Do you know the sound of my heart?
A/N: hello people! I hope you all are fab and up in festive mood. So yes, I am still on HIATUS, but, I took some time off my break to write a much asked prequel for SOYH as a Christmas gift for you all. Happy Christmas and New Year in advance to all my lovely readers. I love you all so much...
now I am waiting for Sherlock season 4 and 50 shades darker. now as for the songs, perfect illusion by lady gaga, ain't my fault by zara, i don't wanna live forever by zayn and taylor swift... hmm... that about sums it up.
now I will shut up and let you read...
Disclaimer- I wish santa could give me HP's ownership as gift but somehow I doubt he will...
The wizarding community of Britain was often referred as the most primitive and conservative one. All over the wizarding communities of the world, British were the most conservative ones. Other folks often called them backward and outdated, too stiff and too rigid. They were the most selective wizards and this often bothered the others. But with time, one witch was hell hell-bent on changing the british wizarding world too.
The said witch was no one other than the famous muggleborn; Hermione Granger.
Hermione walked determinedly to the law enforcement committee for a meeting regarding introducing a new law. She stopped outside the meeting door and straightened her blazer and pants, brushing off invisible dust. Taking a calming breath she opened the door and walked in the hall with a smile gracing her face.
'Hello ladies and gentlemen! I am hoping you have been having a brilliant day!' she said with a dazzling smile. Inside, her heart was beating at an incomprehensible rate but others didn't need to know it.
'So Ms. Granger, what new revolutionary idea are you going to propose on this fine day?' asked Kinsley Shacklebolt; the Minister of Magic.
'Yes Ms. Granger, to what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?' asked the Head of Law Enforcement. She smiled at the inquisitive inquiries.
'Mr. Minister and all the respectable members of the committee, I would like to propose to the committee the 'Wiznet' proposal. As you all know, we have passed many laws and proposals to integrate the muggle technology with magic to bring development and efficiency in the wizarding world. And today I want to propose another one of such proposals. Wiznet is the project to allow and facilitate the use of 'internet' in wizarding world. As you can see, internet is world wide platform where you can surf, i.e. you can connect all the gadgets through this thing. You can upload and download things such as music, videos, files or any file that can be read by gadgets through this. But as we mix the magical element with this, we can use digital transfiguration, travel and transmogrification and many things that muggles have yet to discover. If we all have these magically modified technological gadgets with us then we can do half the things we can do with wands without having wands with us at any time. Look at all the potential the security and auror department have if Wiznet passes.' She said finishing the explanation of the project's projection.
'Now if you all are wondering about the implementation then you will find in my report the spell and magical modifications needed for the same. Almost 85% of the wizards have either a mobile or pc with them which we can connect to the net through the spell that has been invented and this will also connect us to the muggle net. But due to the safety spell that needs to be implemented, the muggle world won't be able to see the magical activities. The Wiznet acts as the virtual version of the real life magic to put it shortly.' She said.
As she stopped her presentation, she was met with the silence. She gulped in nervousness. She knew it was big, humongous to be frank and if this was passed, the wizarding world will be never as it was. She just hoped her proposal was good enough. She had spent last 2-3 years inventing and perfecting every single thing. Her wondering was broken by a loud applause from the committee and she looked in shock. When the shock faded off, she smiled to herself in disbelief.
'Ms. Granger, I believe you have outdone yourself once more. You are indeed the brightest witch of your age as well as of the whole Britain! Congratulations!' said Kinsley standing up.
'We'll be sure to review this proposal and pass it as soon as possible. I'm sure the press would have a field day.' said the head of law of enforcement and Hermione smiled at the committee.
'I think we'll have to give you another title than just the 'brightest witch of her age' and 'order of merlin recipient'. Maybe the founder of 'magical virtual reality' or perhaps 'the wonderwitch'.' Chuckled Mr. Thompson; her first mentor.
'Thank you everyone! I really appreciate your time and complements.' She said genuinely smiling.
