Chapter Notes:
Draco asks Hermione out
The first kiss
Symposium overload
Blaise does Draco's bidding.
A sister comes to town
Emilio faces Draco down
Nods to Dramione. Anxiety/Drama. Enjoy.
Be aware. Rated M for language and romantic interludes down the road.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: On His Arm
Everything Hermione heard sounded good. It wasn't a position she would want for the rest of her life, but it might be interesting for a couple of years. She only had one more question for Draco. "What is the start date for this position?"
Draco stated, "90 days from our visit to Milan which would make it August 10th. If you accept the position, you'll need time to get yourself straightened out here as well as in Milan. If you need more time on either end, it can be arranged. I'm flexible."
Hermione wanted to say several things about Draco's flexibility. Instead, she just smiled.
At 3:30, Hermione thanked Draco for lunch and got up to leave.
Draco stood as well. "How soon will I hear from you?"
"I want to be thorough in my thinking Draco. Let me see Milan first and if all goes well, we can discuss it after that."
Draco watched Hermione walk away mumbling to himself, "Not only has that witch gotten into my head, she's also disturbing my pants." He called his server for another whiskey. He wanted to savor his lunch with Granger.
Random thoughts passed across Draco's mind. To get to Granger he would have to figure a way around the fucking wanker Lozier. Lozier's not wizard enough to keep me from getting what I want. Never has been. Never will be.
Chapter 2: I've Wanted This For So Long
When Hermione landed in her living room, she was greeted by tapping on the window. There were two owls. Poor owls, she thought, just how long had they been hovering outside the window?
Hermione opened the window to retrieve the messages. The owls hopped from foot to foot, but didn't fly away. Each jostled the other to deliver its message first. Hermione opened the first message. Obviously the sender expected an answer. Hermione's eyes slid down to the signature. The message was from Draco. Draco….again?
Hermione read the message. Draco was glad they had a chance to have lunch. He wondered if there was anything she needed for her trip to Milan. He hoped she would take the position. Would she like to have drinks with him on Friday? They could go anywhere she liked. Hermione was puzzled. She hoped Draco didn't think he had to wine and dine her in order for her to take the job. She didn't need Draco to take her out. She had Emilio for that. Draco wouldn't influence her decision one way or another and she didn't need his help to make up her mind.
Hermione sent a very polite answer. It was a nice lunch. Thank you. I believe I'm all set with everything for Milan. I do need to update my wardrobe, but I plan to go on a shopping expedition sometime next week. As we discussed, I'll be able to make a more informed decision after Milan. I will be tied up on Friday so I'll have to decline your invitation. Thank you for the message. HJG.
Hermione tied the message to the owl and sent it on its way. She didn't have anything planned for Friday, but she wouldn't accept a date with Draco Malfoy because she was dating Emilio. If Draco was being this pushy in front, Hermione wondered how he would be if she accepted the position.
The second owl was from Emilio. He thanked Hermione for her earlier owl as it had been an unexpected surprise. He was on a special assignment for the Wizengamot and would be tied up until late. He missed her and looked forward to being with her all day Wednesday. He wished her a good night. He signed Emilio Dante Lozier. Hermione smiled. She looked forward to being with Emilio as much as he looked forward to being with her. Runes and Emilio. It didn't get much better than that.
Even though Hermione had finished the entire Runes Extraordinaire, she paged through it again and fell asleep on the couch with the book in her lap. Hermione woke up around 11:30 pm, took a shower, had a piece of toast and retired to her bed where she hugged her pillow tight as she wondered what it would be like to sleep wrapped up in Emilio's arms. In the darkness of her bedroom, Hermione blushed crimson. She felt as though a little of Ginny Weasley had rubbed off on her.
/*/
Hermione was up at 6:30 the next morning, took her shower and headed for her closet. Hermione wanted to look studious, professional and alluring for Emilio and was definitely looking forward to that kiss on her lips. She finally decided on a tan, eight button front, business pants suit paired with a chocolate brown, ruched neck, halter top blouse. She'd had this outfit for a while, but made it fit perfectly with a few magical alterations. She put her hair up in a messy bun with ringlets of hair hanging down her face and went for light makeup with accentuated eyes. A pair of tan on brown wedges with ankle straps finished off her look. At 8:30 she had a bit of tea and toast because that was all her stomach would hold.
