The next day Hermione invited Ginny over for tea, mostly so she could talk to someone about her experience the previous day. Talking to her cat only gave her so much interaction. "So, let me get this straight…" Ginny said setting down her tea to tend to James, who was fussing for being in the unfamiliar home, "You went to church, had a fancy lunch, and saw a muggle movie?"

"Not a church, Saint Paul's Cathedral," Hermione corrected, "It's a beautiful place. The art and architecture are amazing, especially the Whispering Gallery. You should have been there at lunch. I can't recall the name of the restaurant, but all the patrons seemed to take quite an interest in our presence together the moment we walked in. I swear, every time we are seen by the magical public, it's like we are under a microscope of scrutiny. I'm surprised were not on the front page of the Daily Prophet!"

Ginny giggled, "Yes, well word has certainly gotten around, even before your second date with Draco Malfoy. But I wouldn't pay too much mind, I'm sure the intrigue will relent soon enough. Things are changing like made, not just for you two, so people just need to adjust." She explained.

"You are right." Hermione sighed, "But it's understandably fun to push people's buttons on the subject. You should have heard the silence when we kissed. It was like we were in a room full of Puritans! Anyways, enough about me, what's going on with you?"

Ginny smiled, "Well, I'm happy you asked. Harry and I are trying for another baby!" She placed her hand against her belly for emphasis. Hermione squealed with delight. "Oh! That's fantastic! Have you thought of any names?"

An exasperated roll of Ginny's eyes told Hermione that they have. "Harry's set on Albus Severus if it's a boy. And Lily Luna it's a girl. Honestly, I'm not certain; but they're both sentimental and honorific, so I have no strong objections. The two of them talked for another hour before James decided it was time to go home. Once gone, Crookshanks came out of hiding and sat on Hermione's lap as she finished another cup of tea. "I'm sorry you don't like James. He's just a toddler after all. I'm sure he'll learn eventually to pet nice."

The next morning Hermione woke up a bit early for work and took her time getting ready. That day, she was in an unusually good mood. She sat and sipped her morning coffee while Crookshanks sat perched upon another cushioned chair. Just as he was about to jump down and find a suitable grooming location, a letter fluttered in from the chimney and landed on Crookshanks head. Perturbed, he swatted at it, but Hermione was able to rescue the letter before any damage was rendered. She could tell right away it was from Draco and immediately broke the seal to read.

. . . . . . .

Draco didn't really know what to write in the letter to Hermione. He only knew that it needed to have effort put into it. When he sat down he thought about what he would ask her if they were sitting together in the same room. Within moments he managed to find the words he had been seeking and wrote,

'Good Morning Hermione,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. My return trip back to Cairo was rather uneventful. I do prefer traveling with you as my companion. Thanks to your generous letter of recognition I get the pleasure of spending my days in a posh office and oversee the aspiring Alchemists who are attempting to refine their talent. They hope to brew a Universal Solvent potion that is as successful as I have managed to do in the past. No such luck yet. Can't say I am surprised. But then again, it took me about two years to get it right every time, so there may be hope for them yet. Best of luck with your own endeavors at work. I'll keep an eye out for a headline in the Daily Prophet of news concerning Elfish Welfare. If anyone can achieve such a . . . endeavor I have no doubt you could.

Until we meet again, take care.

D. M.

. . . . . . .

Meanwhile it seemed that certain people were having extra difficulty adjusting to the gossip about Hermione and Draco's second date. "Harry, did she really?!" Ron came in bursting into the head Auror's office. Harry looked up confused at his best friend's question. "Did she really what, Ron?"

Ron gave an exasperated look. "Did Hermione really go on a second date with Malfoy?!" He clarified. Harry was torn to speak about what Ron was asking. Hermione was his best friend too after all. He thought the situation odd, but it was her life. "I don't know really. They were at the Ministry of Magic New Year's Eve party together. But I just thought that was just a bit of a coincidence."

