Yasu09-- Real Author or Hapless Thief??

"Thank you, miss. It was kind of you to help me since I can clearly see that you are in a hurry," he stated kindly, a familiar twinkle in his eye.

Hermione nodded, her brows knitted together in contemplation. "Why did he seem so familiar?" she thought curiously.

She glanced at her watch and cursed madly. She turned and fled towards the lift. The doors opened as she neared and she stepped in and proceeded towards the back. The lift began filling up quickly and she huffed impatiently as she removed her scarf and overcoat and adjusted her tote.

"Typical," she muttered irritably, "I cannot believe this!"

The numerous bodies pressing into the moderately sized lift were causing the temperature to rise quickly. She instinctively moved backwards until her body met the wall and leaned against it, catching her breath. The lift surged upwards, stopping frequently, a melodious voice announcing each floor respectively. At each stop one or two witches and wizards would depart the lift, giving the tightly squeezed bodies more room to breathe. Eventually, Hermione stood with only two others in the lift as she rode up to her destination. She ran a hand through her hair, smoothing her loopy curls and straightened her oxford button down and pencil skirt. She pulled out a copy of the Daily Prophet and became engrossed in reading an article by one of her former schoolmates, Parvati Patil.

The lift clambered to a stop and announced, "Sixth Floor, Department of Magical Law Enforcement." The two other wizards departed and a tall, handsome wizard with platinum blonde hair and steely grey eyes strode elegantly into the lift. Draco Malfoy perused the toned form that greeted him, his eyes lingering on the fitted skirt and blouse. Hermione was unaware of being accompanied as she had lifted the paper to read a small article at the bottom, obstructing her pretty face. The wizard continued his perusal, allowing his eyes to take in the dark, wild ringlets and delicate hands. As the lift halted he stared intently as she lowered the paper.

"Merlin! It's Granger," he thought, his eyes widening in confusion. It had been a few weeks since he had seen her and her sudden appearance projected him into a familiar whirl of emotion. He could feel himself starting to tense in a mixture of apprehension and irritation.

She slowly lifted her eyes and met his gaze head on. He had first noticed her eyes in third year. He had always thought them a muddled brown, nothing spectacular. However, that year she had turned them on him in such rage that they had flashed malevolently and stirred something within him. It was then that he had noticed the amber inflection and emerald tones that danced in her irises. It was also then that she had slapped him silly and wounded his pride. Yes, he had to admit that he had been slightly preoccupied with this particular witch ever since that day. She had not failed to dazzle him physically from that point either, maturing into a lovely young woman before his very eyes.

But now… words failed him. She was positively luminescent. Radiance unlike anything he had seen before shone in her eyes. Her wild mane was soft and inviting and he longed to run his hands through the silky tresses. Her toned form was petite in stature and she stood nearly a foot shorter than him. She had a voluptuous figure, though slight, and he grinned inwardly at her inability to acknowledge her own appeal as she nervously pulled at her collar.

Regardless of her physical achievements, this was still Hermione Granger. An extremely competent, extremely dangerous witch who would likely hex him into oblivion at the mere thought of touching her. It wasn't that he necessarily wanted to touch her. She had always effectively angered him, managing to make his blood boil to the point of explosion. He couldn't control his feelings around her. She was always top banana at Hogwarts and he had been quite irritated with her uncanny ability to be the best at everything she set her mind to. She had proven time and again that she was his intellectual superior and this infuriated him. He had never exactly hated her like he had Potter or the Weasel, but he had certainly disliked her overbearing thirst for knowledge and constant diligence. It had stunted his dreams of being top student and he secretly envied her. He had also resented her willingness to shower her affection on those two when neither one of them could ever be considered her intellectual equal. Why did she treat him with such disdain when he could easily stimulate her intellect?

"That's not all I could stimulate," he thought wickedly.

"Malfoy?" she asked hesitantly. Her eyes now reflected anxiety and a hint of annoyance.

"Quite astute Granger…I see that you are putting your smarts to good use," he replied snidely.

She didn't answer him rather she rolled her eyes and stepped forward, waiting for the lift doors to open. She tapped her foot impatiently and willed them to open. She listened for the melodious voice announcing their arrival on the Seventh Floor…nothing.

"What the hell," she mumbled. She looked around the lift, hoping to see something that would indicate their arrival.

