Gifted Touch

Gifted Touch

It was a cold, dreary day in London, especially for summertime. Normally it was at least warm, even if it was dreary. Twenty two year old Hermione Granger hugged her light jacket closer to her, shivering. I must be going crazy. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I would be going to Draco Malfoy for an interview for a job. Thinking this to herself, Hermione straightened her skirt in a paranoid manner and walked up the large stone steps leading to Malfoy Inc. Surprisingly enough, Malfoy Incorporated was a muggle software company. She wasn't quite sure what the software was for, but she doubted it would matter seeing as the job she was applying for was secretarial. As Hermione stood before the great iron doors, she took another moment to calm herself. Okay, calm down. Even Malfoy wouldn't base the interview on old school squabbles. Would he? She certainly hoped not. She strode confidently up to the waiting room and sat down amongst the other waiting interviewees. "Granger, Hermione." A very feminine voice called from within the depths of the office. Hermione took a calming breath and walked into the outer office. A tall blonde woman stood waiting there with a clipboard in her hands. "Ms. Granger?" she inquired, looking at Hermione questioningly. Hermione nodded and shook the offered hand. "I'm Babette Stevens, Mr. Malfoy's current secretary. If you're ready, Mr. Malfoy is ready for you." Hermione took one more deep breath and nodded her head again.

~ * ~

As soon as Babette had closed the door behind her, Hermione came face to face with a very amused looking Draco Malfoy. She was taken completely by surprise when all traces of amusement left his handsome face and he held out his hand. "Hello Ms. Granger, I'm Draco Malfoy." Hermione could only blink at him. This was not what she had expected. "Ms. Granger?" he asked, hand still extended. Hermione shook off her surprise. "Terribly sorry Mr. Malfoy. Please, call me Hermione." Draco smiled at her, an actual smile, not a smirk, and she couldn't help but find herself smiling back. "Please, sit down." She did so. "Now, Hermione. Why would you make a good secretary?" Hermione took a moment to ponder her answer. "Well," she replied, "I'm well organized and I don't believe in work being left undone. I get along well with others and do my best to please my employer and my fellow employees. I don't mind running small errands such as coffee runs or even dry cleaning," Draco smirked at this but didn't interrupt her, "However, I'm not easily intimidated and I think, in fact I know, that I could be an asset to you and your company." She started breathing again, realizing that she had said it all in one big rush. That smile really did make his features lighten quite a bit. Suddenly he spoke. "I wouldn't have expected any less from you Hermione. You haven't changed a bit," he stated, eyeing her form under her tight fitting suit. Well, maybe just a little. He thought to himself. He shook himself mentally and looked back at her eyes. Her Hershey's Kisses colored eyes. Again he shook himself. Back to business. "You've got the job Hermione." Her eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" she asked. "Yes. Actually if you want to know the truth, you had the job as soon as I saw your name on the application, but I had to go through standard procedure. Just in case." Again, she just blinked at him. Finally the news sunk in and she jumped out of her chair. She threw her arms around his neck. "Oh! Thank you Draco!" She suddenly realized exactly what she was doing; made aware of all the places their bodies were touching. "Sorry, Mr. Malfoy. Ummm... when do I start?" Draco smirked; there was the Draco she remembered. "You start Monday at eight. Don't be late.