Ron's eyes furrowed together a moment in pondering before he followed up with the question. "Girls talk to each other right? Ginny ought to know more than you do about the subject." Harry stood up. "You don't need to go badgering your sister, my wife, about Hermione and her dating life. What did you expect Hermione to do after she broke up with you?" Ron rolled his eyes, "I know. I don't mind Hermione dating but…dating Malfoy?! I just…that I do mind."

"I know…" Harry agreed with him, still a bit perplexed with the notion. "Either send her and owl or pay Hermione a visit if you really want to know." Harry suggested and Ron nodded in defeat having learned all he could from Harry and departed. He was no longer a Auror, but rather held a career helping George at the joke shop.

. . . . . . .

Hermione smiled and a warm feeling of contentment tickled her heart. It was nice having asked for a letter and actually receiving one so soon afterwards. She rolled up the letter again and stuck it in her briefcase, hurrying to the fireplace. A pinch of floo powder later and she was in the entryway to the Ministry of Magic. It wasn't until she reached her desk that she realized she had been smiling the whole time it took her to reach her desk. It was an average of ten minutes and forty two seconds to do so. It was her supervisor, Thomas Grovel, who clued her in. "Have a good weekend, or scheming something devious?" He asked, slapping a large bundle of papers in her inbox.

Hermione raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?" Thomas rolled his eyes at her obliviousness. "You come in, on a Monday no less, with an ear to ear grin means one of two things," He explained, "you either had an exceptionally good weekend, or you have something planned that could potentially cost yours or my job."

"You worry too much about your job, Grovel. But for your information, I did have an amazing weekend, so there's that for you. You can go about your business without having to worry about me."

Thomas scoffed, figuring she just said that to stop him from worry, but that wouldn't stop him. He always had his suspicious about her the day he was told Hermione Granger would be working under him. Simply having a quill pushing job wasn't her only objective, there had to be something else. Of course he could just be paranoid, but that was unlikely.

Hermione spent the rest of her day tearing through the pile of reports, requests, and inquiries with much more vigor than she ever had before. She even found that her inbox was empty more than half an hour before the end of her shift. She decided that she would make use of the time by replying to Draco's letter.

Dear Draco,

Congratulations on the office. I had meant to ask you about that on our date, so I'm glad you mentioned it. I don't suppose you have any intention of assisting your subordinates in making the Universal Solvent? That might jeopardize your current position, and I don't think you would give up your office very easily.

As for making headlines, it will be a while. My manager is paranoid that I'm trying to take his job simply because of my reputation. Of course I don't want his job. I want to rise in the ranks and achieve the highest position I can, in order to accomplish my goals for Elvish Welfare and Wizard kind. Who knows where that might take me! Maybe I'll have an office of my own someday. In the meantime, I'll be doing what I can to keep out of as much trouble as possible while 'rising to power' so to speak.

Anyway, I look forward to our next date, or your letter, whichever comes first.

Yours truly, Hermione Granger.

As an added touch, she put on a dab of lipstick and pressed her lips against the parchment next to her signature while no one was looking, leaving a long distance kiss for Draco. Since she was still at work and had a handful of minutes left in her shift, Hermione was technically allowed to send letters through the Ministry, guaranteed to be owled as soon as possible. She was hoping to get another reply before the weekend, but if not she wouldn't be heartbroken. She was used to belated letter correspondences.

. . . . . . .

Draco returned that evening to his residence. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but it felt kind of lonely. A letter arrived through the mail slot of the front door. He picked it up and instantly recognized the Ministry stamp on the top corner. This had been sent from the Ministry of Magic location. But it wasn't from the Ministry of Magic authorities. He opened it and was pleased to see it was from Hermione. He could hear her voice speaking in his head as he read the letter. The kiss at the end surprised him. But then it reminded him of their last lip encounter and it added further anticipation for the next time.