"Hello? Seventh Floor…Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures?" she said impatiently, willing the melodious voice to appear. Her foot continued its incessant tapping and she was suddenly extremely aware of Malfoy's presence.

Draco leaned back against the wall and smirked. "It appears that we're stuck, Granger," he said with a hint of triumph.

"This is going to be a good day after all," he thought deviously as his eyes lingered on the fitted skirt hugging her toned rear end.

"No! I cannot be stuck in here with you!" she said firmly. She looked around wildly, trying to find anything that would help pry open the lift doors to no avail. She sighed in frustration and slumped against the wall.

"Aw, it's not so bad Granger. I promise to be a good boy until we get out of here," he said sarcastically.

She narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "Is that right? Well I certainly have no intentions of sticking around to find out! I'm sure I can get this thing open somehow," she said drawing her wand and pointing it at the lift doors. She mumbled a few incantations and whipped her wand furiously.

"Apparently your brain has become incapacitated in this dire situation," he said rolling his eyes at her ridiculousness, "being an insufferable know-it-all, I'm sure you are aware that the ministry has placed protective spells on all of its lifts and floos."

She rounded on him furiously and her brilliant eyes pierced him like ice. "If my brain was incapacitated in dire situations I assure you that I would not have survived the war, you prat! And yes, I am aware of the protective spells but it certainly doesn't hurt to try," she said with a sigh of frustration.

"I see, so wasting your time and energy attempting to open a protected lift is a good idea, hmmm?"

"Shut up Malfoy!"

"Ooh, good retort. I see your clever quips have improved greatly since our time at Hogwarts," he said with a smirk.

"And I see you haven't changed at all! Still the pompous, insolent git intent on making my life miserable," she replied venomously. Her eyes were burning with ferocity and she gritted her teeth as he allowed his eyes to slowly scan her figure just to spite her.

"Stop ogling me!"

"You wish Granger, I was merely taking in your rather uninspiring appearance," he replied coolly.

She huffed at his insult, her face flushed and she smoothed her skirt subconsciously. She had no idea how attractive she really was. He grinned victoriously as she leaned against the wall and attempted to ignore him.

"So, tell me Granger, what have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you at any of our after work mixers," he asked out of boredom.

"Miss me, Malfoy?" she asked with mirth, a smug smile dancing on her soft lips.

Draco raised a brow sardonically. "Oh yes, Granger, I've been pining away," he replied sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. "Look, Malfoy, don't try to make small talk…hopefully this thing will open soon and put us both out of our misery," she stated firmly and resumed reading her paper.

"And if it doesn't? I for one am not going to stand in here and argue with you all day, however tempting it may be. I am sure we can figure out something more productive to do," he replied saucily.

Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Productive? Right…Malfoy, just do us both a favor and forget that I'm even here," she said dejectedly. She continued reading the paper and Draco looked at his watch. It had been ten minutes since the lift had shut down. "This is going to be a long day," he thought with frustration.

Nearly an hour later Hermione had read the entire Prophet, including the ridiculous article by Rita Skeeter who was now reporting on the weather. Her story had been about a floating woman blown up by an underage wizard causing an eclipse of the sun. Hermione frowned, recalling a similar experience with Harry in their third year. Draco had been surprisingly quiet, though she could feel his eyes penetrating her frequently. He had removed the jacket of his muggle suit and was sitting on the floor directly across from her. His long legs were stretched out and crossed at the ankle and Hermione had unintentionally allowed her gaze to travel up his toned form once or twice.

She had seen him a few times in recent months, mostly in a social atmosphere. He and Harry had actually buried the hatchet and she had been invited to join them at the pub along with Blaise Zabini, whom she had grown quite fond of. Only platonically, of course, but the two had instantly hit it off. She and Draco however retained the same hostile air and she didn't understand why he could easily forgo tension with Harry but still treat her with such derision. Perhaps it was the muggleborn thing? Regardless, now that she looked closely at him she had to admit he had certainly grown up, well at least physically. He was tall and lean, improved by blessedly defined muscles.

"Bloody Quidditch," she thought petulantly.

He leaned against the wall confidently and seemed quite at ease in her presence. This annoyed her greatly. She had always felt extremely irate and frazzled in his presence. He managed to make her feel quite small in comparison to his looming frame and it only enhanced her feeling of apprehension. She couldn't explain her emotions when it came to this man, they had always centered on either complete rage or absolute trepidation. It was unnerving and irritating. It was at these times that she cursed being a woman, blaming her frazzled nerves on her hormones.

