The Offer
She decided to test the Malfoy waters with Ron when he came over for dinner on Tuesday. “I am visiting Malfoy’s business on Friday. He offered me a job and so I am taking a tour.”
“That’s great ‘Mi. He mentioned you were gonna stop by.” Ron said with a mouth full of lasagna.
“Gosh is nothing a bloody secret around here.” She huffed exacerbated.
Ron let out a laugh. “Relax it was just in passing when we grabbed a drink last night. I think it’s brilliant. You gotta get away from that firm you are miserable. You were even when we were still together.”
Hermione nodded, thankful that despite their breakup things just flowed smoothly between the two of them. It was clear quickly into their romance that they just worked better as friends. Hermione would always see Ron as a project and Ron couldn’t take the nagging. Once they agreed to end things the stress around their relationship melted away and they were able to keep a tight bond.
“Well nothing is for sure yet.” Hermione replied.
“Let me know how it goes. By the way George and I are having a opening ceremony for our Hogsmead location this weekend. You gotta come.”
“Ehh I don’t know. It’s gonna be packed Ron.”
“I won’t take no for an answer. It’ll be great and I promise if you’re miserable you can leave but you have to try.” He looked at her.
“Alright, alright. I’ll go.”
“Plus you can tell Harry about your new job.” He laughed.
“Ok now that’s pushing it.” She laughed ruffling his hair as she walked by towards the kitchen.
***
Before she knew it, Friday had arrived. Hermione took care in dressing that morning selecting a charcoal pencil skirt, pointed black pumps, and loose cream blouse. As she tucked in her blouse pulling at the top to create just the right look she definitely wasn’t thinking about Malfoy or the way his scarf would compliment her ensemble…at least she tried to convince herself that.
As lunch approached she became more and more nervous. Scolding herself she resolved to head to the cafe a bit early. Once she ordered their sandwiches she discretely cast charms to keep them fresh. She then headed to the address Malfoy neatly printed out for her.
She was surprised to find herself in front of the old Ollivander’s. The windows were covered and it looked under construction. She tentatively knocked on the door.
Malfoy quickly opened the door wearing grey dress pants and a cream sweater. “We match” he said with a laugh. She laughed at his carefree nature. He motioned her through the door.
Upon crossing the threshold the space transformed before her eyes. The interior was simple in creams and light sage greens with an antique desk near the back and rows and empty shelves made of dark cherry wood. Her face must have shown her approval as he gave a smile. “Daphne helped a bit.”
“It looks great.” She said as she scanned a beautiful circular stained glass window on the side of the building. It spanned nearly floor to ceiling. The blues and greens casting reflections upon the space.
“How about we start with lunch.” He said leading her behind the counter up an iron rod spiral staircase. He opened the door on the right to an open office. Windows lined the side of the office. The same cream color scheme taking over the space with oak wood featured throughout. It was relaxing the smell of sandalwood and men’s cologne permeated the space. They sat at an oval table near the windows overlooking the alley.
He unwrapped his usual order with a quirk of his eyebrow. Taking a bite he admonished “ok what’s your secret? How’d you get this to keep fresh?”
“Hmmm trade secret” she replied with a laugh. “You need to cast a warming and a stasis charm.”
“Ah stasis..brilliant.” He said with a shake of his head.
“So ollivander’s spot. How’d you end up here?”
“Well… we kept in touch after…everything. I was looking for a spot for the storefront but needed space for research and brewing too to cut down on rental costs. Ollivander’s inventory was shot after the war. His niece has taken over the family business setting up down the street because didn’t need the extra space. He offered me first dibs and I jumped at the chance.”
“That’s smart. This really is the perfect location.” She smiled. “So drinks with Ron, eh?”
“Yeah he is persistent that one. Will I see you tomorrow at the opening?”
“I’ll be there.” She said with a tight smile.
“Good.” He said resolutely. “Come on we have a lot to go over.” He said standing once they were done with their lunch.
He showed her the rest of the upstairs which had three more offices and a washroom. There was also a small kitchenette that had state of the art muggle appliances and an intricate looking espresso machine. “You could have first pick.” He said as they went downstairs.
“Don’t you have anyone else on board?” She questioned.
“Just Blaise for marketing and PR at the moment, and he can deal with it.” He laughed his eyes crinkling. “He’s just lucky I shelled out for that espresso machine so he owes me.”
“Alright” she chuckled in response.
“Now this is the heart of the business.” He said as he led her to a all white brewing room. It replicated a muggle laboratory.
“Impressive.” She clicked her tongue. As she walked by one of the small copper cauldrons bubbling away.
“That’s the veritisserum.” He supplied.
“Ah I see the slight change in color, bit cloudy.”
“Yes, that’s the addition of arrowroot powder. Still having trouble with it. Keep having headaches in testing but I’ve been able to stop myself from telling Blaise how I broke into his wards to take his fire whiskey.” He said with a smile.
“Do you test all the potions on yourself?” She asked.
“Eventually. I do various simulations on plants and cells—I picked that up from muggles. Once the results show promise I move into the practical stage of testing. I have plans to have our ready potions on shelves and open in 3 weeks.”
“Hmmm. Ok…So, lay it on me. What’s the pitch?” She relented as she snooped around the room a bit.
“Full benefits and a competitive salary. You get to define your role. Obviously, it’d be helpful to tap your solicitor brain for contracts and such but you’d also have free reign in the lab. I meant it when I said that you’re brilliant. I’d be lucky to have you on board and I’ll take whatever I can get. My plan is to pay off investors as soon as possible. There’d be an opportunity for your to buy in for ownership in the future.” He handed her a bound packet with neat printing on the front reading Phoenix Potions on the front.
“Alright.” She smirked “not bad.”
“You’re impressed.” He said with his eyebrows raised learning back on the counter. “I‘ll also throw in my sarcastic comments, good looks, and sandwich Friday to complete the deal.” He put his hands in his pockets. “Think about it.” He said looking at her seriously. “Read over the business plan, I am always open to feedback.”
“I will.” She swallowed under his intense gaze. “Really I will read it and consider the offer.” She laughed tucking her curls behind her ear. “I am not going to deny that it’s tempting. I just want to be sure it’s the right move.”
“Alright, well let me walk you out. Thanks for lunch by the way, you didn’t have to do that.”
“My pleasure.” She leaned against the door frame. “Until next time Malfoy.” She smiled.
“Ah one condition if you take the job.” He replied.
“Hm?”
“Call me Draco.” He said with a smile.
“..ok..see you tomorrow Draco.” And with that she left the building. As she walked down the alley her cheeks tinted pink…Yes they were definitely flirting. And it was the most unprofessional thing she’d ever done. But it was also the happiest she had felt in a long time.