'Not to sound unsupportive but Mr. Minister, a proposal this huge needs huge funding too. And I doubt the Ministry can invest in this even if it wanted.' Said Madam Secretary.
'No Madame, I don't doubt your intentions the least. Sadly Ms. Granger, funding would be a major problem. Ministry doesn't have funds enough, but should an external benefactor be found to support your cause, then I doubt the committee won't pass this. Thank you Ms. Granger!' Kinsley said with a small smile and she nodded.
Soon everyone left the room except Kingley and Hermione.
'Hermione, your proposal is exceptional!' he said fondly.
'Thank you Kingsley. I appreciate your support more than I can tell you.' She said.
'It's nothing really. The uncountable selfless deed you have done for the wizarding communities are irrepayable. But sadly the Ministry can't afford this. You are very bright individual and I'm sure nothing is hidden from you. I hope you understand what I mean dear.' He said and she nodded.
'I'm so sorry to burden you with funds acquirement after all ardent work you've done. But you should know that the Ministry will forever be in your debt as well as all the wizarding communities in the whole world. You've excelled in every field and to have you working for me is honestly an honor Hermione. I'm considering something else for your future if this proposal works out and I hope it does. Have a good day Ms. Granger!' he said and left the room leaving Hermione in wonder.
She had been so hopeful that the proposal would pass but now for the finance. She was wondering who could she ask for such huge favor. She herself had made quite a fortune but for such a project, she needed huge amount of funding. She could ask Harry but she doubted it would be enough. On top of that, he had donated a huge portion of the Black inheritance on Hogwarts and for orphans that it would be unfair to him. Ron had come into fortune too but he had his family. She didn't think anyone would have this huge fund.
She was lost in thoughts when she stepped out of the lift and collided into someone. When she looked at the person she smiled in amusement.
'Oh my dear damsel, let me lend you a hand. Kindly accept my help lady!' said a voice in Italian accent and she sighed.
'Thank you oh brave knight for saving me!' she said accepting his outstretched hand and he pulled her upright.
'Hermione Granger! A lovely sight for sore eyes!' he said.
'Why thank you Mr. Zabini! You don't look too shabby yourself.' She said dusting of invisible dust from his shoulder.
'Thank you dear maiden! At last all my efforts pay off!' he said taking her hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles.
'Blaise!' she said with a smile and hugged him.
'What are you doing around these halls? I thought Windsor case was finished.' He said returning her hug.
'No, yeah, Windsor case is finally finished and thanks merlin for that. I was here regarding a proposal of mine.' She said.
'What proposal?' he asked genuinely in shock.
'Join me for a cup of coffee and we'll talk. Ages since I've seen you Zabini.' She said and quickly transfigured her heels into toms.
'Sure. I've not been having my muggle fill lately.' He said looking at her and she smiled.
They walked out of the ministry and apparated to a small café on the end of diagon alley. As the café's owner were two muggleborn twins, it was a perfect blend of wizards and muggle beverages. Hermione often preferred this place over any other.
Once they were settled and had ordered their drinks, Blaise raised his brow at her.
'So what it is that you've been dying to tell me? Last I saw you were when you got Windsor case and I don't think you mentioned about any new proposal.' He said taking a sip from his recently arrived mocha.
Ensuring that no one was listening on, she cast a silencing spell around their table. Once she had taken a sip she proceeded to tell him.
'I've proposed Wiznet to the committee. Think of it as a virtual magical world. Like we've built this wizarding world in between the muggle world, I have proposed to build a virtual world too by implementing several spells and incantations to access the internet. Nearly everyone has adapted to the muggle technology so I thought to take it one step ahead of every wizarding community and build our own virtual space instead of using the muggle one. Sure we'll have access to that space but muggles won't be able to trace or use our space.' She said in a single breath and sighed.
'Well, can't say I'm not impressed 'cuz I am sure as hell. Wiznet! Wow Granger! I mean our own virtual space simultaneous but different from internet… it's great! So when is it happening?' Blaise asked.
'Not for a long time I feel.' She answered dimly remembering the one big flaw in her idea.