She looked up at him. He had closed his eyes and had his hands behind his head. He was quite handsome. His aristocratic features had softened and no longer appeared hard and angular as they had in his youth. His platinum hair was no longer slicked back rather it hung down in his eyes. Yes, Hermione had to admit that he was certainly good looking, though he couldn't seem to kick that infuriating smirk plastered on his face.

"Enjoying the view Granger?" he said with his eyes still closed. His smirk had deepened and Hermione felt the familiar stab of annoyance sting through her. She was not going to allow him to get to her.

"Not particularly," she answered matter-of-factly.

Draco opened his eyes and leaned forward, their mercuric color flashing with intrigue. She matched his gaze with equal intention.

"You've never been a very good liar, Hermione," he said smoothly. She stiffened slightly at his use of her name and he stifled a laugh. She was too easy.

She breathed in deeply, assuring herself that she would not be affected by his seductive drawl and gorgeous eyes. "What is my problem? He is an arrogant bas***d!" she thought reassuring herself.

"What makes you think that I'm lying?" she asked as she quickly composed herself.

"Because I know that you've wanted me since third year. That slap you gave me told me everything," he replied suggestively and waggled his eyebrows.

She snorted indignantly. "Are you implying that I smacked you because I liked you?" she asked with a hint of amusement, "you really are delusional."

"Now Granger, there's no need to deny your attraction to me," he said impishly.

"In your dreams, Malfoy," she quipped eloquently. He wasn't going to win this one. She'd make damn sure of it.

"Besides, you're the one who can't keep your eyes off of me," she said with a disturbingly close imitation of his trademark smirk.

He sneered at her observation, silently chastising himself for allowing his gaze to linger on her so frequently. He couldn't help it. She was, after all, a woman and they were trapped in this damn lift together. He had secretly wondered where she had been these past few weeks. It was odd, not seeing her after she had become a common fixture in his life. He had seen her every single day during school and then here at the Ministry after graduation. She had begun working in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures which was one floor up from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement where he worked as an Auror along with his closest friend, Blaise Zabini, and Potter, of all people.

He and Potter had surprisingly become quite good friends while working together and had even begun to associate outside of work. Harry had seen to it that Hermione join them on several occasions and thus the odd sensation Draco felt around the infernal woman was born. Initially, it had been quite awkward and both of them seemed incapable of treating one another any differently than they had in school. Blaise and Harry seemed oddly fascinated with their obvious tension and Draco had found it unnerving that her appearance in his social circle could shake him so successfully. It wasn't just her irritating ability to dazzle him with her mental prowess that compelled him to gravitate toward her, but the way she moved was no longer an annoying distraction as it had been in school. Now, she moved with such graceful ease that it made her even more appealing and the fact that he couldn't have her had infuriated him all the more. He, of course, easily countered her contemptuous attitude and the two had managed to argue with one another no matter what the situation.

"How did this lift shut down...and conveniently with Granger and I in it?" he thought suspiciously.

"I assure you that the only reason I may have accidentally glanced…"

"Accidentally? Puh-lease, you have been staring at me for the last hour," she interrupted with a triumphant grin.

"Think you're so hot, do you?" he growled, "don't make me laugh…you don't even compare to the girls I usually date."

"Yeah, because I want to be compared to some bimbo with a huge rack and no brains," she spat back coldly. She stood up and started prying at the door with her hands. He stood and glared at her menacingly.

"You sound a little jealous, Granger," he drawled icily.

"Jealous of brainless sl*gs? Um…nope!" she cried still attempting to pry the door open, with little success.

"Jealous that they're with me," he said stepping closer to her. His heart was racing in anger and excitement. He could feel the electricity firing between them.

"Malfoy, I could care less who you're with. I have no interest in you so stop trying to trip me up," she said a little miffed at his proximity. She didn't like his nearness, it was making her flustered and she unconsciously unbuttoned the top button of her shirt.

Draco immediately noticed this and smirked. "Am I making you hot, Hermione?" he breathed. He couldn't rationalize what he was doing- all he knew was that he had finally been put into a position where he and Hermione were alone. No one was around to judge them, he felt reckless and confident. He stepped forward, an evil plot forming in his head, and he was suddenly acutely aware of her presence and ready to take full advantage of all his resources.