Emilio rang the bell a few minutes before 9:00. He had a takeaway box in his hand. "It's going to be a long day. We'll need nourishment." He opened the takeaway box to reveal fresh fruit and scones.
"I've already had some tea and a bit of toast, but feel free to sit and eat."
Emilio smiled. "I have to keep up my strength if I want to keep up with you."
"It's not very hard to keep up with me," blushed Hermione. "I'm usually here if I'm not with you."
Deep down inside this was just the thing Emilio wanted to hear. He didn't want Hermione with anyone else, especially that overbearing git Draco Malfoy. Draco was the man with the plan. Right now, there wasn't much he could do about that. Conversely, he wasn't going to stand by and let Hermione slip through his fingers.
Emilio wondered how the lunch with Draco Malfoy turned out and waited for Hermione to mention the outcome.
She did. "It was a lovely business meeting. Draco explained the ins and out of the import/export business. If I were to take the position, I would be exceptionally busy for the first six months and I probably wouldn't get home to London very often. The position calls for a tremendous amount of travel and I may have to go as far away as The States."
Emilio put down the scone he had in his hand. This was not part of the plan. Hermione in Milan and other far away places while he had to be in London was unacceptable. He put a lot of effort into finding a position Hermione would enjoy and at the same time keep her close to him. The Gringotts offer was perfect.
Emilio asked. "You don't plan on interviewing with Gringotts then?"
"After all the trouble you went through for me, of course I plan to interview with Gringotts. It's just that Draco's offer came up so suddenly and the time frame is limited. I thought I would see what he was about first."
A slight frown crossed Emilio's face, but he was careful not to let Hermione see it. "Since you're still interested in the position, I will go ahead and set up an appointment. How does the first week in June sound?"
Hermione agreed, "The first week in June would be perfect. I will know long before then if I want to be in charge of an importing/exporting business in Milan no less." Hermione stood up and went round the table. She put her arms around Emilio's neck and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for all you've done."
Emilio's breath caught in his throat. In a catlike move he turned himself around so he was facing Hermione and looking into her eyes. "May I?"
Hermione wrapped her arms around Emilio's neck from the front this time. She whispered, "I was hoping you'd ask." Then she kissed him and with his hands on the back of her neck and she with her hands in his hair, Emilio kissed her.
When they came up for air, Emilio let his hands slide down Hermione's arm until he was holding her hands. He looked deep into her eyes whispering. "Thank you. Kissing you was all I'd imagined it would be."
Hermione gently ran her fingers through his hair and cheeked, "Kissing is lovely, but you may want to fix your hair. I wouldn't want everyone at the symposium to think you just rolled out of bed."
Emilio laughed as he took out his wand to spell his hair back into place.
"I'm just going to get my wand. I'll be ready shortly."
Emilio went into the living room mumbling to himself, "If I was lucky enough to get up from bed with you, I wouldn't care how my hair appeared to anyone else. I'll move slowly Hermione so I won't scare you away, but I'll never let you get away from me."
Hermione came back into the room. "Talking to yourself," Hermione asked? "Muggles say that means you're either mad or there are galleons in your future. Which is it for you Emilio?"
"I'm probably mad."
Hermione laughed as she took his arm. They were on their way to the Upper Level Runes Symposium and she couldn't wait.
/*/
The symposium building was impressive and ran for half a block. The attendees were even more impressive. Hermione saw faces she only knew from the backs of her many Runes books. She was also surprised to find Emilio knew quite a few of these Runescasters. Hermione held her own in every discussion and was even more surprised when several of the witches and wizards recognized her.
Basil Thornley, a famous Rune Master complimented Hermione, "You are one amazing witch. You fought a war against the mangiest dog in a hundred years and also managed to attend just about every upper level runes seminar in the wizarding world. Hats off to you young lady."
Emilio squeezed her hand at the compliment while Hermione blushed.