He mulled over his response while he ate his prepared meal set for him on his table by his House Elf, Monty. After that he went to his desk to write her a response. He would have no luck sleeping until he did so. It read,

Salutations Hermione,

You are correct. Or should I say, when have you ever been incorrect? I have absolutely no intention of assisting my subordinations with making the Universal Solvent potion. While them accomplishing it to the best of MY ability would not jeopardize my current position that permits an office with my name on it; there is a lot to be learned when you have to make a potion over and over, refining it bit by bit. As the potion is refined the Alchemist is also refined in the ways of patience, understanding, and determination. Qualities I had somewhat and refined as I master this potion. If making the Universal Solvent was as simple as following a recipe anyone could make it perfect on their first try. Since it is not that simple, it would be robbing an opportunity of education and personal growth if I were to intervene.

Thus, I observe and make sure nobody loses any vital equipment or limbs during their refining process. For those who make it mid quality Solvent, they get put in Curse-Breaker orders. My true Universal Solvent is the best, but I don't make it just for anyone unless I approve of who is requesting it. For example a Curse-Breaker by the name of Bill Weasley would have my approval. He rarely requested it actually. He has been at his career long enough I suspect he learned to manage without it and makes his own not so difficult potions. Just like his former apprentice.

Draco put a winking image on the paper for emphasis. Then continued,

I understand your manager for worrying if his position is in jeopardy. I'm certain he thinks: 'Hermione Granger Secretly Trying To Become the Minister of Magic, Under The Guise of Elfish Welfare.' Poor chap wouldn't even be believed if he said either of those out loud, let alone to someone within the Ministry or at the Daily Prophet. Hm…that's not true. Rita Skeeter would probably believe him. But I haven't seen her articles on the front page in years so it wouldn't matter. I'm sure whatever plans you have set for yourself involving the Ministry it will come to pass. You are at the very least determined and resilient. Those are traits I no longer underestimate in you.

I look forward to spending time with you on Saturday. Until then our letter correspondences will suffice.

Sincerely, D.M.

He folded it up and sealed it in an envelope with green was and the Malfoy seal crest pressed into it. He sent Aquila to deliver it then so it would arrive to her the next morning.

. . . . . . .

Hermione spent her evening enjoying leftovers from a salmon and vegetable dinner she made herself the other night. Crookshanks enjoyed his dinner as well before rubbing up on Hermione's legs, his usual request for attention. She reached down and scratched behind his ears, causing him to purr loudly. The ginger feline hopped up on the chair next to Hermione and looked up at her as if he wanted to talk to her about something important, that is, if he could talk at all. Hermione cut off a small chunk of salmon for him. "I suppose I should ask, since I know most everyone's opinion on the subject but yours, but how do you feel about me dating Draco Malfoy?"

Crookshanks gave a stoic meow as though to say he didn't care and proceeded to groom himself like nothing beyond being a pampered feline mattered. "I figured you'd understand." Hermione answered, giving him one last rub before cleaning up. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Hermione checked the time, six thirty in the evening. She wasn't expecting company, especially not on a Monday evening. She went to answer the door, but before she could open it, heard the distinct noise of disapparation. She pulled the door open and looked around, no one was there. "Hello? Is someone there?" She called out into the cold twilight. Not a soul, or the sensation of magic, but there was a faint smell of alcohol in the air. "Strange…" She whispered to herself as she closed the door and secured it, double checking her security spells just in case.

The next morning, Hermione received another letter from Draco. It brightened her day to know her boyfriend wanted to correspond with her. 'Is he my boyfriend?' she pondered, 'Or is it too soon for me to call him that?' She figured it was just her being hopeful and begun reading. Reading Malfoy's handwriting seemed to have starting giving Hermione a happy, tingling, feeling inside her; especially when he was subtle and coy in his written context. She thought the little winking face was cute and was thoroughly enjoying reading the letter until she saw a name she quite dreaded. Seeing Rita Skeeter's name brought forth a bitter taste in Hermione's mouth. She imagined it's what a cockroach tasted like, ironic seeing as Hermione knew that Rita was an unregistered animagus whose form was that of a beetle.

