6. Promises

                                    

                                          
The next morning Draco arrived to work exceptionally tired. He had been up all night thinking of Hermione. Memories of her flashed across his mind every time he tried to close his eyes. He had always admired Hermione from a distance, although also thoroughly enjoyed hiding that by making her school life hell. He thought of her, in First Year, marvelling at how this Muggle-Born witch knew so much; it went against everything his Father had taught him and he admired her for that. In Fourth Year, at the Yule Ball, he watched her, hand in hand with Viktor Krum, as they walked through the sea of students. Pansy had laughed and muttered an insult he could no longer remember but he couldn't take his eyes off her all night. The night she was captured and brought to his Manor; forced to watch and suffer silently as she was tortured on the floor in front of him.
                          
Draco walked through his office door, waving off Rose who had come running over to purr compliments at him. Standing in the elevator going up to his office he made a decision that would have his Pure-Blood ancestors rolling in their graves; Hermione Granger will be mine. 
                          
Hermione morning was mundane, filled with paperwork. But she was happy. She hadn't seen Draco today and her nerves were thankful for it. At lunchtime, she walked down to the foyer, planning to walk the street to find somewhere quiet to eat and process her thoughts. She gave Rose a friendly wave. 
                          
"Hermione!" Rose jumped up, stopping Hermione and giving her a hug. Rose held her at an arms distance and flashed her a dazzling smile. Hermione was confused, Rose had never expressed any form of emotion towards Hermione other than polite indifference. "Hi Rose," she chuckled nervously.
                          
"Oh, my goodness Hermione! I am so glad to see you!" Rose beamed, yeah okay Hermione thought.
                          
She continued. "I have a teeny tiny favour to ask my favourite person in the world. Would you do that for me Hermione, please?" Rose held Hermione's hand tightly and stared her straight in the eyes. Hermione chuckled again "Uh, yeah, sure Rose. What can I do for you?"
                          
At that moment Rose threw herself on to Hermione again and engulfed her in another insincere hug. In one breath she said "Oh my gosh you are amazing! Well I just noticed how much time you are spending with Mr Malfoy and it would be the most amazing thing ever if you just, like, mentioned me to him. See what he thinks?" Hermione stood, dumbfounded, looking at the pretty blonde. Before she could reply, the elevator opened with a ding. Both Hermione and Rose turned to watch Draco saunter out of the elevator, running a hand through his hair and adjusting the cuff of his well-fitted jacket. Draco smiled as his gaze met Hermione's. Rose was practically purring as she adjusted her hair and pulled the hem of her dress up ever so slightly. "Hiiii Mr Malfoy," she giggled oddly. Without even glancing in her direction, he kept his eyes locked firmly on Hermione's as he replied, "Hello, Rose."
                          
Without a beat he continued, "You're coming with me to lunch Granger," his eyes then travelled down to the lovebite on her neck, "and make sure you cover that hideous mark on your neck." He smirked at her, before heading towards the door. Rose gave her a nudge and whispered, "Don't forget what you promised!" Before heading back to her desk. Hermione didn't remember promising her anything as she followed Draco out of the building.
                          
He was standing on the street, holding the door of one of his sleek, black business cars open for her to get in. Out of sight of Muggles, she conjured up a scarf and wrapped it around her neck. He grinned triumphantly when she threw him a suspicious glance but stepped in.