They soon took their seats and Hermione took copious notes even though she was familiar with most of the topics. She was most interested in the Futhark Layout. It was one of the layouts which had stumped her for a bit, but in the end, she got the hang of casting and reading. Being Hermione, if it wasn't etched in stone on her brain, she didn't consider herself as knowledgeable as she should be.
Emilio simply beamed at Hermione.
At one point, Hermione went toe to toe with a symposium guest. The speaker, while not in agreement with Hermione admitted her reasoning was sound.
There were several breaks throughout the day and during the last break of the symposium, Emilio stepped away to speak with a guest speaker. Hermione went to get a tea for both her and Emilio. A wizard behind her in the queue tried to chat her up and Hermione tried to ignore him. The wizard was an insistent little bugger who was determined to take her dancing, take her to dinner, take her to the pub for drinks. Any or all. He just wanted to do it with her. He annoyed Hermione so much she turned around and shouted, "Please go away."
She took the tea over to a table, sat down and looked up to see Emilio back stepping trying to get away from the witch with whom he was holding a conversation. He had his eye on Hermione and must have heard her shout.
The wizard from the queue sat down at the table next to Hermione. He leaned into Hermione to say something, but before the wizard could get a word out, Emilio had him by the neck dragging him down a hall. Emilio came back to the table a few minutes later visibly angry. This was the first time Hermione had seen Emilio in this state so she rubbed the back of his neck and his arm to try to calm him down.
"It's fine Emilio," Hermione cajoled. "He was nothing more than a big bag of wind. I don't want you upset over something so trivial. I would have hexed him, but we are in a very public place."
Emilio finally smiled. "Don't worry Hermione, I hexed him good enough for the both of us. I will not tolerate that bullshite from any wizard. What aggravates me most is it seems I'm destined to leave you at the mercy of some stinking tosspot. You'll just have to stop being so beautiful, then the wizards might leave you alone."
Hermione gave Emilio a little slap across the arm saying, "I'm just so popular. What's a witch to do?"
Emilio laughed again and took Hermione by the hand. It was time to return to the symposium. The best speakers had come and gone and the auditorium was less than half full, so Emilio asked Hermione if she wanted to leave and go to dinner.
Hermione whispered back that there was less than an hour left and she would stick it out."
Emilio nodded.
Hermione was still taking notes as she didn't want to miss anything. As the final question and answer session drew to a close, Hermione wanted to go in search of the last speaker who had made an interesting point which Hermione wanted to follow up.
Emilio suggested she wait and owl the speaker saying that his name was on the symposium invitation and if she used an owl she could ask him anything she wished.
Hermione smiled at Emilio. "I agree. You are one brilliant wizard. Where is my brilliant, handsome wizard taking me to eat? I'm starving."
"Let's apparate over to the Witch-Wizard. We can get a bite to eat and listen to some music. After dinner, we can get in a few dances seeing how I would like to hold you close."
Hermione was cheeky. "If you're going to hold me close, so much for hopping around the floor shaking off these calories."
Emilio grinned as he took Hermione's hand and apparated them to Witch-Wizard.
/*/
It was Wednesday, but apparently the crowd didn't know this because the place was as packed as a Saturday night.
Seamus saw them come through the doors and beckoned them over to the bar. Seamus greeted Hermione and shook hands with Emilio. "So you're the bloke who has snagged our Hermione."
"Trying., replied Emilio
Seamus grinned and showed them to two spots at the bar. A server came round to see if they wanted food and they both ordered the Fish n Chips. Greasy but easy. Emilio also ordered a white wine for Hermione and a fire whiskey for himself. As expected, the Fish n Chips were good but greasy. Hermione wiped Emilio's chin with her napkin and he kissed the back of her hand.
Hermione looked up to see Blaise Zabini coming towards them. Blaise greeted Hermione, reached around to shake Emilio's hand before beginning a conversation.
Turning to Hermione he asked a question. "So you've turned Draco down?"
"I don't have any idea what you mean Blaise," replied Hermione. "There are things which need to be done before I make any decision on the position."
"What position? I'm talking about turning him down for Friday."
Hermione turned fire engine red.
"What's this about Friday?" Asked Emilio.