Tuesdays were usually pretty slow for Hermione. Normally she found busy work to do at least to make it look like she was working. However there was nothing left over for her to do from the hefty day before of Monday. She decided that writing Draco back would be alright during her down time.

Dear Draco,

I'm glad they have a resident expert to prevent any unnecessary losses in equipment or limbs. It would be terrible if your subordinates were incapacitated due to accidents and you were forced to brew the Solvent by yourself once again. I bet you run a tight ship. And I'm sure your management skills are as strong as your flattery. But believe me, truly I wish to cause the least amount of trouble within the Ministry as I carry out my plans. I feel a more gentle approach is desirable after previous events. From what I've been able to observe, things are still a bit tense even this long after the second wizarding war. Drastic changes could possibly be more harmful than not.

I'm glad that I haven't had to read Rita Skeeter's name until your letter for so long. That dreadful wasp of a woman has no business being on this side of a glass jar. I regret letting her out now that I've heard she's writing a biography on Harry. I doubt much of anything in that book will be true. Did I mention that I kept her in a jar for a while after the Tri-Wizard Tournament for all the rubbish she wrote about me?

Anyway…I was wondering what you would like to do for dinner this Saturday. I could cook for us, if you like, unless you had another idea for a place to eat? I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, Hermione Granger

Again, she was able to use the Ministry's mail service to send off her letter in a swift manner. She hoped it wouldn't get her in trouble, since it was technically only to be used for business. After this she decided she would mail her next letter herself. Reginald might be getting too lazy, she thought.

. . . . . . .

Draco was surprised when a letter was delivered to him by mid afternoon. He recognized that it had been sent from the Ministry but was definitely a personal note from Hermione. He found himself reading it, enjoying the image of her he had in his head as if she was there speaking the words herself. He could not write a response until later that evening when he returned home. He was finding this form of activity to be very relaxing before he retired to bed.

Good Evening Hermione,

It was a pleasant surprise to receive your letter a couple of hours after lunch time. I suppose it is of benefit that while we are in different countries, we are in the same time zone.

I had a suspicion that Rita Skeeter was an animagus, unregistered of course. For a moment I had a hard time believing that you would purposely trap her in a glass jar. Then I recalled that you punched me when I upset you during our Third Year. You are capable of a lot when someone wrongfully scorns you. At least you let her out. I can think of a few who would have not done so if it were they she had scorned as she scorned you, myself included.

Regardless of the truth to the content, I doubt anyone is going to read an autobiography about Potter. We all know the story anyways; it wouldn't be a very enlightening read. It's not as if such a book will become required Hogwarts textbook for future children of our generation to read. If it is not too bold of me to ask, are your feelings about having a child or children still the same as they were when the subject was briefly mentioned while we were working in Tanis?

He paused and decided to leave that as is for now. Should she voice a desire to have a child or children he would bring up the rumored Malfoy family legend of having a blood borne curse of always having a firstborn male. The speculation as that his ancestor wanted to ensure that when a Malfoy procreated with another pureblood that the first offspring would be male, thus forever continuing the Malfoy name and line. He had no idea if it would be effective with Hermione since she was a muggle-born. All he knew was that all first borns had been male for generations with only other purebloods, so it seemed like a logical reason to think he was cursed in a way.

He continued to write,
Anyway, concerning Saturday dinner at your flat sounds splendid. Would it be acceptable for me to arrive earlier at a time you see fit?

Sincerely, D. M.

He made no offer to help her with the cooking as he was uneducated in the ways of cooking. He was sure the offer of bringing his elf along to help would be taking negatively by her. Rarely would his mum make biscuits for afternoon tea. Most other meals were made by a house elf. He had no idea of cleaning up either as that also was done by a house elf. Laundry he knew how to do, which he dreaded. He knew her feelings on house elves and deducted that she would probably be making their dinner the muggle way. That was a foreign idea and yet he was perplexed enough at the notion to ask if he could arrive earlier. One to just be with her should she desire to spend time with him in the comfort of her home. Two, watching her cook the muggle way would be different to say the least.

