A/N: New chapter up!
Dove x

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Quatervois : (n.) a crossroads; a critical decision or turning point in one's life

"What?!"

"That's right. I apologise for the change, Mr Malfoy. But I am sure the quality of work would not differ in any way. Miss Granger is quite the dream employee- hardworking and dedicated."

Hermione's guard had dropped by now. Her mind turned and twisted in different directions, searching for a quite possible way out. Her cheeks were red in anticipation. She couldn't seem to tolerate Malfoy and his infuriating self for five minutes, and here she was expected to handle his business affairs? And for who knows how long. As if she wasn't thought of like a servant by him already. She scoffed at the thought. She would never in her right mind take orders from a Malfoy. She'd write that in her blood if she had to. She didn't care. This was not happening, period.

When Draco absorbed what the man- no, the pathetic excuse for a baboon, had just said, he looked, and felt positively livid. It was the only expression he had ever allowed on his face to show, exactly the way it was in his mind. That and his signature smirk. Why did something so bad have to happen to his life which was slowly getting back on track? That bloody witch was going to have to be taught a lesson for being the know-it-all she was. After all, no one would ask this of him if she wasn't. It was all her bloody fault.

"Mr Wilson," Draco began, his tone dangerously low, "do you really want this to happen? Are you sure? I mean, I am going to have to work with Granger?"

"No, Mr Malfoy, not really. She'll just be dealing with the entire procedure of the issuing of funds and keep tabs on how and what would profit the community more. Have you ever heard of an accountant, Mr Malfoy?"

When Draco nodded, he continued, "So that's basically how the process will work. She just won't be following your orders. She'll be handling your company's affairs, not yours, mind you," with a subtle expression of pleasant warning in his eyes.

"Now, if all questions are cleared, could you sign these papers? I'm afraid I have to get back to work."

"But Mr Wilson..." Hermione began.

"Oh, please, Hermione, call me Max. You and me are bound to have more than just a formal relationship, seeing as we'll be dealing with each other very often now," he smiled.

Draco visibly scoffed at the comment. Hermione ignored him and said, "Alright, Max. I just have to let you know that Malfoy and I aren't exactly on good terms. Quite the opposite, actually. And I'm not sure how I'll manage another Organisation. I already have quite a lot of work on my hands. My files aren't exactly very up to date, I mean they are, but I'm sure I could find more ways to make them exceptionally good for the people concerned to understand and..."

"Hermione," he cut her off. "Please stop underestimating yourself. You should know that your work is marvellous. I knew I was making the right decision on appointing you as one of the Managers. Your NEWT grades as well as the Headmistress of Hogwarts spoke very fondly of you. I would not be surprised to see that you've been promoted if you handle this properly." He then motioned for Hermione to lean in and did so too himself. He whispered into her ear, "Believe me when I say that Mr Malfoy is a difficult client. Knowing you, you are the best one for this job. I am positive you can do this."

Hermione muttered something along the lines of, "Tell me something I don't know," before leaning back into her chair. She spoke again, "Do you mean to say that I could get promoted for this?"

"Possibly with an exceptionally high pay raise, might I add."

Hermione considered her decision for a moment. It wasn't as if she did not need the money - her salary was sufficient for her needs but she needed to start a Savings Account in a Muggle bank. It was for her 'future', as her parents had stated it when she was 16. She had actually wanted to try it for her own, seeing as she belonged to both worlds. It was only fair if she knew more of the way things worked with Muggles too.

While Granger was thinking, Draco quickly interrupted. He did not like the idea of having to deal with Granger one bit. He did not despise her that much; it was just that the sight of her brought up unwanted memories and all the built up remorse. He was apprehensive of how much she could possibly find out about him during the tine she worked as - whatever it was she was going to do - and how pathetically vulnerable that would make him. What he did not know was that someone like her would never reveal confidential information, especially one that was bound to someone else's feelings. Maybe if he hadn't spent all his years hating her. After all, he still was a Malfoy and he had to live with the living breathing reminder of it everyday. He did not resent his mother, nor his father to some extent. It was all just a bit much for someone who was lost beyond repair before he even knew what finding yourself meant.

"But Mr Wilson, my Organisation needs your expertise," he said with a slight cringe attached to the end, one that went unnoticed by the company he was currently in. Surely he had expertise that went up to negative infinity for handing his prized hardwork down to someone he quite publically disliked. "I even have an idea for expanding territories I need your help for. The transfer in question would not affect it positively, I believe."

"Oh, Mr Malfoy, do not worry. Miss Granger's work is very smooth. You will face no problems, I assure you that. As for that idea, well, it is the perfect way to get started! You should know each other's working skills and techniques if you are going to be working together."

Defeated, Draco sank back in his chair. This was not happening. Granger did not seem excited either. She was still contemplating her answer. When she probably decided that she didn't have much of a choice, she said quietly, "Fine. I'll start working on it. Anything else, Max?"

"Perfect. No, nothing else. You can get back to work now. I have some things to discuss with Mr Malfoy. Oh, and, I'm very proud of you, Hermione."

Hermione's cheeks, that had previous given up their red colour after some furious moments, had decided to bring it back, thankfully in less intensity this time. They were tinged with a light pink of appreciation. "Thank you, Max. Have a good day," she said and with a smile and a nod, left the room.

As soon as she left, Draco began trying to persuade the man to change his mind, but boy was he thick! And the witch in question had just wished said man a good day. Oh, the irony. It was easy to forget that he was the client when working with a Ministry official who was trying to make him work with someone he had bullied all his life.

"Are you sure nothing else can be done?"

"Yes, Mr Malfoy. I'm positive," he said patiently.

"Fine." He then huffed in annoyance.

"Perfect!" the man said, completely oblivious to Draco's foul mood.

"If the meeting is over, shall I leave?"

"Yes, you may. And I would like you to stay on good terms with your consultant. She is really sweet, but she can be difficult sometimes."

"Oh really? How charming," he muttered under his breath. "Sure."

When he had signed the paper with his quill, a magical golden sliver appearing to engrave it for all future references, he got up and left the office. Apparently, Granger's office was on the same floor, in another corridor. "Take a left, right, first left, second left, a right and there you are," Wilson had said. It turned out to be more difficult than the man had mentioned. Just as the maze was close to driving him crazy, he sniffed a freshly familiar scent. He wondered how it was floating in the air. Following it, he stopped in front of a heavy, wooden door where the scent was the strongest. The fragrance, he noticed, was rose with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.

'Typical Granger,' he thought. 'Always trying to be so sophisticated. How common,' he sneered.

He knocked twice before a female voice from inside said, "Come in!" It seemed to be the kind of voice which screamed uncalled for aristocracy. Unlike him. He exuded his aristocracy with a commanding stance. He deserved it. If only for the sake of appearance. He entered by pulling on the door knob and giving the door a push. He then stood there, slowly taking in what he saw. 

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Was it up to your expectations? Please do tell me your thoughts! I rather like to know how I can improve myself! Oh, and the next chapter will be up soon! <3

Also, sorry for the frequent change in the points of view in these chapters. Just know that they still haven't reached a point where they call each other by their first names! :) And then you'd know whose view it is! :)

Don't Kill Her,

DoveMalfoy19

All hail Dramione!