Hermione rolled her eyes at Blaise and answered Emilio. "Draco asked me out for Friday. I told him I would be tied up and declined his invitation."
Emilio was immediately put off his food and pushed it away. "So it's not a case of telling him you would probably be with me. It's a case of you being tied up. That sends a strange message doesn't it? It sounds as though you have something to do on Friday, but had you not you'd accept his invitation. What's going on?"
Hermione was caught flat out. She didn't mention the invitation because it meant nothing to her. Evidently it meant something to Emilio.
Hermione put her hand on Emilio's arm. "Let's go to my flat and talk. If you'd rather, we can go to your flat and talk. But let's go talk before this gets out of hand."
Emilio threw galleons on the bar. They waved to Seamus who seemed to be watching the entire thing. Emilio put his hand on Hermione's waist and guided her out the door.
Seamus hadn't missed a thing. A short while ago he overheard a little plot between Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini. It wasn't his business so all he did was watch and wait. It seemed the plot went off exactly as planned.
Blaise thought the same thing. After he dropped his bombshell to Emilio, Blaise went back to the corner where Draco was sitting. "Everything went to plan. You were quite right thinking it would spoil the evening if I mentioned you asking Granger out for Friday. Emilio was not happy. I think you may have had a duel on your hands if he knew you were in here."
Draco laughed. "Let him try it. I'll hex the wanker into next year and be glad to do it. Hermione Granger is going to run my Milan office. In case you haven't noticed, Milan is quite far away from London and by extension quite far away from Lozier. Granger will run my office and she will become my witch. In very short order."
Blaise had done what Draco asked. He helped out his mate, but he didn't like messing Granger about. Emilio, he could care less, but Granger never did him any harm. He knew his mate though. Draco wanted Granger and he wasn't going to stop until he had her. Emilio be damned.
Blaise called for another round.
/*/
Emilio took Hermione to his flat and invited her to have a seat. Hermione sat on the edge of the chair while Emilio went to the kitchen. He came back with wine for Hermione and something called a Guinness for himself.
Hermione asked, "Muggle beer?"
Emilio smiled a wistful smile as he answered. "Yes. Muggle beer. What are we doing Hermione? You know I have feelings for you and I thought you were warming towards me. How does Draco Malfoy fit into this?"
Hermione remained calm because she didn't want to get this all blown out of proportion. "Draco Malfoy doesn't have a thing to do with us. I'm of the mindset he believes he must wine and dine me in order for me to accept the position at DLM. I can't think of any other reason he would Owl me for a date. I would have mentioned it to you, but it was insignificant to me. I apologize. There isn't anything going on between Draco and myself. About us Emilio, we've had our first kiss and we've had our first misunderstanding. I'm hoping our next first isn't an argument. We're too new for this."
Emilio put down his beer and bent down in front of Hermione and took her hands in his. "I don't want to prolong this discussion. I just need to say this. I am a wizard so I understand what could be going on with Malfoy. You are a beautiful, intelligent, powerful witch. It might just be Draco Malfoy has designs on you. If he is interested in more than someone to run his Milan office, he will come forward again, in one way or another. Just be careful. You have permission to use my name if you ever have to refuse an amorous suitor. I hope you won't have to use me, but should the need arise, feel free. I am at your disposal."
Hermione laughed as she hugged Emilio. "I'm interested in you not Draco Malfoy. Would you please keep that in mind. If we have to have a conversation about Draco again, it won't be pretty. Now, are you going to give me some kisses so I can be on my way home?"
Emilio stood up and pulled Hermione up with him. He wrapped his arms around her and laid his chin on her head. "I just want this to go right Hermione. I've wanted this for so long." Then he kissed her.
Hermione melted into him as she kissed him back, but stepped back a little as she felt his erection rise. Too soon, Hermione thought. Way too soon to be thinking about his erection.
Emilio realized why Hermione stepped back and jokingly responded. "It seems my body is trying to betray me. I apologize. We are going to take this slow. I want you to be as sure of me as I am of you. I believe we will know when the time is right. By the way, I've decided to take some time off. I was thinking to keep you company while you are in Milan. If you wish, my family estate is available to you. I know you'll be busy during the day, but I would like to show you around Italy after work. How does that sound?"