He sealed the letter and sent it on its way with Aquila and departed for bed, anticipation filling his mind at what was to come.

. . . . . . .

In the morning, another letter from Draco arrived for Hermione. She was certainly surprised by this. It had been so long since she had near daily correspondence with someone, she almost didn't believe it was happening. How comfortable she felt around Draco, it almost felt stranger than magic, but perfectly natural at the same time. And his kiss, Hermione couldn't fathom how mind blowing it was to kiss Draco Malfoy. His name echoed in her mind, along with his voice saying her name. They'd only been on two dates officially, but they had known each other for over a decade. Now that they were outside the stigma of her being a 'mudblood' and him coming from a bigoted expectations, the Draco Malfoy she was learning about wasn't nearly as stoic as he presented himself to be.

"Meow!" Crookshanks rubbed against Hermione's leg, waking her from her daydream. "Oh, Merlin! I'm going to be late!" She ran to her fireplace and in a floo of flames and smoke she was off to work. She read Draco's letter during her lunch break in the cafeteria, smiling all the while. "Must be a good read if you are smiling that hard." said Harry, plopping down in the seat across from Hermione.

Hermione jumped a bit. "Oh! Hello Harry! I haven't seen you for a while. What are you doing here?" He gave a slightly worried look. "I'm here to talk to you. Nothing drastic, just wondering if you'd seen or spoke to Ron recently?"

Hermione shook her head. "Sorry, I haven't. Is something wrong?"

"No, he's working at the joke shop with George and living at home in the Burrow, Ginny says. But he's been distant ever since…." Harry trailed off, nodding his head at the letter in Hermione's hands.

"….Ever since he heard about Draco and I's second date. That bumble head." Hermione said, finishing Harry's sentence with completely understanding with what he was trying to say.

"Well, he's been off ever since you broke it off with him…actually even earlier than that…For reasons I'm not privy to. I don't think Ginny knows why either. We are worried about him. If you do see him, talk to him, won't you? And try not to be too harsh?"

"Harsh? He…" Hermione began with a tone and volume of voice that was exactly what Harry was pointing out for her to not do should she see Ron. She sighed and calmed herself before continuing her answer. "….I'll try, but no promises."

Harry chuckled, "That will be fine." He got up and bid her farewell going about his business elsewhere, leaving Hermione by herself to finish reading and eating.

As Hermione promised herself, she waited to write a reply to Draco once she was home from work so she could use Reginald to send it off.

Dear Draco,

Though it might not have been the right thing to do, and I felt a little reprobate doing so, I also felt it was justified. Slander is something I despise above all else. Mocking someone is one thing, but outright telling lies about someone are inexcusable.

That's correct; we briefly touched on the topic of children while working together in Tanis. After talking with you about it, I realized my fears were simply unfounded. I would indeed like to have a child or children. From what I have read, both fiction and not, it's pointless to make any plans regarding offspring to unfold exactly as imagined, since it is something that has variables and circumstances to consider.

As for what time, I usually start cooking around four thirty pm, so any time around there would be fine. We can chat while I cook. I assume you have not had any experience cooking for yourself, since you have house elves. Perhaps I can teach you how to cook certain things in the future? One can never be sure when one needs certain knowledge. What if I pass legislation that outlaws the servitude of house elves? One step at a time.

Just kidding.

Kind of.

Sincerely, Hermione Granger

She sealed the letter, but before doing so, she sprayed a bit of perfume onto the bottom of the letter where her signature was. Luckily it didn't smudge the ink. Reginald sat in the open window sill, tearing up a mouse he'd recently caught before Hermione noticed. Once he finished, he took the letter and flew off into the evening twilight.

