"What about you?"

"I'll call down to Employment and have them send someone. It'll be fine."

"Thank you! I really appreciate this," Moira grinned. "I'll get your order in."

As she left, the owl post came by and dropped something on Hermione's desk. "Mrs. Hermione Malfoy," Hermione read aloud, rolling her eyes. It was from the Office of the Wizard Preservation Act. She sighed and opened it.

Dear Mrs. Malfoy,

Congratulations on your marriage. We at the Office of the Wizard Preservation Act are sure that you have found a great match! This letter is to inform you that you and Mr. Malfoy are requested to attend a support meeting on Wednesday May 23rd at 7 pm. There you will meet with a Counsellor from the WPA office as well as other newly married couples to discuss any concerns that you may be having.

While we are sure that your marriage is progressing nicely, we at the Office of WPA want to remind you that the goal of the act is lasting relationships. These are built through trust and respect and we urge you to make every effort to get to know your spouse. Dinners out, dancing, romantic walks, these are all events that will help cement your bond, and we remind you, are part of your contract.

Please let us know if we may help you in any way.

Yours sincerely,

Arturis Thenwidgeon,

Office of Magical Law, Wizard Preservation Act Division.

Hermione groaned and crumpled up the paper. She dropped it back on her desk and tried to concentrate again on her work, but her focus had shifted. Moira returned shortly with her sandwich, giving her a welcome respite from her work. She owled Mary Witherwood to let her know she was sending Moira the next day, and then she floo called down to employment requesting a new secretary.

"Another one?" the woman on the other end sighed.

"Yes, another one," Hermione snapped, her earlier pleasant mood forgotten. "Make sure this one is older, preferably with white hair."

"Yes, ma'am," the witch on the other end answered, ending the connection. Hermione dropped her sandwich, her appetite gone, and walked down the hall towards Malfoy's office.

His secretary eyed her warily. "He's out to lunch, Mrs. Malfoy," she said. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, please add a meeting on May 23rd to his schedule. At 7 pm."

Jane nodded. "Of course. Anything else?"

"What's his schedule like for today?"

"He has a meeting at 3, and then he's clear. Did you want me to add anything?"

"Yes, add dinner at 6. Have him pick the place." Hermione walked back to her office and found she was able to concentrate a bit better.

The day wore on until she heard a faint tapping on the side of her open door. Looking up, she saw Malfoy leaning in her doorframe, watching her work. "Yes?" she asked, putting down from her pen.

"I hear we're going out to dinner tonight," Malfoy said, his arms crossed over his chest. "Need I remind you that you're supposed to take me dinner before you take advantage of me?"

Hermione felt her face burn and ignored his comment. "I received a letter reminding me of the contract terms. I'm just following them," she said. "Did you make reservations somewhere?"

"I think Jane did," he said dismissively. "She's better at those sorts of things. What's the meeting next week?"

Hermione shrugged. "A meeting with a Counsellor and other couples so we can discuss how everything is going."

Malfoy rolled his eyes. "What fun," he said. "I just love Ministry politics. Did you get rid of that secretary?"

"Moira?" He nodded. "She'll be transferring tomorrow."

"Good girl," he said in a silky voice that made anger boil up in her. Standing abruptly to his full height, he began to leave.

"Should I meet you here or at the Manor?" Hermione asked.

"The Manor. You can't go out to dinner wearing that," Malfoy said without turning around. "There's bound to be a photographer there."

"I thought you said you didn't know where we were going," Hermione said, but Malfoy was already gone.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Hermione apparated back to the manor at a little after 5. Pokey met her at the door. "Hello, Missus!" she squeaked. "Pokey is so glad that you are home. Tuffy was called away, so Pokey will be helping Missus tonight. Master says that you will not be eating here tonight?"

"That's right," Hermione said, going up the stairs towards her room. Pokey followed quickly.

"Master said to make sure you picked appropriate clothes," Pokey said, as Hermione opened the door to her room.

"Did he?" Hermione said, dropping onto the bed. "Serve him right if I wore a sack. How dare he tell me what to wear, that self-satisfied-"

"No, Missus must not call Master names!" Pokey squeaked loudly, looking worried.

"Sorry, Pokey," Hermione said, putting a hand over her eyes.

"Pokey will run Missus bath," Pokey said, running into the bathroom.

Hermione heard the water running, so she went to her wardrobe looking for something appropriate. She chose bright red robes and threw them on the bed. "I'm sure Malfoy will love that colour," Hermione mumbled to herself before she went into the bath. She bathed quickly and dressed quickly as well, in order to be ready by 6. Once dressed, she dried her hair and pulled it into a chignon. She looked at herself in the mirror and satisfied, walked downstairs to meet Malfoy. She didn't see him in the foyer so she tried the study. He was standing by the fireplace, reading the evening Prophet. Hermione watched him for a moment. His robes were impeccable and the firelight shone softly off of his blonde hair and silhouetted his perfect profile. Hermione sighed softly. If he never opened his mouth, he'd be very handsome indeed. He seemed to sense her presence and looked up. For a split second she thought she saw appreciation in his grey eyes but then it was gone and replaced with his familiar scowl.

"Red?" He shook his head. "Are you deliberately trying to irritate me?"

"Maybe," she said, smiling at him.

A small smile played on his features for a moment, but it was fleeting. "Let's get this over with," he said gruffly. Dropping the Prophet, he threw some floo powder. "Grey Moss Inn" he said clearly, disappearing into the flames.

Hermione's mouth dropped. The Grey Moss Inn was very exclusive. She herself had never been there and had heard it had a 3 month waiting list. She couldn't wait to tell Ginny that she'd been there. "Grey Moss Inn," she said, disappearing behind him.