Hermione grinned. "You are so thoughtful. Why hasn't some witch already snapped you up? I would love for you to show me Italy and I appreciate the offer to stay at your family home. Truthfully, I was a little nervous about being there on my own."
Emilio answered truthfully. "No witch has snapped me up because I was waiting for you. As far as being thoughtful, I will always look out for you. I know you have a port key scheduled so I'll take an earlier port key to insure things are ready for you at the estate, and I will pick you up from DLM at end of the day. You are going to love Italy."
Emilio kissed Hermione on the nose. "Would you like me to escort you home?"
"I'll be fine Emilio. I'll Owl you when I get home. I've been thinking that you should get a mobile phone which will cut down on our need for Owls. I already have one which I seldom use, but if you get a mobile, we'll be able to put them to good use."
"That's an excellent idea," answered Emilio. "I'll look into it tomorrow. May I have your number in case I do get a mobile. In the meantime, I'd like to connect our floos."
"That's a brilliant idea," replied Hermione. "I'll be able to come through in my pajamas if I like."
Emilio laughed, but was thinking. I can only hope. "Tomorrow I will have your floo keyed to my flat and vice versa and I will adjust my wards as well." Because of the wards around his flat, Emilio insisted on escorting Hermione out to where she could apparate. They kissed each other one more time before Hermione apparated away.
Emilio went inside much happier than he had been earlier. He knew Malfoy was up to something, but for tonight he would put it aside because Hermione had told him what was what.
That's one for the good wizard and zero for that piece of shite Malfoy.
Emilio took care of his erection while he showered. He could live with straightening himself out by hand, because Hermione was worth the wait. If he pushed her, he might push her straight to Malfoy and that was unacceptable. With his tensions relieved, Emilio fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.
/*/
On Thursday morning, Hermione received an owl from Ginny.
I'll be in town on Friday. Me, Harry and Ron want to meet Emilio. Harry is going to throw a party on Friday night and we hope you will come and bring Emilio. It will be fun. Just like old times. The party starts at 9:00.
Gin.
Hermione answered Ginny's message straightaway. She accepted for both her and Emilio.
You will love Emilio. He is perfect. I have something to discuss with you. Nothing big, just something that is troubling me.
Hermione.
She sent the owl straight back to Ginny.
Hermione was sitting on the edge of her bed when she heard a ringing.
"What the hell?"
She realized it was her mobile, but couldn't remember where she had it last. She accio'd the phone and it came flying out of the closet. The caller ID showed the caller to be Emilio. He had bought a mobile phone.
"Hello Emilio."
"How did you know it was me?"
Hermione laughed. "You are the only person other than Harry with a mobile phone. Besides, mobile phones have caller ID. I'm glad you called. Harry is having a party on Friday and wants us to attend so they can meet you. What do you think?"
"I would love to meet your friends," Emilio said. "I'll pick something up to take with us."
"That something wouldn't be Guinness muggle beer, would it?"
Emilio laughed out loud. "How did you guess? Don't worry, I'll also make some sprouts with celery. It's one of my favorite dishes."
Hermione's jaw dropped. "You cook too? Is there anything you can't do?"
Emilio laughed as he revealed a bit of information. "I learned from the best Italian house elves around. There are a few other things I'd like to try, but they can wait."
Hermione got the gist of Emilio's last sentence. "We'll probably get to do those things together. Only time will tell."
Emilio was chuffed. He felt Hermione was okay with his message and couldn't ask for more right now. It sounded as though Hermione planned on being with him for a long time. Emilio sincerely hoped it would be for life.
Hermione told Emilio, "I'm going out to do some shopping. Why don't I pick up some things for dinner and come to your flat?"
Emilio was all for it.
"That would be brilliant Hermione. I'll see you about 7:00 then. By the way, my sister Celia is scheduled to arrive in London this evening. She'll be here until Sunday evening. Do you think Harry would mind if she tagged along with us?"
"Harry would not mind at all. His motto is, the more the merrier. You never mentioned a sister. How old is she? Where is she currently living?"