He was closer now and she felt heated, she turned and shoved him hard. He stumbled backwards slightly and she took the opportunity to draw her wand. She held it to his chest, breathing rapidly and staring him down with viscous intent. He had never seen her look so desirable. Her face was flushed and her breasts were enhanced by the rise and fall of her chest. Her eyes burned into him and she looked somewhat miffed at his proximity.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she asked, her eyes brimming with confusion. Her wand was steady and he grimaced as she poked his chest harder.

"I don't know what you mean," he replied, feigning innocence. He needed a distraction, something to divert her attention for just a second. He ran his hand through his hair and her eyes followed the subtle movement. That was it! He spun sideways and grabbed her arm, taking full advantage of his training as an Auror. She dropped her wand and squealed as he gripped her other arm and shoved her backwards. They hit the wall with force and she squealed again and began to struggle against the vice-like hold he had on her.

"Let me go Malfoy!" she screamed, "Now!" His fit form was pressing her into the wall and she felt her body starting to rebel against her own better judgment. His hot breath was on her neck and she felt shivers running up and down her spine. Her skin erupted in tiny ripples and she jerked her arms in an attempt to escape the pleasurable feel of his body.

"That wasn't polite Granger, pulling your wand on an unarmed man," he breathed into her ear. She gasped as he leaned in closer to her.

"What's the matter? Don't like submitting to me, Hermione?" he asked with such dominance that she whimpered slightly. His hold tightened and she looked away. She would look anywhere, but not his eyes, anywhere but his eyes. She knew they'd break her will and she would not allow it.

"Look at me, Hermione," he commanded. His body was screaming for her…his heart pounded furiously and his lust had ignited with such force that he could no longer contain it. Hermione did not move, she barely breathed. He could feel her trembling, the mark of her submission to him and he longed to take her, to run his hands through her velvety mane and feel her hands playing with his own silky locks.

"Look at me now!" he commanded more forcefully. She turned her head slowly and looked into his eyes. Her eyes were fierce and filled with uncertainty. He adjusted, holding both of her small hands in his large one. He let his hand caress her face.

"Please, don't," she whispered softly, unconvincingly. She had to make him stop, this wasn't right. She kept screaming internally at her body, willing it to stop reacting to his touch. He alternated between tender and rough. It was the way she liked it and Malfoy was keeping it perfectly on point. Her lust was kicking into overdrive.

His hand ran down her neck, the side of her breast, and rested on her hip. His fingers gripped her waist and his eyes were cast downwards, taking her in completely. The desire in his eyes was so evident that Hermione's breathing had hitched and she moaned lightly as he leaned into her more fully. His head snapped up abruptly, a look of total triumph on his face, and his lips crashed down on hers with such fervor that she literally shook with passion. His tongue demanded immediate access and she complied, allowing him to explore the recesses of her supple mouth. He groaned as her hands went round his neck and ran into his hair and he matched her actions, plunging his hands through her silky ringlets. They were even softer than he had imagined.

Both of them fell back against the lift wall, their ministrations matched equally as their fervor grew in heated intensity. Draco sunk slowly to the floor of the lift, bringing Hermione down with him. Both were completely unaware of anything but the melodious beating of each other's heart and the rhythmic need they both strived to fill.

Nearly an hour later, Hermione and Draco lay perfectly still on the floor of the lift, perspiration dripping down their fit forms. Hermione was slightly anxious, unable to fathom what she had done. Draco was holding onto her from behind and he nibbled on her ear affectionately.

What had happened? How could she allow herself to give in to him? He had always been the bane of her existence and now, here she was, submitting to him. Was this some bet, a joke that would eventually and finally prove his dominion? Her worries coursed through her rapidly and she could feel her heat rate picking up.

"Hermione, stop," he whispered suddenly.

She turned to look at him and blushed slightly. "Stop what?" she asked quietly.

"Stop over-thinking! Do you really think that this shouldn't have happened?"

"I- I don't know. I mean, we've always been enemies and-"

"We haven't been enemies for quite some time and you of all people should know that. Besides, Potter and I are friends now, there should be nothing standing in our way," he said coyly.

"But…"

"But nothing, it's simple, I want you and you want me," he said confidently.

"Oh, you're so sure of that are you?" she replied playfully.

"Pretty sure," he said haughtily.