'Why would you say so? Is the committee not approving of this proposal?' he asked, voice laced with real concern.
'No. No, it's not the committee Blaise. It's the fund.' She sighed.
'What do you mean it's the fund. Sure the ministry can fund this. I mean how can they not… this will be revolutionary!' he was confused. The ministry was rich then surely there couldn't be such a problem.
'Blaise, the post-war things have depleted ministry of its riches. I doubt that you don't already know about the expenses it is making for other schemes. I talked to Kingsley and he said that his hands are pretty much tied. Wiznet requires huge funding. It's not some program, it's creating the virtual space. There is so many spells required. And creating it is one step, we'll need to market Wiznet. That Blaise, requires money and sadly Ministry doesn't have any.' She said lowering her forehead to rest on her hands.
'That's complicated.' He said and chuckled when she muttered 'tell me something I dunno'.
'Well Ms. Granger, can I suggest you something and expect you won't incarcerate me?' he continued when she nodded her head the best she could in that state.
'Will you allow me the favor to invest in this legendary project?' he asked and her head shot up.
'Blaise!' she exclaimed.
'Wait. Listen to me. I have money and enough motivation to invest in this project. I think it would be a profitable affair.' He said with a smirk.
'I can sense there is a 'but'.' She said and he smirked more.
'10 points to Gryffindor! Yes there is a but. So even though I am ready to invest, I don't own enough of the world to fully finance it. But I know someone who does.' He said and she sighed again.
'Draco Malfoy.' He finished and she felt that the world was conspiring against her.
The next time she met Blaise Zabini was at his flat. Their conversation had happened 3 days ago and she was standing in his flat ready to discuss everything. But the moment she entered his study and saw a head of blond hair, she knew she was in for a long ride.
'Drake, you remember Ms. Granger! Hermione, you know Draco Malfoy.' Blaise introduced the both.
The moment their eyes met, the tension in the room grew tenfold. His gaze was smoldering and she felt goosebumps on her skin. He was still as striking as she remembered. Blond hair, mercurial eyes and that damned smirk. He was dressed in formals and looked epitome of aristocracy.
'How can I ever forget Blaise!?' he said and she felt shock run through her.
'Malfoy.' She said with a curt nod trying to maintain her professional demeanor.
'Hermione, I have told Drake all you told me and sent him a copy of proposal as well. Now I am glad to say that he is more than willing to spend his gazillion galleons on Wiznet.' Blaise said.
'But he has a condition.' She finished his sentence and Blaise looked at her sheepishly.
'Yes well, that is between you both. I best let you discuss the details.' With that Blaise stormed off the room leaving them both alone.
'I see your streak for intelligent observation hasn't faded away.' Draco commented.
'What is it Malfoy?' she sighed.
'I think your proposal is one of the best I have seen. But as you mentioned, I do have a condition.' He smirked leaning forward.
'And what that may be?' she asked keeping her patience.
'A date.' As soon as the words left his mouth, she went in shock then hysteria.
'A date? Malfoy, you must be joking! C'mon now, enough beating around the bush. What is your condition?' she asked.
He stood up and walked up to her.
'Hermione Granger, I will invest all my galleons in your proposal. All I ask is one date. Can you spare me one chance?' he said pulling her closer. She gulped and looked in his stormy eyes. She could find no malice or bad intentions.
'I think I… yes. I can.' She stuttered out.
'Should we control the rapid heartbeat?' he whispered in a husky voice in her ear and she looked at him.
'How do you… do you… how can you know the sound…' she tried to formulate a question but was beat by him.
'I'll pick you up at 7 tomorrow. And no Ms. Granger, not yet, but I'm planning too.' He smirked and walked away.
A/N: yup, that's it. how many of you were expecting more? me, me, me. I know, not fair. yeah. But my muse got me this far.
Now I don't know if I should post one more chapter or not so your reviews and views will be very helpful. just tell me if you're interested and I'll patch something up.
till then...
awaiting your reviews in hiatus...
love and wishes!
-Aps