Emilio laughed. "Celia is a year younger than me. She is twenty four. She went off to school in Belgium and decided to remain there. She comes home every few months to visit with my mother and father. I have spoken about you so often in my owls, Celia and my parents really want to meet you. Celia is also curious about London. This will be her first visit here. I hope you don't mind."
"I don't mind in the least. I'd love to meet her. Maybe I'll put off shopping until Friday and invite Celia to accompany me. She'll get to see some of London and maybe do a bit of shopping."
"Excellent," Emilio said. "You are too kind. Celia will be happy."
Hermione and Emilio spoke for several more minutes before he had to return to his duties.
Since she had postponed her shopping trip, Hermione decided to go to her favorite bookshop where she hadn't been in a while. When Hermione walked through the door of the bookshop, the owner greeted her as though she was a long lost child. Hermione grinned. This bookshop used to be her home away from home and it still felt like home. Hermione began to browse the shelves looking for some book she had missed.
After a while, Hermione found herself in the specialty section. This section wasn't utilized much anymore because most of the books covered dark subject matter. As silly as it sounded, Hermione felt good when she browsed this area. She browsed the area in confidence not in fear. She wasn't searching as though wizarding Britain depended on her finding something to combat horcruxes or Voldemort. Now Hermione browsed in complete comfort.
After an hour, Hermione was just about to move on to another section when she spotted an interesting title. Pureblood Leanings was a book which listed those families who were known to support Voldemort. Many of those same families were the first to distance themselves from the dark side after Voldemort fell. It was all water under the bridge now, but at one time, these families were the people who sustained Voldemort by their power, influence and money.
For no other reason than curiosity, Hermione pulled the book from the shelf and sat down to read it. The book was all the usual pureblood gibberish until Hermione came across the listings of supporters from other countries. Hermione's eyes skimmed the page. Then she was looking at the list of supporters from Italy. There was a listing for Emiliano Lozio. The Lozio family had roots in Belgium, but had relocated to Italy early in the 18th century. Interestingly enough, the name in parenthesis beside Lozio was Lozier.
The Lozio's had obviously changed their surname to Lozier. Hermione sat up straighter. Could this be Emilio's family? Emilio had just revealed how his sister went to school in Belgium and decided to remain there. The fact Emilio's family supported Voldemort wasn't too surprising. Emilio didn't talk about it, but it gave Hermione a new slant on him. Had Emilio done despicable things in the name of Voldemort? Was Emilio another Draco Malfoy? Was the reason Emilio and Draco were like oil and water because of their family ties to Voldemort? It was an interesting thought. There was a conversation Hermione needed to have with Emilio. It would have to wait until after the party and after Celia left, but it was a conversation she and Emilio would have.
The bookshop owner raised his eyebrows when he saw the book Hermione decided to purchase. Hermione smiled and muttered, "Souvenir," as she hurried out of the bookstore with her purchase.
/*/
Hermione stopped to have a sandwich at a small tea shop in Diagon Alley. She stopped by 'Flora and Fauna' to chat with Neville and Luna as well. Neville told her that he and Luna would be at the party on Friday and they could catch up then. Hermione left the shop agreeing they would catch up at the party. She then apparated over to muggle London to pick up the ingredients for dinner also picking up a double pack of Emilio's muggle beer.
Hermione reached her flat and was in the midst of sorting her purchases when her mobile rang. Emilio was calling to let her know Celia was already in London and on her way to his flat. He asked if she would floo over early to greet Celia and he would be home by 6:00 pm.
Hermione told him she'd take a quick shower and get right over there suggesting that she and Celia could possibly cook dinner together.
Emilio laughed. "I wouldn't get my hopes up about Celia helping you cook. Celia is a total house elf baby. If a house elf doesn't do it, Celia will go without."
This statement irritated Hermione, but she kept her opinion to herself. In the back of her mind Hermione thought, lazy witch, hung up the phone and headed for the shower. She dressed in jeans and a tee which were casual but presentable and left her hair loose. Then she gathered up all her ingredients and flooed to Emilio's flat.