She looked at him for a few moments and he suddenly felt like he was being judged by the Wizengammot. Her face was expressionless and he felt slightly apprehensive as he waited for her verdict.

"Alright Draco, we can see where this goes," she said finally, pulling on her skirt.

"Wow, life with a fanatical witch hell bent on changing the lives of house elves!" he teased.

"You? What about me? I have to deal with an arrogant prat who thinks he's Merlin's gift to women!" she retorted mischievously.

"I am, you just happen to be the lucky woman that I want," he replied and leaned in to kiss her.

Without warning, the lift abruptly sprung to life and neither Hermione nor Draco had the chance to remedy their disheveled appearances before the lift halted and the doors slid open. They were met with an audible gasp as Hermione, still clad in her bra and skirt and Draco, in a pair of black slacks and nothing else, were revealed to a small crowd of Aurors. Among them were Blaise Zabini and Harry Potter, who both looked utterly amazed. Their mouths were agape and the shock etched into their features was priceless.

Draco Malfoy stood in front of a semi-clothed Hermione Granger with the most arrogant smirk Blaise and Harry had ever seen. Hermione, of course, was hidden behind him but no doubt blushing furiously as their little indiscretion had been revealed.

"If you don't mind, we're going to have to ask you to wait another couple of minutes so the lady can get her clothes on," Draco said with such elation that Blaise actually sniggered knowingly.

Hermione swatted his arm and giggled nervously.

"Thanks gents," he said with a wink and pushed the button to their floor. The lift doors closed and the last thing both Draco and Hermione saw was the complete shock etched on both Harry and Blaise's faces.

Harry and Blaise turned to one another in surprise as the lift doors closed and they distinctly heard both Hermione and Draco laughing as it surged upward towards their floor.

Blaise smirked wickedly at Harry. "What did I tell you?" he stated extending his hand toward the former Gryffindor, "Now, I believe that you owe me ten galleons."

Harry sulked and pulled out the money, promptly placing it in Blaise's hand.

"I can't believe it! They haven't even started working together yet…I mean, it was the first sodding day! Not to mention that we're talking about Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy…it's just too disturbing!" Harry said shaking his head with an odd little smile on his face.

Blaise chuckled and shook his head at his bewildered friend. He felt slightly compelled to tell Harry that he had purposely charmed the lift to shut down. He had a friend in Magical Transportation who agreed to do him a favor. It had really been more out of charity for Draco than for the ten galleons that now weighed down his pocket. Blaise had noticed the anxious interaction between his friend and the pretty Gryffindor and had taken it upon himself to remedy the situation. Being the Slytherin that he was, it had been fairly easy to charm Hermione's alarm clock to go off twenty minutes later than usual. He had dropped by the night before, telling her he needed to kick back and they had shared a pizza and some muggle beer.

Draco had mentioned his meeting with the Director of Hermione's department and Blaise had been ecstatic at the thought of getting the two of them caught in the same place at the same time. His loyalty was, of course, to his fellow Slytherin and he smirked triumphantly at the thought of his friend getting exactly what he always wanted. Draco had had quite a thing for that little witch for some time and Blaise had been willing to do anything to aid his friend, even drinking a little Polyjuice Potion to resemble an old filing wizard to ensure that his plan would be successful. It had been so easy running into her, he had relied on her Gryffindor spirit, compelling such a compassionate witch to aid in picking up all of his files wouldn't exactly be a problem.

He had recently noticed Hermione's slight preoccupation with despising his friend, a convenient cover to mask any deeper feelings. It was obvious that she found him attractive- he had noticed her eyes scan Draco fortuitously on numerous occasions. Draco had denied any attraction to her, though he couldn't seem to keep his eyes off of her either and the jealous stares he shot at any man in her proximity were also quite amusing, though he'd never admit to such weakness. Blaise had finally concluded that if Draco did possess any weakness at all, it was Hermione Granger. He suspected her weakness laid in Draco as well, that little smack in their third year had said something more about her inability to control her emotions around a certain wizard. Thus, Blaise had decided that the two of them needed a little push, and he was more than willing to be the one to make it happen.

Blaise threw his arm around Harry's shoulders and smiled slyly.

"What did I tell you mate, they bring out the beast in each other," he said with a wink as they began walking down towards Harry's office , "now, what say we make a little wager on how long it'll take him to make her Mrs. Malfoy…"