. . . . . . .

The following morning Draco awoke to a tap on his window revealing Hermione's recognizable owl Reginald. He took let the owl in and provided a meal and water for it before reading the letter. A smirk peeked across his lips when he could smell the scent of her perfume. It tickled his senses, as it sparked memories of their time together. The feel of her hair in his fingers, the taste of her lips, the assertive demeanor she had as she pulled him in for a second heated kiss. He had to digress from thinking any further so he could write a reply and get it sent with her owl on his trip back.

Good Morning Hermione,

We did briefly speak on the subject of offspring before when you were having, shall we say, strained relationship with Weasley. It would be appropriate while speaking on this subject that it is rumored the Malfoy lineage has a blood-born curse that ensures a male heir to be born first; presumably when procreation with another pureblood occurs. My family tree proves first born male heirs to go back many generations. It would be a first for the Malfoy line to discover if this blood-born curse takes effect when procreating outside pureblood ramifications. I agree with your understanding of planning for offspring. One can never really know until the situation arises, I suppose.

I will arrive at four pm. I will gladly enjoy the presence of your company while you cook. I am as hesitant to agree to cooking lessons in the future, as I am about to agreeing to the following role of a dance partnership. However, anything done in your company is worth trying at least once.

Does making potions count as cooking?

Just kidding.

Kind of.

If a law passed to ban the servitude of house elves, what would the creatures do instead? They are a people pleasing creature who likes to do jobs to the approval of the one they serve. They would get paid to serve I suppose? How about payment in clothing? I have never been fond of their inability to not do laundry. Or wear shabby rags while cleaning or cooking.

Sincerely, D. M.

He sealed the letter and sent it with Reginald back to Hermione to receive.

. . . . . . .

Hermione was shocked to read about the Malfoy family blood-curse. It caused her so much intrigue she looked through a copy of the Ministry files pertaining to his family genealogy. Sure enough, as far back as it was recorded; every first born of a Malfoy was a male in every generation. It made sense though, for one heir especially that of a male to receive the family property and inheritance the Malfoy family name carried. The curiosity of the first born blood curse coinciding with that of only under procreating with a pureblood plagued her. It was a curiosity that would simply have to wait and see. Not that she was already thinking about that kind of thing. Still it was good to speak about such heavy topics during dating to gauge compatibility of the two person's long term.

"One more day until Saturday!" Hermione reminded herself, starting on the ludicrous pile of paperwork Grovel left in her inbox. The most interesting of the paperwork was the denial she had to write up for someone who was applying for a Dragon Ownership License that wasn't connected to the Sanctuary or a professional such as Charlie Weasley. She double checked the name on the application to see if it was Hagrid, but it wasn't. Somehow this both pleased and disappointed her.

When she arrived back home, she ate dinner then wrote one last letter to Draco before their date on Saturday.

Dear Draco,

I suppose it makes sense for such a curse to exist, given your family's reputation to uphold. I'll have to do some research on the subject of blood born curses, as I have not heard about such until now. But I'm sure something like that would have been left out of historical and possibly medical records so might be hard to research.

Cooking really isn't overly difficult, even without magic. It really is like brewing potions, sometimes easier. It's as standard as following a recipe and knowing a few basics. With how you are in potion making and alchemy, I have no doubt you would be an amazing cook.

And four o' clock sounds good. I look forward to seeing you this Saturday. The anticipation is becoming unbearable.

Sincerely, Hermione Granger

P.S. I might not be able to respond if you reply by tomorrow like you have been. Friday nights I like to reserve for girls night with Ginny and a few others. And Saturday morning I'll be preparing for that evening with you, so here is a kiss to tide you over until we meet again.

She left a kiss next to the post script, sealed it, and sent it off. She spent the rest of her evening trying to piece together a meal for Saturday and a nice outfit. She didn't want to look as classy as she did on their first date, but not too casual as to seem homely either.