Celia was already there. The two witches introduced themselves to each other. Celia was a pretty, olive skinned, raven headed witch with huge black eyes. She wasn't beautiful, but wizards would definitely call her slinky and sexy. It was the way she carried herself. Celia was very friendly so she and Hermione hit it off immediately. What made it even better, Celia drank white wine. Hermione had found a kindred spirit.
The witches chatted while Hermione made supper. Celia boldly told Hermione that Emilio mentioned her in almost every one of his letters. He had been smitten with her for a very long time and her family was so happy she and Emilio were finally dating.
Hermione blushed because Emilio had been right there under her nose all that time while she had been too engrossed in her work to notice.
"Emilio is wonderful," gushed Hermione. "He and I have so much in common. I'm just sorry it took me so long to recognize him. I'm glad he didn't give up."
Celia and Hermione clicked their glasses together and giggled.
Hermione told Celia she would be going shopping the next day and asked if she would like to come. We can shop, have lunch and you'll get a small look at London. Perhaps Emilio will show you more of London on Saturday or Sunday morning.
Celia was excited. "I'd love that Hermione. Maybe I can pick up some new outfits. I'll need something to wear to the party Friday night as well."
/*/
Emilio stepped out of the floo to the giggles of his sister and Hermione. Both witches were a bit tipsy and Emilio had raised his eyebrows at the state of the both of them.
Hermione kissed Emilio on the lips and he had cheeked. "I like it when you drink white wine."
Both Hermione and Celia went into another fit of giggles.
Emilio excused himself to get cleaned up for dinner. By the time he came back into the living room, all the giggling had subsided. They sat down to supper in relative peace.
Celia brought Emilio up to date on a few things. Emilio then told Celia he would be home for May tenth through May twelfth because Hermione was going to Milan to interview at Draco Malfoy's company, and he was accompanying her so she wouldn't be on her own.
"Draco Malfoy," squealed Celia. "I haven't seen him in a while. Several years ago Draco spent quite a bit of time in Belgium where we became involved. I believe he was in the process of putting a company together at that time. He is one wizard who knows how to party, if you know what I mean. I haven't had that much fun since. I actually thought we were both having fun until one day out of the blue, Draco left a note telling me he had to get back to Britain. That was it. I haven't seen him since."
Hermione was surprised by this confession. Emilio, not so much.
For some unknown reason, Hermione became a tad bit irritated with this bit of information. It wasn't proper to discuss someone's private affairs with others. Hermione kept her eyes on her plate and was thankful Emilio didn't ask any questions. She didn't want to get embroiled in Draco Malfoy's love affairs.
Hermione did reveal to Celia that Draco was a friend to Harry and if he was in town, he'd likely be at the party tomorrow.
Emilio remained silent as he got himself a Guinness.
Hermione and Emilio snuggled on the couch while Celia continued to chat away about anything and everything. Hermione was amazed at how freely Celia discussed her personal affairs, but Celia made no excuses. If she saw a wizard she wanted, she went after him. She wasn't ready to settle down. She wanted to have fun. Emilio seemed uncomfortable while his sister talked about intimate details of her life, but it hadn't stopped Celia.
At 10:00, Hermione got ready to floo to her flat reminding Celia that she wanted to get an early start and be done by 4:00 pm. Celia nodded to show she understood.
"I'll floo through with you love."
Emilio told Celia he'd be back in a bit.
/*/
When they reached Hermione's flat, Emilio took her in his arms and kissed her murmuring she had him enchanted. Hermione kept her hands around Emilio's neck. She could feel him shiver as she ran her hands through his hair. Emilio was the first to step back.
Emilio wanted this witch more than anything, but he was not willing to force himself on her, so he kissed Hermione on the nose.
"I'd better get back before Celia opens the door and drags in some unsuspecting wizard."
Hermione laughed, but felt there was a bit of the truth in Emilio's statement. Emilio said goodnight and stepped into the floo.
Hermione sat on the couch sorting through her feelings.
"I want Emilio as much as he wants me. We just have to be sure of what we're doing, because I don't want to sleep with the first available wizard only to find we're not right for each other. Emilio and I have to build on this relationship before I'll even consider being intimate with him."
Hermione went to bed thinking about what sex with Emilio would feel like. It took her quite a while to fall asleep.
/*/
Friday morning, Hermione was up and about by 8:00 am. She was showered, dressed and ready to go by 9:30. She wanted to get out early because shopping wasn't a five minute task. It would probably take hours to get the things she needed for Milan and for the party as well.
At 10:15, Celia stepped out of the floo. "Hermione. It's Celia. I'm here."
Hermione came out of the bedroom to greet Celia. "I'm ready. Just let me get my wand."
The witches were off within five minutes with their first stop at Patil's Shoppe. Padma and Parvati opened the shop a few years ago. It was the place to go to get fine and not so fine clothes. Patil's Shoppe sold a bit of everything and their business was doing very well.
Padma was at the counter when Hermione and Celia walked in. She hugged Hermione who introduced her to Celia. The witches nodded at each other.
"What are you looking for today?"
Hermione explained what she needed. "I'll need a couple of sleek outfits. I'm going to Milan and I want to fit in. I also need something for Harry's party tonight."
Padma clapped her hands. "We have a shipment which arrived on Monday. I'm sure you'll be able to find something there."
Padma turned to Celia. "What can we help you with?"
"I'm not sure what I want. May I just look around?"
Padma smiled. "Of course. Call if you need me."
Hermione and Celia spent the next three hours choosing outfits. At the end of their shopping spree, Hermione had six outfits, seven pairs of shoes, three different colored jeans, three tees and assorted lingerie. Celia purchased two outfits, two pairs of shoes and five pairs of jeans. Between them both, Hermione and Celia had enriched Patil's Shoppe by about eight hundred galleons.
Padma who was very happy invited the witches to come back any time.
/*/
Hermione and Celia chatted amicably when they stopped for a sandwich and tea. At 5:00 pm, they apparated back to Emilio's flat where Hermione spent a few minutes before flooing home to put her purchases away.
Hermione spent fifteen minutes in front of her closet debating on what she would wear to the party. She finally chose a green, skinny legged, one piece jumper with a green and black belt which accentuated her tiny waist. She accessorized with black. Black/green ankle boots with a cutout toe, black button earrings and her bag color spelled black rounded out the outfit.
Hermione checked herself in the mirror. Once again she was astounded to see such a gorgeous woman looking back at her. She did her makeup lightly as usual while she went a little heavier on the eye makeup. She wore her hair severely pulled back in a bun with tendrils of hair hanging down her face, neck and back and was very happy with her look.
Emilio and Celia came through the floo at 9:15. Emilio's eyes lit up when he saw Hermione. "You are so beautiful."
Hermione blushed. She loved it when Emilio paid her a compliment. It was just a little embarrassing in front of another person. Emilio kissed Hermione whispering in her ear. "I'll have to keep you very close tonight. Any wizard with eyes will want you."
Then he stepped back to look at Hermione again.
Celia was getting antsy. "If you two are through making out, may we go? I'm the one carrying the heavy stuff."
Hermione laughed at Celia. "Poor thing. You get stuck carrying the food and the beer. Let me help you."
/*/
Harry's floo was open to the public for the party, so guests could floo in if they desired. Hermione, Emilio and Celia chose to floo in. One at a time they shouted out Harry's address. When they stepped into Harry's floo room, Emilio brushed a few stray bits of ash off Hermione and Celia before turning to kiss Hermione on the nose.
Hermione and Celia handed the sprouts and celery and the Guinness over to a house elf.
As the trio moved toward the party area, a voice drawled out. "Aren't you the wizard Lozier? You get to have two witches on your arm. Why don't I take one of them off your hands? I'll take Granger. We can talk about her trip to Milan."
Hermione automatically put her hand on Emilio's arm.
Emilio stepped away from Hermione's hand snarling. "You won't be taking Hermione anywhere. We've all grown up Malfoy. It's time you found your own witch. Try it, instead of coming round the back door. Not up to the task of finding a witch by yourself then? That doesn't surprise me in the least."
With his hand at his wand, Draco had taken two steps forward when Celia chirped out. "Draco Malfoy. It's been a long time. You may take me. Hermione is spoken for."
